Lance Westby shares his passion through time, and that love can be seen in the smoke rings. The Backwater BBQ owner and grill master offers guests traditional barbeque flavors through a curated menu of five main meats and five side dishes, six days a week. True love really can be that simple.
Lance Westby, Owner and Head Chef of Backwater BBQ
What brought you to this profession and what do you enjoy most about it?
“Smoking meats and cooking has always been a passion of mine and made a big career change during Covid.” (Westby left his traditional job at a Winona industrial company to start Backwater BBQ inside the Winona Mall in 2022.)
What is the inspiration behind the menu at your restaurant?
“Our menu items offer a mix of Kansas City, Texas and Memphis BBQ with some Cajun influences as well. We’re the only BBQ restaurant in Winona. As far as traditional BBQ, there’s nothing like it within 30 miles.”
What is a customer favorite on your menu and why?
Customer favorites:
- Texas Twinkies—(you’ve got to try them; the surprise and delight is real!)
- Chopped Brisket over Mashed Potatoes and Gravy—(Westby’s homage to “school lunches”)
- Pork and Brisket Bowls
What is YOUR favorite item on the menu and why?
“My favorite side is the red beans and rice because it’s as authentic Cajun as you’re going to get in this area, and it’s all due to the homemade sausage that we include in the recipe. I also love our brisket and our chicken because they’re both so fresh. I actually eat about a quarter to a half of a chicken every morning.”
What is your favorite food or drink from another area establishment and why?
“I’m a big fan of Norvary, Winona Sandwich Company and Heirloom Seasonal Bistro. If I absolutely had to choose one dish, I would go with the Pho at Norvary because it’s traditional—having it be authentic and not something that’s heated up from a bag means a lot. There are many great restaurants in Winona that are offering that authenticity and it’s great to see.”
What is one thing about this restaurant that people who have never been here should know?
“We are a locally-owned restaurant serving up traditional BBQ and sides with a homemade touch that you will not get from chain restaurants.”
We love our recipes homegrown and our flavors unique. Visit Winona is showcasing a regional restaurant/foodie attraction – new, classic, and everything in between – through the lens of one of its key team members. This new series, “Winona Eats,” celebrates all the culinary adventures that await you right here in the Winona area.
Bon Appetit!