Watson’s Shack & Rail Menu (Update 2025)
The brand Watson’s Shack & Rail in Champaign, IL offers a trendy dining experience with a focus on delicious fried chicken. With a diverse menu including options like Crab Hushpuppies, Fried Okra, and the Watson's Hot Chicken sandwich, this place knows how to do comfort food right. The atmosphere is casual and hip, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Customers rave about the generous portion sizes and flavorful dishes, such as the Chelsea's Shameless Plea and Firecracker Shrimp Po' Boy. The standout menu items like the Corn Riblets and Carolina Gold sauce add a unique twist to classic Southern American cuisine. With attentive service and creative cocktails like the Watsons Famous Wabbit, Watson’s Shack & Rail is a must-visit for anyone craving tasty comfort food in a lively setting.
Table Snacks
Gravy Fries
Potato wedges, Ropp's cheese curds, chicken gravy. Add fried or pulled chicken for an additional charge.
Fried Wings
Tossed in carolina gold or Buffalo sauce.
Crab Hushpuppies
Comeback sauce, scallions, lemon.
Fried Brussels Sprouts
Shallots, spiced aioli.
Firecracker Shrimp
6 panko breaded tiger shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy firecracker sauce.
Fried Okra
Served with house-made Watson's white sauce.
Pimento Cheese and Crackers
Prairie fruit farms pimento cheese, saltines, bread, and butter pickles.
Full House Salad
Mixed greens, croutons, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheddar, choice of ranch or citrus vin. Add firecracker or grilled BBQ shrimp for an additional charge.
1/2 House Salad
Mixed greens, croutons, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheddar, choice of ranch or citrus vin. Add firecracker or grilled BBQ shrimp for an additional charge.
Chicken Sandwich
Fried chicken thigh or pulled spit-roasted chicken brioche bun, herb mayo, lettuce, pickles.
Watson's Hot Sandwich
Fried chicken thigh, Watson's hot dip, brioche bun, coleslaw, pickles, comeback sauce.
Du Velo Sandwich
Watson's hot fried chicken thigh, brioche bun, herb mayo, American cheese, crisped pork belly, fried egg.
Buffalo Starchild Sandwich
Fried chicken thigh, Buffalo sauce, bacon, black pepper ranch, blue cheese crumbles, lettuce.
Firecracker Shrimp Po' Boy
Panko breaded tiger shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy firecracker sauce, hoagie roll, lettuce, Roma tomato, red onion, and black pepper ranch.
Popcorn Tofu Po' Boy
Battered and fried organic tofu slices, hoagie roll, lettuce, red onion, pickles, and vegan remoulade.
Watson's Hot Fish Sandwich
Fried perch, Watson's hot dip, hoagie roll, coleslaw, pickles.
Sandwiches
Entrees
Watson's Rice Bowl
Dirty rice, pulled spit-roasted chicken or fried chicken tenders, fried egg, pickled okra, mixed greens, Watson's white sauce, scallions. Add sorghum glazed pork belly for an additional charge. Substitute 4 firecracker or 4 grilled BBQ shrimps for chicken for an additional charge.
Chelsea's Shameless Plea
Fried chicken, Belgian waffle, apple compote, whipped sorghum butter, maple syrup. Choice of white or dark meat. Add sorghum-glazed pork belly for an additional charge
Watson's Hot Chicken
Fried chicken dipped in our spicy Watson's hot, thick-cut dill pickles, potato wedges. Choice of white or dark meat.
Watson's White Chicken
Spit-roasted chicken dipped in our white sauce served with Texas toast and choice of side choice of white or dark meat.
Chicken & Andouille Gumbo
6 Piece Tender Basket
2 sauces. Served with wedges.
4 Piece Tender Basket
1 sauce. Served with wedges.
Spit Roasted Chicken
Choice of light or dark meat choice of 1 sauce choice of 1 side.
Chicken
Sides
Green Chili and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Potato Wedges
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Dirty Rice
Creamy Coleslaw
Ranch Sauce
Comeback Sauce
Watson's White Sauce
House made tangy white BBQ sauce.
Cherry-Cola BBQ Sauce
Carolina Gold Sauce
Sweet and tangy gold BBQ sauce.
Honey Mustard Sauce
Buffalo Sauce
Sauces
Dessert
Maple Bourbon Bread Pudding
Comes with caramel sauce.