DINNER TRAIN

What to Expect

• Dinner is served onboard the moving train in restored vintage dining cars
• Tables are private to your party for the duration of the experience
• The full experience lasts approximately 2–3 hours, allowing time to enjoy each course
• The pace is relaxed and unhurried, designed for conversation and connection
• Wine, beer, cocktails, and specialty drinks are available for purchase onboard
• The route travels through parts of urban East Chattanooga; the focus of this experience is the onboard dining rather than natural scenery

Menu

Each course is prepared onboard and served at your table during the ride, allowing you to enjoy a full dining experience while the train is in motion.

Amuse & Soup
Niedlov’s artisan bread with herb butter and house-made hummus
White bean & kale soup

Entrée
Served with garlic-herb mashed potatoes and the chef’s seasonal vegetable medley

• Burgundy braised beef
• Pan-seared airline chicken (gluten-free)
• Panko-crusted flounder
• Baked pesto gnocchi with spinach, mushroom, and tomato

Dessert

• Vanilla cheesecake with berries
• Hazelnut crème brûlée (gluten-free)
• Apple cinnamon bread pudding

Included Beverages
Water · Coffee · Lemonade · Iced tea (sweet or unsweet)

Enhance Your Evening
Wine, rosé, champagne, bourbon, and Irish coffee are available for purchase onboard.

Relax, savor, and let our dining-car team take care of the rest—we look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Seating Options

Important Seating Note
Dining Car and Pullman seating are located in different cars. Guests selecting different seating types will not be seated together.

Guests may choose between classic dining tables in our restored Dining Cars or intimate tables for two in our Pullman car.

Dining Car Seating

Seats up to 4 guests per table

Enjoy traditional railroad dining with tables arranged for up to four guests. Dining Car seating offers a lively yet relaxed atmosphere and is ideal for groups celebrating together.

Pullman Seating – Clover Colony

Seats 2 guests per table

Pullman seating features smaller tables for two in a quieter, more intimate setting—perfect for couples and date nights.

Originally built in 1920 by the Pullman Company, Clover Colony reflects the elegance of classic rail travel with refined woodwork, period lighting, and 1940s décor. The car later appeared in the 1959 film Some Like It Hot and now offers guests a chance to dine in a beautifully restored piece of railroad history.

B&O Office Car No. 98

Private car • Seats up to 8 guests
Not recommended for children under 12

For a truly exclusive experience, the B&O No. 98 offers private seating in a lavishly restored office car originally built in 1917 for the president of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Featuring multiple rooms, rich wood paneling, and historic detailing, this private car has hosted proposals, weddings, and unforgettable celebrations.

Following a multi-year restoration, the car now reflects its mid-20th-century appearance—allowing guests to experience rail travel as it once was for railroad executives and dignitaries.

We do not have a formal dress code for the dinner train, but most passengers seem to enjoy dressing up a bit.

The trains board at our Grand Junction depot, located at 4119 Cromwell Road in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Chattanooga is in the Eastern Time Zone. Please check the calendar for dates of operation and departure times.

• 👥 Can children ride the Dinner Train?
  The Dinner Train is best suited for adults and older children and is not recommended for children under 8 years old.
  The dinner menu and pricing are the same for adults and children.
• 👔 Is there a dress code?
  There is no formal dress code. Most guests enjoy dressing up a bit for the evening, though it is not required.
  The overall atmosphere is relaxed and refined.
  
  Courtesy note: Please be mindful of noise levels during meal service.
• 🍽️ Do you offer vegetarian or gluten-free options?
  Yes. Our baked pesto gnocchi is vegetarian, and select menu items are gluten-free.
  For specific dietary needs or questions, please call 423-894-8028 prior to booking.
• 📍 What will I see during the Dinner Train ride?
  The route travels through portions of urban East Chattanooga, passing historic rail corridors, the Missionary Ridge Tunnel,
  and local landmarks such as the Chattanooga Zoo and National Cemetery.
  
  Please note: This experience does not include mountain or river scenery. The focus is the onboard dining experience.
• 🍷 Is gratuity or alcohol included in the ticket price?
  Gratuity and alcoholic beverages are not included. Wine, beer, cocktails, and specialty drinks are available for purchase onboard.
• ⏱️ How long is the Dinner Train experience?
  The experience typically lasts between 2 and 3 hours, depending on routing and schedule.
• ✔️ Is the meal included with my ticket?
  Yes. Your ticket includes a full multi-course dinner prepared onboard and served at your table during the ride.

Located within 10 minutes of our location:

Sonesta Select

Experience Comfort at Sonesta Select Chattanooga Hamilton Place

The Dinner Train is just one way to experience the magic of dining on the rails.
Explore these other memorable TVRM experiences:

About Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum:

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a railway museum located in Chattanooga and Delano, Tennessee. It was established in 1961 to preserve and operate historic railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of future generations. The museum features a variety of vintage trains and railcars, including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. Visitors can experience the history of rail travel through excursions, exhibits, and hands-on activities. The museum operates on a historic rail line, offering scenic rides through the Hiwassee Loop and providing a unique perspective on the region’s history and culture. With its rich heritage, educational programs, and engaging events, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a must-visit destination for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

As a non-profit organization, it takes a lot of resources to restore and maintain our vintage trains and equipment. In fact, it can cost up to $1.5 million to completely rebuild a steam engine, which must be done every 15 years or sooner. Your support helps us to continue to share this important piece of history with the community. So not only are you enjoying a unique and memorable experience, you are also contributing to the preservation of railroad history.