Yup, the food is bad and it is a tourist trap, but as an official train junkie, its a *train* that runs on a 22 mile rail line from Kirkland to Woodinville. Gives you a sense of what it must have been like to travel in the 1800s.
We've taken our parents there for brunch and also had a surprise birthday party there. The brunch was just OK, the main thing was seeing the view. Although for that I'd just as much suggest taking the Amtrak to Portland for a real dining car and a real observation car.
The real treat was the mystery dinner. The food as folks said was just OK, but get into the mood. Read the Orient Express. Then get on the train and figure out whodunit on your car. Someone is murdered and you have to figure out who it is. They do clues and things and that makes it fun.
more