The Highliner Iii - Westbrook

Nice place and gentle owner If you love trains is a must!

On a Saturday afternoon, there were only about six people inside the restaurant. When I entered with my service dog, the bartender immediately informed me that dogs weren’t allowed. My dog was properly identified and wearing a vest, and my sister-in-law explained to the bartender that he was a service dog. The bartender responded by rolling his eyes, making a face, and shaking his head at us. This behavior was not only appalling but also illegal. Our group of five promptly left and I will never return.

Let’s be honest: this is what interstate rail travel is all about. Paying tribute to the former New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, this cozy, unpretentious bar captures the essence of the journey between New York City and Boston. It offers affordable cocktails in a charming setting complete with a wood-burning stove, all within a beautifully preserved train station. Jell-O shots? They have those too! The place is incredibly clean and the staff is friendly, making it a truly enjoyable stop.

Charming little hidden gem. The staff was incredibly friendly!

I took the train from NYC to Westbrook and found myself waiting at the Highliner, which is essentially just a train stop without a station, though the bar is conveniently located right next door. The bartender was friendly and prepared a very generous Aperol Spritz for me in a tall glass. It was clear that most customers were locals there to enjoy the sports games. As a non-local, I felt a bit out of place, but it wasn’t in an intimidating or unfriendly way. It’s a decent spot to wait for a train, but I probably wouldn’t come here unless I lived nearby. Just a heads up: they only accept cash, but there is an ATM available on site.