Amtrak Opens Full-Service Bar at Metropolitan Lounge in NYC

Amtrak recently opened the Metropolitan Lounge at New York’s Moynihan Train Hall, an expansion of the loathed Penn Station that provides access to Amtrak and commuter rail services.

The new lounge space features modern seating, gleaming restrooms, ticketing assistance, and a cafe area. When the lounge initially opened, Amtrak was limited in what it could offer due to COVID-19 restrictions, but now it’s finally opened the lounge’s full-service bar.

Here are all the details:

The Bar at the Metropolitan Lounge

While most of the lounge’s offerings — including made-to-order coffees, soft drinks, water, pastries, salads, desserts, and more — remain complimentary, items from the bar will have to be purchased, a deviation from most airline-operated lounges that offer at least some alcoholic beverages at no charge.

There will be several premium food offerings, as well as a selection of beverages — including several popular liquors and complimentary mixers.

Here’s what you can roughly expect to pay for a selection of items:

• Cocktails: $12 to $13
• Liquor: $12 to $14
• Beer: $9 to $12
• Wine: $10 to $16 per glass
• Premium food: $12 to $23

With regard to food, guests will be able to choose from 4 options:

• Margarita pizza flatbread
• Chicken Alfredo pasta
• Charcuterie plate
• “Artisan” cheese plate

To order any food or bar beverages, simply place the order with the staff member at the bar. You’ll be charged there and your items will be prepared.

Lounge Information and Access

The Metropolitan Lounge is open from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Eligible users of the lounge include:

• Amtrak Acela First Class passengers
• Passengers in sleeping accommodations on any Amtrak service
• Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus and Guest Rewards Select Executive members
• Day-pass holders (this comes as a benefit Guest Rewards Select status, or you can redeem points for a day pass online)
• Purchased day passes (open to business class passengers for $50 per person)

This lounge isn’t designed just for departures, so you’re able to access it before and/or after your journey.

Hot Tip: Check out our complete guide to Amtrak station lounges, including locations, hours, and more.

Final Thoughts

Amtrak envisions its Metropolitan Lounge to be a place where people can gather before or after train trips to socialize, work, or both. The addition of these for-purchase beverages and rotating food offerings from its new full-service bar should certainly help achieve that goal.