By: Bob Pest
FoxCreek BBQ was chosen Best BBQ by Eye on Independence readers who participated in the first annual Best of Batesville restaurant survey last spring. Interestingly, FoxCreek was closed during that period of time as the Daum family began work on renovating and restoring the historic railroad depot at 129 Lawrence Street in preparation for their move. So apparently, people are so satisfied with their ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, BBQ nachos, and other menu items that they were willing to be patient for a few months during the move from the parking lot on St. Louis Street.
The wait was well worth it. The “new” Fox Creek BBQ at the Depot is a welcome and impressive addition to the dining options in and around downtown Batesville. The Daums and their energetic staff have given the long-neglected depot a fresh start: the brick columns look like new after a painstakingly meticulous cleaning; the walls are decorated with colorful posters, classic country album covers, railroad memorabilia, and fascinating photographs from a simpler era; and while the renovation has created a bright, cheery dining environment, the building itself retains its historic integrity.
The “new” FoxCreek menu offers a total of seven BBQ dinner options, all served with beans and either cole slaw or potato salad. The pulled pork is exceptionally lean and rich in smoky flavor. The sliced beef brisket is equally flavorful and moist. Other dinners options include pulled chicken, a half BBQ chicken, 100% beef bratwurst or smoked sausage, and a combo plate with a choice of two meats. Dinners are priced surprisingly low at $7.99, except for the half BBQ chicken at 8.99.
Baby Back Rib dinners are also served with beans and either slaw or potato salad. Three choices are available—a “regular” order for $8.99, a full rack for $18.99, and ribs for two for $17.99. Bill Daum’s ribs are almost legendary and certainly rank among the best in the region. His homemade sauces, both mild and hot, provide the perfect complement to his succulent, “meat falling from the bones” ribs.
Lunch selections are built around the BBQ meats. Sandwiches include pulled pork, sliced beef brisket, pulled chicken, brats, and smoked sausage. Both regular and jumbo sizes are available, also reasonably priced from $3.99 to $5.49. Sandwiches are served with fresh, homemade chips. Among the other choices are hamburgers and cheeseburgers, both priced at $5.25 and served with chips; BBQ salad; and BBQ nachos, with a choice of pulled pork or chicken. Family packs of BBQ are available for those evenings when nobody in the family wants to cook.
They include a pound of meat, either pork or chicken; two sides (pint of beans, potato salad, or cole slaw); six buns; and BBQ sauce. The family packs are quite affordable at $17.59, and the take-home convenience is priceless. FoxCreek also does catering. For groups of fifty or more, a two-meat plate (pork, chicken, or beef) is $15; one meat selection is $10. Beans, potato
salad, cole slaw, and iced tea are included. Call 698-0034 for pricing for
fewer than fifty people.
In closing I must add that I have been impressed with Bill and Jane Daum and their approach to this new venture. Their staff is well-trained, cordial, and helpful. Their future plans include live music on weekends; the piano and small stage are ready and waiting. Their menu is a work in progress, likely to evolve as regular customers express their dining interests. For now they are moving forward deliberately, with their ears and eyes open. I appreciate the time they have taken to answer my questions and share their vision. Batesville is extremely fortunate to have FoxCreek BBQ at the Depot. FoxCreek is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. I hope to see you there soon.
