Some of the best eating establishments are often found in out-of-the-way and unexpected places – like The Filling Station in Amherst.
Art Stiphel and I had played a round of golf at Winton, just outside Amherst. The hot dogs at their grill are really good, but for some reason the grill was not open that day. Art said he knew of a great spot in Amherst and off we went.
The Filling Station is just that, but in two ways. They do have a gasoline – a filling station – and they also fill you up inside at The Filling Station Bar and Restaurant with a great menu and delicious bar food.
It’s a neat, clean place with inside and outside tables plus a bar. We pulled up two stools at the bar and I went with one of their all-beef dogs, and it was as good as Capt’n Frank’s in Nags Head. Art ordered one of their specialty burgers with pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, onion rings, bacon, and other goodies. Art wolfed it down and gave it five stars.
The Filling Station Restaurant began as a service station in the 1930s but has become a favored Amherst restaurant, bar, and gas station. They have great food and with a selection of over 100 domestic and craft beers and ciders.
One of their signature burgers is the Octane Burger with bacon and served on Texas toast. It’s a hamburger you won’t soon forget. Another local favorite is the Carolina Burger, a fresh Angus burger with mustard, chili, onions, and Virginia slaw. They offer daily specials to keep things interesting – and the prices are very affordable – my loaded, all-beef Hot Dog was only $2.95. The restaurant also serves down home breakfasts with omelets, biscuits, pancakes, and other great breakfast foods.
Most of all, I liked that they cooked most all their food on an old-fashioned grill, Riverside-style – where they also finish off their buns and Texas Toast.
Next time you are in or near Amherst, consider the Filling Station as a great pit stop. Fill up your tank and your belly at the same time.
The Filling Station is located at 102 Lexington Turnpike in Amherst. It’s certainly worth a visit.