Traditional Dining

Indulge in an exclusive onboard dining experience crafted to bring you back to the golden age of train travel. As part of your First Class experience, we’re thrilled to offer Traditional Dining to our passengers, featuring seasonal menus prepared by our onboard Chef. Choose from a diverse selection of beverages, including beer, wine and spirits — your first one is on us. Be sure to save room for dessert — there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth. In addition to our regular menu, kids can order all their favorites as well.

Traditional Dining service is offered on the Auto Train, California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Floridian, Silver Meteor, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle (between San Antonio and Los Angeles).

Cafe service is also available to all customers along these routes, offering a variety of meals, snacks and beverages for sale.

Our Traditional Dining Experience

  • Chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and a three-course dinner* with table service in the Dining Car
  • Selections for the kids
  • First alcoholic drink at dinner on us
  • White-tablecloth service in the Dining Car
  • Complimentary room service

*Select trains offer modified Traditional Dining service along certain segments. 

A Few Dishes from Our Menu





Making Reservations

Customers on routes with traditional dining service can make reservations for lunch and dinner — served in the Dining Car or by complimentary in-room service.

Meal Times

Breakfast: Available 6:30 - 9:30 am
Lunch: Available 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Dinner: Available: 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Final seatings at 9:30 am, 2:30 pm, 9:00 pm respectively. A ‘last call’ is made 15 minutes before period ends. Exceptions may apply based on train schedule or in the event of a delay.

Note the following changes to Traditional Dining on specific segments.

Texas Eagle

Customers onboard the Texas Eagle between San Antonio and Los Angeles can enjoy our Flexible Dining service with hot, ready-to-serve dishes available in our exclusive onboard lounge.

Empire Builder

For customers onboard the Empire Builder between Spokane and Portland on Trains 27/28, a selection of hand-crafted dishes for dinner or continental breakfast items are offered in lieu of our Traditional Dining service.

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