Priority Pass memberships are an excellent way to enjoy a little luxury in an airport lounge before your flight. With airport space at a premium, Priority Pass has included airport restaurants in its roster of locations where members can use their benefits. New restaurants are added on a regular basis, so it pays to know how this benefit works and where the best Priority Pass restaurants are located.

What is Priority Pass?

Priority Pass is an airport lounge program where members have access to over 1,300 airport lounges and restaurants around the world. Depending on your level of membership, your admission to airport lounges is either free or $35 per visit.

Members can bring guests with them into the lounges, but individual lounges may limit the number of guests. There is a $35 fee per guest when they accompany paid Priority Pass members. However, if you received your membership through a credit card, your guests may be free.

How to sign up for Priority Pass membership

Priority Pass memberships are available from $99 to $429 per year. Simply enroll at PriorityPass.com, select your plan and pay your fee to join.

Many travelers get Priority Pass membership for free as a benefit from their credit card. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Citi Prestige® Card are among the credit cards that offer complimentary membership, including restaurant access.

Note that some credit cards with a Priority Pass benefit state in the fine print that they exclude Priority Pass benefits, such as the American Express cards and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.Terms apply.

How do I use my Priority Pass membership at a restaurant?

When you arrive at a participating restaurant, let them know that you're a Priority Pass member and would like to use your dining credits. You'll need to show them your Priority Pass membership card (either a physical one or the digital version). You'll be seated like any other guest and order as usual. When the bill comes, you'll receive a dining credit (normally $28 per guest) for each person in your party. Guest limitations vary depending on your membership level or which credit card you hold so be sure to read your membership details carefully.

Priority Pass dining credits are based on the total bill and number of guest credits. For example, if one person's order is $35 and the other is $15, your total bill is $50 plus tax. Subtract a dining credit of $28 per person and your bill will be $0 before the tip.

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The dining credits vary, but most restaurants offer food and drink credits of $28 to $30 per person. If the bill is more than your credits, pay the remaining balance with a credit card that earns bonus points at restaurants, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Some restaurants automatically apply a tip to your bill before deducting the Priority Pass dining credits. If they don't, please remember to tip based on the full amount of your bill, not what's left after your food and beverage credits, to ensure servers are paid for their work.

Best Priority Pass restaurants and bars

There are dozens of restaurants that offer Priority Pass dining credits in the U.S. Some are at popular airports, while others are in locations that are less-traveled. Here are nine great options you shouldn't miss.

1. Bobby Van's Steakhouse, New York-JFK

Terminal 8, opposite Gate 14

JFK is one of the most visited airports in the U.S. Bobby Van's Steakhouse inside the airport delivers "the same high-quality steakhouse and grill fare" of other Bobby Van's establishments. The menu features dry-aged steaks and a well-stocked bar. The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Priority Pass members and their guests receive a $28 dining credit.

2. Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, Houston

George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Terminal A, near Gate A17

Houston is a hub for United flights, and many flights to Central and South America depart from there as well. Before your trip, whet your appetite with authentic Mexican food and drinks at Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, a hot spot for over 25 years. While you're there, sample some of the many varieties of tequila on the menu. Hours vary by day. The Priority Pass dining credit is $28 per guest.

3. Capers Cafe Le Bar, Portland, Oregon

Portland International Airport, Concourse C, immediately after security

Travelers have three options to use their Priority Pass dining credits in Portland. The Capers Cafe Le Bar offers a "charming space to dine in" when you have time before your flight, and there’s pre-packaged food when you're in a rush. The restaurant is open from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Priority Pass guests get a $28 dining credit for meals and drinks.

In Concourse D, the Capers Market is another good option. Dine-in seating is available, but some people use their Priority Pass dining credits to grab market-fresh seafood or pastries to go.

4. Chef Geoff's, Washington, D.C.

Dulles International Airport, Concourse C, near Gate C14

Washington, D.C., is a busy airport for those visiting the nation's capital and as an interim stop for international travelers. Visit Chef Geoff's to experience "contemporary American cuisine, with casual sophistication and generous hospitality." Chef Geoff's is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Priority Pass dining credit is $28 per person.

5. Landry's Seafood, Houston

George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Terminal C, near Gate C42

As a city near the Gulf of Mexico, Houston enjoys an abundance of fresh fish, and Landry's Seafood has served Gulf Coast cuisine to locals and tourists for decades. On the menu, you'll find "sensational steaks, seafood and pasta specialties." Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Each Priority Pass guest receives a $28 dining credit.

6. Stephanie's, Boston

Boston Logan International Airport, Terminal B, opposite Gate B24

Boston is a popular destination for tourists and a jumping-off point for international travelers. At Stephanie's, you'll enjoy “sophisticated comfort food in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.” The restaurant offers "bigger flavors and fresher ingredients" that will fill your belly before your flight. Stephanie's opens at 4:30 a.m. and closes 30 minutes prior to the last scheduled departure. Priority Pass members receive a $28 restaurant credit per person.

7. Trail Head BBQ Bar, Seattle

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Central Terminal, near Gate C1

Trail Head BBQ Bar is a great option because it’s open from 4:30 a.m. until midnight every day and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy Alaskan Brewing Ales, local craft beers, wine and craft cocktails, all with a $28 credit per person for Priority Pass travelers.

8. Westward Whiskey, Portland, Oregon

Portland International Airport, Concourse C, near Gate 6

Before your flight, explore the home of "America's highest-rated single malt whiskey" at Westward Whiskey. This local distillery offers a tasting room inside the airport, so travelers can sample a whiskey or cocktail flight while learning about Westward's complete grain-to-glass process. Westward Whiskey is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Guests receive a $28 dining credit from Priority Pass.

9. Yankee Pier, San Francisco

(Photo by Sally French)

San Francisco International Airport, Terminal 3, near Gate F4

Fisherman's Wharf is a popular San Francisco attraction. If you didn’t get there to sample the seafood during your visit, be sure to stop by Yankee Pier, which is one of the SFO Priority Pass restaurants. There, you can order clam chowder, lobster, crab and other California favorites. The restaurant is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Members and guests receive a $28 dining credit per person.

Priority Pass Restaurants: are they worth it?

Airport lounges are a wonderful place to spend time before your flight, but their food choices can be limited. Make full use of your Priority Pass benefits to enjoy delicious local food and drinks with dining credits up to $30 per person. Expect to see Priority Pass continue to announce more restaurant partnerships in the future to enhance membership value.