What's dinner like on PDX portion of eastbound EB?

[Pal2Pluto]

We will be boarding late afternoon in Portland on the Empire Builder. The Dining car won't be there for the first leg of the journey, so what does dinner look like now that Full Service has returned? And must we eat it in our roomette or can we take it to the lounge so we can enjoy the views?

 

[J-1 3235]

On my recent trip, our Sleeper Attendant delivered our boxed meals to our rooms. While we ate in our room, we could have adjourned to the lounge. Oddly, a beverage was not provided, though our attendant seemed willing to go to the cafe on our behalf. (The adult beverage was not available, other than for sale in the cafe).

I selected the salad with steak slices, I think chicken was available, also. I’m unsure of the third choice.
While it was an adequate meal, you’ll enjoy the diner dinner much more.

Mike

 

[dlagrua]

The boxed meals on the Empire Builder have been the rule on the Spokane-Portland route for as long as I remember. Only the CHI-SEA route has the dining car. If full meal service has returned the food is good.

 

[JayPea]

You can take your meal to the lounge. The last time I departed Portland in a sleeper I did so. If the meals are similar to what they were then, there is a salmon option available.