The fresh new fall and winter menu from Station 43 Tavern is ablaze in heated buzz

By Beth Newcomb

He had me at Pork Tacos.

That’s just one of the fresh new items on Station 43 Tavern’s already red-hot fall menu, created by Chef Brian Swaney.

But wait, there’s more. Dive into the Seafood Pizza and prepare to immerse yourself in the rich flavors of the sea—topped with cheese, of course.

“We change our menu seasonally to keep things interesting for our guests,” says Anthony Fiorelli, managing part owner of the restaurant.

“But instead of offering traditional pub food, we’ve been blazing new trails since we opened in 2006. Our menu is bursting with fresh flavors, and most of it is comfort food—not pub food.”

In fact, Station 43 has become known as much for its food as its comfortable, Cheers-like atmosphere.

“We take the food portion of our business very seriously,” says Lisa Ross, the other half of the owner/management team. “People love our firehouse theme and the creative cocktails we serve, but Chef Brian and the team spend hours creating our seasonal menus. Our signature is comfort food, but we regularly put a spin on those favorites so they’re uniquely ours.”

A perfect example is the aforementioned Seafood Pizza. Everybody is familiar with the idea of topping a pie with shrimp or some other oceanic delicacy, but Station 43’s seafood pie is a study in to-die-for deliciousness. Topped with shrimp, lobster, spinach and tomatoes resting on a blanket of cheesy Alfredo sauce, this pie, offered at $14.99, is a fall must.

The Pork Tacos, crafted from house-cooked pork with homemade corn salsa and a garnish of pickled onions, are already a bona fide classic. You get three with every order, for just $8.99.

But to start your meal, the Reuben Balls, which are bursting with authentic flavor, include sauerkraut and corned beef wrapped in a tasty breaded ball then deep fried to secure all the goodness inside. Served with a side of thousand island dressing, $6.99 will get you seven to nosh on.

Chicken and waffles anyone? Uh, yeah. This classic includes a breast, thigh, leg and wing of honey-dipped chicken, served over waffles with maple syrup. Enjoy this southern classic for just $14.99.

Chef Brian flexes his creative muscle with the B’s Burger. “It’s named after him because he puts his own twist on the Roman burger,” Lisa smiles. For $11.99, you’ll get a big meaty burger topped with salami, mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, red onion, mayo and balsamic dressing along with your choice of side.

Listed here is, of course, just a fraction of the delicious new offerings on the Station 43 fall menu. Anthony says there’s a lot more to enjoy, like the Puff Battered Walleye, for $17.99, and the Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, for $15.99.

But the best part about visiting the place where everybody knows your name is that in addition to the new fall menu favorites, there’s a daily special to delight your taste buds. Or you can visit for one of the signature fall drinks, like the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Martini, and simply relax and enjoy the game.

“We show all of the big games, including all the games from local teams,” Lisa says. “So, visit us anytime during the fall for a delicious meal, a relaxing cocktail, and the opportunity to connect with a warm and friendly bunch of people.”

Here Comes Santa Claus
Back this year by popular demand, Station 43’s annual visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus will take place on Sunday, December 8, with reserved seating available at 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

During the event, the kids and that couple from the North Pole will sing songs and discuss your child’s Christmas agenda. You get to snap a few pics, and your child leaves with a gift. Food is served from the menu upon order. “Space fills up quickly so reservations are a must,” Anthony says.

Station 43 Tavern is located at 39910 Aurora Road, in Solon. Dining hours are Sunday through Thursday, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. The phone number is 440-836-0043 and you can call ahead for seating or reservations. The web address is Station43Tavern.com where you’ll find dining and catering menus. Like the restaurant on Facebook at Station 43 Tavern. The restaurant offers free Wi-Fi and a free dinner entrée to anyone turning 43 with a valid I.D.