Btoon

I went this morning as well - business class 1k to NRT. Today is opening day apparently. While invite only, they also are only invite people with a flight certain days ahead (my invite came two days ago). Nice secluded location tucked away behind Saison. Small and bright space but nothing over the top. Yes, it had the iPads but I tend to prefer them to keep things moving. However, there is a level of service easily beyond the average spot at EWR. Staff was attentive, friendly and seemed excited. It was nice, lowkey and good to get away from the traffic of the terminal. The extra touches like a warm towel, amuse bouche (bacon wrapped caramelized banana), and chocolates were good additions. The prices all looked the same as in the terminal but with more / improved offering (average item was $12-18 for bfast items - my croque monsieur was quite good).

I guess if you're looking for bottle service and snobby servers, this isn't it. Thankfully, I just wanted a quiet, comfortable spot to sit, with some good food and friendly staff. On that front - I was pleased, and will return in the future.

blueman2

Great to hear some first hand reviews. Regardless of the success or failure of this, I am impressed with UA for doing something out of the ordinary that is not the typical "enhancement" we have become so used to. It has been many, many years since UA did anything that was not simply cost cutting or reduction in MP benefits.

FlyfromDenver

Seriously ? Allowing some people to pay for meals somewhere "exclusive" is an enhancement ?

MostlyUA

I received an invite so I will try it out next week.

I gather United is trying offer the kind of exclusive dining service that BA in its Concorde Room or Cathay in its First Class Lounge restaurant offer. But at CX and BA, the food is free if you qualify to get in.

MattR23

UA not being clear about this is where they've gone wrong. The site is turning away people without a good explanation. A high value customer who is outside the flight window might think they're not being recognized/appreciated for their business when others are.

BiWeeklyAccelerator

https://thepointsguy.com/2017/08/uni...sified-review/

i have a newark trip coming up. GS, no invite but I could log in. reservation system seems busted, though.

Dublin_rfk

REJECTED! And I feel vindicated, after all why would I want to enter an exclusive club that would accept me!

Seat1A

this is what I miss most about flying delta. Their hubs are great. I have been known to book extra time at ATL to hit one flew south. PF Changs at both DTW and ATL. Ike's at MSP. Vino Volo at many terminals. No ipads.

as much as delta drove me away, I do miss their hubs when I get to EWR or now IAH. (Hopefully pappadeaux sticks around at least.

(gold, and I do seem to be in at classified. Maybe my willingness to pay for TODs has an impact? Travel booked in a few weeks, but not seeing EWR until October. )

transportprof

I've got a flight out of EWR Sunday afternoon, front cabin and 1K. No invite. Went to the web site and entered my credentials and was offered the chance to get "reviewed" for an invite. I took it, 24 hours ago, still no response. Not even the ad spam that I signed up to receive in order to get reviewed. Guess I'm not worthy.

JVPhoto

I wonder if they are referencing/determining based on people who have in the past eaten/spent money at OTG EWR? Do the iPads still ask you to scan your BP for updates (I never have)? Aside from that I guess the only way they'd also know is by using one of the UA CCs for purchase?

bloodyeyeballs

I saw this thread and was able to get through to the site. I am a 1K out of LA with no upcoming trips to EWR scheduled, although I was last there in June. I did eat at one of the ipad places last Labor Day and got air sick on the flight to LA for the first time ever.

The menu looks interesting, and I would certainly consider it on a long layover.
However, most of the times at airports, I am stressed and don't think I would want to pay a lot for a meal I wouldn't really enjoy since I would be worried about making my flight, or about the flight departing on time, etc.

JK-SFO

I recall lots of iPads at the Delta gates in the G concourse at MSP.

JK-SFO

JHake10

MSP is an OTG "Experience" location

http://www.otgexp.com/experiences/

djmp

I'm holding a reservation and I've not once spent a dime at any OTG EWR outlet.

JVPhoto

They're trying to convert you!