Along a whispery drive down the 14 North, through Vasquez rocks and past the aqueduct, rests a budding saloon and restaurant disguised as an old railroad station with a permanent train in the back to boot. From the looks of it, Vincent Hill Station has a hidden past that beckons patrons to come experience its flare and contemporary French cuisine.

What was originally a small coffee shop sitting on 40 acres of open land between Acton and Palmdale back in the 1950s has turned into a gold mine of western decadence by Charles Watt and family. After successfully opening his new investment in 1985, Charles extended the building within a year to accommodate the masses that flocked to its saloon doors. Using the original layout of the old diner, Charles refined his piece of property to resemble the quintessential Boom Town bistro. With an added backyard patio, banquet facility and wine cellar, Vincent Hill Station quickly became a regular treat for local Actonites and lost Sierra Highway travelers. In the summer, the cool desert breeze accompanies the excitement of the house patio band, Runaway Train, one of the Antelope Valley's premier country/country rock bands.

As I sat down to speak with two of the Watt owners, Brady and Sarah, I commented on the down-home appeal of the inside quarters, as well as the friendliness of the staff who greeted me upon entrance. Brady provided an even better summary: "This place truly is one of those rare familyesque establishments where everyone knows not only your name, but your wife's name, where you went on vacation last week, the name of the company you work for and it doesn't end there. People feel comfortable here, and that is why we are proud to be a part of it and that is why we believe our loyal staff and customers call this their home away from home."

Brady and Sarah are extremely humble about their restaurant retreat and their generosity with charities, especially Carousel Ranch, is refreshing. For the past six years they have provided full bar service to Carousel Ranch for their annual Heart of the West event. They were originally asked to provide a simple donation, but after learning of the type of work Carousel Ranch does for special-needs children, Brady and Sarah wanted Vincent Hill Station to be more integrated with one of the foundation's main events. Brady has gone as far as offering a ranch to host the organization's facilities and even offered to loan-out one of his horses.

Beyond its charitable spirit, Vincent Hill Station ("VHS" if you're a regular) is a fine dining restaurant with a country atmosphere, featuring items like seafood, duck, lobster and an amazing selection of pastas. With a great view of the Wild West in the foreground and the smooth country beats overhead, you can't go wrong, Partner.


Vincent Hill Station Restaurant and Saloon is located at 553 Sierra Highway in Acton and is open Monday through Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday for brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please call 272-4799.