The Spirit of Washington dinner train was a fun way to spend an afternoon with my mom, cousin and aunt. We were in a regular car and the view seemed pretty good. Going with a group seems to be a... More

The Spirit of Washington dinner train was a fun way to spend an afternoon with my mom, cousin and aunt. We were in a regular car and the view seemed pretty good. Going with a group seems to be a better option, because our side had the better views both there and back and the tables-for-two were on the other side. I definitely wouldn't call this a romantic experience. There are just a lot of people in close quarters, not to mention a ton of kids, at least on the afternoon we took it. The stop at the winery is pretty short and the winery was crowded. However, the tasting was fun, even though I didn't really sample a wine I'd consider buying. The food was not great, but not bad either. It reminded me of being on a cruise, where they are trying to serve a lot of people with a limited kitchen. But I thought it was pretty good, and I'm a picky vegetarian. Not gourmet, but not bad either. But our server was great and we were on a train so it was fun! All in all, if you're expectations aren't super-high you'll have a good time. If you are looking for great food and a romantic table, I suggest a different locale.
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If you go on the dinner train, I recommend sitting in the dome car for better views - and it's just fun to have the domed glass ceiling above you. Unfortunately the food is mediocre and the... More

If you go on the dinner train, I recommend sitting in the dome car for better views - and it's just fun to have the domed glass ceiling above you. Unfortunately the food is mediocre and the tickets are expensive. The train itself is a lot of fun, however and I would recommend this especially if you have out of town guests. It's too bad it goes to the Columbia Winery instead of Chateau St Michele - but in the summer time the Columbia Winery has beautiful gardens and the gift shop is great all year round.
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This is a cool trip to take. The train ride alone was worth it. There is an impressive menu. However, don't order anything 'special' (not on the menu) or vegetarian, though. I had their vegetarian... More

This is a cool trip to take. The train ride alone was worth it. There is an impressive menu. However, don't order anything 'special' (not on the menu) or vegetarian, though. I had their vegetarian lasagna, and it was not something to write home about. I heard the other dishes were scrumptious, though. It stops at the Columbia Winery where wine tasting is available. That's nice. It's a great way to become familiar with wines. And, there's no pressure to buy anything. I liked that. Plus the store is fun to browse in. I kept hearing how the views were so spectacular, but I saw alot of trees. Go figure. Prices were rather high.
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Yup, the food is bad and it is a tourist trap, but as an official train junkie, its a *train* that runs on a 22 mile rail line from Kirkland to Woodinville. Gives you a sense of what it must have... More

Yup, the food is bad and it is a tourist trap, but as an official train junkie, its a *train* that runs on a 22 mile rail line from Kirkland to Woodinville. Gives you a sense of what it must have been like to travel in the 1800s. We've taken our parents there for brunch and also had a surprise birthday party there. The brunch was just OK, the main thing was seeing the view. Although for that I'd just as much suggest taking the Amtrak to Portland for a real dining car and a real observation car. The real treat was the mystery dinner. The food as folks said was just OK, but get into the mood. Read the Orient Express. Then get on the train and figure out whodunit on your car. Someone is murdered and you have to figure out who it is. They do clues and things and that makes it fun.
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If you are a visitor for the first time in Washington i would say it is ok. Nice views. But that is it. The food is bad. The Columbia Winery is horrible. I took my parents there who are wine... More

If you are a visitor for the first time in Washington i would say it is ok. Nice views. But that is it. The food is bad. The Columbia Winery is horrible. I took my parents there who are wine connaisseurs and their opinion was just BAD!
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Friends from out of town were visiting and they really wanted to go. So we went. The best part about it was that they had a lot of fun. There was a mystery theme and that kept everyone engaged. ... More

Friends from out of town were visiting and they really wanted to go. So we went. The best part about it was that they had a lot of fun. There was a mystery theme and that kept everyone engaged. I found the food to be mediocre at best (atlantic salmon served in the PNW??!!) and the drinks way over-priced. But again, it was a good way to spend a cold, rainy night in Seattle with visitors.
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When my parents were here a few summers ago, we had dinner and toured Columbia Winery via the dinner train. It was actually a pretty nice ride and we were seated in a private dining car because of... More

When my parents were here a few summers ago, we had dinner and toured Columbia Winery via the dinner train. It was actually a pretty nice ride and we were seated in a private dining car because of the size of our party. That made it seem more special, but sitting in the general area you also get the chance to meet other people on the train. The food was good (but not spectacular) and the wine tour was interesting. All in all, I'd say it's a great way to spend an evening, but not something that was interesting enough to do all the time.
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If you can afford it, a ride on the Spirit of WA Dinner Train is a romantic, unforgettable experience. Starting in Renton, you travel by train up to the Columbia Winery, enjoying the views out the... More

If you can afford it, a ride on the Spirit of WA Dinner Train is a romantic, unforgettable experience. Starting in Renton, you travel by train up to the Columbia Winery, enjoying the views out the window as you eat a delicious lunch (you have the choice of several entrées when you book your trip). After a visit at the Columbia Winery (make sure to try tasting some of their wines) you travel back to Renton as you eat an amazing desert. It is a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience!
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