A new restaurant serves Southern food in a historic train depot in Bolingbroke

A new restaurant in Monroe County promises to be as delicious as it is historic.

Iron Rail, which opened on April 22, features Southern favorites and ambience that pay homage to the history of the Bolingboke community. Located in a restored train depot, Iron Rail’s walls are decorated with newspaper clippings, black-and-white photographs and even model trains.

Kim Berly, the restaurant’s manager, said the eatery is a celebration of the area. It was started by the Watson family, a prominent group in town known for their elaborate annual Christmas light displays.

“That’s what this is all about, just celebrating Bolingbroke as a peaceful, close-knit community,” Berly said.

The Watsons had help from Executive Chef Michael Falduti, who not only made the menu, but played a major role in restoring the building itself.

First built in the late 19th century, the train depot once oversaw several sets of bustling rails as trains passed through Bolingbroke on their way to Macon. The depot provided trains with supplies and a stopping point on their long journeys.

As railroads faded, the building fell into disrepair. By the time Falduti and the Watsons set out to open a restaurant, the depot had sat empty for years. Dirt covered the floors, and much of the wood making up the building was in poor condition.

Falduti oversaw the addition of a wooden patio complete with a fireplace, as well as the addition of a state-of-the-art kitchen and a stoop area at the restaurant’s entrance. The result is an elevated rustic feel, with exposed brick and wooden beams smelling of fresh-stained pine criss-crossing over guests’ heads.

“I’ve had my hand in it front and center, it was dirt floors with no ceiling tiles,” Falduti said. “It’s been a journey.”

Iron Rail’s celebration of history and heritage goes beyond its walls.

Berly said the menu brings together a medley of Southern classics, including fried green tomatoes, chicken fried steak and hoppin’ John — a Cajun favorite made with black-eyed peas, bell peppers and rice.

Falduti and kitchen staff started with well-known recipes, Berly said, and experimented with different ingredients and flavor profiles to create a one-of-a-kind taste.

However, some recipes are more local than others. The meatloaf, which Berly said is proving to be one of the most popular dishes, comes straight from a Watson family recipe. Falduti adapted it faithfully, but added a hearty drizzle of brown gravy over top for extra flavor.

“It’s chef’s flair, really,” Berly said. “It’s magic on a plate.”

In its first week, Berly said Iron Rail has seen around 120 diners for lunch service and 130 for dinner service each day. However, Falduti, Berly and the Watsons aren’t ones to rest on their laurels. Berly said Iron Rail will get its alcohol license on May 1, and plans to begin offering takeout on May 6.

Additionally, Berly and Falduti are already envisioning a grab-and-go counter for lunch orders, and have even floated the idea of offering artisan coffee drinks during the day.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Berly said.