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

Jan. 13, 2022
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3 min read
Amtrak's $1.6 Billion Project Moynihan Train Hall Opens At Penn Station
NYC’s hottest new bar? Amtrak’s Metropolitan Lounge
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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.

Moynihan Train Hall Amtrak Lounge. (Photo courtesy of Marc Glucksman/Amtrak).

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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Moynihan Train Hall Amtrak Lounge. (Photo courtesy of Marc Glucksman/Amtrak).

"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

Featured image by Bloomberg via Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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