Bill's Bites: Take a drive to Station 66, it's not just for ice cream lovers

Bill's Bites has returned to give readers a taste of what's good to eat in the local dining scene. We are on the lookout for (and stop me if you have heard this before) some diners, drive-ins and dives we may have missed over the near-decade we have been on the road with fork in hand.

But along the way we are going to go back to some places to check out some new menu items that have popped up since our last visit. And that's what is on our plate this week.

A restaurant that has quickly become a fan favorite in the summer time because of it's ice cream is Station 66. And the Bill's Bites crew checked out the cool flavors on our first visit there a few years ago.

But this time around, we are here to say Station 66 is not just a place to get ice cream.

Best time to eat here is when the sun is shining and your hungry for some Battle Creek favorites

The crowds are starting to get bigger at Station 66 with every good weather day. And, not everyone is waiting in line for the ice cream.

With a full lunch/dinner menu and tables inside and outside, Station 66 is a great place for a sandwich or a hot dog. And since this is one of Battle Creek's favorite summer spots, we checked out the Battle Creek Dog on this visit.

The Battle Creek Dog — one of the many choices on a hot dog menu that also includes Coney dogs, corn dogs and Chicago dogs — stands out for those who are proud of where they live. With two slices of applewood-smoked bacon, cheese and caramelized onions on the dog, it all sits pretty in a split-top grilled bun

The dog, itself, has a nice snap, which is a must for any hot dog lover. The caramelized onions bring a sweetness and, as we all know, everything is better with bacon and cheese.

And where there are hot dogs, you know hamburgers have to be around as well. The Stationburger is the featured item on this list, highlighted by a seven-ounce angus beef patty on a toasted bun. Since the old gas station look of the restaurant has a 1950s feel, you also might be inclined to get a classic patty melt or an olive burger.

If you like that kind of thing, this is a fan favorite

Sandwiches, all made with a homemade touch, are a favorite at Station 66 as well. Our Bill's Bites crew, who often take our classic Mustang out for the Station 66 Saturday night car shows to get some ice cream at this locale, have been hearing for years about the famous Chicken Salad Sandwich — but we had never tried it.

On this trip, this sandwich was our first choice and it lived up to its reputation. With a house-made recipe that included tender chicken, sliced grapes and mayo, the mixture comes on a toasted bun with lettuce. The simple, yet satisfying, sandwich is great with some chips or fries and makes a fine lunch.

The Battle Creek Reuben also caught our eye, as well as another childhood favorite that could be the choice for some — a Fried Bologna Sandwich. But we dove into a Pulled Pork Slider Basket as another lunch choice on this visit. Two bite-sized sliders come in the basket with fries. The house-made pulled pork had a definite slow-cooked flavor, with enough zing that there didn't need to be any overwhelming BBQ sauce on top. Get the delicious "secret recipe" house-made slaw on this slider for an extra pop.

I’m not a food critic, but if you asked me I’d describe this by saying this is a great summer break from fast food

Burgers, sandwiches and hot dogs are a fantastic choice to liven up any summer night in Michigan — especially if you happen to be cruising down Highway 66 and see this former gas station just outside of Battle Creek.

And we did come for those items, but don't be crazy, we did not leave without any ice cream. With waffle cones, root beer floats, shakes and even donuts all available, your sweet tooth will be satisfied.

Now that we are into summer, a Station 66 treat is also the Road-Ready Rhubarb Crisp, made fresh in-house when rhubarb is in season. Get it with a scoop of vanilla and the crispy crumble gives just the right crunch to go along with the sweet and tart rhubarb concoction.

Built in the 1930s by the great-great grandparents of the current owners, this gas station is still cruising in 2022 and delivering great food and treats to keep our Battle Creek summers enjoyable.

Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter:@billbroderick

Bill’s Bites

This week’s restaurant: Station 66

Where: 4588 D Drive South, Battle Creek

Items: Battle Creek Dog/Chicken Salad Sandwich

Cost: $4/$7.50

Online: See video of visit by Bill’s Bites to Station 66 at battlecreekenquirer.com.

May I have your order?

Tell us about a favorite or unique food item at a local restaurant and Bill’s Bites may make a visit. Send tips to bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com.

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Bill's Bites: Drive to Station 66, it's not just for ice cream lovers