The Club SFO Review: Priority Pass Lounge in SFO Terminal 1
I had the chance to visit The Club SFO, a Priority Pass and LoungeKey lounge in San Francisco International Airport's Terminal 1, just prior to my Starlux Airlines business class flight to Bangkok via Taipei (TPE).
Ever since the lounge opened in June, I had been looking forward to checking it out. Priority Pass lounges in North America are often underwhelming, but I had heard good things. I am not going to bury the lede: The Club SFO lived up to the hype and is the best Priority Pass lounge I have visited in the U.S.
The Club SFO at a glance
- Location: Harvey Milk Terminal 1 near Gate B4 and across from Mills Cargo, after security.
- Access: Priority Pass and LoungeKey members; I entered by scanning my Priority Pass and boarding pass.
- Hours: According to Priority Pass, 4:30 AM to 11:30 PM daily.
- Best for: travelers who want a Priority Pass lounge at SFO with solid food, stylish seating, quiet rooms, a family room, and wellness amenities.
- Watch for: possible waitlists and crowding; showers were available for a $25 fee during my visit.
How To Access The Club SFO
Priority Pass and LoungeKey members have access to The Club SFO. What really stands out is that The Club SFO offers access to passengers whether they are departing or arriving at SFO. I would not wait if the lounge were full upon arrival, but if there is no wait, it could be a great stop for a free bite or quick drink before heading home.
In my case, I used my Priority Pass membership to access the lounge.
What Are The Club SFO's Hours?
According to the Priority Pass website, this lounge is open from 4:30 AM to 11:30 PM daily. As with any airport lounge, check the current hours before you travel because operating hours and access policies can change.
Finding The Club in SFO Terminal 1
The Club is located just around the corner from Terminal 1 security near Gate B4 and across from Mills Cargo. After the main security checkpoint, keep left and follow the signs to the B gates. The Club is located on the right, with a clear and grand entrance. The lounge can also be reached from International Terminal A with a short post-security walk.
Club SFO sign
Club SFO check-in
Checking Into The Club SFO
Arriving just after 10:00 PM, I found the lounge had a 30-minute wait. After giving them my phone number to join the waitlist, I left to kill some time. However, just five minutes later, I received a text saying my spot at The Club was ready.
Checking in was easy and the staff were friendly. They welcomed me in after scanning my Priority Pass and boarding pass.
Once checked in, you can take either the elevator or stairs to reach the lounge level.
The way most people will access The Club SFO is through Priority Pass. Many recommended premium travel cards include a Priority Pass membership, including the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Capital One Venture X Credit Card
Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
My Impressions Of The Club SFO
Upon entering the main floor, you are greeted with a nature-inspired design that brings a touch of Northern California's outdoors inside. High ceilings, wood accents, and earthy tones create an atmosphere reminiscent of the redwoods, which adds to the lounge's relaxing vibe.
Club SFO main staircase
On the right side of the lounge is the wellness area, which includes workout equipment, Lululemon Studio Mirrors, and luminescence rooms. Showers are available, though there is a $25 fee. Unfortunately, I was not able to check these out on this trip as they were all closed.
The Club SFO main room
Toward the back of the lounge, you will find a few quiet rooms that are ideal for solo work and a family room for travelers with kids. These spaces are on a first-come, first-served basis.
The lounge's central space has an open dining area surrounded by complimentary food and drinks. On the left side, there is a cozy cocktail bar inspired by a cabin in the woods, featuring a wide drink selection.
The Club SFO cocktail area
Drinks bar on the left and private rooms in the back
The modern design extends into the bathrooms, which maintain the clean, bright decor of the lounge and are quite nice.
Bathroom area
Bathroom
The Food At The Club SFO: Not a huge selection, but quality and tasty
The buffet at The Club SFO is limited, but it offers an impressive range of proteins, fresh vegetables, and hearty sides like rice and noodles. There was also a good-looking dessert bar and a wide selection of drinks, though I did not try the sweets.
Carrot coconut curry + rice
Orange chicken and broccoli
The buffet-style setup made it easy to sample a variety of dishes. While it was quite busy, the food was regularly replenished and everything I tried tasted fresh. I especially enjoyed the very flavorful carrot coconut curry and rice.
Salad bar
My delicious plate
For 10:00 PM on a Wednesday, the dining options were surprisingly solid, and I would love to see what they offer at other times of the day.
How The Club SFO fits among SFO lounges
If you are comparing SFO lounges, The Club SFO is most relevant for Priority Pass and LoungeKey travelers in Terminal 1. Roame also has reviews of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at SFO, the United Club at SFO International Terminal A, the new Alaska Airlines Lounge at SFO, and the American Airlines Admirals Club at SFO.
For searches like Amex lounge SFO, Centurion Lounge SFO, Chase Sapphire Lounge SFO, Capital One Lounge SFO, Delta lounge SFO, Maple Leaf Lounge SFO, Golden Gate Lounge SFO, or United lounge SFO, the right choice depends first on your terminal, airline, card benefits, and lounge access credentials. This review focuses specifically on The Club SFO as a Terminal 1 Priority Pass and LoungeKey option.
My Overall Rating Of The Club SFO in Terminal 1: Great for a North American Priority Pass Lounge, 8/10
Overall, The Club SFO is a standout among North American Priority Pass lounges, particularly due to its modern interior and excellent amenities. Here is my breakdown:
- Food Quality & Variety: 7/10
- Cleanliness: 8/10
- Interior Design: 9/10
- Unique Amenities: 8/10
The Club SFO combines stylish design with a range of amenities, from showers to a fitness area. While the food options are somewhat limited, they are well-prepared, and the lounge stays tidy even during busy hours. For a Priority Pass lounge in SFO's Terminal 1, The Club SFO is a fantastic option. The only downside is the potential wait time and the consistent crowd inside, but if you can get in, you are in for a nice experience.
