The Framingham line on the Commuter Rail can be a long slog, especially in the winter!
That is why it is so comforting and encouraging to know that there is a place like the Deluxe Depot Diner (www.deluxedinerbrands.com/deluxe-depot-diner/) at the end of the trail.

Located just steps from the current station (at the site of the original station which, like Deluxe’s equally awesome venue in Newton Centre, was designed by famed architect Henry Hobson Richardson and sprinkled with “Victorian whimsy” by interior designer Mark Fisher), the Depot Diner offers all of the many (and we mean “MANY”) delicious delights of its railcar-inspired siblings in Newton and Watertown but with a bit more headroom. As such, it makes for a great place to grab a cuppa en route to work, to refresh, recharge and unwind on the way back home, or just to come with family and friends for a great meal in a fun and funky atmosphere.

In addition to Fisher’s signature Steampunk décor, the brick and pumpkin orange walls are festooned with art from local artists (many of whom hail from the nearby Fountain Street Studios). As the ceiling is double-high, the bustle below has plenty of room to dissipate, keeping the noise level down even during rush hour or when a large party has rented out a section or two. The considerable kids menu and friendly, crayon-carting staff also make it a great spot to meet or bring the family.

While the locations depicted on the covers of menu of the massive but manageable menus depict exotic locations that cannot be reached by MBTA, the fare featured within can take guests to pretty much anyplace and anytime they want to the. From the famed all-day breakfasts to dinner specials that are inspired by every cookbook everyone’s Grandma/Nonna/Bubbe/Abeuela/etc. ever had, the menu is diverse and yet the talented team in the open kitchen are able to deliver deliciousness plate after plate day after day.

The menu of traditional (and not-so-) breakfast foods includes everything from single eggs and make-your-own two-egg omelets (which can also be prep-prepared in such satisfying styles as the veggie, meat lovers, chili, Greek, or Spanish) to the Deluxe Colossal Hungry Person Special (which includes flapjacks or French toast with two eggs, home fries, over 10 kinds of toast, breakfast meats and unlimited coffee or tea) and also offers entire lists of Benedicts (featuring everything from eggs and eggs Florentine to corned beef hash, salmon or crab cakes) and pancakes that itself ranges from Arcadian Ployes to N’awlins sweet potatoes and Rhode Island Johnny Cakes to gluten-free flapjacks, all of which are served with real maple syrup from Putney, VT). On the pages that include items typically taken later in the day, highlights are the quinoa veggie bowl, the blue plate meatloaf dinner, and the Wagyu beef burger (which takes the menu’s value level to new heights with its low rate for this rare rubbed repast). While the portions are enough to feed an entire Pullman’s car, the sides menu beckons with hand cut fries, authentic poutine, and eggplant fries, among others. There are also a satisfying set of salads that take tastebuds from Athens to Shanghai with local produce and Deluxe flavor and flair. If you want a pre-designed meal, the steaks and steak tips are solid, as are the fresh seafood choices and chicken served fried, broasted, with Curry, or Piccata style. Just there to catch the game at the Diner’s full bar with its flat screens that are high up enough on the walls that everyone can see? Maybe you want to nibble on hummus and pita or the Mideast sampler or try the “best’ calamari or even some chicken livers while you take in the show and the scene, which is impressive for a railside diner, especially when they offer live music Saturday nights and an open mic every other Friday.

With all this to eat, a reputable drink menu is called for. And the Diner delivers with seasonal specials that pile on top of their extensive wine and beer lists that feature such local faves as Jack’s Abby, Wormtown and other hyper-domestic brews. They also serve an entire (and educational) menu of teas, as well as old style fountain faves like shakes, sodas, rickeys, and egg creams, and many styles of coffee, any of which are a great way to get you on track at the start of your steel-drivin’ day.

Before you head off to your train, your home, or wherever you final destination may be, be sure to leave room for the Diner’s famed homemade pies, each of which is made with the freshest ingredients every da. The dessert board also offers cakes, bread pudding, fruit cobblers, and crisps, and heaping dishes of ice cream. And if you want to take the flavors home with you, the Diner’s own pancake mix, coffee, and sturdy mugs are always available.

SO while the Depot may be the youngest of the Deluxe siblings (having recently celebrated its second anniversary), it is every bit as delicious and worth the drive, regardless of whose car takes you!