| rev:text
| - TL;DR (out of 5):
Watson's Shack & Rail is one of the newer establishments to grace Champaign, serving up a perplexing combination of the dynamic, expertly executed alongside wistfully disappointing classics. While the decor and service excel in creating a homely welcome, the foundation of the restaurant (the food) resembles a sinkhole supported by a handful of titanium supports (weird, I know). Would I return to Watson's? Sure, but it definitely won't be for the chicken.
Food: 2-5
Atmosphere: 4
Price: 3
Service: 4
Decor: 3
I think I came to Watson's about a month after it first opened with some friends. We started with the crab hushpuppies and, after hearing exalting reviews of their frozen drinks and fried chicken, we each ordered some combination of fried/hot chicken and a different slushie. The hushpuppies were delicious, although a bit dense, with a good amount of crab and comeback sauce to cut through the heaviness. The drinks, on the other hand, were mediocre; each focused on a "special" ingredient (such as carrots, chocolate donuts, etc), but lacked a balance and subtleness. I could still taste a kind of well-liquor bitterness at the end of each cocktail. Nonetheless, I still looked forward to the supposed highlight of the meal - the chicken! But the chicken itself wasn't all that great either. Mine was under-seasoned and half-overcooked; to be honest, I think all the chicken needed was a pinch or two of salt. The seasoning was apparent, but without the salt, all I tasted was some heat mixed with a kind of chalkiness. Disappointing...
Over my next two trips, I tried some crackling (fried pig skin), hot chicken, and chicken and waffles. What confused me was that the crackling was alarmingly salty, while the chicken was (again) under salted and lacking flavor.
Then, after hearing about a change of menu, I visited again (why do I do this to myself?). a friend and I ordered some slushies, which were much better tasting - sweet, tangy, flavorful - and split an appetizer of crispy brussel sprouts. They were amazing! Perfectly crispy without being charred, sitting atop a base of curry aioli that complimented the sprouts beautifully. Similarly, the sides I ordered (coconut curry mashed potatoes and collared greens) were exquisite and innovative - the mash was creamy with a kick of heat and slight sweetness from the coconut, and the greens were tender but not mushy. But yet again, the chicken was completely lacking in salt. Why?? I just don't understand it. Yes, I added salt from the table, but it's not the same. Salt helps the seasoning/batter to flavor the chicken; it even helps a bit with making the chicken juicy. But I don't like having to salt my own food or slather it in sauce to make it taste good. (And btw, I'm definitely not one of those people who eats food that's covered in salt. I just like my food with flavor.)
Anyways... Like I said, I would go back to Watson's, but for their sides and appetizers and drinks, not their chicken. Or maybe I'll order the chicken with extra salt.
Crab Hushpuppies: $8
Crispy Brussel Sprouts: $8
Half Chicken: $16
2 Sides: $6
Chicken & Waffles: $14
Hot Chicken: $12
Slushie Cocktail: $6
Slushie Flight: $7
#NotSaltyAtAll
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