Dining on the Right Track

Operating since 1999 and housed in Mountain Lakes’ former train station, The Station is a fine dining experience with a charming community feel. The philosophy is simple. Delicious and fresh scratch cuisine, caring service, and a “Cheers”-like atmosphere, where everybody knows your name.  

Owner and executive chef Bradley Cooper, owner and managing member Steve Turkot, and owner and manager Carlos Vasquez combine their expertise to create a nostalgic and historic venue that locals return to, some even daily.  

“We have customers who visit us every day,” says Vasquez. “Others come weekly or for all their special occasions; we have a family feel at The Station,” he says. 

The owners want guests to feel welcomed upon entering the establishment, combining the familiarity of a neighborhood-gathering place with upscale cuisine. “We want our guests to feel taken care of throughout their visit,” says Turkot.  

The historic building has recently received some needed attention, including a new roof, fresh paint, and updated flooring. While these improvements bring new life to the space, the heart of The Station remains unchanged. Guests can still savor a memorable meal in a setting that reflects the rich history of the town. 

Stepping into the restaurant bar gives a nod to nostalgia. Order The Station Martini to start the evening, a fruity twist on a Cosmopolitan. The bar also boasts a varied wine selection to complement any dish.  

A few steps downstairs brings diners to the stone room, beautifully decorated with a classic steakhouse feel. The cherry on top is the lovely outdoor dining on the patio, open whenever weather permits. “We have even had outdoor service on unseasonably warm December days,” says Vasquez.  

Bites and Delights 

The food speaks for itself. “We’re a scratch kitchen,” says Cooper. “Everything is homemade, from sauces to dressings and desserts. We butcher our own meats, and we monger our own fish,” explains the chef with 42 years of experience. “We use only high-quality fresh ingredients including fresh fish, shellfish, and premium Black Angus beef,” he says. “Everything on the menu is either dishes we’ve created or adapted to our style of cooking. We make all our entrées to order; it takes a little longer, but the result is worth it, and I’m so grateful to our loyal customers.” 

Start your meal with Pear Gorgonzola and Walnut Salad, tender Firecracker Calamari, or the Savory Puff. The Filet Gorgonzola, Chicken Jambalaya, and Panko Crusted Tuna are longtime favorite entrees. Don’t forget to indulge in a slice of Grandma’s Chocolate Cake to end your meal.  

In addition to the food, something that makes The Station special is its strong sense of community. Guests return time and again not only for the delicious food, but also the friendly service that makes everyone feel welcome.

“We have taken care of three generations of families over the years,” says Vasquez. “Clients who visited us when they were children now come in with their own kids,” he says. “We are so grateful for that kind of support, and we care just as much about them as they do about us.” Vasquez continues, “We want the experience to feel personal and relaxed while still giving people the attentive service they deserve when they go out for a wonderful meal with friends and family.”  

Vasquez described a recent story of a young man planning to propose to his girlfriend on the restaurant patio. He planned secretly with the client, including flowers at the table and the ring presented to the young lady when dessert was served. The problem? Vasquez wanted to make it grand, but didn’t have a cloche (silver domed cover) to put over the ring. On his day off, he searched high and low in local stores, and even ordered on Amazon until he eventually found the perfect accessory. When the time came, the extra effort made everything worth it as the lifted cloche revealed the sparkling ring. “We love becoming part of our client’s story and their joy,” says Vasquez.  

The people of Mountain Lakes are at the heart of what makes The Station so special. That sense of community was especially evident during the pandemic, when neighbors showed their support through takeout orders, holiday catering, and even simple phone calls to check in on the staff. Diners even stopped by to purchase gift certificates for future use, just to keep the restaurant in business during the pandemic. This kindness and loyalty of locals kept the team together during an incredibly challenging time.  

The Station fits the bill for all kinds of gatherings, and the owners are grateful. “We’re thankful and proud to be a place where friends and neighbors come together, whether for a casual meal, a family gathering, or a special celebration,” says Turkot.  

The Station has welcomed guests for countless private parties and special occasions, becoming a part of many families’ most cherished traditions. The owners have watched families celebrate a child’s christening to graduation and then years later, their bridal shower. “Being part of these meaningful moments has helped shape the family-oriented atmosphere that makes The Station so special,” says Vasquez. Cooper agrees, “We’re grateful our guests continue to choose us to share in life’s most memorable occasions.” 

More recently, The Station has added weekday happy hour, featuring small plates and cocktail specials. Another way to bring people together while offering a relaxed and inviting place to unwind with friends and enjoy good food and drinks, even when there’s no special occasion to celebrate. 

“The Station has always felt like a gathering place for this community,” says Turkot. “We’re grateful for the people who have made it part of their traditions, and we want every guest—whether it’s their first visit or their fiftieth—to feel welcome here.”  

For current hours and more information, visit thestationatmountainlakes.com/. Reservations are made easily on OpenTable. 

Photographs by Antonietta Henry

Antonietta Henry is a wife, mother of four, and owner of Antonietta Henry Photography in Pompton Plains. She enjoys exploring and learning more about towns throughout her home state of New Jersey.