The Clover Station

Last week, I visited the South 40 Fruit Stand in Lake Wylie, and ran into some old friends that I hadn’t seen in awhile. We chatted a bit, and they mentioned they were on their way to The Clover Station for lunch. They told me that some of their friends had driven over two hours just to eat at this restaurant!

On Friday, I decided to give it a try for myself. I picked up my mama and we headed to Clover, about 10 miles from Lake Wylie. The Clover Station is located on the corner of Hwy 55 and Hwy 321 (aka Main Street!), at the original stoplight intersection in Clover. A “Main Street Station” sign still hangs on the building, confusing us at first, but closer examination revealed that we were in the right place.

I had heard that The Clover Station served home cooked meals, with fresh vegetables and country dishes like grandma used to make. And the aromas that greeted us when we walked in were, indeed, just like Grandma’s kitchen.

We had a delightful waitress who handed us a menu with the daily specials – Country Style Steak & Gravy, Meat Loaf, Salmon Patties, and BBQ Pork Ribs. In addition, there were about 15 vegetable side dishes. We could choose any “meat and two” for $5.99.

We chatted with the waitress a bit, mentioned that we’d just heard of the place.  She told us The Clover Station was Clover’s best kept secret.  She mentioned that they had a pretty good weekly crowd, but on Sunday’s it was “Katie, bar the door!”  The after-church crowd typically fills the place up, with a line stretching outside.

The waitressed promised that the ribs were “falling off the bone”, so it took no more convincing to make my selection. I ordered turnip greens and mashed potatoes to go with. My family wouldn’t touch a green unless it had Ben Franklin’s picture, so I take the opportunity to eat them in restaurants when I can.

Mama ordered Country Style steak, corn, and limas. She’s about green beaned out from her garden this year, so I think the limas were a nice change of pace.

Our food came out quickly, and was absolutely delicious.  The ribs were falling off the bone, as promised, and the mashed potatoes were creamy, delicious.  Mama’s country fried steak was oh-s0-tender, and it was a real treat for her.  Biscuits and corn bread were served along side, and Mama went on and on about the corn bread.

Pat Bingham, the owner, came out to say hello, since we were newbies.  Pat strives to serve home cooked meals that bring back memories of old-fashioned cooking.  Everything is home-made.    The cornbread is cooked in a 75 year old iron skillet that once belonged to Pat’s mother.   Each day, potatoes are peeled, cooked and mashed.  Beans are simmered to tenderness (no al dente here!).  Vegetables vary according to the season.  The tea is SWEET.  And honey, it’s all good.

I can’t wait to go back.  It’s open Sunday for lunch, closed Monday.  Tuesday thru Thursday, open for lunch and supper.  Friday open from 6am – 8pm, and Saturday 6am – 2pm. 

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