United Airlines Opens Renovated Polaris Lounge at Chicago O’Hare

United Airlines on Tuesday opened its freshly renovated and expanded Polaris Lounge in Terminal 1 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

The lounge now spans nearly 25,000 square feet, about 50% larger than its previous footprint, with seating for almost 350 travelers spread throughout the space.

Part of that seating comes in the form of two separate, full-service bars—making United the first and only U.S. airline to offer dual full-service bars in a single business-class lounge. There are 25 seats spread between the two bars, and travelers can also opt to take their drinks to other seating areas, including a newly expanded dining area that now accommodates 50 guests.

For dining, travelers can choose between à la carte service or a hot buffet that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a mezze station featuring lemon-honey whipped ricotta, flatbreads, and more, plus a snack section. Current à la carte offerings include dishes such as Prosciutto Parmigiano Crostini, Shrimp and Scallop Spring Vegetable Risotto, and Aperol Spritz Cake.

The lounge’s design is inspired by Chicago—United partnered with local firm Johanna Pro Projects to showcase artwork from nine Chicago artists throughout the space—and all the decor and dinnerware are sourced from Chicago-based Crate and Barrel.

There are currently six United Polaris lounges across the U.S. All are open to international travelers flying in United Polaris and premium cabins on Star Alliance partner airlines.