Connecticut Dinner Train

Very Good

Charles Gabriel - Naugatuck, Ct.

Everything about the dinner train was great. The food was freshly cooked. The service was great. The only problem was the speakers in our car didn’t appear to work so we couldn’t hear the conductor.

Julie Cuozzo - Rockland

The staff was was cheerful and attentive. The food was great. We were surprised that food prepared on a Train could be so well presented and tasty. The accomodations were really upscale with white table clothes and cloth napkins. The scenery was beautiful. Since we combined this with an overnight stay at the Griswold Inn in Essex Village, it became a mini-vacation my wife and I will always remember. Many Thanks, Jim & Rita

Jim Bausch - Westfield, NJ

Had a great time. Would do it again. Overall experience was outstanding.

John Reed and Shirley Voelker - Weymouth, MA

Very disappointing. We were quite excited about it. We invited another couple and it turned out to be a mistake. The food was not very good. The prime rib was OK but the seafood newburg was bad. A very heavy sauce and not fully cooked rice. The train ride was very ordinary along the river and no real scenery.

Manuel Tarano - Southborough

An interesting experience, atmosphere was nice inside the train but needs a little more 20's decorating. The wait staff was excellent, very friendly & attentive. The food needs improvement though. Appetizer had some stale/soggy crackers, and needed to have more on the plate for 3 people. Salad was ok. But the main course was not hot, only barely luke warm, veggies were soggy and lacked flavoring, the rice was stuck together. My chicken was good but not hot. Bread was not warm as advertised in their table brochure. The ride was bumpy in a lot of spots and we felt leaning from side to side often to, that made it a little difficult while eating. The scenic view wasn't much to see, saw people's houses often and back yards along the way. Not sure we'd return a second time.

Don & Fran - Clinton, CT

The experience as well as the food was great. The staff was very pleasant and accommodating. This was a great escape from the constant hustle and bustle that most of us experience. It was also requested that we retire our cell phones for the duration of our experience; nice to hear people conversing at dinner!

Sheila DiCostanzo - Torrington, CT

The train was clean, set up was beautiful, wait staff was courteous and accommodating. The food was delicious. The view of the Connecticut River was so relaxing watching the scenery go by at a nice pace.

Judy gilroy - Essex

This was an elegant and relaxing afternoon. It was like going back to another place in time - train is beautiful, waitstaff attentive, food was good. The train ride through a beautiful area of Connecticut was lovely. This was a gift. Xperience Days was very easy to deal with. Great site!

Dale Fritze - Enfield, CT

Fantastic food (I had the prime rib), service and scenery! I highly recommend taking this dinner train ride.

Carrie K. - Windsor Locks, CT

We were given tickets for the dinner train for Christmas. We had been on the train before but not for the dinner. It was a very nice time. The food was very good and all prepared on the train.The ride was slow enough for you to really take the whole experience in. We went on a very hot day and the a/c was great. There is a car at the end of the train to relax in as well as go out on to the "porch" area at the end of the last car. All in all it was a good time.

Peter Lucsky - Danbury

Really enjoyed the experience. The train went slow during meal time which was very pleasant and it went along the Conn. River. Food was excellent & well served. Highly recommend this.

Rolf & Diane - NJ

This was one of the absolute best things we've ever done.
The experience was magnificent! When we walked aboard the train we were instantly taken back in time, from the decor, the music and the good old fashioned drink selections. :) The ride was smooth and the views of the Connecticut River were stunning. We highly recommend the dinner train to everyone we know! It really was a unique experience.

Rachael - Kings Park, NY

I went with my best friend on this train ride and it was such a lovely experience. The service was lovely and the big band music piping through was a sweet addition. The scenery at sunset was just beautiful. The dinner was okay - Fish a little dry but not terrible. It was a generous portion. Also the appetizer was delish. Overall we were both very pleased. It would make a beautiful anniversary gift or romantic getaway gift to someone.

Maria Fazio - NYC

Food was very good and plentiful. Coach was air-conditioned and comfortable. The only reason for not giving this experience a "5" was that the ride could have been longer, as the trip was so enjoyable!

Chris - Hudson Valley NY

The overall experience was good. The staff was great - conductor, brakeman, service staff, bartender and office staff. The food itself was pretty poor. The rolls were fine. The salad, meh. The vegetables gray and overcooked, the potatoes squishy and overcooked, the steak just ok. Dessert was good. It was a 180 mile drive for us. Four hours on the ride up due to traffic and weather, 3 hours home and and overnight stay in a hotel. So it was a very expensive, time-consuming trip. Thus, while we enjoyed the experience, we are unlikely to do it again.

Dennis D'Arienzo - New Jersey

Even in pouring rain, this dinner train was fun. Staff was professional and knowledgeable. Nice interaction with the passengers. One issue. Since most guys will order Prime Rib, I was able to see mine and theirs. All were well done. The quality of meat was wonderful. Too bad 90% of people like their beef something other than Well done. You need to stick with medium to please most dinners.

Kevin Curry - Mass.

What wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We really enjoyed the whole experience.

Phyllis Cummings-Texeira - Cheshire CT

Elegant dining experience, warm atmosphere, friendly informative and knowledgeable conductor/tour guide, professional wait staff delicious 4 course dinner all add up to a beautiful night with my husband! Well worth the time!

Jimmy and Amy Adams - Essex

We had a wonderful experience! Ride was beautiful and food was great! All was clean and very professionally done. Staff was very nice and attentive, and we had a marvelous time all around. Will definitely do this train ride again.

Sherri Valerio - Newton, NJ

VERY PLEASED! FOOD WAS GOOD, SERVICE WAS GREAT AND THE SCENERY WAS BEAUTIFUL. THE ONLY NEGATIVE WAS THE WEATHER (RAIN). WE WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TRIP TO OUR FRIENDS.

ARMAND & MARLU PICARDI - ESSEX, CT

We enjoyed the whole adventure on the train, the service and hospitality along with the food-it was our 1st time eating on a train. Unfortunately the weather was not the best and put a damper on our view, but the ride itself was very enjoyable. My rose is still beautiful.

Joyce & Dennis Smith - Haledon NJ

It was a wonderful experience. The food was absolutely delicious. The employees on the train were fantastic and very helpful in answering any questions. We felt very special and would recommend this evening to our friends and family.

Stephen Bialousz - Salt Point, New York

Wonderful relaxing dinner along the Conn. River. The train was a steam train and it was a fun ride. The food was OK but the experience was great. I would highly recommend it.

Barbara - New York

My husband and I received the Connecticut Dinner Train ride as a Christmas present from our children. We had a wonderful experience and enjoyed the train ride. The food was delicious and the servers were great. The scenery was beautiful and I got some awesome pictures. Thanks for a great time!

Rebecca Webb - Crane, MO

My husband and I had a wonderful week-end. The train-ride was so enjoyable and restful. We loved the scenery, and found it really relaxing. Paul was a very pleasant person, and the wait staff was excellent in conducting their meal settings. We also stayed at the 'Captain Stannard' bed and breakfast, it a wonderful experience. We will be dropping hints to out son & daughter-in-law (who gave the trip as a gift) that our 50th anniversary would be a great time to go again. Sincerely, Carole & Frank Canning, Flanders, NJ September 29th.

CAROLE CANNING - NJ

The Dinner Train in Essex was a birthday gift from my wife. We decided to make an overnight trip since we had a 2 1/2 hour drive to Essex. The trip was well worth it. We arrived as sugggested 1/2 hour prior to boarding. The location truly brought us back in time. The station as well as the conductors and waitstaff depicted the era. Aboard we were met by a pleasant waitress and the meal was tastey and well presented. Our conductor Paul explained the history of the train and visited at each table. Although Paul's input was interesting, it would have been nice to have a brief discription of the sight as we were approaching them. We enjoyed the scenery along the Conn. River and saw the rice puffs growing along the route. We would defintely return again in the Springtime, we took this trip the end of ther summer. Our only sugestion would to possibly have a little dinner music to add to the ambiance. I would recommend this trip to anyone. The leisurely ride and excellent food and waitstaff truly added to the stepping back in time and leisure of the train experience.

Arnie Fusco - Brooklyn, NY

My husband and I traded an indoor skydiving experience for this train ride and were so glad we did. To be honest, the view is nothing special at all, especially in late August when everything is dead. The food was decent, but nothing amazing. But it's just a great opportunity to just sit, relax, talk, and smell the roses. My husband and I were by far the youngest ones there (we're 26 and 29 and the majority of the rest were very old couples). If you want some relaxing, good quality time with your partner I highly suggest this activity. I do not suggest bringing children, as they will easily get bored and become annoying to other passengers.

Fiona - CT

The scenery along the way was interesting. Seeing the wild rice growing in the preserve and hearing about the birds eating it during their migration was fascinating. The Connecticut River was beautiful as well as the swing bridge and the Goodspeed theater. The ambiance of the dining car was delightful and the company, my husband, made the journey wonderful. The only thing lacking was the food. I had to return my plate as the salmon and vegetables were over cooked. The dessert was the highlight of the meal.

Pat - Essex CT

We had a great time. The service was great. The staff was helpful and friendly. A great experience and I would definitely do it again.

Adele DalPos - New York

I received this as a gift for two and invited two friends to join us. It was fun, food good (but not great)and the train ride was pleasant. Two complaints - expensive! I don't know as I would spend that kind of money again to go and the service was slow. I know it was a casual dinner but I think it was too drawn out. The others in our party felt the same way. And asked if we would go again, not sure given the price.

Shirley Morris - Newington, CT

This was an amazing event from start to finish. It is like stepping back in time to be pampered by the wonderful waitstaff and conductors. The scenery inside the train and going by the windows brought back bygone days of the luxury of train travel we no longer get to experience like this. The food was excellent - delicious, well presented. Overall, and excellent experience, I would do this again and recommend it to anyone - ride the train and dine in luxury and enjoy!!!

Rita Michaels - Essex CT

Great experience for couples. Dimmed lights, service was excellent. Everyone was courteous. Me and my girlfriend will come back.

Victor Cuba - Norwalk

The dining car, food and service were good. The train excursion was short in mileage (same route out and back), slow and with minimal 'narration'.

John Hughes - RI

My fiance and I enjoyed an all-around fantastic experience. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was romantic, the staff was great, and the scenery was fabulous. Would definitely go again in addition to recommending to others.

Jim McGinley - Havertown, PA

It was a lovely ride, wonderful food and a great relaxing get away. you only give us up to 5 for the best I would say it was a 10. All of the employees were wonderful and very pleasent. Keep up the good work.

John Dupell - Vernon, Ct

Wonderful

Kathy and Jim Geanuracos - Essex, CT

Thought it was a very relaxing ride and dinner. Food was very good and servers were excellent. This was a gift from our son & daughter-in-law from Christmas of last year. It's not anything I probably would have ever thought of doing, but now that we have gone on it, we may just do it again.

Elaine & Arthur King - Putnam, CT

My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful evening aboard the Dinner Train. It just so happened that we were able to pick the night of our 22nd Anniversary and it was a beautiful evening. Would recommend the Dinner Train for couples or even a small group of friends.

Mrs. Lisa Romanelli - Southington, CT

Everything was first class! Food was far better than anticipated and the wait staff smiled and took care of our every need. The dining car was clean and the music was not too loud was perfect for a walk back in time. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

Frank & Jody Daddio - NJ

We enjoyed our dinner for two. The staff was excellent, the experience enjoyable, the food delicious, the evening a delight. Our only disappointment was the train rain ended in the dark and we did not see much on the return due to the darkness of the hour, but we understand that was not something within your control. We had a wonderful time.

Barbara Dean - Essex, Connecticut

An outstanding experience. Food was excellent, service was first class, and the train ride was an adventure. Well worth the time and money.

Holly Utzig - Connecticut

This was a gift to us, we had no idea what to expect. I've already told my daughter anytime she wants to she can gift us again. Totally awesome dining experience, staff was great! Will definately be back.

Jan - Brilhante

Great Experience

Nichole Major - Essex CT

My boyfriend bought me this as a birthday present and I couldnt have had more fun! The food was absolutely delicious and the waitstaff was both perfectly in character for the 1920's setting and extremely friendly. I almost wish I bought this for him so that I would be the cool one! All in all, we had a great time! I would absolutely do it again!

Natalya - East Islip, NY

We had a rewarding experience during a pleasant evening with great food and views.

John Brady - Belmont, MA

Scenery spectacular on the way and during train ride. Best to check into hotel prior to train ride and see the sites at a leisurely pace. Weather was perfect and people friendly. Well worth it.

Ludia - Oakland, CA

The dining car was beautiful and the meal excellent. The servers were excellent also, we had a great time and would not hesitate to recommend the experience.

Jim Grueb - North Kingstown, RI

This was a terrific experience. The food was delicious. The wait staff was courteous. The conductors were knowledgeabe. We had a beautifl experience.

Sylvia Roy - Essex, CT

My husband and I took the Dinner Train on Sat. June 23rd and thoroughly enjoyed it. What a unique experience. The food, service and scenery was great. Would suggest this to anyone and will go again.

Cindy Nicoletti - Derby, CT

Enjoyed the train ride. Would recommend to others...thanks!

Brian Hansen - Willits, CA

Excellant food, relaxing ride, pretty scenery. If a few trees could be cut down in a couple of highlight areas, it would be even better

Shirley Habermeier - Essex

We had a great time. Everything was made very easy once we arrived. The food was tasty and there was plenty of it! Plus we had 2 desserts. The staff was all very attentive and made us feel welcome and well taken care of. Wish the scenery would have been a bit nicer but all in all a wonderful experience. Thanks!

Stockwell - Oakdale

A very nice trip and the food was good too! We will be back. Thank you.

Debbie - CT

We had a great time food was great and we thought the stop at the pumpkin patch was nice. This was our second time on the train. We loved it! Thank you.

Domingos Chaves - Ma

We enjoyed our 'xperience' very much. The reservations were excellent and connections were superb!

Thomas Hansson - Mass.

We enjoyed ourselves. It was very nice and food was delicious. Thanks

Adrienne DiDonato - CT

It was excellent.

Dennis Mckenna - Hackettstown, N.J.

We have already recommended it to others. The meal was much better than expected.

H&K - Essex

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Excellent food and service. We have already recommended it.

John Rooney - Southold NY

It was excellent had a wonderful time. I have already recommended it to friends.

Ed Gardella - Essex

Food was very good, service was very good, surroundings were lovely with tableclothes and fresh flowers, but the sights and surrounding areas were a big disappointment. Due to the storm, some tracks were impassable and we just backtracked and came back he same route - nothing much to see.

Barbara Coughlin - Connecticut

Just a wonderful experience. I would suggest that in order to see more of the scenery that patrons should consider the time of year, time of day, and when it gets dark. Missed things because it got too dark.

Richard Curtis - Amityville, NY

Lovely slow moving train menandering through the woods and over bridges. Took some really great pictures.

Nancy Best - CT

Overall a nice experience, staff was very pleasant and helpful, food was delicious and more than enough, dessert looked good but tasted very artificial. The ambiance was romantic if only the AC would have been more on the comfortable side. I was freezing in there and looked forward to get out and warm up a little bit in the nice summer air.

Radu - Essex, CT

The ride was outstanding. All the servers did a fine job. They made you feel great. We had the prime rib and it was cooked to perfection...... We plan on coming back!!!! Oh by the way, the weather was excellent.

Nat - Lynbrook, NY

This was an experience that was surprising and well worth the 2 and a half hour drive up to the train. The food was absolutely incredible and the people as host were really engaging. The only reason Im not able to rate a 5 is I thought there wouldve been more sightseeing. I recommend if you looking for something different the Connecticut Dinner Train will fulfill a different Experience.

M Aaron - Central New Jersey

Food was good but NOT great! Over all there was lack of attention as to where to go and how to get there. The train ride was not scenic as advertised. The only good thing was the conductor and the waitresses! Sorry for the poor review but it can be done much better and the food selection needs to be wider and courses should have been 7 as most places do that do not have scenery that is breath taking.

George E Lindemann

George Lindemann - United States

I just loved it :)

GABRIELA GONZALEZ - ESSEX, CT

We loved it. The dinner was great. Dessert was excellent, Italian cake! We would do this again!!

Marilyn Perry - North Conway, NH

Our first time on the Essex Pullman Dinner Train. Will do it again in the future. It was a wonderful experience and the food and service were first class.

Barbara DeLuca - Essex

Fantastic! The dining car was elegant and air conditioned. The food was exceptional. A delightful outing!

Robert Buntrock - Maine

Staff was excellent, food mediocre, ride OK. Bathroom filthy and unsanitary-definitely a health hazard. I thought the experience it was extremely overpriced for what you got and would not recommend it.

Rorie Russell - Essex, CT

The train ride was delightful the service was great but the food was mediocre.

Angela Demello - Stratford CT

Great experience. Everyone was super friendly and we had a great time.

Michele Mandell - Hamden Ct

We thoroughly enjoyed the train ride...nice scenery, good service, interesting commentary and the food was good, not great. Prices for drinks were reasonable. Would recommend it to friends.

Pat & Fred Wernig - Essex

The food was great and the scenery was awsome.

Tabisha Jackson - Essex, CT

While the weather was ugly and we had no choice but to attend despite a difficult commute, we arrived and unfortunately the waiting room was closed and we had to stand in the rain until they boarded the train. However once we identified ourselves we were treated very well, personally escorted to a charming dining car where the table was beautifully arranged and already set up with crudites, crackers and cheese and everyone from the conductors to the extensived wait staff was extremely courteous and efficient. The entire meal was excellent and could not have been improved on in any way. The server even came by with a container for leftovers (the portions were huge) without being asked. The train was a smooth ride and it was a relaxing enjoyable experience.

Judith Ann Odell - Redding, CT

My husband and I received a wedding gift for the dinner train. It really was lovely, romantic, food was good and I would recommend it as a special night out.

Diane - Dinner Train

We had a wonderful experience. The staff members were all friendly and helpful. Most importantly, they all had a smile on their face. The food could not have been better, and the presentation was exquisite. To top it all off, it was a beautiful day, and the foliage, although near the end of the season, was astounding. Thank you for such a pleasant afternoon. We look forward to going again.

omer and nadine bourgault - enfield, ct

Fantastic - a most memorable experience!! The staff was very friendly, the meal delicious and the ambience very relaxing - we felt as though we had been taken back into a very nice place in time!! Hope to do this again - and will recommend it to family and friends!

Roland and Rosemarie Trepanier - Southern Ontario, Canada

My husband and I received the dinner train ride as gift from our children. We would have liked if the train moved more quickly, giving us a feeling that we were going somewhere. The meal was good. I had the stuffed chicken, which I liked very much. My husband had the prime rib, which he said was just okay. He was not asked how he liked it prepared (medium, rare, well). Dessert had peanut butter, not a good choice because high incidence of allergies. Overall experience was positive, but too far for us to travel (2+ hrs each way) for a 3 hr event.

Iris Fine Scher - Fair Lawn, NJ

The entire experience was just what I had hoped it would be, it was Wonderful. The food, the music, and the personnel were all perfect.

Kim Marazzo - NY

Great time!! The ambience and music playing gave you the feeling of being back in time. The food was great and staff were very friendly. We'll be back again!!

D Elkin - New Paltz, NY

We received this trip as a Christmas present from my daughter last year. We went on the ride last Saturday. We had a wonderful time. The food was excellent and the service superb. Very, very enjoyable. I will recommend this to my friends and family.

Cathy and John - Tobyhanna, PA

We enjoyed it very much - food & service were excellent. Only thing missing was some interaction with the conductor. Previous reviews said the conductors were very funny - except for answering one question ours was MIA.

Kathy Hamilton - New York

We received this as a gift and we totally enjoyed the experience. The food was very good and the staff was top notch. Yes, we would like to do this again.

Diane & Tom - Danbury, CT

My wife and I had a great time on the Train enjoying the scenery on the appropriately slowly moving train. Food, as well as, the service were excellent - we will recommend this to our friends. Thanks.

Subodh - Mass

My husband received the train ride/dinner as a birthday present. We boarded the train last Sunday and had a fabulous time! We sat in an orginal car- it put us right back to the 1920's! The service was unmatched and the overall feeling was just wonderful. There was more than enough food and the scenery just perfect. Even the restroom accomodations which are antique, yet adds to the train's charm. We recommend this trip to anyone and look forward to having our parents go soon! Thank you!

Danielle - Queens, NY

Wonderful evening, enjoyed the ride and the food was excellent. The wait staff were attentive. Would recommend this experience to others.

Joe & Debbie - Tolland, Ct

What a wonderful experience!!! From the time we entered the property the staff was more than friendly. The dinner train was beautiful and the staff was very professional...yet warm and friendly. Food was a pleasant surprise..so many fellow diners took home 'doggie bags'! Thank you!

John & Jp Ann - Long Island

Nice, Met a young couple and had a fine conversation. The ride was wonderful. The food was delicios.

James Blake - New Hampshire

A pleasant and unique way to spend an evening. The train decor was excellent. The food was satisfactory and the waitstaff attentive and friendly. The views were pretty enough but certainly nothing special. There are actually a few industrial areas that are unappealing. The ride back in the dark is a little lacking as looking out the window reveals only darkand a few house lights. Overall, a romantic enjoyable evening.

John - Salisbury, VT

Although we had taken this train ride before, doing it again was a pleasant experience. The food and service were outstanding. It was a very pleasant and relaxing experience.

Jerry - Essex

It was FANTASTIC. Truly exceeded expectations. I thought the food was going to be airline food but instead it was top quality restaurant caliber. The staff were well trained and very attentive. Rob, the conductor, did his job beautifully. Both my wife and I would highly recommend the Essex Dinner Train.

Chris - Stamford, CT

Received dinner train tickets as a gift from our daughter and son in law for helping with their wedding. It was a wonderful and memorable experience. Food, service and train ride was great! We definitely would do it again.

Diana & Clifton - Byram, NJ

My wife and I had a very positive experience this past Sunday. If we do this again it would be earlier in the season. The food, service and ambiance we excellent.

Joaquim Andrade - Essex Dinner train

My husband and I received this as a wedding gift. We enjoyed the train ride. The food and the service was great. I had recently given a lunch train (in a different state) as a wedding gift also. Great idea!

Tracy - Groton, MA.

We had a wonderful time on the dinner train, the food was delicious and the staff on the train from the conductor, engineer and waitstaff were very friendly. The trip was very enjoyable along the CT River with beautiful scenery full of color. We would recommend it to everyone!

Don & Ruth Delagrange - Naugatuck, CT

This was the easiest reservation I have ever made and the experience was as promised. Would do it again and would suggest an early train to take advantage of the view.

Michael Harry - Essex

We enjoyed the experience very much. The food, main course and dessert were very good as was the service. The appetizers should be upgraded to make this experience top-rated. The chairs were a little uncomfortable and would benefit from a cushion on the seat. The experience starts too late to really enjoy the sights. In late August it was very dark outside the entire ride back. Can't imagine what happens in October. Suggest starting the last train at 5:30 or 6:00. We would do this again and recommend to friends.

Bill P - New Jersey

My wife and I truly enjoyed our dinner train experience, very romantic, fun experience! The staff was great funny, and sweet.The food was excellent, We were smiling the entire time...had great conversations with the conductor and other staff. Will do again........

Jarrod, Lauren Jennings - NJ

What a romantic, fun experience! The staff was great attentive, funny, and sweet. They really enjoy their jobs, which shows in the care they take with the customers/passengers, and the whole experience. We were smiling the entire time...had great conversations with the conductor and other staff but also enjoyed our romantic dinner with each other. A fun time would recommend it.

Tina - NJ

My husband and I truly enjoyed our dinner train experience. The food was excellent, the staff was attentive and the ride along the Connecticut River very scenic even though we had a rainy, cloudy day. Our only complaint was that the chairs at our table got slightly uncomfortable after 2-1/2 hours.

Donna Dlugos - Essex, CT -8/2/09

We had a great time. Food was delicious, service good and views fantastic! Wonderful!

robert Dicolella - Connecticut

My husband and I had a very nice time on the dinner train. Luckily we had gorgeous weather and experienced a beautiful sun set. The food was delicious, the salmon was a little over cooked. Our waitress was very good. I would recommend the dinner train to friends and even purchase as a gift for others. Thanks

Cheryl - Newport

The food & service was excellent- the only thing the dinner needed was a little more on the appetizers-train was immaculate- I would highly recommend this relaxing & romantic event.

diane van roten - massapequa

Overal a nice experience but it could be improved. On the positive side the food, service,and atmosphere were excellent. The staff was very friendly and the conductor was hilarious. Wish departure was earlier as the entire return part of the trip was in the dark. Also, the viewing platform was not open until the return which again was in the dark. If departure time cannot be modified, would suggest serving appetizers (upgraded vs actual starters served) and cocktails on the way out with viewing platform open. Then dinner on way back when you can't see anything. Finally, all literature indicated this train was powered by a steam powered locomotive. Although they had steam engines running, the dinner train was powered by a modern diesel locomotive. Very deceptive advertising.

Don & Nancy - Pomona, NY

The first impression to the Station was awesome. It was a beautiful night by the River and the train and decor brought you back to the past. Scenery nice but Sunset was breath taking. Food & Service OK for what it was. Would be bored to revisit it again. Maybe in the fall for a train to boat excursion which one of the servers reccomended.

Joe Palma - NYC

Food was excellent. Servers and conductors were friendly. Clean, good temperature. Scenery nice. We want to go back for future rides.

Liz Fletcher - Torrington, CT

Very relaxing, excellent food (prime rib), pleasant staff always willing to assist. Temerature in our car could have be more comfortable (cold) entire experience was exceptional.

Lynda Forbes - Essex, Conn

Great time! The servers were helpful and efficient!

Kristi - Essex

This was a retirement gift that I will always remember. The food was excellent, the ambiance, superb and the staff, friendly and efficient. Our conductor was knowledgeable and entertaining. Many thanks.

Richard/Mary - Long Island, NY

This is one of the things that should be on your bucket list. I totally enjoyed the whole experience. From moment you board to the time you leave, there are not enough adjectives to describe the experience. We are going to make it a yearly event. Bravo!!!!!!!

Marge and Bob - Danbury,Ct

The food was fabulous. The train immaculate and restored to the last detail. The service, from the ticket agent to the stewards, was excellent. Everyone was helpful, friendly and efficient. We couldn't have asked for a better experience!

Connecticut Dinner Train - CT

We had a great experience. It was truly a relaxing experience with exceptional service.
Only downfall was the temperature in the car.

Jackie Demmy - Tour

The food was very good. There wasn't too many options to drink if you weren't having hard liquor or wine. The views were wonderful. The staff was very nice and kept very busy.

David Watrous - Essex Steam Train

We had so much fun on this dinner train experience! Quite romantic! The conductor in our car was hilarious!! The food was to die for! I almost crave to have that stuffed chicken at home! My only complaint was that our seats didn't allow for us to have much of a view of anything. But in all honesty, what can one really do about that anyway. We are definitely making the dinner train a fall tradition and recommending it to our friends and family!!

Amanda & Jon - Weston, CT

Our experience was given as a Christmas gift 2007 we decided to wait, ride, and dine in the fall.  It was definitely worth waiting for!  Music, food and, service was excellent as we traveled through smalls towns, along wetlands and the river.  The colors of Autumn were nice.  Also, THANKS so much to the couple who decorated their home,dressed in costume, and put us into Halloween spirit, waving as we rode by.  Sunset to dark, we enjoyed every minute! 

Bill and Sandy - Conn

Our evening was wonderful thanks to the ambience and the scenery and the Glenn Miller music playing throughout our trip. Our food was good, but nothing to write home about. Our green beans were cold and soggy. Our bottle of wine that we ordered did not come until after we ate our salad. They need more than one person handling the drink orders. The other wait staff were great. The chocolate cake for dessert appeared 'manufactured'....not what I would have expected. Oh well...I'm glad we had some nice weather. Otherwise the expereince would have been just so so....

J & S - Danbury

Overall this was really a nice experience. The food was decent, the staff was excellent and the train restoration was fantastic. We were disappointed in the way the package was presented by Experiencedays. You'll notice above an image of a steam locomotive. In this dinner train experience, the locomotive is not a steam engine nor is it a vintage locomotive - deceptive on Experiencedays’ part - or perhaps they are not aware. Additionally, we were disappointed that we were not able to select our own seats on the train. We would have preferred to sit in a different car as they are decorated differently. Also, the seats we were in didn't allow for the best scenery viewing. This was a truly enjoyable experience and we would recommend it.

Matt McQueen - New York, New York

This was given to my parents for thier 25 wedding anniversary and they loved it. They said the steak they had was huge and juicy. The servous was outstanding. Thank you for showing my parents a wonderful dinner.

Nicole - CT

What a relaxing experience! Just what we needed after such a hectic week! The staff was great. The entrees were good but was hoping for something different with the starters and maybe a choice of desserts like there was with dinner. Overall, we had a great time and would definitely do it again!

Reena - Suffern, NY

Received Dinner Train as a gift. Wonderful evening - delightful experience - Ambience out of this world and will do it again........

Gloria K Corbit - Connecticut

We had a fantastic time. It was a nice opportunity to get away and spend some quiet time in a great atmosphere with good food! Recommend it to anyone looking for something special to do!

Deborah & Tim - Middletown, CT

What an enjoyable experience! Everything was well done. The staff is very attentive and accomodating and the food was delicious. All together creating a great atmosphere. We look forward to returning for the Polar Express.

Jennifer Holder - Staten Island, NY

Delicious meal, relaxing, plenty to eat, staff, attentive without looking over our shoulders all the time. The four of us had a great time. Thank you.

Patricia Giordano - Essex Ct

We had a delightful afternoon and an excellent meal. Thank you.

Donald Ferguson - Essex

Excellent, it could not of been any better. The wait staff was extremely friendly, the conductor was very funny. The food was delicious and that dessert, the choc. mouse cake, out of this world. The train ride was so nice a perfect evening. Thanks, definetly will do it again.

Jackie/Rich - Conn.

My wife & I felt we were back in the 1920's traveling from the country estate to the big city for our wedding anniversary on a luxury train. Dinner was excellent and the anniversary cake provided by the crew was a hugh surprise. The service crew was first class. We recommend this experience to anyone who wants to close their eyes and travel back to a time when the world was a calmer and more polite place to live in.

S Coleton - Chappaqua NY

The food was very good. I didnt like the idea the train only went so far then went back the same way. Got to see the bay only one way, then it was dark, and saw nothing on the way back. Needed some intertainment to by pass this time.The waitress and waiter were not the friendliest. They just did there job and were coming from NJ and spending a night in a hotel.

JoAnn Haytas - Conn.

My husband and I had a wonderful, romantic dinner aboard the Dinner train. It was just like 'days gone by'. Food, staff and music were excellent.

Janet Peters - Long Island, NY

What a great time! The food was done to perfection. The ambience was spectacular, and the staff was friendly and attentive. We're already making plans to do it again with family and friends.

George and Toni Holmes - New York

Very nice, the staff was very helpful and attentive. A very enjoyable time.

Hugh Butler - Conn.

The train ride and dinner were wonderful. Beautiful ride!! Would do it again!

Juile - Hartford

Excellent trip, food and service was well done. Ambience was great, wonderful dinner music.

Dorothy Mirmina - Essex, CT

The whole dinner/train experience was very thrilling. The food was a 4 star rating (prime rib)!..

H & M Ivanow - NY