If you’re a frequent international traveler or flying first-class with United Polaris or Star Alliance, the United Polaris Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers an elevated travel experience. From expansive seating areas to fine dining options, it’s a perfect stop before your next long-haul flight.

In this blog post, we’re diving into the highlights of our visit to the United Polaris Lounge, from dining to relaxation, and everything in between.

Easy Access and Spacious Layout

Finding the Polaris Lounge at SFO is a breeze. Once you pass through security, it’s conveniently located just nearby. Keep in mind, though, this lounge is reserved for travelers flying internationally in United Polaris or Star Alliance First or Business Class.

We were immediately impressed by the lounge’s size. It’s massive! As soon as you enter, we recommend heading to the dining area. This is first-come, first-serve, so if you’re planning to dine, it’s best to get your name on the list early.

Quiet Workspaces and Amenities

Once you reach the second floor, you’ll find quieter areas opposite the dining space. These spaces are ideal if you need to get some work done before your flight. There are small office areas with individual seating where you can set up and work comfortably. If you’re not in the mood for dining but still need a snack, there are light bites available, though the selection is limited.

For those with extra time, the lounge offers shower facilities on the first floor—perfect if you’ve had a long journey or are about to embark on one. While we didn’t use the showers, it’s great to know they’re available if needed.

Dining: Buffet and À La Carte Options

One of the main features of the Polaris Lounge is the dining experience. If you miss out on the à la carte dining room, don’t worry. The buffet offers a great selection of food with various options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

We tried both the breakfast and lunch menus and noticed that while the food was generally good, the quality could be hit or miss. For example, the green onions in some dishes were dried out, which detracted from the experience. However, the kimchi and rice dish was a pleasant surprise with its authentic flavors, although the rice did taste slightly watery.

The lunch buffet included a variety of items like bacon, scrambled eggs, tiny potatoes, and even some soup, which was a bit underwhelming. The quality of food was decent, but the real gem of the lounge is the dining room where you can enjoy higher-quality, plated meals.

Buffet Options available in Video starting at 2:41

Signature Cocktails at the Bar

No lounge experience is complete without sampling the drinks, and the Polaris Lounge has a great bar with a variety of options. We tried the signature espresso martini and United Polaris Star cocktail. While the espresso martini was a little too sweet, the coffee flavor was strong and enjoyable. The Polaris Star was a refreshing drink with a light, crisp taste.

One thing to note is that the lounge can get busy, so expect a bit of a wait, especially during peak times. But it’s worth the wait for the signature cocktails.

À La Carte Dining: A Must-Try Experience

After a 45-minute wait, we were seated in the dining room. The menu features a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. We were able to try both breakfast and lunch, and the quality here was notably better than the buffet.

The presentation of the dishes was excellent, and the flavors were a step up from the buffet offerings. The pancakes, though slightly dry, were served with adorable garnishes, making them almost too cute to eat. We also tried the scallops with chili sauce, which had good flavor but were slightly overcooked. The pork noodle dish had a cilantro-lime broth, which was a bit too sour for our taste, but overall, the dining experience was enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

The United Polaris Lounge at SFO offers a premium experience for travelers looking for comfort and luxury before their flights. The lounge’s spacious layout, quiet workspaces, and shower facilities provide a relaxing environment, while the dining options offer something for everyone, even if the quality is inconsistent at times.

If you have time to wait for the à la carte dining, we highly recommend it, as it’s a step above the buffet in both presentation and taste. And don’t forget to grab a signature cocktail at the bar to truly unwind before your journey.

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, work, or dine, the United Polaris Lounge at SFO has it all—making your pre-flight experience much more enjoyable.