MSP’s Portal Lounge Has Its Own Robot Bartender, Video Games – NerdWallet

These days, airport lounges can feel overcrowded and boring. But the Portal Lounge at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is trying to change that.

It’s fun and futuristic (and accessible with Priority Pass), with a section dedicated to video gaming and a robot bartender serving up drinks. If that concept sounds somewhat familiar, that’s because it is.

The Portal Lounge — which opened its doors in May 2026 — is the latest creation from the people behind the popular Gameway video game lounges at major airports. The key difference: The Portal Lounge is a full-service lounge with food and drinks.

I was invited to check out the Portal Lounge a few weeks after its grand opening, giving me the opportunity to see the space in action. Here’s what it’s like — and why Minneapolis travelers should stop by.

The Portal Lounge is bright and bold, making it unlike most other airport lounges. It’s also extremely hard to miss with a prime location in Terminal 1 just to the right of the north TSA checkpoint.

The entryway even feels like you’re being transported into a video game.

When you enter the lounge, you’ll be given a QR code that can be used to order drinks at the kiosk and to re-enter the lounge (the nearest restrooms are a short walk outside the lounge).

At 3,800 square feet, the lounge has a capacity for 114 guests. The seating layout is spacious, which helps combat a crowded atmosphere.

Even the music playing in the background was fun and upbeat, not your typical mellow jazz lounge tunes.

All of these elements are by design, a lounge representative told me. With the Portal Lounge, the company wanted to create a space that was accessible, social and approachable for all. That sets it apart from the exclusive lounges operated by major credit card issuers.

I wasn’t fully convinced until after I left the lounge and visited the airport’s nearby Escape Lounge. It was nice, but it ultimately felt bland and uninspired compared to the Portal Lounge.

While the main seating area is brightly lit, the gaming lounge is an entirely different vibe with its blue ambient lighting and 17 gaming stations.

Guests have their pick of games for Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation and gaming PCs.

During my visit, several people were hanging out in this section but it never felt overcrowded. I sat down for a round of Mario Kart, and although I was quite bad at it, it was certainly a fun way to pass the time.

If it does get full, the lounge confirms it implements a one-hour playing limit. However, you’re able to add yourself back on the waitlist afterwards.

Even if you’re not into video games, that doesn’t mean you should skip the Portal Lounge. While the gaming area is a major draw, there were plenty of people who visited and never stepped foot in the space.

If you’ve been to a Gameway video lounge, you’ll know the missing ingredient is a strong food-and-beverage program. With the Portal Lounge, that changes.

Guests can order drinks from a kiosk, with a wide selection of cocktails and mocktails. While there are plenty of free options, you can also pay for more premium drinks.

One of the highlights of the lounge is the robot bartender. However, there are also human bartenders, and they made the majority of orders during my visit. While the robot was a fun and entertaining addition to the lounge, it did feel a little gimmicky since it wasn’t often in use.

Foodwise, the lounge’s buffet features a seasonal menu. During my visit, I tried a pulled pork slider and a build-your-own chicken bowl, which were both quite tasty.

There was also buffalo cauliflower, a salad spread, desserts, coffee machines and a soft drink dispenser.

If you want to eat something else, the Portal Lounge lets you bring in outside food — something most lounges prohibit.

That’s a key differentiator from the company’s signature Gameway lounges, which are technically considered non-lounge airport experiences. Not all Priority Pass memberships via credit cards allow access to those spaces.

You can also pay to enter at the door, but that will cost around $70 per person. Unlike Priority Pass — which allows you in up to three hours before your flight — there isn’t a time limit on entry for those who pay at the airport.

If you have a couple of hours to kill at MSP, you can’t go wrong with heading to the Portal Lounge. It’s accessible via Priority Pass, which means you don’t have to be flying on a specific airline to get in. However, if you don’t have Priority Pass access, $70 is a steep fee to pay. It makes sense if you can spend several hours at the lounge, but if you only have an hour or less, you may want to wander the nearby shops instead.

Once inside, there are plenty of things to do to keep you occupied, whether you want to grab a bite or play some video games. Plus, the atmosphere is fun and social, making it a great spot to relax before heading to your gate.

Addas a preferred source on Google