Train Wreck Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Burlington

There is a place, just off the tracks in Burlington, where the railroad’s old spirit lingers in the scent of mesquite smoke curling through a tavern doorway. A place where the barkeep remembers your name, where the laughter from the old wooden booths feels like it’s been there for decades, and where a man (or woman) might discover what it truly means to eat well.

🥃 The Brisket Fritters

There are fritters. And then, there are these fritters. House-smoked brisket, braised until it falls into tender confessions, kissed with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut, wrapped in a crisp, golden shell that shatters like a promise when you bite into it. They arrive with horseradish cream, daring you to take one more, knowing full well you will.

🦪 The Fried Oysters

Outside, the Skagit rain might drum on your windshield, but inside, a plate of fried oysters—fresh, briny, cloaked in a delicate crunch—transports you to the salt air and cold Pacific winds. These are not timid oysters; they are confident, served with the reverence they deserve, paired with a lemon wedge and a moment of quiet appreciation before the next bite.

🍞 The In-House Bakery: Daily Miracles

And then there is the bakery. Rolls, buns, and loaves emerge warm, perfumed with yeast and butter, ready to cradle the daily specials—perhaps the slow-roasted pulled pork sandwich, perhaps the brisket on a pillow-soft bun, each bite a reminder that bread can still taste like something worth slowing down for.

Do not leave without inquiring about the special of the day—it may be a smoked meat that has been tending the smoker since dawn, a chowder made with the morning’s catch, or a cheesecake that whispers of bourbon and vanilla.

🍰 A Sweet Epilogue

If you see the Atomic Brownie or crème brûlée in the case, consider it a personal invitation from the universe. The brownie, layered with Oreo and cookie dough, pairs well with your last sip of coffee. The crème brûlée cracks under your spoon with the softest protest before yielding to custard beneath.

⸻

Why You Go

Because the world needs fewer hurried meals, and more places where a simple lunch or dinner becomes a small legend you will retell, even if only to yourself, on the quiet drive back toward...

Friday night at 8 pm ; We sat ourselves and there was no wait either. First time into this bar and it was definitely unique. Our booth was made out of a tree trunk. Our waitress was very cordial and got our drinks quickly. The hot rums were very delicious, and the gummy bear cocktail had no alcohol taste to it (tasted like a yummy lemonade, so it hid the alcohol well). We asked her many questions about the menu and she was very helpful. Such as; elk vs beef, about the pastrami, questions regarding gluten free / lactose free options, and about salads. Our appetizers came out quickly. The sweet potato fries were hot, crispy and fresh. The mango chili sauce was an awesome compliment to the fries. I got the clam chowder as an appetizer. It wasn't my favorite since the soup wasn't hot, and could have been thicker, but it still tasted good. The cheese curds were great; the red dipping sauce definitely had a unique and tangy flavor to it. We were split on our feelings about it. The food came shortly thereafter and we got 4 knockout meals. The one meal that wasn't as good was the crab cakes. My sister in law had to change the order a lot due to her dietary restrictions and she didn't like how her meal turned out. My wife's grilled cheese was oozing, on thick toasted bread, and the gouda made it extra soft and creamy. The tomato soup was very cheesy as well and the thick soup made the basil flavor shine. My elk burger (first time trying elk) was cooked to perfection, and the bacon on there was thick, and had a nice fatty flavor to compliment a leaner meat. My mother in law was in love with her reuben, especially the sauce that came on it. The salmon Cobb salad that my father in law got looked tasty; he loved it. The portions were massive so we all got to take home some food so we could get two meals for the price of one. Overall, a chill atmosphere, good drinks, great food, quick and friendly service, Friday night; this was definitely a five star experience and we will be back for more train wrecks...

Rolled in about 915 on a tue, unaware that they closed at 10. We were greeted promptly at the bar, if not a little hurriedly and was immediately impressed with the decor and booze selection. Whoever put this place together has some taste. The bartender was a little frustrated when my wife was himming and hawing about a drink, so I ordered a beer and an app while we sorted things out. Food came out quickly and the ginger soy sauce on the wings could solve some of the peace problems in the middle east. Bartender came back a few more times, obv in a bit of a hurry and it was then we figured out they must be closing soon. I was a little put off with the rush, so I skipped the entree and the wife ordered a wine and salad, which she reported was amazing. With a half a dozen people still in the bar they started breaking things down and cleaning up, even wiping down the bar 6" from us while we're enjoying our dinner, a little tacky in my opinion... you can always tell when the bartender has some skin in the game or they're just hired help.

Some takeaways: Ambiance is great. Would have loved to hear about the history. Someone spent some money on this on this place and it deserves be celebrated. Food was incredible and as mentioned before there's something to drink for everyone. It's a bit pricey, $67 bucks for an app, salad and a couple of drinks, but you have to pay for #1 and 2 somehow. They even had my favorite tequila, Clase Azul anjeo, but priced way, WAY out of my league at $350/shot, on a $600 (retail) bottle. Yikes.

Service was a bit off putting, especially at that price point. I get it, you're young, tired of working and it's time to unwind, but when I see you at the bar next door after close, I had to chuckle at your hurry, you could have at least had a hot date or something. With a little more class our $75 tab would have probably been $150.

We'll definitely be back, but if time is short we'll prob head somewhere...