Amtrak Dining Service Returning to Western Long-Distance Trains

As part of its pandemic recovery plans, Amtrak is restoring “traditional dining service” on the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle (for service between San Antonio, Tex., and Los Angeles, Calif.).

Redesigned menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner (see bottom) also offer children’s selections and new appetizers. Service will include a complimentary alcoholic drink with dinner and wait service in the Dining Car with glassware, cutlery and white linen tablecloths, according to Amtrak, which said ceramic dishware will return later this year.


Pictured: Amtrak’s Grilled Atlantic Salmon dinner entree

Café service is still available for all passengers. That menu, Amtrak said, is slated for a summer update with more fresh options.

Amtrak said “appropriate coronavirus protocols” will remain in place for food and beverage service. They include continuing to offer complimentary room service, blocking off alternating tables to allow for more physical distancing, and suspending communal dining.

“Amtrak has made and continues to make incredible investments as a new and improved company and this includes restoring and reimagining a popular onboard experience that we expect both our customers and employees will be proud of,” said Robert Jordan, Amtrak Vice President Customer Service Stations & Onboard. “As the summer travel season approaches and service on our long distance routes returns to pre-pandemic levels, customers can continue to feel comfortable traveling as many of Amtrak’s coronavirus-related protocols remain in place.”

Some $1.7 billion in Amtrak COVID-19 recovery funding has enabled Amtrak to fully restore daily service on 12 long-distance routes, following pandemic-related schedule reductions in 2020.





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