Runaway Train Cafe

I had an absolutely fantastic experience at this charming restaurant inside an old rail car. Everything about it deserves a five-star rating! The milkshakes were handcrafted and mixed right at the counter. The lunch sandwiches were a delightful; chips and salsa were delicious. And they have the GOOD ICE! The cozy ambiance within the rail car just added to the overall experience, making it feel like a step back in time. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making the visit even more enjoyable. I couldn't have asked for a better dining experience. If you're in the mood for a delectable lunch with outstanding milkshakes and comforting soup, this is the place to go!

I absolutely LOVED this place! The service was A+ from the young man that greeted us while opening the door, to the young lady that took our order! The food was DELICIOUS! I got the Chili cheese hamburger with chili cheese tator tots and a loaded baked potato soup for later! DELICIOUS! I have absolutely no complaints! I was visiting from Dallas for training and if I have to come this way again, I will be sure to stop by! And THANK YOU for the scripture in my to go bag-it was SPOT ON!

Such a neat experience, eating inside of a train car! The jalapeno bun is a must on all sandwiches and burgers, SO GOOD! The Texas toothpicks were amazing as well.

Came to brownwood to see train museum and what a finD a restaurant in a train...Great food..excellent service..and old fashioned milkshakes.....A Must do if in brownwood.

Great food, great service, fun atmosphere!! They even open the door for you, true gentlemen. We will definitely be back.

This place was cool. Staff was really friendly. Burgers were really good, tots were perfect, cheese fries with jalapeno bacon were delicious. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Brownwood.

Fun atmosphere, cool history with a fresh staff that will help even after their work is done! The food reminded me of an Old fashion burger joint that had to have a unique story, that story being the dining hall was a cool 1950s train car. Our truck ended up dying and they were willing to both help us try to get our truck running, and they even stayed with us until our ride arrived even after they closed. Swing by on your way through town for an old fashion experience and the best service around!

I had just a brief moment for lunch, but I wanted something fun. This place was everything I wanted. It is a diner built into a railroad diner car. The food was the American fare you would expect in a diner, but I was shocked at how good even the fries were. They put the effort in their food. Speaking of effort, the staff met me at the door all smiles. Every single person there was friendly and attentive. Lately I have been jaded by the teens and young adults in the service industry. I'm used to the surly, I don't care service. These fine people actually seemed to enjoy their jobs. It made me happy and light hearted just to be there. I could have had a glass of water and left the place with a bounce in my step. Want a great burger or sandwich? This is the place. Want to leave a business with joy and happiness? Well then bonus, this is also that place.

There seems to be plenty of parking to handle the size of this restaurant. It is a very long train car with 14 booths, 5 tables and 7 barstools at the counter. There are also several picnic tables outside under some trees. Service was fast and friendly. I ordered a cup of Clam Chowder along with a Quarter Pound Burger and Tater Tots. The food was delicious and more than I could eat. I particularly liked the burger and how it was grilled.

When you crave classic diner menu items, and you want to enjoy them in a train car while receiving the best customer service in Brownwood, this is the place to visit. Meals are consistently prepared and presented perfectly, and the friendly staff makes sure you have a positive experience. Everything on the menu is delicious, so don't stress trying to make up your mind on what to order.

I'm a vegetarian so I usually don't have a lot of options. The waitress helped me by answering all my questions and giving me options. I got the Dip Trio and it was amazing! My friend had chicken enchiladas and she gave 5 thumbs up. The chef came and spoke to us and told me he could make veggie dishes for. I was impressed with the Business, the waitresses picked and the food was amazing! Please go try the place. We don't want to loss small businesses in our town.

Last day in Brownwood, went out with an amazing meal and experience! Everyone was so friendly and helpful upon ordering and giving recommendations. Yes, the menu is small, but so worth the "old fashioned" cheeseburger. It had been years since having a burger that good. I'd go back tomorrow if I could! Was a great experience.

Really cool set up in what looks like an old railroad car. Food is really good, service is awesome. Get a milkshake, best I've had in a while

Great service. It's a fun atmosphere! We will be back!! When we were checking out, all 8 in our party were offered drink refills.

Wow, super impressed, lunchtime on a Thursday. These guys were super friendly very attentive. My cheeseburger and fries were delicious. Awesome atmosphere sitting in a train car. Feel good spending my hard earned money here. Thank you for a great experience, will definitely be back. Brownwood's best kept secret.

It was closed. Website needs updating if it was closed for the day or forever? Went out of the way to try it and was disappointed.

Very neat accommodations, nostalgic train diner with 50's booths and tables. Their service is friendly and polite. The sandwiches and burgers are delicious, but you better take advantage of their malts made the old fashioned way. They are rich and smooth! Don't miss this hidden gem.

The food was amazing as always!!! The staff was very attentive and very friendly. The place was very clean with plenty of parking. If you have room for dessert you have to try their milkshakes! I love bringing new people to experience this great place with amazing food.

The service was exceptional, and the food was fantastic! My waiter was incredibly attentive, and the layout of the restaurant really impressed me. I just wish we had a cafe like this in my area!

1/4 pound burger was a typical diner burger, mediocre. I added the jalapeño bacon which wasn't anything special. My husband really liked the chili cheese burger. Fries and tots were crispy. The employees were very courteous and friendly and the best thing about it. The atmosphere is a fun 50's diner in a train car. Prices were good for what you get.

First it's off the beaten path which I love. It's a legit train car and it's awesome. My son was so excited. They open the door and welcome you in each and every time. The young staff has great manners and are very quick to take care of you. I agree with another review the window sills could use a quick wipe down but leave those original shades alone. I wish the history of the car was on the menu. I love the soup and 1/2 sandwich. My son was super happy they serve Blue bell and all he wanted was chocolate ice cream. It was perfect. The clam chowder was rich and creamy with big chunks of potatoes in there. There was a little bit of clam but I really liked it. The Wilson was really yummy I love chicken salad. The bun was kind of sweet like a Hawaiian roll but more dense. I didn't taste the jalapeños but it was a perfect combo either way. Next my husband had the 1/2 burger with cheese and bacon with Tots. It was a lot so be ready for a plate full of food. They asked us if we wanted to go drinks and it was a cute throw back to have to pay at the cash register. Again they open the door when you leave. Super polite great staff yummy food and a fun atmosphere.

The best sandwich I've had in a long time. The RR club is a must try for everyone. I had mine with the tater tots. The idea of sitting inside an old train car is pretty cool and added to the experience. The staff and service was top notch. They were all young kids, but they had amazing attitudes and presence. They were extremely helpful and respectful. Will definitely return for another meal if I'm back in the area.

O' take me back to where Hamburgers tastes like real hamburgers, and fries; fries, and real cola with crunchy ice....Yes!!! This place was it... The staff was incredibly friendly. I miss the good ole days......

Very friendly in greeting us. Food was very tasty: club sandwich and chicken salad sandwich. Ambience fun, will be back!

Tried the fried pickles, not disappointed, they were very tasty. We shared the RR club with tots, this was a very large amount of food.... The sandwich with tots were great... Service was excellent. The railroad car was really neat... I rode trains when I was younger, so it was kind of sentimental...The only negative was the table, it had definitely been washed but the napkins and condiment tray needed to be moved and washed underneath... My husband and I always sit on the same side so I pushed the tray out of the way to have more room for my plate...

I love this place. Food is great. Atmosphere is unique. They serve a REAL patty melt like they are supposed to be made. Just good food.

From entrance to exit, amazing experience. We missed this place on the way down to Fredericksburg since it was a Monday so today, Wednesday, we stopped and it was well worth it. We sat at the bar and immediately was welcomed with conversation. The two that were up front were very friendly and genuine. Great recommendations. The sandwich may look plain but that flavor was oh so great! I don't eat bacon and they were very accommodating to switch that out for extra turkey. Usually fries in a meal are nothing exciting but those were super good as well. Great prices, great service, great environment. We will definitely be back.

Y'all got to try this place! Super cute little restaurant in an old train car. How fun?! The food was delicious and was reasonably priced. Our server was attentive and friendly during the lunch rush. Was a great experience! Will definitely be back.

You will always be greeted at the door by a member of the family. This is a hometown great place to eat. They literally open the door for you when you come up the stairs... Great burgers, sandwiches, soups. They have the best clam chowder ever.

Stopped in finally when passing through Brownwood on the way home. The price is very reasonable for quarter pound burgers, fries/tots and a drink. That being said, this is similar quality to fast food restaurants. When I first saw this place I wasn't anticipating fast food but specialty burgers. We also got the chips and salsa for $5-6 which turned out to be Pace Picante and Santitas which was extremely disappointing. Service was overall ok but lacking. We watched some tables sit for 10 minutes without a server before they moved in hopes of getting helped. Overall, it's a neat atmosphere but probably wouldn't go out of the way to go again.

The train part is by far it's best feature. Food is lackluster and didn't even hit the bar for good fast food. Mainly items you can buy in frozen section of Walmart and reheat yourself nowadays, especially if you have an air fryer.

Super cute restaurant, very small and could really use a good cleaning! Food tasted good and service was great.

Always loved coming here for bugers and fries when I lived in the Brownwood area. Good food and kind waiters & waitresses. Also just super fun to get to go eat inside of a train! Definitely makes for a fun and uniqe experience.

Great service and friendly atmosphere. Honestly, it wasn't a really warm day but it was pretty warm in the restaurant. The food was good and portions are generous. I would give it five stars if it was cooler inside.

Good food. Neat place. Limited menu but worth the drive. Friendly atmosphere. Recommend

So good, yummy, amazing. Friendly staff! Awesome atmosphere! Right next to the Middle School solids love it too! Definitely a must stop in Brownwood!!!

Too much money for the size of food you get always cramps hurt they make you feel like you're gonna hurt you out of there so we could be the next person not the way I like to do lunch or dinner

Very family friendly and super nice staff! I've only had a few burgers from here and it's always been very good, and not to mention eating a in old Railcar is really cool! Would definitely recommend it!

Great place to grab a bite to eat in the afternoon. I'm sad that they have changed their hours & only stay open until 3pm! Convenient to south Brownwood, in a train car!! Great burgers, soups, salads, nachos, etc. Try it...you will be glad you did!

Visiting from out of town and have to say the chicken salad and baked Potato soup were delicious! Staff was very nice and friendly! Will be back again

Very good food. 50s diner vibe without the music. Good burgers, good sides. Stay for dessert.

Restored train car. Interior was charming and clean. Staff was super polite, friendly, well spoken. Hubby had the regular cheeseburger. I had the bleu cheese burger. Patties were huge - filled the bun. Burgers were cooked perfect and juicy. Blue cheese topping was rich, fresh and plentiful. Highly recommend!

Picked this place for lunch while passing through. Picked it for the train aspect for a surprise to the family. Burgers are good as well as the tots which I opted for over the fries. Daughter had the veggie burger ate it but took it off the bun for some reason. Ordered the fried jalapeño which is slivers of peppers and Onion straws. Peppers had little to no kick but batter and ranch added good flavor.

Great service, good food at fair prices. Worth a trip if in area to dine in a unique setting. On list to return when in area again.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! The menu options here are classic diner options but perfectly executed by a cook that pays attention to detail (jalapeño bacon, fresh bread and secret homemade ranch recipe) and a staff that was so friendly I wanted to stay and hang out with them:) Our server Michelle was super cute and sweeter than the tea:)

Super-friendly employees and food is really good! Plus, sitting in an old train car for lunch is a unique experience!

Great service. Friendly staff. My hamburger and fries were very good. Nice environment.

Price is right; soup is awesome, and if you're going to get a sandwich of any type, ask for the jalapeño cheese roll for the bread; I got the chicken salad on it and it was just a perfect sandwich. Also got a root beer float because it was only 3.99, and it had lots of ice cream. Great service and staff.

I selected this diner because of the high reviews on yelp. I'm pleased that this establishment lived up to the reviews. The food was good and the service was excellent. I would highly recommend swing by this place for lunch.

Had lunch here with coworkers three days in a row when we were in town. I enjoyed the Chef's salad a couple times and loved the jalapeño bacon. Cool atmosphere, super friendly and fast service. Highly recommended.

Again, i don't give 5's but this place is a gem. Absolutely beautiful. Great people, beautiful set up. If you find yourself in this area do yourself a favor and come here. These people are awesome

A little out of the way if your not familiar with Brownwood but absolutely worth making the effort to find. The cafe is located in an old rail car which makes for a cool atmosphere. The seating is limited and tables aren't very big so if you don't like tight quarters, you may get get it to go. Food is classic homemade style burgers and sandwiches. Everything is always fresh and hot. My sons obsessed with trains so any time we're in the area, we have to make a stop.

Wonderful little diner! The staff was super sweet and helpful. We ordered the Texas toothpicks, cheeseburgers, fries, tots and shakes. Everything was amazing! We received a warm welcome and felt all the staff were happy we stopped. If you're passing through I highly recommend this diner!

This is a great find while on an impromptu visit to Brownwood. The previous reviews about how truly awesome the customer service is... they are an understatement. Every employee, to include the owner, were personable and friendly. Our server Jenny had only been there a week but you could tell that she was treated like family. Her wonderful personality reflected that. It is refreshing to go to any place nowadays and see people smiling. I might be old but I miss that. The food was very good indeed! Texas toothpicks, RR Club, Philly Cheesesteak and...(WHAT?!?) HOMEMADE ICE CREAM PECAN PIE?!?! All were delicious but... ...My wife doesn't eat chocolate and I haven't eaten ice cream in over 20 years. We devoured that pie!! We actually can't stop thinking about it. Wonderful gem of a place. We will definitely be back!

Super cute-diner in an old train. We stopped by for a light lunch. We had grilled cheese sandwich with french fries-very good. They served Diet Dr Pepper-one of my favs. Good service-it is out of the way, but not too long a drive

They have some good hamburgers and french fries here as I ate there as much as I could when I had time when I was working Might want to get there sometime before or after lunch as it gets very busy being as the food is so good and everyone wants to eat there everyday

Really good burgers. Staff super friendly. Saw lots of good looking milk shakes but didn't get to have one. Wish I had room for one.