There seem to be burgers everywhere you turn at the moment, from articles on the best ones to new places with burgers on the menu. When searching for a good burger in the west, it’s hard to pass on The Station Burger at naturally, The Station Hotel in Footscray.
The menu is short and offers snacks, dishes to share and good, solid main courses for when you need a meal at an odd time of day.
At $18, the Station burger is great value. A soft bun is filled with a thick, juicy beef patty (given the quality of steaks here this seems logical) and topped with slices of distinctive gruyere cheese that have just melted into the beef, mixed with rashers of grilled quality bacon and lots of chopped pickle to give acidity and bite.
Starters are just right for snacking, a bowl of warm olives from Mt Zero ($6) or a slab of Terrine de Campagne ($18), a traditional French terrine of roughly chopped pork, veal and gentle spices that’s served with mustard and tomato jam alongside a slice of bone filled with the warmed marrow. I was the only taker of the marrow at our table and it was a gooey delight to eat. Unlike the hotel’s restaurant, you need to order at the bar and are given a number, the staff do the rest.
The Wagyu rump, 300-day grain fed from Queensland ($34) is cooked just right (requested medium-rare), pink and bloody inside with a caramelised edge to it and Bernaise sauce on the side. It’s served with hand-cut chips and a refreshingly light salad.
There’s bread and butter pudding or chocolate mousse for a sweet finish and a savvy, affordable wine list and a tempting choice of beers on tap. Or just enjoy The Station bar menu for what it is, relaxed, quality food in a great pub environment.
