Chase Sapphire Lounge JFK T4 — Restaurant in New York

Another beautiful lounge from Chase! This one set in the space of the old Etihad lounge in Terminal 4 of JFK. Having been to the Etihad lounge when it was operational, I really like what they've done with the space. A completely different aesthetic, in line with their other lounge offerings in the Northeast and I really like it. More vibrant, more spunk than the old etihad lounge and a very welcoming space even though its much smaller than their other lounges in JFK and Boston Logan.

Now the space becomes an issue more so here than the other lounges since it's smaller and has priority pass access. I can see this lounge being super crowded because it's infinitely better than any other priority pass space at JFK. You get priority if you have flying Etihad since this space is operated in tandem with Etihad airways. Luckily on my visit I was flying Etihad so I was able to get in without a wait but others had a waiting list.

The lounge itself has a central bar and seating area, a little hidden chill alcove behind the main seating area which looked oh so cozy but had no available seats. A long hallway past the central bar with seats facing the tarmac, a feature I love which was retained from the Etihad lounge. Food station to one side of thr hallway which is much smaller than their other locations, single serving portions, as is tradition with chase but about 6-7 items as opposed to 10+ with their other lounges. Not complaining though, the food offerings are on point. They also have a full a la carte menu like the LGA lounge so there is absolutely no lack of good food. Solid drinks as well, the same signature drinks that are available at the LGA lounge as well as a couple of locally inspired cocktails which included a fantastic variation of the New York Sour!

At the end of the hallway is a fireplace with a couple of fantastic individual workstations, some more seating and the hallway ends with a couple of "reflection rooms", which I imagine are a shower space?

The staff, like at other chase lounges, are very friendly, very attentive, more so than any other lounge or lounge network I've been to and I feel like this really is something that sets the Chase Sapphire lounges apart from the rest.

I really like the space, it has some shortcomings compared to their other lounges, mostly because of space constraints, but they have set lofty standards for themselves. All said and done, this is still absolutely a 5...

I vow never go to Amex Centurion lounge next door EVER AGAIN. The Chase Sapphire lounge is miles, light years, GALAXIES, away from the lounge next door. This one lounge experience removes my guilt of owning 2 very expensive annual fee cards (sapphire reserve and Amex platinum). I am vindicated. If you are a frequent JFK traveler and have both cards, THIS lounge is the one to go to. Centurion lounge is now crowded, dirty, worn, used, uncivilized. The waitlist was fast (I only waited for 5 mins). They manage the capacity well. It did NOT look or feel crowded. My solo seat was perfect for a quick meal. They seat you, like an actual restaurant. You order from a menu like a lady (or gentleman). The tech worked perfectly, QR code ordering, the food comes to your numbered table (virgin lounge has had this for ages). No gross dried up, pushed around, buffet food. Made to order drinks and food. Even the buffet was good, with small plates to nosh on while you waited for your main (hummus, burrata, curry cauliflower, fried potatoes, braised beef with wild rice). Even the cranberry mint spa water and sparkling ice tea was a nice touch and well thought out. The decor was classy and modern. There was ice cream for the waitlisted people. The burger was incredible. Perfectly cooked medium rare on a brioche bun. The tomato soup was one of the best I’ve have in YEARS. Everything was done well. Kudos to you food and beverage director. It’s a small lounge but SO well done. I’m looking forward to going to the LGA one now. I could write more but my flight is about to take off. 5 stars. Great job. Dump Amex lounges. Happy customer. Makes me love sapphire...

Wait time: Even with the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, I had to wait 10 minutes to get on the waitlist and then another 30 minutes to get in for a total of 40 minutes.

Service: Service was alright, I was expecting it to be great considering they have a lot of staff around but after trying to flag someone sitting down for a minute I had to get up and walk up to someone in order to get their attention. Also, as a solo traveler they gave me a worse spot although didn't proactively ask if I wanted to wait for a better spot.

Food: The food was very decent for lounge food. My favorites was the lemon bar and Moroccan beef. The burger and fries were also good, nothing fancy but not greasy (which is great) and tastes homemade in a good way.

Features: There seems to be charging stations at each seat. The outlet at my seat didn't seem to work but there were plenty of outlets on the ground. The staff also offered me a charging block so I presume they have chargers if you forget to bring one. They also order all the made-to-order food via a QR code which is easy and convenient.

They also had a board with all the flight information although they didn't have anyone come over to personally remind you of your flight.

It's definitely an enjoyable lounge and one I would visit again if I...