I second the Knowlwood Burgers in Fullerton. Sit on the west side, looking south across Harbor Blvd. for best views. Big, sloppy burgers & sandwiches. Try the hot ham sandwich & a Coors Light. The OLD, ORIGINAL Knowlwood in Anaheim Hills, on Imperial Hwy. @ Orangethorpe, was my personal favorite. Screened - in patio facing the Santa Fe 3rd District gave you sensurround of trains whistling for the crossing. The new restaurant on the same site just hasn't the same ambiance. Food's still great, though.
In the Puget Sound area, I like Gordo's Burgers,in Seattle on Shilsole Way West of the Ballard Locks. I discovered it by following the Ballard Terminal crew; their interchange with BNSF is a few steps behind the shack. GREAT Onion Rings. Southbound trains often hold here for the Ballard Drawbridge and for entry to Interbay Yard. Lotsa times, I will buy @ Gordo's & park in the private restaurant lot,( banquets only ) just East of the bridge.
Seattle Super Smoke, on Lander between 1st & 4th Aves South. Good BBQ, share a seat with BNSF officials. Their M of W headquarters are just North on Occidental. Good views of mainline; watch the local switch the Rabanco Garbage Reload all day. MMMNNNNN, GOOD !!!
Several good places in Puyallup, WA, hard by the BNSF main; Trackside Pizza, on Meridian @ Stewart.Preppy Pizza, kinda pricey. South wall of the building is the BNSF Property line. Also Stortini's, on East Main @ Hwy. 410; Italian food & mainline views from south - facing booths.
In Tacoma, South of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, there's Titlow Beach Tavern, at the end of 6th Ave. Great French Dip & fries. Across the tracks, on the old ferry boat pier, is Salty's Seafood. Both places have great views of the Bridge, BNSF / UP Mainline, & the Sound.
I also second the report on the food @ The Issac Walton Inn, Essex, MT. Kinda pricey, but they're the only game in town. Can't beat the view from the front porch. Buy a sack lunch, sit back & relax.