Some of the busiest transportation hubs in the world also take travelers on a variety of culinary adventures. From upscale and historic dining options to bakeries, cafés, and quality quick-bite menus, here are some of the top restaurants in major urban train stations.
With its vaulted ceilings and elegant style, City Winery is a top choice for travelers, ideally groups, looking for an upscale dining experience in New York’s Grand Central Terminal. The philosophy here draws from Mediterranean cultures and promotes sharing small plates while sampling great wine. For a quicker bite, head over to Zaro’s Family Bakery, a New York City institution since 1927, for a bagel stacked with lox and cream cheese, a cheddar-chive or raspberry scone, muffins, or the family’s signature rugelach. No time to stop and savor? Just grab one of Zaro’s famous black-and-white cookies to go.
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Far more than a train depot, Toronto’s Union Station is packed with creative community events, shopping, and popular dining destinations. Cuisines range from to-go tacos to Danish pastries, Asian-inspired spots, German options, and much more. Sansotei Ramen, founded in Toronto in 2012, serves up a variety of Tonkotsu-style noodle bowls. As its name suggests, Mean Bao delivers the famed Chinese buns, plus a variety of rice bowls and dumplings. On the lower level, Wvrst is a low-key beer hall with Alpine-inspired food, specialty sausages, and many choices of beer, cider, and wine.
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Pies may be the focus at Mangione Trattoria, a no-frills Italian stop with options ranging from classic Margherita pizza to Mexican, New York-style, or Québécois, but the restaurant also delivers a Montreal classic: poutine. Order classic or Italian style, or opt for a small chef or Caesar salad, for lighter fare. At Première Moisson, a popular bakery with several locations in Montreal and beyond, order fresh breads, pastries, charcuterie, and more. Kim Chi delivers traditional Korean favorites like barbecue, kimchi dumplings, plus stir fry dishes and soups. Note hours before you go, as many locations within the station are closed on weekends.
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Taking an early train? Start the day with fresh-made, dough-based Belgian waffles and toppings at Wafels & Dinges. The spekuloos cookies and decadent hot chocolate is definitley a must try!. For a mid-day meal, offering everything from tacos, poke stacks, and sandwiches to salads, burgers, sushi, and more, try the Thirsty Lion Gastropub. Dinner-time travelers can sign up for a special pop-up jazz-and-dining experience at La Caverne Supper Club. This lower-level hot spot serves three-course meals plus cocktails and live music nightly.
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One of the busiest inner-city passenger rail hubs in the country, William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in Philadelphia is a hotbed of bustling activity daily. In a hurry? Choose from a variety of major chains, from Dunkin’ to Wendy’s and Jersey Mike’s. Pick up some fresh, local joe go-to at Vibrant Coffee Roasters or a chewy, salty snack from Philly Pretzel Factory. Outside, University City’s public space The Porch offers pop-ups and food trucks.
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Inside Union Station in L.A., Traxx serves entrees like fried chicken sandwich with spicy ranch Ahi tuna poke bowl, and chicken pozole verde, plus a wide variety of salads, burgers, and sandwiches. Happy hour runs from 4-7 pmdaily and the bar menu consists of fried calamari with Tajin marinara, fried Brussels sprouts with blue cheese and bacon, and birra braised tacos. In the passenger concourse, you’ll find a take-out spot for quick meals, plus Wetzel’s Pretzels. Founded in nearby Redondo Beach, it offers baked-daily pretzels and other snacks. If time allows, just across from the station, you’ll find the quick-bite Mexican joint La Noche Buena, known for tacos, burritos, and more. For quality sushi in Little Tokyo, a few blocks south of the station, try Sushi Gen.
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