Amtrak Guest Rewards - Lincoln mini-report (STL - SPI)

Arrived at STL about 35 mins before departure to find a long-ish line to board; actual baording began about 10 - 15 mins later. STL is a pain with luggage, going up - over - and down to access the platforms. Business car at the front, followed by cafe, and then coaches (three). A/C was off, so quite uncomfortably hot - passenger complained, so diffident conductor turned it on just before departure. Cafe attendant distributed Chicago newspapers - no mention of complimentary drink (unless I missed the announcement, which I doubt), but I had asked the fellow behind me who said he takes the route regularly. He replied it would be the same drill as Missouri River Runner in signing a sheet instead of paying. However ... unlike that that train, I was told Frappucinos were "Top Shelf" and didn't qualify; I had a Sierra Mist instead. View wasn't all that special, mostly the back end of East St. Louis, Granite City, and Alton, followed by lots of fields. At Carlinville I wondered "What the heck is that!" and later googled (no onboard wifi) that it was the Macoupin County Courthouse -- much grander than some state capitols! Arrived Springfield almost exactly on time. The other SPI passenger and I kept waiting, but no conductor came to get us (as had been the case in Jefferson City on the MRR). Frankly, the crew weren't all that friendly or pleasant at all.
Business had been completely sold out for the return, which turned out fine. The return train (from Chicago) arrived @ SPI about 10 minutes early, departing exactly on schedule - another passenger told me that was common. We were put in the last car, which had been empty, reminding me of the Quiet Car on the CHI - MKE Hiawatha run. Crew was noticeably friendlier. From my trip to the Cafe, the first two coach cars were somewhat noisy, and relatively full, so I could see why Chicago thru pax might have grabbed the business seats early.

) reminding me of the Quiet Car on the CHI - MKE Hiawatha run.

We are going to and from Milwaukee in early June and had hoped to be in the quiet car. I would like to know where it is usually located and if there are usually seats available from CHI and from MKE. I assume since there is no business class there are no Café perks. Is this correct? Also, any information that you car provide about the station at MKE would be appreciated. We have done STL to CHI on the Texas Eagle. We have also been across to KCY round trip and found it to be pleasant, but of course not spectacular. Thanks!

I assume since there is no business class there are no Café perks. Is this correct?

There isn't even a cafe car to offer perks! :eek:

No business class and no cafe car on this service. There is an employee who pushes a small snack car up & down the aisles, but the selections are very limited and there is no hot food at all.

That’s really interesting as there is a Café/Lounge menu on the Amtrak site. I guess we will just imagine it.

I rode CHI - MKE last year on National Train Day -- the run was chock full of hyped up kids, so the Quiet Car was a true blessing. It's at the far end of the train from boarding I believe, but you should be able to find it, and I'm sure there'll be space. The run is barely 90 minutes, and there are lots of places at CHI to get edibles to bring with you. MKE (I assume you mean downtown, not the airport stop) has a snack bar/cafe and vending machines.