Dunning Street Station Returns With Its Neighborhood Atmosphere And Varied Menu

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Just as fans are back at Saratoga Race Course, fans of authentic Italian food are also back at the Dunning Street Station Bar and Grill in Malta.

After taking a break during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the restaurant reopened late spring.

Owner Bob McKenna said the feedback from both the regular customers and new faces has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We want to be that local neighborhood bar and restaurant where everyone feels welcome when they walk through our doors. Everyone has been so supportive, and we really felt it from the community,” said McKenna.

McKenna said during the closure they decided to make some changes to the menu as well as some simple changes to the decor, like new table cloths. The menu is Italian casual fare.

“The lobster ravioli and the Italian Stallion are two favorites. Our head chef does an amazing job, he has really great daily specials like ribeye and a salmon dish,” said McKenna.

Like the rest of the restaurant industry, McKenna said finding staff was initially a challenge, but they were able to fill the spots that they needed. He credited his staff to the success of the re-opening.

The atmosphere both inside and outside the restaurant are what McKenna hopes people enjoy.

The bar and grill was originally a Fodero dining car, dating back to the 1950s. The iconic dining car is named for its Route 9 location, which was first known as Dunning Street. Inside the restaurant is a warm atmosphere with a full service bar, private dining room, and flat screen TVs.

“We want to be known as that place where people gather to relax and have some good food. Our location is so convenient, right on route 9 and off the Northway. We welcome everyone,” said McKenna.

The complete food and bar menu can be found online at www.dunningstreetstation.com.There is also a to-go menu, something McKenna said is doing very well.

Dunning Street  Station Bar and Grill is open Tuesday through Saturday from 3-9 p.m. It is located at 2853 Route 9 and can be reached at 518-587-2000.