Look, I was skeptical when I saw the Restaurant Week special that Watson’s Shack and Rail was offering. “That’s a bold choice” was the phrase that came to mind. However, since I’m generally trusting of whatever Watson’s wants to dish up for me, I decided to give it a try.
I had an feeling it was going to be a very generous portion, so my spouse and I decided we would split it, and that turned out to be a very good idea. The Sauce Boss was a beast. It was a full plate of garlic spaghetti, topped with a thin, breaded chicken cutlet that took up the entire plate. The stripes you see are comprised of marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and vodka sauce. Had I ordered this by myself, I probably could’ve gotten three meals out of it.
I didn’t taste much garlic in the spaghetti, but with all of the sauce going on, it might have been overpowered. The breading was crunchy, the chicken was tender, and all of the sauces/coverings were tasty. I think my favorite portion may have been the melty mozz. The dish is $22, but it really is a ton of food. It’s dine in only, and served after 4 p.m.
Watson’s has a bourbon special happening this week as well. They’ve collaborated with Big Grove Tavern and Punch! on a shared bourbon barrel with a 6-year, 108 proof high rye Huling Station bourbon by Old Dominick Distillery. Alyssa sampled the drink Punch! made with the bourbon. Watson’s is making a Huling Sour, which is both sweet and tart but not too much of either. We also tried the bourbon neat. It was rich and caramelly. You can get the cocktail or a double pour of the bourbon for $14.
During Restaurant Week, they are selling bottles for $60. After this week the price will go up to $69, and they will sell them until they run out.
Watson’s Shack & Rail
211 N Neil Street
Champaign
M 4 to 9 p.m.
Tu 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
W-Sa 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Su 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.