8 Great Uses of the Priority Pass Restaurant Credit

For those seeking a bit of comfort and respite at the airport, Priority Pass memberships can unlock access to more than just lounges. Depending on your version of Priority Pass membership, the program best known as a network of airport lounges also provides dining credits at select airport restaurants.

Generally speaking, an individual entree ordered at an airport restaurant will be higher quality than the troughs served at the airport lounge buffet. And as Priority Pass lounges struggle with overcrowding issues, the attention from a waiter might offer a higher level of service.

Given that, dining at a Priority Pass restaurant makes for one of the best ways to maximize your Priority Pass membership. Here are some of the best Priority Pass restaurants:

San Francisco International Airport, Terminal 3, near Gate F13

You don't have to be a Giants fan to eat at the San Francisco Giants Clubhouse. No matter your team, you can dine here and get $28 off your bill with an eligible Priority Pass membership.

Just as they are at the stadium, garlic fries are the staple food at San Francisco Giants Clubhouse. Expect to dine on other baseball-inspired food such a nachos, chicken wings and hot dogs. There's a long list of Priority Pass lounges and restaurants at SFO, but it's the fun menu that makes San Francisco Giants Clubhouse stand out.

If you come during breakfast, the best meal for the price is the smoked salmon, served with a bagel.

Terminal 8, opposite Gate 14

Known for dry-aged steaks and a well-stocked bar, Bobby Van’s delivers a true New York dining experience with a $28 credit per guest. Expect the same high-quality steakhouse and grill fare of other Bobby Van's establishments.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Terminal A, near Gate A17

While many Priority Pass restaurants come and go, Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar has been a hot spot in the airport for over 25 years. Given that, expect it to stick around Priority Pass too.

When you're here, savor authentic Mexican flavors alongside a variety of tequilas in this Houston staple, with a $28 credit per person.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, near Gate 6

When it comes to Fort Lauderdale airport lounges (or in this case, well, a restaurant), Kafe Kalik is a delight. It's a casual, waiter-service eatery serving Caribbean and American cuisine.

Service is not always the best, so don't plan on coming in a hurry. But if you have time, it's worth it — particularly for the entree called the “Yardie” Spiced Curry Chicken. It's loaded with a generous portion of meat accompanied by rice, peppers, onions and potatoes.

Other menu items include ceviche, conch fritters and fried calamari. If American fare is more your thing, there's also burgers and pizza.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Terminal C, near Gate C42

If you're looking for classic American seafood instead, you have another Priority Pass restaurant option at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Landry's Seafood has served Gulf Coast cuisine to locals and tourists for decades. That's perhaps unsurprising given that — as a city near the Gulf of Mexico — Houston enjoys an abundance of fresh fish. Each Priority Pass guest receives a $28 dining credit.

Portland International Airport, Concourse C, near Gate 6

Hopefully you're not hungry, because this isn't a restaurant. But for some travelers, it's better. Home of America's highest-rated single malt whiskey, Westward Whiskey's PDX version of the local distillery offers an in-airport tasting room. Besides sample a whiskey or cocktail flight, you'll learn about Westward's complete grain-to-glass process.

Dulles International Airport, Concourse C, near Gate C14

Known for casual sophistication and modern American cuisine, Chef Geoff’s offers a $28 credit per guest.

» Learn more: Five reasons you should be using airport lounges

Boston Logan International Airport, Terminal B, opposite Gate B24

This Boston favorite serves “sophisticated comfort food,” perfect for a satisfying meal before an international flight.

Priority Pass is an airport lounge program that grants members access to more than 1,500 airport lounges around the world.

Depending on your membership type, you also have access to certain airport restaurants, including those named above.

How to sign up for Priority Pass membership

Some people purchase Priority Pass memberships outright from the Priority Pass website. Memberships start at $99 annually and can run past $400, depending on your level of desired access.

» Learn more: The credit cards that offer airport lounge access

However, many travelers get Priority Pass membership for free as a benefit from their credit card.

The catch? Some credit cards with a Priority Pass benefit specifically exclude Priority Pass restaurant benefits (including some that used to offer it but cut the benefit in recent years). That includes certain American Express cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Terms apply.

The good news though? There are still credit cards with Priority Pass restaurant benefits. If you hold one of them, here's how to ensure you get your credit (and a meal that's partially — and perhaps fully — covered by your membership):

How to use Priority Pass at airport restaurants

Using your Priority Pass at an airport restaurant is straightforward:

1. Present your card: Upon arrival, let the restaurant staff know you’re a Priority Pass member, and show them your card (either the physical or digital version).

2. Apply the dining credit: Typically, each member and guest receives a $28–$30 dining credit, though exact amounts vary by restaurant. Charges over the credit limit are your responsibility.

3. Bring a guest (maybe): Depending on your membership type, you might be able to brig one guest, who will also be eligible for a credit So, if the restaurant credit is $28 per person but you're allowed to bring a guest, you could charge up to $56 per table for the two of you and receive the full credit amount.

4. Tip: Ensure you tip based on the pre-discounted bill to fairly compensate your server.

Priority Pass can be a great asset for travelers, especially with the restaurant credit. However, limitations on some credit card-issued memberships — and restrictions on restaurant benefits, in particular — can reduce its value for certain travelers.

For those without lounge access through an airline, Priority Pass offers an affordable way to enjoy lounge and dining benefits, but the value will ultimately depend on your specific airport, as well as the type of credit card you hold.