Standout food and bar makes this small space pay off
Typically, I would vote thumbs down to a lounge without a washroom and plenty of outlets. Well – that theory does not hold when it comes to the Air Canada Café in the Transborder (US) concourse in Montreal. This new lounge, across from the traditional Maple Leaf Lounge, has some of the best food options, many of which are designed to take with you, I have seen in a lounge. There is also, surprisingly, a lovely bar – which seems counterintuitive because the Air Canada Café is not a lounge geared for long stays.
Location/Access: The Café is located near gates 73 and 74 in the Transborder concourse, which is only accessible to US-bound travelers. It is directly across from the Maple Leaf Lounge. Travelers proceed to the right after proceeding from US Customs/Border Control in Montreal and from the duty-free shopping arcade. The entry is clearly marked with the use of wood dividers and a red maple leaf, which is a familiar trademark of many Air Canada lounges. Access rules are identical to those of Maple Leaf Lounges, which could benefit many United flyers with Star Alliance Gold Status.
Bar: The first thing I noticed just past entry was the rather nice, manned bar behind reception. This surprised me because like United’s Club Fly, I assumed that lingering is not encouraged in the Air Canada Café. However, this is a nice bar and the friendly bartender can make any cocktail. (Thanks to the guest who permitted me to take a picture of her cosmo). The bartender also asked if I would like one of the many sandwiches on offer from the Grab and Go section (see next paragraph!). I find it odd that many traditional Maple Leaf Lounges (like the one across directly across from the cafe) have self-service liquor.
Food: This brings us to the food, which is standout. The food offerings are in the rear of the lounge. There is a refrigerator labeled Grab and Go with more types of mini-salads that I can mention: kale chicken salad, rice noodles, lemon orzo, fruit salad, hummus and more. There were also some cold wraps (not in picture). I had a veggie wrap. A soup section was in front of the Grab and Go section.
To the immediate right is the hot meal station. Items on offer included a smoke meat sandwich (a Montreal staple), potato wedges, and falafel sliders.
Coffee/Soft drinks: To the right of the hot food is the coffee and soft drink station. Kudos for having a machine for “regular” coffee as well as a machine for more complicated coffee drinks (e.g., lattes, americanos). This section also has soft drinks and a surprise bonus: authentic Montreal bagels.
Seating and decor: Seating throughout the lounge is table-style. With some longer-oval tables and some more traditional dining tables that are designed for two or four people. I liked the décor: it had an industrial loft vibe, quite different than other Air Canada lounges I have visited. I had no problem finding an outlet along the wall – but I did not see them everywhere. Internet was very fast. The staff was very friendly and seemed to enjoy working here. This is a step up from the traditional Maple Leaf Lounge, which is directly across from the Air Canada Cafe. The only issue I have is that you have to leave the lounge to use the washroom – which is similar to United’s Club Fly lounge in Denver.
…the details: Date: May 3, 2026. Rating: Very Fine. Access: Business class seat on Air Canada
….what I like: The food, the bar, the staff
—what I don’t like: No in-lounge washrooms.
Thanks!