AMEX Sidecar Lounge LAS

I recently had a layover in Las Vegas, just a few weeks after American Express debuted its new Sidecar Lounge concept. Designed for travelers on tighter schedules, it’s a refreshing alternative for anyone looking to grab a quick bite or drink without committing to the full lounge experience. The LAS Sidecar Lounge is a small, 33-seat, speakeasy-style space built for quick, premium service. It’s tailored for those with 90 minutes or less before departure. In many ways, I found it preferable to the traditional Centurion Lounge especially if you’re not looking for sprawling space and crowds.

One standout feature is the assigned seating, which eliminates the usual scramble for a spot. The experience feels calm, intentional, and far less chaotic than most airport lounges. Ordering is equally seamless, whether you scan the QR code (powered by Toast) or place your order directly with the attentive staff. Since the menu is built around small plates, I sampled quite a bit. The Chicky Chicky Parm Parm Slider leaned slightly dry but delivered solid flavor. The Crushed Cucumber Salad had a surprising kick—spicier than expected—but was so good I went for seconds. The clear standout, though, was the Mini Lobster Roll topped with caviar. It’s not often you find something that impressive in an airport setting. I ended up ordering two. To wrap things up, I had the Meyer Lemon Posset, a small but beautifully presented dessert that hit just the right note.

For drinks, I tried both the Centurion (vodka, yuzu, lime, and soda) and the Platinum Mule (bourbon, lemon, ginger, and plum). Each was well-balanced, thoughtfully crafted, and visually polished.

Conclusion: The Sidecar Lounge feels more like an exclusive cocktail bar than an airport pit stop. It’s easy to forget you’re even in a terminal. If you find yourself passing through LAS, it’s absolutely worth the detour.