Located in the “Town of Seven Railroads,” the Steaming Tender Restaurant is one of the most unique dining spots in Massachusetts. This place serves classic New England dishes inside an authentic, restored, 19th-century Romanesque train station. Whether you’re a life-long train enthusiast, or just want to experience something a little out of the ordinary, Steaming Tender should definitely be a stop on your itinerary.
Check out their website for hours and reservations.
Located just off Palmer’s Main Street, this restaurant is a delicious trip back in time.
To find the restaurant, head down Depot Street until you see the rail lines and large station building.
Steaming Tender is built into the original Palmer Union Train Station, and is a train-lover’s dream. The first thing you'll spot is a massive locomotive parked outside.
Besides being a train-themed restaurant, this place is actually a functioning rail stop as well. Check their website for a full schedule of arrival and departure times.
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Train enthusiasts come from all over to sit back, eat an amazing meal, and watch the trains roll right by the restaurant.
The film "Deliverance" was actually filmed at the Steaming Tender restaurant.
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The entire building is filled with vintage railroad memorabilia. Old signs, antique posters and fascinating knick-knacks are sprinkled throughout the interior.
It's hard not to feel swept up the old-world ambiance of the place. Be sure to stop by the vintage shoe-shining stand, and ask for information at the ticket office turned hostess stand.
The dining area inside the station features spectacular masonry arches and original stained-glass window panes.
The arches are over 30 feet high, and depending on when you come to dine, classic scores from old black and white films may serve as your background music.
Try their delectable Monte Cristo sandwich. It features sliced ham, turkey and swiss cheese on rich slices of sourdough bread, hand dipped in egg and grilled to golden perfection.
Of course, you can also get some truly gourmet dishes at Steaming Tender.
An in-season favorite is the Salmon Putanesca. Their signature, wild-caught Atlantic salmon is served over Parmesan Risotto with a classic putanesca sauce.
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If you're feeling really fancy, you can actually rent the restaurant's vintage parlor rail car for a special event.
The fee is $200 for two hours, and $50 per half hour after that. The parlor car comes with its own gourmet menu, so you'll feel pampered inside and out.
They offer a full bar, including a great selection of craft beers and even moonshine.
Stop by for one of the Steaming Tender’s famous prime rib dinners, served every Thursday through Sunday.
Locals rave about the portions and flavor.
This is one Massachusetts restaurant that offers a dining experience like no other. You'll get all the beauty and excitement of trains roaring by without ever having to worry about missing your ride.
If you love the idea of dining in a beautiful, old train station (and who wouldn’t?), then you’ll definitely want to check out these eight epic train and trolley rides in Massachusetts.
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