The not-so-distant rumble of an approaching train can be heard on Saturday nights in Madisonville at the BBQ Revue parking lot, where a Cincinnati Railway Co. engine pulling rail cars picks up guests for a three-hour train ride complete with a four-course meal.
C'MON RIDE A TRAIN
Step inside one of two 1940s vintage rail cars - a 1947 New York Central dining car and a 1946 American Car and Foundry table car - that have been restored to their former glory and seat up to 108 passengers. There is also the Queen City Tavern car, a 1955 baggage car that now provides a full cash bar as well as two open side doors for viewing as the train rolls along at 10 mph.
The New York Central car sat in the BBQ Revue parking lot for three years.
"I used it as a soft-serve ice cream parlor, and it wasn't making me any money. That's when I decided to put it back on the tracks," says Bill Thomas, owner of BBQ Revue and co-owner of the Cincinnati Dinner Train.
He says refurbishing the car, including mechanical work and all new flooring and wiring, cost about $140,000. The ACF car was in slightly better shape, and Thomas and Brian Collins, owner and CEO of Cincinnati Railway Co., bought it for $40,000 and spent about $50,000 restoring it.
CHOO CHOO!
Upon boarding, my fiancé and I headed to the bar for a Sam Adams Light ($4) and a Manhattan ($7). A cracker and vegetable plate was set on our table (all tables have windows), and my fiancé raved about the sun-dried tomato basil and cream cheese spread.
Jazz and swing classics played softly over the sound system, and the (mostly) smooth movement of the train enhanced the novelty of the experience - although, as a first-time train rider, I thought the narrow hallways seemed a bit confining and the footing a little unsteady. We saw what seemed like a back-lot tour of Cincinnati neighborhoods: forgotten train tracks, the backs of buildings and graffiti-covered walls gave way to backyards and then picturesque hillsides and the Ohio River sparkling in the setting sun.
We had pre-selected the chicken with white wine sauce and the hickory-smoked prime rib for our entrees and were impressed by the caliber and portions of the flavorful food.
The train reached its turnaround destination at Sawyer Point with views of the Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park. While the engine did a run-around to prepare for the return trip, we were served desserts of chocolate cream pie and cheesecake with strawberry topping.
After a small break, the train headed back to Madisonville. While the price tag for this adventure might seem hefty, especially in these economic times, you get a good meal and a truly unique experience that literally gives you a new perspective of the city.
THE MEAL
Appetizer: Cracker and veggie tray with sun-dried tomato basil and cream cheese spread
Salad: Tossed salad with red raspberry vinaigrette dressing
Entree (choice of one per person; entrees served with the potato du jour and seasonal vegetables):
• Boneless chicken breast sautéed in a white wine sauce
• Hickory-smoked prime rib
• Salmon
Dessert (choice of one per person):
• New York-style cheesecake with strawberry topping
• Chocolate cream pie
JUST THE FACTS
WHAT: Cincinnati Dinner Train
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturdays through December; boarding begins 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Train departs from BBQ Revue at 4725 Madison Road, Madisonville
PRICE: $69.95 per person due via credit card at time of reservation (does not include tax or gratuity)
PARKING: Free in BBQ Revue lot
CONTACT: 513-791-7245 or www.cincinnatirailway.com/dinnertrain
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