Met a friend in Bernardsville for dinner, she recommend Station Pub and Grub. 
This is my kinda place, casual and friendly, good beer, wine and food.
Moderately priced, unless you go for the Rib Eye and a boutique wine by Gerry Rowland, Midnight Rambler, Cabernet Sauvignon as I did. Oops, there goes the budget.
The bar is a little small. Struck up a conversation with Rich, a regular here, who said they have plans to expand the place.
Station Pub is owned by The Hampshire Companies who own the Bernards Inn up the street. They did a very nice job renovating the place from what I understand was a local "Gin Mill" by the same name. Nancy from Pennsylvania rememebers "I spent many a New Years Eve there getting drunk with my brother." Rich implied the place was a little seedy, as most "Gin Mills" are. Nancy confirms "They always served big, juicy hamburgers in their pretty awful restaurant (I mean awful looking - sticky tables and floor, flies, etc) but the food was tasty." The new rendition thankfully lacks that kind of "charm."
We started with the house salad, good, fresh, but the Raspberry "House" Vinagrette was too sweet and thick. There were some appetizers I wanted to try. Standard stuff, tempting nevertheless, I've read on other sites like Pub Crawler that the Calamari is quite good. For dinner we had steaks. I chose the Rib Eye topped with Peppercorn Sauce and served with "Station Risotto" and sauteed vegetables. Donna had a special Filet Mignon over Polenta. Both were served a perfect medium rare and delicious. The menu also offers Hamburgers, Pastas, Pizzas, Pub Food, and Sandwiches.
On a Friday night, we sat at 6:30, we never felt crowded, even though all tables were seated by the time we left.
This review from AOL City Guide tells more, "Housed in a handsomely restored 19th-century hotel, Station Pub & Grub is not even half as fussy as its French-door-lined exterior would suggest. The appetizer list boasts familiar favorites like quesadillas, artichoke dip, dim sum and fried calamari, 
but they do spice some things up a bit: The calamari is livened up with an explosive combo of peppers, arugula, capers and balsamic dressing. Lunch is fully satisfying -- the chorizo burger and the brisket sandwich are tops. Dinner offers everything from a garlic grilled rib eye to Hawaiian pizza, but it's the fish-and-chips that stands out: The fresh cod batter is Guinness-based, and the crispy morsels are paired with Yukon gold steak fries. Located directly across from the Bernardsville train station, the restaurant was modeled after a first-class train-station lounge from the 1920s. Although the digs are impressive, the owners are determined to keep the vibe friendly and low-key. They've already won over the neighbors with their "Night Shift Happy Hour," which runs for an astonishing four hours beginning at 9PM from Monday through Saturday and offers specials on beer, wine, pub grub and cocktails. -- Naomi Imatome Yun
There are also reviews on Pub Crawler, Chow Hound and EGullet.
They have Murphy's Irish Stout and Bass Ale on tap, and serves dozens of bottles beers from around the world. Wine list is pretty impressive no doubt owing to Terri A. Baldwin, Wine Director, of The Bernards Inn which has 820 selections in it's cellar. A full bar is also available.
I will be going back for the
We tried a Cabernet from Oriel Wines, Midnight Rambler. Made me think of the Rolling Stones' tune by that name.
Turns out that Midnight Rambler is named for the winemaker, Gerry Rowland, who walks the vineyards the night of the harvest, checking the grapes for perfect ripeness. That's Gerry on the right, I could see him as a night stalker.
It was an impressive pour. On the nose ripe berry, boysenberries and wift of violet on the tongue rich cherry, dark plum and spicy back and a bit of earth.
Not something I would drink everyday, too rich, but it was really great with the steaks.
Station Pub & Grub
45 Mine Brook Road
Route 202
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
(908) 204-1227
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
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