Dubbed “The Best Little Restaurant in Harrisburg,” just opening the door to the cozy and intimate Zephyr Express restaurant immediately takes visitors back to a time when atmosphere, dining, and drinks were an evening experience.

The original Zephyr Express restaurant opened in 1991, in a long and narrow building similar to that of a railroad dining car. Focusing on making the atmosphere as enticing as his entrees, the founding owner, Donnie Brown, named the quaint eatery after the famed California Zephyr express passenger train that traveled from Chicago, Illinois to Emeryville, CA. Because she was the first North America passenger train in regular operations to use dome cars, the “CZ” (or “Silver Lady”) was purposely scheduled so that her patrons passed through the most spectacular scenery in the daylight. After her 1949 debut, the train was rumored to be the “most talked about train in America.”

Featuring specialty menus and cocktails in a comfortable atmosphere, Brown’s Zephyr Express quickly became the “most talked about restaurant in Harrisburg, PA.”  At the conclusion of his 13 year leasing agreement, the Zephyr Express closed its doors in the original location. After two years of public pressure to re-open the popular eatery, the Zephyr Express found a new home in its current 231 North Street, Harrisburg location. Diners still enjoy the private and inviting atmosphere of a dining car, the unique entrees (many of which are from the original menu) and signature drink features. Because of this, the Zephyr Express has maintained its reputation for the being “The Best Little Restaurant in Harrisburg.”