Darn! I'm headed on an Amtrak trip to Chicago and back next month and was looking forward to it..
How crowded is it during the pandemic?
Lounge in Chicago
- Thread starter MIrailfan
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How crowded is it during the pandemic?
I think they said that "they have no snacks due to the pandemic, but you can bring your own". So I would assume you can during the pandemic.
tim49424
Engineer
It wouldn't make any sense to me if they'd restrict your own food in the lounge unless they're concerned that you have to remove your mask to eat. I've not been back there since last February so I am clueless as to what is going on there. I only have the reports of people on AU and Facebook to go by. I have to assume the snacks, veggie bar, soft drink and hot drink dispensers and other food/drink amenities won't return for quite a while.
MIrailfan
Lead Service Attendant
ClubAcela you can't bring own food.
Pre-COVID was when they did not allow you to bring in outside food. Now we’re allowed to because they don’t have any food/drinks for us.
tim49424
Engineer
This would be incorrect. The policy changed and I started a thread on it shortly after the Legacy Club closed. This was after my first visit back to the Metropolitan Lounge two years ago.
https://www.amtraktrains.com/thread...ge-outside-food-policy-change-feb-2019.74686/
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Are the concourse restaurants open at CUS particularly gold coast hot dogs. Love those chardogs
tim49424
Engineer
I‘ve heard a few are, but other than McDonalds, I’m not recalling what was mentioned as being open.
It's one of those experiences, that everyone should try at least once, if they can. The upper level is indeed quiet and relaxing, with those big window views on the street, but I find the lower level to be equally relaxing depending on mood. I like the tall backed chairs on the lower level, and you're also closer to the service station with water, tea/coffee, and occasional snack offerings. No idea what this looks like in the pandemic area, hoping to find out this Spring.
The key is to find a spot where you can be comfortable waiting for a short time... or longer. Sometimes it's great just to stow your bag and explore Chicago until boarding time.
The key is to find a spot where you can be comfortable waiting for a short time... or longer. Sometimes it's great just to stow your bag and explore Chicago until boarding time.
I did not know that there are showers available use. I assume one needs to supply their own towel, soap, and shampoo, right? How many showers are there and where are they?
The showers provide towels. If I recall, you went to the desk for access. Not sure what their status is in the Covid environment. Haven't been through Chicago since 2019. Back then, snacks were laid out, drink orders were taken and we had a wine tasting. Not now.....
Nice towels are given to you. Liquid soap and shampoo are in the showers dispenser style. The showers are great, large and plenty of room.
In September and October Jersey Mike's, Chick-fil-A, and McDonalds were open that I specifically recall. Gold Coast Dogs was closed which was disappointing.
tim49424
Engineer
I was going to say those three were the ones I recall being talked about being open, but I didn't remember for sure except for McDonald's.
Jersey Mikes Subs was open on my last visit a month ago. So was McDonalds and that bar on the good court. Knowing I would be "dining" on the flexible menu on my three day trip later that day the sub from Jersey Mikes was the best meal I had on my Amtrak trip.
g
food..not good
Throughout the pandemic, there haven't been any food or beverages available in the normal stations at Chicago's Metropolitan Lounge. Occasionally they'll give out snacks. The second floor of the lounge is open with a 50% chance.
More sadly, most of the businesses I've patronized in downtown Chicago for years seem to be closed for good. Very few businesses of any type seem to be open at all in Downtown Chicago. Many hotels closed for good and my favorite Chicago hotel, the Cambria, is closed at least temporarily. Even places like Dunkin Donuts or McDonald's aren't open, and there have been barely any people around downtown for months. I really hope downtown Chicago can return after the pandemic because it really should be the capital of the Midwest.
More sadly, most of the businesses I've patronized in downtown Chicago for years seem to be closed for good. Very few businesses of any type seem to be open at all in Downtown Chicago. Many hotels closed for good and my favorite Chicago hotel, the Cambria, is closed at least temporarily. Even places like Dunkin Donuts or McDonald's aren't open, and there have been barely any people around downtown for months. I really hope downtown Chicago can return after the pandemic because it really should be the capital of the Midwest.
Gold Coast was my " Go to" place in the Union Station Food Court!
Me too. Hope it reopens soon.
Exvalley
Conductor
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I would always get a hot dog in Chicago... until I tried an Italian beef.
This place is a short walk from Union Station:
https://lukeschicago.com/
I’m still not a fan of deep dish pizza, though.
This place is a short walk from Union Station:
https://lukeschicago.com/
I’m still not a fan of deep dish pizza, though.
It's a tough row to hoe for New Yawkuhs.
OlympianHiawatha
Engineer
A GREAT place to get a quick but solid meal, though I thought I herd this location sank a year or so ago.
"Al's Roast Beef" close to Union Station was really good,( Great Sandwiches with Peppers) unfortunately that location closed.
The Late and Great Joe Hess and I ate there several times during Chicago layovers after he introduced me to the place!
