I remember going on the Southwest Chief in 1973 with my parents and two brothers. I was 11 years old and my mom and dad packed so many sandwiches, chips, candy bars, fruit, pop and cookies that it lasted from Kansas City to LA😃 What wonderful memories. One sad part 😩…we thought the train pulled off, leaving our mother in Albuquerque. We cried and before our daddy asked the attendant what they could do, our mama appears and we screamed!!! We asked her where she had been and said “in the cafe car drinking coffee in peace🥰” So glad I found your channel. What a joy you guys are!!!My husband and I will take the train from Portland to Seattle in a couple of months on my 60th Birthday☺️.
Terrific video guys! You summarized things really well, and it’s clear you’re not just experienced Amtrak travelers, you’re passionate about it as well. Subscribed!
The food was the best part on the California Zephyr. Having the roommette, they feed you three meals a day and towards the end of the trip, we found ourselves skipping lunch as we were too full!
Hey Rob, we are on the Southwest Chief to Flagstaff now, crew change and maintenance stop in Albuquerque,NM, and I wanted to tell you I had the flourless chocolate torte for dessert at lunch! If you are a chocolate lover, this is for you! Rich, melts in your mouth and just enough whipped cream. Hope you get to sample it sometime soon.
I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the food on the traditional dining experience on the Sunset Limited. I still say that steak was one of the most perfectly cooked I have ever had. And the French toast... Wow. I was expecting thin slices like one might find at a Denny's or something. It was truly amazing. And if your breakfast seating is towards the end of the breakfast hours and they have it, they will let you have plenty of extra sausage and/or bacon
The food on the Zephyr was delicious! I had the Café food on the way to California and the Traditional Dining on the way back. Since I have no idea if or when I will get a chance to ride again, I was determined to be bold in my selections and I was not disappointed. Everything I tried was so yummy! Some things I would not traditionally order but I was very pleased with all of their offerings.
I’m going to take my first Amtrak trip in early August riding the Cardinal from Cincinnati connecting to the Zephyr and finally the Coast Starliner to LA. Your travel guides have been most helpful and thorough covering everything I’ve wanted to know to be prepared for my trip. Your presentations are casual yet professional. Thank you for making these videos!
Taking my first train ride in January from NYC to Atlanta. Got a roomette reserved and your videos are saving me from a lot of first timer mistakes and making me more excited for the trip.
Hi, Rob and Ali! Great video, as always. I must have good "flourless chocolate torte" karma because I have always had it available. It is awesome . . . worthy of any top restaurant! I close my eyes and don't think about the calories when I eat it 😊. Keep the faith, Rob: There's a flourless chocolate torte out there, soon, with your name on it!
Thank you for all the tips,I love your video's,, I tried to book a trip to Sandpoint, Idaho for aug. the sleepers were taken so this old lady of 82 is going to tough it out by going coach,and after watching your video on going by coach it may not be so bad,, thank you,,
I saw a video about a Builder that got delayed by snow for so long they gave out of food. The called ahead to the next stop and got Subway sandwiches for everyone.
I can't wait. Watching you two inspired me to do a cross country trip. I had to reschedule my trip from Feb to Oct , unfortunately had to loose my roomette and accept a family room. Really would rather be on upper level for the view.I wish they could lower some of the prices for roomettes. But because of your advise, I did get the credit card with 50,000 points and this trip taking me from Los Angeles to SFO on Coast Starlight then on the Zephyr and lastly on the Capitol Limited is free...using most of my points.Can't thank you enough....also watched your cruise videos and once it seems safe for cruising, I will improve my knowledge by rewatching those videos and book some cruises. Budgeting is always a consideration. I'm 72 and travel solo.It has been such a joy watching you both as you share your lives and travels. God bless!
Thank you once again for an outstanding video. Always so detailed, the good and the bad. It is a shame it isn't like the 60's when I rode the trains from Connecticut to Kansas. The Golden Age of railroad dinning. Again thank you for the video!
Since we choose to eat vegan meals at home, we are also looking for tasty vegan options while riding on Amtrak. As things stand now, we realize that we might need to eat cheese with the vegetarian option.
@@peggycarilli4130 Unfortunately it's a pain to travel vegan. The food choices are so limited. One of the first things I think of when traveling is where I'll get vegan food.
Is vegan available? I am not vegan, but I cannot eat dairy (which makes me very sick). Vegan means nothing from an animal. I love steak and can eat hot dogs and hamburgers. I cannot eat anything with dairy. I will call Amtrak and get the low down on this.
This is now out of date. At least on the Zephyr - traveled in mid-April - the dining car is open to coach passengers. There is now a fixed price menu with several options for each meal. Breakfast was $20, lunch $25, dinner $45. It was excellent, served on china (or faux china), high quality. $45 may sound steep - but includes salad, main course, good dessert, and a beverage including alcoholic beverage at that price. Dinner items on the train included vegan option, and as I recall chicken and, but I chose an delicious Angus flank steak. Didn't have lunch, but breakfast was also a good value. Service was top-rate. No reservations now for meals in the dining car, at least on our train from Reno to Salt Lake, or back to Reno.
Thank you for reviewing these options. We're in a Roomette in April so we'll have dining included. And I wasn't sure how much to tip, and knew you mentioned it before in a video so I'm happy you give that information frequently so we know what you do for tips.
We are planning a zephyr trip from Chicago to Emeryville and I am a vegan. Sadly there aren’t more choices in the menu for breakfast options and dinner options. I see there is a vegan chili. Hopefully Amtrak will notice that more people are eating this way and try to accommodate this growing population. I’ve read some sources that 6% of our US population is vegan which accounts for 9.7 million vegan Americans and I’m certain many would be more apt to want to take Amtrak long distance if they saw more options.
We back in the before times (1986), I worked on Amtrak for the summer as a dining car attendant. We worked 18 hours a day then slept in the employee dorm car at night. A brisk shower woke us up at 5:00 am and then we worked until we closed dinner down. It was a great job! $9.54 hour plus tips, and tips were generally pretty good. We'd leave out of LA and go to either Chicago or New Orleans. There, we'd stay in a hotel for the night, then report back in the morning for the trip home. It was a great job...although I learned about the long-time customs of train workers that goes down through many generations. Those "old timers" didn't really care for part time college kids taking their jobs. I learned a lot that summer!
I remember Amtrak travel back in the early 80s! NOT very "culinary-friendly" in the dining car. LOL. My mom and I took a trip on Train 4 to Chicago and she ordered one of the "microwave cheeseburgers" from the diner...She drank alcohol the rest of the way. LOL. My grand-dad was a chef on that same route back when it was the Santa Fe and I, currently, am a chef on the Coast Starlight. While the food quality is nowhere as good as it was during the Clinton Years, Amtrak struggles to maintain a balance between "food quality" and "cost effectiveness" in large part, because of U.S. House Representative John Mica's (R., FL.) theatrics when it came to Amtrak food operational costs and his efforts to contract out Amtrak food service in entirety. I, personally, feel that Amtrak made a huge mistake by contracting out its commissary operations. Now there is neither food product nor food quality consistency...in large part because of the contractor's efforts to secure product for the "least amount".
@@grouchodarx8868 This is a great story. And yes, sadly, Amtrak is beholden to Congress' monetary whims. Hopefully it will return to some sort of glory days one day!
Now I know why I like your channel so much even though I don’t travel 🧳 and have no intention of taking the train 🚂. There’s sooo much anger everywhere. It’s on RUclips and the news, etc. Yet, when I watch your videos I feel a sense of peacefulness. It’s very relaxing 😎. Great 👍 job folks !!!
Crazy question but don't know who else to ask. Do you know if the "vegan" chili is made with vegetables or with the supposed "plant based" fake lab grown meat as are most or all of their other "vegetarian" options ? Asking because I am on a strict medical diet and would like to determine whether there is anything on the train I can eat (won't eat the fake stuff). I will have my fruits and veggies but it would be nice if I could eat something on the train since it is paid for with my roomette. Thanks and I love your channel.
How long ahead of time do you need to get your ticket for a sleeper? Want to travel west from Iowa. Also is it easy to get tickets to spend time in other places like a redwood forest then a different ticket to continue on? Is it worse now with pandemic changes. Employees have the vaccines needed? Wear masks? More people or less now? Traditional dining would be better for us. We are seniors and hope it is safe. Thank you so much for all your advice! February 1, 2022
I took a ride on the Empire Builder back in October 2021. Great meal service! And they had the new flexible menu; but I think the options were a little different (I think). The only downer, not sure what happened, on the last morning the chef did not board the train; and we were left with yogurt, cereal or French toast for breakfast. I pray that was just a one-off. Has that ever happened to y’all? (Or anyone else)
We once had the dining car attendant quit his job in the middle of the route after he had forgotten to put salad and rolls on the train. That is the only thing close.
@@GroundedLifeTravel hi! ive commented before but when we boarded the Crescent to head BACK to ATL from NoLa, they didnt have any breakfasts. the train sat there overnight of course and they were about 30 minutes late in boarding. not sure what happened there. this was Oct 21. we also only had hot dogs or hamburgers for lunch/dinner. not sure why this was, they had all night to restock the food... we had roomettes and there was a snack type car in the consist but we knew nothing about how to eat in any dining car. maybe the Crescent doesnt have a dining car other that the Snack car? your other videos have had such GREAT LOOKING food! i want to ride a train with some of that wonderful food
@@truthsayers8725 It was probably do to covid- they just recently I think like 2 months ago put the dinning cars back on the trains. West trains out of Chicago and San Antoniono going to LA will have traditional dinning with the auto train, and all trains east of San Antonio and Chicago will have flexible dinning. Also dinning is now only reserved for sleeper passengers coach are not allowed to get it yet, but it might change in a few months.
My wife and I are enjoying your videos. Traveling on Amtrak is on our bucket list. We live in Oxford, Alabama only 8 miles from the Amtrak station in Anniston, Alabama. I think the train is called the Crescent. Your videos have given us valuable information.
I wonder if you can go into the Metropolitan Lounge after you get off the train and get complimentary food and drinks if you were a sleeping car passenger. Have you done that?
The answer is yes. Just show your ticket for entry. You can also check your carry luggage in the lounge if you have a few hours to kill walking around where you are.
Grest video/info once again. As part of my bucket list I will be taking my first train ride this coming June from Miami to New York (Silver Meteor I think ?) . As part of my 65th birthday. Can I purchase beer or drinks on the train ? Thanks once more for sharing your experiences with us.
I have taken one Acela first class trip and am officially addicted to how fun the train is and cannot wait to book my next trip! I get my fix by watching these videos. Amtrack should get you some free train rides so you can make videos...
I was 4 the one and only time I was on a train. 51 now. I still have a few memories. Mostly seeing the snow in the Cascades as we went to Eastern Washington.
I traveled by Amtrack to go to Calif, and Texas in the 90s. When I traveled in the 2000, I saw a big difference. The ticket went up over 50%. Maybe more. I know it was a ridiculous price. The Attendant didn't answer my call bell so I could order my meals. The meals were like Marie Calendar freezer food. They used to have good steaks for dinner. I was disabled and had a hard time walking up the narrow stairs. The toilet and electricity didn't work which had us going up and down those stairs. The train hit a bump and tossed me from side to side when I was walking down the stairs and I injured myself. It took a long time to get compensated for that. Ever since the government bought Amtrack everything went down. The dinners included steaks just to give you an example. This last time I saw a big difference in the menu. They also had wine tasting and a movie and playroom where the children could watch cartoons. They didn't have that. The employees told me that when the government took over the rails all that stopped. My last trip was a nightmare.
I ride the City of New Orleans between Memphis and Chicago though haven't been on it in around 3 years or so. How they used to do the dining car years ago was, sleeper and first class passengers ate first and only after they were done and cleared out did they let coach class in. They had prices on the menus then because coach had to pay for their meals. The pork chops I loved cost around $18.00. Of course I didn't have to pay thank goodness. They also had the cafe downstairs in the lounge car which is where most of the coach class got their food. The last time I rode only first class and sleeper car folks could eat in the dining room and I believe the prices weren't on the menu anymore. Not long after my last ride they went to Flex dining and changed things food wise on the train. I don't think traditional is back on the City of New Orleans yet. I have had to share a table in the dining car with strangers a few times but I didn't mind since I was alone. Was nice meeting new people and having someone to have a conversation with. One time the dining car was full and I stood up and asked if the song City of New Orleans went through anyone's head when they got on. The whole dining car started singing it. It was a blast! I have to say I have never been disappointed with the food or the service on the train. Union Station in Chicago has a food court with a variety of food available to eat there or take with you on the train.
Your dining tips are much appreciated. I am wondering if gluten free options are available. I am willing to bring some of my own food, but I think I would need at least one nutritious dining car option per day on a two day trip with a roomette.
Thanks guys. Im considering going to Vegas by train and just stumbled across your feed. Awesome thanks again. Otherwise I would not have know what to expect.
You guys do a great job of giving passengers options, (including photos!) depending on the class of train or the length of your trip. My experiences with Amtrak have all been on the Coast Starlight (or the Cascade trains) where the food was quite enjoyable. Lots of fresh, locally grown fruits, salads and meat selections. The views are wonderful. From the photos you've shown, the selection of alcohol beverages is all low end product, no premium beers, wine or alcohol. The snack bar food selection is not worth the money from my point of view. It's akin to 'fast food' served all over North America. Poor quality and largely unhealthy selections. I will travel Amtrak again, hopefully later this year. The crews are fun, the views are spectacular and it's a train....and that's always good. I'd love to see you do a comparison story about the food and beverages served aboard VIA RAIL's "The Canadian" from Vancouver to Toronto. I'll be trying that early next year!
If you bring your own food, will a microwave be available? You may answer this later, I’ll keep viewing. Thanks. Found the channel today and I am binge watching. Love it.
I've only done a short trip from St. Paul to Wisconsin Dells and back, but it was lovely. My son used to go to college from Marion IL to Fargo, ND. THAT was a long haul in coachl, but the amount of luggage they'd allow made it THE way to go and from college each school year.
Somehow you both are comforting as well as adventurers to me. Keep up a great job. Maybe my hubby and I will take an Amtrak train vacation. I would love it a lot. Thanks, Laura from New Hampshire
Thank you both for these informative videos. It helped me greatly in planning my first AmTrak trip from Chicago to San Antonio. More trips to come on AmTrak.
I love all your videos .. in 2018 we traveled by train Boston to glacier with vacations by rail. Fantastic vacation. My husband will tell you the train was the best part of our 16 day vacation in the national parks…lol now we will be going all the way to Seattle to catch a cruise to Alaska. Your videos sure help us thank you for your hard work
Good stuff!! Offering complimentary meals to sleeper car passengers started in the early 90's. Although I'm good with having one meal/day, it really pushes my limits by having 3. Too bad Amtrak won't give sleeper car passengers discounted fares for not wanting meals. It's good food, but I need to force feed in order to get the full value of fares on long distance trains or it's my loss. Coach travel overnight is not an option. Amtrak had 1950's Slumbercoaches in service on some Eastern routes offering no frills sleeper car service without meals, but unfortunately they were all removed from service after Viewliners were introduced. I'm really dating myself....
Thanks for all this information. These travels with you two are great and exciting! I enjoy taking the journey with you! Life of traveling is so fascinating!
We were looking at doing the LA to Seattle train but after seeing one of your videos I guess the wildfires has interfered with that train. We then were interested in going cross country up in Canada. I would like to find a way to make several stops going cross-country in the US on a train. I'm wondering how much that would drive up the cost of the train tickets. I have a lot of research to do. I'm very good at cruises, and I love the trains in Europe. I just really do not think about doing a train in the US. We're senior citizens and we would like to see more of our own country. Thank you for such excellent videos.
I booked a bedroom from Lamy to Los Angeles this January and I love the included meals. Last January I got lunch out of Lamy Dinner and Breakfast plus the Metropolitan Lounge.
Hi I came across your channel this week by accident. I can’t stop watching I find it so interesting. I can’t travel on the Amtrak because I’m from the UK 😀but I’m just enjoying the content. My son is a train fanatic has been since he was very little. He is now 20! Maybe that’s the reason why your videos popped up as a recommended watch. I’m glad they did ☺️
Again awesome.....Southwest Chief was my ride once I got to Chicago via NJ and then road it on top level coach down to Albuquerque, NM where I now reside😀 the past 11 years.
Thank you so much for providing tip info. We took our first long trip - 3 trains over 5 days - and We had some problems with one of the dining car attendants on our recent trip Southwest Chief trip. He apparently didn’t think we were tipping enough. But now I know that we were tipping sufficiently. Thank you again for all the info you provided- you are the reason we are doing Amtrak and we love it.
One thing I wish we had known before we traveled on the California Zephyr is that, if you are traveling as a couple, you are never allowed to enjoy the traditional dining by yourselves, but are forced to eat with random strangers. Sometimes you get seated with someone who is interesting to talk to, but it’s a real crap shoot. I am not a person who enjoys having to face a stranger across a fairly narrow table and make small talk while I’m eating, so I wish I had known that in advance.
We've found that situation changes from train to train depending on the staff. On one trip they might seat people differently than others. So, you never really know how they will do it.
The other choice is if you do not wanted to be seated with straingers the sleeping attnednent can bring the food to your roommate for both of you to eat in peace.
The only way to avoid strangers if not comfortable with them is eat in your own sleeper car. The sleeping attendent will bring your food to your roommate/bedroom.
The Texas Eagle from San Antonio to Chicago has a cafe car to purchase food, but coach passengers weren’t allowed to sit down-they had to eat at their seat. The train was full, so eating at your seat wasn’t comfortable. The inconsistent service among Amtrak lines is confusing.
Do you think it is safe to take Amtrak from Fort Lauderdale to Manhattan in the middle of winter? (February) I have never been on Amtrak. Would like to go but don't know how the trains do in snow.
Trains usually run as the railroads do have plows. Having said that, there might be a significant delay for the plows to clear the tracks. But the plows will eventually clear the track. Icy tracks aren't a problem though as trains use sand for traction. I had to wait on the Empire Builder in the Cascades a few hours after a snowstorm dropped several feet of snow on the tracks. Great watching snow plows work. Inches are nothing... Trains run, maybe late, airlines cancel... Be smart, plan to get to your destination a day earlier than you need to be there for that wedding or birthday... That extra day really eliminates worrying about being on time significantly...
Wish that there were additional salad dressings available as I really don't like what is offered. Thousand Island is my go to. When I first took the SWC #3 & #4 back in 2013 it was offered along with a number of others as well. Since it isn''t I just go dry. Used Amtrak yearly since 2013 with the exception of 2019. Great way to trave, I call it "Adventures on Amtrak" as you really don't know if you will arrive on time of a day late!
You can always bring a bottle of Thousand Island on the trip, better than dry...I'm planning on bringing Frank's Hot Sauce and blue cheese dressing with me for my long distance loop route (Chicago to Seattle to LA to New Orleans to Chicago) in April...
I am sooooo glad the dining cars are back open. Hubby and I want to take a trip, but we didn’t want to go unless the dining cars were open. I traveled as a little girl with my mother, and one my favorite things to do was to get dressed up and go to the dining car. We are soooo looking forward to taking a trip and your videos are soooo very helpful and informative. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and answering all our questions. Safe travels to you both and may God Bless you both. 🙏🏻❤️
I am new to your channel and my question is for the roomate opption, will the attendant bring dinner to the cabin if requesting that, or a breakfast or lunch?
So Amtrak doesn't allow customers to pay in cash but we're supposed to tip in cash the workers? Not accepting cash is unlawful. Until cash is removed from our society it should be used. Use it or you'll lose your right to privacy.
You guys did a excellent job in explaining everything about traveling on an Amtrak train. Thanks for your help in giving us a lot of choices on this great way to travel. My wife and I want to travel from New York to Seattle and you guys helped us make room choices easy. Thanks again
Nor does presently the Texas Eagle north of San Antonio and the Capitol Limited who share the same train sets with a Cross Country Diner instead of a regular diner...
I will be taking my first Amtrak Trip in January and I can't wait. Do you have video with a tipping guide? Just curious what you tip the Amtrak staff. Thanks!
So when you pay for a room… you can’t eat there if you have issues with gluten. It is sad… because when you travel for 72 hours, it becomes a bit rough
You guys are a wealth of information . I took the California Zephyr westbound from Chicago back in 2006. In October I’m getting on in Denver. It’s an 8 am boarding - will I get breakfast in the dining car or is it better to just secure a place in the sightseer early on? New cars on this route to your knowledge? Thank you
Denver is a long stop so I'd drop my bags off in my room, then go right to the dining car for breakfast. You'll probably be able to eat and have barely left Denver when you are done. Then you could go to the lounge afterward. These will be superliner I and II cars which there is really almost no difference, neither of them are newer, but they are still nice.
I'm taking Amtrak on the 25th, not my first trip with Amtrak, but My first roomette experience. Your videos have helped me look forward to this new experience.
Just restore Dining Car Service on ALL Over-Night Trains East of the Mississippi for Crying Out Loud! I can get better food from Uber-Eats or Door-Dash compared to the Flex-Menu garbage Amtrak now serves.
I remember going on the Southwest Chief in 1973 with my parents and two brothers. I was 11 years old and my mom and dad packed so many sandwiches, chips, candy bars, fruit, pop and cookies that it lasted from Kansas City to LA😃 What wonderful memories. One sad part 😩…we thought the train pulled off, leaving our mother in Albuquerque. We cried and before our daddy asked the attendant what they could do, our mama appears and we screamed!!! We asked her where she had been and said “in the cafe car drinking coffee in peace🥰” So glad I found your channel. What a joy you guys are!!!My husband and I will take the train from Portland to Seattle in a couple of months on my 60th Birthday☺️.
Sweet that you refer to your parents as "mama and daddy". Happy and safe travels to you and hubby. n
great story! Thanks for sharing it with us, we love it!
LOL! Poor kids.
What a great story . wonderful memories..I am 70 and still call my mama and daddy. Mama and Daddy because that's what they were to me ..
Enjoy your birthday.
Nothing better than eating breakfast on Amtrak as you roll thru town with vehicles stopped at crossings on their way to work
Terrific video guys! You summarized things really well, and it’s clear you’re not just experienced Amtrak travelers, you’re passionate about it as well. Subscribed!
The food was the best part on the California Zephyr. Having the roommette, they feed you three meals a day and towards the end of the trip, we found ourselves skipping lunch as we were too full!
Being arthritic I have the car attendant bring the meals to my compartment. Wonderful service!
Hey Rob, we are on the Southwest Chief to Flagstaff now, crew change and maintenance stop in Albuquerque,NM, and I wanted to tell you I had the flourless chocolate torte for dessert at lunch! If you are a chocolate lover, this is for you! Rich, melts in your mouth and just enough whipped cream. Hope you get to sample it sometime soon.
Awesome, thanks for the review!
I was absolutely blown away by the quality of the food on the traditional dining experience on the Sunset Limited. I still say that steak was one of the most perfectly cooked I have ever had. And the French toast... Wow. I was expecting thin slices like one might find at a Denny's or something. It was truly amazing. And if your breakfast seating is towards the end of the breakfast hours and they have it, they will let you have plenty of extra sausage and/or bacon
The food on the Zephyr was delicious! I had the Café food on the way to California and the Traditional Dining on the way back. Since I have no idea if or when I will get a chance to ride again, I was determined to be bold in my selections and I was not disappointed. Everything I tried was so yummy! Some things I would not traditionally order but I was very pleased with all of their offerings.
I’m going to take my first Amtrak trip in early August riding the Cardinal from Cincinnati connecting to the Zephyr and finally the Coast Starliner to LA. Your travel guides have been most helpful and thorough covering everything I’ve wanted to know to be prepared for my trip. Your presentations are casual yet professional. Thank you for making these videos!
I’ve never been on an Amtrak train. I really want to. Total bucket list item.
Awesome, you should go!
Best way EVER to travel😊
Taking my first train ride in January from NYC to Atlanta. Got a roomette reserved and your videos are saving me from a lot of first timer mistakes and making me more excited for the trip.
Cool! Have fun!!
Hi, Rob and Ali! Great video, as always. I must have good "flourless chocolate torte" karma because I have always had it available. It is awesome . . . worthy of any top restaurant! I close my eyes and don't think about the calories when I eat it 😊. Keep the faith, Rob: There's a flourless chocolate torte out there, soon, with your name on it!
haha, thanks! Hoping to get it on the next one, glad to hear it was good!
@@GroundedLifeTravel l love your channel. I was on the Texas eagle. Wish I seen your video before I rode the train
Would of helped.
Thank you for all the tips,I love your video's,, I tried to book a trip to Sandpoint, Idaho for aug. the sleepers were taken so this old lady of 82 is going to tough it out by going coach,and after watching your video on going by coach it may not be so bad,, thank you,,
Thanks! Have a great trip!
I saw a video about a Builder that got delayed by snow for so long they gave out of food. The called ahead to the next stop and got Subway sandwiches for everyone.
That's a great story! Thankfully we've never been delayed long enough for that to happen!
On the Capitol Limited after the diner freezer died, Amtrak called out and had a bucket of fried chicken delivered to the sleeper passengers...
Railroad French Toast for the win!!! 😋❤
As a diabetic I prefer the eggs...
It was good!
The flourless torte is with Waldo and Carmen Sandiego
The hardwood smoked bacon is to die for..seriously.
I can't wait. Watching you two inspired me to do a cross country trip. I had to reschedule my trip from Feb to Oct , unfortunately had to loose my roomette and accept a family room. Really would rather be on upper level for the view.I wish they could lower some of the prices for roomettes. But because of your advise, I did get the credit card with 50,000 points and this trip taking me from Los Angeles to SFO on Coast Starlight then on the Zephyr and lastly on the Capitol Limited is free...using most of my points.Can't thank you enough....also watched your cruise videos and once it seems safe for cruising, I will improve my knowledge by rewatching those videos and book some cruises. Budgeting is always a consideration. I'm 72 and travel solo.It has been such a joy watching you both as you share your lives and travels. God bless!
Awesome that you got the 50,000 points! We just noticed they are not offering it anymore so it didn't last long!
This is all so incredibly helpful. Great content. Thank you.
Thanks!
Another great show! I learn a great deal from watching your shows. And you guys are very entertaining too. Great job!!!
Rob totally agrees!
Thank you once again for an outstanding video. Always so detailed, the good and the bad. It is a shame it isn't like the 60's when I rode the trains from Connecticut to Kansas. The Golden Age of railroad dinning. Again thank you for the video!
I really enjoy your videos. I've booked a Roomette on the Southwest Chief next August. You've answered a lot of questions I've had. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Hot dog for $7.50. Please bring your own snacks ! Sometimes they can't take your credit or debit cards.
Bring Your Own Snacks !!!!!!!
We usually do bring as much as we can if in coach, that is the best idea!
And drinks
*YOU TWO ARE AWESOME. THANKS !!!*
Thank you!
What a through review. I wish they had more vegan options.
Since we choose to eat vegan meals at home, we are also looking for tasty vegan options while riding on Amtrak. As things stand now, we realize that we might need to eat cheese with the vegetarian option.
@@peggycarilli4130 Unfortunately it's a pain to travel vegan. The food choices are so limited. One of the first things I think of when traveling is where I'll get vegan food.
Thanks! hopefully it was helpful to plan a trip.
@@GroundedLifeTravel Yes, it was very helpful.
@@janis902 us too!
Is vegan available? I am not vegan, but I cannot eat dairy (which makes me very sick). Vegan means nothing from an animal. I love steak and can eat hot dogs and hamburgers. I cannot eat anything with dairy. I will call Amtrak and get the low down on this.
There are a few things you could eat on there
This is now out of date. At least on the Zephyr - traveled in mid-April - the dining car is open to coach passengers. There is now a fixed price menu with several options for each meal. Breakfast was $20, lunch $25, dinner $45. It was excellent, served on china (or faux china), high quality. $45 may sound steep - but includes salad, main course, good dessert, and a beverage including alcoholic beverage at that price. Dinner items on the train included vegan option, and as I recall chicken and, but I chose an delicious Angus flank steak. Didn't have lunch, but breakfast was also a good value. Service was top-rate. No reservations now for meals in the dining car, at least on our train from Reno to Salt Lake, or back to Reno.
The green chili tamales are absolutely incredible!!!😋
They are! Rob agrees!
Thank you for reviewing these options. We're in a Roomette in April so we'll have dining included. And I wasn't sure how much to tip, and knew you mentioned it before in a video so I'm happy you give that information frequently so we know what you do for tips.
Glad it was helpful!
And cash ,,. Needed
We are planning a zephyr trip from Chicago to Emeryville and I am a vegan. Sadly there aren’t more choices in the menu for breakfast options and dinner options. I see there is a vegan chili. Hopefully Amtrak will notice that more people are eating this way and try to accommodate this growing population. I’ve read some sources that 6% of our US population is vegan which accounts for 9.7 million vegan Americans and I’m certain many would be more apt to want to take Amtrak long distance if they saw more options.
Some of us have to choose vegan because of food allergies. I am allergic to dairy. I plan to bring one bag full of food.
We back in the before times (1986), I worked on Amtrak for the summer as a dining car attendant. We worked 18 hours a day then slept in the employee dorm car at night. A brisk shower woke us up at 5:00 am and then we worked until we closed dinner down. It was a great job! $9.54 hour plus tips, and tips were generally pretty good. We'd leave out of LA and go to either Chicago or New Orleans. There, we'd stay in a hotel for the night, then report back in the morning for the trip home. It was a great job...although I learned about the long-time customs of train workers that goes down through many generations. Those "old timers" didn't really care for part time college kids taking their jobs. I learned a lot that summer!
I remember Amtrak travel back in the early 80s! NOT very "culinary-friendly" in the dining car. LOL. My mom and I took a trip on Train 4 to Chicago and she ordered one of the "microwave cheeseburgers" from the diner...She drank alcohol the rest of the way. LOL. My grand-dad was a chef on that same route back when it was the Santa Fe and I, currently, am a chef on the Coast Starlight.
While the food quality is nowhere as good as it was during the Clinton Years, Amtrak struggles to maintain a balance between "food quality" and "cost effectiveness" in large part, because of U.S. House Representative John Mica's (R., FL.) theatrics when it came to Amtrak food operational costs and his efforts to contract out Amtrak food service in entirety. I, personally, feel that Amtrak made a huge mistake by contracting out its commissary operations. Now there is neither food product nor food quality consistency...in large part because of the contractor's efforts to secure product for the "least amount".
@@grouchodarx8868 This is a great story. And yes, sadly, Amtrak is beholden to Congress' monetary whims. Hopefully it will return to some sort of glory days one day!
Now I know why I like your channel so much even though I don’t travel 🧳 and have no intention of taking the train 🚂.
There’s sooo much anger everywhere. It’s on RUclips and the news, etc. Yet, when I watch your videos I feel a sense of peacefulness. It’s very relaxing 😎.
Great 👍 job folks !!!
So nice of you! Thanks, we appreciate it!
The meals look tasty - had no idea what to expect. You do a GREAT job of telling and showing what the various options are.
Crazy question but don't know who else to ask. Do you know if the "vegan" chili is made with vegetables or with the supposed "plant based" fake lab grown meat as are most or all of their other "vegetarian" options ? Asking because I am on a strict medical diet and would like to determine whether there is anything on the train I can eat (won't eat the fake stuff). I will have my fruits and veggies but it would be nice if I could eat something on the train since it is paid for with my roomette. Thanks and I love your channel.
We aren't sure, you'd probably need to call them to find out
Riding the train more these days and enjoying your videos!
How long ahead of time do you need to get your ticket for a sleeper? Want to travel west from Iowa. Also is it easy to get tickets to spend time in other places like a redwood forest then a different ticket to continue on? Is it worse now with pandemic changes. Employees have the vaccines needed? Wear masks? More people or less now? Traditional dining would be better for us. We are seniors and hope it is safe. Thank you so much for all your advice! February 1, 2022
I took a ride on the Empire Builder back in October 2021. Great meal service! And they had the new flexible menu; but I think the options were a little different (I think). The only downer, not sure what happened, on the last morning the chef did not board the train; and we were left with yogurt, cereal or French toast for breakfast. I pray that was just a one-off. Has that ever happened to y’all? (Or anyone else)
We once had the dining car attendant quit his job in the middle of the route after he had forgotten to put salad and rolls on the train. That is the only thing close.
@@GroundedLifeTravel hi! ive commented before but when we boarded the Crescent to head BACK to ATL from NoLa, they didnt have any breakfasts. the train sat there overnight of course and they were about 30 minutes late in boarding. not sure what happened there. this was Oct 21. we also only had hot dogs or hamburgers for lunch/dinner. not sure why this was, they had all night to restock the food...
we had roomettes and there was a snack type car in the consist but we knew nothing about how to eat in any dining car. maybe the Crescent doesnt have a dining car other that the Snack car? your other videos have had such GREAT LOOKING food! i want to ride a train with some of that wonderful food
@@GroundedLifeTravel That sounds like something from a dramatic movie
@@truthsayers8725 It was probably do to covid- they just recently I think like 2 months ago put the dinning cars back on the trains. West trains out of Chicago and San Antoniono going to LA will have traditional dinning with the auto train, and all trains east of San Antonio and Chicago will have flexible dinning. Also dinning is now only reserved for sleeper passengers coach are not allowed to get it yet, but it might change in a few months.
You are the cutest couple with great advice! I am looking forward to my Empire Builder train trip in October.😁
Thanks! Have a great trip!
I recently took the Coast Starlight in a bedroom. The experience was awesome and food amazing. Flatiron steak was tasty
My wife and I are enjoying your videos. Traveling on Amtrak is on our bucket list. We live in Oxford, Alabama only 8 miles from the Amtrak station in Anniston, Alabama. I think the train is called the Crescent. Your videos have given us valuable information.
Awesome, the same train as our home station in Atlanta!
I wonder if you can go into the Metropolitan Lounge after you get off the train and get complimentary food and drinks if you were a sleeping car passenger. Have you done that?
That is a great question, and we have never tried it. I guess we were in a hurry to get to the hotel. We will try it soon.
I have done that in the Metropolitan Lounge at the Chicago station. The buffet there offered free snacks and beverages, but not full meals.
The answer is yes. Just show your ticket for entry. You can also check your carry luggage in the lounge if you have a few hours to kill walking around where you are.
I truly enjoy your videos they answer a lot of questions. Thanks
Grest video/info once again. As part of my bucket list I will be taking my first train ride this coming June from Miami to New York (Silver Meteor I think ?) . As part of my 65th birthday. Can I purchase beer or drinks on the train ? Thanks once more for sharing your experiences with us.
Yes you will be able to, and have a great birthday!
Happy Belated Birthday, hopefully all your wishes came true!!! Also how was the trip?
Get you a woman who looks at you while you talk the way she looks at him while he talks.
I have taken one Acela first class trip and am officially addicted to how fun the train is and cannot wait to book my next trip! I get my fix by watching these videos. Amtrack should get you some free train rides so you can make videos...
I was 4 the one and only time I was on a train. 51 now. I still have a few memories. Mostly seeing the snow in the Cascades as we went to Eastern Washington.
Awesome!
I traveled by Amtrack to go to Calif, and Texas in the 90s. When I traveled in the 2000, I saw a big difference. The ticket went up over 50%. Maybe more. I know it was a ridiculous price. The Attendant didn't answer my call bell so I could order my meals. The meals were like Marie Calendar freezer food. They used to have good steaks for dinner. I was disabled and had a hard time walking up the narrow stairs. The toilet and electricity didn't work which had us going up and down those stairs. The train hit a bump and tossed me from side to side when I was walking down the stairs and I injured myself. It took a long time to get compensated for that. Ever since the government bought Amtrack everything went down. The dinners included steaks just to give you an example. This last time I saw a big difference in the menu. They also had wine tasting and a movie and playroom where the children could watch cartoons. They didn't have that. The employees told me that when the government took over the rails all that stopped. My last trip was a nightmare.
I ride the City of New Orleans between Memphis and Chicago though haven't been on it in around 3 years or so. How they used to do the dining car years ago was, sleeper and first class passengers ate first and only after they were done and cleared out did they let coach class in. They had prices on the menus then because coach had to pay for their meals. The pork chops I loved cost around $18.00. Of course I didn't have to pay thank goodness. They also had the cafe downstairs in the lounge car which is where most of the coach class got their food. The last time I rode only first class and sleeper car folks could eat in the dining room and I believe the prices weren't on the menu anymore. Not long after my last ride they went to Flex dining and changed things food wise on the train. I don't think traditional is back on the City of New Orleans yet. I have had to share a table in the dining car with strangers a few times but I didn't mind since I was alone. Was nice meeting new people and having someone to have a conversation with. One time the dining car was full and I stood up and asked if the song City of New Orleans went through anyone's head when they got on. The whole dining car started singing it. It was a blast! I have to say I have never been disappointed with the food or the service on the train. Union Station in Chicago has a food court with a variety of food available to eat there or take with you on the train.
That really funny especially the song at the end.
We’ve had the flourless chocolate torte many times on the sunset route this past New Years, though they did run out of the cheese cake
Good to know, was it good?
@@GroundedLifeTravel yes! Delicious! I think it were my children who ate all the chocolate torte Amtrak had😭at least they gave me a bite 😅
I love this! Reminds me of when I was eight years old and traveling with my Mom across country! What an Adventure!
Thank you!
FYI keystone trains don’t have bar cars either…
Thanks for the info, good to know!
Your dining tips are much appreciated. I am wondering if gluten free options are available. I am willing to bring some of my own food, but I think I would need at least one nutritious dining car option per day on a two day trip with a roomette.
Is it just the dining car menu that is included for sleeping accommodations, or is the Cafe food included as well?
Thanks guys. Im considering going to Vegas by train and just stumbled across your feed. Awesome thanks again. Otherwise I would not have know what to expect.
Thanks! If you do go to Vegas, the last part will be on a bus, the train doesn't go the whole way there.
You guys do a great job of giving passengers options, (including photos!) depending on the class of train or the length of your trip. My experiences with Amtrak have all been on the Coast Starlight (or the Cascade trains) where the food was quite enjoyable. Lots of fresh, locally grown fruits, salads and meat selections. The views are wonderful. From the photos you've shown, the selection of alcohol beverages is all low end product, no premium beers, wine or alcohol. The snack bar food selection is not worth the money from my point of view. It's akin to 'fast food' served all over North America. Poor quality and largely unhealthy selections. I will travel Amtrak again, hopefully later this year. The crews are fun, the views are spectacular and it's a train....and that's always good. I'd love to see you do a comparison story about the food and beverages served aboard VIA RAIL's "The Canadian" from Vancouver to Toronto. I'll be trying that early next year!
If you bring your own food, will a microwave be available? You may answer this later, I’ll keep viewing. Thanks. Found the channel today and I am binge watching. Love it.
No, there is no microwave. Thanks for watching!
No microwave...
I'm surprised after all these years they still have pizza on amtrak
Wouldn't eat anything on any of these menus...
I've only done a short trip from St. Paul to Wisconsin Dells and back, but it was lovely. My son used to go to college from Marion IL to Fargo, ND. THAT was a long haul in coachl, but the amount of luggage they'd allow made it THE way to go and from college each school year.
The free luggage is a great perk!
Somehow you both are comforting as well as adventurers to me. Keep up a great job. Maybe my hubby and I will take an Amtrak train vacation. I would love it a lot. Thanks, Laura from New Hampshire
The food seems pretty good
We like it better than airline food by quite a bit
Thank you both for these informative videos. It helped me greatly in planning my first AmTrak trip from Chicago to San Antonio. More trips to come on AmTrak.
Do they still have the smoking cars a nice cigarettes would be nice after all these amazing meals
They do not, you have to wait until one of the stops
I love all your videos .. in 2018 we traveled by train Boston to glacier with vacations by rail. Fantastic vacation. My husband will tell you the train was the best part of our 16 day vacation in the national parks…lol now we will be going all the way to Seattle to catch a cruise to Alaska. Your videos sure help us thank you for your hard work
That is awesome! Great idea to pair the cruise and train together
Are there Microwaves on amtrak thank you love your videos
Good stuff!! Offering complimentary meals to sleeper car passengers started in the early 90's. Although I'm good with having one meal/day, it really pushes my limits by having 3. Too bad Amtrak won't give sleeper car passengers discounted fares for not wanting meals. It's good food, but I need to force feed in order to get the full value of fares on long distance trains or it's my loss. Coach travel overnight is not an option. Amtrak had 1950's Slumbercoaches in service on some Eastern routes offering no frills sleeper car service without meals, but unfortunately they were all removed from service after Viewliners were introduced. I'm really dating myself....
yes you are, but it's ok.😁
Those slumbercoaches sound awesome!
@@GroundedLifeTravel There were no locks, just curtains. There is far too much crime today for unlockable sleeper berths...
Thanks for all this information. These travels with you two are great and exciting! I enjoy taking the journey with you! Life of traveling is so fascinating!
Thanks!
We were looking at doing the LA to Seattle train but after seeing one of your videos I guess the wildfires has interfered with that train. We then were interested in going cross country up in Canada. I would like to find a way to make several stops going cross-country in the US on a train. I'm wondering how much that would drive up the cost of the train tickets. I have a lot of research to do. I'm very good at cruises, and I love the trains in Europe. I just really do not think about doing a train in the US. We're senior citizens and we would like to see more of our own country. Thank you for such excellent videos.
Hi Allie and Rob, you have some great information here... thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
I booked a bedroom from Lamy to Los Angeles this January and I love the included meals. Last January I got lunch out of Lamy Dinner and Breakfast plus the Metropolitan Lounge.
Hi I came across your channel this week by accident. I can’t stop watching I find it so interesting. I can’t travel on the Amtrak because I’m from the UK 😀but I’m just enjoying the content. My son is a train fanatic has been since he was very little. He is now 20! Maybe that’s the reason why your videos popped up as a recommended watch. I’m glad they did ☺️
Awesome! Thanks for watching and welcome!
Thank you for the info
Wow! Much better food 🍲 than on the airplane!
Again awesome.....Southwest Chief was my ride once I got to Chicago via NJ and then road it on top level coach down to Albuquerque, NM where I now reside😀 the past 11 years.
Thank you so much for providing tip info. We took our first long trip - 3 trains over 5 days - and We had some problems with one of the dining car attendants on our recent trip Southwest Chief trip. He apparently didn’t think we were tipping enough. But now I know that we were tipping sufficiently.
Thank you again for all the info you provided- you are the reason we are doing Amtrak and we love it.
Glad it helped!
Thank you guys, that was a very enjoyable and educational video! I'm certain I will watch it again!
What food is available on capital limited
Thank you for this effort. Working on my dad's bucket list and this is very helpful. I appreciate this more than you know. Thanks again.
Thanks for watching!
One thing I wish we had known before we traveled on the California Zephyr is that, if you are traveling as a couple, you are never allowed to enjoy the traditional dining by yourselves, but are forced to eat with random strangers. Sometimes you get seated with someone who is interesting to talk to, but it’s a real crap shoot. I am not a person who enjoys having to face a stranger across a fairly narrow table and make small talk while I’m eating, so I wish I had known that in advance.
We've found that situation changes from train to train depending on the staff. On one trip they might seat people differently than others. So, you never really know how they will do it.
I had that on the Coast Starlight, and I liked it because everybody i talked to were really cool.
The other choice is if you do not wanted to be seated with straingers the sleeping attnednent can bring the food to your roommate for both of you to eat in peace.
The only way to avoid strangers if not comfortable with them is eat in your own sleeper car. The sleeping attendent will bring your food to your roommate/bedroom.
@@chrisdobrowolski2783 I was looking for someone to answer this, thank you!
This is my first video with you two! I have to say you two are a terrific couple!
The Texas Eagle from San Antonio to Chicago has a cafe car to purchase food, but coach passengers weren’t allowed to sit down-they had to eat at their seat. The train was full, so eating at your seat wasn’t comfortable. The inconsistent service among Amtrak lines is confusing.
It is different on almost every line for some thing, you are correct
Do you think it is safe to take Amtrak from Fort Lauderdale to Manhattan in the middle of winter? (February) I have never been on Amtrak. Would like to go but don't know how the trains do in snow.
Trains usually run as the railroads do have plows. Having said that, there might be a significant delay for the plows to clear the tracks. But the plows will eventually clear the track. Icy tracks aren't a problem though as trains use sand for traction. I had to wait on the Empire Builder in the Cascades a few hours after a snowstorm dropped several feet of snow on the tracks. Great watching snow plows work. Inches are nothing... Trains run, maybe late, airlines cancel... Be smart, plan to get to your destination a day earlier than you need to be there for that wedding or birthday... That extra day really eliminates worrying about being on time significantly...
I would think it would be fine
Wish that there were additional salad dressings available as I really don't like what is offered. Thousand Island is my go to. When I first took the SWC #3 & #4 back in 2013 it was offered along with a number of others as well. Since it isn''t I just go dry. Used Amtrak yearly since 2013 with the exception of 2019. Great way to trave, I call it "Adventures on Amtrak" as you really don't know if you will arrive on time of a day late!
Thanks for sharing!
You can always bring a bottle of Thousand Island on the trip, better than dry...I'm planning on bringing Frank's Hot Sauce and blue cheese dressing with me for my long distance loop route (Chicago to Seattle to LA to New Orleans to Chicago) in April...
I am sooooo glad the dining cars are back open. Hubby and I want to take a trip, but we didn’t want to go unless the dining cars were open. I traveled as a little girl with my mother, and one my favorite things to do was to get dressed up and go to the dining car. We are soooo looking forward to taking a trip and your videos are soooo very helpful and informative. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and answering all our questions. Safe travels to you both and may God Bless you both. 🙏🏻❤️
Thanks and thanks for watching!
I am new to your channel and my question is for the roomate opption, will the attendant bring dinner to the cabin if requesting that, or a breakfast or lunch?
Yes they will
Are there vegan or vegetarian options on the train
Yes there are, but not a lot
Love all your videos. So informative and detailed. Greetings from 🇨🇦
Glad you like them! Greetings!
So Amtrak doesn't allow customers to pay in cash but we're supposed to tip in cash the workers? Not accepting cash is unlawful. Until cash is removed from our society it should be used. Use it or you'll lose your right to privacy.
Another great comprehensive overview. Excellent job as always!
Thanks!
You guys did a excellent job in explaining everything about traveling on an Amtrak train. Thanks for your help in giving us a lot of choices on this great way to travel. My wife and I want to travel from New York to Seattle and you guys helped us make room choices easy. Thanks again
Glad it was helpful!
Why do the east coast trains not yet have traditional dining?
It's a good question, and we aren't sure
Nor does presently the Texas Eagle north of San Antonio and the Capitol Limited who share the same train sets with a Cross Country Diner instead of a regular diner...
I will be taking my first Amtrak Trip in January and I can't wait. Do you have video with a tipping guide? Just curious what you tip the Amtrak staff. Thanks!
This is really useful, thanks!
So when you pay for a room… you can’t eat there if you have issues with gluten. It is sad… because when you travel for 72 hours, it becomes a bit rough
You guys are a wealth of information . I took the California Zephyr westbound from Chicago back in 2006. In October I’m getting on in Denver. It’s an 8 am boarding - will I get breakfast in the dining car or is it better to just secure a place in the sightseer early on? New cars on this route to your knowledge? Thank you
Denver is a long stop so I'd drop my bags off in my room, then go right to the dining car for breakfast. You'll probably be able to eat and have barely left Denver when you are done. Then you could go to the lounge afterward. These will be superliner I and II cars which there is really almost no difference, neither of them are newer, but they are still nice.
I'm late to it, but I love 💘 💕 ❤ your channel.
Thank you for posting these helpful videos!
You are so welcome!
Yummy got me hungry just watching. Good thing I’m eating while watching. Great review as always.✨✅✨Your Awesome!
Thank you 😋
Love you two! you have great informative, interesting videos. After watching this I am so hungry, it all looks so good!
Thanks so much!
I'm taking Amtrak on the 25th, not my first trip with Amtrak, but My first roomette experience. Your videos have helped me look forward to this new experience.
Just restore Dining Car Service on ALL Over-Night Trains East of the Mississippi for Crying Out Loud! I can get better food from Uber-Eats or Door-Dash compared to the Flex-Menu garbage Amtrak now serves.