Cincinnati Dinner Train: A taste of nostalgia and fine dining

All aboard the Cincinnati Dinner Train for the time of your life.

I recently took a wonderful ride on a dinner train featuring amazing food, music wine, and heavy doses of nostalgia. The address to board the train is 2172 Seymour Ave in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Green Sales parking lot has signs to guide you into the train area.

The Parking is free and the vehicles are watched over by staff during the train ride, to ensure safety. Loads of excitement and photo opportunities just prior to boarding.

There is a total of eight cars and I rode on the “Milwaukee Road” #201. This rail car was one of 16 coaches built by the American Car & Foundry Company of Stylus, Missouri.Built for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad in 1947.

In 2008 the car was purchased by Cincinnati Railway, the orange and maroon dining car is gorgeous, sturdy and dignified. There are both a male and female restrooms on the Milwaukee car. The rest rooms are squeaky clean and the commode flushes near the bottom, which is clearly marked. I sat at a table for four and my dining companions were terrific and full of good vibes. Air conditioning on such a hot day was amazing and large windows to see the tour sites.

How was the Meal?

The soft drink was part of the dinner and there is a super duper fun list of beer, wine, and unique railroad influenced cocktails at fair prices. My friend enjoyed the “Breakmen” a mocktail comprised of lemonade and ginger beer. I ordered a couple glasses of Riesling from Ca. And I enjoyed a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia. The salad arrived with crisp fresh greens, banana peppers, ripe tomatoes,cucumbers, dinner rolls, and smiles. Staff and servers have such wonderful personalities.

The Queen City Sisters sang their pretty hearts out in three part harmony, with no music required. The Albee Car has a retro stage where the talented sisters preformed as well.

Time for our entree, I ordered a scrumptious Asian glazed salmon with a big baked potato, fresh greens beans, and strawberry cheesecake for dessert. The food is restaurant quality and I ate every bite, perfectly cooked fish, and coffee served with dessert. Full bottles of wine are available for purchase.

Historical Adventure

It was cool to see the elaborate graffiti in the tunnels during the trip. Humbling to see the  Pioneer Cemetery which dates back as early as 1790 and contains at least least three and possibly five revolutionary war veterans, including the grave of Sergeant William Brown the first Man to be awarded a Purple Heart by George Washington. The train is owned by Brent Collins and the rest of his family.

When does the dinner train run and how much is it?

March-December on Saturdays and tickets are sold on a first come basis in advance and held at will call. All tables are reserved and boarding begins at 5pm and the train leaves promptly at 6pm. Total excursion is approx. 3 hours and you may have an opportunity to pull the whistle during the trip. Cost is $120 per guest + tax and non refundable.

What should I wear on the train?

There is a dress code to ride the Cincinnati Dinner Train. Business casual or classier is expected. No open toe or high heel shoes will be permitted on the train. Shorts are also prohibited, and jeans are discouraged. Plenty of the passengers were dressed up in honor in the history of the train. You must be at least 12 years of age to ride the train.

How do you book the trip?

Give The Cincinnati Diner Train a phone call and find out the itinerary. Then book for an amazing unique experience or a date, birthday, and anniversary. Gift cards are available they’re valid for two years, and can be snail mailed or emailed. The office is open Monday-Friday  8:30am to 2:00pm please call for tickets 513-791-7245. https://cincinnatidinnertrain.com