It’s no secret. Travelers Rest is the place to be. This little town has made its way into the hearts of families in the Upstate, with good reason. Take an afternoon, better yet a Saturday, and see for yourself.
Editor’s note: This first-hand review is from our visit and was originally published in January 2016. The holiday sleigh meal described below was what we found on that visit; the restaurant’s current kids’ menu says its kids’ meals arrive in a souvenir train box. We re-checked the address, hours, kids’ menu and live-music schedule against the restaurant’s official website in October 2026. See Quick Facts below.
Quick Facts: The Whistle Stop at the American Cafe
- What: A train-themed American cafe in Travelers Rest that describes itself as a “family-owned cafe since 1945”
- Where: 109 South Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
- Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 8:30 pm; Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9:30 pm; Sunday 11 am – 3 pm
- Kids’ menu: The Little Red Caboose menu is for children under 10; per the menu, kids’ meals are $8 and arrive in a souvenir train box with a toy and a drink
- Live music: Fridays and Saturdays, April – October
- Groups: The restaurant asks parties of 7 or more to call for reservations
- Phone: (864) 944-7853
- Website: whistlestopattheamericancafe.com
Our visit to The Whistle Stop in Travelers Rest
One of my favorite places to visit (and stuff my face) is The Whistle Stop at the American Café. Have you been? If not, you’re missing out. Now is the perfect time to go. In addition to the warm, cozy atmosphere, the food is amazing. I had the opportunity to stop in recently.
I ordered the classic American burger with a side of fries and savored every bite.
Is your mouth watering? The picture doesn’t do it justice. The meat was cooked to perfection but what impressed me most was the bread. And please do not get me started on the sweet tea. (If you do not drink sweet tea, I am not sure we can be friends). Being from the South, tea is an essential part of my day. The Whistle Stop gets two thumbs up! We just so happened to visit while they were serving their children’s meal in Santa’s sleigh.
Clearly I am excited about the restaurant, but the children’s meal is the reason for this review. Drumroll please.
Move over McDonald’s, you didn’t have to open this box to find your prize. The box was the prize! I’m not sure who was more excited – the kids or ME. That’s not all. Inside the sleigh was a collectible Christmas duck. Each little friend in the series was dressed in a different holiday disguise. Can you say cute?! I am hoping these little treasures land on the menu next season.
During non-holiday season, they serve kids meals in a train box. It’s adorable.
In addition to the delicious burger and southern sweet tea, I can’t say enough about the service. More than once the manager checked on our table to make sure everything was perfect. Our young waitress kept all five glasses full and met every other request (in record time, I might add) all while wearing a friendly smile.
Plan your own trip to Whistle Stop
Whistle Stop at the American Cafe is located at 109 South Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690. They are open Monday – Thursday from 11 am – 8:30 pm, Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9:30 pm and Sunday 11 am – 3 pm. Call (864) 944-7853. I cannot wait to go back. Next time, however, I plan to dine on the roof. They have live music on Fridays and Saturdays from April through October.
Would your kids like to visit The Whistle Stop at the American Cafe as much as mine did?
The Whistle Stop FAQ
Is The Whistle Stop open on Sunday?
Yes. The restaurant’s website lists Sunday hours of 11 am – 3 pm. It’s also open Monday – Thursday 11 am – 8:30 pm and Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9:30 pm.
Does The Whistle Stop have a kids’ menu?
Yes. The Little Red Caboose menu is for children under 10. According to the menu, kids’ meals are $8, include a choice of side, and arrive in a souvenir train box with a toy and a drink.
Where is the train-themed restaurant in Travelers Rest?
The Whistle Stop at the American Cafe is at 109 South Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690. Call (864) 944-7853.
Does The Whistle Stop have live music?
Yes. The restaurant’s website lists live music on Fridays and Saturdays, April through October.
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Thank you again for the wonderful article! I really appreciate it! We try very hard to please everyone at the Whistle Stop! Hope to see you back soon! The next time you come in, we’ll have train boxes for the kiddos! Upcoming ducks include Mardi Gras Ducks; Valentine’s Ducks;; St. Patrick;’s Day Ducks; Easter Ducks; Spring Ducks; and Patriotic Ducks~!!! All aboard! Get on the right track and head to The Whistle Stop Cafe!