Eating in the dining car of an old train does not typically create a romantic atmosphere, but the
Oregon Electric Station is not a
typical restaurant.
Built in 1912, the Oregon Electric Station began as a train depot
designed to serve the Great Northern and Northern Pacific Willamette Valley electric train systems. The depot saw its peak in 1920, when earnings totaled close to $900,000. By 1932, earnings had shrunk to less than $18,000 as automobiles caused the train stations to lose business. By 1933, the Oregon Electric Railway had become a piece of history.
Since the railway’s demise, the Oregon Electric Station has been used for a variety of spaces, including offices, storage space and even as the Southwest Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Over the years and through various owners, many surface changes were made to the building, but the owners of the present restaurant have gone to great lengths to restore it to its
original luster.
The entrance of the Oregon Electric Station opens into the front lounge and full bar. Big, cushy armchairs are scattered throughout the front lounge, providing a casual dining experience. On the right is another lounge, the “Jazz Lounge,” where parties and dinners for 70 to 100 people can be held. The Oregon Electric Station’s “Sports Lounge” is capable of hosting up to 30 people for a formal or casual sit-down lunch or dinner. There is also a wine cellar that contains about 250 labels,
which makes finding the
right wine for dinner practically a
guaranteed success.
My date and I were seated in one of the two historic railroad dining cars, which provided an intimate, romantic atmosphere. The other diners ranged from a group of boys and girls in tuxedos and prom dresses to a more casual duo wearing khakis and polo shirts. Although the dining car was rather narrow, windows lined the sides of the car, making the space seem more open.
In our railcar, there was soft overhead lighting, accented by candles on each of the tables. It was difficult to read the menu, but once our orders were taken, the lighting was perfect for a nice date. My companion and I split two dishes: the Jumbo Shells ($17.95) and the Oregon Electric Station’s famous Prime Rib ($24.95). Each came with a choice of a green salad or soup. We were also served two loaves of warm bread with garlic butter on the side.
To say I indulged would be an understatement, and to say the food was incredible would also be an understatement. I had been craving a good Prime Rib, and my desire was completely satisfied after the first bite. The Jumbo Shells, filled with different cheeses and sauces were, well, jumbo. There were three
shells, but my date and I couldn’t
finish the third.
Overall, the experience at the Oregon Electric Station was wonderful. It was pricey but definitely worth the cost. The Oregon Electric Station is located downtown near the railway station at 27 E. 5th Ave.

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