My recent review of new United Polaris Lounge at SFO drew a couple critical comments that it was not “genuine” because pictures were taken prior to the public opening.
I dismissed those concerns due to the enormous size of the lounge, but had the chance earlier this week to try out the lounge as a “regular” passenger.
In summary: my previous review stands. But just in case you do not want to take my word for it, I took some pictures:
I was in the lounge from about 1:30pm to 3:30pm. This is admittedly not the busiest time in the lounge, but there was so much space, I still cannot see this lounge ever actually filling up to capacity.
Downstairs was empty. Totally empty. No one showering, no one using the nap rooms, no one sitting down.
Upstairs was less than half full, with one side almost empty and one section closed. None of the private “office suites” were in use. Most passengers were congregated around the dining and bar area.
Some have complained that it is very difficult to determine whether the bathrooms (all are private, unisex stalls) are in use. I’m not sure why, because when the door is locked a small “occupied” sign appears above each door knob. There was no wait for the toilets during my visit.
Even the Dining Room, which serves a la carte meals, was not full. I did not have a chance to review a la carte dining in my previous review, so will do so here.
United SFO Polaris Lounge Dining Review
Since I had time, I opted for a multi-course lunch. Crystal took care of me and was very professional in her service.
As a reminder, here is the a la carte menu:
> Read More: Dining and Bar Menus at United Polaris SFO Lounge
I began lunch with a bowl of crab bisque soup, which was carefully poured table side.
I also ordered a cocktail called The Paper Plane. It was fairly strong (bourbon with Amaro, honey, chamomile, and Aperol), but had a great flavor.
Next, I had a shrimp appetizer that was so large I only ate half of it. It was tasty.
Meanwhile, the Dining Room was mostly empty.
For my main course, I ordered the Polaris Burger, served with beef, bacon, cheese, and a fried egg with potato chips on the side. While I’d prefer French Fries as a side option, the cheeseburger was very tasty, with the BBQ sauce providing a nice flavor.
My meal wasn’t over yet, though. For dessert I ordered the espresso-soaked tiramisu. It was delicious, but I was so full I could not finish it.
I finished off the meal with a cappuccino.
A very solid meal overall and I can see myself choosing to dine in the lounge in order to maximize sleep onboard.
CONCLUSION
I like this lounge a lot. A whole lot. If my visit this week was any indication, the lounge will never get so crowded that you have trouble finding a seat.
I’ve heard from others that at times there is a wait for a table in the Dining Room or to use a restroom. I do not doubt that. But, the lounge itself is large and my visit this week suggested that you will always be able to find a seat.
The only other review I’ve found from after the lounge had opened hated the food and complained about the service. I don’t know the reviewer or his tastes, so it’s difficult to determine whether he was being overly picky and snobbish, or spot-on in his critiques. He absolutely hated the food and complained about terrible service in the dining room and at the bar. He also complained about the showers, bathrooms and attendants at the entry. But I trust your views much more Matthew. Thanks for updating your thoughts. I can’t wait to try the lounge for myself.
I can’t wait to try
Hi Donald,
I’m not sure what review you are referring to, but I would be interested in reading it. I honestly found the food and staff to be excellent. Please let me know your own feedback after you visit the lounge.
It took me a while to find it again. Like I said, I’ve never read anything from, or encountered this blog before. Maybe you have.
https://www.mightytravels.com/2018/05/united-polaris-lounge-san-francisco-review/
Is there a self-serve alcohol section? If not then there could be a wait to just get a glass of wine or beer during busing times.
Self-serve wine is available on the second level (far left side as you enter).
Based on your review and photos, looks very good to me. Hopefully, it stays that way. Even better would be if AA would try to match it – of course, I am just hallucinating that AA would actually try to improve their lounges.
I was hoping to read an impression of the sushi station. 😉
I was there last week 9-noon and it does get crowded. No one was standing but most seats full. It’s quite hike from the bar seats to the food since it’s long and narrow. Dining room was full with undetermined wait, they close between meal times, and of course you can’t order from outside! There was a bathroom wait too. Not particularly impressed with the buffet food either. Seemed comparable to a mid tier European PP lounge.
To assess how this lounge handles crowds, you would want to go around noon or 7 pm. It will be over half full at those times, with a pretty big crowd upstairs and all of the private suites upstairs occupied.
I was there 5-7 pm and it was nothing like these pics. There are reports on FT about lines for the restrooms as well.
A big improvement certainly, but did not blow me away. Food was rather disappointing. Showers were great.
@Kacee: I was so dissapointed to read about your late-night experience prior to your EVA flight.
I used this lounge prior to my Air New Zealand flight yesterday, and I am pleased to say it is the best Business Class Lounge I have ever been in, I especially loved the showers, the quiet work areas, the top notch food offerings and the friendly bar staff who obviously enjoy their jobs.
I’m glad that United have limited access to this lounge by reducing guest access, and frequent flyers. This has taken pressure off the staff and resources, and allowed United to offer a top notch product for those who are actually paying the most for their tickets.
I hope more airlines follow United’s lead in this regard.
Any idea what time the a la carte restaurant takes last order? Heard it changes depends on day of the week, but not even close to 1 am. I have an 11:55pm flight coming up out of SFO.