The Filling Station Pub & Grill
300 W Main St, St. Charles, IL, 60174
The Filling Station Pub & Grill Menu
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Visit below restaurant in St. Charles for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in St. Charles for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in St. Charles for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
300 W Main St
St. Charles, IL, 60174 - Phone (612) 915-0743
- Website https://www.filling-station.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 1:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Music : Juke Box
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Angela P.
We really enjoy coming here, again, during the Spring through Fall. We like sitting on the outside patio which gets quite full so we try to get there a bit early. We have gone there for dinner and sat inside which was okay, but we prefer the nightlife crowd. They always have decent drink specials and the staff is very quick and attentive. We love this place!
(4)Chris P.
If you are looking for a great beer garden in the summer, this is the place. Many of the reviews are dead on. The food isn't the best, but great if you are drinking. This place attracts the young crowd in the summer, so beware after dark! If watching fight night at the Filling Station is your thing, visit here.
(3)Andy G.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in St. Charles especially when it is nice outside. I like the outdoor patio area. Menu items I recommend are: the onion loaf, the woody, and the burgers. If you like potato salad be sure and get that instead of fries with your sandwich. The onion loaf comes with a yummy sauce that is different from your typical ranch.
(4)Eric F.
Been here twice now, both times the food was disappointing and the wait staff seemed pretty overwhelmed (took 45 minutes to receive our burger and nachos). I only came back the second time because I knew they had decent outdoor seating. The french fries were good, but everything else tasted like it had been sitting in the freezer far too long and then microwaved. I have a feeling STC has more to offer, so I won't be coming back.
(2)Jason P.
I've been coming to the Filling Station for over 20 years, so it's hard to write an unbiased review. What I will say is that it's a great place to hang out on the outdoor patio when the weather is nice. During the day you can sit and eat lunch, maybe have some drinks, and watch all the motorcycles and sports cars wiz down Main Street. For me this is a novelty! At night it's a great place to catch up with friends and have a couple too many drinks. Besides that, it's good bar food. The burgers and fries are always good.
(4)Jennifer D.
First time we have tried The Filling Station and will probably be our last. Went there this past Saturday and sat outside on the patio. Server was decent, I think she may have been new. All of the servers outside looked to be between the ages of 18 and 21. There was a younger guy out there that swatted flies the ENTIRE time we were out there. I think it was very disgusting to do that while people are eating and while food is being served. Most people who sit outside are aware that there will be flies around, no need to swat at them. Also witnessed a server place ice into a cup with her HAND!!! Very unsanitary. We ordered the sampler platter. What a disappointment that was. There were 3 of us in our party and we received 2 chicken wings, chicken tenders, cheese sticks,what they call Armadillo eggs (jalapeno poppers), and a boat load of french fries. They should really look at this item and make some adjustments. 2 of each item does no good when there more than 2 people in a party. We did not order anything else off of the menu. And don't know if we will be back to try anything.
(2)Jessica L.
Went here before a concert at the Arcada, cheap and good food and it was easy to park in their parking lot and walk over to the concert. Big outdoor patio that would be fun when it's warm enough. I like the story behind this place, that it used to be an old time gas station. Love all the antiques on the walls. I had the Philly Cheese Steak, wasn't like they make it in Philly but it was still tasty.
(3)Tom S.
Food still has not come can't tell you if it's any good were one minute from leaving. Terrible service Just ask again about our food. Told them we want to leave. Going to check
(1)Kyle S.
The setup of the bar, restaurant, and patio is great. The service and food, not so much. All of the servers were playing on cell phones while guests await service. Ordered the Cheesy Stripper, sandwich was decent but nothing special. Interested to check out this place again strictly for drinks.
(2)Matt C.
Have gone here many times to sit outside. The food is what it is. Great fries, average burgers, I had a good blue cheese chicken sandwich. The service tonight was poor. Not very busy but not much attention from the server. Wrong meal for my daughter. Might be time to try another outdoor place.
(2)Eric E.
Two stars..a bonus star if you can sit in the outdoor seating area. Filling is average. Average food (at best), average service and an above average beer menu. There likely isn't a thing on their menu that will blow your hair back. Their beer menu is decent and as I said, the outdoor seating area is a bonus in nice weather. The inside has some neat nostalgia covering all of the walls, other that than it's..well...average. Don't go here looking for above average. Go here if it's convenient and your appetite doesn't require something tasty. Go here to have a drink. Go here to sit outside. That's it. Cut and dry.
(2)Gary C.
Great and affordable food! Our waitress had an awesome attitude and even brought cherries for the grandkids to snack on! Food came out quick and service was always asking if we needed anything, never left us hangin! Thanks Filling Station, we'll be back!
(5)Cheryl B.
I took my dad on fathers day. He picked it as the place to go. He ordered a quesadilla and was told that was a dinner item and could only be made after 5. WHAT? So he got the hot cheesy stripper instead. I loved the names of the items. There were 4 of us and we all loved our food and drinks. Our servers were great. It was a beautiful day to sit outside. I will be back. So yes GO THERE!!!
(4)Johnny A.
A bit over-rated and has become essentially a drunk "hang-out" over the years. I used to go to the Filling Station quite a bit some years back, either with buddies or on a few dates. This place is a staple for the downtown St. Charles river-walk area, or at least people say so. Of course, in your early to mid 20s - things and places aren't always as they seem or are hyped up to be. By day into early evening, this is nothing more than your average restaurant. When the place is empty, the dining room actually looks nice. I remember the food being "okay", but nothing spectacular where I would warrant going there to get take-out on my way home from someplace. By mid evening into the early AM hours - this essentially becomes a glorified pub and "hang-out" for mostly 20's to 30's, though all ages are present. The dining area almost becomes swallowed up with bodies to the point where it hampers and intrudes on the few stragglers left sitting at tables, trying to finish a meal. Many times, me and my buddies specifically remember coming here and it was obvious that not only was the place severely understaffed for the crowd at hand - it was also probably over-capacity. Now, this is not to be confused with it simply 'being crowded'. When there are no tables, hundreds of people standing shoulder to shoulder and wall to wall to the point where you can't even meander around (think almost Times Square on New Years Eve, only on a much smaller level), and the noise level so loud that you have to scream in the ears of waitresses to place an order or your buddies to communicate - to me that is over capacity and simply not safe. This is in hindsight, as when you are 22, you tend not to analyze logistics, or care too much :) Best examples for this can be found on prime drinking nights - St. Patrick's Day (Night), Thanksgiving Eve (probably the worst in terms of crowds and poor service), New Years Eve, and even Black Friday night - also nights that correspond with many colleges being out of session beginning their holiday break. Many times people will even crowd outside to the outdoor patio to smoke and drink - even though it may be 20 degrees out! In my opinion, the outdoor seating area shouldn't even be open past a certain date, or when there are extreme cold temperatures - as it just adds to drunken loitering which can just further compound potential problems. I realize the need for some people to have a smoke, though, so that is why this remains open. Some of these times were also pre-2009 when smoking was still legal inside and many of these people had lit cigarettes. We would sometimes discuss afterwards that if somebody jokingly yelled "FIRE", probably 50 people would die just by being crushed or trampled. IT WAS THAT WALL TO WALL PACKED. Many of the bouncers and employees are also rude, or simply - A-holes. I remember one time during an uncrowded session some bouncer or employee standing against a wall behind my party w/ some friends or co-workers - he giggled and made some comment to the effect of, "look that dude has a Jimi Hendrix tattoo all over his arm." The comment wasn't in a complimentary tone, as if I had Minnie Mouse or Rainbow Bright on my arm, and I just kinda looked back and gave the guy a dirty look and thought to myself - yah man - I don't dress like Jersey Shore and listen to Lil' Wayne and emo like you probably do. As mentioned above, place can become loud and rowdy. I took a few dates here where after awhile, me and the girl had to leave because we could barely converse without basically screaming at each other - we finished our conversation during a brisk walk by the Fox River. I would not recommend this place for families, or stuff like dates or just casual dining UNLESS you come early enough - say before 8pm. I also remember bathrooms being small, smelly, and dirty with grimy floors. Lastly, this place is notorious for people loitering in the parking lot at very late hours, probably wasted. I saw this firsthand the times I was leaving here some years back, and now many times I see this SAME STUFF passing by while driving home from unrelated agenda. I haven't been here in about 2 years, and have no urgency to go back anytime soon. I think the place is overrated and can be grounds for trouble on several different fronts, and I'm a bit past the stage of having poor service or standing uncomfortably in a bar if I want to get a pre-Holiday beer with some friends - there are plenty of other places I can do that at.
(2)Steve H.
Really great bar food that won't break the bank. Awesome burgers and sandwiches as well as good drink specials. Fun place to swing by for a few drinks late night as well. Great patio!
(4)Elizabeth D.
I'm in town visiting family. Decided to stop here for lunch, as my Mom had good things to stay about the food. I ordered the streak sandwich, medium rare. I was served a well done steak, gross! I had the waitress take it back and ordered a Philly cheese streak instead. I waited over 20 minutes for my Philly cheese steak to come out, all the while every other table around me was served and the rest of my party had finished eating while I waited for my food. Normally at restaurants when food is sent back something else is made on the fly. Apparently not here. When I ordered my Philly cheese steak I was asked how I wanted it cooked, I said medium rate. Again I was served well done. We asked to speak to manager, she was horrible. Told me there is no way to order philly cheese steak differently due to the thin meat. I said fine, but your servers shouldn't ask me because when I order medium rare I expect medium rare. Manager comped my meal, but nothing else despite me telling her my experience and food was bad. Overall experience was bad, only reason why I give two stars instead of one is because the drinks were strong.
(2)Peggy L.
We have gone to The Filling Station for years. There fish fry's were amazing. However tonight we were totally disappointed. Paper thin fish. No refills on beverages. I even voiced complaint about the fish and all I got was a server that shrugged her shoulders and basically said oh well.
(2)Nick V.
Came here on a Sunday night. It was fun until we started playing beer pong with the bartender and the owner. We played for shots and won but they put the shots on our tab after we won. I paid what we owed and they followed us out of the bar, yelling obscenities. It was high school all over. He's lucky he didn't get beat. So just an FYI... Real shity management. They aren't afraid to pad your bill. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BILL.
(1)Mike M.
Never returning. My wife and I say outside and no waitress approached us for a good 20-30 min. We had at least 4 different ones look directly at us as they served tables around us. So after one finally decided we could possibly be paying customers she came and took our order. We sat and had 2 outrageously priced drinks, had to listen to 38 year old for frat "bros" yell the entire time and when the food finally showed up I wished it hadn't. Never going back.
(1)Tricia M.
Bad service and did not thank us for leaving a generous tip! Also had to get my own napkins! Food was awful!
(1)Chris K.
I've driven by this place for a few years and finally stopped in. It looked like a cool place from the outside and when you go in, it lives up to that perception. Every waitress is super cute and the patio is awesome. And then there's the food. I had the Cajun tuna and it was quite the letdown. It was like a tender steak which is fine for steak, but not fish. It was obviously a processed "fish" filet. The wild rice and Texas toast were both good. The fish letting it all down.
(2)Joey B.
We came here because Neo Pizzeria website had false information. It closed at 11PM instead of 1AM. We wanted to find a place other than McDonalds to eat and have a good time. Boy were we disappointed lol. Granted we came for food and not the drinks or atmosphere which is unusual I guess. I am a late night prowler, and unfortunately was stuck in St. Charles. The Good: Waitress was very pleasant but was forgetful of a lot of things. Atmosphere was unique to say the least and the crowd was really lively. The Badzzz: Food. I've never felt so unhappy and mislead by the menu at this place. "Supreme" Nachos stated it was "oven baked" chips. To everyone's dismay, the $11 Nachos turned out to be Tostitos with lukewarm semi solid cheese mixed with beef. Tostitos.... Literally for $11. We laughed and estimated the amount to be of the $2 bag variety. Combo Platter literally looked like it was put together from different packs of things from the store and MICROWAVED. It didn't taste or feel made, I literally cringe that I was served a Microwaved combo platter. Which tasted worse than the microwavable stuff at the store. $14 The only edible items are their wraps and the fries. Eating all this made me regret life the next day when I couldn't eat until around 4PM due to the food from last night. It wasn't until I went to the toilet I felt better and alive again. I would have given this place One star if the waitress hadn't been so nice and attentive.
(2)Lindsay B.
The Filling Station is definitely not my favorite location in STC, however, we stopped in recently on the night of my cousin's 21st birthday. I've eaten here two different times, and the food has been very much mediocre. The place used to be crazy busy every time I was out on a weekend evening, but on this occasion the place was nearly empty. We had great service from our waitress- she was very friendly and attentive and speedy with our drink refills. This is not a place that I will return (only because there are other places I enjoy more) but would happily go back if I was invited.
(3)Casey T.
Service was really slow. Ordered our burgers medium, got them well done. Didn't bother complaining due to other reviews. Fries were half crispy, half soggy. I won't be going back.
(2)Tammilu J.
We got there at 440pm, a handfull of people at the bar. NO ONE in the dining room. We gave our order 10 min later, after 30 minutes we ask our server where our food it, she said "it takes longer to cook a well done burger then medium well. I said I asked for medium and my husband asked for medium well. She said yes that takes longer to cook them. My husband spoke up and said he could see the cooks eating french fries and fooling around in the kitchen. We asked for the manager and she came back and said he had an emergency with the plumbing and the COOK was helping him and they were short staffed! Finally 10 min later we get our food and his isn't even cooked to medium, he didn't finish it. He said the french fries were greasy. We spent $35.00 for nothing and the manager never came to see us! When we were leaving, he was taking off in his pick up truck! I would have gave this ZERO stars but I had to rate it something.
(1)Jessica A.
Came here with a group of about 15 people last Thursday night around like 9pm. The place was dead. We sat outside which was nice, moved two tables together, with no help from any servers. Most of us ordered a beer on tap so no complaints there. A few people ordered a coffee with baileys in it and they said that was good. Our waitress was terrible. She would walk by our table and not ask if we needed anything, we had to wave her down and she had our table plus like 2 small tables and no one else was even at the bar inside or outside. She forgot my friends coke after like 3 times having to come back because she would walk away before even taking everyones orders. At one point when I had to once again wave her down because a few of us wanted to order an appetizer, she said ok, what do you want, you can write it down. I said excuse me, did you just ask for me to write down what I wanted? ( because I thought maybe I misheard her) She then said, what do you want? She was quiet and gave off the vibe that she wanted to be anywhere but there. So we get the food and I ordered chips and salsa, I played it safe there. Chips were warm and good. Salsa tasted like it came out of an off brand no taste to it jug o salsa. No thanks. Drinks on tap were cheap, $3.50 for a blue moon. I do like the big outside seating area but the service was not good and I'm not so sure I would attempt to order actual food besides chips upon a next visit.
(2)Joe E.
I've been here on 2 or 3 occasions, and I don't remember anything special about the food or drink here. What I do remember is that the servers at this place are very attractive. 4 stars for that, 2 stars for food drink. Hence the 3 star. The place has a nice patio, but I'd rather pay a bit more for the Office or another establishment in St Chaz
(3)Stacey K.
Not very good. Not very good at all. We were in St. Charles this past Sunday. Not the best day to be here as alot of businesses were closed. After we had done all the exploring we could, The Filling Station was one of just a few places open for lunch. We chose it because, A) we were hungry, and B) if you like that show American Pickers, it's kinda neat. They have all this old service station memorabilia, hence the name of the place. (In case you hadn't already put that together, I thoughtfully threw that in. I'm digging for a few "useful" votes - ha ha ha.) It was pretty dead. There was a guy at the bar, and one other couple. We sat at a high-top table overlooking the beer garden, which I imagine is nice during the summer months. Our very cute and polite server took our drink order, and then we got down to the business of deciding what to order. The menu here is not very exciting - but I do enjoy a good sandwich, and they had about 11 to offer. But they too, didn't sound all that thrilling. I decided on The Big Cheese on sourdough (3 cheese, grilled, with tomato), and my husband chose The Woody (same as above, but with bacon and onion). We opted for fries as our sides. Our server brought us our beers, took our order, and departed. We had both ordered Hacker-Pschorr. I looked at my beer. My husband looked at his. We both took a sip. We both made a face. We both set them down. I don't know what the heck that was, but if you look at the picture I posted, you'll agree - no way that's a Hacker-Pschorr. I'm no beer expert (shout-out to Nichole K. : please forgive my amateur description of this), but it was the color of whiskey. It had positively no head to it. It tasted gross. We mentioned this to our server and she went to the bar to ask the bartender what it was. Her reply? "That's Hacker-Pschorr Amber." Is there even such a thing? (Nichole? Nichole?) And if so, that's not what we ordered. She took it back and we settled for Goose Island 312. YAWN. The sandwiches were small, the fries limp, and the beer disappointing. Service was good, with the exception of the bartender. It was a bummer. Too bad too, because we don't get out to St. Charles much.
(2)Luke S.
I went here for drinks on a random Saturday night and I was surprised by how dead it was. I am told that it gets slam packed in the summer, but this early spring night was a ghost town. They were advertising a free bulls jersey, but nobody seemed to have any idea how you could win it. The drinks were average and affordable, I guess I am used to Chicago prices. The one downside was that there were little flies all over the place. I call them "poo flies", but who knows what they were. We kept having to swat them away. I guess I would come back when the patio is open, but I won't be going out of my way to come back.
(2)Mac B.
Fine for a quick bite. Not for those looking for a fine dining experience. But if you are in St Charles and want a bite to eat, and are not terribly fussy, then you will be fine. TVs on the walls so you can pretend to listen to your date while watching the game. Basically just a fast food type place. Don't expect much more.
(2)Dianne S.
First impressions are hard to break for me. I hold a grudge. Gave this place a second chance and was delightfully surprised. On my initial visit we sat inside. Kinda dark. Moldy smelling. Old wooden chairs that may have been purchased at a near by antique shop on North Avenue. Ordered fish & chips. Got dry fish and chips that could have used more seasoning. Saving grace...plenty of drink specials. Second time around, a group of us were looking for airconditioning and cold refreshments after 9 holes of golf at Pottowatamie. Sat inside again, but this time next to the bar in front. More light, less moldy smell. There was only one girl working our area so the wait was a bit longer than usual, but we kept ourselves busy with the flat screens & talk of hot dog eating contests. Ice cold Coke...automatic 2 stars! Fast refill service for thirsty golfers on a 80+ degree summer afternoon...make that 4 stars! Their sandwiches are huge! The BLT is stuffed with what seemed to be 3 layers of crunchy bacon, some lettuce, a slice of tomato, and a generous smear of mayo. Overflowing bacon falling off my sandwich made me a happy camper=) Best side of coleslaw that I've had in a long while, a little on the sweet side. Would have sat in their outside beer garden in the front if we hadn't been baking for 3 hours earlier on the golf course. All patio tables seemed to be under the protection of huge umbrellas, so it wouldn't have been that bad. Free wi-fi too!
(4)Pat E.
It's 9 Dollar BEER NIGHT! Cool place to be in the summer for sure!
(3)Lapfamily ..
If you want a few beers outside during the summer its a great place but for do not eat anything. Food sucks and the service sucks so its a double whammy to wait for crappy food. Tried again one last time last night - 4 people at the bar, 1 other table and me and the wife. 6:45 PM. The little hipster waiter in skinny jeans took 10 minutes to get a drink order, and another 10 to come back with it. Saw the writing on the wall so we placed our food order - A "Woody" for me and the wife got a burger of some type. No special requests or special cooking - just of the shelf stuff with a appetizer of nachos. Over 20 minutes later we see him again and I ask for another beer - 10 minutes after that he brings my beer and the nachos - and about 3 minutes later our other foods shows up. Again - only 1 other table. Nachos are kind of gross - sandwiches are edible but nothing more. SO my review is pretty much in line with others - food and service sucks but a nice place to have beer in the summer outside. The inside is getting pretty tired and grungy.
(1)Caroline D.
Super friendly and attentive server on a calm, laid-back Sunday evening. We came in and out while my friend took smoke breaks. The group in the bar was well behaved, intently watching the NBA playoffs or golf. We picked at some chips and salsa and the chips were freshly fried.
(4)Melissa B.
Based on other reviews we didn't bother with the food here. This is a review for the bar only. I liked the space. It is really spread out and I thought it was cute. I could tell the patio would be really fun in the Summer. We had great service and the prices seemed reasonable. The beer list was just OK though.
(3)Matt B.
I met up here with a friend on Saturday afternoon for some beers, the place was pretty empty when I arrived, but slowly filled up. Our server was great, we never had empty beers and the food was brought out quickly and still hot. I ordered a burger and asked for it medium rare, it came out somewhere between well and well done, there was no pink anywhere. The burger was still pretty good, but was definitely overcooked. They also have fantastic fresh cut fries that are actually crispy. Most fresh cut fries are soggy and limp and not very good, but these were excellent. They have a fairly limited beer menu, especially the draft beers, if you are a beer snob, look elsewhere. Overall a decent experience, I would go back, but there are a lot of good places in downtown St. Charles.
(3)Robert H.
Great spot to ride your bike to, sit on the outside patio, have lunch and a drink! Right on Main Street so you can people watch and listen to good music.
(4)Me M.
By far the worst service I've had. Food was tasteless and no one seems to know what there job is there. Paying attention to your customers is not what is taught here. I will not return.
(1)Angelica S.
I went here for lunch one day. I was highly disappointed. I've had much better food at dive bars. It wasn't really busy (i've been a server) and the waitress was terrible. She never checked up on us. To get our check it took FOREVER. Our food too. I mean really. It's fairly standard bar food. It's not that hard to make. It was a waste of money ugh.
(2)Thomas T.
Now this is a place I can really relate too. I'm one of the fresher people from college and definitely miss that scene. But this place is kind of like college all over again. Small spaces, lots of people, out door patio, long lines at the bar., cheap drinks. Not too shabby I must say. The place is actually pretty big because it is also a restaurant. However if you come for the night life, you tend to stay more towards the bar side of the place. The includes 2 small rooms and the outdoor patio area. Outdoor area is nice as it has a lot of tables. But out of the few times I've been here, it's always packed. Walking inside is annoying and I feel like a tiger stalking its prey when I wait for a table. Getting a drink usually takes forever unless you have your own waitress. There are even 4 bartenders behind a small bar but still slow. So annoying. Like I'm sure they can afford to open another bar just so that there's less traffic. Guess the cheap drinks make up for that though. Different specials on different nights so you could just plan accordingly. DTSC (downtown St. Charles) after the bars close is cop central though. Cops on foot and in cars just waiting for some dumb guy to do something stupid so that they can get them. Be weary of this and have a DD.
(4)Ed B.
I love this place. Don't let food snobs entice you into their web of nose up, pinky out dining! The outside patio is a great place to hang out and watch the world go by if the weather is good. The inside has all kinds of kitschy stuff to look at if you can't. In my opinion they have the best buffalo wings of any place I've ever been to. The menu is what it is....it's small and sandwich oriented, but all the sandwiches I've had are tasty. I especially like the mushroom Swiss burger, and the BBQ pork or beef sandwich. The fries are limp, but that's the style they're made in. Some people like them and some don't. I can never understand when I read a review why people think a place is automatically bad because its empty. I'm glad I don't have to wait in line with one of those little buzzy discs that says when you can actually sit down. But if that does mean something to you, the place is busy at dinner and at night. If you go, tell them I sent you. They won't have any idea what you're talking about but it'll make me giggle thinking about it....
(4)Melissa V.
I have conflicting views of this place since more than half of my girlfriends worked here at some point or another and don't have lovely things to say about it. That being said, I love a good burger and this place knows how to make one. The big fill is an excellent burger and the grilled onions that come on top plus the buttery toasted bun puts it in my top 5 burgers of all time. Plus, the beer garden is fun and they allow us to bring our puppy which to me is the best customer service a dog loving girl can ask for.
(4)Joseph P.
Second time here. First time was not anything special. However, this second time (while they celebrated their 25th year in business) everything was great. Great food, atmosphere and caught the USA soccer team playing on one of their overhead tv screens. We will go back again - both times we sat indoors. I have driven by many times and their outdoor seating area is usually packed.
(4)Doug J.
Went there for dinner on a Tuesday night around 7:00. There were only about three other tables occupied in the entire place and one waitress. After about 5 minutes the waitress gave us menus and brought out soft drinks. We never saw her again. For that matter, we never saw anyone who worked there again. It was almost as if someone called in a bomb threat, and the employees all left. After sitting there for about 25 minutes, we walked out. They obviously didn't need our business.
(1)Jennifer K.
The whiskey bacon burger on a pretzel bun is fantastic!
(4)Bill D.
Had lunch there twice and the food was greasy. They have a great location but I felt they just pushed food at me. The waitresses spent their time on their phones rather than attending to customers.
(2)Alli W.
Great patio, pretty good service but the food is lackluster in portion and taste. Go here to have a beer, not for a meal.
(2)Renee D.
My husband and I used to go to The Filling Station quite a bit, back in the day. Ahhh, the 90's....not a care in the world but to decide where to hang out on the weekends. So my husband got the salad that was either a close match or the same one he used to get, but said they really skimped on the ingredients. I had fajitas....I know, it's not the right place for fajitas, but it sounded better than a sandwich. The only issue I had was the chicken was very much over-cooked...seasoning was fine. I guess the tortillas were a little miserable too, but I would excuse that if the meat had been cooked correctly. The kids menu was priced right...everything around $3.50 as it should be. (Don't you hate when you go someplace and the kids menu is like $7-8 an item? Ugh. My kids are 3 and 5...they never eat $8 worth of food anywhere!) Unfortunately, even though I specifically asked for the quesadilla not to be "grilled" as stated on the menu, just to have the cheese melted in the microwave....it came out grilled. I saw the waitress write out my request. A great place to go for drink if you're 20-something....and apparently heavily tatooed, as we noticed yesterday, but I guess I've grown up since my last visit.
(2)Stacey W.
The only redeeming quality this place has is the outside patio. The service is TERRIBLE and the drinks are even worse. I ordered a Long Island and for some reason they thought that sweet and sour and coke are the main ingredients. It was disgusting. Make sure to order a tall if you get a vodka lemonade because the $4 they're charging you for it is for a half-pint glass full of lemonade with a splash of vodka. The Filler is a great place for just-turned 21 year olds that want cheap beer and crappy bar food. Personally, I think I'll stick to the Geneva bars.
(1)Denise J.
We were going riding and picked the Filling station as our meeting point. My friend and I got there a little early so we decided to grab a beer with a few people while we waited for the rest to show up. We found a table outside since it was a nice out and the waitress came right over and asked us if we needed menus, when we said no we werent eating she got a look on her face that made us think she was mad. We told her we were ordering a beer but were not sure which ones yet. It took her forever to get back to us and take our drink order, just because we were not ordering food doesn't mean you get to ignore us! They had a nice selection of fall beers, I chose the Red Hoptober, It was very good. I would go back for the beer and to try the food, but hope the waitress is nicer next time!
(3)Patty V.
Came here today with some of my favorite people after a day at Kane County Flea Market.We were seated promptly and our server was quick and efficient. Prices were great and the portions were huge! We each got a sandwich , that came with a massive pile of fries. Honestly...had I known how large the portion of fries were, we could have split one order amongst the four of us. Not a bad place to grab a bite in the area.Really 3.5 stars,but I will be generous because everyone was so darned nice...A little kindness goes a VERY long way!
(4)Olivia P.
Abbey, a very thin dark haired bartender at The Filling Station Pub & Grill was extremely rude to me the last time I was a customer at the bar. I came into the bar thinking I was going to have a nice night with my friends, well I was wrong. She asked me for my ID and yes this is in their job description but when I went to get my ID she then starred me down and rudely said "I need to see all your friends IDs that you are with." First off, I too work at a bar and this is nobody's responsibility but hers. I understand the importance of IDing customers who look underage, but at no point in time was this my job, not to mention she had the time to ID them on her own. She then came out from the bar and approached my table asking everyone for their ID. She said to me "What is with your attitude problem?". Me being a server of 6 years have never once in my career attacked or approached a customer in this way because I know that no matter how bad the day is, a customer never deserves to be treated in such a way. She will never make money for this bar, nor will she ever gain the respect of customers if she continues to speak to them in this way. She is a poor excuse for a bartender and should be dismissed from this establishment if they want to continue making a profit. -an angry customer
(1)Keegan L.
Regular hang out, good times, but more often than not, there exists the drama of Jersey Shore with late night fights and screaming/crying twenty-something girls. Good place for food and drinks on the patio during the day or early evening.
(3)Julie A.
Great burgers, and a nice little patio to sit outside. I have never had anything I didn't like - the food is great! However, I made the mistake of coming here on a Saturday night in the summertime, where beer comes in plastic cups and the music significantly hurt my head - I felt really old. Ugh. Stick to daylight hours for visiting and dining, and come back here on a Saturday night if your 21 and looking to get laid.
(4)Steve G.
You've got at least four chances to like this place. 1. Do you ride a Harley? Always lots of weekend warriors parked here, inside they're sipping on Stella and complaining when the bartender runs out of the Stella glasses. 2. Do you like to people watch? They've got one of the most popular "beer gardens" in St. Charles. Actually, they've got the ONLY beer garden in St. Charles. The one at the St. Charles pub doesn't count -- it overlooks the parking lot and an antique store. 3. Do you like fried chicken? Stop by on Wednesday for all you can eat broasted chicken. When I was a boy, we used to walk 5 miles uphill both ways to get broasted chicken in the days BKFC (before KFC). It's really, really good! And good greasy fries to go with it! 4. Do you like old gas station memorabilia? The old gas station signs on the walls and all over the outside are easily worth 3x what the business is. Don't believe me, try checking out eBay to see what a real 4 foot wide steel Standard Oil sign goes for. Other than that, the place has a cool retro vibe, usually a bunch of non-trendy people in it, live music on occasion, Golden Tee machine, a good selection of beer, friendly staff. I took off one star for the cheap plastic seats outside and the hard-to-find parking.
(4)Kimberly N.
This restaurant/pub (yeah, you're not allowed to call it a "bar in St. Charles), is all about the outdoor seating. They have a prime spot on 64, and if you aren't too afraid of the river bugs (or running into several exes if you went to STC high school) then it is a good choice for pub food and drinks. HOWEVER, I've had a lot of misses with the food, young waitstaff, and obnoxious patrons. With Pub 222's courtyard-style outdoor seating soooo near, and a million other pubs with decent food choices, I'd rather be elsewhere. It is all about the reunions here.. and I will surely be back. The trick is to get as drunk as everyone else, but isn't that always the trick?
(3)Rob C.
The Filling Station is basically a family friendly biker bar. Good bar food, with some standout items, like the potato salad. Its great fun in the summer to sit out on the patio with '70's classic rock in the background and have a Corona.
(4)Angela S.
Food is average. Service is terrible. Nice patio, but it's loud. I've been here a number of times and it's always the same.
(1)Bobby D.
The place is wall-to-wall with gas station memoribilia. And of the best type. Though some reproductions. But still worth looking at. The food is so-so. And the seating, When more crowded can be inconvenient. Especially when one big guy was in back of me.
(4)Pete B.
Food is great, Can't beat dollar bottles on wesnday, plus all the waitress's are hot lol. Bar is kinda small gotta get there early to get a spot anywhere if you go on wensday. But the outside patio is nice and big and they always have good music playing
(5)Shaun P.
I love this place. I don't know if it's because I've lived in STC my whole life or what but it's great. Usually I only come here at night but I decided to check out there food since it's been forever since I've eaten here. It's definitely a different vibe at dinner time then at the late hours of the weekend nights. I ordered the Woody and it was so good. I found the service to be lacking as refills too way too long and we waited for about 20 minutes to get our check while the server chatted with the other girls working. I've been here at lunch time before and the service is so much better, that is why I gave it 4 stars. So my suggestions would be to check it out for lunch or stop by and have a drink or three on the weekends. They usually have pretty good drink specials too.
(4)Adrienne M.
Yes, this place is filled with gas station memorabilia. It is also filled with dead animals. On the walls. Interesting combination, no? The food here is good bar/pub food. The nachos are huge and very tasty. The burgers are great. There are good drink specials every night of the week. I enjoy eating lunch on the patio when the weather is nice. Get there early... it fills up! Evenings are the same, the patio is packed.
(4)Elizabeth T.
We've been here about 10 times. I always get The Woody. I have had an excellent sandwich once or twice but I'm an optimist, so I keep ordering it. It usually doesn't work out and I can't figure out why. They have been making it FOREVER, so what is so hard? Today was no exception. Ordered it on rye but was told they don't have any (more on that later). So went with oat bran. Wait a bit. Here it comes but this is some random sandwich with avocado (NOT on this sandwich) and without the red onion. Take it back. Wait a bit. Here it comes. On sour dough rather than the oat I ordered and in the same basket it went back to the kitchen in. (I recognize the ketchup corner I had made.) Might have been a few new fries in there but the old ones were still there, too. Don't want to wait any longer, so I eat it. But that's just tacky. My friend had the corned beef on the mysteriously unavailable rye. I asked why it was that he got rye and was told that the Rocket 88 sandwich was made up early in the day and held until it was ordered. (This was 5 p.m.!) I really, really wish this place could get it right.
(2)Paul P.
Giving this place one star is too many! Bad food and service. My bandmates and I went here after practice on a Monday night and we all came up with the same conclution, this place sucks! We shared some apps. and they where all very poorly made. My dryed up, overcooked rubberbands that they call squid, where more like dog food than anything that should be served at a resturaunt! The sliders that we got where burnt, and the only thing that was edible was the nachos. If you want to see what is wrong with service these days look no further! OMG I need to check my phone I got a text! Im sure this is what was going through our servers head the whole time we where there. The bartender was doing the same thing also! I think there was a manager there, but I couldn't tell him apart from the other D-Bags that were drinking cheep beer and Jager bombs. If you like to drink crap, and food isn't your thing, go to this dive. If you want to spend your money on good food and drinks look elsewhere. Anyone over the age of 25 should know better than to go to this place! I'm sorry I wasted my money at this joint!
(1)Jake D.
The goto pub and grill for those who require no-frills eating and enjoyment. Very popular weekend bar for 20 somethings. Sandwhiches and chips are the staple.
(4)Chris P.
avoid the weekends here unless youre a bro. otherwise youll fit in perfectly. normal drinks. outdoor seating is nice for nice days/nights.
(3)Alex A.
I go here with my friends two or three times a year and annually on St. Paddy's Day. I've had the nachos and Philly, which are both worth a try. The atmosphere is very inviting to large groups of people, and I will continue to go there for years to come...
(4)Amanda O.
I enjoyed this place - simple menu, great patio, and down the road from a few other bars. I found it very weird that since we sat on the patio if you order a soft drink it comes from a can... Otherwise, the waitstaff was pleasant enough and the prices were reasonable.
(4)Amanda S.
Probably the most popular bar in STC for the younger crowd. Although I've probably been there a hundred times and experienced good and bad service, it's usually a pretty good time. I know a couple people that work there so that helps with the service (my sis cocktails) but I definately agree with other reviewers that it can be hard to get a drink on a Friday or Saturday night and the bar area is tiny. They offer a very limited selection of beer (esp drafts) but the food is pretty decent with a few healthier options. The beer garden is great in the summer although it's usually packed. The only downside is that some of the people there get a little too drunk and a little too immature, but that's the bar scene for you...
(4)Nick D.
OK for starters let me say I rarely give 2 stars so my experience must have been bad so I'll let you be the judge after reading my review. 1st off there was a 20 min wait, it was a Saturday night no big deal the hostess asked us if we would like to wait in the lobby or in the bar. We decided to wait in the bar for seating outside,,,, Big Mistake!!! The waitress in the bar was nice very attentive however shes just bringing us beer and its a small bar I realize how many beers I've had and ask our waitress to check on our table. Long story short They forgot about us 45 min later I'm noticing new guests being seated outside. So were off to a bad start. 2nd Now were buzzed & starving!! We order right away and an appetizer to start with. The waitress specifically asks us if we want the "nachos as an appetizer". 3 more beers & I also ask for a ice water. 3rd I get my ice water and there is crud in the glass GROSS Again I'm pretty easy going but I'm getting aggravated at this point. I send the water back and patiently wait for a new one.... 4th OH No! All the food comes out at the same time! She specifically asked us "do you want the nachos as an appetizer" I gave the food runner a look of death. Still no water & the nachos are cold. 5th I still have no water and no real apology from the waitress. 6th at this point I'm expecting a manger to come over no one ever does I finally get my water after we ask for it. They did take the nachos off the bill BUT that really doesn't make it right. A manager should have come over and apologized or something there was just no customer service our entire visit. No apology for the table no explanation for the food coming out at the same time. I mean the food was good however I can get food like that anywhere. Its bar food. To top it all off the nachos weren't even good... Its a cool atmosphere but the wait staff needs some major training in customer service. I wont be returning.
(2)Matt E.
A cool outdoor patio located at what appears to be an old gas station. Limited beer selection, limited all-fried menu choices after 9. Prices were very reasonable and help the help was attentive and pleasant.
(3)Paul K.
Cool vintage decor, but food is average at best, and the sevice not that great.
(2)Jason S.
A year ago I would have had a slightly higher rating. After dining at The Filling Station no less than 4 times this year, I can't rate any higher than two stars. Service is average, food is below par but I do like the interior. If you're simply looking for an evening drink, have at it. There's always a great late night crowd and in warmer months the beer garden is hopping.
(2)Deanna R.
Hey if you enjoy dead cows, this is the place to be. Just don't steal anything, cus they've had people do that. The Sinclair sign I think.. Decent appetizers,nice outdoor patio and live music. A summer type place.
(3)Nicole L.
Was not a fan of the appetizer combo platter; thought it was too expensive for what was included. Patty melt was great, though! Not sure what people see in the potato salad - it was bland.
(3)Pierre D.
This place is great in the summertime. Sit outside and have a few drinks and some cheap bar food all in downtown st. charles. service varies depending on who you get but more often than not it's good.
(3)John O.
I've been going here sense they opened and now I can only go when it's during the day. Now, I have gotten to old for the night life here on the weekends. During the summer this is the place to go. They have a great beer garden that looks out on to Rt. 64 and when bar hoping this place is packed. Everybody goes here. The girls are cute and your not allowed to work here if your not. They have good typical pub food and good times but it can feel like your hanging out at Kindercare on the late weekend nights. If you want to find out what's going on for after hours, make sure you stop here before last call.
(4)M J.
Great Atmosphere, (fun outdoor area) Great Burgers and Great Hand Cut Fries!! What more could you ask for? Wait... Don't pass up the onion loaf!!!!
(4)Kristine C.
I DON'T RECOMMEND THIS PLACE FOR EVEN A ZOO ANIMAL! The food is not only disgusting but they also have a tendency to ring up WAY too many drinks on you tab. I brought my sister there for drinks after dinner and the waitress THERESA can't seem to count how many drinks we REALLY had. Then when you dispute the charges WATCH OUT for the owner Pete who isn't coherent enough to form a decent sentence. I will never go to this place again! Apparently my sister and me drank 3 beers, 4 rum and cokes and 5 pinot grigios in 3 hours! We would have been passed out if that were the case but they won't credit us back. I am turning them into the Better Business Bureau. CUSTOMER BEWARE!
(1)Jef B.
This is usually our place to eat after hanging out at Kane County Flea Market. The outdoor garden is best, but it was too cold for that yesterday. We have always had something to eat when we have come here. Though the eats are basic, they are always good. This time I had the beef brisket. Way too many fries but I guess some folks like that. It's never too loud despite the TV monitors everywhere. The decor is cool, especially since as folks say, it's authentic and not just knock-off kitsch such as you would find at a Friday's. Good service, and a decent selection of beers.
(4)Liz F.
I live in STC so for me going to the Filler, as it is fondly known, is like a class reunion every time. The food here is really good and the patio is great. BUT if you go after 9 pm its next to impossible to get a drink b/c it's soooo crowded. I have to give the servers props b/c it is so crowded but if I have to wait more than 20 mins I'd just as soon go somewhere else.
(3)Jeff H.
Cool hangout place, but the food is very mediocre. Can get ridiculously crowded.
(2)Nicole S.
Being newbies to the area we decided to venture into town for the annual Scarecrow Festival. Having passed this place numerous times and the 'beer garden' always filled when the weather was nice decided to stop in for dinner. It was late (7:30ish) and we entered the outdoor area and it was quite full. The weather was lovely which is why I wanted to dine here and sit outside on the patio. We were told it was first come first serve.. Which means that you have to run when a table opens up or you won't get it. I was with my two of my children ages 13 and 10 and found this a bit ridiculous to 'dive' for a table on a busy night with no one policing the 'who was there first'. We waited about 10 minutes and a server nicely secured us a table after being jipped out of the first one by a family arriving after us with obviously faster table swiping skills. We were prepared for it to be busy due to the festival. The inside seating was plentiful when we arrived. My main reason for wanting to dine here was to have a glass of wine/or beer and not have to eat standing up at the festival. We were seated and our table was quite gross from the previous guests and children. The napkins were obviously taken out and stuffed back into the holder by children , the chairs were 'ketchup' covered and 'wet'. The server cleared the table and swiped it down with a damp towel which left it sticky and still quite dirty. After a second request she came with a bottle and cleaned it better. It took over 5 minutes to get a menu. We ordered drinks - I ordered a house wine, my husband a draft beer and my kids ordered soda. It took over 10 minutes to retrieve out drinks. Once they arrived we were asked if we were ready to order. We each placed our order and before she walked away asked if we wanted an appetizer as it will be about 1 hour - 1:15 minutes before our food would be done.. Really??? you could not have told us that BEFORE we ordered drinks - you c couldn't see we had children at the table??? Wow, that really put us off. She said they were really busy - and the inside was full (it wasn't as I went in to use the restroom and it was 1/2 empty). Others around us were equally annoyed. We hadn't touched our drinks at that point and were not planning on waiting over an hour for 'pub' food. Had she told us prior about the length of time for food - before we ordered - I would have come back and tried this place another time, but, because of this and the end result I will not be back. My daughter just wanted a Hot Dog.. so I asked if I could get the kids meal and she just shook her head and said she couldn't guarantee it but if I ordered an appetizer it would come out in less than 5 - 10 minutes. Hungry and annoyed we resorted to ordering Nachos and a bowl of Chips and Salsa. These were brought out in about 5 minutes. I have had better nachos at 7-11. They had plastic cheese - limited toppings and barely 1/2 the chips were 'dressed'. The only good thing was the salsa wasn't half bad. I immediately asked for the check , knowing I would have to go get more food somewhere else. The fastest part of the deal was the paying - took 3 minutes flat... It was about 40.00 for two soda's , a draft beer, a glass of lousy house wine, a small mediocre serving of nachos and a bowl of chips with a tiny plastic up of salsa. I give this two stars for the actual friendliness of the server and the potential that this place could possibly be enjoyed on a warm , quiet , Sunday afternoon where sitting outside is the goal - and having a beer.. and maybe a burger . I found it to be overpriced and not worth the time we spent here on this particular night. It would have been a good place to hang out as a college student and drink a few beers and get a burger. I probably won't pay this place another visit - but based on the usual business flow of this place I'm sure it won't hurt them any.
(2)Andy M.
More of a restaurant seating than a bar type place. The bar is really really small. I went there once as I am way too olod to be a regular. It is always filled with young folks too lazy to go to the city. It must be the main hangout for the youth of kane Country as it looks like a typical college town bar. The only problem is there isn't a collge near by unless you count Dekalb and Northern Illinois Univerisity 40 miles away. A good place to bar hop in the suburbs that only forest park can rival. Waitstaff may be too busy to smile and be as friendly to everyone as some have complained about here on yelp. It is not easy working at a bar serving others your age out and having a good time while your busting your butt.
(2)Wonton S.
This is definitely more of a hang out place and less of an actual restaurant. I would have to guess that about half of the folk there on any given night order a few rounds of drinks and maybe something to munch on. Over the last six months or so, we've gone to The Filling Station a bunch of times and I have yet to order an actual meal. The appetizers are typical pub eats (large portions) and they have a great selection of beer and tons of drink specials. The restaurant;s beer garden is on a corner lot of prime real estate in down town St. Charles, just off the river. This is definitely the place to hang out and people watch and to be watched. If you want to hang out for a while be sure to get there early and stay in your seat! I've been booted more than once!
(3)Local G.
Frat life!!!!! I like the food here but they haven't changed the menu in a very long time. The wait staff is usually smoking hot and nice to talk to. Bar seating is limited but during warmer weather they have a fantastic patio to watch the going ons of this little town. This place gets crowded and turns into a frat party like atmosphere. This is where I go to get lit and act crazy. Plenty of TVs to watch the game.
(4)