United Has 4 Lounges at Newark Airport—Which One Is the Best? | Condé Nast Traveler

"Fresh off a June 2025 makeover that expanded the footprint by roughly 20% to 30,000 square feet, this is the most luxurious of United’s Newark lounges and now the largest in the Polaris network, reserved for same-day Polaris long-haul flyers and Star Alliance international first and business passengers. The star is the full-service restaurant included with entry—United is the only major US carrier at Newark offering an à la carte menu—and during a busy period I waited 15 minutes for a solo table facing the tarmac; I started with lump crab cake and wild mushroom bisque, skipped the tempting Polaris signature burger (short rib or Impossible) in favor of seared scallops, and finished with a still-warm chocolate chip skillet cookie crowned with vanilla ice cream, paired with my go-to Aperol spritz (other options include a classic Bloody Mary and the gin–ginger honey–lemon Polaris Star). Using space formerly occupied by the Classified speakeasy, the expansion opened up broader views of the New York City skyline and reconfigured seating—from solo spots to two-tops that can combine for groups of eight—while the former dining room now serves as part of the buffet seating. Light refreshes added extra seating near the entry beneath two United Airlines NYC Half Marathon art pieces; elsewhere, private phone booths, showers, nap rooms, and a dedicated United help desk round out the amenities. “Simply put, if you can get in, this is the place to be.”" - Rachel Chang