Where everybody knows your name

Longevity is an achievement few restaurants can lay claim to. Dining habits are fickle, and new places are always popping onto (and off) the scene. But the family-run restaurants that become part of the fabric of the community have something more than terrific menus going for them. 

Station 43 Tavern is one of those places.

Since opening its doors in 2006, the beloved restaurant has beaten the survival odds by a bunch, attracting a legion of loyal diners who come for the remarkable food and stay for the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Celebrate Good Times, C’mon

Typical of its community-centric personality, when owner Lisa Randazzo-Ross and her enthusiastic team decided to celebrate their 20th anniversary a couple weeks ago, the community showed up in a big way.

For two days, Station 43 turned into party central, complete with live music, raffles, dancing and, naturally, plenty of delicious food.

“Our wraparound porch came to life,” says Lisa. “We moved all the tables off the patio to the surrounding area and the bands took over. The space was tented and included a dance floor. It was amazing.”

Providing the soundtrack for the festivities were Soul Shake & the Eastside Horns, Mike Kaminski, and Rock Radio Band, sponsored by FNA Wealth Management.

And because Station 43 has always been about giving back, the celebration also had a charitable side. Generously donated baskets were raffled off at the end of the event, with the proceeds benefiting education scholarships.

For Lisa, seeing so many familiar faces celebrating the milestone made the weekend especially meaningful.

“Two words I think of looking back on the last 20 years: thankful and blessed,” says Lisa. “We would not be here without our amazing team and loyal customers.”

She adds that one thing that has remained the same over the decades is the spirit of collaboration. Her team has cultivated an atmosphere of hospitality, where people know they’ll get great food at a reasonable price.

That comfortable come-as-you-are personality is part of Station 43’s charm. Its distinctive décor and historic character pay tribute to first responders from days gone by, with vintage artwork and artifacts tucked throughout the space.

It’s Clambake Season

There may be a chill in the air, but here that means it’s time to lean into fall’s finest flavors. Clams will be a highlight of the menu this month, and diners can also dig into mussels as an appetizer. 

Of course, you don’t need to be a seafood lover to find a favorite. The eatery has also earned quite a following for its chicken wings, offered with a whopping 11 delectable sauces, BBQ, sweet and spicy chili and wet Cajun to name a few. Don’t miss $1 wings on Tuesdays, offered in increments of five with a max of 20 per person.

And when sweater weather arrives, soup season can’t be far behind.

“People are loving our famous Homemade Chili and Italian Wedding Soup,” says Lisa. “Our chef has a way with soups. Simmered with fresh seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes, they simply taste like your grandmother used to make.”

The bar staff is getting into the autumn spirit, too. Think S’mores Espresso Martini, Pumpkin Martini, Brown Sugar Old Fashioned and Fall Sangria to warm you up.

“Our spiked apple cider is a favorite, too” says Lisa. “Starting with fresh cider and adding either caramel vodka or spiced rum, it tastes like fall in a glass.”

Station 43 Tavern

39910 Aurora Road, Solon

440-836-0043

Station43Tavern.com