JFK T4 Lounge Showdown: Centurion vs. Chase Sapphire

We had access to both the Chase Sapphire and Amex Centurion Lounge at JFK T4. Here is how they compare on food, drinks, and vibe.

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After clearing security at JFK Terminal 4, you have a few lounge options. Head left toward the "All Other Lounges" sign and you will find the Delta Sky Club downstairs. This time, we skipped Delta and went straight to the two heavy hitters right next to each other near security: the Amex Centurion Lounge and the Chase Sapphire Lounge.

We have access to both. We used our once-a-year Priority Pass entry for the Sapphire Lounge, and the Centurion Lounge through Amex. Here is how they compare.

Chase Sapphire Lounge: The Food and Tech Winner

We started at the Chase Sapphire Lounge. Check-in was slightly confusing and we had to wait outside for about 10 minutes, possibly because of how Priority Pass entry is processed. Once inside, it was worth the wait.

Food: This is where the Sapphire Lounge stands out. The ordering system is genuinely well thought out: there is a QR code at each table and you order directly from your seat. No going up to a counter, no flagging anyone down. The chicken dish was fantastic. We also tried a seafood dish with a strong crab and lobster flavor, which was not really our thing, but the rest of the menu more than made up for it.

Drinks: The pours are generous. The Chase Sapphire signature cocktail was strong and hit immediately. They also have a locally inspired non-alcoholic option that was refreshing and balanced, not overly sweet.

Showers: You can reserve a shower room through the same QR code used for ordering food. Convenient and seamlessly integrated into the same system.

Summary: Better food, great cocktails, smart table-service ordering, shower reservations via QR.

Amex Centurion Lounge: The Drinks and Vibe Winner

After about an hour at Sapphire, we headed next door to the Centurion Lounge. The service felt like a step up immediately. Staff at the front greeted us with actual smiles, a noticeable contrast to the check-in experience next door.

The space: The lounge is massive, spread across two floors connected by an elevator and stairs. There are multiple corridors, seating areas, and pockets to settle into. It still gets very busy, but the size gives you more options to find a quieter spot.

Food: There is a decent spread, but food here is honestly just okay. Chase wins the culinary comparison without much competition.

The 1850 Speakeasy: This is the standout feature of the Centurion Lounge and the reason to visit even if you have already eaten. Behind a set of doors is their speakeasy bar, 1850. We ordered an espresso martini and a Southside cocktail. Both were expertly made: the espresso martini was sweet and strong, the Southside was crisp and exactly what we needed before a flight. If you visit the Centurion Lounge at JFK T4 and skip 1850, you are doing it wrong.

Coffee and self-serve bar: Beyond the speakeasy, there is a great cafe with quality barista coffee and a self-service bar area for when you want something without waiting.

Summary: Two floors, busy but spacious, food is average, 1850 speakeasy is a must, great coffee.

Which One Should You Choose?

	Chase Sapphire	Amex Centurion
Food quality	Better	Average
Ordering experience	QR table service	Counter/self-serve
Cocktails	Strong, generous pours	1850 speakeasy (exceptional)
Coffee	Standard	Barista quality
Showers	Yes, book via QR	Yes
Vibe	Modern, tech-forward	Grand, two-floor lounge

Choose Chase Sapphire if: You are hungry. The food is noticeably better and the QR table-service makes ordering easy.

Choose Amex Centurion if: You want a great cocktail or a proper coffee. The 1850 speakeasy alone is worth the visit, and the staff make it feel like a more welcoming experience overall.

If you have access to both and enough time, do what we did: eat at Chase Sapphire, then head to Centurion for a drink at 1850 before your flight.

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