A new foodie spot in Westwood’s culinary scene has arrived. The Filling Station, a beloved New York burger destination known for its comfort food, now serves Bergen County. Located at 273 Center Avenue in Westwood, this new burger joint features all the classic favorites from its Haverstraw location. Now, Bergen County foodies can enjoy the well-known TFS dining experience locally. Keep reading to uncover the inspiration behind The Filling Station and this exciting new chapter for the TFS team in Bergen County, NJ.
The Announcement + Grand Opening
On January 10th, The Filling Station announced via Instagram that a new location was on its way to Westwood. The Westwood location opened Friday, April 25th, and is now fully operational and ready to feed customers.
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About the Owners
Stavros Galnis, a resident of Piermont, NY, has over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, mainly in Manhattan. Wanting to escape the hectic restaurant scene, he decided to seek a more peaceful lifestyle closer to home. He purchased a former gas station at 243 Route 9W in Palisades, NY, and transformed it into the original TFS, a cozy eatery that focuses on serving great burgers.
In sharing his vision, the building’s past inspired Stavros as both a gas station and a snack stop. He wanted to recreate that concept, serving more than just a simple snack stand. His goal was to create a larger, better dining experience. With a commitment to serving outstanding food, he revitalized the property into a straightforward, no-frills eatery that reflects his devotion to quality eats.
As a passionate foodie (just like us at team BG), Stavros drew ideas for TFS from his visits to Gott’s in Napa Valley, appreciating the experience of sharing meals with family and friends. Long flights + a burger craving inspired him to bring that essence to New York, creating the iconic TFS we all know and love.
Now, Jake Braet, a native of Bergen County and local of Old Tappan, has stepped in as the very first franchisee of The Filling Station. With a deep-rooted connection to the brand, Jake expressed to the BG team that TFS has always felt like a comforting and familiar haven to him as a customer who would frequent the Piermont location with his family growing up. When the chance to partner with Stavros surfaced, Jake jumped at it, eager to bring TFS to Bergen County and continue the legacy established by the first two locations. With Stavros mentoring him, Jake is enthusiastic about ensuring the new location embodies the same spirit + charm of the originals.
The Food + Menu
Customers and burger aficionados alike agree that the quality of food at The Filling Station is superior. The Filling Station uses premium Creekstone Farms beef, praised for its top-quality meat, to craft its burgers. The fries are Belgian-style, handmade (never frozen), and fried in canola oil, making them crispy and gluten-free. For dessert, artisanal ice cream crafted in Kingston, NY, rounds out the experience.
Every menu item features carefully selected ingredients, promising satisfaction that leaves hearts, mouths, and bellies smiling and eager to come back for more. The new Westwood location’s menu mirrors that of its Haverstraw counterpart, serving up a wide variety of choices, including burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, fries, grilled cheese, salads, and indulgent shakes alongside delicious ice cream.
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Hours
The Filling Station in Westwood operates Sunday to Thursday from 11:30AM to 9PM, and Friday to Saturday from 11:30AM to 10PM.
12 Activities for Your Bergen County Spring Bucket List 2025
Spring in Bergen County brings on the ultimate vibe — Mother Nature is in full bloom, winter layers are finally off, and it’s the appropriate time to get outside and soak in the sunshine. The cold, snowy days are behind us, making way for a season filled with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. From shopping and alfresco dining to outdoor museum hopping and taking in the city skyline views, there’s no shortage of activities to embrace this spring season. It’s time to trade warm cups for refreshing iced drinks. Here’s a list of must-do activities this spring in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Hit the Trails: Scenic Hiking + Walking Paths
It’s important to escape the hustle and bustle for a refreshing stroll surrounded by springtime flora and fauna. Hiking not only captures the spirit of spring but also promotes one's mental + physical well-being. Some top spots for scenic hikes include Ramapo Reservation, Overpeck County Park, and the Alpine Lookout, conveniently located near Exit 2 on the PIP. Check out our full list here.
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Bird Watching: Discover Wildlife
Van Saun County Park | 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus
Watching birds soar through the sky and listening to their serene chirps is a wonderful way to unwind and embrace the spring weather. Van Saun County Park has a tranquil area just outside the zoo’s entrance, surrounded by trees and furnished with several benches for leisure. Alternatively, visitors can step inside the zoo's perimeters to discover a variety of fascinating bird species, including vibrant green aracaris, fiery red scarlet macaws, and elegant snowy owls.
Have a Relaxing Picnic
^ Annabella's House of Mozzarella
Annabella’s House of Mozzarella | 900 Paterson Plank Road, East Rutherford
Bartholomeo Italian Deli | 105 North Dean Street, Englewood
Crossroads Deli | 101 Hickory Avenue, Bergenfield
Jersey Mike’s | Multiple Locations
Overpeck County Park | 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia
Saddle River County Park | 760 Saddle River Road, Saddle Brook
Wood Dale Park | 100 Prospect Avenue, Woodcliff Lake
Setting up a blanket on the grass of open spaces like Wood Dale Park, Overpeck Park, or Saddle River County Park is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Whether relaxing, listening to music, or enjoying picnic delicacies, the experience is always pleasant. We here at BG believe that nothing beats a classic sandwich as the go-to picnic bite. We recommend visiting a local deli, such as Crossroads in Bergenfield, Annabella’s House of Mozzarella in East Rutherford, Bartholomeo’s in Englewood, or the always-reliable Jersey Mike’s.
Step Through History: Explore on Foot
Fort Lee Historic Park | Hudson Terrace, Fort Lee
The Hermitage Museum | 335 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
It’s always a good time to learn something new and delve into Bergen County’s rich history. A stroll through local landmarks that blend historical significance with scenic beauty, like Fort Lee Historic Park or The Hermitage Museum, provides a cool opportunity to explore the past while breathing in fresh spring air.
Dine Outdoors: Embrace Al Fresco Eating
Elia Mediterranean Restaurant | 240 Hackensack Street, East Rutherford
Ventanas | 200 Park Avenue, Fort Lee
Tutto A Modo Mio | 482 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield
The pandemic transformed the way people view outdoor dining, making it a more attractive choice that many of us now appreciate. Enjoying al fresco dining in the warm spring weather is always a fun springtime activity. Some fantastic outdoor dining spots in Bergen County include Elia in Rutherford, which presents a Greek-inspired escape; Ventanas in Fort Lee, known for its extravagant atmosphere; and Tutto A Modo Mio, ideal for a cozy, intimate experience on its outdoor porch.
Wander + Discover a Bergen County Small Town
Brady’s At The Station | 5 West Main Street, Ramsey
Bici | 61 East Main Street, Ramsey
Fado | 4 East Main Street, Ramsey
Giovanna’s Cafe | 19 East Main Street, Ramsey
Hazel Boutique | 74 East Main Street, Ramsey
L’arte Della Pasticceria | 109 East Main Street, Ramsey
Lily + Kate | 66 East Main Street, Ramsey
Runway Blowout Lounge | 70 East Main Street, Ramsey
Spring is the season to stroll around the many endearing towns of Bergen County. Ramsey’s Main Street is always buzzing with a variety of dining spots such as Giovanna’s Cafe, Bici, and the well-known Brady’s At The Station—iykyk. When in the mood for something sweet, L’arte Della Pasticceria is BG's favorite pastry shop. For some retail therapy, stylish items can be found at Hazel Boutique, Lily + Kate, and Fado. For a personal pick-me-up, a bouncy blowout at Runway Blowout Lounge is the flawless way to step into the season feeling (and looking) fabulous.
Views + City Vibes: Take the Ferry to Manhattan
The Met | 1000 5th Avenue, New York, NY
With Manhattan just a ferry ride away, the scenic journey across the water is an experience worth trying. Relaxing on the deck while the skyline sits ahead sets the ideal tone for a fun NYC adventure. Once in the city, the possibilities are endless—exploring iconic landmarks such as The Met, enjoying diverse cuisines, or simply indulging in classic people-watching (which never gets old).
Hit the Road: Bike Around the Area
A lovely bike ride is a positive way to explore the towns of Bergen County. For a more calming bike adventure, consider cycling through quieter towns like Old Tappan, Northvale, or River Vale, where traffic is light and the ride is easy. For those seeking a challenge, the PIP serves as a route frequented by serious cyclists who often journey from Fort Lee to Bear Mountain.
Enjoy a Round of Golf Outdoors
Darlington Golf Course | 277 Campgaw Road, Mahwah
Soldier Hill Golf Course | 99 Palisade Avenue, Emerson
The arrival of nice weather signals the time to hit the greens and enjoy a game of golf. With excellent public courses like Darlington Golf Course and Soldier Hill Golf Course, early mornings spent teeing off among the fresh scent of dew is an ideal activity for a spring morning.
Shop + Stroll: Explore an Outdoor Strip Mall
Dear Petite |22 The Promenade, Edgewater + 580 Piermont Road B, Closter
The Gap | 25 The Promenade A-5, Edgewater
Mixology | 65 Vervalen Street, Closter
Ruby + Jenna | 103 Vervalen Street, Closter
A new season encourages a wardrobe refresh — saying goodbye to bulky winter wear and welcoming cool denim jackets and fun spring colors. For a pleasurable shopping experience at an outdoor shopping center, Closter Commons features stores like Ruby + Jenna, Mixology, and Indigo Chic, making it ideal for a spring closet refresh. We also often find ourselves at City Place in Edgewater, which features many great stores, but the few we often frequent are Dear Petite and The Gap.
Pickleball Fun: Local Spots to Play Outdoors
Fort Lee Pickleball Courts | 519 Stillwell Avenue, Fort Lee
Overpeck County Park | 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia
Riverside County Park | 26 Bogle Drive, Lyndhurst
Pickleball is a booming sport, and it’s easy to see why. This fast-paced, social sport is a hit for all ages. If looking to play outdoors, some top spots include Overpeck Park in Ridgefield, the newer outdoor courts behind Stilwell Middle School in Fort Lee, and Riverside County Park in Lyndhurst.
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Make an Impact: Volunteer Locally
The Hackensack Riverkeeper, founded in 1997 by Captain Bill Sheehan, is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Hackensack River for both people and wildlife. Get involved by volunteering for a river cleanup or joining one of their spring and summer events—like a relaxing paddling adventure on the Hackensack River.
