This is a collection of pictures of meals on my recent trip on the Southwest Chief. Recently Amtrak re-introduced their traditional dining service on the Southwest Chief, Coast Starlight, California Zephyr, Sunset Limited, Empire Builder, and Texas Eagle (Between LAX and SAS only). Instead of TV dinners, they now serve cooked order meals. Communal seating was in effect, however it’s possible it’s no longer in effect due to the Delta Variant spreading. However, you could also sit alone with your party or dine in your room. The dining car is only open to passengers in a sleeping accommodation as of now.
Day 1 – Dinner
Dinner was by reservation only, with seating’s between 6 and 8 being offered. The LSA (who was amazing, couldn’t have been friendlier and more helpful) came by shortly after departing Chicago to take reservations. Note that reservation times are approximate. About 20 minutes after my reservation time (7:15), we were called to the diner to be seated. We were seated with an engineer on the Zephyr route and his wife, who we had a long and pleasant conversation with (we ended up leaving the diner after 9 PM). I had the mixed green salad, steak, and cheesecake. It was all delicious, and everyone else at the table (who had the salmon, carrot cake, and chocolate cake) gave rave reviews.
Day 2 – Breakfast
Breakfast starts at 6:30 and goes on until 9:30, on a first come first serve basis, no reservations required. We headed to the diner shortly after 8 AM and were seated alone soon after. It took a little while to get our orders as they only have one LSA and one SA working the diner, along with two employees in the kitchen preparing the food. I got the scrambled eggs with potatoes and a croissant while my travelling partner got the French toast. Again, superb meal. Both plates were cleaned.
Day 2 – Lunch
Lunch is by reservation only, and right at 12:30 we were called to the diner and seated, again, alone. This time service was super quick and our food was quickly served. I had the angus burger and my travelling companion had the Caesar salad. The angus burger was good, not amazing, but good. I didn’t care for the chips on the side. However, they let me put bacon on the burger which is a bonus. The salad got a positive review, and for dessert I had the cheesecake with chocolate sauce. Cheesecake was just as yummy although the chocolate sauce was a bit too rich for me. All in all, I think lunch was the weakest meal, but it was still good.
Day 2 – Dinner
For our second dinner we got a 7 PM reservation and were called right on time. This time I opted for the pan roasted chicken (although very tempted to get the steak again as it was that good). Food came fairly quick, and the chicken was delicious, just as good as the steak. The tortellini got a great review from my travelling partner as well. For dessert, the chocolate cake was the only choice we would go with. It was huge, and delicious. Although we were so full from the main course, so we had it to-go.
Day 3 – Breakfast
On the last day, the scheduled arrival into Los Angeles Union Station is 8:00 AM. The diner operates a smaller breakfast service from 5 AM to 5:45. Although if the train is late breakfast service remains open. I went to the diner alone and was seated quickly. The french toast was so delicious the previous day, I had it again. However with potatoes and bacon on the side. Everything was amazing, and I cleaned my plate.
All in all, I am extremely happy Amtrak brought back traditional dining. It was a long overdue move and the way they brought it back was excellent, most (including me) even say it’s better than pre-covid. Meals are once again a highlight on the train, and I cannot wait to get back on board to experience it. The only complaint I have is the limited dessert menu, which can get repetitive quickly.
To read my full trip report from New York to Fullerton, go here:
And for more information on traditional dining, go here:
Thanks for reading!