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Ohio 'BBQ Tasting' Train Rides
Published: June 17, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway operates a wide variety of themed excursions throughout the year, offering visitors the opportunity to ride historic trains through the scenic hills of southeastern Ohio. Among its most popular special events is the “Starbrick BBQ Ribs and Wings Dinner Train,” a culinary-themed excursion that combines classic barbecue cuisine with a relaxing evening rail journey through the Hocking Valley.
A Heritage Railroad Experience
Founded in 1972, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway (HVSR) is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to preserving historic railroad equipment and operating educational train rides for the public. The organization runs its trains from a historic depot in Nelsonville, Ohio, along track originally constructed in the 19th century during the expansion of the region’s coal and industrial rail network.
Over the decades HVSR has developed a robust calendar of excursions that include regular scenic rides, holiday trains, fall foliage excursions, and specialty events such as dinner trains and interactive “train robbery” experiences. These themed trips help fund the preservation and maintenance of the railway’s historic equipment while offering unique entertainment for families and rail enthusiasts.
The Starbrick BBQ Dinner Train
Among the railway’s most distinctive food-themed experiences is the Starbrick BBQ Ribs and Wings Dinner Train, which partners with the popular local restaurant Starbrick BBQ to provide passengers with a hearty barbecue meal while traveling aboard a historic train.
This special excursion typically lasts about two hours and departs from the Nelsonville depot in the early evening. The train winds through the scenic countryside of southeastern Ohio while passengers enjoy their meal in vintage railcars.
The event is designed as a relaxed, family-friendly outing. Unlike some dinner trains that cater primarily to adults, the Starbrick BBQ excursion welcomes guests of all ages, making it a popular choice for families, groups of friends, and visitors exploring the nearby Hocking Hills region.
Menu and Dining Experience
A highlight of the train is the authentic barbecue menu provided by Starbrick BBQ. The meal begins with an appetizer of pork belly burnt ends topped with a sweet bourbon glaze, offering a rich introduction to the evening’s dining experience.
Passengers then choose their main course from two barbecue favorites:
- Half rack of baby back ribs, slow-smoked and served with classic barbecue flavor
- Eight bone-in wings with a choice of sauces
The entrée is accompanied by traditional comfort-food sides such as cheesy potatoes and pit beans, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. To conclude the dinner, guests are served cake for dessert, while beverages include tea, water, lemonade, and beer.
The combination of flavorful barbecue cuisine and a historic train setting provides a memorable dining experience that blends regional food culture with rail heritage.
Schedule and Ticket Information
The Starbrick BBQ Dinner Train usually operates on select winter and early-spring evenings. For example, recent departures have been scheduled on January 17, February 21, and March 21, with trains leaving the Nelsonville depot at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets are typically priced at about $65 per person, and reservations must be made in advance due to limited seating in the historic passenger cars. Guests are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to pick up their tickets and board the train.
Because the railway uses vintage equipment, motive power may vary from trip to trip, and seating is arranged within historic dining or passenger cars that date back decades.
A Unique Blend of Food and Rail Heritage
Events like the Starbrick BBQ Ribs and Wings Dinner Train demonstrate how heritage railroads continue to evolve in order to attract new audiences. By pairing scenic train travel with themed dining experiences, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway has created an outing that appeals to both railfans and casual visitors alike.
The train also showcases the region’s local businesses and culinary traditions while providing a memorable way to experience the rolling landscapes of southeastern Ohio. For many passengers, the combination of historic rail travel, freshly prepared barbecue, and the relaxed pace of a two-hour excursion makes the Starbrick BBQ Dinner Train one of HVSR’s most enjoyable specialty events. To learn more about this experience please click here to visit the railroad's website.
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