United’s new $41million Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport is impressive, but it’s their standalone dining room and restaurant “IAD” that helps to really distinguish United’s business class product from its competition. The dining room and buffet serve made-to-order meals by professional cooks, and the bar offers local wines and beers.
Location of the United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles
The United Polaris lounge at Washington Dulles is located in Terminal C, just near gate C18. It is opposite the United Club making it convenient for premium flyers regardless of which lounge they qualify for entry.
Access at United Polaris Lounge Washington Dulles
Business and First Class passengers are permitted in the United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles. However, you must be traveling on international flights outside of North America.
It does not include transcontinental first and business class flyers without an accompanying qualified international flights. It also does not include United Airlines club access granted by a bank credit card issuer or United credit card offered certificates.
The lounge really is stunning and feels highly luxurious with plenty of marble and high-end artwork. I headed straight to the Dining Room “IAD” to grab a table as I had about an hour and a half before boarding was to commence and was hungry and eager to eat before the flight.
Food at United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles
My departure time was early evening so I was on the dinner menu. There were so many menu items to choose from, but I chose to start with the pork belly lettuce wrap, then the shrimp and grits, before ending on the strawberry goat cheese panna cotta. My companion enjoyed the Polaris signature burger made with short rib, who was impressed with the taste and flavors.
Service was relatively quick, though my starter and entree came out at the same time. The ingredient and flavor combinations were spot on with a mix of soft and crunchy textures, sweet and savory with some appropriate bitterness from the leaf of bibb lettuce.
The plates were reasonably sized but I decided to add the melon sorbet and Virginia cherries too. I am so glad I did, this dessert was an absolute show stopper. It was light but satisfying and integrated the season and the local area for flavor and charm. It was very clear that the food was all made from scratch by professional cooks.
Drinks at United Polaris Lounge
As far as drinks are concerned, the Dulles Polaris lounge has pretty much anything you could ask for, including cocktails like the Aperol spritz and old fashioned, draft and bottled beer, and local and branded wine.
Overall Thoughts
Competition among “flagship lounges” with enhanced dining experiences is fierce. With no wait, an excellent menu, delicious food, superb presentation and service that was friendly and apt, United’s Polaris lounge at Washington Dulles really is the best Dining Room experience I have had of any Polaris lounge. Make time for this experience if you find yourself on an eligible itinerary.