The romance of rail travel lives on, especially across America, through authentic
train cars transformed into unique dining establishments. These restaurants preserve
railroad history while offering memorable dining experiences in lovingly restored
carriages.
From historic Pullman cars to vintage dining cars, these establishments let diners
step back in time while enjoying contemporary cuisine.
Victorian Elegance in Pennsylvania Rails
The Plain Jane Car at the Red Caboose Motel in Ronks, Pennsylvania, offers dining
inside a beautifully restored 1940s railroad dining car. The establishment sits among
38 authentic cabooses and features period-correct fixtures and decorations from the
Pennsylvania Railroad era.
Located in the heart of Amish Country, this unique restaurant serves traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine alongside American classics. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the site also includes the original Casey Jones restaurant dining car, which was added to the property in 1970.
Pacific Northwest Railway Heritage
The Oregon Electric Station in Eugene occupies a historic 1912 Southern Pacific
Railroad depot and features dining cars from the same era. The restaurant has
preserved the original architectural details and railroad memorabilia while serving
contemporary Northwest cuisine.
Their main dining car maintains its original mahogany paneling and brass fixtures from the golden age of rail travel. The building was an active train station until 1948 before being converted into a restaurant in 1977.
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Historic Colorado Mountain Dining
The Silver Cliff in Colorado Springs operates from a restored 1950s Rio Grande
Southern narrow gauge dining car. This historic car sits at the foot of Pikes Peak and
serves classic American cuisine while preserving authentic railroad furnishings and
décor.
Guests can enjoy mountain views through the original windows while dining in
authentic railroad seats. The dining car was part of the last narrow gauge passenger
train to operate on the Rio Grande Southern Railroad.
Pacific Coast Train Service
The Santa Fe Depot Diner in San Diego operates near the still-active Santa Fe
Depot. While not in a dining car, the restaurant celebrates railroad heritage through
decor and memorabilia while serving American classics. The proximity to active rail
lines adds to the authentic atmosphere.
The nearby Santa Fe Depot, built in 1915, remains one of California’s most photographed and architecturally significant stations, still serving Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner route.
Tennessee’s Southern Railway Legacy
The Chattanooga Choo Choo’s Station House Restaurant occupies the historic
terminal station’s original 1909 dining room, displaying restored dining cars. The
beautiful beaux-arts-style building houses several dining venues that celebrate the
city’s rich railroad heritage.
Original architectural features and period-correct restorations transport diners to the golden age of rail travel. A group of local businessmen saved the terminal station from demolition in 1970 and added it to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
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California Gold Country Service
The Sacramento River Train in Woodland offers dinner train excursions in restored
vintage dining cars along historic rails. These rolling restaurants serve seasonal
California cuisine while traveling through picturesque Sacramento Valley
landscapes.
The cars maintain their original design elements while offering modern dining comfort. The route operates on the Yolo Shortline Railroad tracks, which date back to 1911 when they were part of the Northern Electric Railway.
Michigan’s Grand Trunk Experience
Clara’s on the River in Battle Creek operates from the beautifully restored 1888
Grand Trunk Railroad depot. While not a dining car, this historic station restaurant
features original railroad architectural elements and houses authentic railroad
memorabilia.
The establishment serves American cuisine in spaces once occupied by waiting passengers. Renowned architect Cyrus L. W. Eidlitz designed the depot, and it was an active station until 1976.
Missouri Pacific Preservation
The Iron Horse Restaurant in Blackwater, Missouri, occupies a restored 1920s
Missouri Pacific Railroad depot. The restaurant features an authentic dining car
experience with period-correct table settings and décor from the railroad’s golden
age.
Local ingredients and traditional American dishes honor the region’s railroad
dining heritage. The building is recognized as part of the Blackwater Historic
Railroad District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
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New England Station Dining
The Depot Street Tavern in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, operates from a restored
1890s railroad station building. While the dining space isn’t in a car, the restaurant
preserves authentic railroad elements and serves classic New England fare.
Original architectural features and railroad memorabilia create an authentic period
atmosphere. The station served the Boston & Albany Railroad until passenger
service ended in 1957.
Illinois Central Heritage
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant in Kansas City features miniature trains that deliver food
to tables while preserving authentic railroad memorabilia and design elements.
Though not housed in actual train cars, the establishment celebrates railroad dining
heritage through its unique delivery system and decor.
Traditional American diner fare complements the railroad theme. Founded in 1954 by Fritz Kropf, the restaurant pioneered its unique food delivery system inspired by the founder’s experience as a machinist.
Rocky Mountain Rail Service
The Whistlestop Cafe in Ridgway, Colorado, occupies a restored Rio Grande
Southern railroad depot. While not a dining car restaurant, it maintains authentic
railroad elements and serves homestyle meals in a historic railroad setting.
The building’s original architectural features have been carefully preserved. The depot
was a crucial stop on the Rio Grande Southern’s ‘Galloping Goose’ route from 1931
to 1951.
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Florida East Coast Dining
The Choo Choo Steam Coffee & Cafe in Winter Garden operates from the city’s
restored 1920s railroad depot. The establishment features authentic railroad
memorabilia and serves breakfast and lunch in a space that once welcomed
passengers.
Original architectural details and period-correct restorations maintain historical accuracy. The building stands along the West Orange Trail, converted from
the old railroad right-of-way of the Orange Belt Railway.
New York Central Connection
The Arcade & Attica Railroad in Arcade offers seasonal dinner train excursions in
restored vintage dining cars. These moving restaurants serve traditional American
cuisine while traveling through scenic Wyoming County.
The cars maintain their historic character while providing comfortable dining spaces. The railroad is one of the last operating short-line railroads in New York State, operating continuously since 1881.
Montana Historic Rails
The 1899 Inn & Restaurant in DeBorgia occupies a restored Great Northern Railway
depot. Though not a dining car, this historic building maintains its original railroad
character while serving classic American dishes.
Railroad memorabilia and architectural features preserve the authentic feel. The depot was an important stop on the Great Northern’s transcontinental route until passenger service ended in 1971.
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Nevada Railway Preservation
The Nevada Northern Railway in Ely offers dinner train excursions in restored
vintage equipment. These special events feature dining in historic cars while
traveling along the original track through the scenic high desert landscape.
Period- correct service and décor recreate authentic railroad dining experiences. The railway was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006 and is considered America’s best-preserved short-line railroad.
Railroad Legacy Through Dining
These authentic establishments do more than serve meals – they preserve genuine
pieces of American railroad history through careful restoration and thoughtful
operation.
Whether housed in historic dining cars, depots, or railway-themed spaces, each
location offers visitors a true taste of railroad heritage alongside their meals.
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