Robertson County Connection
SPRINGFIELD WEATHER

Depot Bar and Grill has a dish for everyone




The six-layer carrot cake is topped with pecans and caramel drizzle. ELLEN KENNEDY

The six-layer carrot cake is topped with pecans and caramel drizzle. ELLEN KENNEDY

The sound of a train passing by accompanies the bustle of staff and the delicious aroma of food coming from the nearby kitchen. A scene such as this is just what one may expect when dining at the Depot Bar and Grill in Springfield.  

 

The grocery store turned restaurant sports a rustic theme throughout with a large covered patio for comfortable outdoor dining. I enjoyed the intimate setting found in the two indoor seating areas. 

 

My date and I started the meal off with a classic spinach and artichoke dip with tortilla chips. The appetizer was covered in thick melted cheese to be mixed into the dip once at the table. I was pleasantly surprised at the mix of flavors that seemed to set this dip apart from others I’d had in the past. The chips were firm which kept them from breaking each time I scooped into the dish.

 

For those of legal drinking age, the Depot had a nice variety of wines, bottled beers and mixed drinks to choose from. Personally, I prefer more sweet and fruity drinks which led me to the White Peach Sangria. The combination of peach, orange and pineapple was just the flavor I was looking for to add to my meal.

 

After looking at the menu several times, I knew I needed some suggestions to make my final choice. The waitress explained some of the favorites as Texas Tails, a steak dish, and any of the pastas. I always love a good pasta dish, so the Voodoo pasta was the winner with a chicken tortilla side soup. My date went with the grilled Atlantic salmon with a side of mac and cheese.

 

The chicken tortilla soup arrived promptly along with my date’s salad. I may be biased, but the soup beat out the fresh greens in front of my date. Filled with tender pieces of chicken, black beans and corn, this soup was on point. The soup was topped with pieces of tortilla chips which added a nice crunch to go with the spicy flavor.

 

Our entrees arrived promptly, and they did not disappoint. The colorful Voodoo pasta was topped with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes and slices of fresh jalapeño. Penne noodles were mixed with smoked sausage, grilled shrimp and grilled chicken, giving the dish a unique combination of meats. My date’s meal was less colorful but no less tasty. The salmon fillet was grilled to flaky perfection. Though simple, the mac and cheese side was a well-portioned addition to the fish. 

 

By this point in dinner, we were both nearly stuffed, but who could pass up on dessert? I’m so glad we didn’t because it was my favorite part of the meal. House favorites were between banana pudding and carrot cake, which happened to be my date’s favorite as well. Other options included crème brulee and cheesecake. We decided on the carrot cake.

 

When the dessert arrived, we were shocked. This was no simple slice of cake but rather a chunk of deliciousness. The carrot cake filled the entire plate and was thick to boot. It would have easily fed four people. Topped with pecans and caramel drizzle, the cake was a sweet finish to an already wonderful meal.

 

The portions at the Depot were filling, and I even took some pasta home. Prices were reasonable for a seated dining establishment ranging from around $10 to $32. Appetizers and desserts were generally under $12. You certainly get a good portion of food for the price. 

 

The Depot is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Customers can check the website for daily specials, drinks and the full menu at www.thedepotbarandgrill.com/ .

The Voodoo pasta dish features smoked sausage, grilled shrimp and chicken.

The Voodoo pasta dish features smoked sausage, grilled shrimp and chicken.

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