A Bryan restaurant with a Dog park, games, BBQ, and craft burgers and drinks, the Station on 29th has it all; including a Bulldog, a Georgia Bulldog that is.
Owner, Rich Womack is from Georgia and graduated a Bulldog. Rich’s been in the restaurant business since he was 14, starting as a busboy, that’s around 50 years of experience he brings to the table. After an extensive restaurant career in Georgia he moved to Colorado and continued his journey there. He’s done everything from General Manager, consulting, and owning his own restaurants, food trucks and catering companies. You could say he’s got a ZEST for the food business. (See what I did there?! I crack myself up!!)
He and his wife moved to Bryan/College Station in 2019 to be Aggie Grandparents as he explained. He brought his food truck down from Colorado and ran it for a couple years, but then decided they needed something more permanent. An old, run down gas station on East 29th is what caught his eye. Hence the name, The Station on 29th. He and his then business partner made nearly all of the renovations, including all of the beautiful artwork. Turning that grungy gas station into The place to hang out.
The little dog park, alongside a large patio with games, seating, and outside service make for a fun and relaxing hangout spot. Inside, there’s a full bar where they mix up awesome craft drinks, and also serve beer and wine. I was lucky enough that several of my girlfriends were able to meet for dinner and we all enjoyed the lively atmosphere.
We dined family style that night, all enjoying the opportunity to taste each thing.
A fan favorite was the frito pie. It’s Rich’s recipe, and remember y’all, we don’t hold it against
him that he’s from Georgia. So, knowing that, just know that the chili has beans in it, but I promise it’s good, like REALLY good! Meaty and flavorful chili topped with fritos, a bit of pico and sour cream. This is one of my ultimate cold weather favorites.
Another favorite of the evening was Mateo's Chopped BBQ salad. A bed of fresh lettuce, topped with corn, Georgia baked beans, bacon and cheddar cheese. Then grilled chicken piled on top of all that. Just when you thought there couldn’t be more, there was also crispy onion strings and pico. Then it was all drizzled with homemade ranch and BBQ sauce. This was one hell of a salad.
The two meat plate came out piled with brisket and grilled chicken, a side of the Georgia baked beans, and potato salad. This was a huge plate, if you order this, you’d better have some friends with you too!
Then came out the wings; lemon pepper and Jamaican Jerk. Rich’s wings are prepared differently. (Don’t worry Rich, your secret is safe with me!) That’s how they can be so crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. These knocked it out of the park, nd I see a lot of them in my future! I love the dry rub, helping to keep the skin crispy.
When a place is known for their craft burgers, what do you do? Get a craft burger! Ours was the Big Dawg Burger.
That name is no lie. This thing was huge. Fresh ground burger from @ruffinomeats, with a mountain of pulled pork on top of that, then more of their crispy onion strings and BBQ sauce. The fresh kettle chips that came on the side surprised me. I haven’t see house made kettle chips in forever. Hot, crunchy, lightly salted, just perfect.
Rich brought out a couple of beautiful cocktails. The liquid painkiller and their stunner of a Bloody Mary. Both expertly crafted, but you know I love some snacks and that Bloody Mary was Heavenly. It had bacon, big hunks of brisket, pickles and jalapenos. Now that’s how a drink should come. If I ain’t snackin’, it’s lackin’. Y’all know what I mean?!
The desserts were a beautiful finishing touch to the evening. With everyone commenting about being super stuffed, and somehow we made room for one more taste test! Cheesecake with a strawberry sauce and whipped cream and beautiful homemade banana pudding.
With all of these amazing dishes, I’m glad they’re working on expanding. Rich now has a food truck, Big Dawg in the Backyard, in Northgate. They’re going to be rolling out some amazing food, and doing fun events that appeal to a wider range of customer than the typical Northgate bar.
If you’re looking for a family friendly place, a place to hangout with your friends, or take your pup for a night out, take the backroads then head on over to The Station on 29th. You’ll be glad you did! Tell Rich we said Hey, and be sure to let me know what you got!
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1720 East 29th Street Bryan, TX 77802
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