Dining Options on Amtrak Trains: From Coffee Car to Dining Car

Traveling on Amtrak can be a delightful experience, whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal. Amtrak offers a range of dining options to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

Two-tiered Dining Experience

The dining experience on Amtrak trains is designed to cater to a variety of travelers. The offering can be categorized into two tiers: the cafe car and the formal dining car. The cafe car provides a more casual, self-service experience, while the dining car offers a more formal setting with a fixed menu.

Cafe Car

The cafe car serves as a convenient spot for passengers to grab a quick snack or meal throughout the day. It is a self-service cafeteria-style dining area that is open from early morning until late evening. The menu offers a variety of options such as burgers, sandwiches, chips, cookies, snacks, and a selection of beverages including bottled water, beer, wines, and sodas. This makes it a popular choice for passengers who prefer a casual dining experience or just need a quick refueling stop.

Formal Dining Car

The formal dining car, on the other hand, offers a more genteel atmosphere with a set menu. Offering a choice of up to three main entrees, the dining car’s menu changes according to the time of day. For breakfast, typical options include bacon/sausage, eggs, toast, and omelets, as well as a selection of cereals. During lunch, you can enjoy burgers, fries, grilled cheese, and salads, along with various chicken dishes and desserts. Dinner often features grilled steak, potatoes, vegetables, and desserts like cheesecake. The dining car also offers a complimentary selection of drinks, including wine and beer, as well as a salmon dish, a half-grilled chicken, and a vegan pasta plate, making it a more robust and varied option compared to the cafe car.

Overnight Dining and Sleepers

If you are traveling on an overnight train, you are likely to encounter the dining car in a different context. For passengers in the sleepers, food is included in the fare and served by waiters. This means that the dining car transforms into a more traditional dining room with a set menu. Alcohol is available for purchase, but it comes at an extra cost. Tipping the waiters is considered appropriate and is a kind gesture for their service. For those in the coach, you have the option to dine in the dining car, and if seats are available, you can also opt for the lounge car for a more casual meal. In the lounge car, simpler, microwaved food is available for purchase, making it a more convenient option for last-minute munching.

Inclusive Dining for Overnight Rooms

A unique perk for those staying in overnight roomettes or bedrooms is the inclusion of three meals each day. These meals can be enjoyed in the dining car or, if you prefer, taken back to your room by your porter. Porter service is an added convenience that ensures you have a proper sitting arrangement for each meal, with the option to choose from three different times. This service is particularly appealing for passengers who want to avoid the hustle of meal times or who simply want a more relaxed experience.

Conclusion

While the dining options on Amtrak trains might not offer gourmet cuisine, they do provide a range of choices that are both convenient and satisfying. Whether you're seeking a casual snack, a sit-down meal, or the inclusion of daily meals, Amtrak has options that cater to your needs, all while enhancing your journey.

For travelers seeking more details about Amtrak's dining options, we highly recommend checking the official Amtrak website or contacting their customer service for the most up-to-date information.