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Cincinnati Dinner Train

4.5 (61 reviews)
Ultra High-EndNew American
Open 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

Cincinnati Dinner Train Photos

CINCINNATI DINNER TRAIN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Romantic
Classy
Moderate noise
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Cincinnati Dinner Train

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Reviews With Photos

Connie H.

We were fortunate enough to find that someone had canceled the Saturday before Christmas so we jumped on it and took that table. They really go out of your way to give you a great experience. Everyone is so happy to be there. The food was good, it wasn't stellar. The entertainment was fantastic, very entertaining. We happened to go on a night when there was a lot of traffic on the railway so we were about an hour and 15 minutes late getting back, which was no big deal because we were on the train Longer but the car we were in was absolutely freezing. It was 20° the night we went and it felt like they didn't have the heat on. My advice when going is to dress in layers because it's hit or miss.

Angela A.

"Dinner, nostalgia, and a moving view--what more could you want?" I had the absolute pleasure of riding the Cincinnati Dinner Train recently, and it was hands-down one of the most memorable dining experiences I've had in a long time. From the outside, it's already charming--but once you board, you're stepping into a time capsule from the 1940s, complete with vintage railcars, soft lighting, and a vibe that feels straight out of an old movie. You even get to watch your servers work with perfect timing in a train car that's in constant motion--now that's dinner and a show! I had a calzone that was insanely good--crispy on the outside, cheesy perfection on the inside. You select your entrée when you buy tickets, which makes the whole process smooth. Everything was served with care, and the pacing of the evening was relaxed and thoughtful. The route gives you a peek into parts of Cincinnati you probably haven't seen--even as a local. And if you're visiting the city? This is such a cool way to do something different and memorable. This would be an amazing choice for an anniversary, birthday, or impressing visiting friends. Honestly, even if you think you're not a "train person," give it a shot--you'll walk away smiling (and very full)!

The singers wander the train performing classic hits from the 1940's
Courtney D.

We went on the dinner train with a group of about 12 people. It was like stepping back in time and was really fun! We all dressed in 1940's outfits and had a great time! The food was prompt and plentiful, and better than I expected. The service was attentive and much like a symphony getting out that many meals at the same time! I would definitely go again, we ended the evening by all taking a turn blowing the horn!!

Glenn C.

We had a good time because this was our first time on it. I am good for another decade. We went in December. There were no leaves and no snow. It was dark but outside you could see shopping places, gas stations, buildings, train yards and a little of the Ohio river. The end of the loop is at Montgomery Inn Boathouse and then the train reverses course. Even if this was July you would have seen mostly bamboo and honeysuckle. The main landmark was a carving in the wall (LOL). There was a singing Trio - The Queen City Sisters singing 1940 or 1950 tunes. You could listen to them perform in the last train car after dinner. They made rounds through all the rail cars but only sang 1 song in ours and I had to turn around to just see the backs of them. We were at the last table. It cost $113+ per person (including tax). For that you got a 3 hour train ride, a meal and specialty drinks for $10 each. Bottles of wine were expensive. I remember a Beringer Moscato bottle was $48 and probably is under $10 in the store. Iced tea and water was included. We sat in the original New York car. It was tight but reasonably comfortable. Meals consisted of an appetizer plate (grapes, crackers, peanut like spread and cold cuts like salami - couldn't place it), Salad, Prime Rib or Salmon and Cheesecake or Pecan Pie for dessert. Prime Rib was under cooked by 1 level. My medium rare was rare and a seat mate was medium instead of medium-well After dinner (behind the sisters group) you could pull the train whistle and the conductor would take your picture or video. This was cool. If you wanted a special pin it was $5. Some people dressed up in period clothing. Please note that tables are 2 and 4. We had 3 so they placed a single by us. This turned out fine since she was very nice. They told us since we didn't buy the extra seat they paired us with someone. I saw several 4 tops with only 2 people. They only have a few 2 tops so if you are a couple you could be sharing a 4 top. Service was pretty good. I did get water spilled on me by the waiter overflowing a glass at a nearby table. The tickets don't include tips so expect to leave a tip.

Entertainment
Angela B.

This was such a fun experience! Great food and service. Dressing up was fun. I would definitely do it again!

Standard Appetizer
Michelle B.

My family took the train for a nostalgic trip down Christmas memory lane. It was a delightful experience, from the actual cars to the food and the entertainment. The entire train was beautifully decorated for the holidays, and singers greeted us in line as we waited to board the train. Conductors took group photos with our phone, which was a nice touch! The locomotive is from the 1960s, and the railcars are from the 1940s. The entertainment on the train was a lovely group of 3 women singing big band standards and holiday tunes. They walked through all of the cars singing and after dinner had a concert in the very last car (caboose?). The food was quite good- the entree and dessert (more on this later). That says a lot concerning the number of dinners they are whipping up in a small onboard kitchen. I had the salmon which was cooked perfectly and accompanied by green beans and a baked potato. I had the cheesecake for dessert, and it was wonderful. The cocktail menu had very appropriately themed drink names, and in addition to your server bringing you drinks, you could walk up to the lounge car and order drinks there as well. The appetizer looked and tasted unappealing. I think they could create something better at the same food cost. (See photo). This was a great experience for a special Christmas holiday excursion. Not sure I would want to go at another time as the route has very little to see out the windows besides tunnels with graffiti. But the experience was well worth the time and money, despite the view!

a table set for two
Lorinn S.

We so enjoyed being aboard the Cincinnati Dinner Train!! What a fun and different experience. The food and service was great. All the employees really go the extra mile to connect with each group. We very much enjoyed our evening and look forward to going again sometime soon!! But, next time we are absolutely going to dress in theme. 1940s!!

a passenger train on the tracks
Molly L.

This was definitely a great experience!!!..... The atmosphere is fantastic !!! Most importantly the FOOD....is pretty darn good. My favorite was hands down the Cheesecake with fresh strawberries & strawberry coolie. We sat aboard the New York Central train #447, which was one of only 2 cars still in operation out of the total 12 cars ordered by NYC in 1944. The New York Central car is the only actual True dining car out of the fleet. Both service & food was excellent!!... would love to do this again with entire family!!... Dont forget to toot the authentic horn!!

Queen City sisters
May C.

This was definitely a unique experience, and highly recommend it to anyone looking for something different to do. Each of the cars were different decor, and it was refreshing yo walk through each cart. Very relaxing. The food was way better than I expected, kudos to the amazing staff that cooks the fold right on the cart! Thr salmon was tasty and the prime rib was juicy. It was just really good! The co owner did the talk at certain points to inform historical facts and landmarks on our tour. He only does the Milwaukee train, the rest has staff does the talk in the other cars.

Truly an amazing experience. The staff was very professional, kind, and involved. The food was amazing as well as the entertainment. HIGHLY recommend!

Back to the 40's!
Steven W.

This is as close to Orient Express as you are going to get in Cincinnati, Ohio! This was a very unique dinner experience. My wife and I boarded the Dinner Train for their 1949 Dinner. This particular event is twice a year,and the patron are required (ok, strongly encouraged) to dress in 1940's attire for a throwback experience into the Golden Age of post-WWII America. The ambiance is amazing, chiefly because, well, its a freakin' train! We were seated at Table 1 of the Milwaukee Car. The tables are all 2- or 4-top making for a very intimate dining experience. We were welcomed by the Queen City Sisters piping out some great post-war tunes. It really felt like we were stepping back seventy years (except maybe for everyone taking selfies of themselves on their modern phones.) The first leg of the trip heads out from Golf Manor for a final destination of lower Cincinnati by the river (close to Sawyer Point). Along the way you get a great history lesson on the storied history of rail travel in Cincinnati- truly fascinating. The Dinner train staff will break in with a personally delivered oration of highlights out your rail car window and the history of the associated areas. During this 5-10 mph trip, a 3-course dinner is served. The food is typical catering food, a simple appetizer and salad followed by your choice of chicken, salmon or prime rib and dessert/coffee. The food was very good, but is elevated simply by the fact that it was fully prepared on the train. The Milwaukee care is closest to the kitchen car (see the pic) and the delicious smells waft through as you slow cruise the rails towards the river. Don't expect haute cuisine, but really the food was actually very good. On the return trip, all of the dinner plates and silverware have been cleared and we were encourage to tour the train. The Queen City Sisters were crooning away in the converted Ringling Brother Circus car (now a cool little lounge). We made our way to the back deck where you can pull the whistle rope and watch the tracks disappear into the darkness behind you. The variety and originality of the 1940's garb was incredible and truly added to the experience (the Dinner Train is business casual the rest of the year, though you are always welcome to dress in period attire.) The return trip is at a much quicker pace to get you back on time, but there is a scheduled stop to admire a hidden piece of Cincinnati history you can not view any other way. (I won't spoil this- ride the train and check it out for yourself). The whole trip lasted about 3.5 hours but felt like time-travel. Definitely on the list to do again. P.S. Don't forget to smile and waive at The Waving Couple. What a great tradition!

Chocolate Pecan Pie -- OMG!!!!
Josh B.

My wife and I enjoyed an amazing night aboard the Cincinnati Dinner Train. We rode the 1946 Milwaukee Road table car where we were transported in time back to the 1940's. Dinner was amazing! We both chose the Hoisin Glazed Salmon, which was cooked to perfection and tasted spectacular paired with a baked potato and green beans. For dessert we chose one of each of the options. I enjoyed the Chocolate Pecan Pie, and my wife had the Strawberry Glazed Cheesecake. Both were extraordinary! The ride was enjoyable, comfortable and informative. We loved learning about Cincinnati's rich railroading history. Some of the scenery during the ride was less than appealing, but we understand that it is outside of their control. I only add that part so that others will know to expect it. You are riding through an urban, industrial setting for parts of the trip so it is to be expected and shouldn't be held against this companies amazing experience that they offer. We would recommend this trip to anyone looking for an adventurous yet laid back evening with your significant other or for a larger gathering of friends as they do accommodate groups. They get 5 stars from me and my word that we will be back with friends to experience the Cincinnati Dinner Train again very soon!

a plate of meat, crackers and grapes
Angela L.

Such a fun and unique experience to celebrate an anniversary. Table for two in the Sword Car that seated at most eight people so definitely a quieter train car. Enjoyed the history by the conductor and owner also made several appearances.

Friends Ira & Marilyn

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2 years ago

Absolutely amazing experience!!! Food was not chef's quality, but the ambience of the entire experience more than made up for it.

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Omg I lovveee it here! Super lovely ambiance. Would definitely recommend to go with friends or a date!

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3 years ago

Had a great time. Very nostalgic. Food was good. Entertainment was great. Would do it again.

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Ask the Community - Cincinnati Dinner Train

Do we have to share a table with two strangers or do we get the table to ourselves? It is our anniversary.

We do have tables that seat just two people. The remaining tables seat 4 people each. If you'd like to request a table for just 2 people, you'll have to note that in the message field when you purchase your tickets through the website and we will… Read more

Is it handicapped accessible? I have a friend who'd love to take the train but cannot walk easily. Thank you.

Due to the historic nature of the railroad equipment, we are not handicapped accessible. The passenger cars and station facilities used on this excursion were constructed before disability accessibility laws were adopted. Platforms, boarding areas,… Read more

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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Stopped in for a quick bite late Sunday night. The beet salad with chicken was awesome but a little…read moresmall and the filet was perfect with Brussel sprouts instead of broccolini since they were out. The Mac and cheese was extremely salty though. Have always had good food at this location and pretty consistent service.

We came to Seasons 52 for Thanksgiving lunch. We had a 1:00 pm reservation…read more We arrived a little before 1; the place was packed! We were quickly seated and waited for our third. Once we were all in our places with bright shiny faces, we all ordered the thanksgiving special meal. It included just about everything you can imagine being served at Thanksgiving. Three pieces of white meat turkey, which was pretty tender. I small pile of dark meat pieces. Mashed potatoes and gravy, with the gravy covering the turkey and the potatoes. There was dressing, sweet potato casserole (?), green beans and cranberry sauce. It was a LOT of tasty food. Nothing was extraordinary, but it was all good. Oh, we ordered and I swear to goodness the food arrived moments later. I am sure they were moving a lot of these plates and had a process for quick turnaround, but I had to wonder if our plates had been sitting for a while. I suppose if they were it wasn't for long. Nothing was cold or congealed. It seems like their process was working. The meal came with a mini cake type thing in a jar. There were lots of options. Mark and I opted for the special pumpkin with ginger and Jen had s'mores chocolate. The pumpkin one was absolutely delicious. Jen let us try the chocolate one and let's just say I was very glad I opted for pumpkin. When the bill arrived the desserts were added on separately. I mentioned they should be included to our server, who said he would check. Now... it seems unlikely we were his first customers of the day and it seems odd that he would have the desserts added separately. He did check; I saw him. I also saw the person he was checking with shake her head 'yes'. He reran the checks without the desserts. I will say it was nice to have a traditional thanksgiving meal without the traditional thanksgiving fuss. Because the food was average at best and because we were initially charged for desserts that were supposed to be included in the price, this experience comes in with a solid three stars.

Bronte Bistro - Caramelized Pear & Bleu Cheese Salad

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It is always nice to come back. Every time I come here it is always something delicious on the…read moremenu, the service is always wonderful. This waiting staff is very friendly. The ambience is quite cozy. I definitely recommend it. Great food at reasonable prices and mazing service. I recommend it.

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Cincinnati Dinner Train - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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