The atmosphere is fantastic. They are located in an old railroad station that's been redone. The food is always good. The breakfast buffet is fantastic. I believe the breakfast buffet is only on Sundays but I am not sure. I haven't had a meal here yet that I didn't like. I feel the prices are fair for what you get. Lots of cool railroad memorabilia hanging on the walls throughout. As an added bonus the Amtrak trains and freight trains go right by the windows and always gets the adrenaline flowing! It's kind of cool. The service has always been good during the dozen or so times that I've been here. They offer a pretty good selection of food that's fresh and tasty. They are also involved in the community which I like. They host things such as the Santa train at Christmas time and other events throughout the year. I highly recommend the Steaming Tender Restaurant. read more

We were in Palmer checking out the indoor flea market, and a friend recommended Steaming Tender Restaurant. Are we glad that they did! The food was very good, the portions were good sized, and the prices were decent. It's in a beautifully refurbished train station, and it's a lovely dining experience. We'll be back! read more

I told my mom I'd take her out for her birthday, and was pretty disappointed when she said she wanted to go to a place in Palmer. I'd never been to/through Palmer for anything except to drive to the Pike, so my impression of the town was pretty negative. Boy was I surprised when we got to the Steaming Tender! The old train station space is beautiful and really transports you back in time, and the food is exceptionally good. For three people we ordered three chowders and two entrees (seafood and lobster casserole) and we got one bread pudding for dessert (amazing) and had TONS of leftover food. I was also really impressed that you could get a three-beer sampler for $5. I was impressed! read more

Fantastic in every way.... Food, Staff, Clean beautiful bathrooms and cool building! We will be back ..... Hopefully soon...

Very very disappointed in our last two visits! first time wifes steak was undercooked and sent back twice! never got it right! next visit it took over an hour to get cold sandwiches! they really need a new kitchen staff! they are horrible! read more

Haven't been here in a few years (when it was good) and won't be coming back. Smaller portions I can understand but all our entrees (broiled fishermen platter, fried chicken and even the chicken tenders) were flavorless. Quite disappointing. read more

Cool decor. Prompt and pleasant service. Food delicious and good sized portions. Close to Brimfield which is a plus for us when we sell at the huge antique flea market three times a year Looking forward to a second visit. read more

Had a great atmosphere and the food was good. The only reason I won't give it a five star is because my drink was not so good, and I when I asked about their souvenir water bottle on the menu I didn't really get an answer. I ended up ordering their baked mac & cheese and it was one of the best I had. Definitely worth a trip if you are in the area. read more

Worst dinner ever. Of the five meals we ordered one of them was edible. The steak that we ordered that was suppose to come out medium was so burnt. The Angus burger was the same. Our fried chicken sandwich came out deep fried however with no batter/coating even the second one that was "corrected". The salads were served with rotten lettus. Our server was inexperienced and didn't go out of her way to try to handle the issues. The manager never came over to our table we actually had to go find her. The only thing good I can say was the sweet potato fries were good. It's unfortunate because we have been here a few times with good service and enjoyable meals. Don't think we will waste our time going back. read more

I have been wanting to visit the Steaming Tender for awhile and I was not disappointed. The building is beautiful. You really feel like you are stepping back to a time when rail was the preferred mode of travel through the New England hills. Situated between two active rail lines, the tender is a great spot to watch trains. There are tables outside for dining in the warmer months, and the interior of the station has large windows offering views of passing trains. We decided to get bbq wings and nachos. The wings were excellent! Fried crispy, in a sweet bbq sauce we definitely will get them again next time. The nachos used cheap tortilla chips, but were topped with an awesome pepper jack cheese sauce, chili, and other toppings. While the chips were disappointing, the cheese sauce made up for it. We can't wait to come back! read more

I go here regularly because my kids love trains. Built in an old train station it is warm and inviting. The staff is friendly and attentive to everyones needs. As the phantom would say "A hidden jewel". The only thing I could see that needed improvement would be the buffet. it is good but it really should be expanded. You dont have to go crazy but more selections for $9.99 would be nice. read more

Calling all Railfans, Kids of all ages, history buffs and food reviewers. This place is a must go! The food and culture is really amazing. I have NEVER left the steaming tender upset or hungry . From the outside, It may look bad because of renevation but inside its full of artifacts from Palmer to old photos of trains that ran by the old station. They have a great staff that all dress up in conductors outfits and very friendly to patrons. I would recommend getting the Fried Pickles, They have a great taste and are filling. I don't usually eat pickles but these are an exception . After a great meal, you can step outside and maybe see a freight train or two pass by. Also the Steaming Tender has a railcar for special parties that is nice read more

My young son is a train enthusiast, so this place has become a frequent stop. Luckily for mom and dad, the food is great so we don't mind! Being a preschooler, my son is very active and can be impatient, but the waitstaff is usually very prompt and courteous. The decor and theme of the restaurant is quite something, and we enjoy looking around at all of the train memorabilia. The best part is when you can watch the trains come by through the large open windows while you eat your meal. The food I have ordered here has been mostly excellent. The lobster mac and cheese is amazing and the portions are huge! I always take at least half home with me for lunch/dinner the next day! I have also tried the lobster bisque and a seafood chowder (which was a soup of the day) and both were delicious. The seafood chowder I got was especially exceptional, and again the portion was huge. Overall, this restaurant is a good one! Would love to stop by another time sans 3 year old to really sit down and enjoy the spectacle of this old, remodeled train station turned restaurant! read more

The food is delicious and plentiful. My 2 sisters and I go there together for lunch to celebrate each of our birthdays. The trains still pass by on a regular schedule every day within feet of the building. As you're eating inside the restaurant you can see them speeding past the big windows. The wait staff are great. The menu has some unique selections and all are delicious. Before you even get into the dining room you can peruse their collection of antiques in the waiting area. This is more than a restaurant, its an experience. One that I highly recommend. read more

The Steaming Tender has become one of our favorite places for dinner. The food is really good and the wait staff friendly and efficient. That being said, we were dismayed at the attitude and lack of professionalism displayed by our hostess when we arrived last Sunday. When we asked for a different table (the table was located right inside the door and in the in and out traffic) we were greeted by rolling eyes and mumbles under her breath while she slammed our menus on another table. Extremely rude behavior. I wanted to leave but my husband wanted to eat so we stayed. Our waitress was terrific and apologized for the bad behavior exhibited by the hostess. As usual, the food was really good. read more

It is a tradition in my family that every year I get to go out for a birthday dinner and for the last few years It has been at the SteamingTender, why? Because it's the funnest place around in my opinion. Trains and food what more is there? Since this is a food review I'll stick to that. The food is great! I've never had a bad meal at the Steaming Tender and neither have any of my guests. I recommend the Turkey dinner, the Steaks and the desserts. The waitresses do a great birthday song also! I love this place! WOO WOO!!!!!!!! read more

Staff was excellent. Really cool that you eat in an old train station and it has been restored beautifully. Food is ok,

We were told about this hidden gem. Very well persevered from the 1930's old train stations. The food and service great. The bread pudding with whisky was to die for. they got a gem here as you watch the trains go by. In fact they even have a train schedule on the menu so you know when the train comes right by your window as you dine. Enjoy this back in time restaurant. read more

So I went here thinking it would be amazing. I love the decor it's cool kind of like a train station. The bathrooms are cold like no heat in there. Also the appetizers I ordered with my husband didn't taste that great. But then I went back for lunch on time and got a fish sandwich and it was really good. So I would say it's a hit or miss depending on your preference read more

Went Saturday night for the first time in years. The place is beautiful but that's about it. Bar booze is watered down. Food is nothing special. It's too bad because the place is gorgeous. Would do much better as an upscale restaurant. The prices are real low but so isn't the quality of food. Wasn't impressed years ago and still not. read more

I really enjoyed my visit! Upon arrival we were happily greeted. While waiting for the table we took a look at the two rail cars from the early 1900's. The fried pickles appetizer special was an excellent start along with the exclusive Station Ale brewed by Berkshire Brewing. For diner I had the Rattlesnake Pasta and my wife had a shrimp and crab on linguine special. Both dishes were very good with plenty to bring home for another meal. It was interesting to learn about the history of the location and building. A return visit is certainly in my future! read more

Really impressed by this restaurant! I enjoyed the ambiance. My kids enjoyed the train and our server was great. We will be returning back to this place again. I ordered a glass of wine and my only complaint is the glass was dirty a little with lipstick. Again I was a sever and I know that can happen, fixed immediately! read more

I go about once a month and find it to be about average food. The service is o.k. My kids love the trains going by and I think this is the highlight of the place. Good location, could use a better beer selection. read more

Great steak, table wasn't the best but with no reservation on a busy night it was all right. Love the food and atmosphere.

Stopped here on the way home from the big train show. Our group consisted of my husband, our 2 kids, my father in law & myself (ages 5-71). We were all beyond pleased. First, they did a beautiful job restoring the place, it is like stepping back in time, really, down to the smallest details (I love the bathroom tiles). Everything was very clean & just beautiful to look at. The food was fantastic, we ordered the seafood appetizer & I will be ordering that as a meal next time, it was really delicious, all 5 of us enjoyed it. I had the fish sandwich, delicious. FIL had a burger (he was really pleased), hubs had a club sandwich & ceasar salad, he was really happy. The kids had mac n cheese & they were happy too (it is not kraft, it is homemade cheesy goodness) Prices are fair & portions generous. It is 45 minutes from home for us but we will be coming back. read more

Great food. Excellent service. Love the ambiance of the old train station. Every time we go, a train goes by which makes it better. Would definitely recommend to family and friends! read more

Beautifully restored depot turned restaurant. Gorgeous inside! A must see in itself. Great food at reasonable prices and friendly service. A real treat. Finding this place made my day!! I highly recommend it! Don't leave MA without first checking it out. Especially if you are a history buff, train lover, or appreciate beautiful old architecture. It's decorated inside and out with antiques and one can just stop to browse and admire. read more

Waited 20 minutes for a table on a Friday night. The staff were really nice. Ordered fried pickles which were good. The problem was the food took too long (prime rib, whole belly clams, hot dog and macaroni & cheese), and when it arrived everything was lukewarm. I didn't bother sending it back because we had two little kids who were becoming restless. I also observed an irate costumer who had waited an hour before his food came out. This was my second time here, last time was on a Saturday at lunch time. We waited a while then to for our food to arrive. But the Ruben sandwich was very good. Probably won't be back. read more

Went there with a friend for lunch. Excellent food beautiful decor and just all over great the service was also excellent. I recommend it to anyone passing by on the Pike. read more

My husband has been here twice but yesterday was my first time visiting this restaurant. What a great place! Our food was delicious and the server, Tammy, was a delight. This old train station is surrounded by active train tracks and out in front, there is an old steam engine and a rail car. Great atmosphere and great food! read more

So pretty at Christmas! Soup and apps were good. but customer service was out if the world! Meals were good everyone enjoyed them however one entre was not to my satisfaction and the manager and waitress were beyond helpful and pleasant. PS save room for dessert - The bread pudding is fantastic. read more

Great atmosphere with good food. We were waited on by an awesome bartender named Sarah!! Our serves was impeccable, what a fun experience!!! She went up and above. To bad we don't live closer to visit more. read more

I was not impressed with their Sunday brunch. They didn't offer much and what they did offer wasn't good. Scrambled eggs were over cooked, potatoes under cooked and the waffle machine didn't cook the waffles at all. In my opinion not worth it! read more

Excellent food, staff, and experience! Me and my family go here on a regular basis and honestly recommend it to anyone and everyone. The atmosphere is just astounding. I feel as though I took a step back in time with all the antique decor, amazing restored structure, and music. The wait staff is always friendly and on top of everything. I always look forward to trying all the new specials and I always have to end with the whiskey bread pudding! Strongly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a new place to try or just an all around amazing meal/ experience! read more

We have eaten here a half dozen times and found the food and service to be good. We like the atmosphere. The restaurant is a converted train station with rail traffic just outside the restaurant. We decided to try their Easter Buffet and we were very disappointed. The food choice was very limited and the quality was poor at best. The food was crowded on a buffet table and not kept warm. Kind of insult to injury to have poor quality food and selection, then it's cold? This being said we might return for standard seating but we will not consider for buffet event. read more

Great atmosphere, beautifully restored train depot. Good, solid American food. The burgers are spot on and their signature whiskey bread pudding is a good ending. read more

Very disappointed. We spent over $200 for dinner.. the fish was square? 3 shrimp and 3 scallops really ? The lobster had one ... yes one piece of claw meat .. the rest was finely shredded lobster in a nasty sauce.. plain old butter would have been fine. They gave us a few cold slices of a bread or roll ?? Not sure but when asked for more they gave us plain old bread cut in half .. ohh and dessert. Bread pudding is NOT slices of bread spread out flat in a pan THATS French toast casserole. BUT.. the service was good, fast and friendly ... the drinks well prepared. The place is cute and lots of fun things to view. But I think it's time for a new cook.. no Real Chef would put out that kind of fare. read more

First time I went here was about 6 yrs ago. Was blown away. The food was top notch, huge servings, and reasonable prices. Atmosphere was and still is nice. Been going back every year since our first visit and unfortunately the food has been steadily going downhill. Serving sizes are down and prices are up. Quality of the meals are lacking as well. I'm still holding on to my first visit, but at this point I'd have a hard time recommending this restaurant to others. read more

First time ever trying Steaming Tender, went in for lunch the other day. Service incredibly slow and food not at all what we were expecting. Kids orders were brought out right away, which was fine until it became unreasonable the kids had to wait for the adults to get their food and then finish eating. Poor poor accommodations on catering to a party of two adults and two kids. We waited for our chicken salad sandwiches for an incredibly unreasonable amount of time (probably 20 mins to 30 mins and that's no exaggeration). Table next to us was seated after us. Received all their HOT meals long before we received a cold chicken salad sandwich that should have already been prepared. Once we got it, the chicken had NO DILL which was described on menu and it was so dry and bland it was almost unbearable. Starving at this point and in a hurry to get out of there for a long day trip we were now late for, we ate with no complaints. Unfortunate. We went because they were featured on phantom gourmet and highly suggested. Won't be back again. read more

I implore everyone looking for a REAL review on The Steaming Tender to look for the option below labeled "31 reviews that are not recommended". It's funny how only the praising reviews are directly visible on the immediate page. What's hidden from view are the reviews that state time and time again how horrible management is and how the owner treats customers and staff like lesser humans. The egotistical owner just shuts down any negative reviews by stating that they're written by "disgruntled employees" instead of opening her eyes and using it as constructive criticism. It's not a hidden gem, it's a pre-cooked, over priced, pretentious hidden horror. Do not give this woman as much as a dollar of your money. read more