RE: SFO Virgin Lounge

Except for a thread on the SFO thread and Mia's mentioning that Amex Plats/Cents may now access Plaza Premium lounges (I never click on the lounge thingy on my Amex App), it would never have occurred to me to visit, especially since it requires taking the elevator (having been stuck in one during my youth, if at all possible, I prefer stairs or escalators) up to the 5th floor.

Wow! All I have to say is, to put simply, has sit down dining superior to any Amex lounge that I can recall, with the possible exception of the Centurion section in HKG's. Generous drink menu with an array of Champagne (sparking wines), actual wines and cocktails. It's not quite on par with AA's FD, QF's F LAX dining, or even CX Pier F dining, but it's clearly better than any domestic lounge fare that I can recall. Also, I very much appreciated the ordering system--using ones phone to select whatever and the server brings it to you promptly.

While I visited, it was relatively empty where I was able to find, as per my custom, a table the furthest away from others, and enjoyed relative seclusion. Though, when it had gotten later during the day and with the inflow of traffic now returning to SFO's Int'l A, it had begun to fill up as I prepared to leave. Seems like a no brainer to dine here (sitting down ordering food that's brought to you is just so much more civilized than self help buffets), then hangout at the AC before one's flight; or, when on F9 or WN where the lounge meal costs more than my flights, probably just hangout until departure.

Oh, and from what I've seen, I don't think there's a drink minimum or anything. I think I saw a table order a 3 or 4 drinks within an hour.

PS - Of course, I'd agree that having this space kept under the radar would be ideal, but I don't think that's realistic. Once the crowd descends here en masse, the experience will surely experience the erosion that has infected all of the Amex CLs. But, for now, we should enjoy this reprieve while it's still relatively uncrowded.