Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ride the dinner train? The cost is $69.95 per person, tax and gratuity not included.
What does the price include? The Price includes a four course meal and excursion.
Can I walk up the day of the trip as a last minute reservation? In most cases we sell out way iin advance, but we often have people cancel at the last minute or simply not show up. In those cases, we are able to accept last minute walk-up guests. Full payment via cash or credit card is required. We do not guarantee you will be boarded if you walk-up. It totally depends on if we sell out or if someone cancelled or no showed.
Is there a bar on the train? A full cash bar is available in the Queen City Tavern car before and during the Dinner Train excursion.
Is the Queen City Tavern, a cash bar only? Cash is the preferred method, however we can process a credit card through our terminal onboard.
What sort of selections are available from the bar? The bar offers a wide variety of beers, wines, and cocktails. Wine can be purchased either by the glass or by the bottle. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased anytime throughout the trip.
Can we bring our own wine or liquor? Our liquor license strictly prohibits bringing your own liquor on board. Please do not attempt to do this.
Can I pay when I get there, or do I need to pay in advance? Payment is due in advance at the time your reservation. Master Card, Visa, Discover and American Express are accepted. All cards will be processed prior to the scheduled trip.
Can we put our gratuity on our credit card after the meal is served? Yes, you can.
Are senior citizen discounts available? Not at this time.
Where do we board and pick up tickets? You can pick up your tickets as you board the train prior to departure.
Where does the train go? The train travels from the BBQ Revue and heads east to the riverfront. Here, our locomotive will do a run-around and our cars will make their way back to the BBQ Revue.
What is the length of the excursion? The excursion is approximately 3 hours in length and runs 18 miles round trip. The Cincinnati Dinner Train makes every effort to maintain its schedule, but reserves the right to alter schedules or equipment as operating conditions demand.
How fast will we go? The train will travel approximately 10 mph.
Is smoking permitted onboard? No, smoking is not permitted.
What kind of engine will be pulling the train? A 1960’s era Diesel Locomotive will be pulling the train. Usually this will be a 1962 GP-30.
What kinds of rail cars are used? The dinner train consists of a 1947 "Budd Built" New York Central Dining Car which can serve up to 48 people and a 1947 American Car and Foundry table car which can serve up to 60 people. The third car is a 1955 converted baggage car that features a cash bar and two open side doors for viewing. Future plans include the addition of a fourth table/lounge car that will increase our serving capacity by 40 or more.
Does the train stop anywhere along the route? No, there are no stops along the route. However, we will swicth our locomotive from one end to other once we get to the riverfront. From here we will make our way back to BBQ Revue.
What are the menus offered? Our menu is listed on the web site. You can access the menu by clicking on the Dinner Train Menu link. We will ask you for your entrée selection(s) when you make your reservation. NOTE: We do not prepare our meals on order as you board, so it is imperative you do not change your original menu selection.
When do I have to let you know my meal selection? Ideally, at the time of the reservation; however, if you are undecided and forced to call back we MUST have your selection no later then 11am Friday before the day of your ride. NOTE: If we do not hear from you by then, you willl be served the chicken in white wine sauce and whatever dessert is available.
Are vegetarian meals offered? Yes, please call for more details.
Will the meals be prepared on the cars? All food will be prepared at our commissary. Which is literally next to our departure point which is why our meals are fresh out of the oven.
Can children ride the train? Yes, children 12 and older are permitted.
Is a children’s menu available and is there a children’s discount? No, there is one menu available for all ages and the cost for children is the same as an adult.
Do I need to make a reservation? Advance reservation and payment are preferred for those who want to be guaranteed a ticket. Tickets are sold on a first come basis.
Can I reserve a specific table?Yes, any table can be reserved. Most Saturdays we do sell out. As a result, most all parties of two WILL BE seated with another couple at a four top table. We only have two two top tables on board and they tend to book up months in advance. For future reference, tables 1-16 are in the Milwaukee road table car with tables 17-28 being in the New York central dining car. A four top table can be reserved for two people for an up charge. See below. At no time will any of our reservationists ever tell a guest that they are guaranteed a four top table for just the two of them. When we are not sold out, that situation MAY sometimes occur.
Can I pay extra so as to reserve a four top table for just the two of us? Yes you can. By paying for one extra ticket at the $69.95 cost, we will insure no one else is seated at your table. Contact us direct for details.
How are seats reserved? Seats are reserved at the time of ticket purchase.
How do you accommodate parties of 5, 6 and 7?
The majority of our tables seat 4. We will seat everyone as close together as available seating allows. In the case of a party of 5 we would seat 3 people at one table and 2 at an adjacent table. Parties of 6 are seated 4 at one table and 2 at an adjacent table. In both cases there is a chance a party of 2 will be seated with the remaining party of 2. In the case of 7 we will seat 4 at one table and 3 at an adjacent table.
Do you offer group pricing? There is a 10% discount for a group of 8 or more.
What is your cancellation policy?Cancellations are permitted up to 3 days prior to trip departure. Cancellations made AT LEAST 3 day prior will incur a full-fare refund, or may reschedule for a future date. Any cancellations not made in this time frame will be charged full fare amount and will be given the option to re-book their reservation for a future date.
Are there restrooms on the train? Yes, there is one very large women's and men's restrooms llocated on board.
What is the dress code? The dress code is business casual. We suggest avoiding wearing high heels or any other type of open-toe shoe or sandal for safety reasons when boarding the train and walking between cars.
Do you run year around? Yes, the Dinner Train will run every month out of the year.
What days are excursions offered? The Cincinnati Dinner Train is scheduled to run every Saturday night.
Is the train air conditioned and/or heated? Yes, all Cincinnati Dinner Train cars have a climate controlled environment with the exception of the party bar car which only has heat. However, during warm weather the side doors of that car are open allowing both viewing and air flow in the car.
Can the air conditioning and/or heat be moderated? Please keep in mind, that the dining cars are over 60+ years old and regulating the temperature to an exact degree is impossible. If anything, cars tend to be more cool than hot. If you are cold natured please dress accordingly.
Can I travel between the rail cars? Yes, but we ask guests to refrain from walking thru the cars when entree's are being served.
How many steps would I have to negotiate? We accomodate many elderly passengers and even some in wheelchairs and walkers. To board the train you must use a step box and then go up four steps. There are handrails on both sides of the entry way and our conductors are there to help you on and off the train. Walkers and even narrow wheelchairs can pass through the hallways.
Are pets allowed? No, pets are not allowed.
