Choo Choo BBQ Xpress — Restaurant in Bluffton

Strolled through as part of a three state Barbecue crawl. We arrived about 25 minutes before closing and planned on a hit and run, getting a ton of to go plates to sample back at the hotel. Immediately upon exiting our vehicle (hadn't even shut our car doors), a guy cleaning up outside tables yelled to us "We're closing, if you want anything, you're gonna get it to go" and walked inside. Didn't wait for a reply from us, didn't engage in any sort of customer service. So we just left. I'd rather not toss money toward someone that obviously doesn't want it. We had heard good things about the food from this rickety railcar, and this was the last planned stop for the day. After trekking a few hundred miles that day, we just settled on IHOP, at least they were happy to assist.

**The reply to this review is indicative of the customer service that was displayed. Had we been welcomed as customers (or even just received a simple greeting) instead of being treated as an inconvenience, we’d have gladly came in and ordered a few to-go dishes. As mentioned, he doesn’t need our business, we’re just lowly traveling barbecue aficionados…the place’s reviews from the golf cart tourists of Hilton Head...

Once I saw the name I knew I had to try the Choo Choo BBQ. It's billed as a train themed restaurant. I'm not gonna lie, I had visions of electric trains delivering our lunches dancing in my mind, but alas, it was not to be. There are some electric trains, but they are not moving. There is other train related brick-a-brack about the place but nothing that inspiring. There is a train car, but I am guessing that was actually the kitchen and was on the other side of the smoker from where guest seating is arranged. The food was okay. I really enjoyed the baked beans but the mac&cheese was a let down. The pulled pork sandwich was nice and there was a choice of 4 BBQ sauces. Drinks come in cans and bottles, so no fountain drinks refills here. Last was the price: $12 for a sandwich and two sides. Another $1 (I think) for the can of Coke. Honestly, a bit too much for the size and quality of the meal. Then again, prices of everything these days are pretty crazy so I am not holding that against...

This is the best BBQ restaurant I have been to, with very caring ownership and help. The smokey flavor all their food has - is perfect, incredibly delicious. It's not overwhelming or underwhelming - perfect. You add one of a # of barbecue sauces sitting on the tables if you eat in for either the sweetness you want or heat. If you take out - they will give you the sauce you want on the side to take home. Brisket, ribs, pulled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, 1/2 chicken on the bone, etc. You can order anything they have for carry out. The cooking is done in a neat old red railroad car. The eating takes place in a small building with 2 rooms. It is a great and unique experience to visit and either eat in or carry out from Choo Choo. Choo Choo brings the type of flavor to Bluffton that I like. (pun intended) Try it, but keep your eyes open to see it on Burnt Church Road as Choo Choo is set back from the road. Look...