Posted in Washington December 27, 2017 by

This Unique Washington Restaurant Has An Incredible History

Seattle’s SODO neighborhood is home to Safeco Field, Starbucks’ corporate headquarters, and a few historic gems. One of those gems, The Orient Express, sits hidden on 4th Avenue South — and it happens to have an impressive history.

This is The Orient Express, which serves tasty Chinese food from a string of old train cars.
Alex L / TripAdvisor
Even better, you can sing your favorite tunes while you dine... the Orient Express is also a karaoke joint.
But this is no ordinary train car: The Presidential Car once served as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s personal transport.
Alex L / TripAdvisor
The car, which was purchased for $18,000 arbout 30 years ago, was the one Roosevelt used to travel the country during his reelection campaign in 1944. The FDR car still has some of its original fixtures and photos from the past.
It's not easy to snag a seat in the presidential car, but rumor has it that if you ask nicely, the owners will let you take a peek inside anyway.
Alex L. / TripAdvisor
Look closely and you'll see the lamp button that Roosevelt used to summon his staff.
Even before the addition of the FDR car, this restaurant had quite a following.
Orient Express Facebook
It opened in 1949 as Andy's Diner, housed in a single train car. It eventually expanded, but after the death of one of its owners and the retirement of another, it closed until 2008, when it reopened as The Orient Express.
You owe it to yourself to enjoy a meal (and a song) at this quirky eatery.
Jose A. / FourSquare
It's an unforgettable experience.

The Orient Express is definitely a unique spot to enjoy a meal. Check out some of our other one-of-a-kind Washington eateries.