Philadelphia’s William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, a major hub for Amtrak and SEPTA, is currently undergoing significant renovations. If you’re traveling through this busy station, you might be wondering about the food options, especially since previous favorites have closed due to construction. So, Does Amtrak Philly Have Food Reopen after the closures? While the full, reimagined dining and retail area isn’t set to reopen until summer 2025, there are still several temporary food options available for travelers at 30th Street Station.
The extensive renovation project at 30th Street Station has temporarily impacted the usual food and retail vendors. The South Concourse, which previously housed many eateries, is closed for redevelopment. Amtrak’s long-term vision includes a revamped food hall with around 20 new dining and shopping choices, featuring local Philadelphia brands. However, until that grand reopening, passengers need to know about the immediate food solutions.
For those looking for quick snacks, drinks, or travel essentials, Hudson News is operating a temporary stand within the station. Similar to what you’d find in airports, Hudson News offers a variety of items including snacks, souvenirs, magazines, and other travel necessities. Self-checkout counters are available for convenience, staffed by attendants for assistance.
Coffee and breakfast options are readily accessible at Dunkin’. Located near the 30th Street entrance of the station, Dunkin’ provides coffee, baked goods, and breakfast sandwiches. Conveniently, this Dunkin’ location is open 24/7 according to their website, catering to travelers at any hour. Importantly, this Dunkin’ is planned to be part of the permanent station offerings, indicating its continued presence even after the renovations are complete. A second, smaller Dunkin’ with limited hours can be found in the SEPTA Regional Rail concourse.
Pret A Manger, the popular British sandwich chain, also has a presence at 30th Street Station with two temporary kiosks. You can find one Pret A Manger location on the main concourse and another near the ramp leading to the SEPTA concourse. These Pret A Manger kiosks provide sandwiches, salads, soups, and coffee. While these current Pret locations are temporary, a permanent Pret A Manger is anticipated as part of the station’s long-term food and beverage plan.
Vending machines offer another convenient option for quick bites and refreshments. Farmer’s Fridge vending machines are available on the main Amtrak concourse, dispensing salads, sandwiches, and other fresh meals in jars. These are promoted as using fresh, wholesome ingredients. Alongside Farmer’s Fridge, you’ll find a vending machine featuring Daisy Cakes Minikins, offering small-batch layer cakes, including vegan choices, in jar packaging. For more standard vending machine fare like packaged snacks and bottled beverages, check the vending machines located in the SEPTA concourse area.
For a cafe option adjacent to the station, Garces Trading Co. is located in the Cira Centre, directly connected to 30th Street Station. Garces Trading Co. is accessible via signage at the end of the SEPTA concourse and is open on weekdays from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM. This cafe provides a more substantial menu and sit-down experience compared to the quick kiosks and vending options within the station itself.
While the full reopening of a diverse food hall at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station is still on the horizon for summer 2025, travelers passing through Amtrak Philly can be assured that food options are indeed available. These temporary solutions, including Hudson News, Dunkin’, Pret A Manger, vending machines, and the nearby Garces Trading Co., ensure that passengers have access to food and drinks during their journeys.