Sierra Railroad Dinner Train

My Girlfriend purchased tickets for the Mothers day Brunch. we were excited, loving brunch dates and a train ride. It was awful. The food was cold, cold butter on cold french toast. Cold quiche. The quiche was runny and under cooked, sort of slimey. The server spilled champagne all over us. The ride was ok, except for a great deal of trash all along the track. Garbage and furniture, paint, round up and tires. We will NEVER do this again. We emailed the station right away but i still have not received a reply. I wanted to give them a chance to reply before i negative Unilocaled them. Nothing though. At $ 80 per person, a HUGE waste!

My family and I rode the Christmas train on 12÷19÷15. It was Fabulous! The ride was great! The family interaction with characters was non stop. Hot Cocoa and cookies were delicious. A definite must do if you have young ones, as Santa visits each and every one. LOVE it and will absolutely do it again.

We did the last Beer Train of 2015 and we had a blast, band was excellent and energetic kept crowd singing along. All Employees were great and even checking on us to see your having fun. Only suggestion I would say is maybe one lighter 4. Beer For us light weights (that would be me) but will for sure tell everyone about it. Take light jacket for open train if you like to sit near live band.

Went for the dinner train ride. Was fun but seemed rushed. The food was ok, kind of cold and seemed precooked and not just out of an oven. The ride back was way faster and train was rocking back and forth pretty bad. We asked for more bread and was told there might be none left? We asked in the beginning when it was served. Didn’t make sense. It’s simple bread. Anyhow not sure if will return. I believe they used to serve tomatoe soup and quality appetizers. Now it’s basically salad and 3 small shrimp.

I took a ride on the Beer Train with three other people. From the beginning, the experience wasn’t quite what we expected.
We pulled out of the train station in Oakdale and headed east. Very slowly. I thought we would pick up speed once we got out of the city limits. Nope, the train was going 10 – 15 mph for the whole trip. But given that people were walking through crowded cars with full glasses of beer, that might have been a good thing.
I didn’t have any beer, I was the designated driver. But I bought a ticket that included a meal. I was served a tri-​tip sandwich on a roll, potato salad, and kettle chips on a paper plate. The sandwich was very good, and the potato salad was okay. But I was hoping for more. Since the ride was from 6 – 9 pm, I was hoping for a dinner-​sized portion. Nope. We drove to Panera for a late dinner once we got off the train.
I was expecting a scenic ride to (or preferably through) the foothills of the Sierra. What I saw was some of the seedier areas of Oakdale, followed by an endless parade of orchards and farms. In terms of wildlife, we saw numerous cows and horses, one dog, three rabbits, and a hawk. When the train finally stopped, the engine just pushed us back to where we had started.
In theory, all the cars except the open-​air car were air conditioned. You could tell how cold each car was by its population density. The car closest to the engine was standing room only when we started, that one was nice and cool. The cars behind it were varying degrees of warm to hot.
The staff was very friendly and attentive. I want to see how the dinner train goes when it cools off.

Great service! Everyone was so friendly and attentive. Perfect place to catch up with an old friend! Would do again for a holiday adventure.

This review is for the Murder Mystery Train. From the mixed reviews we were a bit concerned but, all in all, turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Most of the content of the reviews here is accurate: the train does moves slow, it heads toward the Sierra’s but, of course, never gets there… it is perhaps a 15 or 20 mile round trip through the very beginning of the foothills. The food is okayish, maybe a step up, not haute cuisine but solid. Staff is marvelous, great accommodation of a late request for a dinner entrée change and clearly trying overall start to finish. The entertainment was what you might expect, decent local repertory talent did a good job in serially entertaining a number of pretty full dining cars, considerably better than expected. It’s not the Orient Express, or even the Napa Wine Train, but set your expectations appropriately and it is a great time. Corkage is $ 10, bring your own wine and don’t worry about how fast the drinks come, the staff is good, but it is one server per train car. Also, El Jardin, up the street a block or so, serves up a great margarita and chips. Worth a stop if you get there a few minutes early.

This is a review for the Beer Train.
I bought VIP tickets from Living Social, which entailed two extra tastings (10 instead of 8), a meal, and boarding an hour early. The meal was a brat sandwich, potato salad, and potato chips. It was decent pub food and helpful in taking a break from drinking, but if purchased separately from the ticket the meal was $ 10. A better option might be showing up early and eating in downtown Oakdale; otherwise you are a captive audience and your other alternatives for food are candy and chips.
The train wasn’t crowded, so an early boarding time to find a seat wasn’t necessary. There was plenty of available seating and we usually moved from car to car to sample the different beers. Almost all the cars were air-​conditioned, except for the open air car and one which always seemed uncomfortably warm. There were three microbreweries each serving two beers: Sandude (Turlock), River City (Sacramento, and New Glory (Sacramento). The train could have used one or two more microbreweries on board. As stated earlier, there was ample space for an extra table and keg. They also had a full bar serving bottled beer, wine, and liquor.
The train ride was a typical train ride through the country. If you are looking for scenic mountain vistas, you are in the wrong place. We rode through farmland and orchards. That’s how most of the eastern valley looks, though, so you shouldn’t be surprised. Once we reached the chicken farms the train stopped and returned to Oakdale. However, the business doesn’t have control over where the railroad tracks go, so this can’t and shouldn’t be placed on their shoulders. If you want to see snow-​swept peaks and tree-​strewn hillsides you’d be better off buying a case of beer and taking Amtrak from Sacramento to Reno.
I would ride the train again but I doubt I would purchase VIP tickets. The perks did not seem to be worth the extra cost. It’s a nice experience; the only suggestion I would make to the owner is to bring in an extra microbrewery or two. Given the large selection in the area it would be an easy fix.

For a change of pace, we entertained out of town family on the Dinner train last night. I found the price to be a bit high for the condition of the train and quality of the food. The wait staff was amazing, though! The route was not very scenic although the sunset was gorgeous. Not sure I would do it again, especially at $ 79.00 per person before tax and gratuity.

This is a review of the Zombie Train Ride. 1) you have no record of zombies «shot». Your gun just makes noise when you’re «shooting» them. 2) they slow the train down and tell you zombies spotted… So there is nothing fun for a «spotter» to do. 3) there is no ending. The train stops and you turn in guns. 4) not that many zombies. Most of the time you’re riding and looking at scenery 5) the actors really did a nice job. But they didn’t have much story or things to do. It could be improved with some work 6) be prepared for annoying children. 7) they make you pay an 18% gratuity and never explain the service provided. Who got my mandatory tip?

I decided to go on the Oakdale Beer Train tour because it seemed like the perfect date night, get away thing to do with my girlfriend. The trip was great! The local breweries were delicious and the people who were working the tour were full of energy and had a great sense of humor.
There was live music in the back, open train cars so we could watch the view and be outside, A/​C cars incase we got too hot, good food. The ride was basically straight out and then back in, would have been better if the trip was a loop or something like that.
I wouldn’t have done this tour if I hadn’t found a living social deal that was basically a 2 for 1 deal. $ 95 for one ticket, for me at least, is a little much. I am a recent college grad working part time so you can see why $ 95 is insane for me.
Would I do this again? Yes.
Would I spend $ 95? No

So my boyfriend and I had tickets for the Train Ride, knowing that we could pick either Sacramento or Oakdale. We picked Oakdale since we live in the Sacramento area. Plus we were going to stay the night near the Train Station. We stayed at the Holiday Express, which was very nice! Anyways, We read up on the Train ride for the Oakdale one and after hearing about how the train does not ride that long and turns around. So with this in mind, we knew what was going to happen.
When we got on the Train for the Lunch, all the staff was very friendly, I did not go to the bathroom while we were on the train so I do not know how they looked on the side like the other post. You are able to bring on your own Drinks!!! which is pretty cool. The lunch we had on the Train was AMAZING!!! I could not stop thinking about the soup we had. It was so good, I want to know how they made it.
The views we saw at the start is of the town, well duh you are going thru the town to get outside of it to the nicer area of land… for the other post ppl stated. Once you start to get out there, it is a very nice place. Fresh air (if you are in the back of the Train).
All in All it was a great Train Ride! I would go back again, and mainly for the FOOD! lol.

This is a review for the Christmas train, which doesn’t serve dinner but does have an apparently endless supply of cookies and hot chocolate. As mentioned by another reviewer, the train goes one direction for an hour, stops and then turns around. Not too exciting. It was advertised as having lots of music and some sort of play? but in reality it consisted of 4 sing-​along christmas songs and an odd skit about a lost teddy bear that my niece didn’t really understand. The actors seemed only slightly into it themselves. It was all very corny. I will not repeat this, and didn’t think it was worth the 20 $ groupon price

I took my children on the Christmas Train, thinking it would be a fun and maybe annual tradition. Absolutely the opposite. It was horrible! Very dated and not at all worth the money. I was disappointed. They should take acting classes and work on a better presentation. It literally went 3 mph for an hour one way, stopped, and went back at the same speed for the same amount of time. My children were not enthused at all. Only good thing was the gentleman singing Christmas songs. The ‘magic bear’ and Skippy the reindeer… Lose it! Horrible!!!

DO AGAIN: Yes, we enjoyed it very much. We had the silver level dinner and used a Groupon, which made it a bit cheaper (it is expensive). Dinner was 3 ½ stars, service was excellent, the train goes very slowly to Warnerville (tracks not good enough for a faster speed). Other family member went with us, so we had delightful conversations as we saw the golden hills, the loaded almond trees and the vineyards. Most pleasant.

Do I really have to give them a star?
Don’t waste your money.
My wife takes me on something involving a train every year for my birthday. This let down was what she presented me with. She felt so bad and ashamed but I love and adore her and these guys really do suck… excuse me.
The owner has one of the worst attitudes I’ve ever encountered. He was so proud with his boasting about putting another one of his dinner trains in Santa Cruz and trying to put the Beach train out of business. Having been on some of the best train rides in the country, The Beach train in Santa Cruz ranks right up there with the Durango & Silverton in Colorado and The White Pass & Yukon in Alaska. His bragging really put me off and was a real bummer for a birthday present.
The food is… ok. The ride is mediocre at best. Go further up the line to Jamestown for a better cheaper ride. If you want a first class rail dining experience, take Amtrak over Donner summit. Arrange for tha last lunch seating. that way you can really relax for a nice meal on the train and not be rushed out of the dining car. My four year old daughter, who is a part of the family and we wouldn’t dream of leaving her behind, was slightly intimidated by the drunken teenie boppers (I’m sure they were over 21 but acted like teenaged bimbos) who made me grateful for the woman I married.

I think this is one fun and amazing adventure to take! How often can you say you took a train ride? I have taken this train a few times and it has been truly enjoyable.
First trip was their christmas train. This trip is designed for kids, so I took my niece and nephew. Yeah it’s a bit cheesy, but like I said, its designed for kids. With that, there are elves, musicians, cookies, homemade fresh hot cocoa, and best part of all Santa! The kids get to write a letter to santa and color throughout the trip. They also get to sing and dance, play musical instruments, and hear a story. My family had such a blast they want to go back again this year! Oh, and everyone gets to wear their PJ’s!!! Super fun for the whole family. Highly recommended!
The second trip, my boyfriend booked for us because I would not stop talking about how bad I wanted to go back for a romantic dinner. So he booked it as a surprise for me for Valentines Day. You can imagine how excited i was! The waitstaff was very kind and accommodating. It is a little crazy because we only had two servers to take care of probably 40 – 50 people, but they did an amazing job with getting the food and drinks out! My compliments to them and my compliments to the chef! The food was sooooo delicious. I don’t think i’ve ever had food this good! I had a mediterranean chicken dish. The chicken was really juicy and had a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese. It was also served with super yummy red mashed potatoes. My boyfriend ordered the beef tenderloin medallions. OMG! That was the most tender cut of beef. Sliced like butter! So good! It was served with the same red mashed potatoes and a spinach, mushroom, tomato, and bacon mixture. That mix compliments the beef perfect, and even if you don’t like spinach, you don’t even know you are eating spinach. That is how good it is!
Then for dessert it was really sweet! They served us a dessert for two. It was a chocolate cake in the shape of a heart, with strawberries and whipped cream. It also had an edible red glitter sprinkled on it. Such a fantastic night. One I’ll remember for the rest of my life!
I can honestly say that I love the experiences I have had with the Sierra Railroad! I have been checking out some of their other trips and I have already booked a trip for the summer called rail and raft. It’s part train ride part rafting down the stanislaus river. Sounds really cool and I can’t wait! If you are looking for something really different and really fun, take a train trip!

It was ok… I don’t think I will do it again.
First let’s start with the good. We were seated right away and on the table was cold bread and water. The diner was cooked perfect and the murder mystery was funny. The «actors» were the highlight of the ride. The wait staff was polite.
Now for the bad. It took 35 min to get a drink. There was 1 waiter for the whole car and we were at seated at the end. My beer was warm. I had order 2 because I wasn’t sure the next time I would see the waiter. The portions of food were ok but it was missing greens of some sort it was just meat and potatoes. When we first boarded it was crazy hot in the car. I was ready to jump off to get fresh air. For the return ride the put the A/​c on. That helped some.
It’s a cool idea and I’m glad we tried it but the folks who run the train have some issues to work out. For the money you spend it’s not worth it.

Blooming flowers and the green countryside prompted my husband and me to try the sunset dinner train over Easter weekend. Whether it was the holiday or something else, the one car being used for dining was less than half full, so we got very attentive and friendly service.
The experience overall was somewhat of a mixed bag. When I made the reservation, I figured we would try the gold service since it was a special «date night» for us without our children. After taking this trip, however, I think next time the silver will be good enough for us.
When we boarded the train, we were immediately seated at our table. There were already water glasses on the table, and we noticed that someone had taken a drink out of one of them, so we asked for and received another one right away. Not long after we got underway, we received a bread basket and our appetizer, and then a second basket of bread upon request. We later received a mixed green salad and then our entrees. Both of us had ordered the Mediterranean chicken, which we thought had a very good balance of flavors. For dessert, I received a piece of sugar-​free apple pie, since I had told them I was diabetic when I made the reservation (they also gave me sparkling cider instead of champagne, upon my request). I tried a bite of my husband’s cheesecake, but it was too rich for my tastes.
The only thing that made this trip less than perfect was the constantly flashing lights. It seemed that there was an electrical problem (which only occurred when the engine was connected), so the lights flashed throughout the trip; it wasn’t really noticeable during the daylight, but after the sun set it gave both of us a headache and we couldn’t wait to get back to the station.
Based on this last bit, my recommendation is to avoid this train until they fix the electrical problem. With the prices we are paying, they should be able to afford a decent electrician.
Other than that, we thought the food and service were excellent. We did not partake in the music in the club car since we were enjoying the peace and quiet, but we did walk to the open car in the back of the train to enjoy the fresh air. This would be especially nice in the summer when it is a bit warmer.

Lots of anticipation; fairly disappointed. The train was clean and well lit. 6 of 8 in our two groups said their food was mediocre; the other two (I) had the salmon and said it was good. The opening spicy tomato (?) soup and rolls were excellent, but the cheesecake dessert was a less than fitting end to the meal.
The two waitresses in our car did their best to take care of 10 tables, about 30 people. They had to take drink orders and then go make the drinks themselves, and also serve the three meal courses, all the while stepping around the actors. Needless to say, we had one round of drinks in the first 2 ½ hours. I’d say the primary failure of the trip was that there is no full-​time bartender; we’d easily would have ordered enough drinks to pay his salary. They did offer a second round after dinner on the way back (train goes out and back about 20 miles it seemed, at a snail’s crawl; not very exciting), but poor timing. If you’re planning on enjoying a few drinks, I suggest you arrive an extra 20 minutes early and go to the restaurant/​bar at the end of the parking lot and down a couple of $ 6 drinks, so that the one you get on the train can be saved for dinner. And maybe some chips and salsa because it will be a while before you eat. On board: wine $ 6, drink $ 7. They even charged for coffee, $ 3. So you’re paying $ 150 per couple, plus another $ 20 or so at the end for drinks.
The murder-​mystery show: ah, I’ll have to be Simon and say «you’re not going to Hollywood.» It was four 50−60-somethings doing improv stuff about filming the final episode of a dying soap opera, and one of them is killed. The fact that they would do 10 – 15 minutes of yelling their lines over the inevitable talkers, then disappear for 20 – 30 minutes (repeating the act in the other cars) before returning to do the next scene totally killed the continuity of it all. I got lost and soon didn’t care, and had no drink to wallow in. And it was dark in the winter, so no scenery to look at. Stuck on a slow train, dry, and hokey entertainment.
Did we laugh a few times? Sure. Was it a break from the usual? Sure. Did we run over a skunk? Yeah, but not the train’s fault. Would I do it again? Maybe with another train line. All for now, I may add some more later.