SFO: Amex Centurion Lounge San Francisco- Access, Location, & Hours

The Centurion Lounge in SFO’s Terminal 3 is open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Located across from Gates F1 and F2, the newly renovated lounge spans 16,000 square feet on the mezzanine level.

Layout and Seating

The expanded lounge retains much of the original space near the entrance while adding significant square footage down a lengthy hallway overlooking the United check-in area below. Ample seating options abound, from cozy nooks with built-in power outlets to couches, plush swivel chairs, and dining booths.

A variety of solo seats, two-tops, four-tops, and bar-style seating ensures room to spread out. The space features stylish decor with pops of signature Amex blue, gray upholstery, custom wallcoverings by abstract artist Tracie Cheng, and sleek subway tiles.

Amenities

The Centurion Lounge at SFO boasts an impressive range of amenities for travelers:

Showers: Two luxurious private shower suites are available, stocked with L’Occitane toiletries. 

Restrooms: The expanded restroom area includes more spacious facilities and elegant touches like custom tiling.
Wine Bar: A dedicated wine bar offers curated seasonal wine flights highlighting local Napa and Sonoma varietals. 

Phone Rooms: Two private phone rooms can be used for quiet calls on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Centurion Member Area: An exclusive section is reserved for Centurion (Black Card) members.

Food and Beverage

Dining is a highlight of the SFO Centurion Lounge experience.

Food: Executive Chef Ravi Kapur of San Francisco’s Liholiho Yacht Club curates a menu of Asian-fusion dishes like gochujang chicken thighs, black vinegar glazed baby carrots, and coconut wild rice soup. Two separate buffet areas, one larger than the other, provide ample food options. A salad bar features premium toppings that go beyond generic greens.

Beverages: The lounge houses two chic full-service bars offering specialty cocktails and an elevated wine program by sommelier Anthony Giglio. Centurion’s signature craft cocktails and a self-serve coffee bar round out the extensive beverage options. A wine wall and wine flight program allows guests to sample top local vintages from Napa and Sonoma.

My Mini Review

The recent expansion has transformed the SFO Centurion Lounge into a world-class space that is hands down one of Amex’s nicest outposts. While it lacks some amenities found in other locations like a spa, the sprawling square footage, superlative food and beverage program, and chic decor more than compensate.

Chef Ravi Kapur’s creative Asian-fusion menu is a delectable standout – I loved sampling bites like the miso soup and goat cheese flatbread from the buffet’s impressive spread. Two sleek bars shake up stellar craft cocktails while the curated wine flights featuring top Napa and Sonoma varietals lend a sense of place.

The expanded restrooms with luxe showers are a welcome addition, as are the private phone rooms for quiet calls. Seating is plentiful and comfortable, with options to fit every mood from social to serene. I appreciate the variety of dining, lounging, and working areas.

However, the lounge’s popularity means it still gets crowded during peak times. Finding a seat was challenging during the lunch rush, and I had to wait for one of the private phone rooms. The space also lacks airside views or outdoor seating.

Despite these quibbles, the refreshed SFO Centurion Lounge sets the bar high. Its unrivaled food and beverage, thoughtful decor, and generous square footage make it a haven worth arriving early for. While it may not solve the network’s overcrowding woes entirely, the expansion definitely elevates the experience.