Escape Lounges have a growing footprint of airport lounges across North America and Europe. Other than American Express Centurion lounges, Escape lounges are my favorite lounge network in the United States. Often times they are not over crowded like American Express lounges and offer great food options and an open bar.
Escape Lounge Oakland
The Oakland Escape lounge has been open for a couple of years now in terminal 1. The lounge is open to all travelers traveling through Oakland for just $45. To save $5, book online early. Each day the lounge is open from 5am to 9pm. The lounge is also complimentary to Platinum American Express members through the American Express Global Lounge collection. Premium passengers on Azores Airlines and Norwegian Air also enjoy complimentary access.
The small 2,700 sq foot lounge has space for just 89 people. During peak hours before international departures, the lounge does get very busy. At times, finding a place to sit or a clean table can be impossible.
The lounge offers several different types of sitting area. These includes booths, table and lounge chairs.
Escape Lounge Food & Drink
The highlight of every Escape lounge is the buffet. The buffet offers both hot and cold food options. Every Escape lounge has a dedicated local chef that creates the menu. In Oakland the menu is created by Chris Pastena. Chef Chris is known for his three restaurants in the bay area including Chop Bar, Lungomare, and Calavera.
I am not suppose to eat dairy, but today I had to cheat! The mac and cheese is scrumptious!
There is also delicious veggies, hummus, and other snacks on the buffet. Everything is self-serve and included with access to the lounge. The lounge has two menus for both breakfast foods in the morning and lunch/dinner in the afternoon and evenings.
In the very back of the lounge there is also a Bar. Drinks are free at the bar, but there always the option to upgrade to a more premium spirit. House spirits are mid-grade and do the trick. If you want something fancy, it will cost you.
Escape the Terminal
Escape lounges are a great places to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport. If the lounge isn’t to full, it’s a great place to relax. By 7pm, the lounge cleared out and I was in my own oasis. The Oakland lounge reminds me of the larger Minneapolis Escape lounge.
Have you been to the Oakland Escape lounge or any other Escape lounge? What are your thoughts on these lounges?
