The décor of the Route 12 Filling Station includes vintage style gas station signs, and aims to build a casual atmosphere.
An outside playscape that includes “cooling off” fountains for the young ones, makes the restaurant popular with both kids and their parents.
Outside picnic tables by the playscapes makes it easy for parents to keep an eye on their children.
The Station prides itself on providing “comfort food for all people,” which includes premium hamburgers.
The Station puts “Italian” in Italian pizza.

Route 12 Filling Station Making A Splash

Wed, 09/04/2019 - 10:08pm

Local Business Focus

By John Pacheco, Editor

With an outside playground and picnic benches, the restaurant has a family feel.

Dripping Springs may be the Wedding Capital of Texas, but it also seems to be “The Hamburger Capital of Texas,” with all the new offerings of top grade hamburgers and Americana style food offerings in the area. One such new offering quickly becoming a favorite of locals is the locally owned Route 12 Filling Station.

The Route 12 Filling Station restaurant at the corner of RR12 and Fitzhugh just opened in January, but looks like it's been here for years. “We loved the feel of a country gas station, the informality of it,” said Montana Yates, owner (along with her husband Mike and brother-in-law Chris) of the Station. “We have a lot of restaurant experience, and deliberately created an atmosphere where people can relax and eat. We pride ourselves on providing warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere.”

With an outside playground and picnic benches, the restaurant has a family feel. It’s not unusual to see kids playing in the water fountains and playscapes, while parents relax nearby with a beer. Inside, the bustling establishment has a visible kitchen area centered around two cook lines, with a wood fired pizza oven just off to the side But don’t worry, the A/C works just fine.

On the far side of the restaurant is a full bar, which serves a great selection of local beers on tap, six varieties of margaritas, and craft cocktails featuring local distilleries. For Sunday Brunch, the bar serves Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and other brunch favorites.

But back to the food. “We use as much local as we can in our food,” said Yates. “We make our own dressings. We serve comfort food with healthier options as well. And all of them sell - Southwestern Cauliflower Tacos, Grilled Mahi Fish Tacos, our salads.” One customer favorite is an appetizer, Danish Blue Cheese and Bacon Chips; the chips are made in house, and if you’ve never had freshly made potato chips, you’re in for a treat. The Station prides itself on providing “comfort food for all people,” which means the menu will be as big a hit with the kiddies as with the adults. “We really don’t have any non-sellers on the menu,” Montana said.

The Station also serves chicken fried steak, a full range of burgers, and a fine house-made key lime pie. And the pizza oven isn’t just for show - the Station serves delicious pizza with a perfect chewy crust.

Since the Route 12 Filling Station opened, they’ve been consistently busy. “Our success so far has come entirely from word of mouth,” said Yates. “We are very grateful for the response from the community. It’s heartwarming to see people come back.” Give the Station a try, and you’ll be back yourself.