I am taking Empire Builder #7 from Chicago to Red Wing, MN tomorrow and returning on eastbound #8 out of St. Paul on Friday. I would like to try the full diner for the first time for dinner tomorrow and for at least lunch on Friday. If you have done the same out of Chicago since the E.B. has been refurbished, do you think I will have time to eat dinner before Red Wing tomorrow, and what (if any) are your menu suggestions? Thanks in advance, I appreciate your input!
eolafan I am taking Empire Builder #7 from Chicago to Red Wing, MN tomorrow and returning on eastbound #8 out of St. Paul on Friday. I would like to try the full diner for the first time for dinner tomorrow and for at least lunch on Friday. If you have done the same out of Chicago since the E.B. has been refurbished, do you think I will have time to eat dinner before Red Wing tomorrow, and what (if any) are your menu suggestions? Thanks in advance, I appreciate your input!
I've ridden the Empire Builder on numerous occasions, and yes you'll definitely be able to have dinner prior to Red Wing. Be sure to make a dinner reservation after boarding (just go to the dining car and ask one of the staff there to set-up a reservation), then return to the car at your appointed time. The food is actually not bad at all, and the menu does vary. I had the steak last time and it was very good (with potatoes and a garden salad). If you see it on the menu, the key lime pie is excellent. The dining car usually opens at 5 PM as I remember for dinner. For lunch, the angus burger is very good, and you don't have to have a reservation for lunch or breakfast.
Jim,
The westbound train arrives in Red Wing at 8:52 PM - that should be enough time to enjoy dinner. Just make sure you get a resevation early(the sleeping car patrons get free meals and the car attendants get them a reseervation before the dining car opens).
As far as food selection, it should be quite good. The pricing is on par with most commercial eating establishments. The last time I ate on the train was right after the equipment 'upgrade' - I ate lunch between St Paul and Chicago. On the WB trip, we 'pigged out' for lunch in Chicago, and did not eat in the dining car on the way back.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Thanks to both of you guys, I appreciate the input and suggestions...I will let you know how things went. The last time I took the E.B. it was on time into LaCrosse westbound but over three hours late into Chicago eastbound, but lately they both seem to be running pretty much within about a half hour or less of advertised which is good as I am taking Metra back to Aurora from C.U.S. on Friday and would much prefer to be able to take a limited stop Metra if possible.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.