Choo Choo BBQ is a beloved barbecue restaurant that has been serving up mouthwatering smoked meats and classic Southern sides since its inception in 1976. Founded by pit master and BBQ enthusiast, John Wilkins, the restaurant has grown from a humble roadside stand to a regional chain with multiple locations across Tennessee and neighboring states.
Over the years, Choo Choo BBQ has built a reputation for its authentic, slow-smoked barbecue, which is prepared using time-honored recipes and cooking methods. The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and meticulous smoking process ensures that every bite is bursting with rich, smoky flavors that keep customers coming back for more.
While the core menu offerings remain consistent across all Choo Choo BBQ locations, each restaurant boasts its own unique flair and specialties. From the original smokehouse in Harrison, TN, to the bustling downtown outpost in Chattanooga, each location offers a slightly different take on classic barbecue dishes, reflecting the local tastes and preferences of the community it serves.
Signature BBQ Plates
Choo Choo BBQ’s signature plates are the epitome of mouthwatering, slow-smoked barbecue perfection. The Pulled Pork Plate is a fan favorite, featuring tender, juicy pork shoulder that has been smoked for hours over hickory wood until it practically melts in your mouth. Each plate comes generously piled high with the succulent pulled pork, accompanied by a tangy, house-made barbecue sauce that perfectly complements the rich, smoky flavor of the meat.
For those seeking a true barbecue extravaganza, the Trainwreck Plate is an absolute must-try. This colossal platter features a hearty sampling of Choo Choo BBQ’s finest meats, including pulled pork, smoked chicken, and tender beef brisket. Each protein is expertly seasoned and smoked to perfection, ensuring a delightful interplay of flavors and textures with every bite.
Regardless of your chosen plate, you can expect it to be served with a delightful array of classic Southern sides, such as creamy coleslaw, baked beans with a hint of smoky sweetness, and velvety mac-n-cheese that will have you dreaming of seconds. And, of course, no barbecue experience would be complete without the addition of warm, buttery cornbread – the perfect accompaniment to soak up every last drop of that savory barbecue sauce.
BBQ Sandwiches
Choo Choo BBQ’s menu boasts a mouthwatering selection of BBQ sandwiches, each crafted with tender, slow-smoked meats and served on fresh, locally-sourced bread. The Pulled Pork Sandwich is a classic favorite, featuring juicy pulled pork piled high on a soft brioche bun and topped with tangy coleslaw and a drizzle of the restaurant’s signature BBQ sauce.
For those seeking a heartier option, the Brisket Sandwich is a must-try. Thick slices of perfectly smoked brisket are piled onto a toasted sourdough bread, complemented by creamy horseradish sauce and crispy fried onion strings. The Smoked Turkey Sandwich offers a lighter alternative, with succulent smoked turkey breast nestled between slices of whole wheat bread, topped with a zesty cranberry aioli and crisp lettuce.
Vegetarians can indulge in the Smoked Portobello Sandwich, featuring a meaty grilled portobello mushroom cap, roasted red peppers, and a tangy vegan aioli on a soft pretzel bun. For a truly indulgent experience, the Triple Threat Sandwich combines pulled pork, smoked brisket, and smoked turkey, all piled high on a toasted ciabatta roll and slathered with a house-made Carolina mustard sauce.
Sides and Extras
At Choo Choo BBQ, the sides and extras are just as tantalizing as the mouthwatering meats. Complement your BBQ plate or sandwich with a selection of classic Southern sides, each bursting with flavor and made from scratch daily.
One of the most popular sides is the creamy and tangy Cole Slaw, a perfect accompaniment to the smoky BBQ flavors. The Baked Beans are another fan favorite, slow-cooked to perfection with a hint of sweetness and a touch of smokiness. For those who love cheesy goodness, the Mac-n-Cheese is a must-try, with its velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta.
But that’s not all – Choo Choo BBQ also offers a variety of other tempting sides, including crispy Fried Okra, savory Potato Salad, and fluffy Cornbread Muffins, perfect for soaking up every last drop of delicious BBQ sauce.
These sides are available for purchase individually, so you can mix and match to create your perfect BBQ feast. Prices for individual sides range from $2.99 to $4.99, depending on the item, making it easy to indulge in your favorite flavors without breaking the bank.
Bulk and To-Go Options
For those looking to feed a crowd or stock up on delicious BBQ, Choo Choo BBQ offers a range of bulk and to-go options that are sure to satisfy. Whether you’re planning a backyard gathering, office party, or family reunion, their party-sized pans and bulk meats are the perfect solution.
Indulge in their signature Pulled Pork or Brisket by the pound, available in generous portions that can feed a small army. The Pulled Pork is slow-smoked to perfection, infusing every bite with a rich, smoky flavor that melts in your mouth. The Brisket, on the other hand, is a testament to their pit masters’ skills, boasting a tender, juicy texture and a deep, robust flavor that will have you coming back for more.
For those who can’t get enough of their mouthwatering sides, Choo Choo BBQ offers party-sized pans of their fan-favorite offerings. Imagine a whole pan of their creamy Mac-n-cheese, perfectly complementing the smoky goodness of their meats. Or, perhaps you’re in the mood for their tangy Cole Slaw or the hearty Baked Beans, both of which are available in generous portions that will keep your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Pricing for their bulk and to-go options is remarkably affordable, making it easy to cater to any size group without breaking the bank. Whether you need to feed a handful of people or an entire neighborhood, Choo Choo BBQ has you covered with their convenient and delicious bulk offerings.
Daily Specials and Combos
At Choo Choo BBQ, variety and value are at the forefront of their daily specials and combo meals. These offerings provide a delightful change of pace for regular patrons and an enticing introduction for first-time visitors.
One of the standout specials is the Lunch Special, available from 11 AM to 3 PM. This budget-friendly option includes a hearty portion of your choice of smoked meat, such as pulled pork, brisket, or chicken, accompanied by two sides and a soft drink. It’s the perfect midday pick-me-up for those seeking a satisfying and flavorful meal without breaking the bank.
For those with heartier appetites, the Pitmaster’s Platter is a must-try. This colossal combo features a generous sampling of Choo Choo BBQ’s finest smoked meats, including ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and smoked sausage. Accompanied by a choice of three sides and cornbread, it’s a feast fit for a true pitmaster.
Vegetarians need not feel left out, as Choo Choo BBQ offers a delectable Veggie Combo. This meatless marvel includes a savory combination of grilled vegetables, baked beans, and a choice of two additional sides, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the flavors of the smokehouse.
Variety is the spice of life, and Choo Choo BBQ’s daily specials and combos exemplify this philosophy. From the budget-friendly Lunch Special to the indulgent Pitmaster’s Platter, and the inclusive Veggie Combo, there’s something to tantalize every palate and satisfy every craving.
Other Menu Items
Beyond the iconic BBQ plates and sandwiches, Choo Choo BBQ offers a variety of other tantalizing menu items that are sure to delight. For those craving a different kind of smoky goodness, the restaurant’s wings are a must-try. Perfectly smoked and coated in your choice of signature sauces, these wings are a crowd-pleaser.
Ribs are another Choo Choo BBQ specialty, with both baby back and St. Louis-style options available. Slow-smoked to perfection and basted with a flavorful dry rub, these ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with smoky goodness.
For a lighter option, the fried chicken tenders are a great choice. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these tenders are accompanied by your choice of dipping sauces, ensuring a delightful flavor experience with every bite.
Choo Choo BBQ’s sauces are a highlight in themselves. From the tangy and slightly sweet Original BBQ sauce to the fiery Habanero Hot sauce, each sauce is carefully crafted to complement the smoky flavors of the meats. Additionally, the restaurant offers unique sauces like the Alabama White Sauce, a creamy, mayonnaise-based sauce with a tangy kick.
Location-Specific Offerings
While Choo Choo BBQ maintains a consistent menu across its locations, some outlets offer unique items or services that cater to local preferences and demands. One such location is the Smokehouse in Harrison, TN, which boasts a few specialty offerings that set it apart.
For those seeking a heartier meal, the Smokehouse serves up a delectable Pitmaster Platter, a massive spread featuring a generous sampling of smoked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, accompanied by a variety of sides and cornbread. This platter is perfect for sharing or tackling solo if you’re feeling particularly ravenous.
Another standout item is the Smokehouse Sampler, a combination platter that allows you to sample a variety of smoked meats, from succulent brisket to tender pulled chicken, all slathered in Choo Choo BBQ’s signature sauces. This sampler is an excellent choice for those who can’t decide which meats to indulge in.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Smokehouse offers a rotating selection of homemade desserts, such as pecan pie, banana pudding, and cobbler, made fresh daily using locally sourced ingredients. These decadent treats are the perfect way to cap off a satisfying BBQ feast.
Lastly, the Smokehouse in Harrison, TN, offers on-site smoking services, allowing customers to bring in their own meats and have them smoked to perfection by the skilled pitmasters. This unique service is ideal for those hosting large gatherings or simply looking to enjoy the authentic flavor of smoked meats at home.
Conclusion
Choo Choo BBQ’s menu is a delectable journey through the world of authentic, slow-smoked BBQ. With a tantalizing array of succulent meats, flavorful sides, and unique location-specific offerings, it caters to every BBQ enthusiast’s cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty plate piled high with pulled pork, brisket, and ribs, or a satisfying sandwich loaded with tender meat and tangy sauces, Choo Choo BBQ delivers an unforgettable dining experience.
Don’t just take our word for it – visit your nearest Choo Choo BBQ location and savor the smoky goodness for yourself. Alternatively, browse their online menu to plan your next order, or inquire about their convenient catering services for your upcoming event. Embrace the irresistible allure of Choo Choo BBQ and embark on a flavorful adventure that will leave you craving for more.