Loose Caboose Cafe, Willits CA

Category & Type :

Restaurants

Location :

10 Wood Street , Willits CA

Phone :

707-459-1434

Information about Loose Caboose Cafe...

The Loose Caboose Café has indoor and patio dining.   When we arrived the patio was almost full (I always take that as a good sign) and there were only two two-tops available.  We were immediately greeted by a very friendly lady who asked us how many were in our party, when we said three and that we would like to sit on the patio, she offered to move the two tables together.   We gladly accepted and after arranging the tables, she said she would be right back and to make ourselves comfortable.  Once we were seated this very friendly lady returned with an unsolicited bowl of cool water for me and menus. Upon seeing me in a chair she laughed and said “Oh, so you are the third one in the party” and began to rub my head as she put the bowl of water in front of me, I responded well to this with lots of tail wagging.  Rochelle, we later found out this friendly lady’s name, asked what my caretakers would like to drink.  Iced tea and water with lemon were the choices made from a very extensive beverage list and off Rochelle went, leaving my caretakers to peruse the food menu some more. At the Loose Caboose Café, you can have anything from tea and coffee drinks to fountain drinks, shakes, malts along with a plethora of soft drinks, beer and wines choices.

The Loose Caboose Café has cleverly designed its menu to reflect the train theme that is mirrored throughout the restaurant.  Choose from Hot New York Central Subs, maybe the Orient Express, Chattanooga Chicken, Club Car, Meatball Express or Santa Fe Chicken, or hop aboard and choose from the Hot Kansas City Southern Subs, Roast Beef Junction, Railroad Combo, Tank Car Tuna or the Wig Wam Pastrami.  Maybe you would prefer one of the Giant Grand Central Dogs? A Coal Car Corn Dog, Great Northern Cheese Dog or maybe a Skunk Train Chili Dog will do the trick.  If salad is what you are hunkering for, the Loose Caboose Café has plenty of selections to choose from.  Who can resist a Locomotive Chef Salad or a Baggage Car Spinach Salad? Still undecided, why not have a Engine 45 Croissant, RXR Cheese Pizza, Whistle Stop Soup, Boxcar Bagel or Hobo Breakfast Croissant.  With plenty of vegetarian alternatives, the Loose Caboose Café has something for everyone. 

As my caregivers were looking over the menu, I was kept occupied by lots of attention from other diners who were very taken with me.  Some even came up to pet me and comment on my manners. Rochelle was soon back with the drinks and my caretakers asked some questions about various items and with Rochelle’s recommendations and input decided to order some items to share.  A bowl of spicy vegetarian Skunk Train chili ($5.95 a bowl), a Southwestern Chicken Salad ($8.95) and a Santa Fe Chicken hot sub ($7.95) were the selections ordered.  My caregivers especially chose items with ingredients that I like so I could share with them rather than place my own order.

Our food came out in a very timely manner and in abundance. Rochelle was thoughtful enough to bring out extra plates for sharing and an extra fork so I could partake of the bounty displayed before us.  Starting with the chili, I must admit that we had been given this recommendation in advance by many people who swear it is the best chili in the county.  The soup is very hearty and full of red peppers, tomatoes, and red kidney beans, garnished with scallions and cheddar cheese upon request.  The soup served piping hot, offers the taster an immediate sensation of spice and sweet all at the same time, this is achieved by an extraordinary balance in the mingling of the ingredients that I must concur is worthy of its’ reputation.

The Southwest Chicken Salad consisted of a generous collection of green leaf lettuce, red bell pepper, black olives, carrots, red onions, tomato, avocado and cilantro, topped with a seasoned baked sliced chicken breast and accompanied  by delicious spicy ranch dressing that compliments the salad beautifully.  The Santa Fe chicken sub starts with a toasted sweet French roll spread with delicious tangy spicy ranch dressing and filled with baked chicken breast, bacon, mild green chills, lettuce, tomato and avocado accompanied by a pepperochini  and a dill pickle wedge.   I especially enjoyed the chicken and bacon part of this sandwich.  With this much food my caregivers decided to forgo dessert.

The Loose Caboose Café is a very popular lunch spot and for good reason, friendly and attentive service, quiet and serene atmosphere on its patio, surrounded by interesting eclectic train memorabilia and topped with hearty delicious sandwiches, salads and more at very reasonable prices.  If you can’t find the exact combo of ingredients for your sub, the Loose Caboose Café will let you customize. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 am-4pm, reservation are recommended, to go and call ahead orders are welcome.  The Loose Caboose Café does NOT accept credit cards.

This train-loving sub-eating canine gives the Loose Caboose Café – three very enthusiastic Paws.