The Old Station Restaurant — Restaurant in District Municipality of Muskoka

Continuing to make our rounds through the Bracebridge dining scene, Mom and I had lunch here recently. The station suffers "Muskoka" decor the locals detest, well-lapped up by the seasonals and tourists. Happily the food was really good.

I started with the soup of the day - Vegetable Beef, if memory serves. Full of rich flavours suggestive it was made on site, the soup was hearty and soul-warming.

Main course for both of us was salad. I chose the Warm Roasted Beet and Bacon and mom opted for the Crispy Brie and Mango salad. We had started into the salads before I remembered to take pictures - so they are not reflective of the pretty presentation - more reflective of two hungry diners! I salivate even now as I write out the words "beet" and "bacon". I can't tell you how bored I am with balsamic vinegar. I typically stay away from menu items containing the word "Balsamic", but the words "beet" and "bacon" (I continue to salivate) blinded me to my usual automatic Balsamic veto and I am delighted with the results. So much so, that I will reconsider my automatic Balsamic veto. Ample bacon and beets charmed the salad.

Mom's salad was good from the scraps she left for me to try. I note mom ate all but one tiny bit of mango (thanks, mom!). The brie, cooled while my mom grazed, was really pleasant - coated in panko, I believe.

They station is licensed with a fine selection of craft beers as well as the more basic domestic bottled brands I prefer. I am sure we were offered a wine list, but I don't recall reviewing it. The place hops. Staff are pleasant and upbeat. Reservations may be required. Five stars, chef! ...

I have come to this restaurant since 2017 - and always had a positive experience. We get take out - and I'm used to dealing with Tim and Matt and they are always excellent. Today, I went to have a relaxing lunch on the patio and had what was, the worst service experience I have ever had. I was seated on the patio at 1:25pm. My server, Brennan, came and asked me what I want to drink at 1:31pm. I ordered a beer. At 1:36pm, he came back and said "can you remind me what you ordered?" - so I ordered again and he brought my beer at 1:38pm. Then he said, "what are thinking about for lunch?" and I said "give me a few minutes, I'd like to enjoy this beer, I'm in no rush" and he said "just so you know, we have a one hour limit on the patio" and I said, "no problem, I just got here 15 minutes ago." When he brought me my second beer, he said in an exasperated voice "just so you know, we are completely full" and I said, "I get it, you clearly want me gone" - and he walked away. I have never been met with such rudeness and aggression on a sunny Sunday in Muskoka. I recognize restaurants are stuggling with COVID, but I have always supported that place, and always tipped very generously. I'm guessing it has changed hands but I certainly won't be back. He didn't tell any other table about the one hour "rule" - he might as well have said to the hostess "why did you give me a party of 1, what a waste of my time." The irony is that I was hungry and would have ordered - and I am always a generous tipper......but not to people who are...

My husband and I ate dinner at the Old Station this evening. The negative aspects in a word were the attitude of our waitress, Bailey. My husband ordered the prime rib dinner. The dinner was hot and had good flavours. The potatoes, broccolini, Yorkshire pudding and slice of prime rib were stacked in that order, with the beef on top. It is impossible to cut a piece of prime rib on top of such a stack. It may be presentation/plating, but was to him unappealing. He first mentioned it to Bailey and she said, "I'll tell the chef"and turned away and went on to wait on other tables. She basically blew my husband off. Again, my husband mentioned it to Bailey about the plating. Bailey's attitude and words (paraphrasing) was, "That's plating. That is how the chef does it. I have been here 10 years and that is how it is done. I can take it back to the kitchen." Her attitude was young and entitled. There was no word of I understand your perspective. Can I take it back to the kitchen?" It is this type of attitude that drives year around repeat customers such as ourselves away. Having said this, once my husband deconstructed the plate , it was delicious. The lasting impression created by Bailey was negative and it makes it difficult to consider returning. It is important to note that when we have eaten at the Old Station on many other occasions the serving staff has been polite, understanding and most accommodating. That is why Bailey's behaviour and attitude left such a lasting...