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Station 43
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Station 43
8.4
Station 43 is a focused Melrose counter spot built around house-ground Angus burgers and 14-day cured, 12-hour smoked pastrami, with beef-tallow fries and combos that feel more chef-driven than fast food. The compact space leans takeout-friendly, but locals treat it as a destination for richly sauced burgers and stacked pastrami sandwiches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wild Burger with cherry sauce, Dream Combo burger with fries, Strong or Bold pastrami sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A pastrami-and-burger shop where house-cured meats and cherry-sauced burgers feel craft-level but casual.
Who should go: Burger and pastrami fans who care about technique over decor.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner to avoid peak delivery rush.
What to order: Wild Burger, a pastrami sandwich, truffle parmesan fries.
Insider tip: Consider a burger-and-pastrami combo across two people to sample both sides of the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Melrose and side streets; generally easier before 6pm but tight during peak evenings.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; no need to dress up given the counter-service format.
Noise level: Moderate; small space with steady pickup traffic, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on delivery volume; orders move steadily.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait beyond standard prep time.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; fries and a few sides, but no dedicated vegetarian burger.
Vegan options: Minimal; not ideal for fully plant-based diners.
Gluten-free options: Fries are naturally gluten-friendly, but no gluten-free buns; cross-contact likely due to compact kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into casual counter-service burger spots; the focus is food, not ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Limited counter seating fills quickly, so many people opt for takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy burgers and fries; the tight space isn’t ideal for strollers or toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Hand-crafted burgers with cherry-chili sauce, house-cured pastrami, and richer, more technique-driven flavors than most nearby fast-casual spots.
Skip if: You want spacious dine-in seating, full vegetarian or vegan options, or a quieter sit-down setting.
Station 43
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Station 43 is a sleek pastrami and burger counter on Melrose where beef-tallow fries come out shatter-crisp alongside overstuffed sandwiches. It’s a newer arrival that already draws regulars for pastrami-topped fries, burger combos, and generous portions at lunch and dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef-Tallow French Fries, Pastrami Fries, Burger Combo with Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Modern pastrami and burger shop where fries are cooked in beef tallow.
Who should go: Hungry lunch crowds craving big sandwiches and loaded fries.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner before Melrose parking tightens.
What to order: Beef-tallow fries, pastrami fries, any burger-and-fries combo.
Insider tip: Order a combo and upgrade to loaded pastrami fries to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Melrose is the main option; it’s generally available on weekdays but becomes competitive after 6pm and on weekends. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; anything from gym clothes to jeans fits the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a full conversation, though lunch rushes get lively.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, especially for larger orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though there can be a short line at 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — basic fries, salads, and some sides are vegetarian.
Vegan options: Very limited; standard fries use beef tallow, so ask for confirmation on alternative oils if needed.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free protocols; some items may be naturally gluten-free but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something casual and low-pressure; it’s more of a counter-service spot for quick meals than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s entirely walk-in. Tables turn quickly, and most guests order to-go or eat fast-casual style.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual visits; simple burgers and fries work well for kids, though seating is limited and there are no dedicated amenities like high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Beef-tallow fries, pastrami-loaded combos, and fast, affordable meals in the Melrose corridor.
Skip if: You want vegan fries, spacious seating, or a quieter, linger-friendly dining room.
Station 43
7.9
Station 43 is a newer pastrami-and-burger counter on Melrose leaning into thick-cut deli meat, seared patties, and sauce-heavy combos. It’s a straightforward, modern quick-service spot where the namesake pastrami burger and loaded fries make it feel like a cross between burger joint and classic sandwich shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Station 43 pastrami burger, Classic cheeseburger, Chili cheese fries
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: New-school pastrami and burger counter focused on hefty sandwiches.
Who should go: Lunch crowds craving pastrami-loaded burgers and fries.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner before it gets slammed.
What to order: Station 43 pastrami burger, cheeseburger, chili fries.
Insider tip: Ask for extra crisp on the pastrami if you like charred edges.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Melrose can be hit-or-miss; expect metered spots and occasional open residential spaces on side streets.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; typical Melrose daytime attire is perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate, with kitchen sizzle and counter traffic but still easy enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes depending on rush, especially if ordering pastrami items.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait aside from standard counter-service prep times.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—expect fries, sides, and a possible veggie sandwich depending on rotation.
Vegan options: Very limited; most signature items rely on meat and dairy.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free breads; fries and sides may work for some but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys casual, messy, comfort-heavy sandwiches—this is more of a laid-back, low-stakes meetup spot than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with first-come seating; expect turnover to be fast during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual meals; seating is limited but the menu suits older kids who enjoy burgers, fries, and pastrami-heavy sandwiches.
Best For
Better for: Hefty pastrami burgers, fast counter service, and satisfying, sauce-forward sandwiches that deliver strong value.
Skip if: You want vegan, gluten-free, or lighter sandwich options—other Melrose cafes and delis are better fits for those needs.