Retro gas station cafe and bar — The Filling Station is a Crestwood—and now Gardendale—neighborhood favorite. (Mary Helene Hall / Bham Now)

Last December, we let you know about The Filling Station opening a new location in Gardendale. The day is finally here! The Filling Station has opened its doors at 250 City Street.

Bringing The Filling Station to Gardendale

Gardendale is a growing suburb, but there’s nothing quite like the authentic Italian food of The Filling Station. Owner Bobby Lorino and his employee (and now co-owner of the Gardendale location) got the idea for a new location, and knew Gardendale was the place to be.

They decided on a space in a prime location next to the UAB Medicine Gardendale Primary & Specialty Care, near multiple hotels and adjacent to Buffalo Wild Wings.

Lorino opened the original restaurant on Crestwood Boulevard in 2015, inspired by a former spot called Diesel in Roswell, Georgia.

Before The Filling Station restaurant was even a thought, the location was once the subject of hot debate among Crestwood residents. Back in the 1950s, residents were so against the idea of a gas station, they took their case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

All these years later, the actual gas is gone, but the spot’s been turned into a hangout place featuring local beers, bands and tasty food.

The menu includes several Italian dishes in addition to some staples: