While trying to get to White River Junction, I pass through Rutland. I was reviewing this thread and one place was mentioned but would not come up in a google search. So I street viewed the area and found CJ's Suds on the east side of Rt7 sitting along a single track. From street view, it appears to be a track in use as it is shiny. It has a patio but you'll have to stand up to watch a train go by. Latest review is from facebook this February. Anybody aware of this place?
https://www.facebook.com/cjssudssouthru ... 8892222289" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
A historical note in regards to White River Jct. Sometime in the summer of 1995 I checked out the town. There was a restaurant right next to the track. I remember eating while a tank train was going by. The restaurant thumped along with the train. The name of it was The Polka Dot at the corner of N Main and S main. Right near the station and locomotive display.
Last summer [2016] while visiting family in Saratoga, NY [horse racing event] I drove up to WRJ to check out a tourist trap antique shop. It was the weekend when the thunderstorms came through and knocked out power to much of the area. I was really disappointed that the shops were closed. HUGE collection of signals of all kinds. Anyways, I had planned on eating at The Polka Dot but was saddened that it was out of business. Ended up eating at Big Fatty's BBQ further down Main St. bigfattybbq.com You could possible see some rail service but you'd have to lean over the deck and be lucky.
There is/was a more formal restaurant in the freight house next door to Big Fatty's. The name is Elixir.
https://www.opentable.com/elixir?ref=1068" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I don't think there is a patio/deck but hopefully their are windows facing the track.
Hope to be in the area again this summer as a second attempt to get to the antique shop.