A Historic Breakfast at the Fred Harvey Restaurant at Union Station, St. Louis
By Jamie Johnson
On a past business trip, I had the pleasure of staying at the Saint Louis Union Station Hotel, an architectural marvel brimming with history. One of the highlights of my stay was dining at the few remaining Fred Harvey restaurant, located right inside the hotel. I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to both the past and the stories we preserve at the Historic RailPark & Train Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
For those unfamiliar with Fred Harvey, he was a visionary immigrant who revolutionized dining for travelers along the expanding American railroad system. His restaurants were primarily established in the West, serving passengers during the Gold Rush era. However, Fred Harvey chose St. Louis as a base for one of his restaurants, a fascinating choice given that most of his ventures were tied to the bustling train travel and prospecting activity out West. St. Louis, after all, was Harvey’s home base—a central hub that connected many of his business endeavors.
Dining here in St. Louis is a unique experience because this particular location is one of the last Fred Harvey restaurants still standing today. It operates under a modern name, Station Grille Restaurant, blending period-accurate furnishings with a contemporary menu designed to cater to modern appetites. Having breakfast here felt like a step back in time, with its historical atmosphere complementing the luxurious surroundings of Union Station.
What made this moment come full circle for me is the installation of our Railroads Go to War exhibit at the Historic RailPark. This exhibit highlights the Harvey Girls, the brave and industrious women Fred Harvey employed to staff his restaurants during a time of rapid railroad expansion. Their role in shaping the hospitality industry is often overlooked but deserves recognition, especially as part of our museum’s mission to tell the stories of railroads and the people who kept them running.
There’s another personal connection I found amusing—Bowling Green, Kentucky, is not only home to the Historic RailPark & Train Museum, but it is also the birthplace of Duncan Hines. Yes, the Duncan Hines behind the famous cake mix! Fun fact: Duncan Hines was a real person, unlike Betty Crocker, and his first noteworthy restaurant experience occurred at a Fred Harvey restaurant while traveling out West for business. Coincidentally, Bowling Green holds an annual event dedicated to celebrating his life and his long-lasting impact on tourism. The Duncan Hines Days Festival is held the first week of June, bringing the community together to honor his legacy. Interestingly, my own experience mirrors that of Duncan Hines—my first Fred Harvey restaurant visit was also on a business trip. Had I arrived by train, it would have been the perfect homage to history.
For history buffs, railroad enthusiasts, or even those just looking for a unique dining experience, a visit to this historic restaurant at the Union Station Hotel is not just a meal—it’s a chance to connect with a chapter of American history that defined hospitality and shaped the way we travel today.
Next time you’re in St. Louis, don’t just visit Union Station—dine at the restaurant that made Fred Harvey a household name, and take a moment to appreciate the legacy of both Fred Harvey and the Harvey Girls who changed the course of history.
