The Red Caboose

When home for a birthday weekend for one of my siblings, I had to run out to grab a few things. Not…read morehaving time to squeeze in dinner we had to make due. There are choices in this area, but we opted for what we thought would be fast. We should have gone elsewhere if we were looking for fast. This McDonald's has been here for decades. Outlasting the go cart track, multiple rebuilds of the Sheetz, and stores closing down nearby. We pulled in, later in the evening, and the parking lot was nearly empty. We actually wondered if the lobby was closed. But we took the chance to come inside. Like most locations, this one focuses too much on the drive thru. Which became apparent when we had placed our orders and waiting long than you should have to at a fast food place. What was surprising was the customer service. The lady that did end up serving our food to us was a delight. She was funny, didn't take any grief, and if I remember correctly, was singing while she worked. I loved that she put my Dad in his place. My Dad was being a bit too much asking for things that he could have grabbed himself. The food is what you would expect. I did give their new sandwich a try. It was decent and possibly too much food for one meal. The Big Arch is basically the Big Mac in a trench coat. Better cheese and fried onion straws. This location went through a change when McDonald's wanted to grow up, but they held onto some nostalgia things. Like Ronald McDonald outside on a bench and some of the old roofline. But, like I said, not many people will care since they are in the drive thru.

If you're into dried out burgers that taste like yesterdays and cool fries that are actually the…read moreworst I've ever had in any McDonalds, this is the place for you. This hasn't happened on just one occasion but probably three over the several years I've lived near here. There's no use complaining, I just stopped going all together.

Worm #1

Outside looking in

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Front counter

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Very consistent food and quick service. The staff is cordial, and it's clean…read more It's a great location, I can't figure out why the Boston Market didn't do well here. The parking lot is a real plus.

Went to the grand opening and it was great! I got the regular 5 piece chicken tenders and a crispy…read morechicken wrap. We also got an Oreo milkshake and vanilla milkshake. I wish I had got the spicy tenders but the regular were good! We got the Layne's sauce and jalapeño ranch. The jalapeño ranch was my favorite, and I wish I could get a bottle of it. The staff was so nice and really happy! I can't wait to go back again!

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McDonald's

1.8(25 reviews)

78.0 mi

manager here in 2024 called the police on luigi which is wrong and bad. Free luigi google jury…read morenullification

After being out in the area my Dad started grumbling about how he was hungry. When Dad wants…read moresomething to eat, you find some place to eat. I wasn't in the mood for going to a sit down restaurant, so fast food it was. Yes, before I get further into this review, this is the infamous McDonald's that so many people wrote (and it appears to be that they are still doing so) bad reviews. So if you see a review with reference to pest control or cleanliness of the restaurant, bypass them. Most of those reviews are from people that are from out of state, probably never been to Pennsylvania, and most certainly have never been to Altoona. Not a dis, just a fact. When we got here, I have to say that the parking lot was really confusing. Even though this sits on the main drag through the area, it abuts a residential neighborhood. I was trying to circle around the lot to head back to the front (it is one-way) I didn't think you could because only looked like the drive thru was the only lane. Not to worry, there is a road, more of the size of an alley, that you can make your way back up around. This location has indoor and outdoor seating. We chose to dine inside. Ordering wise, I chose the kiosk, tapped away at the screen, got a table number and then headed to find a seat. Dining room was decently clean even though it was busy with people. Another note on the dining area, there is a lot of space taken up for things that shouldn't be there. There is one small alcove that has two tables, but not for customers, they have a bunch of stuff there for people to apply to work there, and possible they do job interviews there. Then there is the area towards the bathrooms, large enough to accommodate several people and great enough if you want to be antisocial. However, this area was kind of off limits. You know, the area where said incident took place. The staff seem to have taken up roots here. At the end of my meal I did head back here to use the restroom and almost every table had something on it. Laptops, paperwork, general nonsense items. That way no one could sit in this area. I understand, but if it is a busy and full dining room, customers should come first. As far as the food, the order was almost correct. The prepared items were definitely right, but when our food was brought to the table there were no drinks. When we brought that up the employee asked if we ordered from the kiosk. Obviously we did, why else were you delivering the food to the table, with the table number on it? Also, that shouldn't matter if we ordered at the kiosk or not, either fill the cups in the back and at the least give us our cups. When I did go fill our cups after finally getting them, that was a hassle. We both wanted sweet tea, but the two containers were both nearly empty. It was like I was standing there waiting for the tea to be freshly brewed. For the remainder of the meal, nothing special, it's McDonald's. I still am not the biggest fan, but will make do. I am also fairly sure this location does not warrant the low, fake reviews it currently has.

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Shareable menu

Chick-fil-A

2.5(2 reviews)

10.6 mi

-Limited menu Chick-Fil-A -Good chicken nuggets-a little…read morechewy DISCLAIMER: This Chick-Fil-A is located inside the California University.

tucked away and hard to find. doesn't take gift cards…read more doesn't use the app. limited menu. DON'T GO HERE!!!

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Chick-fil-A

4.1(29 reviews)

69.5 mi

Best service I have ever had at a Chick-Fil-A establishment. Roger a staff member helped our large…read moregroup so much! Would recommend!

The food was very good I had a chicken sandwich and some fries, the fries were crunchy and oily…read morewhich might've been the best fries I've ever had a chick fil a. The service was quick, nice, easy and enjoyable. But I don't know what it was but there was a rubbery like mold that looks like it was used for a machine, this was in the bag with my food????? The ambiance was pretty good, I enjoyed it! 7/10 would recommend!

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Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

3.4(13 reviews)

10.2 mi

I don't usually review fast food joints but Raising Cane's makes the best tenders in the business…read more Five of us ordered tenders and they were so good! They make all orders fresh so the chicken is crispy and juicy! Fries are amazing. Wife ordered a chicken sandwich...basically tenders on a fresh roll with their signature sauce...speaking of sauce it is so good! We try to stop at these on our trips for a great reasonably priced dinner for a family of 6!

Came in for a late lunch. It has been some time since I went to a Raising Canes' and I found two…read morethings different than I recalled: the chicken strips seemed smaller and it wasn't as crispy. Overall, the meal was tasty and I enjoyed it but my wife, also, noted that the chicken wasn't as crispy. Service was fine and the location was clean. No complaints just different than I recalled.

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Chick-fil-A

4.0(1 review)

66.3 mi

Was extremely satisfied with service especially for a campus fast food restaurant. Most staff…read moremembers were happy looking and energetic which made the vibe nice. A few employees seemed less excited to be there but not many. The tables were also clean and it was an overall a nice scene. The 4 stars only cause the sandwich wasn't up to standard to most CFA sandwiches I've had.

From the owner: Welcome to your Grove City Chick-fil-A® Restaurant, where we serve quality food and exceptional…read morehospitality every day (except Sunday). Enjoy our limited-time Chicken & Waffles and other Chick-fil-A® favorites, including our Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich and Chick-fil-A Nuggets, sides like our Waffle Fries, and salads prepared fresh daily. Start your day with our breakfast menu featuring our new Cream Cold Brew. Make feeding a crowd easier with Chick-fil-A® Catering. Check our page for operating hours and dining options, including pick-up, delivery, and drive-thru, and order online or on the Chick-fil-A® App. It's our pleasure to serve you.

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Chick-fil-A

4.2(58 reviews)

19.9 mi

Hair in chicken sandwich. No one had hair nets on.... Ruined my whole meal and didn't get a refund…read more- disgusting

average chickfila. newly rennovated. skimped on sauces. Only 1 cashier. slow serviceread more

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Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

4.0(32 reviews)

11.9 mi

•$$

My daughter wanted Cane's after her dance class. This location is about four minutes from where…read moreshe dances, Amie's Dance Academy (ADA). Canes is always pretty decent. I came in around 6:00 on a Tuesday in July. There were a fair amount of people for the dinner crowd. There was a guy, I assume was the manager, was a really good leader. This gentleman took control of the floor. He was really positive with the staff and fun towards the customers. He was flipping cups, singing, and bringing a ton of positive energy. My daughter and I split the Caniac, which was decent for two people. Six decent sized chicken strips, fries, bread, two cane sauces, and a large drink. Everything came out tasting real good.

North Versailles Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers nailed it. Fresh, hot food, spotless space, and a…read moreteam that actually looks happy to be there (rare!). The manager was on top of everything and personally brought our food out. My daughter said it felt like going to a family member's house where they just want to make sure you're fed--and honestly, that says it all.

Fun decor & the disco balls added an extra flair

Tasty

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Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

6 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Chris B.

Elite 26

15

39

57

2 years ago

This place is a classic! A local staple for years, it's always bustling for a reason--great prices, quality food, and a fun, nostalgic vibe. The hot dogs are top-notch, but the real star-the fries! They're absolutely a must-order. Whether you're a regular or visiting for the first time, this spot never disappoints! read more

John K.

0

4

0

10 years ago

Great 30 years ago and still great today. Can't believe it has been as long as it has but the Caboose still doing it right. Affordable, delicious and no B.S.! Love the service and the owners. What a gem!! read more

Brandon G.

0

5

1

12 years ago

Great food at cheap prices, always quick and friendly service. What more could you ask for.

Michelle W.

0

5

0

2 years ago

Awesome food and prices! Good parking. Take food home or eat outside at their tables..

Leslie C.

1

9

2

14 years ago

Excellent CHEAP place! We stop there with the kids on our way to Round Hill farm.

Peter C.

0

4

0

10 years ago

kool place fast service and good prices wish they would go 24 hours

The Red Caboose - hotdogs - Updated September 2026

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•$$

My daughter wanted Cane's after her dance class. This location is about four minutes from where…read moreshe dances, Amie's Dance Academy (ADA). Canes is always pretty decent. I came in around 6:00 on a Tuesday in July. There were a fair amount of people for the dinner crowd. There was a guy, I assume was the manager, was a really good leader. This gentleman took control of the floor. He was really positive with the staff and fun towards the customers. He was flipping cups, singing, and bringing a ton of positive energy. My daughter and I split the Caniac, which was decent for two people. Six decent sized chicken strips, fries, bread, two cane sauces, and a large drink. Everything came out tasting real good.

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