Aaron R.

Good diner food, but perfect case for why you don't mix family and business. Poor service and ever worse cashiers. Too many options in this area these days to tolerate rudeness and snark.

Bill R.

My wife and I have been going here since we moved nearby in December and have yet to have a bad meal. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner has all been good. Very busy, but it makes sense. If you want some classic American diner food, I highly recommend Stella's.

Leah A.

I LOVE Stella's Diner! I consider myself to be somewhat of a Diner specialist, and this place hits all the marks. 1. Has very friendly and attentive service. In a city where hospitality in restaurants seems to be dwindling, I know that when I go to Stella's they'll treat me right! 2. Has great food. My favorite thing to get is one of their weekend specials - the breakfast quesadilla. So good! Actually, all of their quesadilla options are delicious and filling. 3. Great sized portions for a great price. 4. Good coffee. 5. Clean Bathrooms. I know that's a weird thing to judge a diner on, but it's part of my check list. So many diners have scary bathrooms. Stella's does not. 6. Malts, shakes, and DIVA CAKE! I highly recommend it to anyone that wants that Midwest diner experience. Check it out!

Stephanie H.

I had brunch here this morning. I was sat right away and immediately offered coffee. I went with the buffalo chicken sandwich based on the other Yelp reviews. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't really up there in chicken sandwiches I've had. I really liked the cajun fries it came with though. I'd order something off the breakfast menu new time. The service was excellent, and I'd come back for a weekend brunch or lunch.

Laura Z.

This is the kind of place "where everybody knows your name." My friends and I go to Stella's at least once a week. I would highly recommend any of the skillets - they are DELICIOUS. Each time I'm torn between a skillet, and their Cobb Salad. I'm not kidding - the Cobb salad is the best I've ever had and I've had my fair share of Cobb salads. The best part is that they're great portions, for a great price. Everyone there is so friendly and welcoming. It's a real family-friendly, family-owned, great place. Love it.

Dede R.

The one star is based on service alone. The server we had was rude and I observed him make a pass at another guys lady companion. Not cool

Joshua D.

We've been here a couple of times and I've always enjoyed it. Today we came and got a milkshake and I decided it's time I wrote a review for them. That milkshake was soooo good. And the service was exceptional. We were sat immediately, and the staff were attentive, engaged, and friendly. The lady working behind the bar / counter was so pleasant. Thanks for a great snack! I'll be back!

Kehinde a.

Best diner ever. Service is the best ever. Waiters and waitresses are on top of everything and the food is great. Will definitely be back

Bryce S.

An OKAY experience. The wait was long and the bacon cheeseburger was okay, but still an good experience. The owner is the sarcastic/funny type so that made it interesting.

Christopher S.

Good old fashioned diner with good diner fair. Excellent customer service. This has become a once a week lunch time favorite.

AJ L.

This place is colorful, retro and nostalgic. From the motown music playing overhead to the chalkboard special menu. The food here is great! I had the stuffed citrus french toast with chicken apple sausage! The french toast was very sweet and yummy- but the little orange pieces were unnecessary because the marmalade have that citrus taste enough. EVERYONE NEEDS TO TRY THE CHICKEN APPLE SAUSAGE THOUGH. YOUR LIFE WILL GET BETTER. My friend ordered the Hobo scramble but she told me order from the specials so your taste can dance. Coffee is average diner coffee but the oj has far too much pulp. As far as service, our servers were a bunch of sweet persistent older women. We found ourselves repeating our orders. But overall our experience was nice.

Madison T.

Owners make an effort to learn the locals and treat everyone great. The food is amazing and service is always good. Definitely a great diner to check out for breakfast or dinner!

Zack H.

Normally I think breakfast food is just okay, but this place really stepped it up a notch. Stella did her thing whipping and flipping a nice Gypsy skillet for me. It reminded me of seventh grade Halloween which was my favorite Halloween because I got this chick to hold my hand and that's like the seventh grade equivalent of going heels to Jesus. Lemonade was top notch too. I bet if I came in the here the morning after a long night of drinking, I'd probably break down and cry from having a holy experience.

Anna D.

A great place for breakfast on a Sunday morning. Everyone is so friendly and the prices are reasonable. One of the favs in the neighborhood.

Kyle D.

Stella's is a great diner off of Broadway. Went here for brunch with the parents and everyone enjoyed their meal. They have a pretty good sized menu with options that will please everyone, and there were no problems with our meals at all. The coffee kept getting refilled, and the service was friendly. Stella's also has a nice little charm to it, it's home-y and friendly. The food was great and came out at an average pace. Everyone left content and satisfied. Overall, it was a great experience and I will surely be back! Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 9/10 Food: 8/10

Laura J.

More like 3.5 but I rounded up since I've had several good experiences here. Interesting atmosphere (the front part feels like a diner while the middle and back part are more randomly set up and I've seen some pretty bizarre art on the walls at times). The outdoor seating is really nice in the warmer months. I always take my visitors here because it's pretty reliable with it's food. The skillets are amazing!!!! Everything else is pretty normal but good diner food. Their service can be a hit or miss (some odd waiters/waitresses). Overall I recommend giving them a try.

Cory Z.

Came here because of the high rating on yelp. Overrated. First the hostess gets my name wrong. That's not really that big a deal, but please don't call me Hilary and act like I'm the rude one when I tell you my actual name. Our waitress was also rude and unfriendly. She was rushing us to order just a couple of minutes after being seated. Then someone a few seats over fainted. Not one minute after that our waitress was asking us if we'd decided on our orders. We had not because we were distracted by the person that collapsed just a minute ago. After we ordered and received our food, the order was wrong. We let it slide because we didn't feel like extending this experience. Oh, and when my girlfriend went to the restroom another waitress tried to move by her and said "behind you!". I guess it's easier than saying excuse me. Goodbye forever.

Brittney S.

Stella's is super laid back and even when it's busy it doesn't feel loud or overcrowded. Quick and kind service, inexpensive, and the breakfast is good for the price. It's the kind of place I love to go and chill on a Sunday, and there is rarely if ever a wait to get seated. My only complaint is they charge you $2.25 for every single tea bag. Come on guys...

Edmund T.

The. Best. If you're looking for a diner with all the things you'd expect (good simple food, malts in tall glasses, sassy waitresses) then this is the place for you. The service is great, the food is fast, and the people-watching is excellent!

Alexandra K.

Another trip to Chicago, another breakfast at Stella's. I love everything about Stella's, and I especially loved the way they perfectly poached my eggs, and followed my ridiculous instructions for my version of an eggs florentine. I treated my friend and my fiance, and spent about $40 after tax and tip. For the level of service, and quality of food, it's all worth it.

Wendy G.

Sitting here drinking a strawberry shake and wondering, does it get much better than this? An excellent finish to my delicious BLT. Come here if you want a good meal provided by good people!

Cheryl A.

Mediocre diner in a neighborhood full of better options. I do not understand the hype. The other diner, three blocks north, is much better. I went here for lunch and found my dish to be bland. My mother had ordered a dish with Mac and cheese, and the pasta was so overcooked that it looked like orange sherbet. I tried some and also found that bland beyond compare. I've had better food in a school cafeteria.

Melissa F.

I love this place. I like to think of it as a small town diner, which is. The service can be very slow and at time rude but there are a lot of great staff who are amazing and friendly and warm. The food is great never been really upset about anything i have gotten there.

Megan O.

This was a no frills place that has yummy, comfort diner food you can count on. I brought my parents here on an off day and we all enjoyed ourselves. It can sometimes be crowded if the weather is super nice. It feels like a place you could become a regular at and have your own special booth.

Roxanne A.

This place has diner fare with upbeat pop flair. My boyfriend and I wanted to eat out, but the wind chill prevented us from venturing farther. Fortunately, Stella's is right outside. We finally went out around 8:00pm and despite the chill, it was worth it. We shared the Dracula's garlic bread, which is two nice-sized loaves of bread toasted with them sliced for easy access to pieces of bread. The amount of garlic and oil was immense, but if you love garlic, it's paradise. Very cost effective especially if you are sharing with a group of people. I had the chili for dinner and it was perfect for a chilly evening. The place was closing soon, but we had wanted dessert. I had asked one of the servers if we could have the chocolate diva cake. Apparently, it never got back to our waitress, but the manager was super kind and gave it to us on the house after we had explained what had happened when the check came. The food is good and it is diner food, but instead of a poorly lit place, Stella's Diner has a bright and cheerful atmosphere. Customer for life.

Nicole G.

Haven't eaten at Stella's since I used to live in Lincoln Park years ago. It's still the same great place with great people and awesome food. Highly recommend the Challah French Toast. And if you love diner coffee, you won't be disappointed. Hit it up next time you're in the area!

Kyle O.

Stella's is always a solid option when I am overwhelmed with Grubhub choices. Love the french onion soup and milkshakes. Delivery is always fast as well.

Austin R.

Amazing brunch for a great price! My friend and I shared a Mystery Milkshake which was a creamy concoction of chocolate, banana, caramel, & more! Very delicious and definitely turned out to be large enough to share. I ordered a chorizo skillet special--a ton of chorizo on hash browns & eggs with toast. It was only $8 for soo much gooood food. My friend had the West Coast skillet which looked similar and had avocado. Very friendly and efficient service. Great outdoor seating on a very beautiful block. Loved this place!

Sarah C.

Fist punching through the building? I'm game. I didn't know what to expect, I just knew I liked the building. I ended up getting a fist full of flavor with their breakfast quesadillas. So good! I got pancakes on the side and they were just how I like them: a little crispy around the edges. I really am such a coffee snob - I wish I weren't but I am. Diner coffee usually leaves me underwhelmed because I have unrealistic expectations, but this was nice. I ended up leaving a little jittery because I realized that I'd had 4 cups. Pump your breaks, kid. I know there's a ton of breakfast in this area, but I really encourage you to try this out. My meal was a great way to start my day.

Sid B.

I have been going to Stela's for 15 yrs so I know a few things about this place. If you want the best breakfasts, lunches, or dinners in the area,or the entire northside, then THIS is the place to go hands down. Maria (Tula) Gus, and Jimmy and all who work there "ARE FAMILY"!! Its always packed on Sat. and Sunday mornings but only cause the food is great. The atmosphere is welcoming to everyone that shows up, the wait-staff is just sweet-hearts, with warm smiles, and will ALWAYS go beyond what's just expected, to make sure you have everything you need, always! I personally love their biscuits and gravy, OMG.... better than anything in the area. But as I said, everything is good there, so RUN don't walk, take a taxi, whatever it takes to get there, BUT GET THERE!

Kelli M.

I'm from nj and this reminded me of home. Just like a traditional diner and the service was nice. Food is mediocre. I had chicken salad and the lettuce had huge chunks of lettuce with cheese that looked as if it was sliced from a deli cheese slice. Best to get fried food on the go or breakfast at night. They have booths and seat yourself policy. Poor parking around area, prices are low but you get what you pay for.

Mitch L.

Great local diner, kid friendly and nice atmosphere. at the table we were at, wait a Montecristo, couple of burgers, ruben, French onion soup, chicken fingers, and ham and cheese sandwich. everything was delicious, especially the fries. I would definitely eat here again... Especially if you're going to blue man group.

Kristina S.

I never write reviews but I was so inclined because of the amazing customer service experience I had here. The owner Gus called me personally to tell me something about my order. He had been thoughtful and noticed a connection about some of the items I placed & he called to let me know. I thought this was incredibly thoughtful and gracious. The woman I spoke to on the phone was very accommodating and very nice and made me feel comfortable that I wanted to go ahead & place an order. This is a family owned business and it seems that they really care about the customer. This was one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had and it was even only a delivery!!

Saurabh P.

Love this place! A diner within walking distance, my prayers have been answered. Actually this place has been around way longer than I've been in the area I think. Whatever, its good food. The staff is super chill and nice, not what you expect in the standard Lincoln park too cool for school type of place. More of a Denny's in the north shore kind of feel.

Jessica F.

Great neighborhood spot with a classic diner setting. Welcoming friendly staff and a relaxed, sit for a while and sip your coffee, atmosphere. Good coffee and reasonable prices. Will definitely be back.

Dani M.

Love Stella's! Huge menu with any kind of sandwich you could want, and everything is delicious. The restaurant itself is a cool diner atmosphere in a great location. They are also on grubhub for the days that I don't feel like leaving the house. Highly recommend.

Emmanuel V.

Food was okay, coffee was horribleness and the service was not that good. I rather go to Clarke's on Belmont.

Max D.

Super friendly staff, and great food!! I love the soup and the turkey pesto sandwich rules. Highly recommended!

M R.

My family and I have been on a burger delivery kick of late and Stella's is the current winner. Delivery and take-out both were early and the burgers were great. Served on a traditional bun (we all feel the pretzel bun is over-played), cooked to the perfect temperature, with just the right amount of salt and fat content in the patty. The hand-cut fries were amazing as well. If only for service, burgers, and fries, it would've been 5 stars. But the chicken parm sandwich was thin and overcooked, and the mac and cheese went to great lengths to be different, which made it nearly inedible (for my kids definitely, and even for me) as it tasted overly garlicky for comfort food. I'm looking forward to trying breakfast food there too.

Daniel C.

I'm new to the lakeview area and wanted brunch food. I ordered the biscuits and gravy with eggs + bacon. The portions were huge but the gravy was bland as can be and no sausage which I was expecting. I have had good biscuits and gravy in chicago however this wasn't it. Service was great. Very friendly. Menu was extensive. I may go try other things suggested but they probably won't recover from the flavorless experience I just had.

steve o.

We been in here a number of times and love the place. It is a neighborhood gem. The servers are all awesome. Gus, the owner, always sits and chats with us. Great guy. always takes good care of us. We have had a great experience with all of the servers here. (particularly the younger crowd) Food is classic dinner food, with some little twists. Great location. Outdoor patio. Love this place!

Alissa S.

This place is great! You walk in and wish you went there every weekend because the staff if friends with half of their customers. They are very friendly and laid back. The food is good also. They have an awesome veggie burger and great skillets. It's also BYOB so if you want you can bring a bottle of champagne and make mimosas. In the summer they have a patio open on the sidewalk so its nice to sit and people watch.

John N.

Love the place, Gus and the staff are great. Good breakfast, good portions. I go there a lot but I would give it a 5 star but twice I been there I saw cock roaches. Once the wait person killed one on the counter with a news paper and wiped it with a rag and put the rag back in the sink and the 2nd time one crawled on me and scared the crap out of me once I saw that I said ok no more. I'm sorry as much as I like the place, you guys need to get rid of the pest.

Tony M.

Really good country fried steak! The spinach was a nice touch. A bit on the smaller side, usually a restaurant will give you two pieces of the steak, not just one. But it was still very tasty!

Laura E.

I've been here twice, most recently on my last visit to Chicago with my mom and aunt. When I came here two years ago, my aunts, cousin, and I shared a chocolate malt. On my most recent visit, I had the Greek omelet with onions, feta, and tomatoes and hash browns, plus some fries that my mom had. Everything I had here was good. Not amazing, but good. The problem, as others noted, is the service. Last time I was here was around 3 pm on a Friday afternoon and the restaurant was almost empty. My mom and I were seated immediately, but the wait for our servers to take our order and get the check to us was ridiculous. There was a family next to us and they got served much quicker than we did though we were here first! And none of the food we ordered was that difficult to make!!

Hrudaya S.

Brunch! Who doesn't love brunch?? I went to this place several times, and it was one of the first places i went to, when i first moved to chicago as well. The staff is great, extremely helpful and patient and FRIENDLY. Prices are very reasonable, and portion sizes are HUGE! You will not leave this place hungry!

Lauren H.

I was not at all surprised to see other reviews specifically mentioning how rude the hostess Maria was. There was no room in the waiting area and we tried to stand in another area near the kitchen and Maria asked us to move, which was fine. My friend asked politely if there was someplace else we could stand because there was still no room near the door, which apparently made Maria quite upset and she motioned back toward the door and told us to stand somewhere over there. We moved back near the door and Maria again asked us to move quite rudely. Without saying anything, I lifted my hand up in a "what do you want us to do?" motion and she said she didn't need any more attitude from either of us. We were talking about how crazy the encounter was and she came up behind us and started yelling at us and saying that my friend was rude for asking where else we could stand. I have never experienced such horrible treatment from a customer service employee. If we weren't waiting for others there we would have left immediately. The food was fine but I certainly don't plan on going back specifically because of Maria's attitude. Clearly being a hostess is not a good job for her!

Amy L.

Stellas is awesome! We just went there for the first time and I was impressed! The owner was super friendly and helpful, he definitely cares about his customers. The food was delicious- and there were a lot of options (I have some food allergies and there were still good options for me). Great service, chill atmosphere. Definitely would go back.

Tracey M.

I'm a HUGE fan of breakfast foods. In recent years my favorite thing to order is pancakes and have found not all pancakes are created equal. On this particular visit I had Stella's Chocolate Chip Pancakes. YUM! YUM!! YUM!!! And that is not only because my pancakes had lots and lots of chocolate chips. The pancakes where perfectly cooked and the the batter they use was tasty. I totally could have had more than I was served. Our server was nice, but lacked some customer service as it took me longer than I'd expect to get refills on my ice tea. Overall, I will definitely be heading back to Stella's!

Taylor C.

In meeting a friend for dinner, we had many more "fancy" places picked out for a Monday night meal. We then realized winter was upon us, it was dark at 6pm and 20 degrees so we defancified and decided on Stella's. As a diner, Stella's earned five stars in my book. I got the Monte Cristo sandwich, while the food didn't knock my socks off it was certainly tasty and fulfilling, and I would order it again. The coffee was hot and my cup was filled multiple times throughout the night but what really blew me away about Stella's was the service. Our waitress was cute and funny and prompt and possibly the owner who was manning the cash register showered us in compliments and sincerely thanked us for coming in. If your looking for decent diner food, a warm atmosphere, and somewhere they don't mind if you take up a booth for a while, Stella's is your place

Luke T.

I just moved to the neighborhood i few weeks ago and finally stopped in today for a late lunch with my gf and her friend. Gus greeted us at the door and even thumb wrestled my friend it was awesome! The food was very excellent. I had a burger which is handmade and actually cooked how i ordered it! Then the super awesome server and i discussed milkshakes and i went with half oreo half peanut butter. it was unreal. The best part was Gus coming over and talking to us about the neighborhood since we are new to this part of town. What a great experience with great food!!

Katie L.

A good, friendly, delicious diner! Came here for brunch today with a friend, ordered some skillets and milkshakes (weird I know), and everything hit the spot! I ordered the chorizo skillet which was on special, and it had a great balance of chorizo, hash browns, cheeses, egg, spices, and I of course added hot sauce. Came with toast and amazing service from our waitress. She was also very eager to get us "mystery" milkshakes to go when she saw us gazing at the flavor wall! Btw, the mystery milkshake is chocolate, peanut butter, and banana, with a cherry on top! Definitely will return if in the area again. Lakeview East is so lucky!

Leah A.

Have I really not written a review for my beloved Stella's? Great neighborhood diner with fun and sass. The food is everything great diner food should be- hot, delicious and comforting. If you can, sit in Erin's section- she is so friendly and attentive, dining is a pleasure. My husband and I come here every Sunday for breakfast, and every Saturday night, I already dream about my breakfast.... Mmmmmm... Breakfast....

Kristin M.

Good breakfast food and great service! Was easy to get a table (even on a Saturday morning) and the coffee was plentiful. I had a skillet and it was delicious, my boyfriend had an omelette that was very large but a little overdone. However, good diner atmosphere with affordable prices to match. Would definitely come back here if staying close again!

Laurie H.

I love this place! How much do I love this place? When we were looking at apartments in the area this past summer and found one we liked, we decided to check out the neighbourhood first, to make sure we really liked it. So we decided to go for brunch/lunch at Stellas (which was just down the block from the apt broker place (whatever you wanna call it!). Not only was the food good, but they were so fun and friendly there (the owner was working the cash register, and he was a HOOT! I think half the folks that work there are family!) We decided on the Lakeview apt partly because we wanted to be regulars w/in walking distance of this place! We don't go as often as we'd like, but it's our fave for breakfast/brunch. Always good service and the food is excellent and reasonably priced. I go for simple, usually--just their basic breakfast--couple scrambled eggs, add spinach, and hash browns, while my bf goes for waffles or pancakes and bacon and hash browns. We have never been disappointed! The last time we went, I actually was more in a lunchy mood, and got the appetizer size quesadilla for a meal--it was plenty for 1. SO good! I highly recommend it! and for about 5 bucks, SO well worth it! Seriously, if you're in the neighborhood, check it out!

Rachel B.

Decent greasy spoon type diner. Very fast service. Gets busy on weekends and on beautiful summer days. They have outdoor seating. Breakfast eggs are usually undercooked because they are so quickly pumping things out of the kitchen, so I order things to be overcooked a little, then they come out better.

Anelle G.

Food is ok at best. Although the staff was super and attentive, it does not supercede the lackluster quality of the food. I will Not be back.

Bradley B.

Fresh, tasty, friendly. (Maybe you skip the omelettes, though -- even the servers will tell you that.) Save room for the pumpkin cake.

Sara S.

Dinner/lunch are just ok, pretty basic menu. Breakfast is delicious, but that's kind of hard to mess up. Some of the wait staff is excellent but there are a few bad apples that are just ridiculously slow and should really retire from the industry. The owner is friendly, but slightly cocky and pompous. Their jalapeño burger and fried cheese app are both good. Milkshakes are yummy as well. Primarily I revisit because of the convenient location.

Jason G.

Amazing food. It's BYOB so it's already great before you even begin. Food came out quickly and hot. We ordered the calamari, egg rolls, Basil fried rice and Mongolian Beef. Everything was outstanding except the calamari. It was worth a shot, but it just didn't meet standards. Service was OK. Friendly, but a bit slow. Try it out if you're in the area.

Evan H.

Most importantly, the milkshakes are fabulous. Other than that, the food was good, service was great and it is a fun atmosphere. I highly recommend Stella's for a casual meal. I've been there twice now and I will most definitely continue going back.

Mac C.

Great breakfast! Friendly staff in a fun part of town. I recommend the breakfast skillets.

Rashawn S.

Hooray for real eggs! BF and I decided to give this place a try for a late sunday brunch. It wasnt crowded, the servers were genuine, and the eggs were real. I got a delicious three egg omlete with spinach and feta and added some sausage in there. It also came with hashbrowns. It was great, a far cry from the ihop down the street. I tasted every distinct ingredient in every bite. In addition, we ordered an oreo banana shake that was THEE VERY BEST Id ever had. At the end of our meal we met the owner, a very chill, very friendly guy who thanked us for coming, gave a brief history of the place shook our hands and welcomed us back again. There will definitely be a next time. I really wanna try a breakfast skillet or better yet....more shakes. I def recommend.

Matthew S.

No one wants to cook after Thanksgiving. Well, at least I don't. Given my delicate nature, it is best that I take small breaks on occasion. The night I visited Stella's for dinner was one of those nights. I wanted no frills, cheese burger-y goodness, french fries, and to sit in a booth by a window. Stella's delivered. They met my expectations. Granted, they weren't that high to begin with for this adventure. But when I want something, I have trouble telling if it is a need, and can't decipher between want and must have. Being a spoiled child may have ruined me for life. I digress. A cheery waitress, hot food, a restaurant surrounded by Chicago locals was just what I needed. Wanted. You get the point. The burger was nothing to write home about, but coupled with the atmosphere of the diner and the handful of elderly couples eating open faced turkey sandwiches made me very happy. As I was getting ready to go, a large crowd spilled in. While the waitress tended to the flock of humanity that had arrived, the owner came out and rang up the bill. He thanked me, and hoped that I would come back. You know what? I will.

Ken O.

After have a great workout, I decided to enjoy a great burger so I stopped in at Stella's. You never can go wrong with this is restaurant. Upon entering the restaurant, I was told I can sit anywhere I want to, since it was a sunny day, I decided to sit on the patio. I was the only one there so I had plenty of tables to choose from. The waitress, Dawn, flops down the menu and asked if I needed a beverage so I had ordered a coke. When she brought the coke, she asked in her gruff voice, "Are you ready?" Granted, I was craving a burger, but I may change my mind..... I asked for couple of more minutes. Meanwhile, an additional table taken by some regulars, I couldn't believe how sweet sounding she was with them. About five to seven more minutes, she took my order. She brought my food and with her gruff voice, "Need anything else?" Ketchup, I replied. She brought the ketchup and walked away. I then realized the one napkin that was brought to me had some wet spots on it. No one around to get couple of new napkins, I can make it work with this napkin. While eating this half burger, I continue to hear her with other guests. Did she stop and check on me to see if I needed a refill or anything? No. Nothing. The only time she stopped by was to give me the check and stated, "Thanks honey", and walks away. BTW, the burger and fries were prepared perfect. I have never received bad service and food here before. I will make sure she will not wait on me again. Sorry Maria and Gus.

H R.

On my visit they were mostly polite, but I felt as if I was at a strangers house, and I hadn't really been invited. I sat at the counter and unknowingly found myself in the middle of a birthday party for their cook, Eddie. It was a touch awkward but nothing too bad. If I had been with people I would have moved. I received a strange comment because I wanted water. That's what I drink! They said, "I guess I need to make a pot if water!" It was a joke I guess. I got the biscuits and gravy which came with eggs and bacon. The biscuits were not home made and a bit dry. Gravy was pretty good. Bacon was all kinds of floppy, eggs were good. My stomach was feeling it later. It was just okay food, but there was a lot of it! I wouldn't feel a great need to go back.

Daniel M.

Really pleasant customer service, food prepared timely and delicious, and prices are perfect. Great for any meal

Shaina K.

Really great diner! Let me tell you, there are few things better than breakfast. Especially breakfast for dinner. Especially BYOB breakfast for dinner. Stella's has a regular diner menu, and their prices are reasonable. I had the hobo (cheese, eggs, hashbrowns, toast). Super cheesy (with lots of different kinds of cheese). Simple and good. The boyfriend had some salsa-y egg dish, with lots of tortillas and salsa. The service was outstanding, and everyone was very friendly. They also have very yummy looking milkshakes! My only wish is that they stayed open later than 10 (at least on weekends) .

Amy M.

This review has been a long time coming. I love Stella's. Hands down, my favorite place in Chicago. I really, really love Stella's. I have been here at all times of day, all days of the week. My girlfriends and I come here for brunch on the regular, and have never had a bad meal. Ever. In fact, I can't think of ever having a single negative experience of any kind at Stella's. Now I admit, I love this place more on the weekdays than on the weekends, but I'm a little biased against the usual noisy brunch crowd. That being said, any time brunch is discussed, Stella's is always our number one choice. I love everything on the breakfast menu. And dinner! This place is great for dinner too. Words cannot even express how much I love the roast turkey dinner. In fact, that's what got me started on Stella's -- a trip on Canadian Thanksgiving to have a "thanksgiving dinner". But heck, everything else is delicious too. The monte cristo, the french toast, the eggs.. everything! The service is always fantastic -- I know no ones name, but I love them all. I take that back, I love Ro with a sassy passion as he's our usual Sunday morning guy, but everyone else I don't know but love. I come back here week after week and I don't think there is anything Stella's could do to change that. I feel like this review doesn't do justice for my love for Stella's. Stella's, I seriously love you.

Sarah W.

I'm sorry to say that I did not enjoy Stella's. My boyfriend and I came in for breakfast on a Sunday morning. They were busy enough but told we'd be sat in 5 minutes which really ended up being 2. The waitress was a little busy when we were sat and she took a moment getting to us which was fine. We were ready when she came by. I ordered the eggs Benedict and asked my eggs to be poached well because I don't like runny yolk (I know a little ridiculous request for eggs Benedict but an easy one I think). Boyfriend got the stuffed french toast and some eggs. Food came out very quickly. However, for how quickly it came to the table I was a little grossed out that my hollandaise sauce had formed a nice hardened layer atop my very very VERY runny eggs. Everything on my plate was cold and to be honest tasted awful. I ate my cold hash browns and half of an English muffin. Our waitress did not seem to notice that I was unhappy and I didn't feel like complaining. We paid, tipped our server and left. I will not be back, especially when there are so many amazing brunches to be had on Broadway.

Monica Z.

This, ladies and gentleman, is what a diner is supposed to be like. I've been coming to Stella's for 5+ years now and prior to that, I've never walked into a place that just has such a familial and cozy ambiance. The majority of the waitstaff have been there for years and it's awesome to see them time and time again. More than that, though, the food is ridiculously good. I don't think I've ever ordered anything I wasn't a fan of. My personal favorite is their Bacon Cheese Burger or their Monte Cristo. Seriously, this place is my favorite restaurant in the entire city and I look forward to going time and time again.

Dean K.

diner menus are one of the greatest challenges i face in life because i literally want to order everything on the menu. i'm not in favor of overusing the word "literally" but in this case its use is warranted. i want it all. but i usually just get the reuben and a milkshake and i am never, ever sorry. the reuben is not katz's deli good, but it's really good.

Ann J.

The salads are Devine. The sandwiches are scrumptious. The service is small town like. Please don't expect some "Stella"r performance. It's a diner, not the Ritz. It's a great neighborhood joint and beats the hell outta Melrose.

ChicagoGuy O.

If I could give this place six stars I would from the moment you walk in the owner says welcome home it is the funnest most laid-back diner I have been to in a long time the owner comes to your table introduces himself and Asks what brought you out to my restaurant today so super nice and the food is extremely good if you want to have a great time and a cute little quirky diner in Lakeview area def check out Stellas I will definitely be back

Julia G.

Went here for brunch while in town visiting. Cold snowy morning called for some warm yummy diner food. Stellas did not disappoint. I had the patty melt and it was really good . Loaded with onions, so I took some off. Others with me ordered more traditional breakfast/brunch food and all were really pleased with their food. We were seated by the dessert case and so we had to ask the waitress what each thing was that was in there. OMG it all looked amazing. We ordered one dessert with 4 spoons and consumed an amazing pumpkin spice cake/pie thingie with really good vanilla ice cream on top. It was crazy good. Stellas is obviously popular with locals in the area because many of them were talking to each other or chit chatting with the gal at the register, as if they had been in there often. If I lived nearby, I too would be a regular. Left Stellas and went right next door to The Dram Shoppe.... see my review of that if you would like......

Randall K.

Fantastic diner. Stella's was a great find. I had the whole crew of 6 and we were walking down the street and looked at this menu in the window. From the moment we walked in until the moment we left, we were treated to a great meal with fantastic family ambiance. We loved it. Since it was a "family" outing, I let the kids order milk shakes and appitizer along with the main course, fed the whole crew for under $100.00. Not easy to do. The food was first rate. I loved the onion rings, and the the family loved the garlic bread. The bugers were large and cooked to perfection. One daughter had the soup and loved it. I had fish n'chips which were fantastic. Everything was fresh. The milk shakes were awsome. The owner checked frequently and the whole experience was positive and fun for everyone. Family fun! I really want to try the breakfast here. Went for breakfast on 11/11/12 and it was crazy good!!!!

Sarah K.

Well I guess in general, I'm not sure I'll go back to this restaurant, even if the food was pretty good. My group and I went on a Sunday morning and only had a 15 minute wait... that was a positive. When we got there, the hostess (Maria) yelled at my friend for standing in her way. Granted, there isn't a whole lot of space in their waiting area, but it was pretty rude to be yelling at one of your customers... Then we got seated and didn't see our server for at least 10 minutes. When she arrived, I sincerely got the impression that she was on the verge of a depressive meltdown. When one of my friends asked what was in the breakfast quesadilla special, she sighed, looked out the window and listed off the ingredients. She never once made eye contact with us, and was not at all a friendly face I would typically associate with a diner. When we went, it was an unusually cold day in Chicago, yet the restaurant had the AC on FULL BLAST to the point where several of the patrons were wearing their sweatshirt hoods. I saw one girl with her sleeves tucked in her shirt shivering. I thought about saying something, but I didn't want to launch our server even further into depression. Finally when going to pay for the check, the girl at the cash register had a difficult time cashing us all out. I asked to pay for an omelette and a coffee, and her words were "Oh I can't split up according to what you had. I can get in big trouble for that. I can only split by amounts." I guess I didn't see the logic behind this... just add up the cost of an omelette and a coffee, and that's what I'll pay! That being said, the food was pretty delicious, and the portions were big enough to take leftovers home. I wish I just would have had a better experience with the staff.

Christine K.

Stella's Diner is the epitome of what a diner should be. If every diner in America could be like Stella's Diner, Americans could return to that primitive paradise lost of motherhood and apple pie. This is the place where I go for comfort when I am lonely in the big, impersonal city. Gus and Jimmy (and everyone else) make a tremendous effort to learn your name and make you feel at home. When a Canadian friend and I placed an order on Canadian Thanksgiving, Gus included some free desserts on the house and a personalized note telling us to enjoy our holiday. This place is a neighborhood gem and a true joy.

Kateland B.

I gotta be honest. All I could say throughout the meal was "what in the world?", "oh my god", over and over. Good lord this food is delicious!! I had the monte cristo and was absolutely shocked at how good it is. The earthquake shake was out of this world! Every single detail down to the little side of coleslaw that came with my sandwich was just utter perfection. This place has folks who know how to cook for real and understand what tastes good. I mean, AH-mazing.

LA T.

LOVED their milkshakes. Fries sucked. And the dude that works in there used to hit on me in front of my ex boyfriend so much that we couldn't go there after a while. Awkward city.

Sharee M.

Stella, I wanted so bad to love you. I loved the deco, friendly and fast service, clean bathrooms. Stella is running a tight ship and it shows. I also loved the lemonade! Just like grandma would for make. I was a cheap date and loved I ordered two signature items from a restaurant for under 7 dollars. Don't know too many place I can say that. Nevertheless, it is the food I've come for; want I need to love. I can't say that, Stella. I was let down by the baked mac and cheese. At first bite, the dish was promising. But after taking more bites, I felt something was missing and I could not put my finger on what. I did like its baked taste. However, I expected the dish to have more favor, such as a bolder cheese sauce. I will say Stella's baked mac and cheese was better than most attempts in Chicago. Just not the best. The diva cake was plainly warm chocolate cake, chocolate / fudge sauce and ice cream. While I did eat it all, the dish was nothing special. Again, I was expecting a bold chocolate taste with the diva cake after reading the reviews. Yet, I have tasted better cupcakes in Chicago. Just a tip, this location is a bit of a walk from the Red Line. I would recommend the 36 bus if going in either direction. My take: OK dinner with great service and decor. Breakfast might be better ... I might come back check it out.

Nicole J.

Really good place to eat. Cozy, chill environment. Good prices and amazing diner food. Mac and cheese alone is awesome!

Rylee S.

Breakfast is sub par. The buffalo chicken tenders were sad,and more bread than chicken.... And the baked Mac n cheese tasted frost bitten.

John D.

This place is a great neighborhood diner in the heart of East Lakeview. Stella's has great milkshakes, and you can combine flavors too! If you are hungry and are looking for a place that is just funky and fun with excellent people who work there, go here!

Michael V.

Awesome lunch my gf I have at least twice a month. French onion soup is to die for!

Robby S.

What's not to love? Great location, great service, attentive staff, and outdoor seating in the summer! Prices are SO reasonable and portions are generally very large. I am a big fan of the fact that they willingly split up checks for tables and don't complain and moan about it like every other restaurant in Chicago. The staff is great, I swear it's the same people working every time I go there. They don't really sit and BS with you, they are busy people! My favorite items there are the egg scrambler dishes and the BLT! Watch out if you order "fruit" as a side - it's a melon medley (cantaloupe and honeydew) and dats it!

David C.

Really good diner food and the best staff/owners. Try the Mad Texan, it cures all. The desserts are amazing, big brownie sundae is great. Great place for kids too

Shradha A.

Food was good (breakfast burrito, french toast, milk shake) but service was slow and grumpy. Good local neighborhood option!

Richard C.

It was so good, we ate at Stella's twice during a three day visit to Chicago...once for lunch and back for breakfast the next day. The food was very fresh and really delicious. The ham on the Country Eggs Benedict was incredible (they roast a whole ham daily). Very friendly service. The owner is the original Stella's grandson and he's very proud of this great family tradition.

Annie M.

Generous portions of good food. Show up here hungry! I ordered a mac and cheese dinner which came with a bowl, not a cup, a bowl of the best cabbage soup I have ever eaten (the other best is my own cabbage soup). The mac and cheese was creamy and comforting and enough for three meals. I took part of it home to reheat later. My dining companion had some eggs that she said were cooked perfectly. The booth was comfortable, the waitress was pleasant and helpful and the guy at the cash register (owner/manager?) was nice too. I would show up here a lot if I lived in the neighborhood. As it is I will be back.

Lance D.

Love this place! Never had a bad or even mediocre meal. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all equally amazing.

Sofia O.

Breakfast here is great. Little crowded on weekends. Great for dinner lunch anytime! Great food good price

Kelly S.

Solid breakfast. Nothing exceptional to go out of your way for but pretty good stuff at average prices. I had the eggs benedict which had a different name (that now excapes me). The eggs had cheese on top instead of hollandaise sauce. The ham there is house roasted every day and is very, very good and tender. OJ is also very good.

Adam L.

Perfect little diner for some good, quick food. Very accommodating whether we go with a big or small group and the owner is always willing and helpful with suggestions. Great place!

Alicia K.

If I had to sum up our experience at Stella's, I would tell you it just just utterly forgettable. There was nothing that was necessarily wrong or bad; it's just that there wasn't anything GOOD, either. While this place has lots of great reviews historically, you'll notice that the more recent trend hasn't been so flattering, and I have to agree with the more recent sentiments of feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed. Prices are decent (not great), but the food is really just ho-hum. Just thinking about it makes me want to yawn. Between the four of us at the table, we had the French Toast Special, Banana Nut Waffle, Pancakes w/Sausage, and the Chorizo Jalapeño Skillet (special of the day). Nobody disliked their food, but we all felt our money would have been better spent elsewhere. Nobody was excited about any of it... and trust me, these were four people who get VERY excited about good food! My waffle was by far the best meal at the table, but it was no better than anything I could have made easily in my own kitchen. Service was fine -- took our order, brought our drinks, brought our check and that was that. No "how's everyone enjoying their meal?" No "can I get you anything else?" She wasn't rude or anything -- again, just... blah. Not sure I could pick her out of a prison line-up, actually. And the place? There was really nothing special about it. It was just a standard, faceless diner. Totally forgettable, just like the rest of the experience. Bottom line: unless Stella's gets their groove back, we won't be returning soon. In fact, I don't think it will take long to forget that we ever went.

Shane P.

It's diner food. I have my favorites. Not fancy. Very friendly family owners and staff usually awesome. The diva cake is yummie.

Zeke D.

This is exactly what you want out of a neighborhood diner. Extensive, high quality menu that does a hang over good. They have all your bfast staples (eggs, pancakes, bacon, etc.) as well as a good lunch sandwiches. Order a milkshake here, you will not be disappointed. Checkout the menu on the wall behind the counter when you check in then just sit back and await ecstasy. Just be prepared, this is not a small milkshake, you get your money's worth... Pro Tip: Order anything with their roasted turkey. The turkey is roasted in house is awesome. The Turkey Ruben is one of my favorites as well as the turkey dinner (which they'll serve for lunch).

Kris P.

Great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It's right down the street from where I live so really convenient. It gets extremely busy on weekend mornings from 10:00 a.m to noon, so be prepared to wait. However the servers are quick so they keep things moving. All of their meals are pretty good, especially the french toast and pancakes for breakfast. Some of the servers are pretty colorful in terms of personality, but it's all in good fun. The only complaint I have is getting kicked out at 9:30 one night when they are supposed to be open until 10:00. Not sure what that was about since we were just sitting and talking after we paid our bill. But that's the worst thing I can say about it!

Edward M.

When it seems like the city is quickly becoming redeveloped and every cuisine must be elevated in order to be relevant, sometimes it's really just great to step back and enjoy the classics done right. That's why I enjoy Stella's. I've really only been to Stella's on the weekends for brunch, usually slightly to moderately hungover, after waking up, putting on pants, and struggling to walk the 3 or so blocks it takes me to get to one of the counter seats. But once I sit down, I know I'm going to be greeted by one of the very friendly servers. I'm going to get a hot cup of coffee that is never empty. And I'm going to be surrounded by my neighbors, my community. I won't need to worry about identifying and ordering the best thing on the menu. I won't need to worry about looking nice, but not too nice, like how i feel before going to many of the destination brunches in the city. I won't worry about anything, except scarfing down my very adequate hot sauce-drenched omelette or skillet or whatever and drinking as much coffee as possible. Stella's is comfortable, and the food is comforting. And sometimes that's all I want, no more and no less. That's why I'll keep rolling out of bed and sitting down at the counter.

Alicia M.

In one of the best parts of east Lakeview, this is my absolute favorite spot to have breakfast. You get more bang for your buck, the food is awesome, the servers are just lovely, and you don't have to wait 5 hours to be seated like you do at Ann Sathers. Granted, there are high traffic times of day at Stella's but hubby and I have never waited more than 10 minutes for a table. One factor that makes this place unique is the homey, comfortable feel you experience right away when you walk in. It might be the fact that the dishware is bright and makes you feel like you're at your friend's grandma's house. The original artwork on the walls classes this place up as well. All aspects of the menus, not just breakfast, have variety. I've eaten here for all meals of the day and have never ordered something I didn't like. You MUST try this place if you want a perfect Lakeview spot without Lakeview prices Save room for dessert too! MMMM Chocolate lava cake

Laura D.

you had me at breakfast all day :) love it ! went with my mom who is THE PICKIEST EATER IN THE WORLD and she was very much satisfied with everything !! So i will def be coming back :)

Frances B.

The food is good, the prices are better. One of the most reasonable brunch spots I know of in Chicago. Their skillet was good. when it comes to diners especially, the quality fo your food needs to out-do the price, and that's what Stella's does. Good food for a good price. I go for the skillets.

Amber S.

During our stay in Chicago, we luckily found that Stella's was within walking distance of our condo. We loved it so much we ate there three out of five mornings! Maria the owner is extremely down to earth and personable, and Mrs. Jeanne, our waitress, was one of the friendliest we've ever experienced. They helped to make our vacation extra special. Also, the FOOD!! YUM!! The Eggs Hudson were my favorite. Great food, great service, great pricing. We can't wait to be back.

Michael B.

Stella's is a solid place to get traditional breakfast. Nothing too fancy on the menu, just old-fashion classics done well.

Ellie R.

"Everyone needs a diner in their life," said Gus, the owner, as we paid the first of many checks that will be written at this wonderful diner. Stella's is just down the street from where I live and in so many ways, it's like the typical diner you see in movies and TV shows - standard, heartwarming menu, delicious milkshakes (chocolate peanut butter mmmm), good atmosphere, and a very charismatic owner who comes around and makes really comfortable small talk with all the patrons (normally I am not the sort of person that enjoys chatting with strangers, but I thought he was really fun and genuinely welcoming and friendly). The portions are hearty, to say in the least, and I was stuffed when I left. I wish it were open a little later on weekends but I'll take what I can get.

Ron S.

We love Stella's. When we lived about a block away we would be there at least once a week on either a Saturday or Sunday morning. We still go in occasionally but with winter almost over (I hope) and now living a little farther away we don't go as often. We have gone so much they know who we are (which is nice). Of course the food is diner food, not really the healthiest but we have always enjoyed what we get. I normally get either the french toast special or the biscuits and gravy. Sometimes a sandwich or the buffalo chicken salad. I don't have a favorite dish there, I like all of them that I've had. They completely cover the biscuits with gravy, unlike some places that you have to ask for a side of it to fully cover it. The service has always been great, sometimes a little too fast to greet us once seated, but I'd rather be greeted promptly than waiting 30 minutes. We have taken out of town friends to it and they've also enjoyed eating there. The food was good and the service is good, even if there is a little wait to sit on a Saturday morning.

Dean R.

I just had an omelette and it was pretty damn good. Not greasy, light and fresh. And the side of fruit was nice and fresh too. Not what you'd expect from a diner. And to top it off... $10 meal and tip included

Andrew K.

Manager looking-ass dude was a total dick to my girlfriend and I for not wanting to draw on a god damn pumpkin after we had paid for our meal and we were on our way out. Also the food wasn't that great either.

Rene D.

I would go to Stellas diner everyday if I could. This place is great. From the wonderful skillets to the Apple Cobbler (get it extra hot with ice cream), the food is tasty. What is better than the food is the service. I always feel welcome there, and have become good acquaintances with Gus & the Gang. They will go out of their way to make you feel welcome.

Kelsie L.

I love Stella's breakfast menu and their shakes, they are delicious! The price is right and I've always had great service. So glad to live near Stella's!

Yvonne B.

Two stars = Meh. I've experienced better. Stella's was clean and spacious. The staff was friendly. We went for breakfast. I only have two complaints: 1) My friend complained that her egg whites were suspiciously dark and (in the trend of small plates) she disliked her huge portion. 2) Neither of our water glasses were refilled the entire time; however, my friend's coffee was always topped off. The food was just food. Nothing to write home about.

A. Raymond W.

I moved out of the city a couple years ago and this diner is the one thing I miss most about living in Chicago. My buddies and I would go here at least once a week for a few years running, because the food is fantastic, the service is awesome, and the place just has a good diner feel to it. I've had sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, pasta, desserts, and dinner plates here-- and they were all fantastic. I guess the only thing I haven't had is the breakfast, but I'm not a big breakfast food guy. If you're in the vicinity, eat at Stella's. If you move to the area, it should become a staple.

Kelly F.

First visit: turkey club, fruit cup, pickle. It was ok. Not the best but ok. Second visit: egg white omelette. Chicken sausage. Toast. Fruit. It was ok....sausage tasted like it came from trader joes, which isnt bad. Id just like something a bit more homemade. Annnnd third visit. Waitress was trying to be the sassy yet cool waitress, but ended up coming off annoying. As far as the food....a turkey burger should NOT taste like MEATLOAF!!!! Ick. Gross. ::puke:: When I finished, I walked back to the restroom. And if you've been to Stellas, you know you have to walk through the back dining area. As soon as I walked back there, the faint smell of URINE hit my nose. As I walked into the bathroom, it got worse which resulted in me gagging like crazy all while doing my bizness. (Im super sensitive to smells). Sure I could have held it and gone elsewhere but after multiple cups of coffee, I couldnt hold it. ::::sigh:::. And why is there rarely anyone upfront to greet? Theyre always back along the wall....eating. Basically- overpriced, subpar service.

Anna L.

Went for brunch on a Sunday morning and the place was packed but I saw only 2 servers! I don't know why they would do that, so obviously the service was very slow, but when the food came out it was really good, and our server acknowledged the slow service and apologized. I would recommend this place, maybe they were just understaffed that day

Patrick G.

Got myself some bacon and pancakes here. They were pretty tasty and were on par with many of the other diner offerings in the area. Its tough to mess up this dish but they do a good job with it. They also have very good milkshakes and you can get malt in them, so that's a plus. Overall its a diner, nothing too surprising about it but that's not what you want in a diner. The service was good the food was as expected and that's what I look for in a diner. Spot on.

Christine S.

The Bagel was closed for the Jewish holiday on Saturday, who woulda thunk? ha. Soooooo, we ended up at Stella's Diner. I dig it. The tables are kind of on top of each other but I guess you have to do that to accommodate how crowded it gets. I had the Portabella Mushroom Sandwich, it was pretty amazing. If you're a vegetarian, you'll like it. It's got the perfect amount of spinach, feta, and red peppers and of course a large portabella... Yum. I would come back to Stella's in a heartbeat.

Stosh T.

General diner food. Nothing TOO extraordinary, but everything I've had has tasted great. The service is really good. I don't think I've ever ate at Stella's without the owner coming to personally talk with us to make sure everything was good.

Melissa A.

Great home-y food and the managements really friendly. They're wiling to do substitutions and accommodate some special requests. They're always really respectful over my having to eat gluten free. Diner food at it's best. Feels like coming home. great value for the price.

Scott O.

Hands down, the BEST diner in the area. Beats the Bagel, Melrose, and Horizon by miles. People on here who were looking for something exceptional??? Hello, it's a diner, what do you want? Great burgers, great breakfasts, excellent shakes, friendly service, very clean, love the decor. What's not to like? It is the friendliest and most comfortable DINER in the area. If you want exceptional, go to your trendy places. If you want good, home-cooked diner meals, this is the place!!!

Morgan C.

Just didn't live up to the hype... It was good, yeah... but just, well... good. Luckily we got there just in time to not have to wait. I got the breakfast quesadilla special, which was actually pretty tasty, but it was a little on the pricey side for basically scrambled eggs and cheese on a tortilla. Luckily, I read up on here and asked for my hash browns crispy. The gf did not and was subjected to some warmed potatoes: hashed whites, if you will. She was less impressed than I, but I did trade with her halfway through in an attempt to salvage her morning meal attempt. Service, meh. The busboy kept our water full, so at least we had something to drink. Coffee cups are typical small, thick, diner mugs, which means that they hold about 4-oz of coffee. I think our waiter managed ONE refill before our check came. There were some other interesting items on the menu, and maybe, if we happen to be down that way, on that block, and hungry right at that particular moment (and don't have to wait to be seated), I might vote to give it another shot. Obviously some people swear by this place, but I think there are plenty of other diner-type places offering the same fare, done better for less. REMINDER: If you want your hash browns BROWN, order them "crispy."

Jon C.

Eh, would rather walk up the street to the Melrose Cafe. If I did come here again I wouldn't order the biscuits and gravy. The eggs and sausage were OK, but how can you really mess that up.

Daniel O.

If you're looking for a great affordable diner that is as close to a home cooked meal as possible, Stella's the place for you. Their dinner salads are always fresh and made to order. If you want something that you don't see on the menu, just ask for it and Gus, Maria and their staff will go the extra mile to make it your way.

Lauren P.

one day, the line at the bagel was long enough to make me try stella's - i haven't been back to the bagel since. stella's does a great brunch: huge portions, classic diner food, a ridiculous amount of choices on the menu, friendly waitstaff and a good bang for your buck. can i get a holla for challah french toast?! ba dum chaaaaaa. i never leave here a)having been able to finish my meal or b)disappointed. thanks, bagel!

John M.

You are in the East Lakeview neighborhood and crave some diner food .... where ya gonna go? Stella's Diner! I have been going here with friends for years and it just doesn't get any better than this as a diner. The service is wonderful, the food is tasty, and everything is the way it should be. I haven't been disappointed here in many years. Let me say that while they are renowned for their breakfasts, we usually go for dinner. The food is always freshly made, nicely prepared -- and they are sensitive to requests, just ask -- and is good. The price is right, too. You can go in hungry and leave feeling stuffed. But you can always get a container to take it home. The Grilled Salmon is wonderful. The Monte Cristo sandwich is very good. I am a big fan of the pulled pork sandwich. Yes, they have all the traditional diner favorites here. Give Stella's a try and be prepared for a traditional diner meal. When you really want this kind of food, this is the place. Enjoy!

Jessi M.

Maybe I'm just not as picky about service as everyone else--but I live just a couple of blocks away now, and I came over here for lunch this afternoon, and I couldn't have asked for anything more. The owner directed me to take a big booth even though I was there all by myself and came over to chat with me a little until my waiter came over. Waiter was a sweet guy, and my order came out incredibly quickly. Monte Cristo with mac and cheese on the side and a South Beach shake (essentially an orange freeze) and it absolutely hit the spot--as in, I want to go back for dinner, right now. Everything was freaking delicious, the atmosphere was comfy and pleasant, and I'm perfectly happy paying what I did for such good food (unlike at, say, Clarke's.) I'm glad I live so close!

Samantha L.

This place was pretty disappointing, and I think it was mainly the service. I swear, anything we specially requested, the waitress did NOT get. My friend asked for a "BLT without the T,' but she got a BLT without the L, lol. Someone else ordered a oreo milkshake with chocolate ice cream mixed in, and she JUST brought a plain chocolate shake. Come on now... She didn't even have a lot of tables. If you can't remember, then write it down!!!

Jeff B.

I've been here 3 or 4 times over the last 5 years and this place never disappoints. Always fresh made homestyle food. I love their mac and cheese, it's awesome and I'm pretty critical of mac and cheese. Service for me has always been good whether I'm by myself or with a crew of people. The owners are friendly and will sit and talk with you when it's not busy.

Luke S.

One street that I rarely walk down is Broadway. I think I need to start exploring this area more. I've been to three restaurants here and they have all been excellent. I stopped in Saturday night and the menu looked good enough to stay. They make all of their food fresh daily, or at least that's what the waitress told me. I ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich which came with cajun fries and my girlfriend ordered the french toast. They were both really tasty. We then decided to order a vanilla malt for desert, it was as good as any milkshake I've had. This place is great if you're in the mood for good diner food. They have a very large menu and serve breakfast all day.

Adam T.

No love at Stella's. Two stars is a stretch. People need to pay more attention to what they're eating.

Daphne Z.

a friend and i went here for breakfast. i have to say after reading the reviews i really wanted to love this place but unfortunately it was ehhh. when choosing a place to sit, all of the booths and tables had crumbs everywhere which is just careless attention to cleanliness. i had the chocolate chip pancakes and a side of hash browns, nothing really stood out. the waiter however was very cheery and pleasant. typical diner food for average prices. probably wont be back.

Carrie B.

Really enjoyed brunch at Stella's! I was looking for alternative to the typical deli food at The Bagel across the street. Got seated in 5 minutes around 11:30 am, just beat the rush. The breakfast and lunch menu has everything you can want. I almost went for the challah french toast with bananas, but opted for a scrambler instead. Quick service, cute atmosphere, and amazingly low prices. I would like to come back and try out the lunch menu. Lots of young couples were pouring in. FYI: I saw a lot of people ordering milkshakes too - yum!

Erica P.

I love Stellas. The food is great. Love the fish & chips, the grecian burger, and the buffalo chicken sandwhich. For dessert...it's all good...but the chocolate pudding is homeade, old-style! The coffee shake makes me feel like I am back in New England, it actually tastes like coffee. The owner is a riot, so is his son, and the rest of the waitstaff is always super friendly. It's rare to come to this place on a really bad day. Melrose Diner up the street PALES in comparison to this place...especially if you actually like flavor.

Donovan H.

Great place with personality. I went here on Sunday for breakfast and it was very busy but worth the wait. They serve basic breakfast items but give everyting clever names. The service was quick and food was good. I will be back to sample more of their menu items.

Matthew E.

Where do you go when Orange and Ann Sather's have lines around the corner, usually I would go home and eat cereal until I was introduced to Stella's. A cute little place that always seats you quickly and has a great diner atmosphere. I got the avocado, tomato omelette and it was absolute bliss. I love avocado's and i love breakfast and it was the perfect combination. It was my first time visiting and a delightful surprise, I will definitely be back soon.

John H.

i am giving this place a low rating, but not the worst possible rating for the following reasons: 1. the burger i had was horrendous and i wanted to kill old women while eating it. 2. the fries were pretty fucking exceptional and my girlfriend said her mac n cheese was solid as well...so that counts for something. 1. the burger: awful. i was filled with rage while eating it because it was so tasteless. usually i follow my rule of thumb when consuming burgers in a big city...diner = bad, bar = good. i should have trusted my instinct on this one. i don't know what else to say other than the fact that i will not give this establishment my money ever again due to how shitty this burger was. i take my burger consumption very seriously and this sandwich was a low blow insult to my experiences. 2. the fries/my gf's mac n cheese. the fries were fresh cut, cripy on the outside and mushy on the inside, exactly as fries should be. not overly greasy, but not dry either. i was pleased with my side option, so i feel Stella's deserves credit for that, at least. the mac n cheese i did not personally taste, but my girlfriend knows her food, as do i. i trust what she says and she said it was delightful. therefore, i'm giving Stella props for that particular menu item as well. summary: fuck Stella's. it should be a crime against humanity to serve up a burger that detestable. if you want a good burger in the city of Chicago, hit up FEED on California and Chicago. that shit'll melt in your mouth and you can thank me later.

Cris J.

I'm going to be honest and say I wasn't expecting much at all upon walking in. Stella! You are your diner surprised me! The food is excellent --- for diner food. Be prepared for a wait though (especially if you are going for lunch on the weekend). It's a very fun and slightly off the wall atmosphere and I definitely recommend it. A great place to go for lunch with friends and quite kid friendly as well (which few places are in this area of town).

Cleo P.

My boyfriend and I went here around noon on a Sunday. Although the place is fairly large it was packed - which tells you just how good it is. We waited for about ten minutes before we were seated. We had a skillet and a chicken wrap and both were delicious. The waitress was attentive and when we told her that we had a Groupon Now deal (you get a discounted deal which you have to use that day) that wasn't working (the smart phone was being a pain) she offered to give us five dollars off. It's this kind of customer service that will keep us coming back!

Lindsay N.

Breakfast skillets and blue cheese cob salad are the bomb. Breakfast items are typically the way to go but they make great soups and dinners as well. Awesome shakes and big, gooey, guilty desserts. Excellent food, nice staff, good location. Though, sometimes I find their hours a tad bit irksome. Closed on many holidays when lonely people like myself typically go to diners... Ah well.

Mira L.

This was one of the first restaurants I ate at after moving here a little over a year ago--- I admit the reason I first gave it a try was its convenient location 2 blocks away from my apartment. But as I have learned from my many breakfast, lunch, and dinner experiences here over the past year, it is honestly a great place for good, yummy, consistent "diner" (or to us metro-Detroit natives, Coney Island-esque) food. Gus (Stella's son) always greets me with a "Hi Sweetheart/Beautiful/etc" which might sound creepy but it's not--- that's just a testament to how warm & friendly he is with all his "regulars" or "semi-regulars" (such as myself). Now, I don't consider myself a picky eater, I just like to substitute/modify my meals. ;-) But the wait staff never flinches when I make my somewhat "finicky" requests & one waiter even worked with me to figure out the cheapest way to charge me for the salad I wanted to create by working off the ingredients/prices of salads already on the menu. My favorite thing here is hands down the challah french toast (different from the regular or stuffed that's found on the menu). I barely see anyone eating it, maybe b/c it's a special listed on the little chalkboard hanging by the kitchen & only available on Sat/Sun mornings. But it is seriously divine, as it comes with fresh strawberries and a vanilla cream sauce--- can we say YUMMY? (Look for other specials on this chalkboard every day--- I think this is too often overlooked!) Also, don't pass up their creative milkshakes & pumpkin spice cake (and I don't even like pumpkin)! (FYI: They offer breakfast at non-breakfast times; you just have to ask for the breakfast menu.)

Liz K.

Going downhill. Way too expensive. Not enough variety.

K B.

Love this place! Friendly service, fast food and specials make this a great breakfast place.

Jeff N.

Food was good for all four of us. Nothing lacking, but not spectacular. Chicken Noodle Soup actually has visibile chunks of chicken in it (a good sign). Portabello Mushroom Entree good. Macaroni and Cheese side dish 2 starts; mushy and ordinary. I would come back again. Place is clean and prices are fair. Service was attentive and prompt.

Samantha R.

Perfect for what it is- a local diner. Good food, great diner atmosphere, friendly service, cheap prices. Will be back for sure!

Ali A.

I was walking around Lakeview and I wasn't hungry for dinner I just wanted some dessert so I was on a search for a place that would have some tasty desserts. I came across Stella's and I figured I should just give it a try. I walked and and was greeted by a very jolly man, behind him was the dessert case and I was immediately attracted to it. He recommended me to try the Chocolate Diva Cake, I don't know if he was trying to call me a diva or not but I tried it. The warm fudge and chocolate melted in my mouth along with the vanilla ice cream on top. I loved it! The guy at the register also made me visit memorable. I will go back and try the food here next time.

Lindsey G.

mmm. I love Stella's. My roommate and I went here for breakfast a few days after moving to the area and felt completely welcome, 100%. The owner and staff chatted with us on and off the whole time, and told us to stop back in whenever we needed anything - a recommendation, food, or just a conversation. Bottomless diner coffee, hearty breakfast, and great people - A+!

Liz P.

My favorite breakfast spot! Other breakfast places around - bagel and ann sathers - are so busy it feels like you need to eat fast and get out. The staff at Stellas is amazingly friendly and feels more like friends than servers. The kitchen is so efficient that food comes out and you can relax for a while and leave when you would like. I love it there!!

Sam S.

Horrible service! Owners are rude All i got was a peice of Hair in my food. Food is ok, nothing special.

Yogi B.

Stella's Diner is really a friendly place to grab a bite! From when you walk in and are greeted with a hearty "Hi, there! How are you?" to when you're promptly seated (or if you come in at an "off time" are just told to sit wherever you like), it's a good feeling. I love Stella's Mac & Cheese. It may not be the best you've ever put in your mouth, but it's comfort in a bowl. I like that I can get it as a side with any sandwich. I REALLY like to get a whole big bowl! (Sometimes I get a salad & a big bowl of this yellow orgasm!) When I visit Stella's Diner I always sit down with a smile on my face, have a satisfying meal, then leave with a smile on my face and a full belly. I've never been here when they've been busy, so your experience may vary. Just sayin'. For a diner, it's A OK!

Jennifer B.

This is a fun little place that does your average diner fare. The breakfast portions are really big. I can't wait for it to get warm out so I can try one of their milkshakes. EDIT: I went here on Saturday with one of my girlfriends for breakfast and to do a little grad school work. After I paid $5 for a bowl of oatmeal the waitress told us we needed to get going because it was getting busy. A) That is like THE worst thing a waitress can say; B) there were a dozen empty tables in the back; C) When we left 20 minutes later there was no one waiting. She didn't get a tip and I won't be back.

Nicholas F.

I love Stella's. I typically go for breakfast at least once every weekend. I used to be big on the West Coaster (2 eggs over medium, hash browns, two cheeses, and avocados) but I've recently moved on to the oatmeal with blueberries, strawberries, and bananas. You've got to try the chicken and apple sausage. My only complaint would be that I love my regular orders so much that I'm hesitant to try anything else on the menu. The service is typically fantastic too.

Karen L.

I am definitely getting more into the brunch thing now. Typically, I am a lunch person over a brunch person but at Stella's, there is such an extensive menu that I had to try a heavy brunch item! I opted with a skillet potato dish with cheese and eggs... really good but really unhealthy! It totally hits the spot on a weekend morning while reading the newspaper... at the counter. Such a fun experience for a lazy day! This place is nothing fancy, which is the way diners (or brunch places) really should be!

Philip R.

I eat at Stellas about twice a month, usually for breakfast, sometimes for dinner. The food is consistently good. My personal faves are the West Coaster skillet, Country eggs benedict (even though poached eggs are not my fave, the rest of it allows me to overlook the poached texture), and the weird harold is my current favorite sandwich anywhere. The biscuits and gravy are pretty good also. Service is always very fast and friendly. The owner(??) that works the register is friendly, but maybe a bit too friendly, particularly if you are hungover. Overall, a good place for a quick meal of comfort food for 10-15 dollars.

Pandora P.

We always have a good time here when Maria is working, she's a blast. The waitstaff on Fri nights is excellent as well as Sat afternoons if you can stand the long lines. Food is very good, location is really good for us, right at the end of our block, we've been going here for at least 15 years. I enjoy their breakfasts as well as their salads and soups. Any Greek specialties are excellent as the owners are Greek!

Blanket J.

I've been here twice for breakfast. My first meal was quite good... I had an omelet or something similar. However, my next meal was a breakfast quesadilla special and it was not good. Below average coffee, as well... I will still give it another chance based on my good first meal.

kris k.

Been to Stella's more than a handful of times...never disappointed. Typically I opt for a breakfast dish such as The Gypsy skillet, but have had items off the lunch menu as well. This past Sunday was the first time I noticed the menu of shake flavors on the wall. I'll be back for those. Stella's is really great once warmer weather sets in and the outdoor seating starts calling your name. It's a popular diner in the heart of Lakeview and will typically have a wait during weekend brunch hours, but the wait never seems too bad.

Tina B.

3 cheers for Stella's! It's a great family owned spot with awesome diner food. Whenever my man & I don't know where to eat, we hit up Stella's. It's a great spot to eat outside when the weather is nice. Hell, eating inside is good too b/c the large windows allow for great people watching. The services is always friendly and fast. Tastiness galore: skillets, fries, desserts, chicken soup, clubs.

Kristin C.

I love Stella's even if the giant hand statue has a man ring. Hey, Nobody's perfect. The food here is really good and this is by far one of the CLEANEST diners I have ever visited. Good BLT's and egg dishes. I also am a big fan of the turkey sausage patties -delish! For me, a Broadway/Lakeview staple. I pity the fool who doesn't try Stella's!

Jennifer P.

Good diner food, but not amazing. We got the gypsy and the westerner with a side of bacon. The gypsy was okay, but too greasy for our tastes. The westerner was very good and probably something we'd get again. Service was so so. If you want a quick meal and are in the mood for diner food, Stella's could hit the spot. But it's not a must go restaurant.

tom w.

This is excellent for "fine dining" in a family style restaurant (which to me means prices are low). The pulled roast pork special on Thurs is the best pork I've had since they started making pigs leaner back in the 70's - very, very tasty! And the vegetables served with it are cooked perfectly, better than many, if not most, fine dining establishments. Other thing I like about Stella's is that it is CLEAN. A lot of restaurants in this price point are not . . .

Andrea B.

We love Stella's and have decided it is our new favorite spot! The food and service is excellent. Gus, the owner is terrific. We not only love the food and it's selection but feel very welcomed. We would highly recomend Stella's to everyone. To the person who didn't like their booth: Seriously?? Are you bored?

Jon L.

yes yes yes. I went here this morning for brunch with some friends hungover/still drunk. It was really fucken good. 3 of us got these egg skillets which were better than tempos and you could get the eggs cooked to order. I got the gypsy and this one didnt offer my any rosemary or try to tell my fortune (if youve been to spain you know what i am talking about). it had cheese, ham, onion and mushrooms mixed with the hashbrowns. That is what i am talking about. Great hot sauce too, none of that tabasco bullshit.

Timothy D.

Wait staff is always great, food comes fast and is consistently good....these are the main ingredients of a good breakfast....especially when you are a little slow in the morning. Go early b/c it gets busy....before 10am is recommended....

Heidi S.

Nice diner with a big menu- lots of character and family atmosphere. I had the roast beef open faced sandwich, with mashed potatoes. It was good, a little on the bland side. It also wasn't very hot. The hot chocolate was very good. I probably should have ordered breakfast, as that looked much more delicious. Would come here again, like the wall of windows and homey arrangement of the place. Service was friendly.

Elizabeth H.

Stella's is one of my favorite diners in the city and I absolutely love going here for brunch. Most diners have a greasy taste to their breakfast foods, but not at Stella's. Everything tastes so fresh and delicious, you won't be disappointed.

Chris H.

It's been awhile since I have been here, since I moved up to Irving Park and Damen. But I tell ya this is the best place ever. I use to eat here all the time (several times a week). The family that owns it are great, the food is great, and the prices are reasonable. Now if I could only get them to move the place up to my neighborhood. This is how a diner should be.

Kristin W.

Yum. Stella's Diner was pretty effing good today. I got picked up from yet another Megabus (see my review) trip to St. Louis and Leigh, Zach, and I all went to Stella's for some brunch. Stella's is an okay looking joint, the booths are comfortable, but their personality is a little canned. Superhero art lines the walls of the back room and menu language is somewhat forced. The most important thing is that the food here is good. I had the stuffed french toast and even though I will always be a loyal Breakfast Club fan, I wanted to venture out and try someone else's stuffed frenchy. Stella's did it differently and just as good. They were a tad stingy on the cream cheese filling, but it was citrus flavored which kind of blew my mind. The topping was a mango-citrus syrup with little pieces of orange zest and it was so good. no need for maple syrup. For dessert Leigh ordered the triple chocolate pudding. holy shit. That was seriously the best pudding I've ever had. Apparently they take chocolate shavings and mix them into pudding goodness. Its all homemade and amazing. I recommend this joint for their food creativity. ** Definite minus for me was that their was only one bathroom for each sex. This is one of my biggest pet peeves. Why not just have two unisex bathrooms instead? Things would go much quicker.

Alex G.

I haven't been here in a few years but I used to LOVE their matzo ball soup. How much could that have changed???

Kristen D.

I love Stella's for breakfast! I'm always seated quickly and the food comes ridiculously fast, which isn't really how I rate places, but still, its nice to have your food cooked so fast! I like the Eggs Salsa, it's scrambled eggs with lots of melted cheese and pico de gallo. I've also eaten there for a lunch before and had one of their wraps, which was huge and very tasty. Overall, great place for a good breakfast or casual lunch.

Gabe M.

The service is swift, casual, and smart. The food is awesome. Great value for money, great selection. The breakfast really hits the spot. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu

Mike P.

Fore go breakfast and try dinner here some time. You won't have to negoiate such a large crowd. The mac and cheese is awesome. Burgers are good, soup's good too.

Brett C.

Not a fan. Go to the Melrose up the street. Better service, better quality food, and just a better looking diner overall. I don't know what's wrong with Stellas, the wait staff isn't very attentive either. I'll give a star for Gus, who seems like he really cares, but otherwise, nothing stands out here. Sub par menu, sub par service. Just go a block up the street to the Melrose, it's like night and day.

Zack R.

I appreciate the service at this place. Everybody is extremely friendly. They fill your water constantly, the food is fast and good. I had a monte cristo that was good... not great but it was good. My friend had the raviolli and loved it. He was done eating and still was scooping up and eating the sauce. I would definitely go back here. Good service, good food, and decent prices.

Louis A.

I've passed by here quite a bit and finally decided to venture in this afternoon. I've always liked the fist on the outside, and once in awhile (when I'm drunk) I think it's amusing to yell, "STELLAAAAA," as I'm passing by. So, yes...a visit was a must. Reasonable prices and excellent food. Stella's was very packed at around 1pm on a Sunday...but service was still very efficient and personable. I was impressed....and the place looked clean too. I like the comic-book art that's spread throughout the restaurant, as it adds a little something to help differentiate this place from other nearby diners. Get the blueberry pancakes. Very awesome --- lots of berries. I would skip the bananas next time because they filled me up and prevented me from coming anywhere close to finishing my meal. Yep...blame it on the bananas.

Vinifer D.

Stellas is a good Lakeview diner, especially for breakfast, lunch and brunch. There's a very colorful and homey vibe given off by the restaurant. The food there is good..not the best diner fare. I've had their salads, as well as their eggs. Stellas is very family friendly, nothing fancy schmancy. Their brunch portions are adequate, but their dessert portions are enormous!

Ann Y.

This place is great! It's one of the only places I can go to get Mac and Cheese and matza ball soup (so good). This place is the ultimate in comfort food. The service has always been great and the food is awesome. The only reason this is not 5 stars is that parking sucks over there.

Lindsay A.

Went here for the first time on Friday night before a show at the Lakeshore Theater and I was very pleased! Our server was awesome and funny! She made you feel at ease and checked on us regularly. I had the blueberry pancakes which were very yummy and plenty of food. I also had a side of bacon. Now bacon is one of my favorite things to eat and I enjoy eating it very, very crispy - close to burnt. Time and time again I tell servers at other diners "well done/burnt bacon" and it comes back soggy and mushy. But not at Stella's! It was absolutely perfect and I got 6 strips! Mmmmmm.... My fiance got the Mexican jolt - an omelet skillet - and he was very pleased. Lots of ground beef, eggs done right, and overall a lot of food. This placed rocked and we will definitely be going back! Thank you Stella's! :)

Robin W.

Stella's is a really cute diner with good food and a large menu. I came in for brunch and had the vegetarian skillet smothered with cheese and fresh squeezed OJ, which were pretty good. The coffee was just eh, but I would say that the food is above average for a diner. Service was quick, the bill was cheap, the restaurant was clean and fresh. All lovely things to find in a diner! I will definitely come back to Stella's, at least for brunch. I still want to try the milkshakes and chocolate cake!

Tiff B.

I can't believe I never did a review for Stella's. I love this place! I've never eaten anything there that I didn't like. Great burgers and breakfast without a ton of grease. And the desserts are delicious too. They have this spice cake with ice cream dessert that is to die for. The guy that owns the place and work the register on the weekends is a riot! He makes fun of people and they don't get offended or anything because he's funny.

Patty A.

Great food and great service! The owners are very friendly and always greet their customers with a smile. I'm giving it 4 stars because parking is a bit difficult around the area and usually we have to wait at least 10 minutes.

Jim M.

As far as diner's go, this place is tops. All the food I've had there is excellent. It's too bad one of the managers is a creepy old guy who keeps hitting on young chicks.

Job E.

Its a diner. They make breakfast all day like a diner should And Its about everything you should expect from a diner: clean, quick, cheap. I'm happy

Little Miss Sunshine B.

What is your mystery, delicious mystery shake? I highly recommend a bacon cheeseburger from this greasy spoon. Love the way they just slap mounds of cheese on heart stopping beef. They further clog my arteries with their yummy steak fries. Nothing more American than a place like Stella's.

chris e.

"woo hoo! as good as it gets" is right =) Long before Guy-of-the-spiky-hair was driving around sampling diner fare, my better half and i were (i was also sporting spiky hair long before Guy too, but thats another story for another yelp-back to Stella's ) We have been here a few times now and all i can say is 'awesome!' The food is fresh and flavor-able while still managing to be 'diner fare' which equates to good ole comfort food. (We have sampled their traditional diner offerings - meatloaf and pulled BBQ pork .. and also some more 'contempo' offerings- my boyfriend says the wraps are delicious) Portions are more than ample and if someone told me that the food was anything other than homemade, id be shocked. Prices are reasonable .. 2 dinners, soft drinks and a split desert ran us $30 -and the deserts are heavenly, btw -check them out in the display as u walk in My fave is the warmed apple crisp w vanilla ice cream - my boyfriend loves the chocolate diva ..Menu is decent with good variety-they have u covered whether its a full dinner , sandwich or salad u are looking for .. im going to have to come and try their breakfast/brunch No complaints about their seating -which they have plenty of .. the service is always quick and friendly as well .. The one downside is the typical one for the area - parking ..but no stars gone for that ; if u are coming into the area to do anything, public trans is pretty much the only answer (and Stellas is easily accessible to quite a few bus lines, the 36 Broadway stopping right across the street in either direction ..Belmont is just a quick walk away) Stella's is our new favorite relaxed evening dinner out joint =D

Carolynne M.

Went here for dinner on Friday night. Service was A+. Our server was attentive but not cloying. Boyfriend had the blue cheese crusted steak. He loved it, but I did not care for the chewy quality of the meat. The blue cheese part rocked though. I ordered the meatloaf, which was decent, but I have had better in the past. The atmosphere was very low key. The decor was a hip version of a standard diner, which was nice. Prices are very good for the area and portion size of the meal. As usual, I didnt finish the entree and asked to have it wrapped up. It was put in one of those clamshell-type styrofoam containers and then in a bag. Except when I went to take it out and put it in the fridge, the food inside was so heavy the styrofoam bottom snapped in half and the whole thing spilled out onto my kitchen floor. So I guess the prices arent all that great unless you plan on eating everything there and have no leftovers! What a waste.

D S.

I just had lunch here about an hour ago and it was great. The food is amazing and the makes the visit even more amazing. They are very friendly and come to the table a few times to make sure you are happy with your meal and drinks. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a little diner / restaurant food. I ate: Veggie Soup - todays special and it was very good Veal Special (out of this world). I drank: Water

a w.

Chocolate diva cake!!! Omg its so yummy...don't miss it if you're a chocolate fan. Other than that, this diner is great. Lots of yummy food at great prices. Fast service too!

Steve M.

5 stars for breakfast. Been a dozen times, every time it's great.

Katrina F.

Seriously good diner food in quaint setting. The owner, staff and patrons are so friendly. I haven't ventured from the burgers because I enjoy them so much. The fries are heavenly!! Fresh cut and crispy with the skin on the ends just how I like 'em! Oh Stella's how I do love you!

Megan K.

Clean and bright diner with equally appealing menu options. A diner is the last place I would expect to find mango stuffed french toast with a side of chicken sausage, but there you go, Stella serves it up right. Plentiful counter space and a kind yet non-invasive staff provide for an enjoyable solo dining experience. The dude sitting next to me this weekend was clearly a regular and lauded Stella's praises in between swapping vacation stories with the staff. He also asked me out to dinner. Who knows what that says about his taste and judgment.

shaina v.

This place is pretty crowded at brunch time. I like the food here, however they can't poach and egg to save their life ( I've tried it more than once). They have some good classic breakfast selections. Its not the best, but its not bad either.

Eliot D.

This place is chill. I think its the first place that I've ever been where I walked in the door ready to start taking mental notes for a review... so I'll just give a serious, straight up review on the place. I found the place on Yelp as an alternative to Clarke's, which I have already been to. I also am not a huge fan of Lincoln Park. The place is pretty nice inside, but its really girly with the neat looking host and the brightly colored walls (I'm not sure if this is in boystown or not). I expected this by the number of womens reviews that I saw, but I still felt comfortable there nonetheless. The host seems really nice, and the waiters are the same. There was no wait for a table. Once we sat down, random busboys were constantly stopping by asking if we needed soft drink refills as I watched the three bandanna-wearing cooks make food through a little window at the opposite end of the diner. I enjoyed this place because it was very clean, and everyone that worked there seemed like they legitimately wanted it to be a good place. I like those kinds of places, and they are a rarity these days. They had a great menu. I think the best part about it is how there are apparently a lot of Mexicans working here who have a strong influence on the food that they make. Why try to make some crappy standard food when you can turn ordinary foods into Mexican-influenced-diner food? I would definitely eat here again to try some of the other things. For example. I ordered the spinach spinwheels for an appetizer, which I highly recommend. They came in a light sauce, and with just a dot of spicey sauce on top of each one and around the plate.. The white sauce suggested that they were going above and beyond to make them good, and the spicy sauce that decorated the plate suggested to me that the Mexican cooks knew that a little flare to an otherwise potentially boring appetizer was probably for the better. They were very right. Mexicans really are the best cooks. I ordered a breakfast quesadilla (I had to go Mexican), which was on special for New Years Day. They claimed that they came with jalapeño hash browns. I was really excited about that. The quesadilla was everything that I wanted it to be. It came with sour cream and freshly made pico de gallo. My only complaint is that there were no jalapeños in sight. I just got some standard hash browns. That sucks because I really love jalapeños. I can't really think of another reason than this to take a star off of my rating, because I really loved the place. I just don't want to accumulate too many 5 star reviews which could lessen my credibility.

Wendy U.

Stella's is right around the corner from where I live I have been there on several occasions. The food is always good and the staff is always friends. It's even great as take out as well.

Kate H.

For lunch or dinner I highly reccomend this place but DON'T go on a saturday or sunday morning. There's not a lot of room to wait and it gets crowded, the service gets slow (like oh-my-god-my-scrambled-eggs-are-cold-and-i've-­been-waiting-so-long-I'm-ready-for-lunch food-slow) The atmosphere is really sweet and it seems much cleaner than many other diners. Lunch time, dinner time, thumbs up... but breakfast/brunch is a pain in tha patoot.

Olivia L.

When I first moved to Lakeview, Stella's was the first place I went to eat in the area, in the midst of an insanely stressful post-move day. I love going to diners when I'm stressed, as they seem to transport me back to a calm, homey childhood like place...and Stella's was no exception. The decor is rather simple, with seating for all sizes of groups. Some restaurants make you feel very strange if you're dining alone, but quite a few people seemed to be grabbing a late breakfast or lunch on their own, which was good in this context. Also a lot of couples and friends. The first time, I had an open-faced turkey sandwich which was a bit better than usual, with tender turkey and real mashed potatoes, although the gravy was a little strangely coloured. Also recently went back with a group of friends for Sunday brunch after Ann Sather's was inpenetrable, and we were not disappointed. Real fresh fruit french toast was delish, and my friend raved about the eggs benedict. Great after a long night! Service is pretty fast and relatively attentive, and Stella herself seems to be up by the cash register throughout the day, talking to customers and presiding over everything. Good choice for good food!

Melissa B.

This is a solid diner. The food is decent, I especially enjoy the buffalo chicken sandwich with the cajun fries. The service is usually prompt (although not always), and there's always a seat (except for brunch, but you can't find a seat ANYWHERE in this town for brunch).

Carey A.

Good food and GREAT owner!

P C.

This place is good, cheap, and the servers are largely sweet (generally older) folks who serve for a living and are very good at it. Try the stuffed french toast. So very good.

megan g.

One of my go-to spots, considering it is 3 blocks away. I usually show up to Stella's in my clothes and makeup from the night before t and they never seem scared or put-off by this at all, very comforting! First of all, the menu is HUGE! It's 4 or 5 pages, at least, and it includes appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches, entrees, and traditional breakfast diner food. The biscuits and gravy are amazing (especially when hungover) and for lunch fare the turkey pesto sandwich with their delicious cajun fries are very yummy. And the shakes and desserts are a must! I have always had good service, there is one waitress that seems to be on another planet but she's sort of entertaining at the same time. And there is a funny owner man that seems to be running around. The only part I don't like is that you pay at the register at the end and sometimes it is hard to split up but I am usually put at ease by the giant basket of candy by the checkout that has Werther's Original! I always see the empty wrappers on Wellington and know I am leaving some sort of hungover Hansel and Gretel trail.

e e.

after a full weekend of moving across the city - my family and i found this little gem late monday afternoon. the employees were as nice as can be! the decor fun and bright - very clean and comfortable! then the food! - im a sucker for diner food. but this wasnt the normal overly greasy diner food. it was perfect! a good amount of options to choose from (pasta to breakfast to burgers...etc) my sister got a plain grilled cheese and chocolate shake - delicious (i stole a few bites) a really reasonably priced place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with friends and family!

Hazel C.

Nothing can beat a NYC diner (they stay open 24/7/365 ... c'mon, folks) but Stella's comes very close. During our long weekend walks my sweetie and I very often find ourselves stopping at the mid-point of our walk for lunch/brunch at Stella's. The place has lots of 50's diner-ish decor and we've never had to wait more then 3 minutes for a table, even if we show up before 3pm. We've never had bad service there. They serve breakfast all day long which my boyfriend appreciates. He loves their ham & cheese omelets. He orders his with 'shrooms even though it's not on the menu and they are happy to accommodate him. I try to order something different from the menu each time and I've never been turned off. My favorite menu item is the fish & chips with the pulled pork sandwich running a very close second. The chili is good and so is the buffalo chicken sandwich (despite its unnaturally neon-red coloring). The cajun fries are friggin' awesome!!! This weekend I had the BLT on wheat bread which was sooo yummy. I've never tried the burgers but I'm sure they'll satisfy. I just read a review from someone else about the garlic bread. Being a huge fan of stinky garlic bread I think I'll try that next. If I recall correctly the menu brags that even Dracula would like the garlic bread. :)

Bethany J.

I've come here quite a bit for breakfast, and its just what you would expect from a diner for breakfast. I know no other way to describe it. Lots of friendly people work here- my favorite kind of people. I will continue to return.

Jocelyn D.

I don't think I can get through a week without eating here. The wait gets pretty long during brunch time on the weekend, but I think its worth it. You can always go over to Dram Shop and get a bloody mary while you are waiting. The mambo benedict rocks my socks. Stella's is one of the few dinners where their eggs benedict actually tastes like eggs benedict and not eggs with yellow sauce. And if I'm super hungover the only way I can get through a day is by eating the Mexican jolt - beef, cheese, jalapenos, eggs, hash browns, and SPIRIT.

Mat M.

I have been going to Stellas for a little over a year now. My friends and I always have a consistantly good experience there. The staff is attentive and friendly and also kind of quirky. It's family owned and operated so that is fun because the staff at the counter are usually quite chatty. We've had brunch,lunch and dinner here...and it's food that makes you feel like you're at home. It's not terribly fancy, however is just what you're looking for. I would suggest giving it a try, you won't be dissapointed if you want some of mom's home cooking.

Laura L.

I have been to Stella's a few times, and each time have had a good experience. The staff and owner are very friendly. On my first trip there, the owner came over and chatted with us for awhile about how his family opened the restaurant and how much the neighborhood has changed. It is not your typical greasy diner food, but it's not gourmet either. I think the best description I can come up with is a mixture of diner and homecooking. The omelettes and hashbrowns are tasty, the soups are warm and comforting, and the sandwiches are yummy.

Matthew Z.

Decent diner food and excellent desserts. The service was nice but far too slow.

Amber C.

I want to love this place... I really do! I've tried it a fair amount of times before writing this review. Lunch/dinner menu is better than the breakfast brunch in my opinion. They have a pretty large amount of vegetarian options. I really like the decor and kitchyness of the place. The huge hand with a pinky ring outside definitely catches your attention! It's a casual, family run feel. You can tell this is a true "neighborhood" spot that seems to get its share of regulars. The staff is super nice and attentive. The thing is.. the food is just OK. With so many other great places in the neighborhood, I don't think I'll come back here.

Trisha F.

I live close to here, so I decided to try this place out last week with my friend. I usually don't like most diners since the food seems to be lower quality, but this place seemed above average for a diner. The decorations and atmosphere were really cute and the place seemed very clean! There weren't a ton of items on the menu which I thought was a good thing because then you know the food is more fresh and it's not as hard to choose from. I ordered the portabella mushroom sandwhich with red peppers on top. I'm not even a vegetarian, but I thought to try it. It was delicious!!!! I also ordered a chocolate brownie with fudge and ice cream for desert which was TO DIE FOR!!!! Our waitress was really sweet too!! The only downfall is that it is clearly over priced and that's the only reason I'm not giving it a full 5 stars. I spent $19 including tip just on myself (I got a water too).

KM I.

I dragged my poor friend here over Pancake house and that was an enormously large gigantically huge mistake. I LOVE the name Stella so Stella's diner got me on that. The food is questionable....the waitress was somewhat brash and quite the typical 80's bubblegum snapping, knee sock wearing, curly haired little bit. The manager I assume was very kind when we were checking out, friendly and talkative.... I would never return, not drunk, sober, or starving. Sorry Stella, I had higher hopes for you. I am just too fancy for this.

Armando G.

I live in the neighborhood and I eat here regularly. The food is fresh. If you are the healthy eater like I am there are items that are delicious and healthy. I recently had a business meeting here and my guest really loved the food. There is plenty of seating and the place is kept very clean. The staff is very friendly and I live in the area and this is my favorite!

Angela M.

My friend Dave and I were in the mood for an old timey diner and being in the Wrigleyville area, our options were somewhat limited....so we tried Stella's and we were very happy with our choice. The staff were really friendly and the food was delicious and plentiful. Although not terribly old timey, it was a good diner nonetheless. Side note: The art on the bathroom door is ridiculous in the best way possible.

Anna G.

This diner is excellent! All the staff is super friendly, and somehow they all seem actually chatty, not just forcing awkward conversation. Also, real cut french fries and excellent milkshakes...I see a few people who left reviews do not this that this is an art, but if you've ponied up for enough tall glasses of cold chocolate milk with ice crystals in it, you know it is. Also, I'd give them 6 stars if I could for the effort our waiter put into chasing down my friend and I with her sunglasses she left at the booth...and this after he saw his tip too!

This is a great neighborhood spot for a nice bite with a friend. I usually meet here on Saturdays for an extended breakfast/lunch with my friends and they are really okay with sitting for a couple hours, refilling your coffee and in general leaving you alone when you want them to. The breakfast is a great choice, and I really recommend their turkey sausage - tastes close to the real thing and fried up just rights. I really like that their omlettes and skillets aren't so monstrous that you can't finish them and are forced to waste food. Portions are great in essence. My friend is a big fan of their BBQ chicken sandwich. Service is nice, atmosphere is great and always plenty of seating even during busy times. A good go-to for any afternoon in Lakeview.

Tal R.

I live across from this place and I just ate their for the first time saturday morning. What can I say? I was overwhelmed by the menu, their were a lot of choices.Our service was great and fast even though the place was packed. I went simple and got the tuna sandwich and fries, but my 2 buddies went all out with delicious skillets that tasted great and gave them their bang for their buck. I would frequent this diner more often if it was open later

Robin R.

A friend and I went to Stella's the other day. I honestly don't recall what she had, but I ordered the veggie burger and french fries. Now veggie burgers are not that easy to make - at least in my opinion. I think their burger was flavorful and a bit spicy, but it was also a little dry. But, I think that is also the nature of veggie burgers. I still would order it again. The french fries were great and I ate every last one. We also got drink refills, which is always a perk. (I just recently went somewhere that did not offer drink refills and that was a real bummer.) The restaurant itself was busy and a bit noisy, but I just think that is restaurants these days. At least there were no crying babies or whiny little children who needed naps (sorry parents!)

Nicole P.

Nice breakfast spot. Haven't made it in for other cuisine. Really nice normal portion sizes. Bigger is not always better. They have just the right amount of food at a reasonable price. And a great location in Lakeview East since there are plenty of condos & apartments nearby. I will definitely be back.

Dave S.

Stopped into Stella's for breakfast recently and would definitely go back. The eggs were at the top of any diner/breakfast restaurant I've ever been. They were delicious and not greasy, and the same goes for the bacon. Looking around the table I had the urge to sample most everyone elses meal. The milkshakes and omelettes look like must tries next time around. Slightly pricier than what I am used to back in Michigan at any of the Coney Island chains, but the difference was marginal and really amounted to nothing once you factored in quality.

Hannah D.

There's something funky goin on with the cheese here. I can't really pinpoint what it is, since I've tried to explain it to many a person. It's like it's nacho cheese, but not quite...or cheez wiz...or perhaps that EZ cheese that comes out of a nozzle. I just recommend that you don't get anything with it. I had a lovely chicken fried steak and eggs breakfast/brunch here. I kind of wished my hash browns were a little bit browner, but hey...it's all good. The bathroom situation is quite singular. I ended up waiting a good 15 minutes for my turn, and when my waitress came out I was sort of glad I didn't rush her too much. All in all, it's a nice place where I'm sure I'll go again. But only because I don't want to come off as a bitch that doesn't like going to Stella's.

Susan F.

MMMM! and oh so clean! This diner has lots of colors and is a whole lot cleaner than most Chicago Diners. The grease is used sparingly as well. I love buffalo chicken, so I got the buffalo chicken salad. It was so hot, but so good! The staff was very friendly, and everyone in there seemed to be having a great time. They have a wide variety of shakes: peanut butter, butterfinger, oreo, and all the classics. If you want a huge menu that will please everyone, go here!

Val B.

Stella's has decent food, though their hamburgers are always overcooked to the point of rubberyness. Unfortunately I have experienced friendly but extremely slow service every time I've come here. There were times when we were the only ones at the place, yet we could never find our waitress. Perhaps if the owner/manager guy cared more about his customers than his classic car out front (that he incessantly shows to passersby), Stella's would have a special place in my heart, too.

Laura F.

YUM! I just went here with my boyfriend tonight for a late night dinner. We were in the mood for greasy burgers and fries and that's exactly what we got. Everything was delish especially my chocolate peanut butter milk shake! At the end we were really full and we want to come back for brunch sometime. The price is right and the staff was friendly, and they told me its BYOB too so that's good to know. Yummy comfort food at its best!

Allie B.

Oh, how I love Stella's. It was one of the first places I stumbled upon in my neighborhood, and I am so glad I did! The food is great. Everyone is so friendly, especially the owner, Gus. He made me feel so welcome. He still calls me "Texas" every time I walk in the door! I've lived here a year now and still I manage to stop in Stella's once a week, even if it's just for a cup of coffee and to say hello to Gus!

Rick H.

Mediocre food at a stupid price. A lot of lame rules- like, you must order something worth $5 or more to be seated. you can't just sit with others while they eat. On the bright side, there are a lot of options.

Morris F.

Like many others, I'm a fan of Stella's. I can't name a better restaurant in its class, and the friendly waitstaff are a big part of that. My first visit here, a year or so ago, was a bit closer to the "meh" rating - I had meatloaf, and it was obvious the meatloaf had been cooked a day or two before and just warmed on the grill before being served to me. Today's lunch was much better. My turkey reuben sandwich had real turkey on it. That's right -- none of that "pressed and formed" stuff you're likely to get, but meat off the bird. Tender, flavorful, and tasty. Grilled with swiss cheese on both sides of the meat and a heap of coleslaw. Served with freshly cooked fries, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside just as they should be. Home-brewed iced tea, and the refill came with lemon too. It's an eclectic crowd at Stella's and I like that too.

Sarah L.

I like the atmosphere here, for the most part (except the weekend lunch rush, yikes) it's a nice laid back diner and the food is better than most restaurants in the laid back diner class.

Andrea C.

solid cheap good diner food. eggs? check pancakes? check french toast? check other random lunch/dinner sandwiches you really shouldnt be bothering with because for the love this is a diner? check delicious milkshakes? check plus. i really liked this place. came over pride weekend and it was super crowded, but they turned tables quickly and the owner of the establishment came and apologized for the wait. i will definitely be headed back! STELLA!

Laura G.

Just enjoyed a dinner there with the family. A quartet of cops was in the back with us (think the Shield) and they made for interesting watching. Apparently they like to review luxury real estate...hmm...on a cop's salary. Huh. At the end they hugged, and grinned at me as if to say " it's a guy thing, not a 'neighborhood' thing" Yes. Stella's is in Boystown. Great location, don't know why the patio was closed...perhaps the winds. Aside from that the food was excellent. Mac and cheese for kids...delicious. My crab cakes great and husband said his vegetarian quesadilla was great! It's Friday- we are Catholic--Stella's made meat-free tasty. The big bottom (big butt as I called it)brownie daughter ordered delicious. Service excellent. Waiters and busboys super attentive and FAST.

Zac K.

Oh how I love thee Stella's! Yes, you are always crowded in the mornings and full of everyone under the moon, however you are certainly worth the wait. Great everything for diner food- love the sandwhiches, burgers and breakfast and who could forget the shakes- those are the best by far. You have to save room for sweets to, because those are AWESOME! very, very good diner :) Indulge and enjoy- PS you have to try the Mac n Cheese

Jennifer K.

So, I used to live 2 blocks away from Stella's, and my room mate (word 'em up, P!) used to come here for weekend brunch all the time. I usually got the eggs and hash browns or eggs and corned beef hash. While the service was excellent, the food was always pretty standard. Sometimes really good, sometimes not so good - pretty standard. However, I was always intrigued by one of their specials - Challah Bread French Toast w/ fresh strawberries and vanilla cream - but I never indulged myself. Well. I went there for brunch with my mom and sister this weekend. I decided to go ahead and get the Challah bread French toast. It...was...fantastic! Gah! Just thinking about it makes me want to run out and get some! The bread was really firm and sweet, not at all soggy. And the vanilla cream totally eradicates any need for table syrup. The sweet, heavenly, deliciousness makes me wonder what I've been missing this whole time. Definitely worth trying out! Highly recommended if you are in the hood!

Ashley V.

I live right around the corner from Stella's and I find myself rolling out of bed and straight there every other week or so. First off, the service here is great. Every single person you encounter from the hostess to the server to the cashier is super friendly no matter what time of day or how busy it gets in there. Plus the owner really takes pride in the neighborhood and recognizes people that live in the area. Breakfast- This place really fills up on the weekends and quickly. I have never had a long wait and they seem to move tables pretty fast. In the summer it is never a bother to really go outside and sit on a bench though during the winter the place is a bit too small to hold everyone inside and you might have to brave the cold during your wait. I go to Stella's for the staples and enjoy the skillet style dishes (great hangover cure) and the pancakes. The best part is that they serve turkey sausage and it is great. Tip: I was eating breakfast last weekend and saw the table across from us had brought a bottle of champagne. They ordered oj and I believe I heard the server say there was no corkage fee and that it was fine to bring in. Dinner/Lunch- Like I said before I really enjoy Stella's for the diner basics. I have taken both of my parents here and they have raved over the sandwiches. I absolutely love their burgers. They make to order and they have been cooked perfect every time. The fries are good.. a great blend of crispy and tender. The mac and cheese is super creamy and definitely tastes homemade. The milkshakes are also old-fashioned and delicious. They are thick and need a spoon initially but if you let them melt a bit they are perfect with a straw. I will keep coming here as long as I am in the neighborhood. I also leave here feeling full and happy. **** Also.. during the sumer they have a great oudoor patio. I usually bring my dog to tie up next to the table and the server will bring out a dog dish of water for my pup. Very cool!

Gabe L.

Typical diner. Typical food. While waiting, I even saw a cop car parked outside; must have been getting doughnuts or something. I purposely forgot to bring my glow sticks and ecstasy to this review, because this place is nothing to rave about.

Sara D.

I thought it was impossible, but I found my new favorite thing on the menu. Drumroll......the grilled steak sandwich. Crusted with blue cheese on a french roll. (sigh)

Matt K.

I briefly lived on the Northside a little bit ago. I'm not going to get into why I was there, but let's just say there isn't much I like about the area. One place that I did like, however, was Stella's. It was right down the street, and I have probably eaten at that place more times than anywhere else on Earth. That has its advantages, of course. I pretty much knew everyone that served there, as well as the owner, who's hella cool. Because of this, they were all extremely nice whenever I went in. They also knew that no matter what was ordered, we wanted a plate of pickles also brought to the table. Man, I love pickles. The food isn't bad at all, although it's not really anything to die for. I would recommend getting the salsa burger though. It's full of jalapeos and topped with salsa, so it's pretty hot and you should have a strong stomach before taking this one on. They also have a decent BBQ pork sandwich if you're down with that. While it's just a pretty solid place to eat at, my favorite part was the butterscotch candies as you walk out. Fantastic.

Amanda Z.

When I lived in the neighborhood, I used to eat here ALL the time... The breakfasts are terrific (I literally CRAVE the veggie skillet...although I usually puzzle the server by ordering a side of bacon...cuz I love my pork!)! Lunches/dinners are OK, too, but the breakfasts are the best. The only drawbacks are LONG waits on Saturday and Sunday mornings and those teeny-tiny booths that just are unable to hold two people and their food:)

David R.

Oh yeah, Stella's. I had forgotten about this place because...it's entirely forgettable. They usually don't have a line for Saturday or Sunday breakfast, but there is nothing remarkable about this joint. It's not bad, and if you are in the neighborhood and don't want to walk too far, this is a decent choice. Other reviewers recommend lunch and dinner, but I've only ever been here for breakfast. Once they let me put down the blinds by our booth because the sun was overwhelming me and my hangover. Another time there was a toddler with a cute hat.

Lindsey W.

Stella's has to be one of my favorite brunch destinations in the city. And it's right here in Lakeview! I've been there several times and always had exceptional service and great food. The Mambo Benedict (traditional eggs benedict with pico de gallo and avocado added) is THE BEST brunch I've ever had. Seriously, if you like eggs benedict, you HAVE TO try this benedict. It's the best. It's difficult not to order it every time I go to Stella's, but there are so many other delicious options on the menu as well. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll be satisfied.

Alida B.

Stellas is very upbeat, friendly and has nice wholesome food. I ordered the apple chicken sausage and oatmeal with fresh fruit. My husband had french toast and liked it. The waitress and other staff were pros and we had a great breakfast. Also there was no wait mid-Saturday morning.

Josh G.

There are so many reasons to love Stella's. As much as I like some other more popular breakfast places in the neighborhood, Stella's has always been a great option that has never disappointed me. The food is tasty and reasonably priced and they don't skimp on anything. Now I admit I've only been to Stella's for breakfast/brunch but there are lots of great options. One of my faves? The Gypsy. Eggs, hash browns, ham all tossed together skillet style and smothered with cheese. C'mon, how can you go wrong? Other reasons to love it? The people are always nice, fast, and efficient. I've never met a host or server there that I didn't like in the three years I've been eating here. It's a very eclectic bunch and some are definitely bigger characters than others but that's part of the charm. They have great outdoor seating for the warmer times, counter seating for lonely times, and big tables for social times. It's definitely one of those neighborhood places that give me the warm and fuzzy feeling of being "at home".

Nicole B.

I went to Stella's for the first time yesterday morning. We were sat immediately, the service was wonderful, and the food was amazing! I think it's safe to say we will be going back to Stella's many times in the near future.

Sonesh S.

Service was great, food was average. We had the breakfast quesadillas (jalapeos in the hash browns were a nice touch) and the skillet with avocado (another interesting touch). The food was nothing to write home about, but the menu choices weren't as standard as you find in most diners.

John B.

I remember when this place was called the Lakefront Diner. Then a few years back (and by "a few," I could mean 10), they redesigned the restaurant and the menu, upped the kitsch factor, and renamed the joint Stella's. What they didn't do, I'm happy to say, is jack up the prices or lose touch with the family-run feeling. Stella's is bright and warm and welcoming, and they're serious about the food. I don't go out of my way to go to Stella's, but when I'm in the hood, I'm always tempted. If I lived down here, I'd be at Stella's once a week. Stella does a great breakfast, but they also have a good selection of sammiches and dinners. And the shakes, oh the shakes. Make sure you take a look at the specials board when you come in. So many of Stella's customers are regulars that unless you ask, the server may not mention the specials. The bathrooms are clean and spacious. Very important after all that coffee.

Katie H.

Good basic diner food. The mac and cheese is yummy comfort food, and the buffalo chicken sandwich is just what you want it to be. They also have a really tastey gooey molton chocolate cake dessert. I've never had to wait for a table (though I often see lines on weekends) and service is always quick and pleasant. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, but it's a great neighborhood joint and a good place for a quick cheap meal. I've never spent over $15 for 2.

Greg O.

Usually a breakfast visitor at Stealls....wanted a quick but filling dinner so stopped by Stellas to see what other meals there were like. Glad we did! When we walked in we were welcomed by a chipper and outgoing host. He told us to sit wherever we would like and then when we chose the booth he said thats our seat anytime we come in! Great way to personalize the service! We ordered our meal...food was good. Just as good as breakfast! I was happy. Went to pay and ended up in a 10-15 minute conversation with the man working the register that greeted us when we entered. Come to find out, it was Gus, son of the late owners. Found out that the restaurant has been there for 50 years and him and his sister (Who is always there at breakfast and is equally hospitable) run it. Gus made us feel welcome. I felt like I could sit there and talk to Gus for hours! I am looking forward to going back in the evenings when he is there to chat and enjoy great food. Gus is very proud of the food he serves and takes great pride in what he does. If you are looking for a quick bite that is fillings and affordable, Stellas is the place to go!! Service is always prompt and servings nice sized. Thanks Gus for making us feel so welcome in your "home"

Jasmine D.

They fulfill my diner requirements: 1. Free re-fills on soda. 2. They don't skimp on the french fries. 3. Desserts are basic but incredibly tasty. 4. Free candy at register. 5. Feels like home. Actually, better than home because I live in a crappy studio and I am too lazy to cook for myself.

Mary L.

This is one of the best diners on the northside in my opinion. The food is great, with a large selection to choose from. The restaurant itself is ultra clean; the service has always been excellent & very friendly.

Clemp S.

If you frequent The Melrose Diner or the Bagel and have a hankerin' for nicer servers and lower prices GO HERE. The food is a step above the afore mentioned and it's also cleaner - including the bathrooms. Most of the employees have been working there for years or have been customers turned wait staff. The only thing thats not made from scrap onthe menu id the Hash and it's even delectable. Ask for Ro and tekll 'em Paulie sent ya.

Lisa F.

I'm adding an additional star for the breakfast. Anyplace that serves chocolate chip pancakes is awesome and theirs do not disappoint. Not only are chocolate chips cooked into the pancakes but they put a nice clump on top of the pancakes with some powdered sugar. Oh my, they are wondrous. They also have a good country fried steak for breakfast. As for the hash browns, oh my, they were just a soggy flavorless mess. I'm also adding an additional star for my recent lunch item. I tried the fish and chips and liked them. The fries were just perfect and the fish was nice and crispy with a nice flavor.

Brett K.

Went here for the first time today, and i will be back often! I had scrambled eggs and turkey sausage. It's always nice when healthier options are available like turkey sausage. The meal was great, the service was great, we got our food and bill promptly. The seats along broadway are perfect for people watching. Family owned and operated, exactly the type of business I want to support.

Viola P.

The good: great location, clean, comfy booths, really nice servers and cashier/host, delicious hand cut fries The bad: I was asked how I wanted my burger so I said medium. Damn thing was bone, bone dry. I mean, hockey puck. Urgh. Luckily, I had already filled up on the yummy fries so it's not like I was starving, because I could only manage about 1/3 of the dry, tasteless cheeseburger. They serve RC, which I'm not saying is good or bad, just unusual. I haven't had a coke in maybe a year and for some reason I ordered one. It tasted funny to me, but that could be just because I haven't had one in so long, or is RC really all that different from Coke? Who knows, I don't remember. I'll probably try it again, because I love diners like this, but no more burgers or cokes. Um, RC's.

Vincent O.

Stellas is simply great. Nothing fancy or pretentious and that's what I like about it. It's exactly what you would expect from a great diner and more. The food is great and the staff is always friendly and welcoming. And they make a really tasty Turkey Club on rye..... MMMMm!

Michael M.

Restaurant quality food at a diner. What a concept.

Sara B.

After an open bar nightmare with the work crowd (drinking with teachers is at your own risk!), we came to Stella's the next morning looking for a decent fix of grease....but not too much. We sat outside, which was lovely, even if our scenery included a few too many overly confident men strutting around in wifebeaters. We ordered coffee, which came pretty quickly, but getting a refill on our tiny cups took eons. In fact, I'm still waiting. Perhaps it was because it was busy, or because we were outside, but it felt like we did an awful lot of waiting for whatever our request was. I ordered a skillet and did not read the reviews carefully, as my sagely bf did, so I neglected to ask for the hashbrowns cripsy. So that meant I got a soggy mess of potatoes under my egg skillet. The cheese was American. I guess that's okay when you're hungover, but for me, it's not okay overall. It was nothing special; I think there was some avocado thrown in on top. The bf had a spicy breakfast burrito, which was SO much better than mine, probably because he had crispy potatoes and I didn't. I wasn't blown away; it was pretty average breakfast food. I don't really feel like I need to go back. I'm relatively hard to impress when it comes to breakfast, I think, and Stella's just didn't live up to the challenge. PS The coffee was good, when it came. And their busboys were significantly more efficient than their waitstaff. Would that I could have tipped them directly.

Brian C.

The other 250 reviews probably pegged it: kept up establishment, VERY healthy portions, friendly staff, tasty dishes. A bit pricier in the area, but worth it. My lone complaint is that on weekends, it gets BUSY! Go Stella's!

Samantha M.

I really enjoyed this place. Went here the other night with a few friends. The service was extremely friendly, genuine, and attentive; which makes a big impact for me. I ordered an avocado burger, which is one of my favorite things ever. I couldn't believe it was actually a standard item on the menu! (Usually you have to add avo for like $2 extra.) It was cooked perfectly for me at medium rare, and there was a very generous amount of fresh avocado right on top. I was really impressed; it was delicious. Fries were good too. The price was completely fair. My friends ordered burgers and chicken tenders, and everyone was satisfied. It's a great little spot, and I would go there over Clarke's ANY DAY. I just wish it was open a little later...

Lynn T.

I LOVE Stella's! Food is YUMMY and the wait staff is so friendly!

Ryan S.

Everytime I go into stellas I get a sante fe chicken wrap but instead of grilled chicken they allow me to get crispy. All in all great and fun waitors along with great food and amazing ranch. Very homey feel to the place. Although the owner is kind of a creep, he means well just comes off kind of creepy and odd.

Brandon B.

Great Lakeview diner, with the usual list of diner-fare and prices. Love these places--for the crowd, the food specials, the location. Nice people with good service. On average the food is more interesting than the average diner for the same price.

Molly R.

Good burgers, fries and milk shakes; Family owned and run. They are friendly and accomodating. Great for a local quick bite.

Desire' M.

I got the chicken strip meal and it tasted like those $1 freezer meals you can get at Jewel. Bleh! None of the food are group of 4 had was worth crediting. That was 2 years ago and regardless how close it is, I haven't been there since. It is family owned, so I gotta give props for that, and the interior is fun and kitschy.

Mike K.

i didnt eat anything here (just coffee) but the menu looked great. Anyway, the staff was nice and every song they played while we were there I have on my ipod so i thought that was really cool

Briana J.

Gotta try the milkshakes! Seriously....do it. Otherwise, the diner is nice. I had chicken fingers with ranch and it was just what chicken fingers from a diner should be...tasty and bad for you. Our waitress was super busy and not really into pleasantries (sp) but she got our order correct the first time----and there were nine of us. Also, they were pretty cool with separate checks. Well, they would not do nine checks but they did do three. There really is not much of a waiting area but there is plenty of room to wait outside.

Aaron N.

Great food, large portions for little money, huge menu, and extremely friendly staff. Very good for takeout as well.

David M.

great place for breakfast.....great neighborhood resource eggs; french toast; good place D

Shaun T.

Warning: Do not come here for breakfast, this place is best for late-night dinner! Why do I say that? Delicious meatloaf, scrumptious macaroni, mouth-watering chili-burgers, and a veritable raft of daily specials on and off the norm. I came here for breakfast first, which was good, but nothing special. I liked the bacon, the pancakes were acceptable, and the service was a little slow---something to be expected during the morning crowds that make their home on broadway and want to escape the endless sushi and noodle shops. But dinner, when they're not so busy, this place can't be beat. There are so few good diners in Chicago, real ones that throw back to the grand age of 70's atmosphere. Zephyr over in Ravenswood was a great place to go for milkshakes and a burger, but ever since they closed, I've been looking for a replacement. Stella's is better, in my opinion, even if their variety is a little lower. But so far, I haven't found a better diner in Lakeview. Maybe I'm just not trying hard enough.

Jaime H.

we come here all the time due to living in the hood and stella being a much healthier choice than say, melrose down the street. However, today we are eating and next to our table a cockroach is on the floor (which we know theres no such thing as a roachless restaurant) but the busser walks over smashes it w his foot then walks to where he picks up food, then delivers the food and proceeds to come to our table and ask if we are done. We in disgust say yes!!!! Then he walks back to where he picks up food and takes more food out! He didnt pick up the dead bug or seem to realize when you crush a roach the eggs stay on your foot and travel everywhere you go! Gunna be awhile before we come back... sorry

Natasha B.

I've been there many times.Great atmosphere, funny staff -good food.

Stephanie F.

The chili and the burgers are all yummy.. as are the milkshakes.

Lauren C.

Stella's is great - the staff is super friendly, the service is great and the food is delicious. The only complaint I have is that they charge for soft drink refills - but they are up front about that! I'd definitely recommend Stella's for an inexpensive and delicious lunch or dinner.

Margaret C.

I haven't been in Chicago long, but even as I visit more and more restaurants, Stella's remains one of my favorite places in the city, especially for breakfast and milkshakes (separately....usually). The wait staff is charming and has a pretty good sense of humor, even when the place is packed to the rafters. The chicken apple sausage is delicious, the hobos (hashbrowns, eggs, and a variety of choices for toppings) are good (though you will need to apply your own salt liberally), and I almost died and went to heaven from a chocolate peanut butter milkshake here. It took me four visits before I noticed the big sculpted fist holding silverware that adorns the top of the entrance, so, you know, keep that in mind too.

Max P.

I love this diner!! Im a regular as well as my friends. I have gotten nothing but great service here. The guy that recomended Melrose diner must have been completely wasted everytime hes gone in there because there is nothing good about that place except that it is definitely crusier for the gays. If you want a nice cozy real diner go to Stellas. Also Nic is a super cute hottie pocket guy for eye candy.

Kevin B.

The small town diner in a big city feel. The staff take the time to remember your face and greet you as a friend rather then a dollar. That is extremely important to me and hard to find these days. Food is always good and on time. I have to admit that I liked it more before they remodeled and changed the menu a few years ago, but that hasn't stopped me from going or highly recommending this place. I do miss their all day/night breakfast menu, however, if you ask, they will let you order anyways! Sometimes if its slow, they come sit down with you and chat which can be nice or not nice depending on your mood! They mean no harm :)

Kathryn M.

I went to Stella's for lunch a few weeks ago. My friend and I were walking around, looking for a place and saw a giant hand holding utensils. I adore tacky stuff, so we decided to eat at Stella's. The wait staff was very friendly and patient. It took us about 15 minutes to decide on our order (we're ridiculously indecisive girls) and even though they came back 3 or 4 times to ask if we were ready, they didn't seem annoyed when we said we needed more time. I ordered a chicken melt on swirled rye with fries. The chicken melt was delish! The fries were crispy but not over done. I don't remember what my friend had, but she really liked hers too. Oh! Another plus was that they didn't mind splitting the check. I've had waiters act visibly annoyed when asked to split the check and our waiter was very accommodating. Overall, it was a really great experience.

Sarah F.

Great diner, family run, good people. And the cabage soup is extra yummy. I love diner food.

Rocky B.

This is one cool little diner. Well it's not so little but you get my point. The service is very friendly and you can tell they have their share of regular clientele by the staff knowing many of the customers by name. The last time I was there I had the most delicious asian chicken salad. It's good stuff.

Aly D.

Every weekend I am at Stellas for breakfast no matter how bad the hangover! It is quick, pretty cheap, and the food is great! Even when its packed on a Sunday morning the service is still great. The special Challah french toast is soo good, and they have the best bacon that is so crispy. For lunch or a quick snack is typical yet good diner food. And the milkshakes are amazing too!

Gerardo A.

Absolutely delicious food and supurb service!

Clayton J.

Stella's is soooooo good. Wow, this is my #1 favorite diner / lunch food eatery in Chicago. I have yet to find a better diner in Chicago, and I can tell you, you will not be dissapointed with their chicken/avocado/ swiss sandwich!! Get that with a side of fruit and coleslaw and you might even feel healthy! The wait staff is incredibly nice and the owner is always really friendly and totally cool. This place is so great, I highly suggest coming here. Unlike Clark's, this place has a real diner feel with a much deeper menu, that includes a lot of vegetarian choices as well as healthy choices. I always feel so relaxed here, and I used to live right down the street, so I've been here a lot. Every time, it just gets better and better. Don't deprive yourself, check it out.

n k.

Stellaaaaaa, I love you! A friend and I enjoyed a hearty peanut butter shake, a boatload of turkey, and a chicken apple sausage sandwich (with creamy mac n cheese on the side!), and some caramel apple cobbler. It was all quite good, the service was friendly, and we liked the look of the place in general, from its giant hand + utensil sculpture over the door to the lighting and booth setup inside. Worth it for the shakes and cobbler alone. Wish they'd stay open later -- this would be a great stop after a night out.

Adam L.

What's to say that hasn't already been said? It's a neat little diner. If it were open 24 hours, it'd get five stars. But the food is good and the wait staff is friendly. Always worth a stop if you can't come up with something else.

Rachelle T.

Really good diner food. The menu has a lot of variety and is very veggie friendly. And trust me, the garlic bread is just as garlic-y as they warn but still delicious. The service has always been good and the hostess pretty much joined in on our dinner, no joke, she took a french fry off my friend's plate to try her (nasty) mayo/steak sauce concoction - ha! Next time I stop in I'll have to splurge and try one of the milkshakes.

Hillary H.

I love Stella's! Service is fast, and they always get your order right. I usually go for brunch so I stick to the usual breakfast food, but I have gone for dinner a few times and have also enjoyed what I ordered. I love the atmosphere, and the chocolate shakes are amazing! I started going to Stella's for brunch before I lived in the city and was just visiting friends, and I now bring my friends who are visiting to Stella's. I also brought my parents to Stella's when they were visiting (since they had heard me talk about it before) and they loved it so much that they wanted to go back the next time they visited. Stella's used to have RC Cola, which was exciting because no one has RC anymore, but they have now switched to Coke. I was a little disappointed about that, but it hasn't stopped me from going back!

Katie F.

I love Stella's. Not because the food is incredible (it's decent...real decent) but for the ambiance. It's super casual. Paintings of comic book characters decorate the walls (they are apparently for sale, too, but the sticker price is crazily inflated). There is also a framed picture of the Virgin Mary holding baby J adorned with some palms up in the front of the restaurant. No worries if you're not a Catholic or a comic book fan, they will still serve you. The menu is basic diner with a few exceptions, the west-coaster and french toast on challah. Breakfast foods will run you waaay than lunch/dinner style foods-and they've got breakfast all day. i like the oatmeal with berries, bananas and nuts -Not because it's especially spectacular but because i can eat breakfast at a restaurant without feeling like a fat ass all day. The staff is stellar. You will not be disappointed.

Mei L.

went there after coming into town............long day of driving.........had the avocado cheeseburger..........without cheese cuz im lactose intolerant but their milkshakes are to die for..........(just had a sip) or else ill blow chunks.

Eric D.

I like Stella's. It has a bright cheery decor. The food is pretty decent and the selection is large. I have a hard time deciding what to get when I come. I like that when I come in I'm usually told to take any seat I like. I haven't had dessert here yet, but they look good.

Kate D.

Terrible experience! I asked about about a children's menu and the "owner "Gus went bisurk. Walked by our table yelling "no, that's not cost efficient" with no eye contact or any sort of friendliness. It really upset me and my 4 year old.

Yujin A.

This is literally one of the first places I have tried since I actually moved to Chicago. I ended up eating there because I was waiting for my apartment finding agent at Apartment People for hours, and Stella's was just across the street. I was already in a bad mood after hours of waiting, but Stella's made it all better. Very friendly and attentive service. I think diners are all about friendly and quick service. However, Stella's tops its good service with good food. I had something like spinach rolled in thin pancakes, which was very good and something new to me. Their soup is pretty good too. I just wish they were open late.

Dave A.

Great old school diner. Had breakfast here before I moved to Chicago, waiting for the ApartmentPeople to open. Great friendly waitresses who went out of their way to get me a paper. The food was perfect after a late night out before....meaning greasy and delcious. A tad expensive, but sometimes it's good to go out for a real breakfast not at a Denny's.

Scott G.

I have been going to Stella's for years. My wife is out of town and we had a friend pass away suddenly. I needed comfort food and a comfortable family environment to have it in. A bacon-mushroom-jack cheeseburger with fries was in order. I don't eat much red meat and haven't had a burger in 2 years. It was cooked to perfection. The mushrooms did not come out of a can. The bacon was fresh. The fries were perfectly done and piping hot. I like to dunk them in bar-b-q sauce. It was one of those hit the table because it really hit the spot moments. Gus was there to offer his usual warmth and friendship. PLUS the cole slaw has a hint of horseradish in it! Who does that? Did I mention I Love horseradish. I will always consider this place home and I know many others do as well.

Natalie B.

Very dependable place to eat either breakfast or lunch! I've never been dissapointed here.The food is good and service has always been consistent. The coffee isn't the best but I don't really expect it to be.

Shannon S.

One of my new favorite places in my neighborhood. The food and the service were great. There were so many good sounding things on the menu it was hard to choose. I know I will definitely be going back to try their carmel apple cobbler and their chocolate diva cake.

Lana M.

good food and good prices. I have been coming here for years. The owner is very friendly and seems to remember the regulars, which is nice. It is not the best diner in Chicago but it is good and clean.

Joe P.

I am not going to pretend that this is the best brunch food that I have had in the city, but I still really like it here for a couple reasons. First, this is not one of those places like Toast or Bongo Room that EVERYONE feels the need to brag about going to and have become far too trendy for brunch. Come on people, this is a hangover meal, do we really need to feel cool at 11am on a Sunday. Second, I have never waited more than 10 or 15 minutes to be seated. Finally, the food is pretty good. Try the eggs benedict, they are above average.

Shannon D.

Good food, great service, and the place is clean! On the weekends, expect to wait about 10 to 15 minutes to be seated. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The milkshakes are to die for.

Jerimie M.

my partner and I try to go once a week to stella's for brunch. the staff is constant and very friendly. there can be a small wait for a table but worth it. i recommend brunch on sundays. we will always request nicole as our server. she has a great sense of humor and very fun attitude!

Amalie S.

Fun little diner - I was the only one in our party who wasn't thrilled with their food, everyone else loved it. The interior is really cute, and the giant hand is not as weird as I thought it would be. A nice Sunday morning place, as long as you get there before 12. We met there at 11 and just barely beat a CRUSH of lakeview-ers looking for their greasy spoon fix.

David F.

This is a family owned place that can be quite friendly if you frequent it. There is a large variety of foods and they cater well to large groups.

Hiker Chicka e.

The food here is good, but the service is excellent. The first time I stepped in there, Gus asked my name and introduced himself. The waitress made a lots of recommendations. The food is regular American fare- nothing new or exotic here. But there is something comforting about eating stuff you know. I had a really good slice of timamisu. I also got the Reuben with Cajun rice (ha?).. I've never had a sandwich with rice before, but I have to say that the rice turned out to be the star of the meal. I will definitely go there again. I'm giving this place 4 stars not because of it's food (which is good, but not extraordinary), but because Gus understands the basic principles of running a good business- excellent service.

Erin B.

I always like coming here for breakfast, no matter what time of day it is! The service is great, no matter what time of day it is. While it tends to be jam packed here during Saturday/Sunday breakfast hours, it manages to efficiently service everyone's needs. I really love their waffles!

Maureen M.

Stella's is always good, I have never had a bad meal here! The service is great, and the desserts are home made--- magic! It's a fun diner atmosphere, very clean and with an upbeat staff. I would highly recommend Stella's to anyone! Oh and you never wait long for a table, even if it seems very crowded in the front. The service is so quick and the restaurant is large enough to handle big crowds. Two thumbs up!

Amarie K.

Diner in Lakeview without crazy waits outside!!! Amazing food, I recommend the "Hobo"---hash browns, cheese, eggs all together....The staff is always friendly and very low turnover rate. Family run joint with great service and great prices. No wait the last two times I went here (weekend mornings)...I believe the longest I've had to wait was approx. 10 minutes. Great milkshakes and sandwiches for the afternoon crowds too!

E J.

I actually don't frequent this place, but I am giving them 4 stars based on an experience I had a few years ago. My friend and I were in town for the weekend, looking for apartments. After spending the day with our Apartment Finders consultant, we stopped into Stella's. Well, the owner found out that we were new to Chicago and sat down with us. He proceeded to give us all kinds of tips on living in the city and recommendations on areas to live, things to do, etc. I saw that some other reviews mentioned receiving this type of treatment, as well. I'm not a frequent diner patron, but i would choose this place because of the friendliness factor, over somewhere with comparable food and no personality. I believe the food was decent, and the place was clean.

Stephanie D.

Nothing too special to report about Stella's...except the convenient location. It's like any other diner that does three meals a day. We were here for breakfast. I had the french toast with strawberries and eggs and bacon. All good - I think it's tough to mess a basic breakfast up though. While our waitress was nice, the scrawny 19-yr old manager was kind of a douchebag, with an attitude. Food came out fast and we were satisfied. Overall, a good dining experience...but nothing all that original. I would recommend Frances Deli over this joint.

Em B.

My favorite thing about Stella's is the vocabulary used by the waitresses. They asked my dad if he wanted his bacon crispy or wiggly. Wiggly? That's great! It's so great that I looked past my undercooked hash browns, slapping my knee all the way to dessert at her colorful lingo. The food is sub-par and moderately priced, and there are no free refills with soda. My boyfriend says the club sandwiches taste like napkins, not that he eats napkins or anything. So there's that. Also, it's family owned, which means that while I'm noshing on an English muffin, I have to listen to Papa shouting for Anthony or whoever to take out the trash, or he's grounded. So that's awkward, but adds personality to an otherwise pretty cliched 50's-ish diner. Eat there but not that often.

Mary C.

All the owners of dull diners out there ought to be shaking in their aprons with Stella's around. This place is a HUGE step above ordinary greasy spoon fare. Everything is so fresh and homemade tasting. The desserts are some of the best I have had. This is no rotating, restaurant-supply-cased-cake joint. The pumpkin spice cake is divine! I also love that the owners are always around and friendly.

Leslie F.

I love Stella's. The staff is friendly and the service is usually very quick. The breakfast menu has all the standard diner dishes and the line is usually only 10-15 minutes on the weekends. Their omelets are solid and they make skillets that are also really good without being too greasy. it's also a solid choice for lunch or dinner. They do a good job with all the basics like chicken sandwiches, clubs, and melts.

Moises M.

conveniently located close to work, this is a frequently visited diner... great food, very nice service staff...

Julie C.

I used to live pretty much right across the street from Stella's and went there multiple times a week. It was consistently tasty. Everything on the menu is "invented" and fine-tuned by Gus, the owner, and he'll make it a point to tell you everything about it if you ask him!

G G.

Very decadent desserts: I'm a fan of the Diva cake (but do share). As an appetizer: The Portabello Blues are a must. Gus (Stella's son) is always warm and welcoming.

Travis P.

This place is a pretty darn good diner. The food is homemade. As in, even the salad dressings are made from scratch. I had blackened catfish with Cajun rice, my step-dad had some apple sausage sandwich that he enjoyed, my mom had a barbecue pulled pork sandwich that looked mighty tasty. For desert, we shared a triple chocolate cake thing topped with ice cream. Soooo good. I'll be back here, no doubt. The menu is really diverse, and the service was prompt and unobtrusive. The portions were great. Our server told us that they're BYOB, too. Bonus!

Bethany K.

This is where I bought my first milkshake in the city and I've loved it since! The service is generally good, and the food is inexpensive and really good. Try the fresh cut fries, they're awesome. Also check out their pumpkin spice cake, they serve it warm with ice cream. It's a great place to take out of town guests to, they have ample seating and do carry-out.

Sydney K.

Stella's has good food that's a bit above what you usually find at a diner. Their fries and onion rings are delicious, as well as their milkshakes. The waitstaff is friendly, especially if you're a regular.

Ebru Y.

Delicious breakfast, and especially their feta cheese omelette is to die for! Ah! I would love one right now! Overall it's a cool place, I never had to wait more than 10 minutes to be seated even on busy Saturdays. Employees are friendly and polite. Parking might be a hassle, there are plenty of meters around though.

Elson M.

Your standard diner. I went here for brunch and it was decent and what I expected. It's really hard to mess breakfast up. I had a country fried steak with hash browns. Not bad at all, but things usually taste 5x better than reality when I am hungry and it didn't make me think I want to have it again. I have yet to try the dinner menu, but I imagine it would be alright.

Eric G.

You like a dinner? You'll like Sella's. Hashbrowns and eggs showed up quickly and just the way I liked them. Wait staff was a little preoccupied with personal gossip even when they were at my table, but they were polite and kept my glass filled. Not as warm as a mom and pop dinner, but really good. I would recommend.

Brad J.

Ate here 3 days in a row during our visit. Once at lunch and 2 mornings at breakfast. Food was outstanding and the staff was very friendly. Last day there, I had the country fried steak and eggs.....WOW was it good. You gotta try it!

Barb B.

Friendly neighborhood atmosphere, enough menu choices to please the entire family - from "comfort foods" to breakfast all-day, great burgers and YUMMY milkshakes - Stella's is a great restaurant with plentiful portions and affordable too!

Dorim L.

Best diner ever! In NYC, that diners are "eh" and you know you should stick to breakfast items or burgers. But this place had some interesting items. I had the Mexican Hobo which was a potato hash dish with eggs. It was very filling and quite cheap. I paid $15 bucks with orange juice and all. The service was on point with this cute old waiter with a bit of spunk. So glad I tried this place. Next time, I'll have to try the eggs benedict on biscuits and gravy.

Erwin D.

I have known the owner of this restaurant for a long long time n always very kind n generous to a customers & I give this restaurant a great effort of how they treated us all w a great customer service manners n a great food w friendly crews......will definitely come back to eat.....thank you for having me as a customer. n ofcourse #1 breakfast diner restaurant ever in Lakeview.

Christie M.

I've eaten in and gotten delivery from Stella's Diner numerous times and I honestly don't know why I keep ordering from here. I think it must have something to do with the $1 delivery charge on grub hub. Honestly, their food is terrible and I have tried so many things on their menu (club sandwich, grilled cheese, chicken soup, salads, etc). Everything is "meh" at best. Most recently I ordered a grilled cheese with a side of mac and cheese. The grilled cheese barely had any cheese on it, and was mostly bread and tomatoes. And the mac and cheese had a very odd seasoning on it. It didn't taste anything like traditional mac and cheese! Boo Stella's. You guys could be so much better. .

Frankie C.

This place is an iconic old school diner with great service and huge portions all for a very fair price. I typically dine here on the weekends. There's not a substantial wait either, so this is always a safe bet! If you want to avoid the mini wait, deff try take out because it's very quick. For the seven plus times I've been here, I've never been disappointed. Try anything and EVERYTHING. P.S. Make sure to look at the specials for the day. And have their coffee. And their milkshakes.

Lauren M.

Stella's has always been one of my favorite spots in Lakeview, if not all of Chicago. I left the city for about 2 years, and after arriving back, hitting up Stella's was at the top of my to-do list. I ordered the Veggie breakfast skillet, and I'm SO GLAD I DID! Previously, I'd only ever tried the Hobo skillet, which is basically the same thing sans veggies. But the veggies were the best part! Cooked to perfection, and very flavorful; not too crispy, not too mushy. In true breakfast-for-dinner fashion, I also ordered a Salted Caramel Pretzel Shake for dessert. Delicious! The chunks of pretzel made it almost taste like a malted shake, and who doesn't love salted caramel?! The service was great as always, and the prices can't be beat! Can't wait for my next trip back to Stella's.

Angela L.

My dad recently wanted to show me one of his favorite spots and I couldn't believe I'd never been here before! I was immediately won over by the atmosphere. This place is the pinnacle of "cute diner". I ordered the Country Style Eggs Benedict, two of my favorite dishes combined (eggs benedict and biscuits and gravy). When I asked for no ham, our waiter practically INSISTED I replace it with something else (I settled for bacon) so while most places don't like swap-outs, this place is apparently more than ok with it. Oh, and I always ask for my hash browns "extra well done", which I call a gamble. It usually falls on deaf ears, but not here! I actually got crispy hash browns! Food came out fast and hot, service was attentive. Everything tasted great. Joyous breakfast for dinner. I'll definitely be back.

Melanie V.

Stella's is the best! The breakfast is always amazing (biscuits and gravy, ftw!). They have all the "diner" favorites (burgers, pasta, sandwiches), but definitely kick it up a notch. I recently tried the catfish my bf ordered and it was breaded and seasoned to perfection. One of my favorite meals there is probably the cabbage soup and the spinach pinwheels. An odd combo, sure, but so tasty and satisfying. On one of the most recent trips, we took the suggestion of a fellow diner who told us to order the chocolate pudding. Stella's has a lot of desserts to choose from, like the multiple shakes and sundaes, but I had no idea about pudding. We ordered it and it definitely lived up to the hype. The owner and all the staff are always so friendly and welcoming, too. You'll find yourself wanting to come back, for sure!

Shay R.

Stella's is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to eat. I've always been pro any place that has all day cheap breakfast. I've visited Stella's on different occasions, ranging from dates to solo, and they never fail to leave me smiling when I leave. Pros: - Large amounts of food for reasonable prices - the food isn't that memorable though - No matter how busy they seem the wait time to sit down is always very quick - This is a great place to go if you and your friends can't decide where to eat - The artwork in the restaurant is pretty cool and you will definitely be tempted to snap a photo or two - The owner is extremely nice and had us laughing while we waited to pay our bill Cons: - There has always been a pretty long line to pay your check - The server are always hit or miss the few times I've gone

Minh S.

I'm usually not an eggs-and-bacon kind of guy for breakfast (I usually prefer rice and soy sauce), but after seeing the reviews for this place, I thought "Why not? Why not eat some eggs and bacon, and then do whatever it is that white people do after eating breakfast?" (I still wonder). So I visited this place with a few friends after a night of bad decisions, and here are my impressions: Pros: +Hand-grated parmesan cheese. Enough said. +Very colorful decor inside. +Outdoor seating. +Very good food. It's your typical breakfast fare, but pretty good by those standards. +Good portion size. Not a heap of food placed on your face, but just enough to fill you up. This is good, since it allows for more time and quality spent on a dish of the same price. +Friendly staff. Cons: -Don't know. Didn't see anything wrong. It gets very busy here, so come early.

Claire L.

You know that emoji that is just a straight line mouth? That's my face when thinking about this place, the definition of average. Average food. Average service. Average prices. Average location. It's hard for me to get excited about it but also hard to bash it too much. I do appreciate how they continually keep them water filled, but can't stand how I have to wait in a never ending line literally out the door. To their credit however, they do make a pretty solid omelette and they have some combinations you don't often see, like broccoli and munster cheese. Can't say I would have thought of that combo on my own and now I love it, so go stellas! I've also had the pancakes and bacon and scrambled eggs. Nothing terrible, but nothing amazing either. I wouldn't be too mad to go back, but if I'm going to spend my hard earned money, I want a place that wows me.

Doug M.

What to do when the people you're with can't decide what to eat? Find a diner, of course!! After checking some Yelp reviews, we happened upon Stella's Diner. We made our way over to Stella's and were cheerfully greeted upon entering and seated right away. Waters all around quickly parched our thirst. A very cheerful waitress soon stopped by to take our drink order and leave us with menu's. My brother and I chose the 1/2 lb bacon cheeseburgers with fresh cut fries and coleslaw. My daughter chose the hot turkey dinner, while my wife chose the corned beef on rye. The food arrived in practically no time and we dug in. The coleslaw was great; creamy yet with a hint of vinegar. The burgers had a great charbroil flavor and the fries were just right. The corned beef (on marbled rye) was moist and tender and almost no fat, and full of flavor. The turkey dinner had stuffing and potatoes and cranberry dressing and looked great. The server was cute and funny and paid us plenty of attention without hovering too much. I cannot think of anything negative to say about Stella's. We will be back. A very solid four stars.

Jeff L.

I love Stella's! The food is great (my go-to is the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with a side of ranch) and the atmosphere is fun. Great art on the walls, colorful and laid back! Gus has the ability to tell you to go to hell so you look forward to the trip! Great place to take your out of town friends for a bite,and the desserts are amazeballs. Yes, I'm a grown-ass man and I just used the word amazeballs. That's how much I like Stella's!

Natalija S.

Gotta make it rain up in this b****!!!!!! And that's exactly what happened. Not even kidding you. I came by here with a friend and was starving like I hadn't eaten in days. I ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich and my friend (she likes to be mentioned on yelp, her name is Christina) ordered chocolate chip pancakes. Oh yes. Buffalo chicken sandwich was deliciousssss and the cajun fries were awesome too. Chocolate chip pancakes were good and had a shit ton of whipped cream on there, which is never a bad thing. The dessert though. The brownie with extra fudge and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Your mouth will have an orgasm. Mine did. It was heavenly. *drools* The customer service! Yeeeaahhhhhhhh those people are crazy and in the best way possible. The manager of the restaurant took our tip that we left for our amazing server and made it rain on her. You heard me. Well you actually didn't hear me, you're reading this, but yeah. He made it rain. Those are my type of people. Go here and they'll be yours too. Bring them dolla dolla bills yo.

Jess R.

I won't even try their food due to horrible service. I went in with a service dog to get a shake to go after I had just had jaw surgery. I was treated like dirt and asked to stand in the corner by the bar, only the. To be yelled at by someone who claimed to be the manager. You see they apparently have never herd of the disability act and will not serve anyone with a service animal. The manager said I was lying about my dog being a service animal - my dog had on its vest and I had her paperwork in email form which they would not even look at and then asked me to leave. I was embarrassed and sick . The worst part is when I posted this to the public I found out I was not the only victim.

Justin V.

I've ordered from Stella's several times from Grubhub and each time Stella's has delivered. The food is quite tasty...especially the French Onion soup. What really solidified a five star review was the above-and-beyond service. With online ordering, you have the option to add a special instruction. I had entered "write a sweet note about my beautiful girlfriend," and they sure delivered. Here are the FOUR notes I received: On our side of Chicken - "Best Gal's Broiled Chicken" On one French Onion Soup - "Soup For The BEST GIRLFRIEND in the World" On another French Onion Soup - "Soup For The Thoughtful Boyfriend" (that's me) On the salad - "This Salad belongs to the SWEETEST person in the room (Not Justin(that is me(and the container actually said that))) and he is VERY lucky to have you as a girlfriend!" Stella's you have earned my all-time business. Thank you very much. The food, service, and intangibles are exceptional. I will be ordering from you guys again soon!!

Rick B.

Such a nice time here. Gus is a blast and made us feel right at home. Good diner fare with a Greek twist - had the Mediterranean chicken entree with feta which was great and the eggs and hash which was great too.

Manuel M.

I just want to begin by saying that this place has hands down the best customer service that I have ever experienced in my life. The owner Gus is one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I have ever met and the food is great. I ordered some food from them via Grubhub and the order was missing fries. I also accidentally ordered the side mac and cheese thinking it was the meal. I told the driver upon arrival that I though the order was wrong. I didn't complain, but the driver mentioned something to Gus. Ten minuets later I get a call from the owner, apologizing for the mishap and insisting to bring me over a corrected order. He listened to me and let me tell him what had happened, which in and of itself is a miracle. Most place just cut you off and say sorry nothing we can do for you. I told him that wasn't necessary but he did it anyways and even tiped his own driver. I have to say that in a time when no one values their customers, I completely understand why they have been around for so long. He went out of his way to please one customer and I'm sure he does the same for others. I love this place and I sincerely hope that all of you support local business that have the same type of integrity and pride about their product as Stella's does. 5 MILLION STARS in my book. I'll be coming back for years to come. Thank you Gus for making me feel like a special customer. I am truly impress by your care for the customer and your kindness. Your what Chicago restaurants should be. Take notes people, treating others with respect is what gets you loyal customers!!!

Beth S.

We were able to sit outside which was nice. The food was okay--pancakes a little dense. Eggs nice and fluffy. Service was okay. When we went to pay they asked my husband if he wanted to leave the change which would have meant $14 tip on a $26 meal. We don't live very close to here and happened to be driving by so won't return.

Kate L.

Extremely good food, but the owner is kinda weird. Always calls me "sweetheart" and insults me for being alone and says inappropriate stuff... I'm sure It's not intentional, but it still makes me really uncomfortable :/

Lindsay S.

Every time that my husband and I have gone to Stella's with our two small children the staff has been so accommodating. From the minute we walk in the door everyone is so welcoming. One wait staff even drew a picture for my daughter to color! The food is always tasty. Thank you Stella's for making our family feel welcome! So happy to have you in the neighborhood.

J. Spencer M.

Awesome place, in this neighborhood of Chicago there are hundred of options around the corner but Stella's diner stands out. All of the employees were smiling and inviting. The menu is very large in breakfast all day. Portions are more than enough. Buffalo chicken sandwich is bomb and home made soup every day

sara p.

I was in there for lunch today and from start to finish every was excellent. It is a fun, casual diner when a cool retro vibe. The food was yummy ( you must try the mozzarella appetizer) and the owners are cool people you can't help but fall in love with. Great for all ages and events. A+++

Irineo B.

Guss is an old fat man prick that hit on my gf while we were having lunch. He's the owner supposedly and doesn't have respect for has customers and their girl friends. There's nothing worse than a pervert, but an old man is even worse trying to get her information. He has no respect. Be careful when you bring your gf here. Major creeper alert and the food sucks and is over priced. McDonalds offers a better deal. Isn't he married with kids? I bet he is wishing now that he thought with the bigger head and asking how much was worth it. You tried to have sex with my gf. Now I will give it to you in the hole without the lube in this review.

Kevin V.

This place is doing diners the right way. As simple as that. Great, low-key retro-ish atmosphere. Friendly and attentive wait staff invested in over-caffeinating me at all times. And the food. Oh yes, the food. Had the Veggie Skillet, a side of hash browns, and all the coffee. Everything was fantastic and completely enormous (the portioning I expect when crossing paths with a diner). Not even going to break down the tastes. Just get the thing. You'll know what I'm talking about. Oh, and with tax and tip: $17 bucks. And really that accounts for two meals. I didn't have to eat until far into the night (experimented with what Chicago claims to be "pizza"). Stop reading up. Just go.

Sophia B.

Stuffed french toast, GET IN MY BELLY! Besides the food and milkshakes being great the staff is always really nice. But seriously, the stuffed french toast.

Brian M.

Absolutely love this breakfast spot. This is more of a 4.5 stars instead of a 4. I've been trying the skillets so far and all I can say is that they are wonderful and amazing. I always get the eggs poached and mix them into the hash and the meat and it just becomes heavenly. When you go just get the skillets with poached eggs and you won't be disappointed

Adam R.

I love this place. I actually live closer to The Melrose Dinner, but I think that place is not very good and unfairly priced, to be honest. Stella's knocks them out of the park. I love the staff here, the food is incredible, and the prices are very reasonable. Any of the chicken sandwiches are good, and the breakfast menu is incredible. I highly recommend the West Coaster skillet, with cheese, hash browns and avocados. I've never had a bad meal here, but I need to try more things. They've got a much bigger menu than than Melrose, by the way. A true diner, with lots of choices. Oh, and their shakes are the best! Try the pumpkin pie shake if they have it--they put a whole slice of pie into the blender!!

Tony H.

I've eaten here twice in the last week and it was good both times. My complaint is that 75 cents for sriracha is absurd. Why must I smuggle my own hot sauce in for brunch because the hot sauce you include is subpar? This isn't 2005 - offer sriracha as a regular option. Overcharging your customers for a sauce that everyone else readily has on hand is a cheap move.

Ed F.

Love this place... Hometown feel and Pricing is perfect ... My favorite, for coffee, toast, bacon, sausage and egg place in the area..

Stacy O.

Great little breakfast/brunch place. We came here with a group on a Sunday morning. The staff was accommodating, getting tables set up for our party of eleven. Service was excellent throughout our visit. I had the Challah french toast with strawberries. It could have been cooked a bit longer, but it was still very good. My husband had an omelet, which he devoured. We'll be back for sure, maybe with fewer people in our party.

Wrigley F.

When I'm craving comfort food - I'm here. I pass Nookie's and Melrose to get here. Yeah, I do. Homecooked comfort food. Like Mom used to make. Ok, better than Mom used to make because I can order what I want (good thing Mom isn't on yelp). I eat here probably every other week. Its known for breakfast, but lunch is always good and dinner too. I actually like lunch and dinner here as they tend to be much less crowded. Its BYO too. My favorite is sitting outside during the summer drinking a cold beer with some friends and eating a good burger. The staff is friendly and for the most part, the service is quick. The staff is fun too. Turkey dinner, burgers, french toast, eggs, club sandwich, soups - its all good.

Kate U.

Came here with my roommate for a Sunday morning brunch, a lot of brunch places if you show up on Sunday morning you can expect at least a 10-15 minute wait. Luckily we didn't have to wait at all and got a nice seat outside on the patio. Our waitress was very nice and personable and helped us with the menu. I got the western omelette that came with hash browns and toast. The omelette itself was decent but they put WAY too much cheese on it. I kept trying to find the omelette under all of the cheese. Atmosphere 9/10 Service 10/10 Food 8/10

Kim G.

Great food and great service. Gus was sitting behind us and immediately started giving us a hard time so we felt right at home. We also took his suggestions and loved our meals. Virginia loves ya, Gus!

Noomi J.

4.5 stars, would need to visit more before 5 stars. Super friendly, welcoming service. Casual, relaxed atmosphere with my favorite seating arrangement, booths! Mac & cheese - 4 stars. Satisfying cheesiness and sauce-to-noodles ratio. They offer it in two sizes, cup or bowl. We chose the bowl haha. Buffalo chicken sandwich - 5 stars. Crispy, juicy, and decently spicy. Stayed crispy throughout the devouring process. Unforgettable. Pumpkin spice cake with cream cheese frosting, served with ice cream - 4.5 stars. Just the cake, 3.5 stars. With the frosting, 4 stars. Top it with ice cream, 4.5 stars. I was purring with enjoyment while eating this xD

Susan C.

Solid breakfast joint! Simple menu, no frills, quick and friendly service with fair prices. Win win overall.

Andrew A.

We miss it here so much!!!! So good to see you Gus. We love to come here and we will be back this summer.

Sarah L.

I've been going to Stella's since I took a job in the neighborhood. They are beyond friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. They make it a point to get to know their customers and I believe that's why people keep returning. Whenever I come in, they ask me about the boys (whom I nanny for). They love looking at pictures and then figuring out what they're going to eat when we come back. That said, I've had just about everything on the menu. What stands out is the macaroni and cheese and the pinwheels. They are both worth a try. The turkey sandwich is stuffed with thick meat, pancakes are fluffy, fruit is fresh, and the coffee never quits. Don't forget the dessert either! Ice cream sundaes or milkshakes are a must. If you're disappointed in your experience, you aren't human.

Bradley S.

Stella's has been on my weekend breakfast rotation for for a decade. Partner and I have frequented since we started dating. We like the breakfast especially. I absolutely love the Country Benedict. Partner varies his choices. The hostess is always friendly and welcoming. The bussers are always friendly and attentive. The servers are a hoot (and we've never had one get the order wrong). The space is lively yet comfortable. The sidewalk dining is ample and usually available.

Nicole S.

Yummy food and nice people. What I assume was the owner was very nice to my beau's little brother and was showing him around the shop. Everyone at the table was vegetarian, and we had lots of options to choose from. We ended up getting lots of dishes and sharing them all. We really liked the mac and cheese.

Robert R.

I wish I could put 3.5 stars, cause it was above average, but not quite a four star. Decent food, good service, reasonable pricing. If you're short on inspiration of where to go, this place should suffice.

Chris H.

Nothing spectacular. American diner style. Items like buffalo chicken tenders, eggs/bacon, waffles, etc. Really easy to split the bill which was nice. I would go back when you're in the mood for simple and classic. A bit of a walk from the Red Line; 36 bus would be better.

Elaine L.

For a diner, this place is seriously good. We've eaten here for brunch and dinner, and both times the food has been fresh and very delicious. Good service and quick too! You will not leave this place hungry, that's for sure.

Craig S.

Fast, friendly and full of home-style goodness. Stella's was the perfect place to regain strength from a late night of partying! We were seated quickly, the waitress was attentive, and the food came out quick. From the perfectly cooked eggs all around to the pancakes and delicious biscuits and gravy, Stella's hits the mark every time.

Josh V.

This is probably my favorite Chicago diner. It's family run and since I've been coming here for many years, I've witnessed the family's kids grow into young adults, all while Stella's continues its tradition of quality diner food at reasonable prices. The interior is colorful and cleanish, by diner standards. The service isn't always "Stella"r (har har, get it) but on average is pretty good. The interior is a good size, and the window seats have good people watching. In the warm months, I like their outdoor section. It gets pretty sunny at midday, but it's set off Broadway enough to be pleasantly quiet. The food? Well, nothing here has ever caused my nether regions to stir, but I'd say the food is above average. They have great skillets and omelets. The scrambled eggs are really scrambled there at the restaurant, not poured from a vat of pre-scrambled eggs (have you seen that stuff? yuck!). They're also very filling. The turkey burger is good too. They used to have a pizza burger on the menu, which I believe has disappeared but you can still get it if you ask (at least I did once). Basically if you want good food at a fair price and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, come to Stella's.

Rick C.

Been here twice and the overpriced, underwhelming Melrose Diner is no longer a neighborhood diner option. Prices are fair (less than 20 bucks for brunch for two), someone in the kitchen loves what they're doing (presentation is pretty good for a diner) and the service is pretty cool...even when I had the waitress who had a couple senior moments, as she kept forgetting I ordered iced coffee, but there was no extra wait for it, so whatever. I had the French toast and my friend had a skillet...and no complaints from either one of us. I didn't offer my friend a bite, that's how good it was...come to think of it, she didn't offer either. So the food must have been good (or we're selfish)! First time I ate at Stella's, the waitress turned red as my friend ordered banana nut pancakes, with nuts on the side (she said she'll get some looks from the kitchen with that order)...so it seems like staff has fun and enjoys their job, good sign! Keep pumping out the great food and fun and I'll keep returning!

Nicolas R.

I don't HATE this place, but it's just not spectacular. Standard food from food service place, a touch pricey for nothing special, and not dive-y enough to be cool. My server was really great, but the food was just blah. At least it's not a chain place and it is a local business, so it's worth supporting. But blah.

Sarah V.

Oh Stella. You have carried me through hangovers, given me a safe haven for lunching with the boy's mother, and turned a kind cheek when all I wanted to order was a milkshake and mac & cheese when my inner fat kid materialized. However breakfast yesterday on a busy Sunday afternoon left me feeling a bit lost and disappointed. The usual suspects of a waitress stretched too thin and a kitchen in need of a break were clear and present. Water glasses went unfilled, poached eggs were more like hard-boiled, bacon shriveled and crickets chirping while waiting for a check. Hits: Mac & Cheese. Gooey goodness Milkshakes. So thick and sugary Sante Fe Wraps. Crisp fresh and tasty Misses: Bacon Biscuits & Gravy. Leave it to the Southerners please. This gravy was nothing but creamy pepper left to coagulate under a heat lamp. Burgers. Unless you like them overcooked And if you come here for one thing only, please let it be the personal apple pies!! So stick-to-your-ribs-thank-God-it's-almost-fall good!

Jo H.

This is your standard breakfast, good and reasonable price. Had the gypsy skillet and was decent

Kelly D.

I'm a creature of habit and always get the Sante Fe wrap. But try dessert, you won't be disappointed.

Amanda Y.

The staff here are awesome! As a local, they know me and my family and always provide great service. My daughter loves the pancakes and I'm partial to the hobo skillet with some vegetables added. A great choice for local diner food.

Michael G.

This is one of my favorite places. This place knows how to satisfy a hungry customer. The portions always are fulfilling. The prices are totally reasonable. For breakfast I love to get the West Coaster Skillet. For lunch I love switching it up and getting different thick juicy burgers. The chili is amazing just like the mac and cheese. The staff is super friendly, always smiling, and making sure your drink is full. Gus is such a cool laid back guy that knows how to make his guests feel at home. Everyone should give this place a try.

Emy F.

Forgive me, I forgot to review this great diner. I wasn't feeling well that night, but I came here with my girlfriend and our friend and both had meals which I had a salad and soup. Can we say "damn good soup"? Of course I will add that the bites I did have of everyone's food was excellent. Our server was absolutely adorable, she was older and well seasoned (those are the best servers) as opposed to the college aged kids who could care less about you or your food. She was an absolute riot and understanding of our talking more so than looking at the menu. I didn't have to ask her for anything twice and she made great recommendations. I am looking forward to coming back here when I'm not sick, especially since I liked it so much when I was sick.

Ed U.

HEY STELLA!!!!! youtube.com/watch?v=S1A0… I don't know if Brando ripped his sweat-drenched T-shirt in this place. I doubt it since they really don't serve the type of diner food that he and his beer-swilling buddies would have been chowing down before satisfying the lust-driven advances of lonely women who depend on the kindness of strangers. No, this is one of those faux-diners like Mel's Drive-In or Max's Diner in California but a lot more low-key. The menu is similar though, as I saw lots of big breakfasts, burgers, sundaes...you know the drill. Well, I felt a little indulgent and ordered the $9.50 Smothered Steak Sandwich. I have to say it was just OK. There was definitely enough meat on the French roll, but it was all rather chewy. The big disappointment had to be the fries which were oddly salty and overcooked. The Diet Coke refills, however, came fast and furious. And I actually came rather late in the evening last week, so the place was fairly deserted. The upside was that the service was friendly and attentive. I doubt if I would jump over hoops to come here again, but then again, it was open when I needed it. FOOD - 3 stars...standard diner food, nothing more AMBIANCE - 3 stars...one of those retro-commercial places SERVICE - 4 stars...fast and friendly TOTAL - 3 stars...nothing exceptional but if you need to eat, especially late in the evening...

Kate M.

My review probably doesn't have much to add to the first 215 reviews. So just to sum it up...the food is good, the service could be better, the shakes are uber tasty. Enjoy!

John F.

They say 10 mins wait, even if it's an hour. Everytime. They straight up lie every time.

Bradley V.

A great morning after hangover cure after spending the previous night out in Boystown! The service is always amazing! I love a place that keeps my coffee and water full constantly! The food is great diner food and hits the spot perfectly! I especially like their pancakes. I also love the fact that there are healthy options for those morning when I simply want some oatmeal and cottage cheese. I always eat here at least once when visiting Chicago because you get great food at a decent price with outstanding service!

Jesse Linn M.

I went into Stella's today for the first (and last) time. I went to (what I thought was) the host stand to get a table. I asked how long the wait was to which the gal responded "um....I don't know. Are there any tables?" She then pointed to one of the bus boys and said "ask him. Apparently he is the hostess." So I politely wait to be seated. By this point there is a huge line behind me. When someone comes up to seat, she completely ignores me and seats the group behind me then comes back and does it again. I finally have to flag her down before she does it a third time. When I mention it she gives me a half hearted apology which really sounded more like an excuse. My server was friendly enough, but got my order wrong. I got another half hearted apology/excuse. Bottom line: cheap food fast that tastes like cheap fast food. Not awful, but not worth going back for.

Luis O.

It was wonderful!!! One of the best burgers I've had in a long time.

Christopher L.

One of my favorite places to go when I'm in Lakeview. The service is great, even on a busy day or night. I just started to change my eating habits and I tried their Taco Salad: yum! More than your basic taco salad, they offered more varieties of greens, more vegetables, and a great chili on the side. Loved it. Everyone is friendly and it feels like home. No gimmicks, no over-bearing servers. Straight to the point, just how I like it with a friendly smile attached. If you are looking for a place that's quiet, the staff want to get to know you a bit, and some good food, Stella's is the place to go. Plus, they like a good joke or two on the side. HAH!

Abhay S.

Another excellent experience. I had a chorizo skillet and my wife had the gypsy and both were excellent. We asked for a single pancake for our son and they made it the shape of Mickey Mouse. Very cute and well done. The staff continues to be very friendly and accomodating as well. Pro tip: Show up before 10-10:30 on the weekends for fast seating.

Jeff S.

Had lunch here last week. Everything was great as far as diners go. I got an onion and pepper omelet with bacon on the side, and my girl got a Reuben with chips. The food was fresh and tasty and served really fast, just what you want to see at a place like this. The bill came to about $25 for 2 including drinks and top which is pretty reasonable. Service was very friendly. Would definitely go back again.

Katie B.

Pretty decent skillets and omelets, generous portions ... Very nice waitstaff. My go-to brunch spot with out-of-town guests, as I'm just down the street.

Dee W.

This is still one of our all time favorite diners. Since we were in the area visiting the nature museum, we decided to stop by for an early dinner and everything was just as good as we remembered it to be. Our son enjoyed his mac n cheese while my husband went for his favorite Gypsy Skillet and I enjoyed the usual club sandwich. We kept on eyeing the chocolate diva cake and ending up getting it. Service was fabulous and our waitress was really friendly and helpful with our baby. We're glad that we were able to introduce an old favorite to him.

Katie D.

This is one of my favorite places! I literally go here 3 times a month! You might say it is because I basically live next store, but u honestly think it's the service and food. I've been here alone and with friends and I always feel at home. Recommend the portobello blues sandwich, omelettes and skillets, and shakes. Don't miss out. :)

Jul N.

I've had two miserable experiences at Stella's and I don't plan to ever go back. The food is downright mediocre - not sure what the hype is with things like the mac and cheese and pancakes. The staff means well but makes me SO uncomfortable. Went in recently with a friend to have dinner. Neither of us were in the mood to be teased or joked with repeatedly, so it was just great walking in and being greeted by both an obnoxious host and obnoxious server (and it was icing on the cake when the server commented that she was really proud of me for finishing my entire plate!). Am I a poor sport? Maybe by their standards...I just can't relax here and found the whole situation annoying. Thumbs down.

Colleen B.

I've been coming here for 7 years and have never had a bad experience. I don't even live in that neighborhood anymore and I still make a point to stop in once in a while. The breakfast quesadilla is my fav.

Jerry W.

Just a quick review on Stella's Diner. Another family dinner at another average diner. The service was super friendly and the prices weren't bad. The food was good, average, diner fare. We started with the Monster Mozzarella Stick. One giant cheese stick for $3.95 with sauce. Also an order of the Spinach Spinwheels at $3.95, which was a creamy spinach rolled in tortillas that had a spicy kick to it. I had the Baked Mac and Cheese. This was average tasting, a bit on the bland side actually. My wife ordered the Monte Cristo at $7.75, it was a fresh baked turkey, grilled ham and Swiss on golden brown French toast. We both thought we have had better. It was on the greasy side too. My oldest daughter ordered the Hobo at $5.90, it was a skillet full of hashed brown's, smothered with melted cheese, and topped with two eggs. She thought it was good, but nothing to truly write home about. So will we head back to Stella's? Maybe if we are in the area and are truly hungry. But sorry to say Stella there are so many other options to try in your neighborhood.

CC C.

I'm visiting from out of town and was walking home and looking for a place to eat and hang out for a bit with my laptop. They let me sit wherever I liked, I had the grilled chicken quesadilla and a yogurt parfait with granola. Both were excellent, served in a timely manner, and exactly what I wanted. Large portions. The waitress was very nice and left me alone, just checked on me occasionally to see if I needed anything. The busboy kept an eye on me and refilled my soda often. The interior is bright, cheery, clean, well kept. The owner? was there boisterously chatting with his friends, and was very courteous in a rowdy fashion. I had a cold and he offered me some tea, then he picked up my leftovers himself to box them up while I was packing up my computer-- he even added extra sour cream in the to-go box. Nicely done. Exactly what I wanted in a diner experience-- good food, reasonably priced, served quickly and very good service. I will definitely be back.

Lindsay T.

This was my second visit to Stella's. Great food. Great Service. I came here to have lunch and set up my laptop to use the internet and I ended up staying for a few hours. Unlimited refills on coffee. I swear I have drank an entire pot. :) The owner even picked up my check. Who does that??? So nice. I for sure will be back. Thank you for the great dining experience.

David G.

Some friends were meeting at 10AM on a weekday and they asked for a suggestion for a decent diner that was accessible to all of us. I said: "STELLLAAAAS!" Ok, I didn't quite say it like that, but that would have been cool if I did. A little crazy, but cool. This place has some pretty good omelettes, and they don't give you a hard time if you're nitpicky and want to add some extra details, like egg whites. I had an egg white omelette with spinach and feta, a side of sausage, toast and coffee. No pancakes for me this time. I know I'm obsessed with pancakes and all, but sometime's a guy's gotta take a break you know? The food and coffee here is good, and the portions are big. My omelette basically kept me fed until dinner. (Yes I'm one of those). The coffee is also good. Definitely add this to your list of good breakfast joints.

Yves M.

Been a regular here for over 25 years. When you walk inside Stella's you feel like you are coming home. You are immediately greated by the host/owner and treated like a family member. A tradition on Broadway for decades now being run by the children of Stella who passed away. The children run the restaurant with the greatest of joy and pride. Best Barbeque sauce in the city, hence best barbeque beef and chicken sandwich in the city. All the food is tasty and fresh prepared daily and prepared with the greatest of pride and joy. And the price? You and your significant can have an excellent meal for less than $25.00. My favorate seating are the booths facing Broadway where you feel like you are right on the street. Background music in excellent taste via Satelite Radio playing all of the songs that you loved from the 80's and 90's. Stella's is here to stay for many more generations as the grandson of Stella is now working and helping to operate the restaurant.

Sarah S.

This place is right near my new apartment, and I get the feeling I'm going to be going there a lot. I just love the whole atmosphere, as well as the food. I went yesterday, and there were a bunch of different things on the menu that I wanted to try. First of all, we got the Dracula's Garlic Bread for an appetizer and it was HUGE. It was also delicious. Completely drenched in oil, garlic, and herbs, it was just amazing. Ugh. I felt close to full when our entrees came. I tried a couple of the fries and they were good, but I got the mac and cheese as my side. I ordered the grilled cheese with tomatoes on wheat bread. First of all, the mac and cheese was excellent - I wish I had just gotten that as a dish. Mmm. Delicious. I think the grilled cheese might have been better without the tomatoes. It seemed a bit overloaded with tomatoes and not quite enough cheese. It was good, but it wasn't great. Still, everything else was great, so I'll definitely be going back. As a vegetarian, it always feels good to find a restaurant where I can look at the menu and have a hard time deciding what to order. Can't wait to try some of the other options!

Claudia D.

A group of friends from cardiac rehab took me here for lunch one day. We were a group of 7 & they were happy to make a table for us all in the back. Large selection, good value for your money. Wait staff very pleasant and organized. Would go here again if in the neighborhood.

Jacob T.

Great breakfast food. Good oatmeal with fruit and great diner coffee. How can you not like Stella's?

Cassie M.

Fantastic food. I am partial to the Eggs Salsa & the burgers. Pretty decent pricing for the amount & quality of food you're getting. Wonderful wait staff (especially ANNA, my absolute favorite), constant refills, & even at the height of Sunday brunch, the wait isn't TOO bad. The owners are really nice & I love that I can just walk here. My favorite Lakeview diner.

Beata S.

This is the place to be on weekends!Tons of good food,fresh coffee and great attitude.Stella's delivers the best food in Lakeview-million options to choose from and always wonderful atmosphere.

Mindy W.

Tbox required a stomach coating breakfast, and that is what Stella's provided. By the end of breakfast, we all had to contemplate whether we were even able to start day drinking (we soldiered on, in case you wondered). I added the lox to the skillet that had avocado. Delightful. The lox was really salty, which is my only complaint about the entire meal. The avocado was plentiful and fresh, and the hashbrowns on the bottom of the skillet were so delicious. They weren't crunchy, but the flavor was really good for soft hashbrowns covered in breakfast items. The skillet was also MASSIVE. I could eat about half of it before I had to stop eating. Our server was nice, friendly and attentive. As a whole, they were happy to accommodate a large group, and even allowed us to call-ahead. Stella's is also BYOB (Chicago has this thing down, no?) so feel free to bring some bubbly.

Jeff K.

Just a solid diner serving up good food at good prices. I love coming here because I never feel rushed so I can take my time and really catch up with old friends over our food and coffee. Plus the selection makes this a great place to bring even the most picky eater.

Lisabeth M.

An old stand-by. Kinda like that laid-back friend you call when you're bored one night and need something to do. It's in my neighborhood so I like coming here when I need my breakfast fix for dinner. Their food is dependably good but nothing spectacular about it. Good place to go for American comfort food though I've only ordered pancakes and French toast here. Their pancakes are soft and fluffy and I like that they serve fresh fruit with them rather than the jammy, jelly, compote type they serve at other places. Their shakes are worth ordering even for dinner. I've had the Earthquake shake and one that was a mix of peanut butter and banana. They were both good, really rich and could've easily been substituted for dessert. For those of you who aren't breakfast fanatics like me, there are plenty of other choices. I've heard the mac and cheese is delish (think I'll try that next time). Their menu ranges from soups to various salads to quesadillas to burgers to a wide variety of sandwiches. So there's something here for everyone. Prices are also reasonable. I like that Stella's is low key and definitely has a diner feel to it. The wait staff are friendly and the guy (I think this might be Gus) who handles the cash register greets you right away. He seems to know a lot of the patrons that come here which gives Stella's a real family feel to it.

Jenn W.

I have been to Stella's at least half a dozen times. The owner/manager Gus is a fun personality. Ask him about his Mermaid arm tattoo. The menu is large and options are a plenty. Breakfast served all day. Desserts in the glass refrigerator case will have you pacing yourself to save room at the end. There are a few plates I like more than others. The meatloaf leaves something to be missed. The apple chicken sausage sandwich is one of my favorites. And I also like the stuffed french toast, which is a good deal compared to other diners in the area. Service is always good, and sometimes Gus even takes orders and busses tables when it gets busy. I'm not as much a fan of the ambiance; I like the theme and idea but feel that the main dining room is still somehow empty. (not empty of people, but in that je ne sais quoi)

Marianne H.

I love stellas! The only reason I'm not giving five stars is some of the waitresses are a bit inattentive and the egg salad sandwich was a little meh.

Jaime W.

I used to live across the street from this place. Roommate and I tried it once when we were apartment hunting (not thrilled, but ok) and once after. The second time sealed the deal - we'd never go back. The owner was trying to be "buddy buddy" with us, thought he knew our names, threw out some random compliments and then began spewing some crazy racist, conservative BS. About what it means to be a real American, etc. YIKES - can't I eat my eggs in peace? The food is ok but with the Bagel across the street, hands down, go to the Bagel. You'll thank me later.

Elizabeth V.

Normally I'd give a place like this two stars. The food is standard American fare - not high quality, but not gross like some diners. The side salads had a mix of greens which surprised me (I was expecting iceberg). That third star is for service. We were a party of six plus an eight-month-old baby up past her bedtime. The servers were beyond friendly and accommodating. Without us asking for anything they brought her a lidded cup of water with a straw and also little condiment cups to play with. We asked if they had a little banana we could mash up to feed her and they also suggested mashed potatoes which had just a little butter in them but no extra salt. They brought both, and they had already mashed the banana for us. They were just very sweet and it made us feel so welcome!

Emilie B.

A great diner with excellent diner staples and as gourmet as diner food can be without sacraficing all that is fantastic about a good diner meal. if you're in the mood for diner milkshakes, chicken fingers, breakfast foods, hot beef sandwiches, and the like THIS is the place to go. I highly recommend their buffalo chicken sandwich and the devils food cake, separately of course. Stella's is definitely worth the extra 10ish min walk south past the diner at Melrose & Broadway for variety, taste, and price. Side kudos to the music selection last time I was there, vintage and fun melodies that really completed the atmosphere sans the kitsch.

Jessica J.

I'm 25 years old and I have been coming here with my family ever since I was a little girl..I love this place! Its like a home away from home to me. The staff is awesome, The Owners are amazing and I love the art they have on the walls that u can buy..This is my favorite place to go and have lunch in Chicago.

Andrew L.

Went here for breakfast before a race and must say we did have very good service. The food was just OK, but on the pricier side. I would rather go to the Golden Nugget, IHOP, or even Denny's over here. I have had lunch here as well and would not recommend it. If you happen to come here stick to breakfast.

Jelena Z.

The scene: noon at Stella's. On a holiday Monday with every reason to be waitlisted, we were seated immediately at a table with a view of bustling Broadway. Before our server greeted us, the busser/server assistant came over, dropped off waters and asked if we wanted coffee. Yes and yes, thanks! Our server was on it. My cousin ordered the garlic bread as an appetizer which consists of two small sliced, crusty loaves literally drenched in garlic oil, herbs, AND butter. Fragrant and just plain good. Next I had a wrap starring chicken, pepper jack, and avocado... quite simple, really, but probably the best wrap I've ever had. And from a diner, no less! Large enough to take half home for dinner. I also inherited an untouched quarter of my cousin's colossal turkey club for dinner. What, we're family, right? And for you non-morning Yelpers, Stella's serves breakfast all day as any authentic diner should. No wait, on-the-ball service, clean and shiny, and with enough on the menu to make even prissy Patty a happy camper... Stella's a girl you could introduce to your mom.

Jess V.

I dined at Stella's about six or seven years ago, and remember deciding I would not be back. A few days ago I didn't feel like walking to Melrose Diner (outstanding), so I looked up Yelp reviews on Stella's. Based on the 4-5 star reviews, I thought that my first visit must have been a fluke. It was not. Once we were seated, a kind gentleman brought coffee, but unfortunately I realized after he left that there was no sugar. Perhaps not a problem, I thought, because good coffee doesn't need cream or sugar. This coffee needed a lot of sugar. After about seven minutes, our kind waitress arrived. We ordered and she brought me sugar. I received my food and realized my omelette did not have cheese in it. I accept responsibility-- I noticed the description of my vegetarian omelette did not include cheese, but I thought that part of being an omelette meant there was cheese. I just thought I didn't have a choice in what cheese was on it. The menu asks for no substitutions, so when I boldly asked to add avocado, I figured I couldn't make any other changes. The cheese-less vegetarian omelette had no taste to it. The avocado was warmed inside the omelette, making it a little gross. I would have expected the slices to be added to the top after the cooking was done. I added as much salt to the omelette as I could bear and tried to eat it, but it was beyond repair. The staff was very nice, but the food wasn't. I feel that others likely expect cheese in an omelette, and would probably be disappointed like me to find it not there. In that case, I would think the wait staff would warn you that there is no cheese, so you can add it if you want it. But I guess that goes against the substitution rule. I will never return to Stella's. In six years, if I wonder why I said I won't go back, I can now refer to this rule and save my taste buds from numbness.

Brandon V.

I probably can't add anything that everyone else hasn't already said... this is a great little diner!

Emann B.

I love, love, love the family that runs this place. So friendly and warm, great heartwarming service. The bacon waffle is a must try, and love the mac & cheese as a side choice. You will be stuffed and happy!

S R.

Decided to try this place out with my brother as the only breakfast options on my street were Golden Nugget and some frou-frou brunch places - all unappealing. Stella's ended up being one of the best breakfast experiences ever - it's now become the place I take family to when they visit. Their vegetarian skillet just tastes so fresh and light - something you don't associate with diner food. I am so in love with it that I personally haven't tried anything else on their menu but I assume everything is amazing. It's never a long wait to get a table (even on Saturday and Sunday mornings/noons) and the waiters and waitresses are always so pleasant and provide quick service. My only complaint is that when it's so cold out it's still a 10 minute walk and they don't do delivery - but at the end when I make the journey it's worth it.

Scott K.

Despite being consistently recommended this restaurant for good breakfast food, I have been twice and simply don't understand the appeal. The food is not bad, but decidedly bland and there is definitely better in the area. The service was also nothing but adequate. The menu is typical and uninspired, which is not necessarily bad for a venue such as this, but "Meh. I've [indeed] experienced better."

julie l.

You know how when you write a Yelp review the quote for 2 stars is, "Meh. I've experienced better"? Well, "meh" is right. Good things about Stella's: the staff, the service, the location, the cute diner decor Not-good things about Stella's: the food They have menu items (Eggs Hudson) and ingredients (chorizo, avocado) that suggest a tastier meal than IHOP. Sorry, it's not. From brunch to lunch to dinner, everything is bland. Dry rubbery omelets, mac and cheese like overcooked box stuff, boring tasting sandwiches, and, well, meh pastas. Maybe my taste buds are just different than others because this place always has people in it. But since I can cook better at home (and I'm nothing special in the kitchen), I'd rather not spend the money. Or spend it on something equally priced and delicious.

Peter S.

This place is a sure bet, every time. Great, friendly staff, dependable, standard diner fare, and great prices for the neighborhood.

Taranika E.

It is a morning eating trough for the Lakeview locals. Reading the paper and drinking pipping hot coffee. It's definitely a diner. Stellar waffles. Decent coffee. Attentive staff. BTW who is that guy sitting at the counter who orders oatmeal but NEVER eats it? Im perplexed.

Derek B.

The food is standard diner fare. Nothing to write home about, but I'm always satisfied. The personality of the staff and owner deserves an extra star. I always have fun when I go here, and they remember you on repeat visits.

Nikki D.

This was my first visit here, and I am so happy that I got to experience this place! I got the avocado cheese burger (medium rare) with fries and cole slaw. My boyfriend got a bacon cheese burger (medium rare) with mac and cheese and cole slaw. The food was amazing. The fries were hand cut, skin on and delicious. The burger was one of the best tasting ones I have had in Chicago. For the price of 8.50 it was juicy, meaty, and they didn't skimp on the toppings. The bun was great too. My boyfriend agreed with me, and he loved his mac and cheese. We are both picky about our cole slaw, but we loved Stella's. It was light, but with a little bit of spice. The staff was amazing. Our waitress was really nice to us, the busser was attentive and nice, and the manager was attentive and nice. If you want great and friendly service, come here. Our meal was a great value, we were starving, but we had leftovers for both of our burgers. The bill came out to $22 with tip, a good value for college students. I will be coming back soon and I suggest you try it too!

Elisabeth C.

The service in here is friendly, the food is your regular diner fare, and the prices are reasonable. But the veggie burger is really good. It was a bit crumbly, but obviously homemade, and totally delicious. Better than Earwax Cafe's black bean burgers (sorry, Earwax). They're not open as late as other diners, but they're close to my apartment, and I'll probably be back.

Angie L.

When you go here - get the peanut butter and strawberry jelly milkshake. The owner, Gus, made it for my friend and me and it was phenomenal. Service here is great. The people are so nice. Get the milkshake.

Amie C.

How have I not reviewed Stella's?!? I live blocks away and have been here multiple times. Great for breakfast! Friendly service. I always get an omelette when I'm here and add avocado to it. Yum! I enjoy the outdoor seating and can't wait or a random spring sunday breakfast outside.

Tom R.

I hate to say this because I live within 200 feet of this place but, unfortunately, this was the worst breakfast I have ever paid for. The food was incredibly bland plus my eggs were over-hard even though I ordered them over-easy. Coffee was terrible, too.

Mason C.

Meh, typical diner food I give this place 2 stars because the food wasn't that spectacular. I had the 2 eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast. Nothing too crazy, but I've had better at other joints. Also, the server that was taking my order didn't once check on me. I had to flag her down to get ketchup and then I had to flag her down again for the check. This was after me patiently waiting to see if she would come over, but she never did.

Colleen C.

Solid diner choice. It pulls off that kitschy vibe without being...err...unclean. The place is pretty polished and primped, nicely done. I particularly enjoyed the staff. I kind of expected with the decor that this place would have a college-aged manager and snotty servers. (perhaps I am jaded by my many experiences at Clarke's on Belmont, hmmm). However, not the case. The hostess was hilarious...after a table of mothers and whiney kids left she whispered to me..."you know why I love screaming children? Because it reminds me why I never want any." Amen, girl. Our waitress was straight up diner style, complete with calling me "hon" and "sweetheart," which I actually find endearing if and only if it comes from a diner waitress who is sweet as pie. So yeah, not in any other situation though ;) The food was fairly standard, though I have to admit I didn't get very adventurous with my choices. A Western omelette with tomato slices = probably not their showcase items, but it was just dandy and filled me up. Coffee was diner coffee, good stuff. Diet Coke lacked bubbles, I couldn't even drink it...big no/no. I like carbonation. I can imagine its a zoo on the weekends, but definitely a good stop if you dig diners sans dirt. Apparently a lady named Stella actually owns the place, bonus points for authenticity, woman!

FM G.

This is my go-to spot for a weekend breakfast. Don't let the wait for a seat discourage you from sticking around. The food is delicious, especially the egg skillets, and the wait staff is attentive and bubbly. Just found out this is BYOB, so bring a bottle and order some fresh OJ to make yourself a nice beverage to go with some of the greatest traditional diner food you can get in the Midwest.

Michael H.

Country style eggs benedict. There's nothing else to say other than try it. Granted, it's a heart attack on a plate but it's an experience that needs to be had.

Richie D.

Stella's is a great place to grab something to eat. The service is always very nice and the food is flavorful. I've been here on several occassions and have only had positive experiences (minus trying to find parking). The owner is a silly guy who loves what he does. You'll hear him talking to the customers and his staff as if they're family. I also recommend dessert, even the controversially name one (look on the wall for the name). Lastly, it's definitely gay friendly.

Robert S.

Really, like I have anything new to add becoming review number 149. But...I do have a tiny bit of trepidation going to Stella's now when I remember what a smoky den of haze this place used to be before the Illinois Smoking Ban took affect. Non-smokers were second class diners; pushed to the back and dimly lit sides instead of the smoking sections upfront near the big windows. Well, times have changed, and I can eat here without a side of carcinogen--yes, this was a DIE-ner up until 2008. Yummy shakes, decent food. Quick service. And YES--shakes made the honest way with real milk and ice cream.

Kevin C.

This is how diners should be. Satisfies my needs for friendly service, quality food, inviting ambiance and overall value! I'm always greeted with a little chit-chat, but never too much that it intrudes on my dining. A great place to come alone and never feel awkward for doing so! The menu has some great originals while maintaining numerous diner classics and traditions, like breakfast all day. Get your hearty all-American meal at Stella's! Coffee lovers must indulge in a bottomless cup that is rich, smooth, and piping hot! I'm a fan of the contemporary décor. Color palate is very cozy, decorations are minimal, and everything looks clean. There are giant windows surrounding this corner spot, so every seat is ideal for people watching! Alternative music plays gently in the background as pleasant gabbing carries on among the groupies and regulars. The prices are not at all lofty, a testament to the unpretentious atmosphere. Food is of great quality and generous portions, too. I will definitely be returning again... and again and again.

Athena F.

I've lived in the Lakeview area for a year and a half now and we went to Stella's for the first time over Labor Day weekend. Within 10 minutes it became a favorite. The owner is hilarious and easy going and the waitresses we saw had the same fun attitude. If you go there (and don't mind garlic) get the Dracula's Garlic Bread. Yes, it will leave you with ghastly breath but the deliciousness is worth the sacrifice. That alone is what will be making me come back for late night snacks and for when my friend's come to visit me. The rest of the food we ordered was wonderful, too, and sometime in the future I plan on trying some of their eye catching desserts! Also, last night my fiance and I went in to get an order of the garlic bread to go..the owner told me it was a 'Birthday present' and it was on the house. How can possibly NOT love a guy who believe in the occasional freebie? I left the restaurant saying "I heart that guy."

Annie W.

Very good diner food! The Maria's Mystery milkshake was particularly good! The service was also very friendly, and quirky enough to be noteworthy. Would go back!

Caroline R.

This is a 4 star because its a great spot to bring visitors. My mom requires a visit here every time she comes into town. The staff is super friendly, the food is consistently good and they always keep my coffee full. Be aware, this is a super local spot so they have a lot of regulars. The environment is warm and friendly. You will not get stuffy service or fancy drinks here. The portions are very healthy so come hungry. And the desserts are delicious! This is what diners are meant to be.

Amy H.

A fast, pleasant alternative to 1-hour waits found at most Lakeview/Lincoln Park brunch spots. The staff is friendly, the decor is cheerful, and the food is satisfying and reasonably priced. After sampling the breakfast and lunch brunch items, stick with breakfast. The french toast special is outstanding, with especially tasty bacon. The fiesta chicken sandwich was a little bland, creamy and mushy, but filling. Diner atmosphere is fun and lively, definitely worth a stop when you need to kill a hangover and spend some quality time stuffing your belly.

Grahame B.

I stopped in on a whim the week of the blizzard (once the snowing had stopped and life started to return to normal) as I was just passing through on my way home to Minneapolis. I chose Stella's because it looked nice and clean and inviting, and I figured when you want comfort food, how can you go wrong with a diner? I walked in, and the host (also the owner) said, "Welcome, friend." I've never been greeted like that before at a restaurant, so instant points for them. I sat down and my server came and took my order. It was back within minutes, a mushroom-and-swiss with a HUGE pile of fries. The food was good, if maybe a little large on the portion size. It wasn't mind-blowing, but it was exactly what I needed. I got up to pay, and heard the owner talking about his customized Ford Mustang. When I asked about it, he showed me some pictures on his laptop, which was out and on the counter, and was impressed by his hobby. We had a nice little chat, and before I left he introduced himself as Gus. We shook hands and he said, "Welcome to the family." I love Chicago and would LOVE to move there some day. As I walked out of Stella's, I wished I DID live in Chicago, just so I could go back to that place where I felt so welcomed. I'll definitely be going back there when I'm next in town.

Becky Y.

This review is painful for me to write because I LOVE this restaurant, I LOVE the waitresses, the location, the food, the service, the atmosphere, everything! However, on New Years Day that all changed. I came here with friends and the owner(?) Gus I think his name was came to talk to us. At first I thought he was just an overly friendly shop owner and my friend was encouraging the conversation, so I went with it. Then he sat down in our booth and long story short he proceeded to say the single most creepy thing a complete stranger has ever said to me. "You have beautiful skin. I'm a skin guy. I would take you home and bathe you, rub lotion on you, and take you to the bed and make love to you." I nearly choked on my food. He then pointed to my off the shoulder t-shirt and told me it was sexy. When I, obviously uncomfortable at this point, moved to fix the shirt to cover myself he said "No leave it, I like it." I said "I'm just going to be covering myself up at this point." There was no gray area regarding whether or not the conversation was making me uncomfortable, yet he persisted for the remainder of my meal. I would have left but my friends (much nicer than I am and also not the subject of the harassment wanted to stay) Basically the point of this review is come to Stella's for great food, great service and if you're a young lady, potentially hair raising sexual harassment. Enjoy your meal.

B K.

Dined here a few times and am never disappointed. The service is always spot on refilling coffee or water, checking to see if your doing great, and the food is tasty. This place can get pretty busy so the 1 star is for a bit of wait for your food to arrive.

Sean B.

I've eaten in here many, many times and have always liked the place, it is quite versatile in that it could be a casual date place or a local hangout or place to take family, but recently I decided to try the take-out. It was super fast and the way they wrapped it up was a notch above other take-out places -- they included the utensils and condiments, kept the toast separate, tied it all up so it would stay warm on a very cold day. You could tell that they'd done a lot of dry runs to engineer the way take-out is prepared here. It was just as good at home as it was in the restaurant, which is a hard thing to pull off for an omelet meal with slightly crispy hash browns.

Kimberly L.

Breakfast!! Hobo skillet is the best! Although this time around I got scrambled eggs with a fruit bowl and wheat toast. I asked for a regular coke to start and ended up with a diet. It was promptly switched out when I made a comment so that was nice. I did however, show up around noon on a sunday, so of course it was busy. Overall though, the breakfast food is delicious here. What made my dining experience better is that I had great company.

Phantom D.

The chocolate diva cake was moist, light, and a chocolate lovers dream. I almost ordered another one. This is one of the best items in the city. I must also tell you to pass on the giant cheeseburger. It has no flavor and taste like any mashed meat presses on a hot grill. The french fries were pleasing to the eye but lacked crispness and character. I recommend Flo and Santos in the South Loop for a thick tasty burger and crispy waffle fries. I will try the breakfast next time.

M B.

I was impressed with the service. We went just few minutes before the restaurant was supposed to close but still they welcomed us and politely informed about the closing hours but were more than happy to serve what we wanted except for 1-2 items Pork chips etc which takes lot of time. Chicken finger and Sante Fe wrap was awesome!

Brian L.

Everytime I stop by, the folks here are so nice! I would be a fan just by the service but brunch is top notch! Maybe it's just me but I've never had any issue getting seated right away either, which is great when when you're spending the day exploring the great wonders of East Lakeview! I really love the french toast! Oh and their thick cut bacon is definitely worth ordering a second plate! I've never tried their shakes but I've heard good things from friends. Next time I'll be sure to leave room for a shake or pie.

Bex J.

Man, reading these reviews makes me wish I had gone with my gut and ordered breakfast! Stopped in for lunch on a Saturday and had a nice meal. We were seated right away which was great since it was the prime lunching hour. haha. Our server was really friendly and the food came insanely fast! I ordered a chicken sandwich with avocado and swiss that I liked a lot. My mom had an egg salad sandwich that I thought tasted kind of funky, but she seemed to like it enough. She also got the mac and cheese as her side and it was SO GOOD. Totally jealous I didn't order it myself! I like this place a lot! Someday, I will make it back for breakfast.

Bruce Alan B.

I would not recommend anyone eat here - ever. The service is snotty, for a diner. They once refused to seat a table of 7 of my family members, even though I called in advance to ask about this, saying that we should go to some other dinner in the neighborhood b/c they did not have time for us - so we did. The portions are overly large and greasy - and so are the prices. The owners do not even like the community they service and earn a healthy living off. They regularly bad mouth, make fun of, and even insult their own client base. I would not give them a dime of my hard earned money - if I was starving.

elisa c.

Stella's, oh Stella's... what can I say? Standard diner menu, but they take the time to make sure there is enough variety to please almost anyone. I need to come back, seeing as I have never made it past the omelets, but they are just too good. I have never seen anyone unhappy with their food here, and any mention of Stella's always put a smile on one's face. I came here one night with a large group of friends, and the owner ended up coming over and chatting with us - nicest man ever, and he made sure to hit on all the girls in our group :) There are a few places here in Chicago (not being from here) that can really make me feel like home, and Stella's is one of them.

Jason L.

So every time I walk here, I wish it was closer. Still doesn't stop me from going there. This is "diner" food, in all it' glory, yet without the side of grease that sneaks up on me later that night. GET THE EGGS HUDSON. But even better is the staff. I have never (and I am picky) had a bad or unpleasant interaction with anyone there. Lastly, great coffee. Nuff said.

Michael E.

To echo other reviews here, this is a good choice for a basic diner. It is clean, folks are casual, but attentive and the food is good without an expensive price tag. The staff is enjoyable.....engaging and as my first time they acted as I was a regular making me feel right at home. FREEBIE NOTE: If you are in there for breakfast...and don't want to pay $0.75 for a newspaper.....or double for both main local Chicago papers.....go to the counter on the far left side and look behind it...they have a little painted sign on the side of the counter and news papers there to read while dining

Hillary F.

I've been here twice and both times the food and experience was great! The staff is very nice and welcoming and the food is delicious! The first time I was there I got a club sandwich that was simple and yummy. The second time my friend and I went and he got the quesadillas and I got a santa fe wrap or something like that. We split/shared and we both loved both things! Definitely a great way to go if you can't decide on just one thing! We were there a little early around 10:30 so people were still getting breakfast, and everything looked and smelled great! I'll for sure have to go back and try it out for breakfast!

Emily L.

I got some sort of skillet with hash browns, veggies (broccoli, green pepper, tomato, onion, mushroom), cheese, and two eggs on top. I don't remember the name, but I think the word "hobo" was in it. Unfortunately, the cheese they used was two slices of muenster and two slices of Velveeta. The Velveeta was absolutely disgusting and made everything in the skillet taste horrible. My boyfriend got a more straightforward breakfast - two eggs, ham, sausage, bacon, hash browns, and toast - and that was delicious, so clearly I ordered the wrong thing. So sad. Side note: the a/c was on full blast when I went in the summer, and I was freezing.

Sarah R.

This place has some really great comfort food! The hot turkey dinner hits the spot! Sometimes it takes a long time to get the check though. The diner is clean and there's always a seat.

Kate M.

I love the food and service is always quick. The cashier, however, is always super rude to customers. I have experienced it myself and watched her braided others as well. Its very off putting.

Lauren G.

I actually really liked this place, it had a solid diner-esque menu. There was no one there at noon on Thursday, so we had our choice of seats. I went with the country eggs benedict, a big plate of 2 toasted english muffins with poached eggs and slabs of ham, served with hashbrowns and a pile of gravy (which I ordered on the side). It was so good. I wanted to eat more but I was too full. If it hadn't been raining and cold that day I probably would have ordered a milkshake just to try one. Maybe next time, Service was friendly and prompt, but like I said, it was a quiet afternoon so I'm not sure what it would be like when they are busy. Definitely want to go back and try some more of their menu.

Mrs T.

This is a nice little diner. It's family owned (brother and sister). The two are comical if you ever have the opportunity to dine here while they're in. The space is tidy. Service is quick. The food is a little toned down for my taste... but it's decent. You can eat healthy here without breaking your wallet. They've got fruit cups if you're looking for something fast in the morning.

Ted M.

Stella's is great. I live right down the street from the diner. I have gone hear many times for breakfast and lunch. The service is always great, and food is awesome. If you like breakfast food, check this place out.

Khadijah L.

I miss Stella's. This used to be our weekend brunch place until we moved away from Lakeview. The people are super friendly and the service is great, and I love that. Its a casual diner, casual food. Nothing fancy or over the top, so don't cry about your omelet. I love the skillets and the shakes and hot chocolate. Oh I miss Stella's. I said that already, right? *yay 100th review*

Melissa P.

I've ate at Stella's on many occasions and I'm a fan. They always cook their food good and I've never had anything bad from there. They always are prompt with their service and the place seems to be very clean. I like how their prices are low and their servings are a good size. Their food is not gourmet or anything like that but it's where I would go for comfort foods that I've grown up on.

Mike G.

Stella's is down the block from my apartment, and I've been here a few times with my girlfriend. It's your standard diner menu at typical Lakeview prices (so typically under $30 with coffee & tip for 2). Definitely a cheaper alternative to The Bagel, which is right across the street. The breakfast is good, with hearty portions. My eggs have always been prepared exactly as requested. The omelet menu could use a facelift, but you can always request the fixings you desire. I've never had runny eggs or any other bad experiences, as some reviewers suggest. Sandwiches are hot and delicious, and I'd highly recommend the cajun fries. Their sanwiches fill me up, and my girlfriend usually has enough leftover for lunch for the next day. I've yet to try any salad/soup/dessert/burger, but I nearly ordered a milkshake today when the couple at the table ahead of us had there's delivered. Every time I've been here they're quick on the poor with the water re-fill, but I always have to ask somebody to get more coffee. Seeing as this is a diner, this is a small pet peeve of mine. We've also had to ask for cream multiple times. Other than that, the servers are friendly and seem to genuinely want you to enjoy your experience. If you're in the area and love brunch as much as I do, Stella's is well worth trying for yourself. Also, learned on Yelp it's family run, which is always a business worth supporting in my book. I'm a fan of the outdoor summer seating. If you're coming between 10:30 - 12:30 on a weekend, expect a wait, but this is true of any diner worth the feast.

Michael T.

This place is great if you want to gain a few... Dracula's garlic bread is an absolute must! Don't miss it... Just make sure you don't talk to anyone after eating it. Another must have is the gigantic Monte Cristo sandwich. I swear it must've weighed at least 3 lbs, add to that another pound and a half of fries and you're in heart attack HEAVEN!!!!! The service can't be beat, and the guy at the register is a riot. GO! GO! GO!!!!! You'll love it!

Jake J.

Stopped here before heading to O'Hare for my flight out of the Windy City. Got the veggie skillet. The waitress was classic diner. In fact two people waited on mr before I got my jacket off. When they brought my skillet I was convinced I couldn't finish it 'Nuff said. I even loved the green peppers which is not my usual topping on anything. Cheese--just right. Hash brown base. Just right. Reminded me of the Hippie Hash at the Fleetwood Diner in my old stomping grounds of Ann Arbor MI. Still the best hash I've ever had. Stella's is now number 2. A strong #2.

Andy R.

Where to start? Good food, great service, great desserts! This is a fun place to grab a quick bite to eat. All of the staff is nice; most of the servers are attentive and good; and i've never had bad food there (out of 20 times i've been there approx). Outdoor seating during the summer too. Don't forget BYOB! Also, the owners that work there actually remember you--thats pretty neat, and shows they care.

Chris C.

Wow I hadn't looked at the yelp reviews for this place before I ate at Stellas, and now that I'm seeing them I couldn't be more surprised. I went with the family, a party of 8, because it was a Saturday night and I couldn't think of anywhere else that may be able to accommodate a party of this size the night before Valentines Day. The place was empty, so points for that. Anyway, I ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich, its usually my comfort food after a long day, and its usually fairly difficult to screw up, so I was craving it. And oh my was I disappointed. The bun was not fresh, so it was crumbly and falling apart... on top of that the chicken isn't actually a single entity, it was 3 chicken strips, making the already crumbling sandwich even more sloppy. Then add to that the runniest ranch dressing I've ever seen and it adds up to the most complicated eating experience I've had in a while. And one look at me would tell you that I get a lot of practice. The fries 'looked' like they would be good but they were really soft and flimsy. I know Diners are more of a late night drunken hang out, but I've had better food at Applebees. I was really disappointed. I was here several years ago and didn't come away with such a negative impression, so maybe this was just a fluke, but I don't think so.

Julia R.

Totally amazing! I'd been craving an omelette for almost two weeks when I finally decide to act on it - at about 7pm on a saturday night. I'd been to stellas once before (food was great the first time) and wanted to try it again. I was looking for an omelette to satisfy my craving and what I got was basically the best omelette I've ever had! Paired with deliciously fresh squeezed oj, perfect harshbrowns, some toast, and great service - AND exceeding my breakfast expectations at 7 pm on a saturday night!? Yes please! Stellas - you are officially my go to place for omelettes. See you soon.

Brittany H.

Cam here randomly one afternoon after treating myself to a nice massage, my first! I sat outside and the weather was wonderful... but by myself. No one was really into sitting outside that day I guess. Anyway, I tried the grilled cheese along with the mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was eh for me, but the grilled cheese was LOADED with bacon strips and tomatoes, which I was awed by. The piping hot cheese was also a surprise. Ouch. The only real negative was that my waitress almost spilled my water on me and I didn't really like her attitude overall. I was thanked by an employee while I was leaving for enjoying the empty patio. It's been a year since my last visit and I know I have to go back sooner or later!

Babs H.

Whether you're nursing a hangover, piling food on top of booze currently swimming in your gut, or are just hungry, this place is pretty good for grub. The staff is friendly, the service is fast, and the price is right. I love a Mexican skillet with an english muffin and some coffee. Yum!

Sonia L.

I don't know what the hype is really. It's an average diner, with average food, with average service. Of course it's cheap, it should be. I guess the atmosphere is fun, if you are looking for a DINER. We were here on a Labor Day afternoon, ordering breakfast. There were a lot of kids (rugrats) who were crying and whining. I ordered a skillet, and it was just A-okay!

Melissa R.

At one point in my life, Stella's was a weekly occurrence for me. As in, I knew all the hosts and hostesses and we chatted about "what's new" in our lives. The only reason these stopped was because I moved away, and my ass did not need any additional excuses to grow larger. Stella's is a solid choice for pretty much any meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. The diner itself feels pretty retro with the decor, and the waitstaff all wear these 50's inspired uniforms. There is always a wait for brunch on the weekends, but other than that you can usually get a table right away. My favorites include: the hobo skillet, waffles, onion rings, chicken salad croissant sandwich, turkey club, blt, patty melt, french fries, baked mac and cheese, and the grilled cheese with ham (my fav). Everything has that homemade taste to it, like my dad is working the kitchen. The people that go here are all cool, but not trying too hard. The food is classic diner. The service is quick and friendly. And the prices are cheap. Don't let the creepy enormous hand looming over the doorway turn you off, you'll love it...I promise.

Kelly F.

Three words for you: Turkey Pesto Sandwich! I live in the 'hood and I've never had a bad meal here ... Friendly staff. Definitely kid friendly. Busy on weekends but worth the wait every time. Street parking can be a bummer in East Lakeview, but don't fret -- there's a new parking lot going in right next door.

Lea L.

Great diner with decent food. The owner remembers me everytime I see him. Love the fries they serve, lots of good options for breakfast, lunch or dinner.