Had lunch in our local family restaurant a bit after lunch time today and in 45 min. we had a {4 engine}, train with covered hoppers come in on NS from the Frankton area {northwest}, and right beside the restaurant the double track CSX had 2 east bounds and one west bound. Thought that pretty good volume for an ordinary day, etc…{Location: Muncie, In.}.
we like to go to those kind of places where you can eat and see the trains go by.there are also alot of good ice cream places along the rails coincidience or good planning?
stay safe
Joe
Do you think the Hoppers were a grain train?
Trying to make me feel bad?
Our one train a day (each way) comes through town well after all the restaurants are closed and even if it was earlier in the day, there is no restaurant with a good view of the tracks.[:(!].
Oh well…Probably just a little jealous.
Jay
…Yes, if I had to make a judgement, I’d say that is what they were…I was surprised it had 4 big 6 axle engines {one BNSF unit}, for running in this flat country.
The location in Muncie here to be able to see the two railroads from inside the restaurant is Bruner’s on Rt 32 and Nickles av…Sit in the right booth and you can see both railroads. CSX is right across the street.
QM
We have several places in our area that would be ideal for folks to dine and watch trains. Take your pick–Elmhurst, Lombard, and Glen Ellyn on the UP (Jay Eaton knows that the barbecue place in Lombard doesn’t have the greatest view, but should otherwise be OK), and LaGrange, Hinsdale (in the station!), and Downers Grove on the BNSF.
Joe, we have ice cream places with a view in Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, and Downers Grove, and I know just the place to take Matt for lunch right next door–the meals are delivered to the table on O-scale electric trains.
Forget the ice cream, there’s a lovely restaraunt in my vicinity…great view in ever possible way! Trains regularely stop with the engines right beside to get coffee or a snack! 
Although I am a Hoosier and work in Chicago, I must say my favorite place to eat and watch trains is Crown Railroad Cafe in Flagstaff, Az. Right next to the BNSF mainline, the trains rumble past one after another. The restaurant is in railroad decor and has a large model train running around the room.
Plus the food is awesome.
One of my favorite memories of this years spring break was my 11 year old and I eating breakfast after 2 hours of trains east of Flagstaff.
ed
There is a similar place in Kennesaw, Georgia. The reason I like it is because it is right across from the Civil War Locomotive Museum (home of the General.) The Museum is right next to a busy CSX mainline. The restaurant also serves humongous ice cream cones. And there is a model train running around the ceiling, too!
For the model railroaders, there is an outstanding model train shop also near the Museum. (It’s where I picked up my second Southern E8 for my Crescent modeling… two down, three more to go…) Railroad paradise!
Erik
Palmer, Massachusetts, is another location. The Steaming Tender Restaurant is located in the restored Union Station. The Boston Line of CSX (previously CR, PC, NYC, B&A) crosses the New England Central (previously Central Vermont) at the diamond at the west end of the station. The MassCentral also interchanges with CSX and Amtrak’s Vermonter switches between CSX and NECR tracks directly in front of the station. Food is excellent and there is a take-out window as well as sit down dining.
In Norcross, GA (Just northeast of Atlanta) there is an excellent restaurant called the Norcross Depot (because it is in the depot naturally). Food is great and reasonably priced. Best part is the Norfolk Southern Mainline is right outside. You get plenty of warning the train is coming from the crossing gates on either end of the station. They have tables outside for the more adventurous. There is also a park with 3 tables within 25 feet of the tracks, so you can relax and watch trains all you want if you are not hungry. There is also a nice park across the tracks with a playground so the kids can be entertained while you wait.
And to add to my comment of eating at our family restaurant yesterday and seeing 4 trains having lunch…Well, did it again today and in about 35 min. today we had only one train. CSX east bound and it was {I suppose a unit train}, of all empty coal hoppers. To our surprise it was moving faster than usual too…Speed limit there entering the city is 30 mph and this fellow seemed to be upping that…But anyway, just one train today in the approx. 35 min.
Quentin
Around here (Cincinnati Ohio) it would have to be the Glendale Pub. Mostly northern run trains due to directional running with NS. [dinner]
If you ever find yourself in the town of Nunspeet in the Netherlands (Amersfoort to Zwolle line in the province of Gelderland) you have a choice of 2 restaurants that are located on the Stationsplein (depot square). One serving pancakes and the other Dutch / French cuisine. The last one is right next to the main railroad crossing into town with views of the crossing and the station.
Basic service pattern is: 2 intercity services each hour in each direction as well as 2 local trains in each direction per hour. There is even some freight action!
greetings,
Marc Immeker