Where to Find Good Barbecue in La Crosse, Wisconsin

As a BBQ lover, I know that I make some really great ribs and brisket at home, at least my family and friends seem to like it. However, there are times when I want to go out with friends and enjoy a great meal without the hassle of cooking at home. The problem is that I live near La Crosse, Wisconsin, which is certainly not known for its BBQ restaurants. Fortunately, there is one place where I can get my fix. Keep in mind that we do have a Famous Dave's in our area, and though they serve some tasty BBQ, I prefer to frequent locally owned restaurants.

You know you are going to eat a great meal when you pull up to the Train Station BBQ as the aroma from the slow cooked meats fills several blocks. The restaurant derives its name from the fact that it is located in the old freight house portion of the Milwaukee Road passenger station, still in use by Amtrak today. Those that enjoy both good food and train watching will get their fill of both as the restaurant is situated along the busy CP Rail mainline and the dining room is filled with photos of railroading in the area.

Of course, it is not the decor nor the scenery that draws me to the Train Station BBQ, it is the wonderful southern style barbecue they serve, from brisket to to pulled pork to ribs. I have made it a point to try something different with each visit, and after a dozen visits in the past year I have yet to be disappointed. Even the desserts they offer are incredible. If you have enough room after your meal you must try the Belgian Chocolate Cheesecake!

So far my favorite item for lunch is the Pulled Brisket sandwich for $5.95 and for dinner a full rack of ribs for $21.95 (not cheap, but well worth every penny). Each dish has its own style of sauce, and though I prefer the brisket sauce, both add that necessary bit of spice to the wonderfully slow cooked meat. They also sell all of their slow cooked meats by the pound so you can take some home and enjoy it any time you like, and during the holidays they offer roasted Turkey for your holiday meal.

The goodness doesn't stop with the main dish as the southern style side dishes are all so good it is hard to choose only one, though my favorites seem to be the Sweet Potato Casserole and the warm cornbread. I have also enjoyed the potato wedges and the baked beans, and Pa's Potato Salad simply cannot be beat. I am told the slaw is really good as well, but an allergy prevents me from trying that.

I can honestly say that although this may not be the best BBQ in the world, it is the best I can find in the La Crosse, Wisconsin area. For the record, I lived in Kansas City, Missouri for several months this year, and though I miss the range of choices in BBQ restaurants, I can still enjoy the flavor right here at home.