NYC’s hottest new bar? Amtrak’s Metropolitan Lounge

A new full-service bar is now open in Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge in New York City, where select Amtrak travelers can choose from alcoholic beverages, La Colombe coffee and complimentary food, the company said in a press release on Jan. 13.

Furthering the long-awaited $1.6 billion development of the Moynihan Train Hall that opened last year in Penn Station, the Metropolitan Lounge bar menu offers beer, wine, cocktails and hot food offerings available for purchase between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.

Beer lovers can enjoy a seasonal, rotational menu featuring brews from more than 400 local New York State breweries, including Boroughs Brewing, Brooklyn Brewery, Ithaca Beer Company, Empire Brewing Company and Montauk Brewing Company.

Coffee-based beverages will be provided by La Colombe free of charge. Espresso, lattes, americanos and the like have been available since the lounge first opened thanks to the Philadelphia-based specialty roaster.

In addition to the other food currently offered in the lounge outside of the bar, you'll also find complimentary snacks, pastries, yogurt parfaits, fruit, salads and sandwiches. But if it's anything like its existing lounge food, prepare to be disappointed.

Read more: Amtrak's new flagship lounge is stunning – but eat before you go

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"Unfortunately, the menu at Amtrak's new lounge disappoints — so much so that you might want to eat beforehand if you have a long journey ahead," TPG in-house Amtrak expert Vikkie Walker wrote in April 2021 shortly after the hall opened. "I was pretty excited to try the food at the new Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge at New York's brand new Moynihan Train Hall. In hindsight, I should have probably grabbed a muffin from the bodega before heading to the lounge in Midtown Manhattan."

Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus and Select Plus members get unlimited access to the lounge, while Select members get two single-visit passes annually. Those traveling in first-class (Acela) or sleeper cars can also visit. It's open during the week from 5:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. to. 9:00 p.m. on weekends.

"We are delighted to introduce this new amenity to our customers traveling in and out of New York City; it is another example of Amtrak's commitment to continually evaluate and improve the customer experience," Roger Harris, Amtrak executive vice president and chief marketing and revenue officer, said in a statement. "Customers who want to have a drink and relax before or after their train can now do so from the comforts of our flagship lounge."

All parties age 12 and older wishing to enter the lounge must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Beginning Jan. 28, children ages 5 to 11 must also provide such for entry.

Read more: Moynihan Train Hall brings modernity to NYC's Penn Station with skylights galore