Airport lounges can often feel cramped and dull, but the Portal Lounge at Minneapolis‑Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) aims to break that mold.
The space blends fun, futuristic design, and Priority Pass accessibility, offering a dedicated gaming area and a robot bartender dispensing drinks—a concept that will feel familiar to those who have visited the operator’s Gameway venues.
Opened in May 2026, the Portal Lounge is the newest venture from the creators of the popular Gameway video‑game lounges found in several airports. Unlike those venues, it provides full‑service food and beverage options.
I received an invite to tour the lounge shortly after its launch, giving me a firsthand look at the environment and insights into why travelers in Minneapolis might want to stop by.
Futuristic Design and Upbeat Atmosphere
The lounge boasts a bright, bold aesthetic that sets it apart from typical airport lounges. Its prime location in Terminal 1, just right of the north TSA checkpoint, makes it impossible to miss.
From the moment you step inside, the entryway evokes the feeling of entering a video game.
Guests receive a QR code on entry, which can be used both to order drinks at the kiosk and to re‑enter the lounge; restrooms are a short walk away.
Spanning 3,800 sq ft, the lounge accommodates up to 114 people. The layout is intentionally spacious to avoid the crowded feeling common in other airport lounges.
Background music is lively and upbeat, diverging from the usual mellow jazz playlists found in many lounges.
According to a lounge representative, every element was chosen to make the space accessible, social, and approachable, distinguishing it from the exclusive card‑issuer lounges.
My initial skepticism faded after I visited the nearby Escape Lounge; while pleasant, that venue felt bland compared with the Portal Lounge’s dynamic environment.
The Gaming Lounge Highlights the Experience
In contrast to the brightly lit main area, the gaming lounge is bathed in blue ambient lighting and features 17 gaming stations.
Patrons can choose from Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and high‑end gaming PCs.
During my visit, the station was busy but not overcrowded. I tried a round of Mario Kart—fun, even if my skills left much to be desired.
If the area reaches capacity, a one‑hour play limit is enforced; however, guests can rejoin the waiting list once space opens up.
Even for those not interested in video games, the lounge offers plenty of alternatives; many visitors spend time in other parts of the venue.
For guests familiar with Gameway’s video‑lounge concept, the absence of a robust food and beverage program was a notable gap—something the Portal Lounge now fills.
Drinks are ordered via a kiosk that provides a wide selection of cocktails, mocktails, and premium options alongside complimentary choices.
The robot bartender is a striking feature, yet human bartenders handle most orders during my visit. While entertaining, the robot’s limited use felt somewhat gimmicky.
The buffet offers a seasonal menu; I sampled a pulled‑pork slider and a build‑your‑own chicken bowl, both of which were flavorful.
Additional offerings include buffalo cauliflower, a variety of salads, desserts, coffee machines, and a soft‑drink dispenser.
Unlike many lounges, the Portal Lounge permits guests to bring outside food, giving visitors greater flexibility.
How to Gain Access to the Portal Lounge
This access model differentiates the Portal Lounge from Gameway’s non‑lounge airport locations, which are not all available through every Priority Pass membership.
Entry costs about $70 per person if paid on site. Unlike Priority Pass, which restricts entry to three hours before a flight, paying visitors face no time constraints.
Why the Portal Lounge Is Worth a Visit at MSP
Travelers with a few idle hours at MSP should consider the Portal Lounge. Its Priority Pass availability removes airline restrictions, though the $70 fee is steep for a short stay; a couple of hours makes the cost more justifiable.
Inside, guests can enjoy gaming, dining, and a lively atmosphere that encourages socializing, making it an appealing spot to relax before heading to a gate.
About the author
Benjamin Din is a lead travel writer at NerdWallet. He previously was a technology reporter at Politico, where he authored a daily newsletter covering tech and telecom policy.
Benjamin loves to travel — both for work and for fun. He’s reported from three continents and visited more than 55 countries. He has written for The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News, The Washington Post, The San Francisco Chronicle and The (Johannesburg) Star, as well as covered two Olympics with NBC Sports.
His goal is to visit a new country and a new state each year.
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