I love trains so when we read about the Steamng Tender, we just had to visit. We were there when they opened; they have come a long way since the early days. One thing that hasn't changed is the quality of the food. we have enjoyed many delicious meals, never a bad one and that's saying something. The service has always been exceptional. Courteous, prompt, and delivered with a smile. The restaurant is an open plan with many tables. It has been restored with care to keep the station authentic. They have memorabelia perfectly placed around the restaurant and near the bathrooms. There are stage coaches on a cement patio in the front, just outside just outside the entrance. Tables are scattered between them for patrons can enjoy lunch or dinner in the nice weather. I highly recommend The Steming Tender. read more

I really like this restaurant and I think the food is really good but I really like the people who work at this restaurant so much

I always love restaurants that are unique and who take pride in not only their food but motif. This is one of those places. Thou having been a train station they had this pre-existing advantage. There's not allot of modifications you can do - and the main dinning area does resemble the main dinning hall on a cruise ship except for the extreme height of the beamed ceiling. We sat in the bar area and although our table was a bit small we made due. The service was excellent and the waitress was up for witty banter - always a plus. The drinks were tasty, strong and reasonably priced. We weren't overly hungry so we only got sandwiches. My wife got the Goat Fidgety Wrap - which was amazing. I stuck with a burger and it was good but nothing fancy - a standard . In fact their menu is being standard fare (except for something called a hobo bowl). I love how accessible the train engines, train cars and buggy are. Plenty of picture taking opportunities. If I'm in the area - or even just passing thru - I'll plan accordingly for our "next stop Willoughby". :) read more

Went for early dinner today. Super friendly server and food was excellent. They have the best hot lobster of anywhere. The Newburgh sauce is the perfect addition. Always get the corn muffin with the honey butter, delicious as always. Locomotion drink is my go to. My last experience here was disappointing but they really made up for it tonite. read more

We chose Steaming Tender for our New Year's Eve anniversary celebration. Since we are not much for crowds, we chose a reservation for noon. It was a great experience from start to finish. Perfect atmosphere, music, drinks, food, and service. For drinks we had a Smoke Signals and a Pineapple Express. Lobster Crocker for an appetizer, Red Jacket Filets and Switchman Scampi for entrees. I think we've found our permanent anniversary place! Our server Bethany was fantastic. Thank you for a great anniversary meal! read more

See all

Went with some friends at Christmas and truly enjoyed the experience. We sat by the window and watched the trains go by. We enjoyed it so much that we now go every year around Christmas. The service is wonderful and the ambiance during the holidays makes you feel like you're part of a Hallmark movie. I highly reccomend that if you are visiting the area you make it a point to stop in and dine at Steaming Tender. read more

The renovated train station is meticulously clean and well lit. Feels like you are in the actual station without the soot(aka dust) - even with many antiques, no dust! Amazing. The service was friendly and prompt - we sat at the bar for lunch and it was pleasant and personable. Burgers were cooked perfectly, lettuce not so fresh but no other faults to note. Lemon drop martini nicely prepared. We will be back. read more

Love the ambiance! You can sit inside, on the front porch, or in an old train car. Food and drinks are yummy too.

Service, food and ambience are all excellent. Prefer it in summer on the patio as interior is frequently very cold. Bring a jacket just in case! read more

We went there on Thursday, a person in our party ordered a fish sandwich. They got a chicken sandwich instead. Based on the long wait time for food, we didn't try to get the fish sandwich. We were comped half off. We think it should have been comped for free, given the wait time. They then went there Sunday, to give it another try. The nachos were decent, but the potato skins with pulled pork were horrible. They thought to send them back but didn't want the hassle, but totally regretted not sending them back. They also got 2 burgers, which were not up to par. The lettuce and tomato were disgusting ​. They were very dissatisfied with their order. Having been there in the past for family occasions, we are sorry to say we will not be back any time soon. read more

Absolutely incredible atmosphere, service and FOOD! We got cornbread and artichokes for apps. I got scampi and my husband got the fisherman platter. Excellent!! B read more

Love this place! Delicious food. Waitress was amazing and told us the history of the place. Loved the birthday song.

My grandson and I visited here again it was great. I had the steak tips with garlic mashed potatoes and house vegetables mash. The tips were served with a chocolate induces sauce. It was amazing! My grandson had his fav go to burger the was so perfect and cooked to his expectio. Our waiter was excellent! Great food and service. Thank you Steaming Tender! read more

Former regular customers. Poorly managed, menu could use an update not just changing the names of the pre-made warm and serve. Make sure you have a reservation though as they changed from allowing walk ins to sit in the bar area- You can do so much better at Salem Cross and Fins and Tales...better service and actual fresh prepared food! read more

Took my sister there for her birthday. Lots to see, a train came by while we were dining. Food was decent, atmosphere was superb.

It's seriously difficult after Covid and now serious inflation to find an eatery where you can bring the whole family, get a good meal, and not get soaked. This is the place. Good service, great atmosphere, nice people all around. read more

First timer here... I've been coming to Monson, MA to visit family 2-3 times per year for the last 6 years. I've always wanted to try this place, but the hours never worked out for us. I'm excited to say that I finally had a taste of this historic restaurant. Everything was DELICIOUS! I had the 14oz Steak and my wife had the Pot Roast. Both were amazing and perfectly tender. My favorite item was the Clam Chowder. Never had anything like it (from CA sadly). This was a creamy and authentic chowder. The service was 10/10 and the drinks were crisp and tasty. I only wish I had taken pictures of the food as it came out. It was too good to wait. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Steaming Tender - Cranberry 75 - American Near Me - Palmer, Massachusetts

Food was great. The Impossible Burger is delicious. Hope this burger stays on the menu. Great staff. read more

See all

Visiting family from out of town and we were looking for someplace to eat when we remembered this place. We should have gone some place else. Ambiance- nice but a little loud. Food was decent, but let me tell you - when they say they have a special there was nothing special about it except the price. The special isn't listed on the menu and the servers are told not to disclose pricing unless asked. So here is my warning for you - always ask this place for the price otherwise you'll pay an arm and a leg for a steak and average mashed potatoes that would cost $20 less at a nicer restaurant. If we had been told the special was the price it was we might not have ordered it, and in turn might have tipped the server more. I normally tip more than 20% but don't like feeling like we were ripped off. read more

Amazing Food, Amazing Service, the atmosphere and decor is amazing. Don't forget to save room for the bread pudding!

Haven't been in a couple of months so my review is a bit late. Recently moved to Palmer and have a few times. Love love this place. Food is amazing every time and staff very courteous. Went last summer and very dog friendly to my dog (we sat in a nice outdoor table). I never mind paying a little more for quality food and service. This place does not disappoint!!! read more

Wow is this place awesome. I had a great New England seafood fisherman sampler with fish, shrimp, scallops baked in a buttery lemon sauce with crusted bread crumbs and a delicious bowl of New England clam chowder followed by a whiskey bread pudding that was extraordinary. It is served in an old train station turned into a dining room fit for a wedding reception. We will be sure to return when back In Massachusetts. read more

this is a must go if you're from new england!!! we came from NY to meet up with family from boston and it's the perfect meeting spot right off the highway!!! the service was spectacular and more then just having a server, our "conductor" dara gave us an unforgettable experience with history and facts and it made the wait for our food feel like nothing at all! fast, tasty, fresh food and the drinks were super creative and affordable! can't forget the dining room is inside of an 1800's train station with trains going by as you eat! beautiful and cozy spot definitely check it out if you're in the area 10/10 must go especially for birthdays ;) P.S make sure to save room for their whiskey bread pudding read more

Menu featuring solid American fare at good prices in a beautifully renovated historic building. Great place for a birthday celebration -- make sure to ask the staff for the choo-choo celebration... read more

Quaint interior lots of nostalgia, food could use a bit of attention. Ordered the Waldorf chicken salad. There was an over an over abundance of mayo it and it took over the flavor profile. Partner had Strawberry fields salad, asked for dressing on side got it on side and in it also. I guess the place has a corner on the market while located in a beautiful setting. But for the price I believe they can up their game a bit! read more

It's alright. Not healthy by any means. Cool atmosphere. We got the fried pickles (left a weird aftertaste), fish tacos (app but I got it for a meal and it was sooo good) and my daughter got the kids bowtie pasta. She enjoyed it but there was legit at least half a stick of butter under her pasta. I'm writing this review as we are leaving, but I predict she's going to have a potty emergency shortly. All that butter was unnecessary... at least drain it! read more

Steaming Tender - American Near Me - Palmer, Massachusetts

See all

Our server was amazing. Helpful and attentive when we needed it. However, don't believe everything you see on the menu online or in the restaurant. We ordered 2 different beers one on tap and the other bottled. "Sorry we don't have them anymore." Uh.. okay then we will change our order. Sigh. Then we ordered from the menu. The Caesar salad didn't have the same ingredients. It was romain, not kale, and mostly ribs and what tasted like bland ranch with a little sprinkles of parm. I'm sorry but what we came for and what we paid for was disappointing. A menu should be updated when it changes both online and on paper. read more

I think this may have been the worst meal my wife and I have ever eaten. We ordered the fried artichoke first. It was ok, but it needed some sort of sauce. I had the clam chowder, which came out like warm and was gross. I didn't eat it. The server took it away and told me she would take it off. Then I ate the prime rib sandwich which was awful. It was black from being cooked too long, and it tasted like a microwaved Salisbury steak from a Hungry Man meal. Disgusting. I had two bites and decided I couldn't bring myself to eat anymore. My wife had the scallops which were ok, but she was so grossed out by my food that she stopped eating them. Meagan the waitress was nice, so we tipped her well (it's not her fault the food sucked). Total bill was $78. We gave her $100 and left. Overall, nice setting, fine service, terrible food (just pure crap). Do yourself a favor and eat anywhere else. read more

My husband and I were in the area visiting an old friend and decided to return to the Steaming Tender after many years. The service was great. Our server, Kendall, was informed and attentive. I had the warm lobster roll and my husband had the pulled pork grilled cheese. Both were delicious! We have always loved the restored train station atmosphere. Sadly this will probably be our last visit as we have no reason to be in the area in the future, but will cherish the many "meal memories" that we made there! Best wishes and many thanks to the Steaming Tender! read more

Bread Pudding IN my drink? Yes please. The cocktail was so good, and a great way to try some of the bread pudding if you know that the main you're getting is going to be too large for you to be able to even think about dessert. I had another cocktail that undrinkable though (cant recall the name and their drinks menu is not online). We got the fried pickles, pumpkin pizza and nachos to start, all of which were great (maybe too sweet of a pumpkin pizza but hey, pumpkin is sweet) and I had the mac n cheese for a main which was delicious. Was so excited that the portion size meant that I was going to be able to have it for lunch the next day as well. They have heat lamps and our server was great. read more

Yummy Fun Love there chowder Baked Stuffed Shrimp Caesar Salad Clam Chowder Lobster Mac New England Turkey Dinner All delicious read more

I was visiting from out of town when my family took me here for brunch on a Sunday. My son and I loved the trains and the old history. So cool!! The food was delicious! Corned beef hash was one of the best I've had in a while. My son loved making the Belgian waffles and decorating them with fruit and whipped cream! So fun! The biscuits and gravy was very good. Nice pepper flavor and sausage flavor. Just about everything we tried was delicious! read more

Steaming Tender - American Near Me - Palmer, Massachusetts

See all

We have been for both lunch and dinner. It's the most adorable restaurant built into an old train station. Our little one adored the Christmas lights. The food is very good and true New England fare. The staff are always very attentive and kind, but don't hover which is great. The Reuben is a great lunch choice and the fish is always an amazing dinner option! read more

Came in thirty minutes until closing and they were happy to serve us. Our server was very friendly and offered some good suggestions. When we told her we were on a road trip she provided some additional options for places we were traveling to. Neat restaurant in an old train depot! Worth checking out if you are in the area. read more

This is a very cool spot. Some people will say that all I care about is the food, and for the most part they would be right. But sometimes, sometimes there is a place that is so special on its own, the food just has to be good enough to not spoil the experience. I'd say Steaming Tender falls under that category. The dining room in this converted train station is amazing. Amazing. It's a word that I don't use lightly. Just look up. All that wood. Those ceilings. The huge hand cut beams. The room is simply awesome. The food is fine. My daughter was trying to decide between the hot dog and the chicken fingers on the kids menu. I convinced her to go with the chicken fingers, and seriously, those may have been the best looking things on the table. My caesar salad with grilled chicken was just fine. My mother was happy with her tuna melt, but I would have found it lackluster. For me a tuna melt is all about the warmed tuna salad, tucked away under a layer of melted cheese. There was barely any cheese in this thing. It was more like a patty melt on grilled rye bread. It had cheese on the inside, but it was easy to miss. Maybe that's what a tuna melt is when you're in Massachusetts? I'm not sure. One of the pictures on Yelp shows tables set up in a train car. That does exist. It's outside. However, that's not for everyday service. You can book the dining car for special events, which sounds like it would be a ton of fun. Is the place a couple dollars more expensive than one might expect for the food being served? Sure. But the dining room is gorgeous, and it's well worth the small expense for this trip back in time. Bravo to the team who put together what's clearly a labor of love. One piece of constructive criticism might be to offer plates instead of plastic baskets for lunch items. The plastic baskets work fine, but a plate would really help go the extra mile. read more

The historic building is incredible, thanks to the owners who have worked tirelessly to save it. The food is great, I've never had a bad bite and the wife and I are there a couple of times a month. From traditional pub food to European inspired dishes, you can't go wrong. I'm a huge fan of lobster and apparently so is the owner. When it comes to the quality, it's like I'm in Rockport. I can't recommend this place enough. read more

This is my first time visiting this establishment. I've heard from a few people the food was good. In actuality the food is unbelievable and the service is excellent. read more

See all

We always enjoy going to Steaming Tender. The food is always good. Tonight had the FISK FISH FILET FRIED HADDOCK with SPICY CORN sauce. Awesome! Had a flight of beers. Awesome! The atmosphere is special being a Train Depot and running trains passing if lucky. Staff are dressed as Conductors which adds to the ambience. Staff is always pleasant. Thanks for a nice dinner. read more

The space is absolutely beautiful. The wait staff is amazing. The food was great. A couple of items were not available from the menu. The nachos are not what you think about when you think of nachos. The lobster roll was great. The French fries are excellent. There was a lamb shank special that was great. The baked fisherman platter was delicious. We will be back when we are in Western Ma. read more

Brought my husband who is the retired engineer for Amtrak he loves this place. The food was good. The white staff was excellent. This was our second time going and we will go again. read more