Oh Steaming Tender how I love thee. I love trains, that probably isn't a big secret by now. Steaming Tender is kind of notorious amongst railfans as Palmer was once known as the town of Seven railroads, and an intersection of some of them is directly outside the restaurant lending itself well to photo ops. The following is my review of the actual restaurant, taken verbatim (with a few minor modifications) from the blog post I wrote about it. (The link to which is in my Yelp bio if anyone is interested. I swear I'm not being self-promotional.) The Steaming Tender definitely has the theme and ambiance nailed down. For 2-ish on a Sunday afternoon, the place was pretty packed. No hope of grabbing a window seat, but there was time before any trains were supposed to show up, so it wasn't a big deal. The waitresses were pretty much all wearing the old-fashioned pinstripe overalls that most people associate with engineers (and quite a few had worked the obligatory red bandanas into their hair, so props for that). The menu is pretty big (which sometimes can be a big red flag, less usually means things are more apt to have been perfected.) and being the enormously indecisive person that I am, I had narrowed the list down to about seven different things before I settled upon the Town of Seven Railroads grilled chicken sandwich and a baked potato. (So named because many moons ago, seven different railroads served Palmer, so they called it the town of seven railroads). The food in general is pretty much diner-type food. My sandwich was pretty awesome. The chicken itself was pretty much perfect - not the least bit dry. (Dry chicken annoys me to no end.) The bread was pretty impressive too, I was expecting normal sized slices of rye but these were pretty big. (Yay carbs!!) The baked potato was an added bonus, not enough places have them. I guess my only complaint is they leave them wrapped in tinfoil, I like the skin super crispy, which you can't do when they get wrapped in tinfoil, but I'll get over it. (Or just make myself one the way I want it. Whatever.) Overall, I was pretty impressed with the Steaming Tender itself. Next time I'll pick a different railroad themed dish..maybe the Grand Central nachos or the Pullman Car club :D The service was nothing utterly spectacular, but it wasn't anything to complain about either. And the prices were quite reasonable. I'll definitely be back, especially before Amtrak reroutes the Vermonter so that the reverse move required in Palmer is no longer needed.
(4)
A G.
My young son is a train enthusiast, so this place has become a frequent stop. Luckily for mom and dad, the food is great so we don't mind! Being a preschooler, my son is very active and can be impatient, but the waitstaff is usually very prompt and courteous. The decor and theme of the restaurant is quite something, and we enjoy looking around at all of the train memorabilia. The best part is when you can watch the trains come by through the large open windows while you eat your meal. The food I have ordered here has been mostly excellent. The lobster mac and cheese is amazing and the portions are huge! I always take at least half home with me for lunch/dinner the next day! I have also tried the lobster bisque and a seafood chowder (which was a soup of the day) and both were delicious. The seafood chowder I got was especially exceptional, and again the portion was huge. Overall, this restaurant is a good one! Would love to stop by another time sans 3 year old to really sit down and enjoy the spectacle of this old, remodeled train station turned restaurant!
(4)
Carol N.
We were driving down Mass Pike and ready to eat dinner, so I looked up restaurants on Yelp. The Steaming Tender was the first one that came up, and we were so close to Palmer already that I didn't have time to read anything about it - we just took our chances and went! What a fun, pleasant experience it was! We loved the old 19th century remodeled train station that houses the restaurant. It was so cool on the inside, with lots of antiques and artifacts that made you feel like you were really in a train station! They have a huge menu, with everything from soups, salads, burgers, nice entrees, etc. But we ordered from the "Daily Specials" menu. My baked sole with stuffed lobster was very good. The fish was fresh and the sauce on it was creamy and yummy. My garlic mashed potatoes were also very good. My husband liked his New Orleans style haddock, though it was not spicy as we know Cajun food to be. The sides of rice and mixed veggies weren't great - over cooked and barely warm when served. But all-in-all it was a very good meal and very reasonably priced. Service was good and friendly. Our only criticism was that the portion sizes were way too large. There was no way either of us could eat all the food we were served, and we're not wimpy eaters!
(4)
Jennifer K.
Stopped here on the way home from the big train show. Our group consisted of my husband, our 2 kids, my father in law & myself (ages 5-71). We were all beyond pleased. First, they did a beautiful job restoring the place, it is like stepping back in time, really, down to the smallest details (I love the bathroom tiles). Everything was very clean & just beautiful to look at. The food was fantastic, we ordered the seafood appetizer & I will be ordering that as a meal next time, it was really delicious, all 5 of us enjoyed it. I had the fish sandwich, delicious. FIL had a burger (he was really pleased), hubs had a club sandwich & ceasar salad, he was really happy. The kids had mac n cheese & they were happy too (it is not kraft, it is homemade cheesy goodness) Prices are fair & portions generous. It is 45 minutes from home for us but we will be coming back.
(5)
Brittany S.
Tenderloin was absolutely amazing! Our waitress was sweet and accommodating.. They have amazing ice cream.. I have no problem paying for a high quality piece of meat.. The atmosphere is very nice and different.. Watching the train go by and the table is shaking.. Thank god my wine is gone!
(5)
Craig S.
Have eaten there many times never a letdown always great food great service and the ambience is fantastic A+ plus plus We went there tonight for my sisters birthday lobster mac and cheese was out of this world the cowboy steak was perfectly done and the Del Monaco was also done to perfection I usually get shrimp scampi which I think is the best in the area
(5)
Lynn H.
Went for the breakfast buffet coffee and the muffins were good nice staff and atmosphere but cold eggs and super greasy cornbeef hash. Pointed this out was no one came and checked the temp of the eggs or the corn beef hash and no apology. Was not looking for anything free but attentiveness to the complaint.
(2)
Patty C.
This breakfast was terrific & it made my day! To top it off my boyfriend made me a homemade Waffle!! Wow The waitress's are very friendly & efficient! SUPERB
(4)
Barbara D.
You know those days when you've been working all day on a project in the house, you're a hot mess, and the whole family is starving, there's nothing to eat and you need food, like NOW? Typically, those are the only days when we will eat at one of the few places in the Palmer/Monson area, with one notable exception: Steaming Tender. This place would be worth a long drive, but luckily it's just down the road. I've had many great meals here including salads, seafood, steaks, the buffet, and lots of apps. The whiskey bread pudding is great and I've only been disappointed by the food once with an overcooked prime rib that I actually ended up throwing away. The main dining room can be drafty (it is an old train station after all) but has a lot of charm. I do wish there was some more intimate seating for couples (horseshoe booths?) and maybe some nicer tables and chairs. The bar would be my go-to hang out locally for lunch and date nights if they would put some love into it. The ONE TV is the size of my iPad and is poorly placed at the bar. There is no Keno or any type of nightlife going on there and they close far too early. In fact, they are closed Monday and Tuesday. The staff is fine, but not exceptional. This place could be so much more with some imagination and effort, but overall a solid establishment. I'd like a more inviting experience upon arrival. Try the Bluebeard Tenderloin or Lobster Salad. Their Pasta Primavera is the best I've ever tasted but it seems to have been pulled from the menu. The kids love this place, too, for both the trains out front and coming through and the many kid-friendly menu options.
(3)
Rachel L.
Attended a private function here recently. The buffet food was excellent...roasted potatoes were hot, nicely seasoned, perfectly roasted; chicken Marsala had a nice sauce, lots of mushrooms & was fork tender; frenched green beans were nicely seasoned; solid salad; nice looking fish that I didn't try but consisted of big fillet with fresh tomato, seasoning & cheese I think; and a really cool French Toast dish which my husband tried & declared to be excellent. Drinks from the bar were very good....nice selection of bottles beers & 3 BBC's on tap. Knob Creek Manhatten, while a pricey $12, was perfectly made & certainly not watered down. Probably the best made one I've had in recent years! Waitresses & bartenders were friendly and helpful. The restaurant itself was spotless & clearly well taken care of. The railroad memorabilia & atmosphere was very cool. I admit I've driven by the Steaming Tenders signs all over Palmer hundreds of times & never considered stopping here. I now look forward to coming back to the restaurant with my family....very good first impression.
(4)
William S.
I really wanted to like the Steaming Tender. The driveway is unpaved, packed gravel, which my car didn't really like. But when I entered the restaurant - a beautiful old train depot converted into a dining hall - I was pleasantly greeted by the friendly staff and shown to a table near the bar with a nice view of the entire hall. Several trains passed directly by the windows on both sides during my visit, which was very neat. To start off I ordered the soup of the day (tomato Florentine), which arrived quickly and was delicious. I then ordered a BBQ chicken sandwich, and that's when my enthusiasm started to wane, as it took over 20 minutes to arrive. When it finally did, I found the chicken tough and stringy, hard to bite through, and the bread was soggy from the sauce and grease from sauteed onions. Finally I received my bill, which was over $20 (including tip). My low rating isn't meant to imply that this is a bad restaurant. I noticed that the clientele is mostly middle-aged or elderly - I think I was the only customer under 30. I imagine that if you're retired, with a pension and several investments (or just a train enthusiast who doesn't mind splurging), the Steaming Tender is a very nice place to relax and chat with your friends. But for a 20-something on minimum wage just looking for a place to eat, it's not for me.
(2)
Matthew D.
Went on a Wednesday afternoon, to sit at the bar and have a beer and some lunch. First off, no bar tender was on. They had 4 girls running around like crazy. It took almost 15 minutes until someone came over to me. Second, the beer selection is very limited. Only 3 beers on tap! Third, it took another 20 minutes for the waitress to come over and take my lunch order. The food was average at best. The croutons in my Caesar salad tasted like they were cooked in 6 month old oil. Yuck! Would it hurt you to put the tv on at the bar?
(1)
A J.
Nice ambiance. Food was nothing special, in fact, both my daughter & grandaughter didn't feel good after we ate there. Wait staff were very good however. I always give a restaurant 3 tries before I post anything... good or bad. Probably won't go back
(2)
Destiny C.
This place is really nice! The food taste good and it's definitely a nice place to visit if you love trains! My boyfriend and I absolutely love this place!
(5)
John R.
I went to Steaming Tender for lunch it's a casual style restaurant set in a turn of the century railroad station. They get one star more than my experience due to the environment and effort that has been taken into restoring the station and working towards their historical renovation of the outside too. I went for lunch; it was good however, the meal didn't inspire me enough to go back, actually the opposite. I had my old world train experience & personally, I'm done. I've been in many converted stations before and had much better meals. Over-all the entire meal seemed thoughtlessly & carelessly thrown together. I had the Portobello sandwich and chose the up-charge of stuffed baked potato and Pecan Pie for dessert. Starting with the worst .. The Pecan Pie Seriously (!!) store bought anywhere would have been better & @ $5.99 a slice, me thinks not. I was very (!) unhappy, what-a-joke! The Portobello was cooked perfectly as were all the things piled onto it between the sourdough bread. However, the presentation lacked, it really looked like someone had "thrown" it together. The stuffed baked potato w/ cheddar & broccoli was another example of "thrown together". The potato had a slice of melted cheddar w/a lg. crown of broccoli pushed into it. No flavor on any of it, not even a touch of seasoning, not even the cheese . Over-all my impression was plop the food on a plate n' get it out to 'em, no consideration or pride in presentation or taking time to season the food. Maybe they think the charm factor of the station will bring people back, guess what = wrong thinking! Not in any rush to go back, charming space disappointing over-priced meal.
(2)
Clare M.
I have been here twice with friends who live in the area. Absolutely loved the chicken salad with cranberries. I also enjoyed the scallops. The ambience is fun and a nice place to go for a birthday celebration. The train theme and historic feel are special. I would definitely go back again next time I am in town. I would like to try the breakfast buffet train car as well.
(5)
Eric S.
I came here for the weekend breakfast buffet. Showed up at 7AM on Saturday and realized that they weren't open until 9AM. (breakfast is 9am to noon) A little late for breakfast, but that was ok, I was there to watch trains as well. When they opened, I went in. You can't go wrong for 10 bucks! They had french toast (which was more like a cinnamon bun as it is baked in a tray and cut into squares), homefries, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, corned beef hash, and fruit salad. Beverages were either orange juice or coffee. It's like a hotel breakfast except the food tastes better and doesn't seem mass produced or cheapened. They also have a breakfast club where if you eat there 10 times for breakfast, you get a free breakfast.
Trains and good food. The steaming tender has both of those things. The portions are quite large, so beware of ordering too much! The baked stuffed shrimp are amazing, with huge chunks of lovely seafood popping out of the stuffing. The lobster bisque left a bit to be desired, but had a nice taste overall.
(4)
Karen G.
We are frequent patrons of this wonderful restaurant. During my last visit I ordered the turkey and brie sandwich on sourdough bread. This was probably the best sandwich I've ordered in such a long time. It was so filling that I ended up taking half of it home. I hope this ends up on the regular menu since it was a special that day. Very friendly staff as always. Ambience is truly one of a kind.
(5)
Steve M.
This is a cool little place that is inside of an old train station. So the main dining area has a really high ceiling with what looks like a huge stained glass center which unfortunately appears to have been blackened out. The food is nothing fancy but I had a house salad with some grilled shrimp and I enjoyed it. My coworker had a tuna melt and he liked it a lot. I don't know if it's the norm but there was a lot of seniors eating here. We went on a Wednesday and apparently they have a buffet on that day with turkey and stuffing and other items for not much money.
(3)
Chris M.
Restaurant is set in an old train station. After dining here a few times the food and service have been great each time. Everyone is generally in one large room so it can be a bit noisy. Also the parking lot and surrounding area are a bit rough but that adds to the old train station experience. They have some quality beers on draft that are not carried many places. Also the holiday buffet brunches are a hit.
(3)
Reed D.
Had a great time out in this Old themed Train Station Setting. Waitress (Lauren) was Very good, Food was excellent. Love the theme inside. They even have a beautiful box car outside for dining. Also outside dining along side of the Building Great menu to choose from. Looking forward to returning again Soon. We had the Lobster Bisque & The Special Bread for starters. Main diners Lobster Ravioli ( had lg pcs of lobster ). I had the Prime rib W/ Baked Potato & side of butternut Squash and had Au Jus on the side. All were excellent. Looking forward to returning.
(4)
Donny F.
Good place to eat every once and a while. the steak is good not great. a little pricey for what you get . The location is strange but the building is very cool and well kept. My daughter loves watching the trains go by as you eat. The service is very good but the food is hit or miss.
(3)
Kevin S.
My wife loves me. Even though she would just assume go to a quick and easy fast food restaurant near the highway on a drive across country, she knows I would prefer a non-chain, local and unique type of restaurant. On our drive across New England, my awesome wife looked ahead to find just such a unique local non-chain restaurant for us to have dinner, and she brought us to this AWESOME restaurant in an old train depot. The atmosphere was very cool and unique. I love they way they have decorated the inside of the train station with antique photos, paintings, and stacks of antique luggage with stickers of various cities on them as if they were waiting to be loaded on the next train. While we were eating, two freight trains slipped by one side of the depot seemingly silent but very visible. Then we were all startled at one point when a passenger train ROARED by on the other side of the depot and tooted his horn right as he passed the dining room. My only complaint about the atmosphere was that it was a little dark inside, but everything else was great. The service was very warm, friendly, prompt, and professional. The food was extraordinarily good. Their menu has a nice selection of burgers and sandwiches, and then a whole page of seafood dishes. I had a hard time deciding and asked the waitress what she recommended. I went with her favorites, and I wasn't disappointed. Friday and Saturday nights they serve lobster bisque, so I started off with that and it was delicious. Then I had the stuffed haddock - it was a very light flaky fish stuffed with lobster and shrimp and had some sort of a croissant-type breading around the outside. It was heavenly. Our two boys (9 and 6 years old) thought it was awesome - both the food and the train atmosphere. My eldest son thought the french fries were particularly "awesome." We tremendously enjoyed our dinner at the Steaming Tender, and I would go out of my way to go back there again during our next drive across New England.
(4)
Jason S.
Had lunch there returning home from a funeral. Saw the billboard in Palmer and thought it sounded interesting. My Dad is a train buff, so we figured we would check it out for him. I was totally surprised by how incredible the food and service was. Being an old train station made the location and decor pretty cool to begin with (and 2 trains went by during lunch), but our server, Amy, was so friendly and attentive -- and our food so delicious -- that our lasting impression is more than just a cool location. My wife and I started with the buffalo tenders, which were clearly not just frozen patties. Then we each had a tuna melt on the largest, softest rye bread we have ever seen. Just awesome! My wife had the homemade chips, which were warm and tasty, and my fries were equally tasty. (We appreciated Amy's recommendation to add ranch dressing as a dipping sauce!) We go out to western Mass a lot and have friends in Palmer (and it turns out one if their children also works there, although we didn't know it), but now we have another reason to look forward to out trips! An instant favorite!
(5)
James P.
This place has a unique atmosphere and the food is excellent. The restored/converted train station is decorated with authentic historical memorabilia. The wide open, vaulted ceiling makes for a terrific dining room. For folks driving the pike, this is just a minute or two from the exit. Skip those terrible rest areas and get a great meal at a very cool restaurant.
(4)
Robert B.
Not only is the food fantastic but the environment is like nothing else! Located inside an old train station and decorated with beautiful antiques. This is a great place for any occasion.
(5)
Abaigeal D.
Tucked into a corner off of Palmer's Main Street is a former train station lovingly refurbished into a casual eatery. The classic architecture was build by the famous American Architect, H.H. Richardson, who designed many train stations and libraries. His best-known buildings, however, are a warehouse (his was a new kind of structure at the time), and Trinity Church on Boston's Copley Square. The dining area, because it was an open train station, can seem a bit out of scale, but looking at the building around you will make up for it! Or, you can peek outside at a train going past. As for the food: it's casual American fare at decent prices. A little odd, perhaps, because of the architecture, but who am I to complain about getting a gourmet setting at burger & fries prices?
(4)
Elissa S.
This place is a great alternative to Friendly's if you're driving across the state. It's a little further away from the exit, but it's totally worth it. If you have a train enthusiast in your group or perhaps some kids to amuse, this is a great place to stop for a bite. The atmosphere is pretty casual, so don't worry if you're not dressed to the nines. The menu features American dishes, such as fried chicken, BBQ ribs, burgers, and more. Nothing costs more than $20.99, and most things are between $7 and $12. The service was a bit slow at times, so if getting in and out quickly is important, this may not be the best place to stop.
(4)
Dave C.
Waitress forgot my salad, they took off their 4 piece fried chicken ( the reason I drove out there) had to order turkey club instead bread came out burnt and the Bacon. I don't think I'll be going there anymore unless I start hearing better things about the food
(1)
Shimon P.
We were suggested to stop there by local guy on our way to Cape Cod from Toronto. At midday on Saturday, the service was adequate (not extremely fast, but reasonably moving) Our choice of food was excellent (kid's menu for kids, steak with ceasar for the rest of us) I would not recommend desert at that place (coffee was so-so), but this place is really nice historical point and fun to visit. Would come again if I ever nearby.
(4)
Alan S.
I was driving back to Detroit from Boston. I decided to stop here for lunch after hearing about this place from several of my friends who are big train enthusiasts. The building is an old train station. The decor is very nice. I had some clam chowder and a burger. The food was very good and my waitress was very friendly and attentive. Too bad I don't live around here or I'd be eating there more often.
(4)
Skippy J.
This place has become a go to destination when traveling from NY to Boston on the MA Turnpike where dining choices are very limited. Despite being turned off by this restaurants name when we spotted it on the "around me" app while traveling, we were starving and decided to check it out. Steaming tender? Tender steamer? I didn't make the connection to a train" tender" or coal car,until we pulled in to the place, which has a great collection of train cars and railroad memorabilia. I am an architecture and history nut so the 1883 Union Station by H.H.Richardson was an immediate attraction. The parking lot lies over a buried landscape by renowned landscape architect Frederick Olmstead. The arched stone top of Olmsteads "grotto" sticks out of the ground at the edge of the property. There seems to be some recent efforts to excavate this feature and restore the landscape. The building and grounds have tremendous potential and I hope the owners and the town are able to continue their efforts to restore and preserve them and become a catalyst for renewal of this area. The restaurant service and food is average and there are some pretty good choices for a hungry traveller looking for an alternative to fast food. There seems to be a pretty loyal local clientele as well. The general ambiance is nice within the old train station, wonderful architecture in varying states of disrepair. The lighting is very poor, four cheap Home Depot style ceiling fans with high wattage lamps hang high overhead trying in vain to light the grand space and blinding anyone who is trying to see the incredible trusswork and other details above. A faint dishrag scent further detracts from the surroundings. There is perhaps a bit too much memorabilia around and promotional banners and table placards that further crowd and annoy diners. Brochures and printed material are everywhere in the lobby and some local businesses and organizations have left or posted their own material, placards, business cards, etc. The menu is way to big but lacks any simple basics and everything seems to be over embellished. Almost all dishes have someones odd "spin" on them and really lack presentation. For example, I wanted nice baked macaroni and cheese but was only able to get a lobster Mac and cheese or a buffalo chicken Mac and cheese. I opted for the latter and generally enjoyed it, but was a bit overwhelmed by the Franks Red Hot on the chunks of boneless buffalo chicken. My house salad had been refrigerated for quite a while after it was made and dressing comes in a little plastic cup balanced on on top of the salad, this also held the taste of a refrigerator and had a little skin over the top of it. Service is on a mix of plates, silverware, styrofoam, and plastic. My wife ordered a fish special she had seen on a sheet while waiting to be seated. Our server said "where did you see that?" and went to the front waiting area to try to find it, she came back and said they were out of most of those items. The regular menu always seems to have things censored with a Sharpie. This place has amazing potential and with some sharper marketing, interior design, and better management it could have much broader appeal.
(3)
Cara J.
Palmer, MA seems to be a good halfway point if you are meeting up with old friends from the Springfield and Worcester areas the day before Thanksgiving. Location-wise, it's convenient...right off of the mass Pike and route 20. Dining option wise? It seems like the Steaming Tender (I can't stop laughing like Beavis and Butthead right now....heh heh. what an awful name) is the biggest attraction in this sleepy town once known as the Town of Seven Railroads. So much so, that a huge welcome sign from the Steaming Tender lets passersby know about the attraction RIGHT AFTER the state-issued "Entering Palmer" sign. We weren't expecting "classy". (Those expectations flew out the window when we passed a nearby bar that hosts Jello wrestling matches on Saturdays.) But the Steaming Tender seemed like it could be a good option instead of the Friendly's nearby. The concept is cute. A restored railroad station with some pretty beautiful architectural elements has been repurposed into a restaurant. Antique locomotives that I can imagine train enthusiasts and little conductors would certainly appreciate. The food and service, however leave much to be desired. I'm willing to give the staff the benefit of the doubt because it was the day before Thanksgiving. And we were the first people there for an early dinner. We ordered appetizers since our friends were having another dinner a couple hours later. The sampler plate (boneless hot wings, mozz sticks, jalapeno fritters, tater skins) seemed like a good option...it was just bar food, but it left much to be desired. The jalapeno fritters were just fragments of batter with a hint of jalapeno flavor. the potatoes were dried out, the mozzarella sticks were cold. The chicken was inedible. We also ordered the "award-winning" chili. Who gave that award? Their 8 year old daughter? Their own chef? Awful, awful, and surrounded by stale tortilla chips to boot. Our waitress was very sweet, but pretty slow on the service. We didn't mind initially because we were enjoying our friends' company, but when it took 25 minutes for her to pick up our credit card, that wasn't so great. Bottom line...Okay option for those who hate chain restaurants but have a strange obsession with trains. And it's a nice diversion for kids. The food won't kill you unless you already ate 2 McRibs earlier in the day. But the Cracker Barrel is down the street (and right off the Pike), and if you're seeking decent highway food, I would detour there first.
(2)
Bro H.
Great building, unimpressive restaurant. Still, an alright detour from the highway. Had the fried chicken, which was about KFC caliber. Potato wedges were lukewarm. Girlfriend's burger was bland and her fries were downright cold. Still, it's a weird-ass spot, and it's worth checking out.
(3)
Ted S.
The turkey rueben is fantastic . Great atmosphere.
(5)
Mike B.
Awesome Burger! Great potato chips. Good service. Well Done!
(5)
Girldrinkdrunk S.
I agree with Karen K's opinion that the ambiance and woodwork here are lovely. However, the food is awful. I ordered some vegetarian pasta dish that was overcooked noodles and a sauce that I swear was made of Elmer's glue. I don't recall if there was a bar here, but if so, it'd be a cool place to have a drink.
(2)
Amanda L.
I was home with my parents one day. My dad was telling me about this restaurant in Palmer that used to be a train station. We were all hungry, so we decided to trek out to Palmer to try this place out. So, just a little background. My Dad loves trains. A lot. He passed that on to me. Every year for Christmas, we would put together our model train set, complete with town and people. It was awesome. We use to watch trains go by together. It was good times. Steaming Tender brought back those good times. Since it was a train station, the tracks are literally feet away. While eating, about 3 trains went by. My Dad and I even stayed outside after dinner to see if any more trains would go by. Now, onto the food and drink. I got a root beer float, and it was yummy. I can't remember exactly what I got, but I believe it was the Pulled Pork sandwich. I do remember that I really enjoyed it. A lot. My dad liked his ribs, and I'm pretty sure my mom liked her fish. The staff were all really nice to us as well. The dining area was awesome. Huge ceilings, all dark woods, and it totally still felt like a train station. There's also a little shop outside of the dining room. All in all, a quality place, especially if you are a train enthusiast.
(4)
Ashley p.
I would rather go to apollo pizza in Palmer. This place is priced way to high for the quality of food.
(2)
Bev C.
Traveling on the turnpike and wanted some non travel stop food. Found the Steaming Tender on Yelp and it looked like the perfect solution. My heart dropped when as we were walking to the entrance, the waitress was putting out the closed sign. When she saw us, she invited us in anyway and served us herself. The food was great, the restaurant was full of history, and the trains going by reminded me of the years going to the train station where my father worked as a dispatcher. It helps that I have many memories of train stations, but I was also delighted with the hospitality, the food, the service and the decor. Highly recommend it!
(5)
Joshua A.
Took my wife and cousin here a few days ago. The food was perfect and the serving couldn't have been any faster. Highly recommended!! My family has nothing but good things to say about this place.
(5)
Sara R.
I go about once a month and find it to be about average food. The service is o.k. My kids love the trains going by and I think this is the highlight of the place. Good location, could use a better beer selection.
(3)
jacques w.
Like some of the previous reviewers, I loved the beautiful building and woodwork. And the outside area and historical tidbits are very special. It's such a pleasing space that it's a real shame the food is not better. Been there twice, and while what we had was not awful, it was extremely pedestrian--which is a funny adjective for a place in a train station...
(2)
Chris S.
Went here for brunch on a recent Sunday morning. We were a large party so called ahead for seating and upon arrival we were seated immediately. The positives were the atmosphere -- really neat, right on the train tracks. When the trains whizz by it's pretty cool. The service was also wonderful. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. She filled our cups of coffee promptly and also seemed to be close by when we needed her. Now the negative -- the food. Our party was very underwhelmed by both the selection and the quality of the buffet. At the beginning there are cold cereals and milk to choose from. You then move to a do-it-yourself belgian waffle maker. However, each waffle takes 3 minutes to make and there is only one waffle maker. This can create quite the back-up. 3 minutes is a long time when there are 6 people in line to use it. The last table had bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, corned beef and potatoes, homefries and a casserole of baked french toast. There may have been a few other items but, overall, the offerings were fairly limited. The bacon was soggy (and rarely refilled -- many in our party had to go back and keep checking for when it would be refilled), the biscuits were charred on the bottom and the baked french toast was very mushy -- the texture was a little off-putting. I wouldn't return for the buffet but I would definitely consider going back for lunch or dinner considering the excellent service and nice ambiance.
(3)
Nick D.
I visited the Steaming Tender for the second time with my family on a Saturday night in March. I called in a reservation for six adults earlier in the day around noon time and request a window seat - a must for train-enthusiasts. When we arrived at exactly 6PM, we were greeted by a the owner of the restaurant, who graciously directed us to our table which was set and ready for us. It was a spacious, round table near a window on the right side of the dining room nearest the most active train tracks. The building has tracks on either side. When seated on the right side as you enter the dining room, you will have the best view of the Amtrak and freight trains that pass regularly - two passed while we were dining. Our waitress attended to us almost immediately after we were seated. My father and I ordered martinis which were wonderful, the rest of the party ordered wines of their choice and fresh-brewed unsweetened iced tea. Following drink service, our waitress took our orders, followed by warm rolls and soft butter which were just as if they were taken from the oven. The wait time for our meals didn't seem long, but the conversation at the table and the atmosphere in the spacious and beautifully built train station make any time spent waiting for service fly by. Dinners were served. I ordered the delmonico steak cooked medium which was awesome! It had a flavorful dry rub and was grilled to perfection, locking a great deal of juice into the steak. My steak was served with mashed potatoes and baby carrots - both sides were delicious. I also sampled a fried fisherman's platter that my wife had ordered. The seafood was so fresh that you'd think you were dining in coastal Mass or Maine. The batter of the seafood was perfect. For desert, my wife and I split a New York style cheesecake served with strawberries and whipped cream which topped our meals off nicely. I would highly recommend this restaurant. Be sure to make reservations for weekends as both times we've been to the restaurant on a Saturday night, it's been jammed! No matter how busy, the service doesn't suffer with extremely attentive staff.
(5)
Heather B.
Great food, great service, cool atmosphere. Definitely go! If you can make it around Christmas time, please do. They put up a beautiful Christmas Tree in the middle of the dining room that puts you into the mood nicely. Great place for a large group or a romantic dinner for two. Price- low end of moderate. I'd say you can walk out of there with dinner and dessert for about $15 most of the time.
(5)
Allison S.
Great atmosphere with good food. We were waited on by an awesome bartender named Sarah!! Our serves was impeccable, what a fun experience!!! She went up and above. To bad we don't live closer to visit more.
(4)
Dain B.
I really enjoyed my visit! Upon arrival we were happily greeted. While waiting for the table we took a look at the two rail cars from the early 1900's. The fried pickles appetizer special was an excellent start along with the exclusive Station Ale brewed by Berkshire Brewing. For diner I had the Rattlesnake Pasta and my wife had a shrimp and crab on linguine special. Both dishes were very good with plenty to bring home for another meal. It was interesting to learn about the history of the location and building. A return visit is certainly in my future!
(4)
T L.
Great atmosphere, and friendly staff. The food here is decent, but not too fancy. The prime rib au jus special is pretty good, as well as the chili and BBC beers on tap (steel rail!). Also a plus that the only other restaurants in the area are Friendlys, Subway, McD's, etc. Heard about the proposed casino...too bad, once that goes in this place will fade away into oblivion (who can name one restaurant in ledyard or uncasville ct that isn't within the casino itself?)...
(4)
Chuck L.
I go here regularly because my kids love trains. Built in an old train station it is warm and inviting. The staff is friendly and attentive to everyones needs. As the phantom would say "A hidden jewel". The only thing I could see that needed improvement would be the buffet. it is good but it really should be expanded. You dont have to go crazy but more selections for $9.99 would be nice.
(4)
Tim R.
Made the trip with a group of Harley people today 08/26 to visit your place and enjoy the breakfast buffet,,what a disappointment...hash not cooked waffles stick in waffle maker..no refill on coffee..and oh, lets not forget the flies everywhere.disgusting..we won't be back!
(1)
Karen K.
I have eaten dinner many times at Steaming Tender. The ambiance is fantastic and the woodwork in the restaurant is incredible.
(4)
Julie M.
we went here while traveling on the masspike as an alternative to the many fast food options. we got the recommendation from the toll taker who led us to believe it would be black tie affair. it was definitely not, which was good. we were looking for a quick, casual bite and that's what we got. the architecture and woodwork was, definitely, the best part. food was fine. i got fried chicken which was oddly sweet. my husband got fresh cod which was actually really good. prices were very reasonable. definitely worth checking out if you are into trains, or are traveling to the berkshires and don't want mcdonald's.
(3)
C L.
Just enjoyed a fantastic Mother's Day brunch with my family. The architecture and opportunity to see trains (we saw 5 go by in just the time we were there-- and that was a Sunday) was nonpareil. Service and food was very good. I will definitely be back.
(4)
David F.
Pleasantly surprised, although I should not have been as I went here based on Yelp reviews. We stopped in the middle of the week,between lunch and dinner, so it wasn't busy. Service was prompt and friendly, with all servers working as a team. They all seemed to be experienced or trained well. Although it was a slow, weekday afternoon, everyone was professional and cheerful. Both my wife and I broke my standing, personal rule and ordered seafood, which I usually do not do during the week. I was glad I did. Broiled to perfection, I had scallops, fish, and lobster, lots of lobster. I figured it out; if I had gotten just the lobster for that price, I would have been satisfied. Bottom line, good deal. I was impressed with the building/ museum. Cool stuff. I wonder, though, what the sound level is like when it's busy. But I will probably check it out for myself, anyway.
(4)
Betty M.
Friday was my first visit to the restaurant and the broiled scallops were so fresh and well prepared that we had to return because I had no room left for the bread pudding with whiskey sauce (a house specialty). Sunday we returned and I ordered the pistachio encrusted salmon with vegetable melange, again, fresh well prepared with a teriyaki sauce that was just enough and not over powering at all served with julienned vegetables. The bread pudding was to die for. I had my husband sample it, and he is no fan of bread pudding, but he thought it was great also. The Steaming Tender is 50 miles from my home and I will be returning. Staff is friendly and very helpful, prices are reasonable, food is wonderful
(5)
Cooper N.
You should check this place out. For the atmosphere alone, it's worth a try. Is it the best food you'll ever have? No. Is it the best in the area? Being from NY I wouldn't know. They offer some good looking dishes. Their sandwiches are priced well, and they all look very good. The only problem I had with this place was their prices. In my opinion, most of the food seemed a little overpriced. And from what I saw coming out of the kitchen, it didn't look phenomenal. Again, everything looked very tasty, but for the price point I wonder how much of that is just going into the atmosphere. Bottom line; good food, great atmosphere, a tad expensive, but worth a try.
(4)
Denise F.
Had our daughters wedding here 9/5. EXCELLENT place for a wedding!!! The staff was AMAZING!! Truthfully can not praise them enough. The food was delicious- from the appetizers thru the entrees to the desserts. The bar tenders were speedy and professional. Lisa (person in charge) was incredible :) She made sure everything ran smooth so we didn't have to worry about a thing. Highly highly recommend them for a wedding :)
(5)
Jamie P.
This is my mom and I's go -to spot when we meet for dinner. The service is always fast and friendly, everything we have gotten has been delicious, and the atmosphere is so homey. Maybe it's because I go here with my mom, but this place has such a comforting and cute feel to it!
(5)
mark t.
What great food! I had the cowboy steak and it was perfect. My wife had the rattle snake pasta she loved it! Great service in s very cool space trains going by outside and the kids where blown away! Must stop here you will love it.
(5)
Christine M.
Good service, a little green but they did okay for being new in the industry (my guess). We had the Mother's Day buffet and although very busy it was a lovely experience and the drink service was quick. They didn't remove empty bar glasses when they would come over, which I believe to be a very important part of service. The food choices was broad and all very tasty. Good for families and those with children and those who are not looking for a high end dining experience but rather a traditional meal with a cool environment (train station). We had fun after a few drinks too taking pictures around the station. The waiters in conductor outfits is a cute touch too! Great place to take Nana or your Nephew for sure!
(3)
Jen C.
Friendly and accommodating service, especially with two small kids. Very unique atmosphere and quiet outdoor patio. The lobster roll was fantastic - big chunks of well cooked meat. Sweet potato wedges were perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and fluffy and moist inside. Lobster mac was very good and a huge portion. Potato and tuna salads were a bit dry and could have had better seasoning. Kids loved the trains, of course.
Love this place. It has a ton of character. Great historical building that was tasteful remodeled. I always feel like I'm stepping back in time when I enter! The food is great as well. I have tried many of the menu items. My favorite has to the their Reuben with the potato logs (big thick fries). Their Mac and cheese, burgers and fish are all great as well. They have good beers on tap and the service is always friendly. Don't be surprised if you feel the building shaking while eating, if you do look outside and you'll be treated to a passing train. Just a fun place to eat. Would be good for the family or even for a date night. We always look forward to going here!
(4)
Amy N.
Maybe we hit it on an off day? Went for a late lunch on 5/27. Had awesome service at the bar. Ordered broiled haddock and buffalo tenders. Fish arrived and after one bite, I thought I'd be sick. The fish was definitely off. And if you eat a lot of fish, you know what I mean when I say it tasted super 'fishy', and not in a good way. It was also mostly grey and the breadcrumbs were super mushy. I had an event to attend the next day and there was no way I could risk getting sick so when the bartender came around and asked how things were, I politely explained the fish was far from fresh. She kindly offered to get me something else but we just didn't have time. She raced off and I'm thinking to myself, 'wow, she's going to get this taken care of!'. Sadly the bill came and she explained her lovely manager took 50% off the dish?! It was all of $13 to begin with but in my opinion, they should have taken it off completely. That was pretty poor. I had one bite! I would have also expected the manager to come by and apologize but even though the restaurant was empty, they were no where to be seen. The buffalo tenders weren't hot either but my husband ate them anyway (burnt to a crisp). One star for service. Maybe they should rename this place the 'Steaming....pile of sh*t'.
Fantastic in every way.... Food, Staff, Clean beautiful bathrooms and cool building! We will be back ..... Hopefully soon...
(5)
Linda G.
Cool decor. Prompt and pleasant service. Food delicious and good sized portions. Close to Brimfield which is a plus for us when we sell at the huge antique flea market three times a year Looking forward to a second visit.
(5)
Mark F.
Went here with my wife and my father-in-law. Have driven by this place several times a year over the last decade, but never ate here. The atmosphere is unique as it is an old train depot. In fact, trains still come by the depot, giving some entertainment to the crowd. People can eat take-out, eat outside, or eat in the very large dining area. As an old train depot, there is a high ceiling, lots of space for tables across what used to be the waiting area for the trains, and tons of train memorabilia. The place was packed for lunch, so our server tried to be as attentive as possible. But, I could notice a sense of a rushy franticness with her due to the large crowd. We ordered the sampler appetizer, which took awhile to come out. But, when it did, it was a very hearty plate of buffalo wings, potato skins, and mozzarella sticks. Then the meal came.....oh my goodness! The portions with our meals were incredible. I ordered the Buffalo chicken mac and cheese and it could serve three people. My wife ordered a clam strip meal which looked very hearty. My father-in-law ordered scallops and it looked like he was given a dozen plump scallops with his meal along with huge onion rings. Needless to say, we had leftovers to bring home! I would say this place is a secret gem. People traveling off the Mass Pike or those who are in the middle towns between the Pioneer Valley and metro Worcester should check this place out. The portions alone made me a fan.
(4)
Alicia P.
Had a great atmosphere and the food was good. The only reason I won't give it a five star is because my drink was not so good, and I when I asked about their souvenir water bottle on the menu I didn't really get an answer. I ended up ordering their baked mac & cheese and it was one of the best I had. Definitely worth a trip if you are in the area.
(4)
Meghan F.
The Steaming Tender is a special spot. The restaurant is located in a converted railroad depot, and the restoration is brilliant. From the shoe shine station to the ticket counter take-out window, the Steaming Tender is a really fun and special spot that is actually quite beautiful. The rail line that runs next to the Steaming Tender is still active, and it's a kick when trains pass by while you eat. The food is fine. The menu is ridiculously large, as are the portions. On one visit I ordered a turkey dinner and the amount of food on my plate was approached the grotesque. The quality was fine, though, if not particularly homemade, and, again, you are here for the ambiance. You can't come to a converted train station looking for sophistication. The notable exception to the adequate food is the whiskey bread pudding. The restaurant touts it as "famous" and, after sharing an order, we all agreed. It's a "don't miss" standout. The beer menu is disconnect from the pedestrian food menu. The selection is authentic, thoughtful and focuses on the local BBC brewery. The Steaming Tender also has a great bar, and if we lived closer I think it's a bar we would go to quite often. (You'll want to steer clear of the "martini" list, but you knew that.) The food is two stars, but the ambiance and surprising beer list are four.
(4)
Scott P.
The food: Large menu. And it's apparently all amazing. I've only been twice and not tried everything but I took a group of 10 senior citizens here on a Sunday after church and we all LOVED the food. Let me assure you, when you get a group of senior citizens who complain all the way there and all the way back but have NOTHING bad to say about the food... you've found a good restaurant. We went three or four months ago and they are STILL talking about how good the food was. The atmosphere: First, I have to say it's misleading to judge a restaurant on their atmosphere. If I can't eat it, I try not to rate it. However, I have to say that the owners did an AMAZING job renovating this old 19th century railroad station. It's beautiful in there, really. To be fair, I must confess that my second visit to the Steaming Tender (with my wife and daughter) was not as fantastic for me. I would rate that experience perhaps with 4 stars. My portions were smaller and I didn't think quite as tasty. My wife and daughter both loved theirs, however. I will most likely go again and update this review if necessary.
(5)
Matt M.
Being the train buff that I am, and being up in the state for the biggest train show in the country, what could be more appropriate than the Steaming Tender for breakfast? Met a large group of friends at 9AM on a sunday morning for the breakfast buffet. It was $10.99 per person, and the buffet had French toast, corned beef hash, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit, and some other goodies. Food was just average, comparable to a hotel breakfast, but maybe a tad better. Very nice atmosphere inside, like an old train station building. This review is solely based on my breakfast experience, and I expect to return for dinner in the near future, which will then warrant an updated review. But for now, 3 stahs(It's new england, right?)
(3)
Justin M.
Let me just start off by saying old timer trains, train station and homestyle food are always a great mix. I live about 2 hours from here but made the journey just to see all of the hard work put into this historic building. The place looks great, from the high ceilings to the huge windows in the dining room you can see trains passing as you eat. I saw maybe 4 trains when I came in for lunch. It was great. Now down to the nitty gritty the food,,,, First we started with the crab cakes...Delicious, No complaints about those! Then... I had the half chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and crispy spinach. This is where I am supposed to break it down to what was wrong with it and criticize some small aspect of it that the average person wont notice...but I will not...DELICIOUS!! My girlfriend had the ribs, scale from 1-10 they are about a 7. I have most definitely had better ribs at steak houses and rib joints but these were tasty and fall off the bone. The veg du jour was pureed butternut squash, that was tasty as well. This is my favorite part of this place...the bread pudding. They have advertisements about it and they have prices of whole pans and half pans, so I had to try it. SOME OF THE BEST!! I love bread pudding and I order from American places from time to time and this was by far the best I have ever had with the brandy sauce over the top. If you want just come here for bread pudding and trains.
(4)
Candy S.
I love eating here. An old train station . trains still going by. Be sure to visit around Christmas time. Beautiful decorated food Is great.
(5)
Rick K.
I have eaten here often. The food is good and so is the service. Very reasonable price for dining. People are friendly which is all I ask so very nice. The place is an old train station so there are trains passing all the time. The passing trains are fun but could disturb others; personal preference I guess. You will not go wrong visiting this hidden gem. I highly recommend this place if you are passing through the Palmer area. Very easy to get to and from Mass Pike from Exit 8.
(5)
Paula P.
Beautiful Dinning Room, great atmosphere. We went for the all you can eat Sunday Brunch. There was the usual breakfast choices, all very tasty. they offer a make your own waffle which was the lightest and most tasty thing I've ever tasted. servers kept the table clear of dirty plates. Women should also visit the ladies' room - it is gorgeous!! would definitely visit again
(5)
Elizabeth M.
I told my mom I'd take her out for her birthday, and was pretty disappointed when she said she wanted to go to a place in Palmer. I'd never been to/through Palmer for anything except to drive to the Pike, so my impression of the town was pretty negative. Boy was I surprised when we got to the Steaming Tender! The old train station space is beautiful and really transports you back in time, and the food is exceptionally good. For three people we ordered three chowders and two entrees (seafood and lobster casserole) and we got one bread pudding for dessert (amazing) and had TONS of leftover food. I was also really impressed that you could get a three-beer sampler for $5. I was impressed!
(5)
Oreste V.
Haven't been here in a few years (when it was good) and won't be coming back. Smaller portions I can understand but all our entrees (broiled fishermen platter, fried chicken and even the chicken tenders) were flavorless. Quite disappointing.
(2)
Paul B.
I love this place. Great food great atmosphere. Prices are pretty good. Friendly staff. I highly recommend.
(4)
Denise W.
Great food. Excellent service. Love the ambiance of the old train station. Every time we go, a train goes by which makes it better. Would definitely recommend to family and friends!
(5)
Sharon B.
It's a fun place to go, especially if you love trains and old train stations. We were there for the breakfast buffet. Most of the items were very good, but the fruit tasted old. My husband and the couple we were with had waffles, which they thought were excellent. The service was fair. They give senior discount as an added bonus.
(3)
Dick C.
If you have a food establishment open to the public and close it at normal business hours for private functions you could at least have a sign stating that on the road leading into the parking area. Think as not to tick off your regular customers.
(2)
Amber V.
The atmosphere is amazing. In a converted railroad depot, the owners have done a lot to keep everything looking and feeling like a 19th century depot, right down to the shoe shine station and ticket counter take-out booth. Situated on two rail lines, guests can see trains pass by frequently during the day. The food is a bit pricy, but it is very good. We've had bad experiences with take-out orders being incorrect (such as missing or incorrect items), but we've been very satisfied with our dine-in experience. The fried seafood options are all excellent, and the burgers are very big and tasty. Overall, you're paying for the experience as well as the food; it's a unique place and worth the trip.
(4)
Chris W.
Calling all Railfans, Kids of all ages, history buffs and food reviewers. This place is a must go! The food and culture is really amazing. I have NEVER left the steaming tender upset or hungry . From the outside, It may look bad because of renevation but inside its full of artifacts from Palmer to old photos of trains that ran by the old station. They have a great staff that all dress up in conductors outfits and very friendly to patrons. I would recommend getting the Fried Pickles, They have a great taste and are filling. I don't usually eat pickles but these are an exception . After a great meal, you can step outside and maybe see a freight train or two pass by. Also the Steaming Tender has a railcar for special parties that is nice
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Heather C.
Oh Steaming Tender how I love thee. I love trains, that probably isn't a big secret by now. Steaming Tender is kind of notorious amongst railfans as Palmer was once known as the town of Seven railroads, and an intersection of some of them is directly outside the restaurant lending itself well to photo ops. The following is my review of the actual restaurant, taken verbatim (with a few minor modifications) from the blog post I wrote about it. (The link to which is in my Yelp bio if anyone is interested. I swear I'm not being self-promotional.) The Steaming Tender definitely has the theme and ambiance nailed down. For 2-ish on a Sunday afternoon, the place was pretty packed. No hope of grabbing a window seat, but there was time before any trains were supposed to show up, so it wasn't a big deal. The waitresses were pretty much all wearing the old-fashioned pinstripe overalls that most people associate with engineers (and quite a few had worked the obligatory red bandanas into their hair, so props for that). The menu is pretty big (which sometimes can be a big red flag, less usually means things are more apt to have been perfected.) and being the enormously indecisive person that I am, I had narrowed the list down to about seven different things before I settled upon the Town of Seven Railroads grilled chicken sandwich and a baked potato. (So named because many moons ago, seven different railroads served Palmer, so they called it the town of seven railroads). The food in general is pretty much diner-type food. My sandwich was pretty awesome. The chicken itself was pretty much perfect - not the least bit dry. (Dry chicken annoys me to no end.) The bread was pretty impressive too, I was expecting normal sized slices of rye but these were pretty big. (Yay carbs!!) The baked potato was an added bonus, not enough places have them. I guess my only complaint is they leave them wrapped in tinfoil, I like the skin super crispy, which you can't do when they get wrapped in tinfoil, but I'll get over it. (Or just make myself one the way I want it. Whatever.) Overall, I was pretty impressed with the Steaming Tender itself. Next time I'll pick a different railroad themed dish..maybe the Grand Central nachos or the Pullman Car club :D The service was nothing utterly spectacular, but it wasn't anything to complain about either. And the prices were quite reasonable. I'll definitely be back, especially before Amtrak reroutes the Vermonter so that the reverse move required in Palmer is no longer needed.
(4)A G.
My young son is a train enthusiast, so this place has become a frequent stop. Luckily for mom and dad, the food is great so we don't mind! Being a preschooler, my son is very active and can be impatient, but the waitstaff is usually very prompt and courteous. The decor and theme of the restaurant is quite something, and we enjoy looking around at all of the train memorabilia. The best part is when you can watch the trains come by through the large open windows while you eat your meal. The food I have ordered here has been mostly excellent. The lobster mac and cheese is amazing and the portions are huge! I always take at least half home with me for lunch/dinner the next day! I have also tried the lobster bisque and a seafood chowder (which was a soup of the day) and both were delicious. The seafood chowder I got was especially exceptional, and again the portion was huge. Overall, this restaurant is a good one! Would love to stop by another time sans 3 year old to really sit down and enjoy the spectacle of this old, remodeled train station turned restaurant!
(4)Carol N.
We were driving down Mass Pike and ready to eat dinner, so I looked up restaurants on Yelp. The Steaming Tender was the first one that came up, and we were so close to Palmer already that I didn't have time to read anything about it - we just took our chances and went! What a fun, pleasant experience it was! We loved the old 19th century remodeled train station that houses the restaurant. It was so cool on the inside, with lots of antiques and artifacts that made you feel like you were really in a train station! They have a huge menu, with everything from soups, salads, burgers, nice entrees, etc. But we ordered from the "Daily Specials" menu. My baked sole with stuffed lobster was very good. The fish was fresh and the sauce on it was creamy and yummy. My garlic mashed potatoes were also very good. My husband liked his New Orleans style haddock, though it was not spicy as we know Cajun food to be. The sides of rice and mixed veggies weren't great - over cooked and barely warm when served. But all-in-all it was a very good meal and very reasonably priced. Service was good and friendly. Our only criticism was that the portion sizes were way too large. There was no way either of us could eat all the food we were served, and we're not wimpy eaters!
(4)Jennifer K.
Stopped here on the way home from the big train show. Our group consisted of my husband, our 2 kids, my father in law & myself (ages 5-71). We were all beyond pleased. First, they did a beautiful job restoring the place, it is like stepping back in time, really, down to the smallest details (I love the bathroom tiles). Everything was very clean & just beautiful to look at. The food was fantastic, we ordered the seafood appetizer & I will be ordering that as a meal next time, it was really delicious, all 5 of us enjoyed it. I had the fish sandwich, delicious. FIL had a burger (he was really pleased), hubs had a club sandwich & ceasar salad, he was really happy. The kids had mac n cheese & they were happy too (it is not kraft, it is homemade cheesy goodness) Prices are fair & portions generous. It is 45 minutes from home for us but we will be coming back.
(5)Brittany S.
Tenderloin was absolutely amazing! Our waitress was sweet and accommodating.. They have amazing ice cream.. I have no problem paying for a high quality piece of meat.. The atmosphere is very nice and different.. Watching the train go by and the table is shaking.. Thank god my wine is gone!
(5)Craig S.
Have eaten there many times never a letdown always great food great service and the ambience is fantastic A+ plus plus We went there tonight for my sisters birthday lobster mac and cheese was out of this world the cowboy steak was perfectly done and the Del Monaco was also done to perfection I usually get shrimp scampi which I think is the best in the area
(5)Lynn H.
Went for the breakfast buffet coffee and the muffins were good nice staff and atmosphere but cold eggs and super greasy cornbeef hash. Pointed this out was no one came and checked the temp of the eggs or the corn beef hash and no apology. Was not looking for anything free but attentiveness to the complaint.
(2)Patty C.
This breakfast was terrific & it made my day! To top it off my boyfriend made me a homemade Waffle!! Wow The waitress's are very friendly & efficient! SUPERB
(4)Barbara D.
You know those days when you've been working all day on a project in the house, you're a hot mess, and the whole family is starving, there's nothing to eat and you need food, like NOW? Typically, those are the only days when we will eat at one of the few places in the Palmer/Monson area, with one notable exception: Steaming Tender. This place would be worth a long drive, but luckily it's just down the road. I've had many great meals here including salads, seafood, steaks, the buffet, and lots of apps. The whiskey bread pudding is great and I've only been disappointed by the food once with an overcooked prime rib that I actually ended up throwing away. The main dining room can be drafty (it is an old train station after all) but has a lot of charm. I do wish there was some more intimate seating for couples (horseshoe booths?) and maybe some nicer tables and chairs. The bar would be my go-to hang out locally for lunch and date nights if they would put some love into it. The ONE TV is the size of my iPad and is poorly placed at the bar. There is no Keno or any type of nightlife going on there and they close far too early. In fact, they are closed Monday and Tuesday. The staff is fine, but not exceptional. This place could be so much more with some imagination and effort, but overall a solid establishment. I'd like a more inviting experience upon arrival. Try the Bluebeard Tenderloin or Lobster Salad. Their Pasta Primavera is the best I've ever tasted but it seems to have been pulled from the menu. The kids love this place, too, for both the trains out front and coming through and the many kid-friendly menu options.
(3)Rachel L.
Attended a private function here recently. The buffet food was excellent...roasted potatoes were hot, nicely seasoned, perfectly roasted; chicken Marsala had a nice sauce, lots of mushrooms & was fork tender; frenched green beans were nicely seasoned; solid salad; nice looking fish that I didn't try but consisted of big fillet with fresh tomato, seasoning & cheese I think; and a really cool French Toast dish which my husband tried & declared to be excellent. Drinks from the bar were very good....nice selection of bottles beers & 3 BBC's on tap. Knob Creek Manhatten, while a pricey $12, was perfectly made & certainly not watered down. Probably the best made one I've had in recent years! Waitresses & bartenders were friendly and helpful. The restaurant itself was spotless & clearly well taken care of. The railroad memorabilia & atmosphere was very cool. I admit I've driven by the Steaming Tenders signs all over Palmer hundreds of times & never considered stopping here. I now look forward to coming back to the restaurant with my family....very good first impression.
(4)William S.
I really wanted to like the Steaming Tender. The driveway is unpaved, packed gravel, which my car didn't really like. But when I entered the restaurant - a beautiful old train depot converted into a dining hall - I was pleasantly greeted by the friendly staff and shown to a table near the bar with a nice view of the entire hall. Several trains passed directly by the windows on both sides during my visit, which was very neat. To start off I ordered the soup of the day (tomato Florentine), which arrived quickly and was delicious. I then ordered a BBQ chicken sandwich, and that's when my enthusiasm started to wane, as it took over 20 minutes to arrive. When it finally did, I found the chicken tough and stringy, hard to bite through, and the bread was soggy from the sauce and grease from sauteed onions. Finally I received my bill, which was over $20 (including tip). My low rating isn't meant to imply that this is a bad restaurant. I noticed that the clientele is mostly middle-aged or elderly - I think I was the only customer under 30. I imagine that if you're retired, with a pension and several investments (or just a train enthusiast who doesn't mind splurging), the Steaming Tender is a very nice place to relax and chat with your friends. But for a 20-something on minimum wage just looking for a place to eat, it's not for me.
(2)Matthew D.
Went on a Wednesday afternoon, to sit at the bar and have a beer and some lunch. First off, no bar tender was on. They had 4 girls running around like crazy. It took almost 15 minutes until someone came over to me. Second, the beer selection is very limited. Only 3 beers on tap! Third, it took another 20 minutes for the waitress to come over and take my lunch order. The food was average at best. The croutons in my Caesar salad tasted like they were cooked in 6 month old oil. Yuck! Would it hurt you to put the tv on at the bar?
(1)A J.
Nice ambiance. Food was nothing special, in fact, both my daughter & grandaughter didn't feel good after we ate there. Wait staff were very good however. I always give a restaurant 3 tries before I post anything... good or bad. Probably won't go back
(2)Destiny C.
This place is really nice! The food taste good and it's definitely a nice place to visit if you love trains! My boyfriend and I absolutely love this place!
(5)John R.
I went to Steaming Tender for lunch it's a casual style restaurant set in a turn of the century railroad station. They get one star more than my experience due to the environment and effort that has been taken into restoring the station and working towards their historical renovation of the outside too. I went for lunch; it was good however, the meal didn't inspire me enough to go back, actually the opposite. I had my old world train experience & personally, I'm done. I've been in many converted stations before and had much better meals. Over-all the entire meal seemed thoughtlessly & carelessly thrown together. I had the Portobello sandwich and chose the up-charge of stuffed baked potato and Pecan Pie for dessert. Starting with the worst .. The Pecan Pie Seriously (!!) store bought anywhere would have been better & @ $5.99 a slice, me thinks not. I was very (!) unhappy, what-a-joke! The Portobello was cooked perfectly as were all the things piled onto it between the sourdough bread. However, the presentation lacked, it really looked like someone had "thrown" it together. The stuffed baked potato w/ cheddar & broccoli was another example of "thrown together". The potato had a slice of melted cheddar w/a lg. crown of broccoli pushed into it. No flavor on any of it, not even a touch of seasoning, not even the cheese . Over-all my impression was plop the food on a plate n' get it out to 'em, no consideration or pride in presentation or taking time to season the food. Maybe they think the charm factor of the station will bring people back, guess what = wrong thinking! Not in any rush to go back, charming space disappointing over-priced meal.
(2)Clare M.
I have been here twice with friends who live in the area. Absolutely loved the chicken salad with cranberries. I also enjoyed the scallops. The ambience is fun and a nice place to go for a birthday celebration. The train theme and historic feel are special. I would definitely go back again next time I am in town. I would like to try the breakfast buffet train car as well.
(5)Eric S.
I came here for the weekend breakfast buffet. Showed up at 7AM on Saturday and realized that they weren't open until 9AM. (breakfast is 9am to noon) A little late for breakfast, but that was ok, I was there to watch trains as well. When they opened, I went in. You can't go wrong for 10 bucks! They had french toast (which was more like a cinnamon bun as it is baked in a tray and cut into squares), homefries, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, corned beef hash, and fruit salad. Beverages were either orange juice or coffee. It's like a hotel breakfast except the food tastes better and doesn't seem mass produced or cheapened. They also have a breakfast club where if you eat there 10 times for breakfast, you get a free breakfast.
(5)Kevin S.
The chili is far from amazing and award winning, and I cant see an upcharge for onion rings when you only get 3. The toppings in my burger only served to sog out the roll. I seriously don't think they were sautéed as the menu stated.
(2)Christine K.
Trains and good food. The steaming tender has both of those things. The portions are quite large, so beware of ordering too much! The baked stuffed shrimp are amazing, with huge chunks of lovely seafood popping out of the stuffing. The lobster bisque left a bit to be desired, but had a nice taste overall.
(4)Karen G.
We are frequent patrons of this wonderful restaurant. During my last visit I ordered the turkey and brie sandwich on sourdough bread. This was probably the best sandwich I've ordered in such a long time. It was so filling that I ended up taking half of it home. I hope this ends up on the regular menu since it was a special that day. Very friendly staff as always. Ambience is truly one of a kind.
(5)Steve M.
This is a cool little place that is inside of an old train station. So the main dining area has a really high ceiling with what looks like a huge stained glass center which unfortunately appears to have been blackened out. The food is nothing fancy but I had a house salad with some grilled shrimp and I enjoyed it. My coworker had a tuna melt and he liked it a lot. I don't know if it's the norm but there was a lot of seniors eating here. We went on a Wednesday and apparently they have a buffet on that day with turkey and stuffing and other items for not much money.
(3)Chris M.
Restaurant is set in an old train station. After dining here a few times the food and service have been great each time. Everyone is generally in one large room so it can be a bit noisy. Also the parking lot and surrounding area are a bit rough but that adds to the old train station experience. They have some quality beers on draft that are not carried many places. Also the holiday buffet brunches are a hit.
(3)Reed D.
Had a great time out in this Old themed Train Station Setting. Waitress (Lauren) was Very good, Food was excellent. Love the theme inside. They even have a beautiful box car outside for dining. Also outside dining along side of the Building Great menu to choose from. Looking forward to returning again Soon. We had the Lobster Bisque & The Special Bread for starters. Main diners Lobster Ravioli ( had lg pcs of lobster ). I had the Prime rib W/ Baked Potato & side of butternut Squash and had Au Jus on the side. All were excellent. Looking forward to returning.
(4)Donny F.
Good place to eat every once and a while. the steak is good not great. a little pricey for what you get . The location is strange but the building is very cool and well kept. My daughter loves watching the trains go by as you eat. The service is very good but the food is hit or miss.
(3)Kevin S.
My wife loves me. Even though she would just assume go to a quick and easy fast food restaurant near the highway on a drive across country, she knows I would prefer a non-chain, local and unique type of restaurant. On our drive across New England, my awesome wife looked ahead to find just such a unique local non-chain restaurant for us to have dinner, and she brought us to this AWESOME restaurant in an old train depot. The atmosphere was very cool and unique. I love they way they have decorated the inside of the train station with antique photos, paintings, and stacks of antique luggage with stickers of various cities on them as if they were waiting to be loaded on the next train. While we were eating, two freight trains slipped by one side of the depot seemingly silent but very visible. Then we were all startled at one point when a passenger train ROARED by on the other side of the depot and tooted his horn right as he passed the dining room. My only complaint about the atmosphere was that it was a little dark inside, but everything else was great. The service was very warm, friendly, prompt, and professional. The food was extraordinarily good. Their menu has a nice selection of burgers and sandwiches, and then a whole page of seafood dishes. I had a hard time deciding and asked the waitress what she recommended. I went with her favorites, and I wasn't disappointed. Friday and Saturday nights they serve lobster bisque, so I started off with that and it was delicious. Then I had the stuffed haddock - it was a very light flaky fish stuffed with lobster and shrimp and had some sort of a croissant-type breading around the outside. It was heavenly. Our two boys (9 and 6 years old) thought it was awesome - both the food and the train atmosphere. My eldest son thought the french fries were particularly "awesome." We tremendously enjoyed our dinner at the Steaming Tender, and I would go out of my way to go back there again during our next drive across New England.
(4)Jason S.
Had lunch there returning home from a funeral. Saw the billboard in Palmer and thought it sounded interesting. My Dad is a train buff, so we figured we would check it out for him. I was totally surprised by how incredible the food and service was. Being an old train station made the location and decor pretty cool to begin with (and 2 trains went by during lunch), but our server, Amy, was so friendly and attentive -- and our food so delicious -- that our lasting impression is more than just a cool location. My wife and I started with the buffalo tenders, which were clearly not just frozen patties. Then we each had a tuna melt on the largest, softest rye bread we have ever seen. Just awesome! My wife had the homemade chips, which were warm and tasty, and my fries were equally tasty. (We appreciated Amy's recommendation to add ranch dressing as a dipping sauce!) We go out to western Mass a lot and have friends in Palmer (and it turns out one if their children also works there, although we didn't know it), but now we have another reason to look forward to out trips! An instant favorite!
(5)James P.
This place has a unique atmosphere and the food is excellent. The restored/converted train station is decorated with authentic historical memorabilia. The wide open, vaulted ceiling makes for a terrific dining room. For folks driving the pike, this is just a minute or two from the exit. Skip those terrible rest areas and get a great meal at a very cool restaurant.
(4)Robert B.
Not only is the food fantastic but the environment is like nothing else! Located inside an old train station and decorated with beautiful antiques. This is a great place for any occasion.
(5)Abaigeal D.
Tucked into a corner off of Palmer's Main Street is a former train station lovingly refurbished into a casual eatery. The classic architecture was build by the famous American Architect, H.H. Richardson, who designed many train stations and libraries. His best-known buildings, however, are a warehouse (his was a new kind of structure at the time), and Trinity Church on Boston's Copley Square. The dining area, because it was an open train station, can seem a bit out of scale, but looking at the building around you will make up for it! Or, you can peek outside at a train going past. As for the food: it's casual American fare at decent prices. A little odd, perhaps, because of the architecture, but who am I to complain about getting a gourmet setting at burger & fries prices?
(4)Elissa S.
This place is a great alternative to Friendly's if you're driving across the state. It's a little further away from the exit, but it's totally worth it. If you have a train enthusiast in your group or perhaps some kids to amuse, this is a great place to stop for a bite. The atmosphere is pretty casual, so don't worry if you're not dressed to the nines. The menu features American dishes, such as fried chicken, BBQ ribs, burgers, and more. Nothing costs more than $20.99, and most things are between $7 and $12. The service was a bit slow at times, so if getting in and out quickly is important, this may not be the best place to stop.
(4)Dave C.
Waitress forgot my salad, they took off their 4 piece fried chicken ( the reason I drove out there) had to order turkey club instead bread came out burnt and the Bacon. I don't think I'll be going there anymore unless I start hearing better things about the food
(1)Shimon P.
We were suggested to stop there by local guy on our way to Cape Cod from Toronto. At midday on Saturday, the service was adequate (not extremely fast, but reasonably moving) Our choice of food was excellent (kid's menu for kids, steak with ceasar for the rest of us) I would not recommend desert at that place (coffee was so-so), but this place is really nice historical point and fun to visit. Would come again if I ever nearby.
(4)Alan S.
I was driving back to Detroit from Boston. I decided to stop here for lunch after hearing about this place from several of my friends who are big train enthusiasts. The building is an old train station. The decor is very nice. I had some clam chowder and a burger. The food was very good and my waitress was very friendly and attentive. Too bad I don't live around here or I'd be eating there more often.
(4)Skippy J.
This place has become a go to destination when traveling from NY to Boston on the MA Turnpike where dining choices are very limited. Despite being turned off by this restaurants name when we spotted it on the "around me" app while traveling, we were starving and decided to check it out. Steaming tender? Tender steamer? I didn't make the connection to a train" tender" or coal car,until we pulled in to the place, which has a great collection of train cars and railroad memorabilia. I am an architecture and history nut so the 1883 Union Station by H.H.Richardson was an immediate attraction. The parking lot lies over a buried landscape by renowned landscape architect Frederick Olmstead. The arched stone top of Olmsteads "grotto" sticks out of the ground at the edge of the property. There seems to be some recent efforts to excavate this feature and restore the landscape. The building and grounds have tremendous potential and I hope the owners and the town are able to continue their efforts to restore and preserve them and become a catalyst for renewal of this area. The restaurant service and food is average and there are some pretty good choices for a hungry traveller looking for an alternative to fast food. There seems to be a pretty loyal local clientele as well. The general ambiance is nice within the old train station, wonderful architecture in varying states of disrepair. The lighting is very poor, four cheap Home Depot style ceiling fans with high wattage lamps hang high overhead trying in vain to light the grand space and blinding anyone who is trying to see the incredible trusswork and other details above. A faint dishrag scent further detracts from the surroundings. There is perhaps a bit too much memorabilia around and promotional banners and table placards that further crowd and annoy diners. Brochures and printed material are everywhere in the lobby and some local businesses and organizations have left or posted their own material, placards, business cards, etc. The menu is way to big but lacks any simple basics and everything seems to be over embellished. Almost all dishes have someones odd "spin" on them and really lack presentation. For example, I wanted nice baked macaroni and cheese but was only able to get a lobster Mac and cheese or a buffalo chicken Mac and cheese. I opted for the latter and generally enjoyed it, but was a bit overwhelmed by the Franks Red Hot on the chunks of boneless buffalo chicken. My house salad had been refrigerated for quite a while after it was made and dressing comes in a little plastic cup balanced on on top of the salad, this also held the taste of a refrigerator and had a little skin over the top of it. Service is on a mix of plates, silverware, styrofoam, and plastic. My wife ordered a fish special she had seen on a sheet while waiting to be seated. Our server said "where did you see that?" and went to the front waiting area to try to find it, she came back and said they were out of most of those items. The regular menu always seems to have things censored with a Sharpie. This place has amazing potential and with some sharper marketing, interior design, and better management it could have much broader appeal.
(3)Cara J.
Palmer, MA seems to be a good halfway point if you are meeting up with old friends from the Springfield and Worcester areas the day before Thanksgiving. Location-wise, it's convenient...right off of the mass Pike and route 20. Dining option wise? It seems like the Steaming Tender (I can't stop laughing like Beavis and Butthead right now....heh heh. what an awful name) is the biggest attraction in this sleepy town once known as the Town of Seven Railroads. So much so, that a huge welcome sign from the Steaming Tender lets passersby know about the attraction RIGHT AFTER the state-issued "Entering Palmer" sign. We weren't expecting "classy". (Those expectations flew out the window when we passed a nearby bar that hosts Jello wrestling matches on Saturdays.) But the Steaming Tender seemed like it could be a good option instead of the Friendly's nearby. The concept is cute. A restored railroad station with some pretty beautiful architectural elements has been repurposed into a restaurant. Antique locomotives that I can imagine train enthusiasts and little conductors would certainly appreciate. The food and service, however leave much to be desired. I'm willing to give the staff the benefit of the doubt because it was the day before Thanksgiving. And we were the first people there for an early dinner. We ordered appetizers since our friends were having another dinner a couple hours later. The sampler plate (boneless hot wings, mozz sticks, jalapeno fritters, tater skins) seemed like a good option...it was just bar food, but it left much to be desired. The jalapeno fritters were just fragments of batter with a hint of jalapeno flavor. the potatoes were dried out, the mozzarella sticks were cold. The chicken was inedible. We also ordered the "award-winning" chili. Who gave that award? Their 8 year old daughter? Their own chef? Awful, awful, and surrounded by stale tortilla chips to boot. Our waitress was very sweet, but pretty slow on the service. We didn't mind initially because we were enjoying our friends' company, but when it took 25 minutes for her to pick up our credit card, that wasn't so great. Bottom line...Okay option for those who hate chain restaurants but have a strange obsession with trains. And it's a nice diversion for kids. The food won't kill you unless you already ate 2 McRibs earlier in the day. But the Cracker Barrel is down the street (and right off the Pike), and if you're seeking decent highway food, I would detour there first.
(2)Bro H.
Great building, unimpressive restaurant. Still, an alright detour from the highway. Had the fried chicken, which was about KFC caliber. Potato wedges were lukewarm. Girlfriend's burger was bland and her fries were downright cold. Still, it's a weird-ass spot, and it's worth checking out.
(3)Ted S.
The turkey rueben is fantastic . Great atmosphere.
(5)Mike B.
Awesome Burger! Great potato chips. Good service. Well Done!
(5)Girldrinkdrunk S.
I agree with Karen K's opinion that the ambiance and woodwork here are lovely. However, the food is awful. I ordered some vegetarian pasta dish that was overcooked noodles and a sauce that I swear was made of Elmer's glue. I don't recall if there was a bar here, but if so, it'd be a cool place to have a drink.
(2)Amanda L.
I was home with my parents one day. My dad was telling me about this restaurant in Palmer that used to be a train station. We were all hungry, so we decided to trek out to Palmer to try this place out. So, just a little background. My Dad loves trains. A lot. He passed that on to me. Every year for Christmas, we would put together our model train set, complete with town and people. It was awesome. We use to watch trains go by together. It was good times. Steaming Tender brought back those good times. Since it was a train station, the tracks are literally feet away. While eating, about 3 trains went by. My Dad and I even stayed outside after dinner to see if any more trains would go by. Now, onto the food and drink. I got a root beer float, and it was yummy. I can't remember exactly what I got, but I believe it was the Pulled Pork sandwich. I do remember that I really enjoyed it. A lot. My dad liked his ribs, and I'm pretty sure my mom liked her fish. The staff were all really nice to us as well. The dining area was awesome. Huge ceilings, all dark woods, and it totally still felt like a train station. There's also a little shop outside of the dining room. All in all, a quality place, especially if you are a train enthusiast.
(4)Ashley p.
I would rather go to apollo pizza in Palmer. This place is priced way to high for the quality of food.
(2)Bev C.
Traveling on the turnpike and wanted some non travel stop food. Found the Steaming Tender on Yelp and it looked like the perfect solution. My heart dropped when as we were walking to the entrance, the waitress was putting out the closed sign. When she saw us, she invited us in anyway and served us herself. The food was great, the restaurant was full of history, and the trains going by reminded me of the years going to the train station where my father worked as a dispatcher. It helps that I have many memories of train stations, but I was also delighted with the hospitality, the food, the service and the decor. Highly recommend it!
(5)Joshua A.
Took my wife and cousin here a few days ago. The food was perfect and the serving couldn't have been any faster. Highly recommended!! My family has nothing but good things to say about this place.
(5)Sara R.
I go about once a month and find it to be about average food. The service is o.k. My kids love the trains going by and I think this is the highlight of the place. Good location, could use a better beer selection.
(3)jacques w.
Like some of the previous reviewers, I loved the beautiful building and woodwork. And the outside area and historical tidbits are very special. It's such a pleasing space that it's a real shame the food is not better. Been there twice, and while what we had was not awful, it was extremely pedestrian--which is a funny adjective for a place in a train station...
(2)Chris S.
Went here for brunch on a recent Sunday morning. We were a large party so called ahead for seating and upon arrival we were seated immediately. The positives were the atmosphere -- really neat, right on the train tracks. When the trains whizz by it's pretty cool. The service was also wonderful. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. She filled our cups of coffee promptly and also seemed to be close by when we needed her. Now the negative -- the food. Our party was very underwhelmed by both the selection and the quality of the buffet. At the beginning there are cold cereals and milk to choose from. You then move to a do-it-yourself belgian waffle maker. However, each waffle takes 3 minutes to make and there is only one waffle maker. This can create quite the back-up. 3 minutes is a long time when there are 6 people in line to use it. The last table had bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, corned beef and potatoes, homefries and a casserole of baked french toast. There may have been a few other items but, overall, the offerings were fairly limited. The bacon was soggy (and rarely refilled -- many in our party had to go back and keep checking for when it would be refilled), the biscuits were charred on the bottom and the baked french toast was very mushy -- the texture was a little off-putting. I wouldn't return for the buffet but I would definitely consider going back for lunch or dinner considering the excellent service and nice ambiance.
(3)Nick D.
I visited the Steaming Tender for the second time with my family on a Saturday night in March. I called in a reservation for six adults earlier in the day around noon time and request a window seat - a must for train-enthusiasts. When we arrived at exactly 6PM, we were greeted by a the owner of the restaurant, who graciously directed us to our table which was set and ready for us. It was a spacious, round table near a window on the right side of the dining room nearest the most active train tracks. The building has tracks on either side. When seated on the right side as you enter the dining room, you will have the best view of the Amtrak and freight trains that pass regularly - two passed while we were dining. Our waitress attended to us almost immediately after we were seated. My father and I ordered martinis which were wonderful, the rest of the party ordered wines of their choice and fresh-brewed unsweetened iced tea. Following drink service, our waitress took our orders, followed by warm rolls and soft butter which were just as if they were taken from the oven. The wait time for our meals didn't seem long, but the conversation at the table and the atmosphere in the spacious and beautifully built train station make any time spent waiting for service fly by. Dinners were served. I ordered the delmonico steak cooked medium which was awesome! It had a flavorful dry rub and was grilled to perfection, locking a great deal of juice into the steak. My steak was served with mashed potatoes and baby carrots - both sides were delicious. I also sampled a fried fisherman's platter that my wife had ordered. The seafood was so fresh that you'd think you were dining in coastal Mass or Maine. The batter of the seafood was perfect. For desert, my wife and I split a New York style cheesecake served with strawberries and whipped cream which topped our meals off nicely. I would highly recommend this restaurant. Be sure to make reservations for weekends as both times we've been to the restaurant on a Saturday night, it's been jammed! No matter how busy, the service doesn't suffer with extremely attentive staff.
(5)Heather B.
Great food, great service, cool atmosphere. Definitely go! If you can make it around Christmas time, please do. They put up a beautiful Christmas Tree in the middle of the dining room that puts you into the mood nicely. Great place for a large group or a romantic dinner for two. Price- low end of moderate. I'd say you can walk out of there with dinner and dessert for about $15 most of the time.
(5)Allison S.
Great atmosphere with good food. We were waited on by an awesome bartender named Sarah!! Our serves was impeccable, what a fun experience!!! She went up and above. To bad we don't live closer to visit more.
(4)Dain B.
I really enjoyed my visit! Upon arrival we were happily greeted. While waiting for the table we took a look at the two rail cars from the early 1900's. The fried pickles appetizer special was an excellent start along with the exclusive Station Ale brewed by Berkshire Brewing. For diner I had the Rattlesnake Pasta and my wife had a shrimp and crab on linguine special. Both dishes were very good with plenty to bring home for another meal. It was interesting to learn about the history of the location and building. A return visit is certainly in my future!
(4)T L.
Great atmosphere, and friendly staff. The food here is decent, but not too fancy. The prime rib au jus special is pretty good, as well as the chili and BBC beers on tap (steel rail!). Also a plus that the only other restaurants in the area are Friendlys, Subway, McD's, etc. Heard about the proposed casino...too bad, once that goes in this place will fade away into oblivion (who can name one restaurant in ledyard or uncasville ct that isn't within the casino itself?)...
(4)Chuck L.
I go here regularly because my kids love trains. Built in an old train station it is warm and inviting. The staff is friendly and attentive to everyones needs. As the phantom would say "A hidden jewel". The only thing I could see that needed improvement would be the buffet. it is good but it really should be expanded. You dont have to go crazy but more selections for $9.99 would be nice.
(4)Tim R.
Made the trip with a group of Harley people today 08/26 to visit your place and enjoy the breakfast buffet,,what a disappointment...hash not cooked waffles stick in waffle maker..no refill on coffee..and oh, lets not forget the flies everywhere.disgusting..we won't be back!
(1)Karen K.
I have eaten dinner many times at Steaming Tender. The ambiance is fantastic and the woodwork in the restaurant is incredible.
(4)Julie M.
we went here while traveling on the masspike as an alternative to the many fast food options. we got the recommendation from the toll taker who led us to believe it would be black tie affair. it was definitely not, which was good. we were looking for a quick, casual bite and that's what we got. the architecture and woodwork was, definitely, the best part. food was fine. i got fried chicken which was oddly sweet. my husband got fresh cod which was actually really good. prices were very reasonable. definitely worth checking out if you are into trains, or are traveling to the berkshires and don't want mcdonald's.
(3)C L.
Just enjoyed a fantastic Mother's Day brunch with my family. The architecture and opportunity to see trains (we saw 5 go by in just the time we were there-- and that was a Sunday) was nonpareil. Service and food was very good. I will definitely be back.
(4)David F.
Pleasantly surprised, although I should not have been as I went here based on Yelp reviews. We stopped in the middle of the week,between lunch and dinner, so it wasn't busy. Service was prompt and friendly, with all servers working as a team. They all seemed to be experienced or trained well. Although it was a slow, weekday afternoon, everyone was professional and cheerful. Both my wife and I broke my standing, personal rule and ordered seafood, which I usually do not do during the week. I was glad I did. Broiled to perfection, I had scallops, fish, and lobster, lots of lobster. I figured it out; if I had gotten just the lobster for that price, I would have been satisfied. Bottom line, good deal. I was impressed with the building/ museum. Cool stuff. I wonder, though, what the sound level is like when it's busy. But I will probably check it out for myself, anyway.
(4)Betty M.
Friday was my first visit to the restaurant and the broiled scallops were so fresh and well prepared that we had to return because I had no room left for the bread pudding with whiskey sauce (a house specialty). Sunday we returned and I ordered the pistachio encrusted salmon with vegetable melange, again, fresh well prepared with a teriyaki sauce that was just enough and not over powering at all served with julienned vegetables. The bread pudding was to die for. I had my husband sample it, and he is no fan of bread pudding, but he thought it was great also. The Steaming Tender is 50 miles from my home and I will be returning. Staff is friendly and very helpful, prices are reasonable, food is wonderful
(5)Cooper N.
You should check this place out. For the atmosphere alone, it's worth a try. Is it the best food you'll ever have? No. Is it the best in the area? Being from NY I wouldn't know. They offer some good looking dishes. Their sandwiches are priced well, and they all look very good. The only problem I had with this place was their prices. In my opinion, most of the food seemed a little overpriced. And from what I saw coming out of the kitchen, it didn't look phenomenal. Again, everything looked very tasty, but for the price point I wonder how much of that is just going into the atmosphere. Bottom line; good food, great atmosphere, a tad expensive, but worth a try.
(4)Denise F.
Had our daughters wedding here 9/5. EXCELLENT place for a wedding!!! The staff was AMAZING!! Truthfully can not praise them enough. The food was delicious- from the appetizers thru the entrees to the desserts. The bar tenders were speedy and professional. Lisa (person in charge) was incredible :) She made sure everything ran smooth so we didn't have to worry about a thing. Highly highly recommend them for a wedding :)
(5)Jamie P.
This is my mom and I's go -to spot when we meet for dinner. The service is always fast and friendly, everything we have gotten has been delicious, and the atmosphere is so homey. Maybe it's because I go here with my mom, but this place has such a comforting and cute feel to it!
(5)mark t.
What great food! I had the cowboy steak and it was perfect. My wife had the rattle snake pasta she loved it! Great service in s very cool space trains going by outside and the kids where blown away! Must stop here you will love it.
(5)Christine M.
Good service, a little green but they did okay for being new in the industry (my guess). We had the Mother's Day buffet and although very busy it was a lovely experience and the drink service was quick. They didn't remove empty bar glasses when they would come over, which I believe to be a very important part of service. The food choices was broad and all very tasty. Good for families and those with children and those who are not looking for a high end dining experience but rather a traditional meal with a cool environment (train station). We had fun after a few drinks too taking pictures around the station. The waiters in conductor outfits is a cute touch too! Great place to take Nana or your Nephew for sure!
(3)Jen C.
Friendly and accommodating service, especially with two small kids. Very unique atmosphere and quiet outdoor patio. The lobster roll was fantastic - big chunks of well cooked meat. Sweet potato wedges were perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and fluffy and moist inside. Lobster mac was very good and a huge portion. Potato and tuna salads were a bit dry and could have had better seasoning. Kids loved the trains, of course.
(4)David B.
Date of service: Dec 31, 2014 Meal: Lunch, Eat in All Ratings out of 10: Quality of food: 10 Food to Spend Value: 9 Quality of Service: 9 Overall Rating: 9 Steaming Tender is part restaurant, part train depot antique museum. From the moment you drive up, to when you walk in, to when you see a train go by during your meal, you realize you are in for a special experience. I had never been before and thought it would be a great spot for a parent's anniversary celebration, so we had a fairly large group go for lunch. They brought out rolls to the table which were soft, fluffy, and very tasty. We ordered fried pickles as an appetizer, and the pickles were perfectly done, with a really tasty batter that was light and crispy. Good rolls and appetizers are generally a good indicator of things to come, so I was excited for the main course. There a ton of choices on the menu, making it difficult to decide what to order. I will highlight three items that were ordered from the table. My son ordered the kids mac and cheese with hot dogs, and my brother in law ordered the lobster mac and cheese. The lobster mac and cheese had liberal amounts of lobster chunks in it, with broccoli, penne pasta, and bread crumbs, and an ultra creamy cheese sauce throughout that was simply to die for. The kids version of mac and cheese is simpler but still way fancier than what you get most places (this wasn't Kraft!), and it came with a hot dog sliced up on the side. It was also delicious, and it was easily one of the highest quality kids menu items I have seen in a while. I ordered the Broiled Fisherman's Combo Platter. It contains a sampling of haddock, scallops, and shrimp broiled with white wine and butter and topped with buttered breadcrumbs. Many restaurants, especially seafood restaurants, offer these types of broiled platters, but generally when you receive them they contain very tiny portions of each item, making for a disappointing entrée even when prepared well. This couldn't be further from the truth here. The menu describes the portions as hearty, and they are spot on. And to describe it as delicious would actually be an understatement. The sauce that the seafood was broiled in was so rich and tasty that I found myself grabbing rolls after finishing the seafood just to soak up the sauce. I practically licked my plate clean, and I could savor that flavor on a daily basis. The entrée also came with a starch and veggie, and I chose rice pilaf and butternut squash. Both were great, but the butternut squash was especially well prepared and provided a flavor explosion in my mouth. I was thoroughly impressed with every aspect of my meal, and that is a rarity for me. If I had one disappointment, it was with dessert, but it had nothing to do with the quality or taste. I have heard wonderful things about the carrot cake and had my mouth set for it, only to find out that they were out, denying my desire for cream cheese frosting and cake goodness. They are also known for their Signature Whiskey Bread Pudding, so I ordered that instead. And though it wasn't carrot cake, boy was it delicious. It was super rich and indulgent and came out hot, and it is easy to see why they are known for it. Just don't think about how many calories one piece contains! Someone else at the table ordered the Chocolate Obsession Cake, and it was creamy rich chocolate decadence. Steaming Tender just seems to do it all well. The service was amazing, particularly for the size of the group we had. I want to give a specific call out to Jen H, our waitress, who was always on top of things and made our dining experience awesome. Request her if you can, and you won't regret it. As I have already raved, the food is amazing, the portions are huge, and the prices are very good, particularly considering both the amount and quality. With the variety on the menu it is fairly easy to find something for anyone, and the quality of the food combined with the neat ambiance of the restaurant make Steaming Tender a place to visit for sure!
(5)Michael C.
Love this place. It has a ton of character. Great historical building that was tasteful remodeled. I always feel like I'm stepping back in time when I enter! The food is great as well. I have tried many of the menu items. My favorite has to the their Reuben with the potato logs (big thick fries). Their Mac and cheese, burgers and fish are all great as well. They have good beers on tap and the service is always friendly. Don't be surprised if you feel the building shaking while eating, if you do look outside and you'll be treated to a passing train. Just a fun place to eat. Would be good for the family or even for a date night. We always look forward to going here!
(4)Amy N.
Maybe we hit it on an off day? Went for a late lunch on 5/27. Had awesome service at the bar. Ordered broiled haddock and buffalo tenders. Fish arrived and after one bite, I thought I'd be sick. The fish was definitely off. And if you eat a lot of fish, you know what I mean when I say it tasted super 'fishy', and not in a good way. It was also mostly grey and the breadcrumbs were super mushy. I had an event to attend the next day and there was no way I could risk getting sick so when the bartender came around and asked how things were, I politely explained the fish was far from fresh. She kindly offered to get me something else but we just didn't have time. She raced off and I'm thinking to myself, 'wow, she's going to get this taken care of!'. Sadly the bill came and she explained her lovely manager took 50% off the dish?! It was all of $13 to begin with but in my opinion, they should have taken it off completely. That was pretty poor. I had one bite! I would have also expected the manager to come by and apologize but even though the restaurant was empty, they were no where to be seen. The buffalo tenders weren't hot either but my husband ate them anyway (burnt to a crisp). One star for service. Maybe they should rename this place the 'Steaming....pile of sh*t'.
(1)Jimmy M.
I've eaten here at least ten times. The decor is fun. The service is pretty good too. The prices are fair. The main entrées are a wee bit better than greasy spoon fare. If you want the prime rib special on the weekend, they may run out by 6:30pm. Unfortunately when it is crowded on Saturday nights the attention to the preparation of the food takes a hit. You must be patient, be polite, and advocate for yourself above the din. Their deserts are always very satisfying. The obligatory half hearted singing of the wait-staff as they swarm around someone to sing "Happy Birthday" gets tedious after the second showing. But I'll be back for sure.....
(3)Wendy B.
Fantastic in every way.... Food, Staff, Clean beautiful bathrooms and cool building! We will be back ..... Hopefully soon...
(5)Linda G.
Cool decor. Prompt and pleasant service. Food delicious and good sized portions. Close to Brimfield which is a plus for us when we sell at the huge antique flea market three times a year Looking forward to a second visit.
(5)Mark F.
Went here with my wife and my father-in-law. Have driven by this place several times a year over the last decade, but never ate here. The atmosphere is unique as it is an old train depot. In fact, trains still come by the depot, giving some entertainment to the crowd. People can eat take-out, eat outside, or eat in the very large dining area. As an old train depot, there is a high ceiling, lots of space for tables across what used to be the waiting area for the trains, and tons of train memorabilia. The place was packed for lunch, so our server tried to be as attentive as possible. But, I could notice a sense of a rushy franticness with her due to the large crowd. We ordered the sampler appetizer, which took awhile to come out. But, when it did, it was a very hearty plate of buffalo wings, potato skins, and mozzarella sticks. Then the meal came.....oh my goodness! The portions with our meals were incredible. I ordered the Buffalo chicken mac and cheese and it could serve three people. My wife ordered a clam strip meal which looked very hearty. My father-in-law ordered scallops and it looked like he was given a dozen plump scallops with his meal along with huge onion rings. Needless to say, we had leftovers to bring home! I would say this place is a secret gem. People traveling off the Mass Pike or those who are in the middle towns between the Pioneer Valley and metro Worcester should check this place out. The portions alone made me a fan.
(4)Alicia P.
Had a great atmosphere and the food was good. The only reason I won't give it a five star is because my drink was not so good, and I when I asked about their souvenir water bottle on the menu I didn't really get an answer. I ended up ordering their baked mac & cheese and it was one of the best I had. Definitely worth a trip if you are in the area.
(4)Meghan F.
The Steaming Tender is a special spot. The restaurant is located in a converted railroad depot, and the restoration is brilliant. From the shoe shine station to the ticket counter take-out window, the Steaming Tender is a really fun and special spot that is actually quite beautiful. The rail line that runs next to the Steaming Tender is still active, and it's a kick when trains pass by while you eat. The food is fine. The menu is ridiculously large, as are the portions. On one visit I ordered a turkey dinner and the amount of food on my plate was approached the grotesque. The quality was fine, though, if not particularly homemade, and, again, you are here for the ambiance. You can't come to a converted train station looking for sophistication. The notable exception to the adequate food is the whiskey bread pudding. The restaurant touts it as "famous" and, after sharing an order, we all agreed. It's a "don't miss" standout. The beer menu is disconnect from the pedestrian food menu. The selection is authentic, thoughtful and focuses on the local BBC brewery. The Steaming Tender also has a great bar, and if we lived closer I think it's a bar we would go to quite often. (You'll want to steer clear of the "martini" list, but you knew that.) The food is two stars, but the ambiance and surprising beer list are four.
(4)Scott P.
The food: Large menu. And it's apparently all amazing. I've only been twice and not tried everything but I took a group of 10 senior citizens here on a Sunday after church and we all LOVED the food. Let me assure you, when you get a group of senior citizens who complain all the way there and all the way back but have NOTHING bad to say about the food... you've found a good restaurant. We went three or four months ago and they are STILL talking about how good the food was. The atmosphere: First, I have to say it's misleading to judge a restaurant on their atmosphere. If I can't eat it, I try not to rate it. However, I have to say that the owners did an AMAZING job renovating this old 19th century railroad station. It's beautiful in there, really. To be fair, I must confess that my second visit to the Steaming Tender (with my wife and daughter) was not as fantastic for me. I would rate that experience perhaps with 4 stars. My portions were smaller and I didn't think quite as tasty. My wife and daughter both loved theirs, however. I will most likely go again and update this review if necessary.
(5)Matt M.
Being the train buff that I am, and being up in the state for the biggest train show in the country, what could be more appropriate than the Steaming Tender for breakfast? Met a large group of friends at 9AM on a sunday morning for the breakfast buffet. It was $10.99 per person, and the buffet had French toast, corned beef hash, sausage, bacon, fresh fruit, and some other goodies. Food was just average, comparable to a hotel breakfast, but maybe a tad better. Very nice atmosphere inside, like an old train station building. This review is solely based on my breakfast experience, and I expect to return for dinner in the near future, which will then warrant an updated review. But for now, 3 stahs(It's new england, right?)
(3)Justin M.
Let me just start off by saying old timer trains, train station and homestyle food are always a great mix. I live about 2 hours from here but made the journey just to see all of the hard work put into this historic building. The place looks great, from the high ceilings to the huge windows in the dining room you can see trains passing as you eat. I saw maybe 4 trains when I came in for lunch. It was great. Now down to the nitty gritty the food,,,, First we started with the crab cakes...Delicious, No complaints about those! Then... I had the half chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and crispy spinach. This is where I am supposed to break it down to what was wrong with it and criticize some small aspect of it that the average person wont notice...but I will not...DELICIOUS!! My girlfriend had the ribs, scale from 1-10 they are about a 7. I have most definitely had better ribs at steak houses and rib joints but these were tasty and fall off the bone. The veg du jour was pureed butternut squash, that was tasty as well. This is my favorite part of this place...the bread pudding. They have advertisements about it and they have prices of whole pans and half pans, so I had to try it. SOME OF THE BEST!! I love bread pudding and I order from American places from time to time and this was by far the best I have ever had with the brandy sauce over the top. If you want just come here for bread pudding and trains.
(4)Candy S.
I love eating here. An old train station . trains still going by. Be sure to visit around Christmas time. Beautiful decorated food Is great.
(5)Rick K.
I have eaten here often. The food is good and so is the service. Very reasonable price for dining. People are friendly which is all I ask so very nice. The place is an old train station so there are trains passing all the time. The passing trains are fun but could disturb others; personal preference I guess. You will not go wrong visiting this hidden gem. I highly recommend this place if you are passing through the Palmer area. Very easy to get to and from Mass Pike from Exit 8.
(5)Paula P.
Beautiful Dinning Room, great atmosphere. We went for the all you can eat Sunday Brunch. There was the usual breakfast choices, all very tasty. they offer a make your own waffle which was the lightest and most tasty thing I've ever tasted. servers kept the table clear of dirty plates. Women should also visit the ladies' room - it is gorgeous!! would definitely visit again
(5)Elizabeth M.
I told my mom I'd take her out for her birthday, and was pretty disappointed when she said she wanted to go to a place in Palmer. I'd never been to/through Palmer for anything except to drive to the Pike, so my impression of the town was pretty negative. Boy was I surprised when we got to the Steaming Tender! The old train station space is beautiful and really transports you back in time, and the food is exceptionally good. For three people we ordered three chowders and two entrees (seafood and lobster casserole) and we got one bread pudding for dessert (amazing) and had TONS of leftover food. I was also really impressed that you could get a three-beer sampler for $5. I was impressed!
(5)Oreste V.
Haven't been here in a few years (when it was good) and won't be coming back. Smaller portions I can understand but all our entrees (broiled fishermen platter, fried chicken and even the chicken tenders) were flavorless. Quite disappointing.
(2)Paul B.
I love this place. Great food great atmosphere. Prices are pretty good. Friendly staff. I highly recommend.
(4)Denise W.
Great food. Excellent service. Love the ambiance of the old train station. Every time we go, a train goes by which makes it better. Would definitely recommend to family and friends!
(5)Sharon B.
It's a fun place to go, especially if you love trains and old train stations. We were there for the breakfast buffet. Most of the items were very good, but the fruit tasted old. My husband and the couple we were with had waffles, which they thought were excellent. The service was fair. They give senior discount as an added bonus.
(3)Dick C.
If you have a food establishment open to the public and close it at normal business hours for private functions you could at least have a sign stating that on the road leading into the parking area. Think as not to tick off your regular customers.
(2)Amber V.
The atmosphere is amazing. In a converted railroad depot, the owners have done a lot to keep everything looking and feeling like a 19th century depot, right down to the shoe shine station and ticket counter take-out booth. Situated on two rail lines, guests can see trains pass by frequently during the day. The food is a bit pricy, but it is very good. We've had bad experiences with take-out orders being incorrect (such as missing or incorrect items), but we've been very satisfied with our dine-in experience. The fried seafood options are all excellent, and the burgers are very big and tasty. Overall, you're paying for the experience as well as the food; it's a unique place and worth the trip.
(4)Chris W.
Calling all Railfans, Kids of all ages, history buffs and food reviewers. This place is a must go! The food and culture is really amazing. I have NEVER left the steaming tender upset or hungry . From the outside, It may look bad because of renevation but inside its full of artifacts from Palmer to old photos of trains that ran by the old station. They have a great staff that all dress up in conductors outfits and very friendly to patrons. I would recommend getting the Fried Pickles, They have a great taste and are filling. I don't usually eat pickles but these are an exception . After a great meal, you can step outside and maybe see a freight train or two pass by. Also the Steaming Tender has a railcar for special parties that is nice
(5)