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Since 2012, chef Natasha Kwan and Rick Roloff have made their mark in St. Louis’ dining scene with Frida’s and subsequently , Station No. 3 and Bonito Bar. The original Benton Park location of  debuted in 2022, giving a former south city filling station a new life as a casual neighborhood bar and restaurant that serves a variety of vegan specialties as well as options for omnivores.

“We are a vegan restaurant primarily, but we serve flex items on the menu,� Kwan explains. While the majority of restaurants these days offer a vegetarian or vegan option or two in addition to a primarily meat-based menu, Station No. 3 does the inverse. “So many people have incorporated plant-based foods into their diet. More people are apt to try it. We wanted to make sure there was a comfortable environment where you could get both.�

The new, larger location fills the approximately 2,600-square-foot space previously occupied by Chicken Out, with seats for around 50 to 60 guests, plus a dozen more on an outdoor patio. The interior design features orange walls, yellow banquette cushions, antique furniture, Carrera marble tabletops and an assortment of colorful framed artwork. “We wanted something bright and fun. The ceilings are so high and there’s a really good energy about the place,� Kwan says.

The Kirkwood storefront also features a much larger kitchen than its city counterpart, giving Kwan plenty of room to get creative. Comfort food mainstays from the menu include signature burnt ends, which Kwan describes as a “labor of love,� made up of ingredients including chickpeas and jackfruit, with caramelized barbecue sauce.

A pea protein-based Signature Station Burger, as well as a turkey burger, remain among the menu’s bestsellers. Kwan brought a new flexitarian offering into the mix, and it’s one of her favorites: a salmon burger with mixed greens, tomato, red onion and lemon-caper aioli. Pair the hearty fare with shareables and sides such as plant-based mozzarella sticks and hand-cut Skinny Fries.

“Coming into winter months, we have the convenience of picking up in our drive through,� Kwan says. “You can order online and cruise through without even having to step outside. It’s not fast food – it’s quality scratch food with high integrity, and you still don’t have to get out of the car.�

A new brunch menu is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring vegan options such as croissant French toast and an STL slinger. Flexitarian offerings include a Bodybuilder Burrito with scrambled egg whites, turkey bacon, white cheddar, avocado, tomato, jalapeño, red onion, spinach and Cajun aioli.

Shakes are another exciting new component of the expanded concept, made with a house coconut-based soft serve and oat milk. Choose from flavoring components such as Oreos, macerated strawberries and Kaldi’s Coffee cold brew.

One of the most unique elements of the menu lies in the ability for guests to customize their orders. Gluten-free options are also available. “Anything can be modified,� Kwan says. “For instance, a lot of people can eat meat but not cheese. They might do a breakfast sandwich with real turkey bacon and sausage and then opt for vegan cheese. We also have vegan eggs.�

“It’s been a real delight just being in the Kirkwood community,� Kwan says. “We’ve been thanked so many times by so many of our guests for opening up in the county. We’ll see if this grows, then we will too. It’s just been so phenomenal.�

Station No. 3's Kirkwood location is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Station No. 3, 10463 Manchester Rd., Kirkwood, Missouri, 557-500-2426,