It was Thursday morning at the Badger Bash in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and this rubber duck was beyond excited! The moment we’d been bubbling about had finally arrived. The Filling Station, just a hop and a quack across the street from our cozy spot at The Trails Inn, was finally open! After hearing so many mouthwatering stories about this place, I could hardly contain my enthusiasm. It was ready for us on Thursday, just a few days after our arrival!
The parking lot was filling up like a bathtub on a cold morning. We decided to let things quiet down a bit before waddling over. Spoiler alert: it didn’t quiet down! So, off we went, and what a delightful splash we made the moment we stepped in! The staff greeted us with such immense enthusiasm. It felt like we were the only ducks in the pond. In a world where service can sometimes feel a bit like a flat tire, The Filling Station whisked us back to the golden days. Customers were treated like royalty, duck royalty, that is!
We were seated faster than I could paddle my little feet. Coffee cups were brimming and water poured with a flourish before we could even say “quack!” Now, let’s talk about the menu, shall we? It was a treasure trove of hearty breakfast options. This made it nearly impossible to choose. But choose we did, and let me tell you, our selections were absolutely delectable!
One of my humans dove right into the Ozark Bene, and oh boy, it was a feast fit for a duckling! Picture this: a fluffy biscuit base, piled high with savoury sausage, and topped with perfectly poached eggs all swimming in a river of delicious gravy! And to top it off? Crisp hash browns that made my friend feel like they were floating on a cloud of happiness.
Meanwhile, my other human took a leap of faith with a blueberry Eureka pancake, recommended by the lovely staff, and boy, was that a wise choice! It was so massive and scrumptious that she couldn’t even finish it. Oh, how her eyes lit up with every bite!
Feeling like we had hit the jackpot of breakfast, we decided to flap back for brunch the very next day.
One of my humans stuck to a winning formula, going for the Early Riser Breakfast: eggs, sausage, and the Southern staple of biscuits and gravy. He was practically licking his lips, and honestly, who could blame him?
My other human, on the other hand, decided to take a different flight path. She ordered a bacon and tomato sandwich. And guess what? She splurged an extra $2 for double bacon, thinking BLTs are often a bit shy on the good stuff. When that sandwich arrived, it was a towering masterpiece of bacon! Her eyes popped open wide, like saucers, and she was practically doing the happy dance! She graciously decided to share some of that heavenly bacon with me. Let me tell you, it was a meal worth quacking about!
But wait, there’s more! My curious little ducky mind couldn’t resist finding out more about The Filling Station’s owners, Rodney and Autumn. It turns out that these two culinary wizards have crafted several unique dining experiences in the Eureka Springs area.
There’s Grotto, a wood-fired grill and wine bar, where dreams of smoked duck and quail poppers come true, perfect for a celebratory splurge!
Then there’s Sauced, which promises a BBQ and brews extravaganza packed with smoked meats and craft beers, yummy!
And don’t forget Slane Tavern, a cozy Irish-style bar open on weekends, offering great entertainment and a laid-back vibe.
The Filling Station is the latest gem in Rodney and Autumn’s culinary crown. Although we didn’t have the chance to visit the other three venues, if they are anything like the exceptional experience we had at The Filling Station, they are sure to be hits!
So, whether you’re looking for a sumptuous breakfast, fine dining, or a laid-back evening, this duo has you covered for all your cravings. Keep up the fantastic work, team! Quack-tastic adventures await!
NEVER MISS A
