Africa Lounge

Lounge · Seatac

Africa Lounge

Lounge · Seatac

17801 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98158

Highlights

A lively, African-themed spot in Seattle Airport serving hearty pub fare and cocktails, all while enveloped in playful zebra and leopard décor.

17801 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98158 Get directions

google.com

$$$$$$ · Menu

@eater

"What was once a standard American gastropub has changed its menu and now serves Congolese dishes such as sambusas, jollof rice, and fried plantains. General manager Yves Maganya, originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was influenced by co-owner’s Rod O’Neal’s heritage when he crafted the menu." - Eater Staff

Where to Eat at Sea-Tac Airport (SEA) - Eater Seattle

View Postcard for Africa Lounge

@eater

"Dubie has been talking with bigger hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores about carrying Cafe Avole coffee. Hotel Interurban, Central Co-op, and the Sea-Tac Airport restaurant Africa Lounge — which recently switched to a restaurant that serves Congolese cuisine after years as a standard gastropub — have already begun selling his roasts." - Lakshmi Sarah

Avole Plans New Cafe in Seattle’s Liberty Bank Building for Summer 2021 - Eater Seattle

View Postcard for Africa Lounge

@eater

"In fall 2020, Africa Lounge switched up its menu to offer Congolese cuisine from chef Yves Maganya, who is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and influenced by co-owner’s Rod O’Neal’s heritage." - Gabe Guarente

Sea-Tac’s North Satellite Revamp Unveils Planned Food and Drink Options - Eater Seattle

View Postcard for Africa Lounge

Aliza Brown

Google

Killed a 4 hour layover at this restaurant. Searched around the terminal for food before deciding to eat here. We had the salmon plate and the spice beef sambusas. The food here is a little overpriced for the portion sizes and what it is but it was tasty food for an airport. My favorite part of the meal was the curry rice. Overall it was good. Overpriced food but expected in a major airport.

William Case

Google

A great spot for a quick lunch just in terminal A. It serves just breakfast and lunch. The Caeser Salad is good, a good portion with chicken. They give you a decent amount of hummus too. Service was friendly and they did not rush us out.

TX _Marauder

Google

I arrived at the airport early for a flight. Wanted to get lunch and try something different. Gave Africa Lounge a try. As far as airport food goes it was pretty tasty. I ordered the salmon plate. Comes with jollof rice, fried plantains, and spicy tangy sauce. The salmon was slightly overcooked. Not enough to be disappointed. The fried plantains were great. The tangy spicy sauce was not spicy at all. Had good flavor, just no spice. The rice was completely bland. Looked delicious, smelled really good. Absolutely no flavor. It really confused my senses. Had a hard cider to drink. Service was good. Didn’t feel rushed even though they were packed. Not sure why this place has such low reviews. Maybe I caught them on a good day?

Bobo Lemon

Google

Arrived at way too early for my flight, had to look for somewhere i could get breakfast with a good atmosphere, as I was walking i found African Lounge why not give it a trial and they didn't disappoint me with my breakfast, service was good. Ethiopian coffee was tasty 😋 clean atmosphere and quiet. I would recommend this place 💯 and give 7 🌟 🤩 Price is pocket friendly

Rafael K (Raf)

Google

Nice and decent exotic pub with good food and drinks options to kill your time while waiting for flights. Don’t be put off by negative reviews, food and service is really good and overall nice atmosphere. Service is attentive and friendly, food is fresh and several options such as burgers, nachos and some African inspired meals. Pricing is also not too bad as for the airport.

Alex Wilkinson

Google

I was almost deterred by the negative reviews, but tried it and had a good experience here. I was greeted almost immediately. There are 2 waiters and the other is noticable more friendly than mine, but mine was still accommodating and polite, though not especially attentive. He gave me a few recommendations and I went with a basic bacon burger. They cooked it exactly as I requested and the fries were actually better than average. Everywhere in the airport is overpriced, this place is no exception, but if you're going to pay $40 for a burger and a drink you might as well enjoy it, which I did. Overall I'd recommend giving it a shot.

Patrick T

Google

Good service from waitress. We ordered the sambusas and french dip sandwich. The sambusas were very good. The French dip was $25 and had 2 thin slices of meat. When you eat it its like eating a bread and cheese sandwich. Showed fhe waitress and she asked the manager. The manager said they pre weigh the meat and that's how much should on it. This place is a definite pass for us when at the Seattle airport.

Ava Laszlo

Google

Airport food is always expensive. I debated getting a breakfast sandwich from a nearby food court place for carry-out but when I saw they (the carry-out coffee/sandwich place) were charging the same price for a breakfast bagel ($18-19) with no sides, I decided to sit down and eat a full breakfast meal with sides for the same price! I ordered the Rise & Shine (scrambled eggs with cheese, toast, potatoes, meat). It was very good. I would have eaten and left and not posted a review, but my server/waitress was so incredibly kind, attentive, and great that I had to post a review! She didn’t have a name tag but my receipt says Jarupa for the name. Very kind and exceptional quality service! Give this woman a raise! :) They open at 6:00am and I was one of the first customers. I am not a morning person so I am very appreciative for the great food and excellent service!

Tammi J.

Yelp

I had an hour to burn so i decided to give Africa Lounge a try. I almost did not because the reviews were not good. I made it simple, naked wings with sauce on the side with fries and a ginger beer. My food came out quickly. I was not expecting that. So quickly that I studied my entree to make sure it wasn't for someone else. The wings were fried to perfection and the spicy sauce was different but really good. My server was Hanna and she was very nice and came back to check on me ever so often. I would eat here again.

Wolfgang W.

Yelp

Someone needs tos seriously check on this horrible chef. The burger patty might as well have been protein powder. The patty was very dry as if it's frozen and cooked twice. Just horrible. We also had some rice and chicken dish. Sauce from a container. Chicken inedible. Rice shaped like an upside down bowl and cooked 2 days ago. This food is stored and old. Almost all of it. This cook should not even have a job. Don't eat here I honestly ate th burger and chewed and chewed into grizzle bc I was so hungry it hurt. I now regret it and should have walked out. The serve doesn't even ask how th renal was when you start. That's waiter 101. Ask the customer how it is when they first stated ratings Nope. I will tell them when I leave.

Robert L.

Yelp

Wish Is checked on Yelp before choosing to try this place for lunch. The service was slow so if you make the decision to find here make sure you have ample time or order and pay simultaneously. The show service wasn't the only issue, the food came out lukewarm at best and the beer I ordered was only slightly cold. I ordered the spicy beef sambusas (the only thing on the menu that could be attributed to African roots) $22.39 for two which are small, seasoned rice and three plantains. I will say the flavor of the sambusas was very good, spicy it was not. The seasoned rice was meh. A Mac & Jack's Porter 12oz can $10. Def cannot recommend this place. I should have left after the wait just to order.

De A.

Yelp

Service was pleasant but possibly slow but keep in mind that I belatedly realized my flight was boarding in 30 minutes. My drink came quickly but I may have made a mistake in remarking I need another few minutes to make a food choice. That's when I saw my boarding time on my ticket and thought, oh, no. Could I place a grill order and get it to go? I had to flag down a waiter to pay for my drink. I left, a little sad that I didn't try their African food. Yet again, as noted by another reviewer, there were like two items. The rest were very American. I had briefly been hoping (before I rushed out) Iʻd see something like Shaksuka or Chicken mamba or somwthing with piri piri pepper sauce. Lots of potential for this concept. Hope they grow and maybe be a little more brave in their next menu rollout. I donʻt go to ʻAfricaʻ to have clam chowder or a burger. Beautiful atmosphere.

Sy L.

Yelp

Stopped here for a bite before boarding a flight. The waiter was friendly. The food was average ( it is inside of an airport). The "jollof rice" and salmon were bland. The cocktail was ok.

Salome C.

Yelp

The food was well cooked and tasty. It came out fast. Only complaint is the sambusas could have used a little more seasoning. My salmon fillet was grilled perfectly.

J W.

Yelp

Look for another alternative to this place! Ridiculous prices for below mediocre food with plastic utensils. The Chicken Fried Steak is deep-fried breaded burger with canned gravy w naked warmed bread posing as toast. You do get the privilege of paying $25 w tax for a $9 breakfast.

Sam B.

Yelp

The service provided by Hana was exceptional. She was attentive and very friendly. Thank you.

Christopher C.

Yelp

As far as airport food goes, it's always going to overpriced the cheeseburger is expensive but is decent nonetheless. I'd like to stress that my fathers burger was initially a bit undercooked and they happily made a new one for him. The ambience is a bit busy and difficult to hear, but it's nice place to sit before waiting for a flight. Cheers!

Micah R.

Yelp

In all fairness, this is an airport restaurant. There is a different level of expectations when it comes to suitcase and layover joints. A, I think, African safari theme that got eaten by lions when it tried to fuse a sport bar into the equation, doesn't really work. It's a bit of a failed attempt. Yet, again, this is the concourse of the SeaTac airport and not Market Street in the UK's Manchester. In all fairness, I am glad they didn't trip out and go Rainforest Cafe extreme. But at the end of the day it's hard to swallow a small 3 egg omelette at nearly $20, even at the monopoly airport. I would have been better served, and at about half the coins w a breakfast sandwich from any of the other eateries--even corporate Starbucks.

Vickie M.

Yelp

This was a seat yourself place. Hugo, our waiter, was attentive to our needs, especially when one of my party wanted breakfast and the other wanted lunch however they could not be ordered at the same time. The Western Omlet was delicious & cooked perfectly with fresh ingredients. It was actually beautiful as it was bright yellow in color.

Darren V.

Yelp

Came here after an HOUR in TSA wait line and was fortunate enough to meet Doug. Such an asset to this establishment! He made my day and now I'll stop by every time I come to town for business.

Heather H.

Yelp

Beer was good, had a nice local selection. Service was not friendly or welcoming. I ordered a cheeseburger, it came out about 1 min after o ordered it. I rarely send anything back. But it was inedible. Bun was cold, party was rancid and overcooked. And the fries were barely warm. Stick with the beer.

Julia B.

Yelp

Had a long layover and decided to have a drink and meal. Was able to get a comfortable table and was helped right away. The drink was good, sweet and strong. The food was tasty and flavorful.

Julisa W.

Yelp

The sweet Thai chili chicken wings were fried to death but loved the spice. The fries were seasoned and tasty. The sambusas were suuuuuper good. Jollof had some zing, but overall was pretty dry. Quick service in and out!

Lynn B.

Yelp

Wow! Loves Chicken Stripsthe food! The sambucas?(like meat samosas) so good. The rice and plantains we excellent too! The fries were out of this world. I have to to say, I think the best fries I have ever had! We had an amazing server too Hana! She was wonderful and helpful! We just kept staying there and ordering more food and drinks!

Kyle S.

Yelp

Terrible chicken Caesar salad. Came with cold chicken (I mean common...who comes to a restaurant for cold chicken?) and only caesar dressing on the side. Mixing and cutting on a small plate with plastic silverware was also a fun mess...

Francis B.

Yelp

We got the Thai Chili wings + fries. Also a margarita and a mimosa. The food was pretty decent and the drinks were strong. Solid airport stop for sure.

Dani J.

Yelp

This restaurant bar and lounge was a relaxing stop in the Seattle airport after a long day of traveling. It offers some African themed dishes, as well as, some more traditional American dishes. It's also black owned. I opted to try the chicken strips and the nachos. Both were really good. I topped it off with a mai tai. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. The food came out quickly, but it wasn't crowded when we arrived. Close to us finishing our food, it started to get more crowded. The restaurant features very nice African designed decor. It has a contactless payment system. I'd definitely stop here again when at the Seattle airport.

Tony G.

Yelp

Airport location with a great pour for whatever your favorite beverage may be! The staff no is steady and aware, so as to keep you in the know prior to your flight! Interesting space!

Frank D.

Yelp

Don't know what the rest of the food is like but we had a good breakfast there. Most of the food seemed overpriced but we were there early in the morning and split their 3 egg $19 omelette. It was more than enough for 2 people. We did not have coffee or anything else.

Tim O.

Yelp

The concept and description seemed incredibly alluring for an airport restaurant. Like, special enough that one would make the trek from a different terminal. To my dismay, this restaurant has almost nothing to do with African food, but has an African owner and African decor... or something. Picture me and a crowd of confused travelers checking out the menu displayed outside of the entrance and finding that it is just basic American food with one, maybe two, African dishes (and none for breakfast). Adding insult to injury, they have a scam menu option where a "Western Omelette" is listed but then if you actually want ham, there's an upcharge. Western Omelettes contain ham, so this is ridiculous. Two stars because the omelette was actually pretty good and my waiter was friendly.

Amanda D.

Yelp

They should really rename this the "Mack & Jack's Lounge". This isnt Africa, y'all. This is a PNW staple brew with airport food. Was I happy to get a Blackcat Porter? Yes! Was I confused why I spent 25.00 on Chicken Nachos with no cheese? Also yes.

Jared M.

Yelp

3.5 out of 5 here +1 Service - everything was completed promptly and to our preference +1.5 Food & Drink - everything came out as expected and to temp +1 Atmosphere - overall clean, even in spite of lots of traffic in and out Would definitely recommend if you need a good lunch and you have about 40-50 minutes to spare on your layover.

Sheila B.

Yelp

This place makes me smile- I'm always happy to see it when my gate is nearby as it's a great place to relax pre boarding. The service is excellent- very friendly and prompt. Food and drinks are solid, and not as overpriced as other options, and even so, worth it.

Wyatt B.

Yelp

Our service here was absolutely amazing! My finance and I stopped here in between flights with our puppy. Our waitress Hana was super friendly and gave our little doggy water when she was thirsty and even gave her some grilled chicken . I had also accidentally spilled my margarita on the table and she brought me a new one. My fiancé and I had a hard week after a death in the family and it was nice to have such a heartwarming friendly environment to come to and Hana was so amazing and made our experience worth while. After such a hard week it's nice to see that there are good people out there like Hana who just want me make someone's day!

Manwinder U.

Yelp

Stopped here at the airport and my flight kept getting delayed so I ended up getting my lunch here. The salmon dish was so good I'm surprised at how fast I finished it and it has a nice lemon, salt and crunch to it. The rice was delicious along with the sauce and the service was so quick! I would stop here again for sure!

Trace D.

Yelp

I read the other reviews. Odd how service changes. Our server was extremely prompt and friendly. I did find it funny that some reviews were expecting to see African food. I just figured the design was a theme. The food was good. I think they messed up on who got the crispy bacon I ordered, but the rest was great. I'd go back. Mimosa was good too.

Erika R.

Yelp

This place was unexpectedly amazing. The food was really good. The service was great. It was really quiet. I love the atmosphere so colorful although they didn't give me ice in my cocktail that was a little different but the drink was good.

William B.

Yelp

I had some of the chicken wings with sweet Thai chili sauce and it was heavenly, sticky sweet and a little heat. And the fries were amazing very crisp and hot. Had to eat every bite. My wife got clam chowder which was very tasty as well. Our waitress was great and friendly. The ambiance was laid back and friendly.

Brittney H.

Yelp

Hana provided AMAZING service and the food was wonderful. I haven't had this good of service in years. if your in SEATAC ask for Hana she is awesome!

Heather M.

Yelp

Typical prices for airport food but it feels good to have table side service. Chicken wings were fantastic and cheeseburger just OK

Leticia G.

Yelp

Staff was very nice and food was OK, but watching a large percentage of the staff, wearing gloves to protect their hands and not the customer stressed me out. I watched the bartender and two different servers were gloves throughout my visit. I watched one of the servers pick citrus fruit from the bar without a toothpick, she used her bare, gloved hand. cross-contamination 100%

Jasmine C.

Yelp

Really enjoyed this place! Not sure why the low reviews We had excellent service from the Gentleman Sammy, very attentive and fast and friendly We had the salmon, burgers and fries. Excellent. I got an order of spicy beef Sambusa to go AND LOVED THEM

Nycole R.

Yelp

Nothing screams "Africa" like a burger and fries. Well, not really-but I don't think they can serve zebra here in Seattle. Africa Lounge does a nice job of nailing the safari theme, at least. My wife and I were visiting and saw an empty table-it was open to seat yourself, so we snagged it and looked forward to a few minutes of reprieve from the busy airport. Moments after sitting, a server stopped by to take our order and bring us drinks. They serve Pepsi products, which was truly what we were after. I got the hamburger, my wife ordered the chicken strips; we both also had fries. While not the most amazing meal we have ever had, it was tasty and met the needs of filling our bellies before our flights. I was impressed with how well the server kept up with all the tables-things were hopping in there and she didn't miss a beat.

Chris B.

Yelp

After our cruise, we got to our gate early and hungry. The Africa Lounge was directly across from our gate and we figured, "How bad can it be?" Well... it was very good, indeed. The service was prompt, despite the fact that there were only two waitstaff for the entire place. The food was served hot and fresh and was very tasty. As it happens, we will be flying through Seattle again in a few months and will make it a point to eat here again.

Peter M.

Yelp

I was in terminal B at SeaTac airport and then I found out that there was an Africa Lounge in terminal A.......so I made the long walk......at this bar lounge and grill to my shocking surprise the menu had only one African item .......as you can see in my pictures all the other items were American food..... first I think they need to change the name to non-Africa lounge because it is deceiving and not accurate .........as for the food I just had the only African item which is the spicy beef sambusas (think Indian samosas.......the meat was flavorful but mild .....the dough covering was crisp and soft .....it came with Jolof rice and plantains.

Phillip B.

Yelp

I usually get my pre flight Manhattans but this place just didn't do it. The drink tasted watered down. I had to go across the way for a decent one.

Madeline E.

Yelp

Honestly pretty good food for the airport. All the portions were large and the staff was extremely kind. Ambiance is fun with an animal theme as well!

Ian C.

Yelp

I got the turkey sandwich. It's $19 and looks like they picked it up from the local gas station for $2 and put it on a plate. This should be illegal. The staff are actually really attentive and nice. 2 stars.

Jessica B.

Yelp

I want to preface that we only got drinks here so I can't speak about the food. The server was the sweetest lady (I didn't catch her name). She was super attentive and got to us very quickly after sitting down. The bar tenders were very fast and she was very quick to get us every order. We got Jager bombs and we all agreed that they were the best ones that we have ever had!! The ambiance was cute and slightly Africa themed. The prices were what you expect in an airport bar. I would definitely return if I have another delay there!

Cheryl C.

Yelp

At the airport, it was a large serving and tasted good. I had the ham and cheese omelet.

Mook N.

Yelp

Cynthia the server was very rude. she's always rude to her customers. I've seen it not only happen to me but also to many other people. I frequently come here for lunch because I work here at the airport. maybe if she was more polite a lot of people would come here more often and always leave a nice tip

Cameron H.

Yelp

Let's address the elephant in the room (and no there is no literal elephant in the Africa Lounge), airport food is going to be more expensive. If you don't come to terms with this then no place in the airport is going to please you. The service was incredible. You seat yourself and after 2-5mins of looking at the menu, my server Ruben came by and got everything start for me. As soon as I finished, Ruben immediately came up and got the bill taken care of. The food was really good, nothing amazing, but again... your in an airport people... The Super Nachos are enough to fill a person. The chips and cheese aren't layered, but gosh dang those nachos are PACKED with toppings.

Angela L.

Yelp

We enjoyed our meal here. Service was very attentive and fantastic (male asian server idk his name sorry). GET THE BUFFALO WINGS !!! Soooo goood! Even though fries can be crispier. Burger was ok, nothing special. Buy why is it really hot inside? Even though we sat on bar table right next to the open window facing where people walk, its strangely hot.

Margaret H.

Yelp

i'm torn because the service was amazing - super fast and friendly and helpful. and the food came out super fast which is important in an airport. but the food was not great at all. freezer sausage, spray on margarine tasting butter for the bread. but what was just my dish which was the rise and shine (eggs, potatoes, sausage or bacon, bread)

Mark F.

Yelp

My wife and I ordered two cheeseburgers. Perfect!!! Fries were also excellent! I also got the Black Cat porter on tap. Very good. Great service. We would place the same order again when we return to Seattle.

Erika R.

Yelp

As a CA resident traveling through here, I ordered a Moscow mule and was asked for my ID. I'm a 22 year old, with a vertical CA ID because mine expired before I was 21 and had to renew. Was refused drink service and accused of using a fake ID. The burger was bland, fries were good. Very dark lighting. The waiter was kind about it but wouldn't serve me. Pretty disappointed.

Baboucar J.

Yelp

The food was great and got delivered in quick and timely manner! Even more so thanks to Hana who was our server! she was great!

Mariama J.

Yelp

I really enjoyed the food it was hot and fresh. Our server Hana was the absolute best she was so kind and made sure we got everything we needed I would definitely recommend this place.

@eater

Where to Eat at Sea-Tac Airport (SEA) - Eater Seattle

View Postcard for Africa Lounge

@eater

Avole Plans New Cafe in Seattle’s Liberty Bank Building for Summer 2021 - Eater Seattle

View Postcard for Africa Lounge

@eater

Sea-Tac’s North Satellite Revamp Unveils Planned Food and Drink Options - Eater Seattle

View Postcard for Africa Lounge

Aliza Brown

Google

William Case

Google

TX _Marauder

Google

Bobo Lemon

Google

Rafael K (Raf)

Google

Alex Wilkinson

Google

Patrick T

Google

Ava Laszlo

Google

Tammi J.

Yelp

Wolfgang W.

Yelp

Robert L.

Yelp

De A.

Yelp

Sy L.

Yelp

Stopped here for a bite before boarding a flight. The waiter was friendly. The food was average ( it is inside of an airport). The "jollof rice" and salmon were bland. The cocktail was ok.

Salome C.

Yelp

The food was well cooked and tasty. It came out fast. Only complaint is the sambusas could have used a little more seasoning. My salmon fillet was grilled perfectly.

J W.

Yelp

Sam B.

Yelp

The service provided by Hana was exceptional. She was attentive and very friendly. Thank you.

Christopher C.

Yelp

Micah R.

Yelp

Vickie M.

Yelp

Darren V.

Yelp

Came here after an HOUR in TSA wait line and was fortunate enough to meet Doug. Such an asset to this establishment! He made my day and now I'll stop by every time I come to town for business.

Heather H.

Yelp

Julia B.

Yelp

Had a long layover and decided to have a drink and meal. Was able to get a comfortable table and was helped right away. The drink was good, sweet and strong. The food was tasty and flavorful.

Julisa W.

Yelp

Lynn B.

Yelp

Kyle S.

Yelp

Francis B.

Yelp

We got the Thai Chili wings + fries. Also a margarita and a mimosa. The food was pretty decent and the drinks were strong. Solid airport stop for sure.

Dani J.

Yelp

Tony G.

Yelp

Airport location with a great pour for whatever your favorite beverage may be! The staff no is steady and aware, so as to keep you in the know prior to your flight! Interesting space!

Frank D.

Yelp

Tim O.

Yelp

Amanda D.

Yelp

Jared M.

Yelp

Sheila B.

Yelp

Wyatt B.

Yelp

Manwinder U.

Yelp

Trace D.

Yelp

Erika R.

Yelp

William B.

Yelp

Brittney H.

Yelp

Hana provided AMAZING service and the food was wonderful. I haven't had this good of service in years. if your in SEATAC ask for Hana she is awesome!

Heather M.

Yelp

Typical prices for airport food but it feels good to have table side service. Chicken wings were fantastic and cheeseburger just OK

Leticia G.

Yelp

Jasmine C.

Yelp

Nycole R.

Yelp

Chris B.

Yelp

Peter M.

Yelp

Phillip B.

Yelp

I usually get my pre flight Manhattans but this place just didn't do it. The drink tasted watered down. I had to go across the way for a decent one.

Madeline E.

Yelp

Honestly pretty good food for the airport. All the portions were large and the staff was extremely kind. Ambiance is fun with an animal theme as well!

Ian C.

Yelp

Jessica B.

Yelp

Cheryl C.

Yelp

At the airport, it was a large serving and tasted good. I had the ham and cheese omelet.

Mook N.

Yelp

Cameron H.

Yelp

Angela L.

Yelp

Margaret H.

Yelp

Mark F.

Yelp

Erika R.

Yelp

Baboucar J.

Yelp

The food was great and got delivered in quick and timely manner! Even more so thanks to Hana who was our server! she was great!

Mariama J.

Yelp

I really enjoyed the food it was hot and fresh. Our server Hana was the absolute best she was so kind and made sure we got everything we needed I would definitely recommend this place.

Africa Lounge

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