Essex Clipper Dinner Train
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Hours
Sun
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mon
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tue
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wed
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thu
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fri
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sat
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Details
This business is unclaimed.
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CUISINES
American
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service
Does this restaurant offer validated parking?
Details
CUISINES
American
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service
Contribute
4.5
95 reviews
Excellent
53
Very good
26
Average
7
Poor
5
Terrible
4
Patrick C
26 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
My wife and I recently rode the Essex Clipper Dinner Train. We were both stunned by the quality of our meals. The service provided by our server Rebecca was also outstanding. The meals were prepared and cooked onboard, and included four courses: crudités, salad, main course and dessert. All were excellent, and presented very well, but what really stood out was the filet mignon that my wife and I each had for our main course. They were center cuts, perfectly cooked medium, very tender and piping hot. Candidly, they were as good as what you would get at a 5-star restaurant. Totally amazing. The broccoli was fresh steamed and the roasted potatoes were excellent as well. Neither of us left anything on our plates for the entire dinner.
The trip itself provided excellent views along the Connecticut River at sunset, and the narrator did a great job pointing out historical information and other interesting information along the way.
We highly recommend riding the Essex Clipper Dinner Train.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yuki626
Manchester360 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
Definitely a must do for date night and certainly a perfect choice to celebrate any special occasion. Service, food, and drinks were exceptional and delivered in an elegant setting. The train travels at a very leisurely pace with some well timed stops along the Connecticut River so that dinner guests can enjoy views of wildlife, several area marinas, Gilette Castle, and the Goodspeed Opera House from unique vantage points. Online reservation and check in were also accomplished smoothly. This is a well organized and professionally conducted dinner train experience and I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to return to a more civilized time.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PAML
8 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
Enjoyable, relaxing lunch along the Connecticut River enjoying the water and the foliage aboard the Essex dinner train. COVID-19 precautions in place as only half the train is full, separating guests with plexiglass between each table. Five course meal starting with a personal size veggie plate, salad/rolls, entrée, dessert and beverages. Alcohol and wine list available also. We chose prime rib and it was delicious from start to finish. The trip lasted about two hours. Narration included history of the Connecticut River Valley, landmarks, and brief stops to view the waterways, wildlife and historical points. The wait staff were efficient, Friendly and courteous. It was a great way to spend an afternoon and will certainly do it again.
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William S
3 contributions
Jul 2024 • friends
DON'T DO IT! While the train ride was 'OK" the food was awful. Billed as a gourmet meal the 3 prime ribs were less than 5 ounces and so overcooked they were completely unappetizing. Worst of all when I called the next day to speak to someone in management to find out why they fell short I was asked to place my concerns in writing and send. I spoke to someone and was assured that the general manager and owner received my emails but did not get any response. I did check back weekly for 4 weeks and during the last call was assured that they received my emails and calls and the person answering the phone would 'encourage them to return my call'. Well guess what never received any response. This says to me that they do not care about their customers and have no concern when a person has a bad experience. So, I'll repeat, DONT DO IT, and I've already spoken to friends who were interested but now will not take the chance.
Written August 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CT_Traveler784
Pomfret93 contributions
Jun 2023 • couples
Charming train ride. We were lucky to be seated on the river side of the train, so we had great views of the water, Gillette Castle, Godspeed Opera House, etc. The interior of the train car was adorable. The food was fine, nothing to write home about - I expect it is challenging to prepare meals for a hundred people on moving train. Every staff member was attentive and friendly. We were the last table on the train, and sometimes it seemed like they forgot about us - they ran out of chicken by the time they got to our table and had to quickly prepare another dish; we had to ask several times for our drinks; and other people's desserts were being cleaned before my coffee arrived. But, overall, we enjoyed our experience and would go again.
Written June 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Parker Sturbridge
970 contributions
Aug 2023 • friends
This is a wonderful dinner venue on so many levels. Meet at the station, then board a classic, vintage train that is tastefully decorated with exquisitely appointed tables. Shortly after you pull out from the station, you'll be treated to magnificent views of the Connecticut River and countryside, while you nibble on a platter of goodies and sip on a drink. Then comes salad, and then comes dinner. The prime rib was excellent, with nicely prepared accompaniments. Then dessert. Sit back and relax. Service is a little spotty in places, but quite good given the challenges of serving a meal on a train. Certainly heads above what one would experience on Amtrak or the Acela. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience...and little taste of the Orient Express...and a wonderful night out.
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessie J
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • friends
It was a fun experience because of the atmosphere, the (mostly) friendly staff, the food, and the friends I was with. However, some of the staff disregarded my friends and I it seemed. More attention given to the older couples/families who appeared to be higher class with us. Our waitress came to our table minimally, set our check down without saying much, and once we paid, she said “we good?” while opening the check to make sure we filled it out. She went around to thank all her tables but skipped us. It was frustrating to feel like we didn’t matter as much. However, as far as quality is with food and experience, we had a great time. It was really just the one waiter who made our experience not a 10/10.
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tricia B
55 contributions
Nov 2020 • family
The food, service and conductor were all wonderful! Thank-you Carmen, Rebecca and Haley for your service! Everything from the views to the food were fabulous. The prime rib and seafood dishes were excellent (I tried both). This is definitely a must do at This time of the year. It was very covid friendly. All tables were spaced and separate by plexiglass. I definitely recommend this for the holiday time. You won’t be disappointed!
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ex-Buffalonian
100 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
Very much enjoyed this first class operation, aboard an authentic New Haven RR car once used on the "Merchants Ltd." and "Yankee Clipper". A treat to be aboard in a/c comfort and next to real windows- unlike Amtrak... Excellent service all around including a tasty salmon dinner followed by a wonderful chocolate cake & coffee.
Great scenery all the way up to Haddam (opposite Goodspeed Opera House and Gillette Castle) with mellow evening light and wildlife here and there. Timing is good, as is the lighting around the summer solstice. For trackage fans, this special train runs runs much further north than the regular run connecting to the boat.
Definitely recommend this experience along the "Valley Line".
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie S
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • couples
We went for a combination Mother's and Father's Day gift from our kids. Can't say enough good things about our experience from the fantastic food and great service from staff
We will definitely come again
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jim h
North Adams102 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
Each and every person on the trip treated all guests like royalty. The engineer spoke with everyone personally and the food was AMAZING. A perfect evening and GREAT all around experience. We would for sure do this again!
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda B
58 contributions
Oct 2020 • family
Absolutely loved the dinner train.
Beautiful ride up the CT RIVER AND EXCELLENT food and service in addition.
A hidden gem!
Written October 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tracydube
Colchester8 contributions
Oct 2019 • none
Looking for a different dining experience, try the Essex Clipper Dinner Train. Step aboard into the past. The dining cars are set up as they were back in the 30's. Enjoy this scenic ride from Essex to Chester/Hadlyme. You will enjoy seeing Gilette Castle and the Goodspeed Opera House. Enjoy a four course dinner served leisurely. Our food was tasty, but the Prime Rib was dry. Dessert was good and seasonal. Service was great. At the end of our dinner there was a nice touch with hot towels and the woman were given roses as we disembarked. This is a pricey dinner but well worth it. If looking for a different dinner experience I would recommend. This is a seasonal experience, so check the dates.
Written November 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suzanne H.
New York City13 contributions
Oct 2019 • none
We went at 12 NOON on the dinner train The experience overall was excellent I recommend this It was our anniversary The prime rib was good and a large portion was served - the iceberg salad excellent. Charming music from the 20's as well as some Sinatra. Charming!! Clean & romantic. Stunning views of the Conn. River. Train does move slowly but that adds to your viewing pleasures. My husband felt the bathrooms which I did not visit - were the same as a tour bus. Not clean and tiny - they are unisex toilets. A lovely sweet romantic fun and different experience. I highly recommend to anyone.
Written October 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gardenweasel
121 contributions
Oct 2019 • none
This is about our 5th Essex Clipper Dinner Train and was the best ever! The servers (Danielle & John)were friendly, efficient and entertaining. The food, from charcuterie plate including salmon mousse to the warm apple crisp was super fresh and perfectly prepared. The scenery along the Connecticut River included charming New England homes, marshes, & marinas at their fall best; this is a must do, regardless of the season, and highly recommended!
Written October 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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