Review: United Polaris Lounge – EWR (Updated)

New dining room enhances this lounge, which remains one of the better business class lounges in the US.

This lounge is crowded in the late afternoon, and has been surpassed by Delta One’s lounge at JFK (and the Polaris lounge in Washington Dulles). Nevertheless, the lovely new dining room and other amenities i keep this outpost as one of the best business class lounges in the US.

The summary

This is my most frequented “luxury” lounge and, when it opened, set a benchmark for what a US lounge can offer. And yes, it has been surpassed by Delta One Lounges. However, this lounge remains and outstanding lounge, especially for one in the US. This lounge (like all Polaris Lounges) offers a la carte sit-down dining for all travelers, nap rooms, a free bar, elegant décor, and a hard-working staff. Access is restricted to those departing or arriving on a Polaris flight or flyers departing on a business or first-class ticket on another Star Alliance carrier. The lounge is in Terminal C, near the entrance to pier C3. The entry is similar to those of other Polaris lounges.

Once you enter the lounge, there is a huge variety of seating. Pictures tell the story. The favored individual seat pods have taken a beating: this lounge is several years old already. However, the vendor was (coincidentally) on-site making repairs. As I noticed last spring, there is some new and very stylish upholstery. I arrived at the lounge at noon – well before it filled up with passengers heading across the Atlantic.

Seating areas are both to the right and left of entry. Additional seating with tarmac views has been added to the area that was the former dining room.

The new dining room is where the invite-only Classified restaurant used to be. The dining room is more private and elegant in this new location. I especially like the tables for solo travelers, with great views of the tarmac.

The food portions remain small – but diners can order as much as they like. I ordered the burrata salad and, for a change, had the eggplant dish for lunch, as opposed to the Polaris burger (which I typically order).

The buffet options were also substantial. Though I prefer the market style buffet at the Delta One Lounge, I could not complain about what was on offer. The salad bar was tremendous.

There was a nice charcuterie station and desert options.

I was impressed with the hot food items on offer. There was citrus coconut shrimp, oregano chicken, tortellini, and rice. A highlight was a stand-alone chef station where a delicious seafood stew was offered. I have not seen a station like this – where the chef personally served food to diners. United does a great job with infused water – there are several stations that also have soft drinks below. There is a large coffee bar and espresso machine along a far wall (no picture because of crowds!).

The bar remains a highlight: a great menu (including mocktails) with hardworking bartenders who seem to have no problem making anything off the menu. Thanks to my lounge neighbor for allowing me to take a picture of her Polaris Star cocktail. I like the communal sofa table seating adjacent to the bar.

The lounge has familiar high-end amenities. Individual washrooms, a few private offices, shower suites, and nap rooms. The shower suites have Therabody products. I like how you have the option for the showers, with a traditional shower head or a rain shower head (from above). Shower patrons can order a variety of extras upon entry to the shower area, such as shower caps, driers, etc. With crowds later in the day, travelers wanting to shower should reserve a shower upon entry. I did not avail myself of the nap rooms on this visit.

One thing United does very well is connectivity. Internet access is not password protected and works very well. There are outlets for charging everywhere.

The wrap:

…The details. Date – September 16, 2025. Rating: Exceptional. Access: Polaris ticket to London

…What I like: The new dining room, the showers, the bar.

…What I don’t like: Crowds and some wear-and-tear (though the staff was working on this).