Watch Trains Go By While You Eat At This Railroad Restaurant In Arizona
By Katie Lawrence|Published June 06, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Locomotive rides are magical experiences, but sometimes it’s more fun to be an onlooker than it is to be a passenger. You can do just that at the Grand Depot Cafe on Grand Canyon Railway. Dine on delicious food while trains whiz past right outside your window. Check it out:
Also known as the "Fred Harvey Restaurant," this charming eatery pays homage to a man whose life purpose was providing rail riders with comfortable accommodations along their route. Train passengers can enjoy a nice, sit-down meal after spending the whole day on wheels.
Inside, the atmosphere is akin to that of a railroad depot. Model trains make circles around the room, and whimsical decor truly gives the impression that you're about to take off.
Ample seating (350 seats, to be exact) is available in a cozy, rustic environment. A gift shop with Grand Canyon Railway souvenirs is also located inside the restaurant.
The restaurant is buffet-style and serves all three meals. Patrons especially rave about breakfast, with classics like farm-fresh eggs, pancakes, bacon, fresh fruit, and a variety of scrumptious pastries. Lunch and dinner favorites include BBQ pulled pork, a soup & salad bar, local wine, and decadent desserts to end the meal.
A build-your-own station is available for breakfast and lunch, where expert chefs prepare omelets, burgers, tacos, burritos, and pasta right before your eyes. All the ingredients at Grand Depot are already fresh as can be and this takes things to a whole new level.
Little ones have an absolute blast watching trains whiz past just feet away from the restaurant. Parents, be sure to ask for a window seat (but we must warn you - getting them to eat with such an awe-inspiring distraction might prove rather difficult).
