Rick Markey
We spotted the Choo Choo Bar & Grill on the way to our RV campground which was nearby. I’m a railfan, so the fact that Choo Choo Bar & Grill was backed up against Union Pacific’s Itasca Yard was intriguing, plus neither of us had ever seen a bar & grill that serves breakfast!
We decided to give it a try and showed up a bit after 9 AM on a Tuesday morning. From 9 AM, when the bar opens, until 10 AM when a waitress comes on duty, the owner is also the waiter, cook, bartender, and dishwasher. You may find the service a bit slow during that first hour, but you won’t be disappointed by the food or the atmosphere.
I ordered the Garbage Hash Browns and my wife ordered the Eggs Benedict. The food was delicious and the portions are large enough to satisfy any appetite. We liked it so much that we came back the next morning when I had the Garbage Omelet and my wife had the Garbage Hash Browns. The menu says they make their own pizza dough and sauce, and they offer gluten free pizza plus gluten free pizza fries! Unfortunately we couldn’t hang around a few more days to sample more of the menu, but next time we’re back in the area, Choo Choo Bar and Grill will be our first stop. Breakfast along with coffee for two people cost us around $35 both days which we felt was a good bargain.
On our second trip we had time to speak with the owner who told us some of the history of the bar. The restaurant was originally just an old Pullman car that has been added on to numerous times. Even thought the bar and grill has been there for many years, the inside appears almost brand new. Sadly the rail yard is behind the bar so you don’t get to watch trains while you eat. That doesn’t stop you from taking photos or shooting video before or after you eat.
Do not hesitate to give the Choo Choo Bar & Grill a try. You won’t be disappointed.
… moreAdam Lang
This used to be the best place for breakfast. No longer is that the case. First, the bloodies, which are still arguably the best in the northland didn’t come with hot crispy bacon. Cold bacon which was tough adorned our drinks. Second, the hashbrowns were severely undercooked and was like eating raw potatoes. The sausage gravy was lukewarm and coagulated. The bacon in the omlettes was rubbery and also cold. It really made me sad to see this once awesome breakfast spot no longer providing quality food. The waitress and bartender seemed nice but didn’t inquire why no one finished even half their plates. I felt like saying something and certainly should have, but I was too stunned when being disappointed by the once king of local breakfasts. Also, I really miss the classic rock that they always played on the weekend mornings. Now, just new country. The family and I are going to check out new places for weekend breakfast. Choo Choo, you had a great run and I’ll miss you. If I hear about improvements, I’ll give it another shot.
… moreBorat “Borat the Great” From Kazakhstan
One of the best bigger I ever had. Their Choo choo burger better then across the street burgers. Delicious fries. Cheese curds are awesome. Beer is good. Cheaper burger then across the street. Food tasted like at home. This place all 5 star for sure. Cheaper too.
… morePatti Rowray
Myself and friends stopped here and had the best service and fun! The owner Brian was so nice and the bartenders Cierra and Briana make a mean Bloody Mary! Highly Recommend!
… moreMiss S
*Our food was very different compared to other photos and the actual menu they give you.. If there is a menu change then customers should be told. Overall, it was an unimpressive meal stop that we felt a bit mislead on. It was our first visit here. *
There is one low top table there.
We started with the tater kegs. They were tasty but slightly frozen in the middle. There were only 4 or 5 (i can’t remember) that came in the basket so not a lot. The Pickle Ranch ruined their flavor though. It was terrible.. and no we did NOT order pickle ranch, that’s apparently just how they make it even though the menu says “ranch.” We had ordered 2 “ranches,” and got charged for them even though we didn’t eat them because they were gross.
We got burgers. I was expecting a ½lb hand patty but there were two ¼lb patties stacked on the bacon cheeseburger and one ¼lb patty & two ⅛lb patties on to the Wisconsin burger…?? I’m not sure if that’s how it was meant to be a another photo doesn’t show that. The patties tasted similar to Sam’s Club burger patties. They weren’t terrible but lacked flavor and dripped in fat. The fries were not thick cut, they were shoestring fries. They had good flavor but we went there because of the photos of the thick cut fries and I personally don’t like shoestring fries so to pay an extra $3.99 for something I, once again, thought I was getting was disappointing. The chips were good. The coleslaw was creamy and sweet.
… moreRichie C. (mooseprime)
Ordered the Olive Burger basket. Burger was really good! The onion rings are okay, and the only thing that I feel is missing from most places like this that serve onion rings is a good dipping sauce specifically for them.
… morektext
Went here based on a recommendation. The bloody was good. The bartender was nice and let us sit outside since we had our pup, although this isn’t standard practice. The food was AWFUL. They have a new cook we were told, and he jacked it all up, soggy, greasy hashbrowns, hard eggs (not runny yolks as ordered), and I can’t even explain the omlette. Everything was cold to boot.
… moreJessica Lundgren
Best breakfast EVER! Current owner Brian is the absolute best cook!! Best Bloody Mary I’ve ever had!
… moreJackie Fletcher
Went on a Saturday for breakfast. Waited over 15 minutes just to get a drink and I was sitting at the bar. It wasn’t busy at all. Plenty of open seating. When I tried to order food, the bartender tried to talk me out of ordering because the kitchen was busy. Okay and? Must not want my money. Food only took 15 minutes to come out and it tasted good. Bloody Mary was great. If the bartender wasn’t rude they’d probably get 4 or 5 stars.
… moreNissel Buringrud
It’s a good pub to go to. It’s clean and airy. Food is good, nice environment, quiet and easy to find.
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