When I first embarked on my journey to the United Polaris Lounge at SFO, I had high expectations. After all, the sign proudly declaring it as the “Best Business Class Lounge in the World” set the bar pretty high. But, in reality, the lounge didn’t quite live up to the hype. While it’s not terrible, there’s a lot left to be desired.

There are three main things I look for in a lounge experience. First is quality food. Second is decent coffee, especially since I’m used to the amazing coffee culture in Seattle. Finally, I want a clean, quiet space to relax and escape the bustling crowds. Unfortunately, the United Polaris Lounge at SFO misses the mark on all three fronts.

Let me break it down.

Disclosure: I am not affiliated with United Airlines. I did not receive any monetary or other incentives from them. I accessed this lounge by redeeming a business-class ticket through United Airlines miles. My opinions are solely based on my personal experience.

Access and Entry

The United Polaris Lounge is located in SFO’s international terminal, near gate G93.

Access is limited to three categories of travelers:

• United Polaris business class passengers
• Star Alliance long-haul first-class passengers
• Star Alliance long-haul business class passengers

The lounge is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Seating and Layout

The lounge spans two levels. The first floor features quiet rooms and shower suites. The second level has the buffet, a bar, and a separate dining area. I didn’t spend much time in the quiet rooms or use the showers, so I can’t speak to those areas in detail. For a more in-depth review of those amenities, The Points Guy has a solid breakdown.

Food and Beverage

I had high hopes for the food, but it ended up being one of the lounge’s most significant letdowns. While there were some unique options like cioppino, coconut chicken asam, miso soba with shiitake noodles, and creamy tomato basil soup, the overall quality of the food was bland and unremarkable. I’ve heard of more premium offerings like sushi being available, but they were nowhere to be found during my visit.

The coffee, brewed by Illy, was pre-brewed drip-style. I found it to be light, watery, and lacking any real depth. It is definitely not up to par with what I’ve come to expect from premium lounges.

The Dining Room

If you’re after better food, head to the dining room. This made-to-order section of the lounge requires a wait. I got seated after about 45 minutes. The dining room offers a more refined experience compared to the buffet.

I tried the salmon, crab cake, and a burger. The salmon was flaky and flavorful, cooked to perfection. The burger, served on a brioche-pretzel hybrid bun, was surprisingly good, with a nice texture and taste. The crab cake, though small, was packed with flavor. While the dining room offers a better experience, I wouldn’t call it extraordinary.

Amenities and Facilities

As mentioned, the lounge has shower suites and quiet rooms. I didn’t use the showers, but the space looked spacious and well-equipped. The lounge’s amenities are decent, but nothing particularly stood out.

Cleanliness and Service

This is where the Polaris Lounge really falters. It felt understaffed and overcrowded. Several tables were left uncleared, with dirty dishes from previous guests lingering far too long. Many chairs and tables had stains, and food scraps from prior patrons were left behind. The lack of attention to cleanliness made the entire space feel neglected and unwelcoming.

Overall Impression

Ultimately, the United Polaris Lounge at SFO is underwhelming. Given its bold claim to be the “Best Business Class Lounge in the World,” I expected much more. While the dining room offers a better experience, the rest of the lounge doesn’t live up to the hype. With more consistent service and attention to detail, it could become a top-tier lounge. As it stands now, it’s just a mediocre space that fails to impress.