Watertown food: Unique BBQ, blackberry wine part of attraction for train, event visitors
Watertown may be a small town of about 1,550 residents just east of Nashville, but it's also a destination.
The town is a regular stop for the Tennessee Railway Museum excursion trains that can bring more than 500 visitors on Saturdays. Special events like the fall and spring mile-long yard sales and a summer jazz festival also bring in crowds.
Food and drink options may not be many, but they can be part of the charm and a draw on their own.
So next time Watertown makes an appearance on the itinerary, check out these go-to options:
Depot Junction Café, 108 Depot Street: Barbecue made in-house with a homemade barbecue sauce is in high demand on the excursion trains and bigger events. Lead cook and co-owner James Stephens boils Boston Butts and pulls the pork by hand, mixing it with his own sweet and tangy sauce, wife and co-owner Debbie Stephens said. It’s offered as a dinner with two vegetables, on a sandwich or even as a barbecue potato. The restaurant seats 250 and usually turns over a table three times on train and event days.
DelMonaco Watertown, 131 Depot Street: DelMonaco, which became established with a location in Baxter, opened a satellite location in Watertown for the excursion trains and events. DelMonaco sponsors the wine-tasting rides. Blackberry Sweet ($21.46 a bottle and $8.20 per glass) is a popular wine made with all blackberries, no grapes, for a taste that compares to blackberry jam. Blackberry Sweet is sometimes mixed with lemonade and can be poured on top of wine slushies, assistant manager Mason Hess said. Also on the menu is the Conductor’s Blend with a train on the label and a back that looks like a ticket, specifically geared toward the Tennessee Railway Museum’s excursion trains.
La Cocina Mexican Restaurante, 8484 Sparta Pike: Fajitas served on a skillet with chicken, shrimp, steak and mixed options is a draw along with the Guacamole Casero. Another option is the Jim’s Nachos with grilled chicken, melted cheese and rice named for a customer at another La Cocina restaurant.
The Adopted Farmhouse Coffee Co., 100 Public Square: This establishment specializes in quick grab-and-go sandwich and bakery options for train riders – often to match different excursion train themes. A pre-set menu is sometimes available on the train to help riders preorder or know what they want on arrival, co-owner Ali O’Reel said. The Antique Jim’s Honey Bourbon Latte is a popular beverage option.
Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Unique BBQ, blackberry wine among Watertown's notable food spots
