I went there with my wife and two sons and we had a great time out on the deck. We found out they do have a kids menu ,complete with cups with tops and straws And we ordered from the recommendation from our fun server Randy?(sp) she was so sweet to the kids and had the most up beat and sunny disposition (My wife doesn't eat seafood) we had a meal that made everyone happy try these crazy hash browns they have
(4)
Susie A.
Nice rooftop patio. Killer cornbread appetizer! Big enough for a table of 6 The halibut was a little overdone, but the asparagus and mashed potatoes it came with were perfect. The dessert menu had nothing interesting enough to order. Why do so many restaurants offer the same boring flourless chocolate cake and cheesecake just like Applebee's? FYI: the bathroom is on the second level so if you are on the roof or main floor you have to take a lot of stairs.
(3)
Dave R.
Good service, good (but not great) food, large portions, nice ambiance, high (but not too high) prices. I've eaten here a couple of times, and had the same opinion of Stellas at both: If I had $ for parking and $$$ for food I'd eat here more often. But I don't. I was here for lunch today and had the calamari appetizer, which was good, and the lobster bisque, which was fair. The coffee was good. The weather on the deck was windy but nice (see pics). There is no WiFi on the roof. Service was fine. I'll have to come back for Happy Hour oysters or Sunday lobster sometime. Preferably if someone else is driving.
(4)
Mohammad H.
I have always been a fan of Stella. Nice atmosphere, lively crowd and the rooftop always makes it a great place to hangout with friends, have dinner and cherish the time. This time I went there for a happy hour/late Birthday/nice day out etc. you get the point. So I wasn't looking for a anything more than a serene day and couple of drinks to sip. So like an addict, I checked in on Yelp, and right away I got the offer to have $5 mojito. Wowza... check that out. Already feeling special. My friend and I headed up to the rooftop on the elevator (no hard work here). We went to the bar area and it was pleasantly crowded. You know when there are just enough people to make the place look lively but you can still get a drink from an attentive bartender. It was like that. Our bartender made eye contact and we were able to communicate that she is our savior on our thirst quenching mission. Kari (bartender) made us couple of Mojito's with top shelf rum and also let me use the coupon for both. She is just awesome. Thank you Kari. Make sure you get your drinks from her for a generous pour too. We ordered the fries and Mexican Oyesters (Oyesters with Picco Di Gallo on top). They were delicious. After that was done we realized that I should get my friend more alcohol for his late b-day. So I asked Kari for some tequila in his drink. Kari heard it was his b-day drink, so she made a super long pour :) Thank you again. You are awesome. I left out one star, because of their restroom situation. They only have restrooms on second floor. Other than that, I love the service and little humor all over the walls and t-shirts. Like "Get it yourself, I am Crabby" with a picture of Crab.
Place was alright, but it's not as good as all the hype portrays it to be. Ordered the fried calamari for an appetizer for $12 and the breading was kind of mushy versus that extra crunch I typically enjoy. The fries that came with the lobster roll was also a little on the "this sh** taste hella old" side and bland. The coleslaw reminded me of KFC's, and the lobster roll itself was just basic (both in the normal usage of the word and the slang from Urban Dictionary). I mean LOWTFL about that bread for $20. Oh, and the service was too slow for me. I actually half jokingly brought it up a few times, but still took a while for them to get to us. Overall, I'd say the food we tried lack overall depth in flavor profile, especially for being a little more on the pricier side. I don't know though - from my experience, the value was a little sub par. Good view at the rooftop, bomb mojitos and tasty fried walleye though!
(3)
Morgan P.
Shittiest beer selection in MINNESOTA! F^ck man go look at the beer selection @ SeaSalt bitches and go stoke off a rich asswipe!
(1)
Ray M.
Jordan was one of the best servers we have had in a long time very friendly and attentive . The food was priced well below the quality of food that we ate. Jordan just made it a notch better he should be commended for his hard work.
(5)
Emily R.
Stella's has two different sides: The bar scene, and their food scene. Bar Atmosphere: Whenever we go out in Uptown, we usually stop at Stella's first. How can you beat the 2 for 1 drinks offered almost all night?! Stellas has many of your Uptown needs, cheap drinks, live music, cliche Uptown rooftop, small dance floor and multiple levels. Food: I really like their coconut shrimp that is available on their appetizer menu as well as a platter. Their Spicy Pineapple Marmalade dipping sauce makes it! I've also tried their Maine Lobster Pasta. This was OK. It was kind of bland and there wasn't a ton of lobster. The Gorgonzola Table Bread was delicious, but how can you mess up bread? For dessert we had the cheese cake. What I thought was cool about their desserts is that they are made fresh every day at the nearby restaurant Lucias. Overall, I love Stella's on a Friday or Saturday night and their awesome rooftop, but I'm not a huge fan of the food.
(3)
Lorraine N.
Time for an update. I have started to enjoy shrimp this past year so I recently ordered the coconut shrimp and they were absolutely wonderful. The pineapple sauce they serve with it should be bottled and used on everything. I was in love with that. The brussels sprouts had good flavor but they were hard----cook them longer please and cut out the hard stem part. My drinks were decent and they do have a yelp check in offer which i used 5.00 for a 10.00 drink. They are still three stars for me because i again find them lacking in variety on the menu. My bill was 70.00 which is pretty standard for two people eating and drinking modestly at this place and I wish they would have some less expensive options but apparently it is not hurting business because i see huge groups of people gathered here frequently. You cannot beat the rooftop.
(3)
Wendy H.
A great place to enjoy a sunshine spring evening, if you wait for a table and 'breath in' when you get one. Food - delicious Sushi Company - fabulous Weather - Exquisite Popularity - definitely Luckily there were only 4 of us, it would be difficult for a larger group to sit together... Too crowded for me. Everything else was FAB. This felt like a place to be seen and to enjoy the wonderful spring evening. I was glad to be outside, glad to be with friends.
(3)
Julie W.
Stella's is so fun! I came here for dinner one sunny afternoon and ordered fish and chips (~$14) I'm not a fan of anything fishy or seafoody but I would order this again in a heartbeat, it was so good! Try it at least once. I also got the lemonade. I can't tell which I liked better. I was obsessed with that lemonade. You have the option of indoor or outdoor seating. We opted for outdoor seating on the roof, of course. It was beautiful out, food was great, service was wonderful. I would come back again for sure! 10/10
(5)
Hailey P.
One of the hottest places in uptown, Minneapolis. my go to place for hangin out with friends especially on the weekend. For weekends, they have dance floor and live music on the second floor- always packed with cool people! After having a beach day at lake Calhoun, we stopped in for some drinks and food. Seated on the upper rooftop deck, and I got a glass of white wine and a fried oyster sandwich. the sandwich was huge~ and really fresh and flavorful- I am sure that they use very fresh ingredients. Potato chips that came with sandwich was a bit salty, but still liked them with the sandwich. Over all, great stuff! Oh and I found out that they had lobster Sunday- they offer 1 1/4 lbs of whole lobster only for $19.95! Definitely would love to go back for their lobster Sunday deal!
(4)
Stephanie M.
I usually come here for happy hour (both after work and late night) because they have 2 for 1's. I don't eat seafood, but they have other non-seafood options on their happy hour menu. They also have a cool rooftop, but it usually gets really crowded, so get there early if you want a seat. It's a pretty fun place to hang out with friends and watch a game on the TVs. The late night crowd can get pretty rowdy, but that's to be expected at a bar in Uptown.
(3)
Piper E.
My favorite place to get Halibut! It's so good here! The lemon blurre blanc sauce goes really good with it. The rooftop is a great place to sit and the service was great. Also, the warm brownie batter is a must try.
(5)
Scott B.
What is this place? I've been here a bunch of times and have no idea what this place is. There will be a band playing country music, a DJ blaring some random EDM shit, and a Nickelback song on the speakers downstairs all playing at the same time. I think that is why I like Stella's--I have no idea what it is. The food is good, and they have a good happy hour menu. It fills up quickly on the weekends, so get there early to snag a spot on the rooftop. My friends are always confused why we are going to a 'Fish Cafe' to 'turn up', but once they see the rooftop they are sold.
(4)
Juhee S.
All around ok. Had Saturday night reservations for 7pm & didn't get seated on the rooftop till 8pm. I think there's a small waiting area but basically you just stand around wherever you can find room & try to stay out of everyone's way. The one tiny elevator they have was down so it was like 4(?) flights up-- not a big deal but the bathrooms are on the second floor & the stairwell is small so there was a lot of (slow) traffic coming/going. Service was good-- our waiter was friendly & attentive. The hostess was throwing lots of attitude but I'm sure it was annoying to have so many people milling around waiting for tables & constantly asking for status updates. Checked in on Yelp for $5 mojito & the dragon mojito was maybe the best part of the dinner. Recommend it. Tables on the roof are fine. It's not like you get amazing views & they're kinda crammed together. We had one of the bar height tables & it was wobbly (we fixed it with a napkin). Biggest con was they let people smoke on the roof so you'll smell cigarettes while you eat. Not a big fan of that. As far as the food goes, I dunno. It was ok. The coconut shrimp come highly recommended but it's just breaded & fried so quality of the shrimp doesn't matter as much. It was good but how can you fuck up coconut shrimp you know? The platter comes with a very mayo-y cup of cole slaw & the garlic mashed potatoes had potato chunks but not that much garlic. The jambalaya was warned as "7/10 on the spice scale".. Uh, it was not spicy at all. There were some chunks of fish, shrimp, sausage but I wasn't that impressed. Flavor was decent. Didn't taste the jalapeño in the cornbread. The swordfish was so underwhelming & bland-- do not order. It was a nice bustling spot to do a ladies dinner on a nice Saturday night but I wouldn't put it at the top of my recommendation list. It was whatevers--
(3)
Laura G.
Epic fail! Flat bread pizza was hard and absolutely cold. Sent my tacos back and what was returned was only a tiny bit better! The redeeming elements of the lunch were the view and my companions! Incredibly disappointing.
(1)
Iris H.
Went here as a family for my moms 60th celebration. Sunday night at Stella's is low key with enough happening to still people watch and not feel like everyone is at home. They have a Sunday special on their lobster-50% marked down which is why we went. The food and service was great, with each of us getting different things we tried s lot. I had no complaints. My moms only complaint was that they do not thoroughly separate the lobster meat from the shell. Other than that it's an awesome place for family dinner and if you catch one of their specials it's even better.
(5)
Renu B.
Good food and good service, what more could a girl ask for? I recommend the crab and spinach dip and beef bites :)
(5)
Angela B.
Great food, fabulous staff, and absolutely beautiful rooftop patio. Stella's took a night that started off rudely from a bad experience at Uptown Tavern, and made the night extremely enjoyable. I will definitely patronize this wonderful cafe again and highly recommend them to all I know!!!
(5)
Ellen C.
Went with some friends specifically for their happy hour. I have to say, one of the reasons why Stella's gets 4 stars is because of the value. The second my friend told me about their $0.89 oyster happy hour (only on Fridays) I HAD to go. So we went, got two dozen oysters, 2 orders of tacos of the day (turned out to be some sort of pulled pork - comes with 3 good sized tacos), and the champagne mussels. For the four of us, each of us paid $10+ and it was enough food. The oysters were great quality, except that the shucking left quite a few pieces of oyster shell to surprise me. The tacos were okay; I was expecting the tacos that were on the menu to be the tacos of the day but that was not the case, so be sure to ask if you're ordering them. The mussels were delicious - the buttery broth was amazing with the sourdough bread, and the mussels although a bit overdone, were very tasty and had soaked up that buttery sauce. They have also have 2 for 1 drink specials, and being in such a great location, this is an AMAZING place to go for some cheap, quality happy hour. Note: The rooftop patio doesn't have happy hour.
(4)
Jackie C.
I have very mixed feelings about this place. Pros: Awesome rooftop to go to to on summer nights Food is pretty good. I usually order the breaded buffalo wings and fries since I usually got there late night to have a few beers with friends. I haven't personally tried the Good beer selection. Cons: Long wait every time Service leaves much to be desired. The first few times I came here the server has a "I don't really care attitude" which didn't make for the greatest experience. The most recent time I was there I asked for two chairs to be added to my table and the server was very dramatic about it asking another party to move from their table to get me the chairs even though there were some other empty ones all over. I obviously felt horrible that the other party was bothered by my server. Even though he was nice overall he should have thought a little more before acting. I know if I was the other party I would have been extremely annoyed. If it wasn't for the food and rooftop this place would have received 2 stars.
(3)
Andrew T.
First of all, the fish is very fresh and done properly. I enjoyed the fried walleye with mashed potatoes and slaw, with homemade tartar sauce. Hot and delicious! I also had the blackened fish tacos which is an appetizer. Also quite good. They came with a spicy sauce which was great. A great concept in a great location.
(4)
Jonathan H.
My work has held meetings and seminars in their meeting room several times. Stella's has always been kind to serve us a good meal during these events. The servers have always done an outstanding job at what they do. They also know to talk very quietly if they must do so during the presentation. They are great at not being a disturbance while doing their job. The food there is delicious. My favorite is their fish. I am grateful that Stella's treats our work so well and is able to accommodate us like they do. I always look forward to having meetings and seminars here. I highly recommend Stella's.
(5)
Vee V.
This place always has that weird fishy smell to me when I walk in. It's nothing a few drinks won't fix though. This place is also massive so if you sit upstairs or at the back of the restaurant it isn't too bad. Or go to the rooftop patio in the summer months. They have a pretty awesome happy hour here. Friday's between 3pm-6:30pm, $.69 oysters, and two for one drinks! When I checked in with Yelp, I got a $5 coupon for any mojito, so I started with the bootlegger mojito. Thank you Yelp! A bunch of friends and I met here. With $69 burning a hole in my pocket I was on a mission to eat 100 oysters...I didn't quite make it to my goal. I'm not even going to share how much I ate because I sucked at it! I blame the mojito, it made me full. We had a couple dozen oysters, beef bites, sushi roll, cheeseburger, tacos, and a cod fish sandwich. All were on their happy hour menu for a reasonable price. The beef bites were a perfect medium, I prefer medium rare, but these were yummy. Everything was tasty, no complaints here. I didn't peek at their regular menu, but the appetizers were great, so I'd probably be back for dinner. Although Happy Hour specials might be too tempting to pass up. By the way, I've noticed on Groupon lately there's been deals for this place off and on. You might want to check there before you head in. Service was awesome too. Megan helped us in the bar area. We told her we were waiting on a few more friends and as soon as the table next to us cleared she held it for us. Anytime someone came by she told them "sorry buddy table is reserved." Only slip up was we had to ask her twice for crackers and an oyster shell bucket, but she was so friendly I wasn't even mad about it. I don't like that I have to walk up a long flight of stairs every time I need to use the restroom. I eat a lot and then I get lazy.
(4)
Maddy D.
We had a lot of fun and had a good dinner. Took our 10 month daughter and she loved the lobster tank. It was quite loud so baby talking loudly didn't seem to bother any of the other diners! We will be back.
(4)
Michael D.
First time coming here in a couple years and I was surprised to see the overall ratings so low as every meal I've ever had here has been way above average. This time my out of town gf tried walleye for the first time and loved it. My sandwich wasn't my best meal I've had here, prices can be high and service may not be the best but they do have great food.
(5)
Jerice A.
Clam chowder was on point! A little bit of bacon, a little darker in color, but the texture and flavor was outstanding. Also two choices of oysters were delicious. Great beer selection. Bar had a couple tvs and great beer selection. Thursday's are $20 crab legs nights-definitely coming back then. Parking sucked- had to park in a garage but hey, that's uptown for you.
(4)
Jaden G.
I live in Prior Lake, so I don't dine at a lot of restaurants in Minneapolis, but Stella's is one that I will go out of my way to visit. I've always enjoyed the food and the rooftop patio has amazing views. Great place to take a date.
(5)
David P.
Stella's, the well known rooftop bar and seafood mecca in landlocked MN. We reserved a table for 6 a few days ahead of time and were surprised with the "chefs table"(right inside the kitchen), but instead of a special menu it just ended up being a noisy affair with plenty of staff running by us and commotion in the kitchen throughout the night. Sure it was slightly more entertaining but frankly I came to converse with my friends and not watch the kitchen warm dishes up under heat lamps and yell at each other when they screw up. We ordered a decent spread, I picked the 1.5lb lobster w/Bearnaise sauce and it was very good. We also grabbed Gorgonzola Table Bread, Cheese Stuffed Hashbrowns, and Fresh Fried Calamari - all were tasty. No issues with this menu and the seafood itself was fresh and done right. This is where I get to the issues I had. My lobster came with mashed potatoes(which I ordered), and also with a nice short curly black hair(which I didn't order). On the plus side, since we were sitting in the kitchen, we could scope out the cooks to see which one matched the dish in my hair. On the negative side, I was feeling overly wussy and did not make a big scene to the waitress over this nasty little nugget. My wife ordered french fries on the side, didn't receive them, then we were charged for them. The waitress was very interested in refilling our drinks which is appreciated, but not interested in checking on if our food was delivered right or tasted good. Pros: -Good fresh seafood -Good looking people -You feel super cool Cons: -Hair in food -Mediocre service -Noise especially at the chefs table -Good looking people Overall I doubt I will be back. For the $90 bill I can think of many other places I would rather spend my money, with less of a party scene(i.e. loud), better service, and food that is just as good if not better.
(2)
Jim R.
For a chain, this place turns out reliably good food in huge portions. It is often bustling and can be pretty noisy - even upstairs where we usually ask to sit. On our most recent visit I had one of my favorites - coconut shrimp which comes with your choice of sides plus coleslaw. I'm a pretty big eater yet couldn't finish it. Of course we also had the yummy jalapeno corn bread (a must whenever we go there) and a couple of specialty drinks - "slap yo mama" is the one I seem to order regularly which tastes like an alcoholic lemonade, very refreshing. Service is attentive and the food comes pretty quickly. All in all, this place has decent food but often the ambience is way too loud
(3)
Liz K.
I'm usually pleased when I come here. I love their happy hour specials, which are 2 for 1 drinks mon-fri from 3-6pm and $1 oysters. Champagne mussels are my absolute fave. So flavorful! Their fish tacos are WACK. Wouldn't order them again. The burgers are ok, but my friends said they could tell that they were frozen patties. I pretty much just come here for the champagne mussels LOL.
Words can not begin to describe how delicious our meals were. As first time customers, my wife and I came into Stella's with high expectations given the personal recommendations we received about this venue. Well it's safe to say that our expectations were met. Delicious meal with the jambalaya being the star of the show! Had my share of bayou cuisines during my stay in New Orleans and this jambalaya was among the best. Shrimp Po boy was meh. But who cares when everything else was beyond tasty!
(4)
Abby P.
Stella's is one of my favorite seafood restaurants to go too! The employees there are always kind and awesome. I love their happy hour! Great appetizers and two for one drinks. I love the purple mojito! They make the drink so delicious it's perfect not too strong but just enough kick! The oysters are amazing! I'm glad they went back to giving customers a choice of what kind of oyster they would like. The blue point oyster is what I like! Not too small but not too big and the size of the oysters are about the same for each oyster. The fish taco was not my favorite. It was too fishy for me. I would pass on that. The king crab leg is my all time favorite!! It's cooked to perfection and once dipped in the butter it just fills your mouth with flavor! The mashed potatoes are very good too! The champagne mussels are just superb!!!! It use to be too watery but now the consistency of it is perfect!!!! I could drink it up it is so good! Overall I love Stella's and always enjoy going there, whether it be for the food, drinks, happy hour or hanging out at night! It's a great environment in uptown!
(5)
Lina K.
The food was okay it was a too over price. The server was a bit slow and it wasn't very busy for a Friday night.
(2)
Katrina O.
Second time here and it's the second time I've left feeling like it could have gone better. Our server was super awkward with us but not with any of her other tables. Trust me, I was keeping tabs on her to try and figure her out but realized she was super friendly and talkative with everyone else but us! I've had the lobster roll here before, which was good but not great! This time around I stopped by during restaurant week and had some peel n eat shrimp, which is basically shrimp cocktail except I had to do all the hard work of peeling! Then I had the seafood cioppino, which was delicious and it came with a nice big hunk of crusty french bread to soak up the broth. Creme Brulee was mediocre, the caramelized sugar on top had some burnt parts to it and yes i do mean burnt. I can differentiate between caramelization and burnt! The custard was also way too soft, almost runny in texture. If you're just looking for rooftop seating, or uptown vibe then head to Stella's! But if you're looking for a great seafood place, I would say skip Stella's and head to Smack Shack.
(2)
Richard L.
I've never been to a place that had oysters for less than a dollar each. THIS PLACE BOASTS 69 CENT OYSTERS!!!! Holy smokes! Not only did my party have 7 dozen, but we also had the cheezy garlic bread and the muscles. The drinks were pretty reasonable as well. 7 dozen, 2 garlic bread, 2 things of muscles for 5 people came out to around 25 per person all with drinks. I was blown away seriously!
(5)
Jonathan C.
Great food but slow service even at 5:00. We sat upstairs on the rooftop and the view was great. It didn't take very long to get the table however it took 25 minutes to get sushi for an appetizer. We were here for the art fair and wanted great food in a reasonable time. I didn't expect to be waiting this long for our food and we ordered right away! My wife was so hungry that she started to eat my 10 month olds puffs!
(2)
Sucy B.
My bf and I come for the oysters and champagne clams. We end up with entrees too. Everything is so good!
Loved this place. Surprised by the low ratings. Came here for a late business lunch and I ordered the clam chowder and salad. For dessert I had the red velvet cake. All of it was great! I could have ordered a mojito which I love but since it was business, no bueno. Anyway, our server was so nice. The ambiance is casual and looks like a fun place at night.
(5)
A H.
With the exception of our waiter Mike, very disappointed in food quality, slow rude service and value for the price. Party of 7 spent over $300 and then headed to roof top for some after dinner drinks only to be greeted by a blond rude server. She knows who she is and would make a great prison guard. Many other great restaurants to visit.
(2)
Mary N.
Food here, everything was on point. 5-stars. Service, 1-star. Drinks, 1-star. Came in and there was no host, so we went to look for our own seating. Our server came by but only left 2 menus for 6 people, granted 2 were kids. Then found out later on, they had to print them because they ran out. We got the crab cake poppers, jambalaya, and stuffed salmon. I could live without the crab cakes because they weren't really anything special but the jambalaya was nice and spicy- the way it should be. The stuffed salmon just melted in your mouth. It was phenomenal with the salad and mash potatoes. Service was really slow, he didn't really come by to check up on us after we got our food. We kind of had to flag him down. When our dessert came out, the guy tipped it over and knocked the plate over onto the water glass, spilling water all onto my little sister. He apologized but left it there, didn't bother to clean it at all, so there was just a huge puddle of water on our table. The key lime pie was light and fluffy. I also tried to use the yelp check-in offer for "$5 for ANY mojito" but Noah told me that it was last years promo and that I could only use this offer for the regular mojito. & that I had to write a review ON THE SPOT. It was very discouraging. This mojito was probably the worst mojito i've ever had. The limes were not fresh, they were a couple days old, where you can taste it. On top of that, it was watered down and diluted. I didn't even bother to drink it after the first sip. The food here was great, but over-priced. Service was bad and slow.
(4)
Ian M.
I love Stella's, the fish is always extremely fresh and this is probably one of the best places to have fish in Minnesota. The food is definitely worth the price. The fresh catch is always great because it's flown in daily. My favorite things here honestly is the crab stuffed salmon, it comes on a bed of greens and is served with mashed potatoes, this thing is to die for. I also thought I'd give on honorable mention to the crab cake. It is one single large crab cake but the crab is fresh and it contains almost no filler. I love the rooftop during the summer and their 2 for 1 drinks at varying hours are such a great deal. I will say though that the service is sometimes lacking. It is one of the hotspots in Uptown so I understand this but the staff always seems rushed. I'll say that I've never had any major problems with the staff though and maybe they just need to have more during busy times.
(4)
Heather S.
We went for the brunch buffet on Sunday morning, and the spread was excellent. A great value for what you get, which is a variety of seafood (including shrimp and oysters), other prime meats, traditional but original breakfast fare, omelets and waffles to order, and mounds of fruit and desserts. Everything was delicious. Our waitress was attentive, efficient, and kind. The only complaint I had was one employee twerp was clearing one of the buffet tables and huffed and rolled his eyes when apparently we were inconveniencing him by simply breathing the same air. It's just never ok in the service industry to display jackassholery. Boo. Other than the twerp, it was a great experience!
(4)
Troy P.
Stella's is one of those Uptown staples that serves a lot of different needs. I'll highlight the three most common that I enjoy when visiting, Happy Hour, The Rooftop Patio and Late Night Drinking. -Happy Hour is competitive to the other Uptown mainstays and does not disappoint. The 2 for 1 (Well, more like buy one get one for a $1) drinks and $1 Oysters are enough to stand out in my book. Throw in the $10 specialty rolls, 3 tacos for $5 and $6 wings and you have yourself one awesome Happy Hour. The 4-6p version is fairly low key and usually pretty easy to find a spot, the late night option can be a little more crowded from my experiences but still worth it for the value. -The Rooftop Patio is basically a historical landmark in Uptown, unfortunately the construction of The Walkway luxury apartment building at the old Cowboy Slims site has all but eliminated the view of Downtown Minneapolis. Still though, the patio is one of the best in the city and that says a lot considering how many there are to choose from. In the warmer months it is always full of good looking people and has a infectious feeling of relaxation. Just don't drop anything in between the patio and the building roof, you won't get it back :( -From about 10p-2a Stella's transforms into a late night hot spot with multiple levels, it's not unusual to find a line around the corner to get in. The crowd consists of a wide range of people including but not limited to newly turned 21 year old out for their first taste of Uptown, Douchebag college kids out getting wasted, Middle Aged men and women hanging out after dinner and your run of the mill 30 and 40 year old professionals cutting loose. Stella's really is a great part of Uptown whether you like it or not. I don't like going all the time but I will definitely keep visiting.
(4)
Jenn K.
Coming from a girl who wouldn't walk into a seafood restaurant a year ago, I have to say hands down this is the best seafood place ever. I can't eat here without ordering clam chowder, because it's absolutely amazing. Full of flavor, just mm mmmm mm. My husband and I recently ordered the parmesan crusted halibut, some jalapeño corn bread, and of course oysters rockafellar. Everything was perfect. As if their food wasn't enough, they have a beautiful rooftop which overlooks the whole city. Just overall a nice place to be. Peaceful. Can't wait to return.
(5)
Jim R.
Weird start to the meal: sitting on the second floor, I ordered a Deschutes IPA and the waiter says its only served on the first floor. I'm like "what, why?" He says "that's our rule"...I'm like, "why, aren't all the other beers down at the first floor bar--the only bar in the whole inside?" Waiter, "yes"...I'm like, "so you won't serve me the IPA?" "Well, that's the rule.." I'm about ready to leave when he says I guess I can get it for you...hopefully their is no rule that seafood is only available on the 1st floor of a seafood restaurant...
(3)
Phil P.
I thoroughly enjoyed this spot in Minnesota. The gumbo was wonderful. The jumbalaya was ridiculously good. Spicey....meaning not hot sauce Spicy but "ingredients " spicy. Ya GOTTA HAVE THE JALAPEÑO CORNBREAD!!!!! wonderful..........
(4)
Sarah J.
I'm in awe of how a place this expensive can have service that bad. We arrived pretty early (around 11:30am) and the place was pretty empty. The hostess sat us immediately, and we waited a while for the waitress to show up. Eventually we got the menus to start making our lunch choices. As we looked around the restaurant, we noticed a list of available seafood choices for the day written on a chalkboard. Seabass was on that list, but missing from the menu. When the waitress finally returned to take our order, we inquired about the seabass only to have her say that it shouldn't be on the chalkboard because they don't have it (she never got around to changing it while we were there though, despite it being just chalk and her having the ability to just erase it!), and she actually forgot to bring us their other seafood menu with more choices on it. Thanks lady. She then proceeded to drop off the other menu and forget about us for a few more minutes. At this point, we were pretty annoyed, especially since the new menu only had about 7 things on it and clearly would not take 5 minutes to peruse. Eventually, we got to order an appetizer of a dozen blue oysters, and entrees of a lobster roll with mashed potatoes and a swordfish gyro with fries. The oysters were SO bad. It's pretty hard to screw up raw oysters since all you have to do is make sure they are fresh and clean, but somehow the quality checks slipped past the restaurant and they managed to serve us some pretty awful ones. At nearly twice the price of the gulf coast oysters I am used to, I was pretty bummed. The lobster roll and the swordfish gyro came out next. The brioche bun for the roll was a bit over toasted, but not to the point where it was inedible. It was a pretty good sandwich, but not $18 good. The swordfish gyro was a bit better, but not by much and it contained a lot of liquid, quickly making the pita very soggy. Whomp whomp. It took another million years for us to get the check and leave. We spent most of our waiting time watching our waitress talk with the other waitstaff, with none paying any attention to any of the customers. Not a great experience.
(2)
Abby D.
Best date night spot! Food was great and service was fantastic. We sat on the rooftop which is well worth any wait. Scallops melted in your mouth and salmon was delicious. Stella's is an uptown staple for a reason- its the best.
(5)
J S.
Went today for lunch and thought the food was very tasty. The atmosphere is very nice and the service good. I had the walleye sandwich and my hubby had the fins n chips. for a lunch it was way overpriced for the amount of food. I would not go back unless just for a drink just due to the high price. Each meal was 14.95. I think these were the cheapest items on menu. Nice patio! Next time I crave fish I am headed to Sea Salt or Tavern on Grand
(3)
Ryan S.
I enjoy going to Stella's mostly for their happy hour. Been a few times for lunch for fish and chips and have always been satisfied. Their happy hour menu is great and the 2 for 1 drink special is nice. On Friday they also have oyster specials. Only place I have ordered oysters since moving to Minneapolis and have no complaints. Being this far inland was afraid of what I was going to be served but no regrets here. Depending on when you show up it can be a little bit of a wait to get a table or a spot at the bar. The roof top seating is wonderful on a nice day. Service has always been courteous and attentive.
(4)
Kim S.
I sat at the bar and had fantastic service as always. Moe the bartender was great, very patient and knowledgable. Stella's is my favorite place to go, the food is always amazing as is the atmosphere. Ted the manager stopped by and asked how everything was which is always nice too! Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Nero X.
Had the Salmon Caesar - I've had better at other places and it was overpriced. Service lacked. Appetizers came out quicker than the main entrees. And, if you go there thirsty for anything other than water, don't hold your breath for a refill.
(1)
Hima R.
Having lived on the East Coast most of my life and enjoying seafood to the fullest, I was about timid about my first true seafood experience in Minnesota (ocean food, not just lake food). But after hearing a few recommendations about Stella's my husband and I tried it. GREAT STUFF! APPETIZER we got the mussels (we almost always get a mussels app if there is one) and this was surprisingly good. The mussels were huge and the broth was quite tasty, so much so that we asked for some bread to dip and they obliged (not sure if they charged as I didn't look at the receipt). ENTREES my husband got the seafood cioppino and really enjoyed it, and I had the lobster pasta and it was really good - I had asked them to go light on the parmesan cream sauce, and that didn't seem to happen, hence the 4 stars not 5. Then again I've learned in my 9 months of living in the Upper Midwest that there are very few "light" hands out there so best bet would be to order the sauce on the side if you want to have some control over how heavy your meal is. DESSERTS We didn't partake in desserts because we were pretty full and nothing jumped out as that exciting (we preferred to have Izzy's ice cream near where we live). WOULD WE GO BACK? That's always the big question, and the answer is yes, absolutely! ROOFTOP SEATING One small thing to note - we had a reservation, and planned to sit indoors, but then they sort of offered up rooftop seating. So we took the elevator up (4 floors) only to find that the roof seating requires a separate wait, so back down we went. No big deal but just a heads up if you are dead set on sitting on the roof. OVERALL I am a happy camper having found pretty good seafood at a reasonable price here in MN!
(4)
Ali J.
Stella's has the potential to be great but it seems like they know they don't have to do much to attract a crowd. I stopped by for happy hour and was really excited to sit on the roof top only to learn happy hour is limited to the bar only. Lame! The happy hour specials are ok but nothing crazy amazing. Each time I've visited the bar staff has never really been knowledgable about their food or drinks - we asked what the difference between the oysters on special was and the bartender had to google it. The food is alright but nothing I would go out of my way for. One time we decided to skip happy hour and sit on the roof top. We walked upstairs and were "greeted" by a bunch of rude high-school hostesses that snapped it'd be over an hour for seats. OK, not worth that wait. While we were up there we couldn't help but notice how unorganized they were - they actually gave away someone's table when they ran to the bathroom...super awkward when they came back. Overall if Stella's were to have better service it might be worth the prices but it seems like they just don't care about service.
(2)
Morgi S.
Today I went to Stella's fish cafe and as soon as I walked in I was pleased. Stella's had a beautiful staircase with lights and it was very big. The decorations were beautiful and fun. When I sat down the waitress served me and I ordered fried fish and chips. She was very friendly and the music was very upbeat and nice to listen to. The food was great but very spendy. I enjoyed the time that I had but I feel as if you could go somewhere that has the same quality food for cheaper. Overall it was great.
(4)
Baramee C.
I love this place, especially on a Friday after work (or even leaving work early to take advantage of the Friday happy hour specials...aka $0.69 oysters). Happy hour runs 3-6p, so to make the most of it, you have to get there early. Let's cut to the chase. Decor: lots of wood everywhere. Oyster bar next to regular bar. Happy hour only in the bar area which includes high tops for 4+ people. Nice hostess stand right when you walk in. There's an upstairs (where the bathroom is) filled with booths and regular tables. Then...there's the rooftop, which has a great view and a pretty nice place to hang out. Service: the service was great. The server was super attentive and was always checking on us and very accommodating when we had a few more people come and she was able to move us to another table. She wasn't always rushing off even though she had other tables to attend to. She was AWESOME! Happy hour: 2-for-1 drinks (beer and well). Special-priced appetizers and oysters. M-Th $1 oysters, Fri $0.69 oysters. Food: the oysters were delicious. Most of the time they're bluepoints, but we also got Charles Island this time (loved them). The champagne mussels are a must! The wings were good. The steak bites were good (not really necessary in my opinioin). You should definitely get the gorgonzola bread (not on the menu, but needed to soak up the champagne mussels left over sauce). TLDR: go to Stella's!
(5)
Laura C.
Cool location, huge rooftop, only a few blocks away from Lake Calhoun. My helpful tip is don't get the sushi-like salad. It was TINY! My husband got the taco salad and it was like 4 times the size of my salad! I liked his salad (which he kindly shared with his poor, hungry wife!) and would definitely go back and try more of the menu.
(4)
Nadia R.
Best food and drinks. The servers are friendly and always ready to give recommendations
(5)
Mao H.
Swordfish was a little too done otherwise it was good. The black peppercorn crust was a plus and goes so well with the cognac cream sauce. Brussel sprouts were awesome. I'm impressed! Will definitely order it again.
(4)
Kien N.
I've been to stellas 3-4 times, and I'd highly recommend going to their 89cent happy hour on Friday from 3:00-6:30. It's the chef's choice, but I want to say that we've gotten bluepoints only maybe less than half the time! I really have mixed feelings about the service here. You're lucky to get a decent server. But the manager is fantastic! The first time we went, we wanted to get the happy hour half off oysters. The manager said that he knows the website stated that, but there's a winter schedule that doesn't have that special. He said he'd hook us up anyways, and took care of us that whole night. The second time we went, we got a miserable waitress that said they don't do happy hour. 10 minutes later, she comes back "oh, turns out we do". She messed up a ton of our drink orders. So assured she brought out the right beer, she had to taste it herself to realize that she was wrong. Service was slow and rough that night. Oysters were great! The third time we went, we got a good server. This one's an interesting story though. My friend accidentally left her retainer and it was thrown away. 10 minutes into our drive home, she called the restaurant and they told her to come check if she wanted but they couldn't find it. I went inside with her and the hostess brought us to the trashcan they threw everything and gave us some gloves to dig through all of the trash...by ourselves...as everyone watched. Some employees came by "you can't be back here, oh, you're looking for something in the trash, okay". The manager, the same awesome guy ^up there came by and was facking shocked. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, and he was visibly taken over by a mixture of shame, anger, and disappointment. He said we shouldn't be doing this, and he was going to take it out back, pour it out and check it himself. He asked for our number so he could call if he found anything. This guy is the role model restaurant service representative. Oh, and crispy cod sandwich was okay. Champagne mussels had really small mussels but the sauce was damn good! I'd recommend Stella's for quality oysters at an awesome price, but the odds are against you when it comes to service. *I gave it a 4 because I love oysters; if it were some other mediocre food, we'd probably be sitting at a 1 or a 2.
(4)
Ivan O.
Slow service. Waited over 10 mins to get a lemonade refill. Other than that the skydeck is ok to spend time during a warm day.
(1)
Erin D.
A lobster dinner for $19.99?! Amazing. They offer this deal on Sundays and it's definitely worth taking advantage of. It only lasts until the tanks are empty, but it wasn't crazy busy when we got there so there was no problem. Happy hour was buy one beer or drink and get the 2nd for $1. They deliver both drinks to you at the same time which isn't really my favorite but it's happy hour, what do you expect? The peel and eat shrimp and jalepeno cornbread were great and we got our food within 10-15 mins of sitting down which was awesome. Great place overall. Quality food and service.
(5)
Benjamin F.
The rooftop is beautiful and it's a great view of the city. I had the blackened tacos, they were ok. The flavor was a little bland. I had to wait about 45-50 minutes to get the tacos. Our waitress was very nice and mentioned they were having problems with the kitchen. I would go back for the rooftop and to try other food.
(3)
Ruth D.
I used to love Stella's, but my love for the food is quickly losing out to the shifting bar scene here. It used to be a nice place to go for a girls' night, or just a fun summer evening on the rooftop, but the last several times I've visited.... yikes. Shades of meat market, with smoky overtones of douchebaggery and overt sexual harassment. Yum. The staff seem tired and overworked amid the din and the chaos, and there has been a lot of unwanted attention/grabbing in public places like the stairwell or the hallway to the bathroom. Many of their (male) patrons need to learn about boundaries and respect. The fact that a woman is wearing a dress and heels is not an invitation to grab her or make sexually explicit comments to/about her. If this is you, examine your life. I also could have done without the attitude of the tin-pot dictator bouncer who was manning the elevator to the rooftop. When I refused to bribe him to get to the roof faster (my friend, who was there celebrating her birthday, and I were literally the next in line in a line that stretched around the room, so I'm not sure what his angle was--I'm not gonna pay someone $10 to get up to the rooftop two minutes quicker than I would have anyway) and then being nasty and sullen when we refused. Dude. I'll probably come back earlier, and/or on a weekday, because the food really is legitimately good. And this is coming from someone who disliked seafood for years. It's never disappointing. But the crowd here is. Very disappointing.
(3)
Mackenzie S.
This place is amazing! Right across the street from a parking garage, this restaurant has the best food! The fish and chips are clearly amazing, but the strawberry lemonade is out of this world! Also, be sure to save room for the cheesecake--it's worth every calorie! Heads up, reservations only apply to indoor dining and the rooftop fills up fast. You also need 80% of your reservation party at the restaurant within 10 minutes of your reservation time or you will be skipped on the list!
(5)
Michelle K.
Hands down best seafood I have eaten in this state! I don't give 5 stars lightly.. So here it is: My hubby and I came here for my birthday lunch. We started off with the Firecracker Sushi, Oysters, and jalapeño corn bread. The firecracker sushi was Oh my.. Amazing!! I don't think I have ever had some many different flavors and textures in my mouth at the same time! You will not be disappointed! My hubby said that the oysters were the best he had ever had! (I can't do the texture) The jalapeño corn bread was good.. It was not the best I have ever had but it was good! I had the Ahi Tuna with wasabi and ponzu sauce and mashed potatoes!!! To die for. It was absolutely delicious!! My hubby had the shrimp scampi linguini. It was also equally amazing!! We finished off the meal with the chocolate turtle cake because if you know me at all, every good meal should end with a desert. I would pass on the desert here as it is not their specialty. It was below average... But this would not deter me from coming here again over and over to try the so many other things on the menu that I want to try. The atmosphere was more than welcoming and pleasant. It was a very clean establishment. The service was pleasant. My only con on the service was we got our food at the same time as our sushi (as he was pretty backed up). I think this will definitely be a new hot spot for us!!! If you would like a nice lunch or dinner for date night or other, I highly recommend this place!!! Loved it loved it loved it!!!!
(5)
Emma S.
Stella's has never disappointed me. With a fantastic rooftop and fresh, seemingly-off-the-coast seafood, I would go here every day if my life permitted it. Most recently, one of my roommates and I stopped by the Uptown hotspot and shared the Oyster Rockefeller and calamari. Stella's has the perfect portions for sharing, and at a place with such a large, quality menu, it's important to be able to order a bunch of little plates opposed to an individual large one. The oysters were perfectly seasoned and breaded, and the calamari didn't have one chewy piece in the bunch - doesn't get closer to perfection than that. We also ordered two mojito's off the menu - the "purple" as well as the "caribbean," to share. Their drinks are just as good as their food, and although I didn't order one this time around, their gin and tonics are some of the best in all the Twin Cities. Yeah, I said it. The waiters are also a plus, because they come around just enough to get you anything you need without being overbearing or M.I.A. In summary, if you go, share. Why limit yourself to just one menu item? The seafood is way too good for that. Stella's is like a little restaurant from Maine in the heart of Minneapolis' Uptown. Can't go wrong.
(5)
Ella E.
My 5 stars are only a review of their $1 oysters!! Actually, the oysters came out to 89 cents each (which is really incredible). I ordered 24 oysters and the chef gave me a variety of oysters. All fresh, all different sizes. Yelp offered a $5 mojito coupon which was only allowed for one person at the table. I would DEFINITELY come here again and with more time so that I can try other things on the menu.
(5)
Lawrence H.
Our server Mary was outstanding. I really felt as if she wanted to make us feel welcome. She was on top of everything. The food was good but it didn't make me say " oh let's drop everything and go back". I was disappointed with the appetizer of coconut shrimp. Smaller than Red Lobsters and that is dismal. Fish and Chips , take it or leave it. You can't expect much living in Minnesota. I can't wait for my trip to the gulf this winter.
(3)
Shayne F.
Happy hour on a Thursday night in winter. Not very busy- great service, friendly server. The manager stopped by too and had am in-depth convo about the food. Tried mostly hh food. The mussels were awesome, I wanted to get a spoon and finish the sauce. The burgers were very good too - juicy , not too much bun either. Sushi ok- wouldn't order sushi here again (the responsive manager took the BBQ spicy tuna off our bill). Husband loved his chowder too. Great mojito- ordered without simple syrup. ( not on hh though) Good experience!
(4)
Katelyn O.
Food is amazing and the roof top is awesome!!! The table bread and lobster roll were great! Employees were very friendly!
(5)
Josh K.
Dropped by Stella's yesterday to kill a Groupon I got and try the place out. Location wise, it's hard to top. Rooftop patio overlooking pretty much all of Uptown is just awesome. The parking can be an irritation, especially if you go for dinner I'm sure. Thankfully, I went during lunch and had no issues. But, it's uptown, what do you expect? Drink wise, not bad but not overly good. I wasn't overly impressed with the copious amounts of ice in my lemonade that made it go faster than anything. The fact they can't even screen the "fresh squeezed lemons" is a pain in the ass too. Oh joy another seed in my straw and another down my throat. Wonderful. I do digress, I did enjoy shooting them from my straw off the rooftop... Sushi... very good. I enjoyed the app quite a bit. The tuna was good quality and the sauces were a great compliment to the fish. My lobster roll left a lot to be desired though. In all honesty, the bread was the best part. A very good brioche bread with a hint of butter to it. However, the lobster and fixings were next to flavorless. For being "world famous" or whatever they claim, it must be in the world of their 3 story building because they are nothing special for nearly $20. The saving grace from this not being 2 stars is the fact my girlfriends' walleye po-boy was very good. Great bread again, amazing sauce, good veggies and the fish was damn good. The only problem, ran out of fish with a quarter of the bread left. Not a good bread to meat ratio there. All in all, I'm glad I had a groupon for it. If I were to pay the $70 for that meal as my bill came to before applying the voucher, I'd be pretty damn pissed. Will I go back again? Not unless it's for a sushi happy hour or I get another groupon. Otherwise, overrated in almost every aspect to me.
(3)
Anna B.
Stella's...You have your bright spots with your big, bright patio and yummy seafood menu. But those bright spots seem to flicker out . My husband and I went to Stella's seeking a Sunday lunch on a patio. The patio is amazing -- great views, pretty sunny. Service was lackluster at best. We were seated after a 10 or so minute wait - no biggie. Once seated, we waited about 5-10 minutes for a server to come over. Once she did - we got our orders in and put in a request for mussels to start as well as our lunch order. Mussels and drinks came out in decent time. We finished them. Mussels were super tasty! And sat. And waited. and waited. And waited some more. Asked for drink refills (our empty drinks might have been a little clue?). Waited. Waited. Smelled smoke from smoking patrons seated close to us. Finally food came out. My catfish poboy was okay - fries were tasty. Coleslaw might have been the best part of the meal. Really- the food was good. Ambience bc of smokers was mehhhh. Service was not so great. We'll be back to try happy hour someday.
(3)
Tommy_n_Loretta C.
Great evening here! We had the best date night! We bought a Lobster Bake dinner for two on LivingSocial.com for $89. It was amazing!
(4)
Rob B.
While I would expect that Minneapolis would have many great seafood places - despite being as far away from an ocean as a major city can possibly be - I haven't found many places that boast fresh seafood in the city. But on this occasion I was craving raw oysters and was also a little curious about this place since I have been told by numerous locals that this is a very popular place to hang out for people with pretty faces. So, it sounded like the place for me. Getting there is easy as there is a heated parking garage a half-block to the east at a cost of $9/day on the weekend. On this Saturday evening at 6pm the place was absolutely packed to the gills (pun intended). I was however disappointed when I was finally able to grab a seat at the bar to find out I had missed the $1 oyster happy hour, since the regular price is $2.75 - ouch! So instead of getting 3 or 4 dozen oysters as planned I opted for a half-dozen and the grilled ahi tuna. It was absolutely perfect. A 2-1/2" thick cut of perfectly prepared rare tuna. Fantastic and as fresh as any I have had anywhere else in the country. Great food, good beer selection, sports on the TV, dressy-casual, loud and energetic atmosphere, and oh yeah...lots of pretty faces. Maybe I'm easily impressed, but I don't think that's the case with this location. I think this place is a winner that I'll be going back to over-and-over both winter and summer.
(5)
Tequila T.
The food was AMAZING!!!! The wait for the rooftop was a bit long (but understandable for a Saturday night) The manager James was very nice and outgoing. I spilt my glass and before I knew it, he was there to help clean up the spill with no problems. Our waitress Katie was very nice, she was honest and helpful with the menu & drinks. The server Jack was also very nice and on top of our needs/wants... I ordered the coconut shrimp and loved it, I also ordered the crab cake, that was also good but in my opinion wasn't worth $16. The artichoke dip & ribs were also very good... This was my third time here, and would definitely return.
THAT ROOFTOP!!!!! This place takes all my money; because they have good stuff. Yes its that good. If someones visiting Minnesota, please visit this place. they are worth trying. Friendly servers. great oyester special. Theres none downside. Love it love it love it.
(5)
Megan T.
Noah is amazing! He got us everything we asked for and more! Highly recommend this place!
(5)
Lu B.
I work in Uptown and like most people who work in the area we have a limited time for lunch so it's great to have so many options for restaurants but now I know why NO ONE at my large office wanted to join me for lunch at Stella's today. I walked in to Stella's and saw only two other tables in the whole place so I figured I could get my lunch rather quickly.. wrong. The host was less than excited to see someone walk in the door and ask to sit at the bar, so I happily made my way up to the bar and sat down. I wait for close to 10 minutes (for someone on a lunch break that's an awful long time to wait for a menu to even be presented) never saw the bartender nor did the frumpy looking host bother to bring me a menu. After looking around for anyone in the entire place I find THREE employees at the host stand (the host was sitting a table her included) talking & laughing. I've worked in plenty of restaurants before and I am guilty of this myself, but when the manager is also talking in an almost empty restaurant and she is not even concerned about the customers it is no surprise the employees don't care either. I walked out making a smart ass remark to the host whom was sitting down how she should at least let someone know when anyone is in their section. I didn't expect to be blown away by service & food but I was expecting to be treated like a paying customer. I was taught my lesson today, as my co-works were already aware. Ended up at the Republic and made up for my lost time.
(1)
Grace R.
Food was good. Check-in for the $5 mojitos. The hostess was on a big of a power trip on the roof deck but our actual server was nice.
(3)
Sarah A.
The music on the patio isn't that great but the music inside is poppin! Happy hour is buy one get the second for $1 on mixed drinks or beers in tap.
(5)
Millicent C.
1) Seated on upper rooftop deck at 5:15 p.m. on a recent Friday, our server informed us that happy hour 2-for-1 isn't valid outside. While this is a crummy policy, please note this on your website at stellasfishcafe.com/stel… . 2) Please use another fish for your fish tacos. Tilapia, even "sushi grade" tilapia, still tastes like dirt. Carp, catfish, tilapia - they all taste like dirt. Use a milder pollock or cod, just anything but nasty tilapia. I've been eating fish for 35 years and simply can't understand why people are buying tilapia. It is foul. Try trout! 3) Server was friendly. The loud, drunk man falling out of the elevator as our party was leaving at 7 p.m. was friendly as well, but obnoxious and somewhat scary. 4) The men's room does not need an attendant selling chewing gum and angling for a $5.00 tip. This is Minnesota. I will try it again, but will sit inside to guarantee happy hour pricing, and probably on a night other than Friday.
(2)
Jackee K.
Great food. Horrific service. I am a local. Everyone's consensus is the seafood ain't bad if you can deal with the service.
(2)
Matt H.
Unequivocally the worst service I have ever experienced at a restaurant in recent memory. Truly horrible.
(1)
Abbie F.
This is the second time I've been to Stellas. Once before for happy hour and most recently for dinner. It is taking everything for me to not give it a one. The only reason it is a getting a two is because my happy hour experience was pretty good. Let's begin, we walk in and ask for a table for two. They put us in front of the kitchen under the stairs. The ONLY other people in this section are in booths. Worst table ever!! Another person comes over and I ask if we can move. He moves us to the front section by the sushi bar. Ok, I like this better since there are people around and I'm not sitting under steps. We ordered the mussels, coconut shrimp and daily catch sea bass. Mussels are good, but expensive. The coconut shrimp were tiny but there were a fair number of them. Sea bass was pan-fried and not that good. The service was HORRIBLE. I don't even understand how people work there when they are so bad. No checking in on us, forever to get the check. It was SO BAD! I don't understand how a restaurant like Stella's has so much potential and can't get people to work there that can actually do their job. As a former waitress poor service is totally unacceptable.
(2)
Elizabeth M.
Noah is great! Had the best 30th wedding anniversary dinner! He treated us like royalty, thanks for the memories and see you for our 31st!
(5)
Sarah S.
Great place and love the roof top.But the food is average to me I have had better seafood in shacks of LA.Their flavors just don't excite me but I love going there for their ambiance specially in summers.
(3)
Kelsey B.
Stella's to me is more of a drinking hole than a restaurant. I've never been blown away by the food and I feel it's pretty overpriced for the quality you get. Happy hour seems to be popular though but I would blame 2 for 1s for that.
(3)
LaTyra T.
The service the I got from bartender Kris was the best. If want a good stiff drink he is your guy. Thanks kris
(5)
Action D.
Went here for lunch on a dead Thursday. Server had menu knowledge and was very attentive. Ice tea was watery, but they did not charge. Soup was cold, had to be reheated. Crusted walleye was bland. Regular fish n chips was fairly tasty but not exceptional. All in all, a mixed bag. I opted for Lucia's, Grand Cafe, Black bird Cafe; however, those had limited options for some in our party. Still, better options and value in Uptown.
(3)
Annie P.
Groupon special is a fab deal and the rooftop patio is wonderful on a warm summer evening. They offer a $5.00 Mojito with a Yelp check in too. Our meal was one of the best we've had in a long time and we had wonderful service by Noah. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Jeremy B.
Too bad our server carded me! At dinner with my mother and girlfriend and I got carded. We were in the mood to go have a little fun and we it was one of those nights where we might have dropped $200 on dinner/drinks. We spent a few minutes on Yelp finding the perfect place for scallops and it seemed like a great place. I ordered what was to be the first of many cocktails, but, the server asked if I had my ID, I smiled and said no. She replied, "why not?" I said I didn't drive often and was not great at remembering to keep it on me. She said that that I should keep it on me because I, "look too young." As a 37 year old out to eat with my mom, I was vexed at this. She did not say she would not serve me a drink, she just scolded me. When she returned without my drink, she told me, "Next time bring your ID, because you don't look old enough." "Ok, it's your tip in question, not mine," I responded. She snapped back, "The law says..." I cut her off, "I am familiar with the language in the statutes. You could have decided to serve me and you decided not to. That is all that matters." In a snotty voice, she asked if I wanted to talk to the manager. I said, "No, I want to order food." But it is so damn loud in there that ordering was a process. The coconut shrimp and sushi roll and scallops were all excellent, but none of us will ever return. If parking wasn't such a bitch there, I would have gone to the car to look for my ID, but it was 5 blocks away. The place does have "that weird fishy smell" which is present in all real seafood joints open longer than a year btw
(3)
Joey F.
Awesome rooftop although it can get pretty hot up there. I am not a big seafood eater, but I must say this place is tasty. Some of the best fish I have had in a while. Not such great service though. I suggest not drinking a ton if your on the rooftop because it is a long walk to the bathroom or you can wait forever for the elevator.
(4)
Katherine Y.
Came here last week with my boyfriend for the first time and it was awesomeeeeee. I was really craving oysters that day and had been wanting to try Stella's out for awhile. In reference to the oysters, they were pretty good! I got the Mexican styled ones with pico de gallo and my boyfriend got the Japanese styled ones with seaweed. However, they were kinda small :( and I felt it was pricey for only 6 oysters. We also had the Mafia sushi roll and the coconut shrimp for an appetizer. Both awesome. The best part was the swordfish we ordered. I've had swordfish before but this dish paired with mashed potatoes and blue cheese was so good. My boyfriend is still talking about it. Our waiter was awesome and gave us great recommendations. Definitely will come back again.
(4)
Mai C.
My husband and I sat down, waited 15 minutes, didn't get served at all... We walked out and walked over to Sushi Tango. I've been to Stella's before, the food is good, place is really busy on the weekends.
(1)
Antionette S.
Went for a rooftop happy hour. service was spot on and a shout out to Amy, Noah and a very nice bar back (I think) Josh? They went above and beyond when they helped me recover a item that went over the side. Thanks for the good time and great service !!!
(5)
Crystal O.
Stella's is a classic go to spot in uptown. Great for boozing, not so much for feasting. Seafood is overpriced (I get it..we're in Minnesota) but it's also not the best. Full props for their rooftop patio although good luck getting a table on one of those gorgeous spring days. GREAT. Late night HH: Friday/Saturday 10pm-1am you Buy one Drink and get another one for a buck! Nonetheless A for effort (by effort I mean HH...) C for food and experience. #NotThatStella
(3)
Breanne K.
I avoid Stella's; just not my crowd. Only go there for two reasons: 1) I've forgotten that Chino Latino doesn't open till 4pm on Sundays, 2) I've got a craving for coconut shrimp. Really, Stella's is more than overrated, unless you're a frat bro or cougar. Their coconut shrimp must have crack in it though, cause it's addictive! The rooftop is spectacular. Just don't drop your wallet through the cracks... Seriously, I almost did that.
(2)
Ivy M.
It's hard to come to places like these, especially if you're still a fairly new practicing vegan or vegetarian. But I was outnumbered by carnivores at the time, so what the hey. Vegetarian plates were limited, but the waiter we had was very nice and did his best to accommodate me, (I ended up getting a large portion of asparagus, along with a salad) and for that I give him huge props. The asparagus was very good while the salad was decent too. However, I knock off two stars because there was a patron nearby who had too much to drink and he began directing profane language towards one of the waitresses. He continued yelling randomly off and on for about 15 mins before he left, but it left me feeling very uncomfortable being there. I understand people get drunk and act a fool sometimes, but this was occurring in the middle of the day, at lunch and it really bothered me that nobody from the restaurant gave this guy a warning, or asked him to leave...
(3)
Isabel S.
This is my second time here at Stella's. I ordered the Rock Oysters, but twice the oysters were not that clean. There were residue of chipped shell or something on the oysters. My boyfriend ordered a walleye but it was tasteless. If we had to add salt and pepper to something fried, that's pretty bad. And the saddest part was the plates were not clean, and they were all stacked together. Even their cutleries (knives and fork) were sticky. Their tagline is hygiene is always on the menu. But I am not too sure about that. Would I come back? I would think twice cause of the food, service, and cleanliness of the utensils I will be using.
(2)
Kevin H.
Good food, mediocre service, Uptown prices (i.e., overpriced). Stopped in just after happy hour on a summer weekday. Seated quickly, and drinks served efficiently. Ordered Sushi as my meal, and was told it comes from a separate area and wouldn't coordinate with the other meals. No problem, but it was served like 1 minute later, so like 10 minutes before the other meals - awkward and unnecessary. Waitress came by with chopsticks just as Sushi plate was empty. Even worse, appetizer arrived AFTER all the meals were all on the table, which is just inexcusable. Food was all good, but for the price tag, service should be much better.
(2)
Bushra H.
Great location. Superb customer service. Mouth-watering food. This place is the place to be! The coconut shrimp was absolutely delicious and the spicy pineapple marmalade it came with was to die for! It was my first time but most definitely won't be my last!!
(5)
Saby K.
They have good drink deals if you're simply coming here for nightlife. It does get crowded, especially the dance floor, but it's a good time here. SO sad that they have the lobster claw machine in the front!!
(3)
Conor C.
Need a place to take on a hot date during the summer? This place is it. Game Over. The sushi is top notch, with a variety of tastes. Recommend the fire cracker or the mango sushi rolls. Sit on the roof top and take in the atmosphere. One of the coolest places to eat in uptown. At night the restaurant turns into a go to party spot.
(5)
Brian D.
Not great, not awful; on a nice summer night, it's pleasant to dine on the roof and watch Uptown drift by. The opening note was off as we went to the bar, requested two Tom Collins, and were handed their version of the summer classic, which they call a "Phil Collins". We sent that back and were given the exact same drink without grenadine. It didn't taste like a Tom Collins and neither my wife nor I liked it at all. Getting the drink order correct at the bar is one of the easy things to do right. Learn to make a Tom Collins or tell someone that you can't make on. The fried calamari appy was very nice and the Tuna Nicoise was just okay. The Nicoise: they need to put some salt on the potatoes and the green beans were pickled too much, but the lettuce was fresh and the tuna was seared nicely. Dessert was an uninspired Key Lime pie. The big attraction for Stella's is the deck, which is a nice place to sit. Service was also okay. Nothing to write home about, but I can't complain either.
(3)
Katie M.
The largest draw, in my opinion, of Stella's is the rooftop. The food is good - a little expensive considering the quality. I've been there for drinks a number of times but have only eaten there twice. It's a large restaurant with a lot of space so it can get a little noisy. Try to sit outside if you can. The two menu items I have had are the apple walnut salad (delicious) and the tuna nicoise which is pan seared Ahi Tuna, green beans, kalamata olives, potatoes, hard boiled egg, asparagus & tomatoes.
(3)
Mathew D.
Wife loves this place. Rooftop is perfect for a date night. Wife gets scallops and I'll usually go with the walleye which always taste fresh. Macaroni and cheese appetizer I would suggest as well!
(5)
John L.
I was very unimpressed with Stella's. The people I was with enjoyed their food more than I did, so I gave 2 stars. My experience was actually lower. They staff wares shirts that imply that they will be rude and give poor service. At first, I didn't realize that was an understatement. We were the first group on the waiting list when we arrived. But the hostess refused to give an estimate on the wait. The wait, for a table, was reasonable. We ordered fairly quickly because we had the menu while waiting to be seated. I ordered the swordfish gyro, and got a salad instead of fries. That is where the quick service ended. Our lunch took about 45 minutes to arrive. My fish was overcooked and dried out. It wasn't cut in a shape that worked on a pita so I couldn't hold it. My salad didn't have the dressing I ordered. The salad was from a bag, and was so dry, I wonder if it wasn't from last year. Everyone else thought their food was acceptable. Although one did say they wouldn't want to come back. Once we were done eating, we asked for the bill. 15 minutes late the waitress came back without the bill and asked if we wanted desert. We said we weren't interested, and requested the bill again. Another 20 minutes later, she arrived with the bill, and took a card. Another 15 minutes passed and she arrives back with the paper to sign, but said she has lost my fathers credit card. But she said not to worry they always find the cards that they lose. I guess this is a common occurrence. The card was found another 15 minutes later. It only took 2.5 hours to have a quick lunch. Overall this was the worst dining experience I've had since I move to the twin cities over a decade ago.
(2)
Crystal L.
Been here a couple of times for drink, but never to sit down and eat. Went with a few friends for the $20 whole lobster special on Sunday. This was my first time eating lobster, mainly because it is so expensive. I've always loved the restaurant itself, very trendy and fun. The food was great! We got the baked mac n/ cheese, stuffed french bread and each our own lobster. LOVED IT. Great price for a huge lobster. So good. Will definitely be going back. Awesome special. The other food was pretttyyy pricey, but it was yummy, so it's worth it.
(5)
Pradeep S.
We stopped here hoping for a beautiful summer night on the rooftop patio. We quickly learned that was not going to happen. It was not a busy night, but for some reason we were last on the server's agenda. In between flirting with the other waitstaff, holding up various posts, and walking past us as if we didn't exist, the food arrived an hour + after putting in the order and was overall poor in taste. We even watched a runner bring the order out to the deck and set it on a serving tray in the wind for a full ten minutes before our server noticed and brought it to us. The IPA shells and cheese tasted like a saltier, worse version of velveeta. The lobster roll was the quality of a microwave dinner. The fries were, of course, soggy. The lobster bisque was decent. An absolutely simple but essential condiment request was put in when we ordered, forgotten, requested again when the food arrived, but never made it to our table. I'm a fair and reasonable man with a background in food service, but this entire experience was simply unacceptable for any establishment. Avoid.
(1)
Laura L.
Coworkers and I went to Stella's for dinner on a Wednesday evening. We made a reservation for inside, to ensure we would have space for our party of 6. We were told the rooftop did not take reservations, so we took the gamble, and it paid off! We were seated on the rooftop with the view of the Minneapolis skyline. The menu is abounding with seafood options, both fish and shellfish. Our group ordered the fried calamari and the jalapeno cornbread as shared appetizers. The calamari was good, served with a dipping sauce that added a nice dimension to the fried crispiness. I was skeptical about eating seafood in the Midwest, but ended up ordering the Ahi Tuna steak. When my meal arrived, the tuna was underdone for my taste - it was barely grilled on the outside, and was very raw in the middle, which made it more like sushi. I purposely did not order sushi because I don't like raw fish, so the entree was disappointing. The broccoli that was served as a side dish was delicious though! Perfectly steamed and lightly seasoned, it was delightful! I would probably say it was the best part of the meal. One of my coworkers ordered the crab stuffed salmon, and sent it back. Something was wrong with the salmon last night, and it was not just our table - we noticed the table next to us sent it back as well. Overall, nice place, but I wasn't overly impressed. Maybe it's because I live near the coast and have a relatively high standard for seafood. In any case, if I'm ever in Minneapolis again, I'll be trying something else instead of returning here.
(3)
L R.
We went last night, taking advantage of our Groupon coupon for the Lobster Bake for 2. It was a tremendous deal and we were not disappointed. We ordered two of the specialty drinks instead of the wine that came with the offer,and loved both. We had the lobster bisque, pear salad, the lobster bake (tons of food!) and it was topped off with the delicious chocolate cake at the end. Our server, Jason (?), was fantastic - very professional and timed his visits perfectly. Why not five stars - stairs to the bathroom, the usual loud music that you have yell over. Not sure if it would be a great place for a romantic meal during happy hour :) I have been there before and enjoyed lunch rooftop ... again, the food brings me back ... the stairs ... hmmm... not much they can do about that.
(4)
Geni R.
Amazing seafood! It's a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. This is NOT Joes Crab Shack or Red Lobster, this is fresh seafood. I had the sun flower crusted ahi tuna and I'm still dreaming of it. They have a wide range of cocktails and food options for even the non seafood lover. The staff was friendly and went out of their way to get us free shots. Yep, that's right, free shots :) How could you not love a place like this!
(4)
Suzanne F.
Busy day in uptown so didn't expect "stellar" service but the service and first drinks took 20 minutes. The Gorgonzola bread was dry and 30 minutes later the crab cake and fish and chips were at best mediocre. The tank with the lobster was cloudy and what really ticked me off was the kids dragging garbage cans and dirty dishes on carts through the dining room, disgusting. Now I can say I went and experienced this restaurant but won't be back. If I want authentic fish and chips I will go to the Anchor in NE
(2)
Scott E.
We have dined inside during a cool day, but prefer to dine on the roof. Now there is a new apartment building blocking the view to the east which is too bad. I am not a fan of salmon. I check tasting menus for salmon to decide if I am going to dine at the establishment. If it is on the menu, I stay away. Recently we were at Stella's and my love ordered salmon. I tried it. OH MY... like no other salmon I have tasted. Hats off to the chef. The dessert was a HUGE slice of red velvet cake. So good. One slice is enough for four people. Parking is on the street or public pay lot. Reservations are suggested. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food. Drinks are always excellent. I have been here in a suit and tie or shorts and t-shirt. Everyone fits in. Enjoy!
(5)
Tiffany L.
Honestly the only reason I will go to Stellas is for a birthday or the rooftop other wise the food is too expensive for what you are getting the pasta tastes like you could make it yourself out of a jar and the portion size isn't big either. I've tried their fish tacos which were alright listed under the appetizers its comes with three tacos. Calamari isn't anything special same as the bucket of shrimp which comes with two dipping sauces. Catfish thats deepfried was fishy and had no flavor the coleslaw was good though but comes in a tiny cup. I thought that it was awesome they had a snazzy lobster claw machine spent a good 10bucks trying to catch one! its $2 a try. If you catch it they will cook it up for you. The rooftop is great though they have a amazing view and just across the street is cafeteria. Good oysters on Friday and they also offer a lobster special on Sundays. Save your money find a deal day like the ones I mentioned or a Groupon otherwise just go for the drinks!
(3)
K B.
I haven't eaten here in 5 yrs...I remember why. I came in to sample their new brunch....terribly slow service on a slow morning. For a place that boasts several eggs Benedict's...hard poached eggs are unacceptable. They took my plate away leaving my dining partner to eat alone. Oh and beware of their "hash-browns" ...an ice cream scoop if mush.
(1)
Anon X.
We went out for dinner on a Thursday evening. It was pretty busy. Our bill was $65 total. We ordered the Thursday night special King Crab meal and BBQ ribs. The food was also excellent. The portion size was perfect so you didn't leave completely full. The crab was soft and juicy along with the mashed potatoes and the clam chowder that came with. We were extremely surprised at how good the ribs were as well. For a fish cafe, their rib sauce was great and the ribs were cooked very well. It was not dry at all, which is what you get at a lot of places nearby. The service was excellent, however, that would be our only complaint. We were helped by at least three people throughout the evening so we just left a big tip and hopefully everyone got a piece of it. We were in and out in about an hour. I would highly recommend this place to everyone.
(5)
Julie T.
I met up for a first date here. The reason the other person suggested it was for the amazing view on the roof of Stella's. Sadly, an apartment building now blocks the view. The patio was great anyway. Started out at the bar since there was a wait for seating. Served quickly. Although I don't drink, they appeared to have a good selection of beers and other drinks. My date and I had a shrimp appetizer. The service took a little longer than I would have imagined for cool shrimp; however, it was a good date so it didn't bother me that much. I thought the shrimp were wonderfully fresh and the dipping sauces were amazing. The wait staff was very attentive to us throughout the night. Stopped by just enough to offer refills and fill water. Our server even taught was a really cool way to eat the shrimp. Very friendly.
(4)
Jenni B.
I can only truly evaluate Stella's as a bar, although I hope to at some point come back for the Sunday night lobster deal. For an occasionally fishy smelling bar, Stella's is a good time. The two for one drink special on a Friday night is steal for Uptown. This is definitely the place to go if you're on a budget and not looking to chat with randos. I like that there are multiple levels so you can get some variety while you are there. In the summer try to get all the way to the top, it's the best view in the area because you can see all the other rooftop bars plus you get to see lit up downtown Minneapolis in the distance. You will need to wait in line for this though, I would head right for the bar when you arrive and get straight into line with your two-fers. Stella's often has a DJ (and by DJ i mean itunes user) which is lame. They don't have the space laid out for a centralized DJ and even if they did the music choices are off. Usually billboard hits from t-minus 1 year. It's not surprising no one has ever danced here ever. Overall it's a decent nightlife spot, I've been many times and will likely be back for many more.
(3)
Geoff G.
Regularly, this place is fantastic. But on NYE, what a bust. They charge $60+ flat rate for an open bar, open buffet. Sound great, right? Well, the buffet "started" at 11, so around 10:45 everyone lined up to get their fill, and there were NO FISH OPTIONS, REGARDLESS OF BEING A "FISH CAFE". Options weren't listed online, so we weren't sure what we had even signed up for. Meatballs, skewers, and a bunch of crackers, chips, and veggies. Also, I tried getting food at 11:30pm, a half hour after the buffet opened, and it was CLOSED. That's right, not refilled as in no more food.. What a jip. The drinks? Well, I can't complain that we were able to get an open bar, but the place was so packed it took at least 20 minutes to get anything from the one bar they had open. I mean, props to those working under such restrictive and stressful circumstances, but really, Stella's, get your act together for next year, because a shoddy plate of veggies and a few drinks hardly constituted $60...
(2)
Jacky W.
The best thing about this place is the rooftops views. I went there with my man friend for dinner and we were able to sit on the roof and relax as the day faded to night and the lights of the city turned on around us. That is why Stella's gets 2 stars instead of 1. The rest of the experience was unappetizing. The food was standard - absolutely nothing outstanding about our meals (we ordered the fish tacos - they were light and filling, the spinach/crab dip - subpar, and the grilled broccoli - also subpar). The beers on tap were few, but filled to the brim. Our server was absolutely awful. We were waiting for so long to order that we almost approached other servers before she was hustled over by her manager to serve us. The only other time that we saw her was when we practically grabbed her as she shuffled by, again unobservant, so that we could finally pay our bill and leave. A meal that should've lasted an hour or less lasted almost two. And the roof, unlike most nights, was not busy enough to justify her inattention. Although I absolutely love the rooftop feature of this restaurant, the service and food quality make me hesitant to return.
(2)
Haley C.
Great food and fun atmosphere. Had such a fine Saturday afternoon here! I suggest the muscles and the Gouda bread. Sushi is amazing as well. Happy hour is well worth it!
(5)
Heather Z.
General Manager is amazing. They made a mistake with our reservation, and more than made up for it!
(5)
Autumn V.
First off: Why don't I have a review for this place since I've been here millions of times before? Haha. And secondly, I'm 20 something, single, anddd I enjoy loud top 40s music, too many people, rooftop dining, seafood, and cheap drink deals... all of which Stella's has. My only complaint is that it does get ridiculously packed on Saturday nights. Friday nights aren't as bad but once I get a few drinks in, I can't complain anymore. Just be aware it gets to be much like a sardine can. Haha. But yknow, most of uptown/the Calhoun Square area is like this in the summer on the weekends. *shrugs* I love their happy hour deals (main floor bar area only)! My favorites are the $1 oysters, the champagne mussels, the peel & eat shrimp, the taco of the day, and the crab+spinach dip..... which is half of the happy hour menu. Haha. And there's 2-4-1 rail, beer drinks. Yay! Also there's a claw game for live lobsters. Win one, and they'll cook it for you. I'm not sure about winning one at midnight on a weekend but I'm sure they'll figure something out for you. ;) Oh, summer. I'm so glad you're here.
(4)
Kristine O.
I wasn't all that impressed for their high prices. I got the lobster roll and my boyfriend got the Ahi Tuna. Both were just okay. We also each got a beer and I was surprised that the bill came to over $60. I'm more of the whole in the wall get your moneys worth kind of foodie. We have a gift card so we will probably go back on a Sunday and give the $20 lobster a try or Thursday for the Crab special.
(2)
Mad I.
5 stars for the oh so crowded roof top where you just have to go to see and be seen! lol The food is mighty tasty too, I like fried seafood so I'm happy :)
(4)
Calandriel A.
Note: This review mainly pertains to my experience at Stella's New Year's Eve party in 2013. I'd give the event a 1-star rating, but the establishment earns another star back because I had dinner there once and it was an okay experience. Tickets for the NYE party were $60.00 per person. I thought this was pretty steep, until I learned that drinks and a buffet were included. Considering how expensive Stella's is, it actually seemed like a pretty good deal. I was gearing up for a night of coconut shrimp and other seafood appetizers accompanied by a few glasses of wine. My friends and I arrived a couple of hours before midnight and decided to get drinks right away. Already, it was quite a bit of a wait at the bar, because the place was getting packed. An hour later, it was IMPOSSIBLE to get a drink. I must have waited at that bar for a good 15 minutes, being shoved out of the way by various people that didn't care I'd gotten there first. The bartenders didn't even notice me or my boyfriend in the sea of people and I eventually gave up. I don't doubt that the place was over capacity, because it became unbearable to move after a while. The stairs were so overcrowded with drunken idiots in high heels that it became a serious fire hazard. They DID have security, but the guy was having a Hell of a time getting anyone to listen to him. And good luck getting into the bathroom. Again, there was a security guard present to make sure girls weren't sneaking into the men's bathroom because the women's line was so long. So, after giving up on drinks, and weaving our way past the girl who'd just thrown up on the dance floor, we scaled the stairs and made our way to the buffet tables. To my great dismay, there was ABSOLUTELY ZERO seafood available. The buffet consisted of barbeque meatballs, cheese cubes, crackers, and an assortment of vegetables with Ranch dip. It was like the kind of food they serve at high school graduation parties in someone's parents' garage. I felt so disappointed that I really wish I'd asked for my money back. I've never spent so much on absolutely NOTHING before. In addition to the buffet being terrible, it only lasted for about a half hour before they put everything away. So if you didn't manage to get your crackers and cheese in that span of time, you didn't get anything at all. To sum it up: don't waste your money on this horrible, overpriced event.
(2)
Michael B.
We were here on 6/27/14 for a birthday dinner. I knew it started off bad when we showed up, told them who the reservations were under and they said, "ok we will be right back." Once Blondie McShort Dress returned telling us they were getting our tables ready she ask "and how many of you will there be tonight?" Reservations were made. She probably should have checked. Not a huge problem. Her high school education was put to a minor test. On to our table! Our waiter was friendly but lacked any urgency on getting our drinks. Once we finally got them we were happier and then ordered our dinners. I had the diver scallops. They were a very nice sized. The blue cheese Brussel sprouts were good as well. The mashed potatoes lacked flavor. Nothing was hot though. I tried my girlfriends food (I don't remember what it was and it doesn't matter) the fish was luke warm at best. Here asparagus was ICE cold. Our food had clearly been sitting out for a long time. Our waiter never brought the food but whoever did certainly didn't care it was getting cold. I was looking forward to eating dinner here. Unfortunately I was grossly disappointed. I've never seen lobsters pray to be boiled until I saw them "swimming" in such cloudy and murky water in their tank. For over $100 there are much better seafood places in Minneapolis.
(2)
Phillip Y.
We visited here on Sunday after visiting the MIA. We were surprised that the hostess asked for reservations. So, I guess it is regularly pretty busy. We did not have reservations but she seated us in the back near the kitchen. It was fine and we ordered our dinner platter. I got the SF seafood cioppino (fish, scallop, shrimp, mussel, and a generous pair of crab legs). This is higher-end restaurant so expect higher prices. However, the quality is definitely there. The wait was not too long and service was fantastic. Parking is across the street and didn't check if there was validation on parking. After looking online, it looks like no discount with eating in Uptown. It was Sunday so it was only $5 but it would be nice to have parking validated.
(5)
Mandy J.
I love their patio during summer days, other than that, food is ok, a little overpriced though.
(3)
Blake C.
Ate at Stella's tonight with my family had a nice blacken chicken Alfredo very tasty buy would have liked it better if the blacken spice was spicer.
(4)
Natalie K.
I just went to Stella's for the second time and so I'm updating my review. I waited with a friend to get a seat on the renowned roof top. It was packed and I can see why because the view is one of the best in Uptown. I had a pomegranate mojo while I waited which had me craving more. Also, because it was packed my friend and I were forced to stand by the waitstaff area and they were so kind even though they had every right to be frustrated because we were in their way. This is why I am giving the place a high review. We had some appetizers that were ok but the atmosphere, staff, and drinks well made up for the food. Please try out the rooftop at least once!
(4)
Jennifer S.
Using a discount coupon deal, we went on Monday night for 2 appetizers and 4 specialty beverages. Large selection if items that qualified as "appetizers". We ordered a dozen oysters (chef selection) and their crab cakes. Oysters were good - and I enjoyed the vinegar-y granita-type stuff that came with the shells. Crab cakes were so-so. Probably would not order again. A bit later, we decided to order another item to round out our dinner - and we ordered their lobster roll with (our choice of) french fries. The roll was nice, although I found it salty; I would have rather enjoyed tasting a slight sweetness of the lobster. The fries were good. Our server was great. What ultimately turned me off to this place was observing another wait staff member rolling up 3 rugs on the floor in front of the food prep area and then moments later (certainly not enough time to have gone to a sink to wash his hands) picking up a food order to bring it to some unsuspecting person.
(2)
Lucas G.
Waited 30 minutes. Seated, then asked if we'd be okay with being moved if possible. Took another 5 minutes for water, and after 10 more minutes with no service, we threw in the towel and took our +$100 somewhere with better service, that'd cost half asking.
(1)
Rona L.
GOtta try the cornbread here!
(4)
Rob M.
This used to be the place to be. Now it looks like it has turned into a family place. I wouldn't waste my time here in the future. Maybe only for the Friday night oysters!
(2)
Jenny C.
A great place for lunch, dinner, or happy hour. There maybe some wait if you prefer the rooftop but it's worth it. It has a really nice view of uptown and much cooler or breezy during the summer. The foods are awesome every time I order a sandwich, sushi, oysters, desserts, etc. As for the drinks at the bar, the bartender always makes my drinks perfect which is a little bit on the strong side during HH. The parking might be a little hectic to find street parking but I always choose to park in the ramp across from it even though it may be a little bit expensive depending how long I'l be there. Other than that it's a must place to try for everyone.
(5)
E M.
Great food and great service. Id love to come back here more often. Stuffed steak was amazing
Assigning a star rating to Stella's is difficult, as this place seems to change faces as the day progresses. The lunchtime crowd is usually pretty sedate and there are a number of affordable lunch time options, with the lobster roll being my favorite of the bunch. That said, there are better ones to be found in the Cities, but the sheer amount of lobster provided justifies the price tag. It also doesn't hurt that happy hour starts at noon on the weekends... Happy hour at Stella's is a bargain, with 2-4-1 drinks, $1 oysters ($0.69 on Fridays) and discounted menu items. While the oysters might not be the best in the Cities and are usually the fairly ubiquitous Blue Points, the price is hard to complain about. Once the sun drops Stella's usually gets pretty packed. Every dinner I have had here has been enjoyable, though their entree prices are on the high-end for what I would consider a casual dining experience. But again, the food is good, and bonus points for serving grass fed beef. Late night, especially on the weekends during summer, is usually obnoxiously packed. While generally not my scene, there's no denying that it's popular for a reason, and their rooftop patio is tough to beat.
(4)
Trina S.
I love this place only for their $1 oysters on Fridays except for the fact that it's hard for me to ever make it here for the deal. I usually have to plan in advance when I'm going to come here on a Friday for the $1 oysters so I can take off from work a little early. The food here is just okay. I usually just come here at night during the warmer months and sit at the rooftop which has a great view of the city, order some appetizers, drinks, and talk with friends.. I almost never find myself coming here during the winter season unless someone is having their birthday there. If you're looking for a restaurant to eat good seafood I don't suggest going here. But if you're into the whole rooftop view with some drinks, then this spot is definitely the one you should go to in uptown. Also...if you're a big fan of Ricky Rubio (which I'm not), he seriously lives here...every time I've been here I see him. And I always see people on my social network feeds saying "RR is here at Stella's!" LOL someones obsessed.
(2)
Barbara B.
We ordered the lobster bisque, the lobster pasta, and the seafood cannelloni. The lobster had a good flavor but we had to dig deep to find even the smallest lobster chunks. The lobster pasta featured undercooked shell pasta and the portion size was woefully inadequate. The seafood cannelloni was terrible. The cannelloni was dry, brittle, and charred. It was sent back and replaced gratis with beer battered and cold mashed potatoes. The kitchen got the order wrong and served fries instead of mashed potatoes. Service was so-so. Beverage refills were not offered. Two thumbs down!
(2)
Marysol V.
I have been here twice so far, and for my main dish have gotten the samething: The Lobster Roll, they load it up with lobster and you get 2 sides it is so delish. I have gotten two different appetizers; the crab cakes, and the crab artichoke dip, and both were phenomenal!!! I like the dip more than the cakes but they were both sooooooo flavorful. We had a groupon for it which helped a little with our bill, but not that much we were 4 people and we ordered alot! Lool. So good! Tried the Ahi Tuna also, and it was so good. NEWSFLASH: AHI TUNA IS SUPPOSED TO BE RAW IN THE CENTER. Hahaha
(5)
Elena O.
The lobster bake for two with wine that we purchased on Groupon was fabulous! So nice to have lobster perfectly prepared. The atmosphere is lively, so if you are looking for a quiet dinner, this may not be your cup of tea. But if you are looking for a fun night out with excellent food, this is the place to go in Uptown.
(5)
Melissa A.
Great rooftop during the summer. Stella's beer battered walleye is very satisfying...Enjoyed every bite!
(4)
Helen K.
I came here last night for dinner w/ coworkers....I think this place is a bit pricey for what they offer. Sangria was $10 and was loaded w/sugar - so sweet it made me nauseous. I wasn't in the mood for fish so I was left w/ the 3 non seafood options. I went with the jambalaya ($23!!?!)....my coworker said it tasted like uncle bens....
(1)
D S.
My wife and I had an early dinner at Stella's using a Groupon we purchased. We had the Lobster Bake special and the food was delicious. Service was excellent (thank you Noah) and atmosphere was wonderful. Would definitely go here again, seems like a great place to take our out of town friends
(4)
Joseph K.
Celebrated Father's Day at Stella's. My parents got the "Surf & Turf" (day's special) and I got the seafood pasta. All really good. Our server, Mary, was excellent. Will come back again for oyster night!
(5)
Meggan E.
One of the best patios in Uptown. Kind of the like Figlio's back in the day where food is usually solid and a good happy hour makes you stay put. Now that I'm older, I recommend the patio for right after work or on a weekend afternoon. I've tried a variety of their apps over the years and prefer the calamari, cornbread or artichoke dip as strong snacks to share. For an entree, try their option of a filet of fish with the sauce on the side. Simple but well executed.
(4)
Trinh N.
I had great cajon beef tips here. My friend and I got a table right away even on a Saturday evening
(4)
Rd N.
There motto is simple "good seafood isn't cheap and cheap seafood isn't good" well apparently no one has had Stella's seafood. Mussel appetizer was dismal with the sauce being the highlight. They claimed they had the best lobster roll, but all I tasted was onions and mayo. I ordered a bulliet made man, their specialty drink cocktail. They didn't have the whiskey and told me they've just been using rail whiskey in that drink. Ordered a makers ol fashioned was given a makers manhattan. Fried calamari wasn't good, not fresh at all. We also ordered the Italian seafood pasta which was very good! Well balanced flavors of fresh marinara and quality seafood. Servers were very attentive and polite. If Stella's would take their restaurant seriously and not depend on the atmosphere and location of the area it would be a returning business. Plastic cups for water?! Come on man! Dirty silverware?! Come on man!
(2)
Birdy H.
Had lunch here on May 22, 2012 with my girlfriend and her hubby. This is a 2 story restaurant which I thought was totally cool. We sat upstairs to enjoy the sun and air. Drinks were good and service was excellent. Friendly staff all around. It is a bit pricy for drinks and food but if you like seafood, this is a good place to hit up. I ordered the Jambalaya.. freaking awesome! Loved it! We also got a few appetizers and those were also fantastic. I would definitely come back here again should I pay Minneapolis another visit in the future.
(4)
Christopher V.
Stella's has a lot of untapped potential. The rooftop patio is an awesome place to have dinner or enjoy a cocktail. The service, however, needs to improve. There is always a wait to sit on the patio, which I can understand, but the servers don't even give you a time quote. You could be waiting hours! When you do get seated, plan to either be rushed through your meal, or left waiting for a while. The seafood is pretty good and the dollar oysters during happy hour are great (if your lucky and get the big ones)!
(3)
Fernando M.
I have to start saying that I'm not a bid reviewer, but I felt obligated to write this review about a place that I go quite often. I really like their happy hour and every time we have people out of town, we must take them to Stella's for good seafood and a taste of local beers. However, I've been pretty disappointed with this place in the last 3-4 times that I went there. Mostly because of their poor service, it starts with the hostess in the entrance and it goes all the way to the rooftop. First, a couple months ago I took my parents there on a Monday and we went to the rooftop for drinks. The hostess had a couple tables available for large groups, but she said that couldn't give me them because it was just 3 of us - suddenly 2 people arrived and talked to the waitress and sat at that same table. I then, questioned her and she said that didn't know that the waitress let them sit there... really? I waited another 20-30 minutes and then they were able to accommodate us. They felt like they were the owners of the restaurant and were very snobby about getting us a table on a freakin Monday. Anyway, a few weeks ago we took the in-laws there and it took forever again to sit us. They finally found a place in the higher level of the rooftop and we ordered fish entrees. When the food arrived, all entrees were cold and we asked the waitress to warm up and she rolled her eyes. Last night, went there again to the rooftop and after almost an hour waiting, they were able to sit us in the worst table of the rooftop - the one right in the entrance. I tried to order a drink from the rooftop bar and the bartender was rude and was being a big jerk. Guess what ? The food was cold again and it all came in different timing. I'm not sure what the problem with this place is, but the rooftop is definitely off and I'll make sure to share with all my uptown friends the disappointment that this place has been to me in the last times that I've been there.
(3)
Jennifer J.
Great rooftop. Food is so over-priced for what you get and it's just ok. I spent $75 on dinner for just me!!! 2 drinks, a salad, fish and tip! Wine at the bar and table was $6, same wine on the roof was $8. If it wasn't for the fact that I had to go here for a birthday dinner, I would not go out of my way to eat here, just drink on the roof.
(3)
Brody L.
Best seafood in Minneapolis. Three stories of dining. You want to eat on the balcony, the view is great.
(5)
Susan B.
Had to wait 10 minutes for valet and was downhill from there. Dirty forks, plastic glasses, smelly servers and paper cup for sauce for fried calamari at those prices? Grilled asparagus was burnt and fish was just o.k. Probably for those who think Red Lobster is good seafood place. Prefer Smack Shack or others. Will not go again.
(1)
Bethany S.
Amazing sea food! The best scallops ever! Most dishes are pretty expensive but that's to be expected with good sea food. I always sit on the rooftop here when it's available. Beautiful rooftop view, nice happy hour, and very good waitstaff. I've always had a great experience at Stella's.
(4)
Jess F.
For sea food, there are much better places out there. For drinks, yeah, there's hell of a lot better places for that too. For the Animal Kingdom experience, this is the place to be! Watch packs of bros collide in chest thumping, vein throbbing adrenalin. Admire women dressed like birds of paradise. The mating rituals abound while everyone fights to reach the watering hole. All said and done, when in Uptown, I think the best place and, sadly, the most crowded place to be is the roof of Stella on a weekend night in the summer. Perched up there, Stella's doesn't seem so fight or flight.
(2)
Tim S.
I have to admit that in the past, I've had less than stellar service at Stella's, but the food was always good. So it was great to have Ben make up for all the other times the servers weren't as good he was yesterday. Ben was friendly, efficient, offered suggestions and answered questions about the menu. The Jambalaya was tasty, but the Clam Chowder wasn't hot and kind of runny.
(4)
Cynthia M.
Fun, lively place to eat. Food was average, wouldn't rave about it. Drinks were large. Go for the atmosphere.
(3)
Patrick M.
I'm glad to say that this place lived up to the hype for the most part. The clam chowder here is probably the best I've eaten anywhere, including numerous places along the east coast. It's dark, expansive, crowded, and a little noisy in the first-floor dining room. There was also a long line out the door, so make reservations and show up on time. They won't have any trouble finding someone else to take your table if you are late. I was a little disappointed with my entree--the stuffed salmon. It didn't have much stuffing in it and tasted a little over salted. I was so hungry I wolfed the whole thing down anyways. My wife's dish tasted much better. I don't remember what she had exactly though. The saving grace was that our server was very accommodating and offered to take my dish off our bill and bring me something else. I declined her offer since I already ate most of the plate. This wonderful customer service will keep me inclined to try the place again. Overall, not a bad place to eat in Uptown. Just make sure you have reservations!
(3)
Ellie S.
Stella's is God's fish restaurant gift to the world. It is on the expensive side, but the food is so worth it. I got a shrimp scampi dish I believe and it was amazing. Some of my friends got the crab sandwich and loved it. Every dish tastes fresh and the service is sublime. I'd recommend this place for a birthday or graduation dinner. It's also really beautiful inside, and we very much enjoyed our cocktails!
(5)
Michelle N.
The oysters here is ok. I have not try their full range menu to provide the best review but the oysters compared to other seafood fare does not stand out to other restaurants I have tried.
(3)
Adrienne W.
the jalapeño cornbread is the best thing ever .. if you like spicy. great happy hour. the bar is a great atmosphere on weekends. and you cannot beat the rooftop in the summer. good prices for really good food.
(4)
L C.
I've been to Stella's many times for the past 5 years and it was a great place. Recently for the past 3 months, it's not been so good. The food is still the same but the service is bad. The hostess and the waiters are rude. The waiter with a beard is the worse one of all. For the first few times I thought they might be busy and ok, understandable but it is every single time now. I will not be going back there again as it seem like this is not once out of the blue but continuous.
(3)
Naomi T.
The rooftop has great views, but it's a bit of a party scene. And they allow smoking. If you want a more quiet meal, try to get seated on the second tier of the patio. The main rooftop level is crowded and loud with a lot of young adults who come for the bar. The fish tacos were great although a little salty for me, the battered cod had a nice peppery taste, and the salmon was cooked a little less than I would prefer. We waited for about an hour Friday evening. No reservations for the rooftop.
(4)
Reed G.
Stella's has a great rooftop. Love it. The rest is just okay. Service is generally weak and the food is overrated. Honestly, I just don't like this place at all... except for the great rooftop.
(3)
John W.
This isn't a hard review to do...Went to Stella's Fish House. Let's see it's a gorgeous summer evening. Can someone say rooftop dining?? I don't spend a lot of money on meals very often, mainly because I find I can make better myself. However Stella's is worth the money and the rooftop view is worth dealing with parking in uptown. Good conversations, a few cocktails, and fresh fish what more could someone want. We went on a Tuesday night and only had to wait 5 minutes for a table. The wait staff was friendly and we never felt rushed. So I give them 4 out of 5 stars... now you may ask why only 4 stars. Well even though I said that the fish was with the money it's still slightly over price as are the drinks if it's not Happy Hour. Ta ta for now.
(4)
Bao Y.
I have been here a few times before and I am still not impressed. The fresh oysters are probably the only reason I would come here, cold, fresh with some Tabasco and a squirt of lime, yum. Had the Stella and Dragon sushi roll and thought the rice was disgustingly mushy, and over sauced (unless you like that). My friend had the crabby patty and thought it was disgusting, I liked her mashed potatoes? Service was slow, slow, slow. We came in at 1:00 and didn't get out food served till 2:30 and there were very few customers so I don't know what the holdup was. Very disappointing since we only went there because we had a groupon and wanted to play the lobster crane game which has moved due to the game makers request of not wanting to bore the customers. Overall, not worth it.
(2)
Bill H.
I really want to love Stella's, but she is a very fickle girl. The space is fantastic. The roof-top patio is one of the best spots in the Twin Cities to enjoy a cocktail while you take in a beautiful view. The service is also always top-notch. My problem is the food. It's good, but not great. Why must they drain (and possibly rinse) the oysters? The salty liqueur provides the tasty depth and story of the chewy little morsels! I've had better at Sea Salt Eatery and Pittsburg Blue. I am a fan of Lobster rolls, and Stella's has a big, meaty "Adult" one on the menu - but I've never had one that contains any appreciable amount of tail meat, and it's dressed in nothing but mayonnaise and celery. Give a brother a dash of Old Bay or something! The sushi is also good, but it's not as good as Kobe, Oragomi, Mt. Fuji, and many others that specialize in it. Stella's provides a big variety of seafood and fish dishes, and that is their real strength. However, if you are looking for something really great, a smaller, more focused venue would be a better pick.
(3)
Rachel H.
I LOVE going to Stella's rooftop in the summer time. It's usually packed, but for me--worth it. During the winter this place is still very busy and for good reason-- it's large enough that they are able to separate off different areas of the restaurant and cater to different musical interests. I've eaten dinner a few times and was always pleased. They have a great HH menu, however the downfall is that you have to eat inside. Sooo, usually we'll eat and then go up to the roof. Additionally, they have buy one drink get the second for $1 until midnight, which is pretty awesome for someone looking to have a big night out. I've never taken advantage of their signature seafood specials but I've heard good things.
(4)
Emily V.
I hesitated to go here because of all of mixed reviews I've read. It seems really hit-or-miss as far as service, especially. However, I had a good experience on my visit there, and look forward to going again. The service was good (although she didn't mention the special to us, which is kind of an annoyance of mine), my lobster roll was FILLED with lobster, and my husband had a lobster pasta that he really liked (and couldn't finish, which was a first). Honestly, this isn't the type of place that I would wait a long time to eat at, but we went during the week for dinner and had a great meal.
(4)
Trish L.
We have been to Stella's numerous times and it is always fabulous. We ask to sit in Noah's station as he is fabulous. He always remembers each of our favorite drinks, remembers our favorite appetizers and always has great recommendations. He always makes us feel like we are 'important customers' every time we dine at Stella's. The food is also fantastic. The mussels for an appetizer is a must! And the king crab legs are to die for! Good food, great drinks, and great service.
(5)
Arazue F.
I have been to Stella's a number of times and only recently I finally reached the rooftop and I cannot believe what I have been missing out on! The view is awesome! We went on a Sunday night too, so it wasn't crowded, it was really relaxing, and service wasn't all that. I've never eaten real food here so this review is based on drinking and their edamame. They have great drinking deals, in the past I've always made it for 2-4-1s. It's usually packed on the weekends, but whatevs, I'm willing to deal with crowds for cheap drinks, and the bartenders downstairs are usually pretty fast. Most recently when I was on the rooftop, they had $3 Premiums and $4 well drinks, AND when my friend checked in on Facebook she got a $5 mojito. We wanted to order the calamari but they ran out, so we opted for the spicy edamame. It was so good, we asked for another order. Service was slow, but we weren't in a hurry so that's okay. However, it seemed like all the servers had more tables than they could handle but I think that's how it always is, and it wasn't even that busy. Whatever, for the view and the atmosphere, it's worth it.
(3)
Jennifer Z.
I LOVE Stella's! I've come here for the bar scene, brunch, lunch, dinner, everything! It's always super crowded and full of people. The rooftop is the best rooftop, only because it is the highest I think in Uptown. I LOVE their oysters! I tried oysters for the first time at Stella's so I have to give them props for introducing me to oysters and also making it so good that I fell in love with them! Now I order them everywhere I go, but they don't always make it like Stella makes it. Another time I came here for dinner and ordered the Jambalaya which was amazing! It was spicy and just tasted sooo good! Honestly, everything they serve is delicious and there is such a variety of dishes. I love the atmosphere! Come here for lunch, brunch, dinner, nightlife. You will not be disappointed!
(5)
Ron S.
We had a Groupon for lunch and although my date had been there before I never had. She had the fish tacos and I had the parmesan walleye. Unfortunately her fish tacos were salty to the point of being inedible. She had me try them and I felt my blood pressure increase with just one of the shrimp. My walleye was fine although it could have used more of the sauce. Service was great but maybe the chef should think about tasting the food before it leaves the kitchen.
(2)
Missy H.
Wish I could review the mashed potatoes here, but I never received them with my scallop entree. The kitchen apparently ran out and I was never offered a substitute. Hence, I still paid for these mashed potatoes that I never received. This was strike two, as I tried to order sushi at 3pm on a Saturday and the waitress told me it would be 50 mins to receive one roll, due to the kitchen being too small. My suggestion would be to make several selections for you meal ahead of time, so the small kitchen might be able to accommodate your needs.
(2)
Katrina M.
Great rooftop seating. Lively scene. Good food.
(5)
Suzanne B.
You cannot beat this rooftop experience to enjoy the beautiful summer evenings in MN. Happy Hour drink prices are reasonable. Oyster bar happy hours are even better. Arrive early, stake out a place, and wait for your entourage to join you. I haven't had a bad item on the menu, but I also rarely meet a dish I don't like when dining in a restaurant. Stella's is better for apps and drinks with friends than for its entrees (which verge on being overpriced). If you're in the Uptown area and want an unbeatable rooftop with a view of the downtown skyline, put Stella's on your list!
(4)
Sarah Z.
I'm a little peeved. I just visited Stella's for the first time--to see why everyone flocks there--and was a little disappointed. It was Friday night and the rooftop bar was filled to capacity, so we had to sit inside. (We being my boyfriend and me.) The inside was ugly, boring, totally not special. When we ordered, our waiter told us multiple times that the kitchen was "really backed up" because it was so busy. It was like he was trying to warn us so we wouldn't yell at him or take away from his tip. He also kept hanging out at our table, which was weird because he just stood there and looked around. It just felt like Stella's ego was too big for itself. The service, the venue, and the food weren't worth the price or hype. Side note: After reading Annie's review, I watched for the meat market activities at the restaurant and she was definitely right. Girls dressed in skimpy dresses and crazy high heels. Bros in their tight shirts on the lookout. It's funny that they choose a place like Stella's to find some action. Anyway. Now onto the food specifics... First, we each ordered a $9 drink. I had a mojito, which was good but a little too limey. And he had some pink drink that tasted like boozy bubble gum. These drinks should have cost around $6, not $9. Then, we ordered cornbread and fish tacos for the appetizer course. The cornbread app is HUGE! You could split it comfortably between 6 hungry people, maybe 8 normal people. But it tasted fine. I thought it could have used some cheese to give it deeper flavor. The fish tacos were yummy, but also big. There were 3 medium-sized tacos with various condiments. It could have been an entree in itself. For the entree course, I had the spicy tuna sushi roll (Spicy Tuna Explosion? I think?) with the seaweed salad. Both were delish! I've had better sushi, but it was still really good. He had the halibut, which cost upwards of $25. It was good, but the sauce tasted a little bitter and earthy, and the 6 potato cubes that it came with weren't seasoned. NOT worth the price. Anyway, our bill came to be around $100. For TWO people?? This place isn't worth that kind of money. It was good to experience it once, but I probably won't be going back unless someone makes me.
(3)
Christian M.
Our food was really good. One of the best meals we have had in the cities. The service was a bit slow, but to be expected from a packed restaurant on a Friday evening. I am from the Gulf Coast of Florida, and it is great to get fresh seafood in the midwest.
(4)
Alisha H.
INSIDE: Two for 1 Happy Hour in the Bar from 3-6pm and 12-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Service is decent for the location and crowd which is a mixture of uptown hipsters, couples on dates, a few families and groups of friends out to dinner. Atmosphere is what makes it what it is, and is mostly what you're paying the higher price for. FOOD: I enjoy Stella's sushi rolls when I'm not up for having a full meal. On Wednesday's they are also buy two get one free which is great for friends getting together and grabbing a meal. Not an overwhelming selection to choose from though. Raw oysters are good and $1.00/piece when on HH special. Cajun Beef bite appetizer is good for those who don't do seafood. Their Diver Scallops are usually good. 3/4 times I've had them they've been great. Once just a little subpar. Their salmon dishes are also good and portion size is huge. Sundays offer a full lobster (no sides) for $19.95. ATMOSPHERE: The big draw here is really the roof top patio in the summer. But be warned: Very few HH specials apply up here and the wait is usually pretty long on summer weekends. But if you're willing to wait you can expect to enjoy an unobstructed view of downtown with whatever drink you're sipping. This in my opinion can be worth it.
Stella's for lunch. Fish n chips was just average. Nuf said. The lobster brie & bacon panini sounds good- right? But I wasn't thinking. Fact is: put that much bacon in a sandwich and result = tastes like bacon sandwich. Impossible to really enjoy the lob. Too bad.
(3)
Kelly P.
Friendly & helpful waitstaff here. I took advantage of their $10 any sushi roll HH special many times! Yummy every time. Best grilled salmon I've had anywhere. Quick story: I was impressed when I was trying to order a drink called the "bad decision" that was no longer on the menu. Our waiter looked into it, talked to the other staff to find out what was in it, and ten minutes later I had a bad decision ..or two. Excellent mojitos as well!
(4)
Josh L.
This place is better for cooked fish than uncooked fish. But the oysters were good.
(3)
Daniel D.
First timers there and not ver impressed. Even though we went for lunch the fish n chips came out as 2 small fish sticks and a handful of fries def not worth the $13-15 for it. Wife had a salad and ask for shrimp and doubled the price and was blah. We have no problem paying too dollars for good food but we felt this was over priced for the food. Even though there were several items we wanted to come back to not sure we will because of the principle of not getting any value for the money.
(2)
Bruce L.
I really enjoy this place but it's a great excuse to go there when a Groupon is involved, this is the case here. Always a good crowd here in Uptown and this Wednesday evening was no exception. We were seated near the kitchen and that's fine to watch the dishes come out. We decide to start with the crab and spinach dip on tortilla chips and I think it was about three minutes until we had this dish, I'm not sure how they did it but damn, that was quick! For a main dish we had fish and chips, nothing too adventurous but that was what I was hungry for and that's all that matters :) Fish was light and flakey and great flavor and served hot and quick. Another great experience and if they have any more Groupons here you will see me knocking down your door for a reservation (reservations recommended)
(4)
Frank G.
Well, this was not a strong experience in any capacity. The service down to the food was pretty bad. We were greeted by a hostess reading a book. Now, I'm pretty sure the only job of a hostess is to not be reading a book, but, this was the case. While waiting for our table we went to the bar. The restaurant was runnnig one bartender, who, granted, was nice, but disappeared for over five minutes after we first sat down and was obviously being pulled in too many directions. It didn't help matters that a drunken hobo was in the bar. I am not opposed to drunken hobos in the right environemnt...like in a boxcar ...the dustbowl in 1930's Oklahoma....or at Palmer's bar, but not at a restaurant when I'm out to dinner with my girlfriend. After this we were shown our table at the back corner by the kitchen. The waitress was nice enough, but also seemed wholly distracted. To boot, my view was straight at a garbage scooper laid against the wall in front of me. We ordered the oysters, which were fine, but before we could eat even two oysters, our entree arrived. Literally, we had all of our food at once. I hate that. The excuse was that it happens sometimes when they put the order all in at once. Um...well...then don't put it all in at once, just a suggestion. The fish was ok, edible, but then again so is Arby's if you're hungry enough. The fish was dry and not a visually pleasing plate. We even splurged for a piece of cake at the end of the meal, and were not surprised by its amazing mediocrity. Uptown has become a very competetitve restaurant area over the last few years and Stella's has failed to keep pace. That said, with Chino Latino, The Nightingale, Social House, Bar Louie, The Cafeteria and others I don't think I'll be returning to Stella's Fish Cafe anytime soon.
Stella's...what to say, what to say. It's hard to judge this place because it is so inconsistent. I have been to Stella's several times. Let's go through the good, the bad, and the ugly. The Good. Coconut shrimp!! Omfg, the coconut shrimp are amazing. The spicy orange pineapple marmalade sauce is delicious. I always ask for 4-5 extras. It seriously makes the dish. Also, the late night 2-for-1 happy hour is delightful, but definitely for a different crowd. The Bad. The inconsitency of the food. Sometimes it's great, sometimes it sucks, sometimes it's hot, sometimes it's cold. When it's good, it's GREAT. When it's bad, it's TERRIBLE. The Ugly. The service. Not how they look, but how they act. With two floors, there just don't seem to be enough servers around for the major rush periods. And that makes things ugly. For example, the bf and I went to dinner there a couple of weeks ago on a Sunday. They have $20 1 1/4 lb lobster that night. Sweet deal, right? *Insert buzzer noise here* The waitress told us that they were sold out. When we left, the tank was full of lobster. WTF? We wanted to take back our tip, but the one thing that isn't slow at Stella's is the bus service. Needless to say, not in a hurry to go back.
(3)
Kelsey O.
Really fun location with an awesome rooftop! Great place to come and have a perfect evening in Uptown
(4)
Robert S.
Great food! The jambalaya is my favorite thing to eat at restaurants around here. Happy hour is bomb, and the prices are solid. Valet parking is available, and the atmosphere is super chill.
(4)
J D.
One of my favorites to eat but the after dinner crowd is way too club like.
(4)
David K.
I love the rooftop patio and the food! I have never had a bad meal.
(4)
Kim R.
We stopped by Stella's for an early dinner with my family last night. My mom and dad had a groupon for a lobster dinner. They kindly shared a few bites of their dinner, plus some of their fabulous turtle cake. My husband and I decided to share an appetizer and entree. The prices here are a little expensive (around $30 for an entree). We started with a bowl of clam chowder. It was great, creamy but not too thick. It had nice chunks of potato and small chunks of clam. The bowl is pretty shallow, and my husband said he could have eaten the whole thing himself. For our dinner, we shared the lobster roll with mashed potatoes. This sandwich was excellent. I've never had a lobster roll before. The chunks of lobster were huge, and there was a lot of it. The sandwich is served on a sweet, brioche roll which tastes great with the creamy lobster salad. I would also recommend their flavored lemonades. I had the raspberry, but I preferred my sister's strawberry lemonade. They had lots of great sounding desserts on the menu, but we all shared my parents' turtle cake. This piece of cake was huge, and enough for 6 of us to share! It is very rich with a fudgy chocolate frosting. I really liked the crunchy pecans.
(4)
Lady D.
This place is very uptown... Pricy, and lots of seafood, which I don't particularly care for but I've ended up here at least 1/2 a dozen times.... beef bite w hollanayse sauce off appetizers menu is my recommendation. Roof in the summer is an experience.
(3)
Jaymie A.
Very cool lovatio in uptown. Hard to find parking though, definitely go for the $8 valet. The food was good, but the absolute best part was the atmosphere. Great place to come for happy hour after work!
(4)
Colin C.
One of our favorite seafood joints in Minneapolis. A bit pricy, but worth the splurge. Sit on the rooftop deck! Beautiful view over uptown, and the feel of the deck is more lovely than downstairs. Cool atmosphere. Valet parking is worth it.
(5)
William C.
My brother turned 21 and I decided that Stella's would be a great place to have a wonderful dinner!!! I had never been there before and I pictured a swanky setting and was surprised to see a somewhat bar type setting. They have a bar area and I think a few large rooms on the second floor for large groups. I ordered the Stuffed Tilapia and it was wonderful! The mashed potatoes were a perfect match to the perfectly grilled tilapia with stuff lobster inside. I gave this place 4 stars based on the wonderful assortment of food. The reason why I didn't give 5 is because of the parking situation (which is normal for Uptown) and the higher prices on the menu. Expect to spend at least $22 - $25 a head on the main course.
(4)
Joshua S.
I don't know if it's because I just moved from So Florida and there's fish and seafood restaurants on every block or what but I usually go everywhere except here and after people raving about this place I stopped in last Friday with two friends. First off, it was late, probably 10-11-ish and right off the bat it smelled so thick of cooked fish that I didn't know how anyone could dance and party here without feeling dirty and stinky. So, the main level was pretty packed so we went up the steps to the little bar in the back and realized it was 2-for-1's. Somehow we ordered one drink a piece, which would've added up to six drinks, but ended up with eight and the bartender was so crabby that she didn't hear us say she made a mistake. Whatever, we paid for them and took a seat. The dance music was bumping but the only dance floor was a little makeshift one that was at the top of the steps and in the middle of some tables blocking people from moving around and getting drinks. It was a funky setup. So, we sat there for about a half hour and people watched...and drank. What I saw was definitely not an uptown crowd....had to be about 99% kids from the 'burbs cabbing it in for the night and for some reason wanting to be crammed together to the point of annoying and surrounded by the stink of sea floor. Blah. Yuck. I can see going here if you are college age or the new "young professional" crowd that still hasn't transitioned into a casual yet professional environment (prime bar, Bar Louie's, etc) but even at almost 32 I felt very old and very annoyed. Maybe earlier in the night it's more mature people with some class and maybe really good food but based on my night here, I don't think any of us three will be back.
(2)
Incalc U.
The rooftop is worthy of the hype; the food, however, is overpriced and not that great.
(2)
Lisa E.
Back again and had great service this time. Ordered the same food as that last time and it was still great!
(4)
Kristina D.
Expensive? Yes, but if you want quality seafood in the Midwest, you've got to pay for it. Some of the wait staff even wear shirts to remind us of this fact! But if you come during their various great specials -wow! $0.69 oysters? 2-for-one white wines? Yes please!
(4)
Monica B.
I visit this restaurant many times and this by far was the worse experience i have had. And it happen to be the one time I dined with someone who had never been there. i asked for something, it came with bacon and it came with bacon so i told him i didn't want want it, not a bacon eater, so i order a salad.. Wow so the salad comes out with bacon on it as garnish I am assuming! You would think he would be smart enough to not bring me something after i just told him i wanted a non bacon dish. then we had to flag him down for refills, and at that point i was just ready to go so asked for a box and after 7 mins still no box. so i just got up and went to the hostess and asked her to get me one. He is visiting other tables, seating new people and its like wow, what about your guests! it was horrible.
(2)
Kaleb L.
Nicole: Amazing job as a server! Gary: You are the Don of General Managers- both of you always make sure guests are taken care of. I've never had a bad experience at this joint. This establishment mixes high class seafood with some of the best happy hours and drink specials in town. I love the happy hour specials, their full menu if I am not feeling cheap (which is rarely) as well as their evening weekend drink specials- which isn't that easy to find in Minneapolis.
(5)
Linda H.
"Those don't look like the fish tacos I have been dreaming about for the past 7 months since the last time I ate them!" Is what I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs when the waitress brought my tacos to the table.. I was finishing up some sushi rolls and the most fantastic jalapeno corn bread you will ever taste when she quickly slipped them on the table...Was it because she too knew these fish tacos were not right?? I don't know what happened but the new fish tacos suck...They are in hard Ortega like shells with a long piece of blackened fish, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese....The old fish tacos were in soft tortillas with this flavorful cabbage relish type of garnish, cilantro, apparently they are gone... On the bright side, the jalapeno corn bread served in a little cast iron pan is seriously the best corn bread you will eat and the best bargain on the menu. The crunchy sushi rolls were so-so...Nothing great..just...Mehhhh....Over priced that's for sure and will not be ordering these again. I really like this place. They have a great happy hour and the best roof top patio so I will be back...I just won't be ordering fish tacos next time.
(3)
Grahame B.
When I ask some folks if they dig seafood, somehow it always ends up that they say, "Yeah, I love it," only for me to find out that they actually only like fish, and that they hate shellfish. I'm not that person. I'll eat anything that lives in a lake or in the sea. Ergo, Stella's has always been near the top of my "places to try" list (sad that it's taken me this long to get there). I took the fetching Mrs. B. there over the weekend. The first thing we saw upon our arrival at the rooftop was the sign, "Good seafood isn't cheap. Cheap seafood isn't good." Alright. So we sat down right by the front door, and a VERY helpful Amy took our drink and app order. I had a Nordeast and an order of Stella's Mac and Cheese, which comes with chunks of bacon (that alone makes it worth ordering) and a four-cheese cream sauce. Trust me, it's as good as it sounds. Overall the entrees were really tasty, but the servings were massive. The fetching Mrs. B ordered the beer battered walleye, and it would have been enough for the both of us. I guess that's fine if you like leftovers, but it seemed like a bit of a waste to me. I'd rather have paid less for a smaller helping. Speaking of paying, expect a dinner for two to run you about $75-100 on the lower end. We both ordered some of the cheaper meals at $15-20 each, but you can easily drop $30-40 per entree. Like they said, good seafood isn't cheap, and it was good seafood. Not amazing, but good. We left feeling full, which isn't necessarily a good thing. After dinner we walked around the Uptown Art Fair, and the $6 paella from a street vendor made me wish we'd put off Stella's for another time. I'll definitely eat there again, but there are other Uptown places that are a bit more my style that I'll return to first.
(3)
Laurie L.
If you see a Groupon for Stella's Fish Cafe, grab it. Eating fresh seafood in the midwest is expensive (and, if a place offers cheap seafood, you probably should not eat it!) After cashing in on both a dinner Groupon at Stella's and a lunch Groupon at Stella's, I am sold. Both Groupons came with drinks included ($9 drinks!!). Lunch for two came with a shared appetizer of our choice and two main luncheon items, again of our choice. The dinner Groupon came with salad and bread, a bucket of assorted seafood items, and one piece of cake to be shared. The wait staff did not hover, and I prefer that. At both meals, my dining partner and I were not neglected nor were we made to feel like second class diners for using a Groupon. Hats off the wait staff. We ate dinner inside seated next to the lobster tank and within close range of the open kitchen. The inside decor is industrial black. Outside, where we ate lunch, is more inviting in my opinion. The day we were there for lunch was warm and sunny. We had an interesting view of the new park behind the Lagoon Theater and the residential part of Uptown. Though not needed the day we were there, heaters were spaced around the second floor patio, indicating that this area would be open in cooler weather too. When I finally win the lottery or some wealthy person offers to buy me dinner, Stella's will be the first place I will suggest going. Of course, if you don't like seafood....
(4)
Brooklynn C.
I hate doing this, but I have to say that the last time I went to Stella's I was extremely disappointed with not only the service, but the food as well. I walked in during happy hour (I arrived at approx. 5pm) and asked the hostess for a table and told her a friend would be joining me in about 15-20 minutes. I was seated at a table that was so wobbly my purse almost fell off of the table top. I then proceeded to wait for my friend to join me, all the while, I was not given a menu, asked if I would like a glass of water or a beverage (it being happy hour, the main reason I was there). The place was not that busy. I fiddled with my phone and waited awkwardly for my friend to arrive. When my friend finally did arrive 20 minutes later and nearing the end of happy hour, we were then served a drink and our waitress came back almost 15 minutes later asking what we'd like to order. We started with a simple order of edamame, which came out cold and mushy. When our entrees were served, our waitress looked at the full dish of edamame and asked if we were finished with it, I simply said, "yes, it was pretty mushy." I didn't throw a fuss, didn't make a scene, just simply acknowledged the removal of it from our table and replacement with the entrees. If you've been to Stella's, you know that the place is pretty wide open. To my shock, I watched as the waitress walked over to the bar, held up the edamame to the bartender and said (not quietly, might I add, as I could hear her clear as day) "edamame is SUPPOSED to be mushy." If you're any kind of food connoisseur, you would know that fresh edamame is prepared firm, with some give to the teeth. Mushy beans means that they were overcooked. I'm disappointed in the whole experience and probably won't be recommending Stella's to my friends and family any time in the near future because of the disrespect and inattentiveness that was shown to me. Again, I hate to post rants like this, but perhaps this will show Stella's that their staff needs to step it up a bit to maintain a good reputation in the Uptown food/drink community.
(1)
R M.
Just returned from lunch at Stellas, our first time there. We had a very generous Groupon, but will return soon even without such a deal! The Caesar salad is fabulous...made the way it is supposed to be including anchovies and lots of garlic. Of course the lobster roll was so satisfying and wonderful. Frankie our server was attentive and interesting and we wish her success as she moves on to graduate school. I doubt we would come at night when it is packed, but, folks, try this place out!
(5)
Charlie H.
Went here a while back, my honest opinion was that this place is over rated, seafood was way over priced, raw oysters took forever to come out, an at 3.00 each I expect to enjoy them before my meal not with my meal. My crab legs showed up "non king" I orderd king crab an they where tiny and cold! Bad experience an will not return, red lobster is 100xs better then here
(1)
Elibe E.
Came to Stella's with some friends on a cold night. The service was attentive and helpful. The menu is extensive and the seafood selection is diverse. I ordered my "old reliable": the Lobster Roll. It was fresh and mixed perfectly (not too much mayo). This changed my life. I did not expect that a Midwestern establishment would be able to prepare this so well. The remainder of my order: Mac and Cheese, Fries, and a cold PBR.
(4)
Ken R.
Went early to get a table on the rooftop, got in quickly and didn't see the waitress for 15 minutes; it wasn't crowded yet. Waitress arrives, we order wine and beer; another 15 - 20 minutes, we order our meals and an appetizer. Wonderful view, my wife had happy feet at the prospect of consuming crustaceans, got my beer...thinks are looking good. 30 minutes later our peel-n-eat shrimp appetizer arrives; at this point I seriously consider listening to my stomach, which is telling me to forget peeling and just start eating, promising that it would sort it out. My brain wins only by the narrowest of margins. 20-25 minutes after that our meals arrive. My wife ordered the 1 1/4 lb lobster and asparagus, I ordered the Catch of the Day - Sea Bass, broiled with garlic mash. Mr. Sea Bass was cold to the touch around the edges and just barely warm in the middle; the mash potatoes had solidified into a Play-Doh consistency. Ms. Lobster seemed to be okay, but the asparagus were cold. Here's the thing - the fish was a QUALITY piece of fish that had been allowed to get cold and dry out a bit. The mash potatoes tasted decent cold, they would have be really good had they been warm, and that's what really bummed me out. The lobster had cooled a bit, but the insides were kept warm by the shell, so my wife was happy...hell, she's a mermaid, she'll eat shellfish all the time, in any way. (Family lore has it that on a vacation to the Greek Islands, she had Garlic Shrimp every night for 2 weeks, on top of other sea life entree's.) Here's the other thing, for around $150.00 (1 beer; 2 glasses of wine) that just isn't acceptable. Not. At. All. If you include the sub-par to mediocre service it gets even less acceptable. If it wasn't rooftop, I don't think they would be doing well. Oh, and really, I don't care if the kitchen is overloaded, or that the food has to come up 3 flights of stairs to the roof. Seafood and Food-service is your BUSINESS. The rooftop is always packed and it's been running for a while - FIGURE IT OUT, it is YOUR BUSINESS; at this point there is no excuse for the consistently cold food, poor service - not at these prices. Maybe I'm just a cheapskate...my Mermaid seemed happy.
(1)
Todd M.
"Amy" took very good care of my buddy Tom & I tonight ! Yummy calamari & coconut shrimp got us started, scampi linguini & sirloin got the job done !! She even presented a tasty slab of chocolate cake for my birthday ! Nice work Stella's !
(4)
Mark R.
Came here for lunch with my family. We all enjoyed our meals. The tuna melt was quite good but, the description was not accurate. It said it was pan seared tuna so, I expected actual tuna, not tuna salad. The tuna salad was good, and it did look like perhaps it had been made from seared tuna? But, the sandwich did not include a piece of seared tuna. the crab cakes and popcorn shrimp appetizers were yummy and quickly consumed. A look into the lobster tank revealed a not so happy (aka Dead) lobster. This was a little alarming considering the tank is positioned so customers can inspect the lobsters. Really? You showcase your lobster tank and leave a dead lobster in it? We told the staff, they didn't seem concerned. It stayed in the tank the entire time we were there. Maybe it was sleeping.....NOT!
(3)
Erica C.
So I have a friend, who has a friend of a friend's cousin's friend who will remained unnamed, who has a birthday that put's said random person a year behind all of her friends. One year, all of her friends started turning 21 but she had many more months to go. Luckily this unnamed person had a cousin who let her borrow her i.d. to use. This said person's cousins name was Stella. So for a few months, this person had tons of Stella jokes thrown at her.... "Ooo look like Stella got her groove back!" and "There's a con-STELLA-tion out tonight"...or so I've heard. So this restaurant reminds me of that time in said random person's life. Anyway, I love Stella's Fish Cafe cause Stella got her groove back with great HH and fish fry! The food is great and the HH specials are shiggitybombdotcom. (quick story: Shiggitybombdotcom is what came out when I tried to say "that's the bombdotcom" and "the sh*t" at the same time...a fail that turned into a word me and my friend use now) It's totally illegal to have more than 1 drink at a time in Texas so I still get a bad boy rush when I get a 2 for 1 at Stella's and they bring me 2 drinks at the same time. So naughty. There's also great food on HH, I love love love their chicken wings. The first time it came out, I got so confused cause all I could smell was curry powder. When did buffalo wings have curry on them? Nonetheless, it was probably one of the best wings I've ever had and I love my cheeken. I've also had the Philly Cheese Steak sliders... nothing to run home and slap yo momma about but they were good. On Fridays (perfect for my buddies that practice lent) Stella has unlimited fish and chips. I could never eat that much fish fry but I could steal one off of a friend who got the unlimited fish and chips. I don't know if it was the bad boy rush of sneaking a piece but it was so delicious. There was a perfect ratio between the crispy batter and the cod on the inside. The garlic mash potatoes were also a great compliment. Wow, two and a half illegal stories in one yelp review.
(4)
Molly H.
First of all, the roof top patio is fantastic! If I had came just for drinks, they may have gotten more than 3 stars, but we came here for my sisters birthday dinner. We had a party of 7 and they were quick to accommodate us on the patio, regardless of not specifying that when making our reservation, so that's where another star was received. It was the food that didn't wow us. I ordered the Walleye, which was huge and pretty good. But overall everyone was less than impressed with their entrees. The food is quite expensive which I guess lifted our expectations, but again it was just meh! My husbands liked the flavors of his mashed potatoes but they came out cold, cold mashed potatoes eeww! The food wasn't terrible, but it definitely was not worth the prices. If you are stopping in for a drink on the rooftop patio, yes I would recommend is place. But, if you are looking for stellar fish entrees I would look elsewhere.
(3)
James Q.
Great food but service can be great at times but not so great other times! Overall, I love this place.
(4)
Warren C.
I wish I knew of this place six months ago. This place is bumping. Stunning rooftop, tons of attractive women, energetic and lively atmosphere. I also ended up spending $80. Oysters go for about $2-3 each, I bought a dozen of them. They're pretty good, but I didn't feel like it was really worth it. The stuffed tilapia is good too, but I had a lot of bones in my dish, when 3 of my other friends had no bones in theirs. Lucky me, I guess. I was hungry and they took about an hour to bring the food out, so I chose to eat it anyway. The only downside was the sheer slowness of the entire meal. Got a table for 16 at 9:30 PM, got out of the place around midnight. Other than that, I love everything else about this place.
(4)
Jason G.
We will no longer be visiting Stella's. There has been a downward spiral in food quality over our last three visits. Without exception our meals have been over-cooked, rubbery lobster, potatoes that fall into pieces, and a plate of ribs that was insulting. Sad to say it but even the roof top will not bring us back.
(1)
Amy S.
We had a nice meal. The fettuccine with lobster and the blackened swordfish were both good entrees. The waitstaff was pleasant and our food arrived in just about the right amount of time. My only complaint was that the bill came out with the wrong price of my entree. Though they fixed it, that mistake shouldn't have been made and likely many people have been paying the wrong price for the fettuccine. So please check your bill carefully!
(4)
Erik B.
Great atmosphere. Roof top rocks! Food is how it should be - awesome! Love it!
(5)
Dawn M.
Great patio atmosphere. Food and drinks were great. Only miss was the service. We waited at our table for 30 minutes before a member of our group stopped a waitress. After that our waitress was a rockstar. Asked what she would recommend and ended up with an incredible entree. Definitely would go back.
(4)
Gabriel P.
Nice ambience, good service, and utterly spectacular, mindblowing food. The oysters did not disappoint, but the real surprises were elsewhere on the menu. I'm a big clam chowder fan and Stella's easily beats anything I've had on the East Coast. The sushi was also top notch. Only weakness is the price--it will put a pretty decent dent in your pocket.
(4)
Kathy S.
"Let's get oysters. For 69 cents." That's all I needed to hear before we were in the car and on our way to Stella's for Oyster Orgy happy hour on Friday! There was no wait when we arrived at 5pm, which was pretty impressive for Uptown on a Friday night. As soon as our server came, we basically told her to bring us a dozen and keep them coming until the end. The oysters themselves were tiny but hey, what can you possibly expect for 69 cents each? Other than oysters, we also had the peel & eat shrimp (um, WAY better than I'd expected!), calamari (yummy-fried-goodness), and champagne mussels (meh). 1 hour, 3 appetizers and 60 oysters later, we were full, VERY content and on our way. They're not exactly top-quality but if you're looking for a whole lot of cheap oysters, this is the place!
(3)
Michael L.
In general I think this place is pretty overpriced and with a chain restaurant vibe. I think you are paying a premium for cool roof deck, which obviously in the winter, or anytime you sit down below (which is usually unless you have reservations) the mediocre food and very average Outbacky decor of the place is not too thrilling. Having tried the $20+ entrees, I was not too impressed, but actually the fish & chips seems to be a pretty great deal at a reasonable price, larger portion than one usually gets. Beer list is pretty boring for Minneapolis standards but fine. $20 lobster night on Sunday is a decent deal.
(3)
Mariel L.
3.5: I didn't know why it took me so long to come to Stella's, but now I know: it's much ado about nothing. Now, you must know several important factors that led to this sniffly judgment: 1) It's April 1 and the weather outside is still effin' frightful, so I never got to experience the so-called "best rooftop views in Uptown Mpls". 2) The food I ordered in particular was just OK. 3) The long wait put a damper in my spirits that not even a sweet glass of mojito can lift. You should know that Stella's is a cavernous restaurant with two floors and a rooftop. So, imagine my group's irked reaction when we were told that our 7:30 PM reservation was going to take a little while to set up because, "the party at the table you're supposed to be in has been here since 4 PM." Now, instead of getting annoyed by the previous party, I felt more annoyed with Stella's. How can you run a business where you don't have any leeway or contingencies for people who stay past the "acceptable" time limit (as if there is one...)? I don't know half of the logistics that go into restaurant service, but I at least hoped Stella's has some flexibility for situations like this, as opposed to making us wait for 30 minutes for a reservation we made. The free drinks were just a patch in an otherwise bigger boo boo of an issue. Once we were seated though, our server was very thoughtful and swift, which helped a lot. I decided to get a fish fry because I've never done a fish fry, and my friends tried everything from stuffed tilapia to striped bass. I guess I shouldn't have expected greatness for my fish fry; after all, it's just battered cod and chips. The cod was flaky and is what it is; just put some salt and vinegar and you're good to go. My friends raved about their dishes, which is good. And really I had such a fantastic, hollering time with the gal pals that the woes I had at the beginning of dinner melted away. I just had to rant a li'l bit about the wait, but I will consider coming back here in the summer, and then maybe provide an updated review.
(3)
Thao '.
Stella's is a great happy hour place. I love the mussels. It is buttery, savory, seafood goodness. We also get the oysters, which are at a great price. Though it is not the best oysters, it takes care of the cravings for a good price. Nice, clean environment (and bathrooms) that is open for late happy hour. Feels like there are few of those in uptown for us grown ups!
(4)
G N.
Despite the great location/venue, I was turned off by the rude staff.
Pros: Amazing patio, fall of the bone ribs, great french fries. Cons: Staff that's overworked - service is definitely lacking, interior is drab and not very classy considering the prices, food is over-priced and mediocre, happy hour specials just bring food/drink prices down to what they should be, separate reservation system for the patio and if you don't know this when making your patio reservation you will sorely be disappointed and not notified of your error even if you specifically ask for a patio spot.
(3)
Angela J.
I had a party here for my sister's bachelorette party, and we had a BLAST. We had four tables inside at the bar area, and they were prepared for us when we arrived. I had ordered off of the happy hour menu (great specials!) and had the food arranged for ahead of time. They were very easy to work with, and they let us bring in our own cake and dessert for the party. Our waitress was phenomenal, giving separate drink tabs to each girl, which was MUCH appreciated... All in all, great night, fun atmosphere, fabulous happy hour! I wish we would have had more time to see the rooftop bar, I've heard it's great, but they didn't take party reservations up there, I think they're busy enough so couldn't spare the reserved table space.
(4)
Cindy D.
Best happy hour in uptdown! Fun place to hang out with friends. Make sure to get there early to get a table. Must try!!
(5)
Josh W.
I really like Stella's, however as some have mentioned, it can be inconsistent at times. Thus, I usually stick to dishes that they make well. The halibut is my personal favorite and I'm a big fan of the tuna melt for lunch. The outdoor patio rivals only Brit's for best patio in the Twin Cities and their mojitos are some of the best in town. In fact, if you have somebody visiting from out of town during the summer, grabbing a cocktail on the Stella's rooftop overlooking Minneapolis might just be a highlight of their trip.
(4)
Kristi C.
Two and a half stars....would have given Stella's the benefit of three stars if service wouldn't have been so slow. On a Sunday night no less and the place was a little more than half full. The food is okay. There wasn't much on the menu that seemed particularly enticing to either me or my dinner mate. On the upside, "Bad Decision" mojito was outstanding with it's lemon/blueberry/acai flavors. The Hot Crab & Spinach Dip was very good, lots of crab flavor. The Roasted Beets over Mixed Greens Salad was a decontructed version, very light on the beets, the greens were lacking in the dressing department. New England Clam Chowder with Bacon was some of the best I've ever tasted. Onto the entree, which we ended up splitting a couple of sushi rolls. The Baked Lobster Roll had a hint of what we thought was BBQ-a unique and good flavor. The Salmon Explosion was tasty as well. They were out of the Apple Bread Pudding, chose the Lemon Meringue Tart (lots lemon-yum) and the Red Velvet Cake, which was a huge slice, with a wonderful cream cheese frosting.
(2)
Jason K.
It was a frigid Saturday and my wife and I had a $30 groupon for Stella's. We were looking forward to our Saturday lunch date all week. We entered the establishment and it was cool, bar to the right and tables to the left. Plus there are tables in the balcony and more tables up on the roof for when it is warm outside. We were seated in a booth by the huge lobster tank and we could watch the chefs cook while we waited, it was pretty awesome. I saw a few living cockroaches dropped into the boiling H2O that took their life. They looked plump and red when they came out and they whetted my appetite. There were also a ton of fish and chips lining the patron's tables. Solid looking fried cod and french fries. Our server came by and I ordered the Blackened Catfish Po' Boy and my wife got the crab cakes appetizer and the jalapeno cornbread. I got a Diet Coke, which was refilled by our server multiple times and then it happened... The po boy was HUGE. I subbed the side salad for fries with blue cheese. The salad was small, but the dressing was nice and chunky. It made me happy. The catfish was huge and filled the whole baguette, which was sub sized. They added a pickle to the side. +1. The fish was delicate, yet perfectly spiced, with a beautiful mayo spiced with cajun fun spread on the fluffy, not too crispy baguette. I tried my wife's crab cakes, they were AMAZING. Hardly any filler, if any. There were only two silver dollar sized cakes, but the spices and crab melded perfectly together. Her corn bread came out on a skillet with a big glob of butter on it that my wife scooped off quickly, but the balance between the corn and jalapenos mixed wonderfully. Our waiter was cool and I the refills were fully fun. I loved this place, good atmosphere and good company. 5 Stars.
(5)
Ryan Q.
This has turned into one of my favorite spots to go in Uptown. They have 2 for 1's from 9-12 along with some live music on Friday and Saturday night. It can get packed and it's nothing too special but I enjoy still being able to grab a table, enjoy some drinks, and listen to a couple tunes. I have yet to try the food so don't take my word on that one.
(4)
Amy R.
I keep hoping to be able to bump this up from my orignal review, but I'm just not able to-- yet. Service was excellent. Our server was magnificent. Very personable, and attentive, but not overly attentive. He knew my party was catching up and didn't mind us sitting for awhile. After he took our orders, he came back to tell us he forgot to place our order which was admirable. We were in no hurry and at least he was honest. The ceasar salad was good, just the right amount of garlic. Raspberry creme brule missed the mark- very dense and the top was too crunchy, but it was complimentary so can't complain. Had reservations for the patio wasn't told they didn't take them for the patio. I wish it would say that on the website prior to making them since that's the reason we chose Stella's in the first place. Whatever.. 3.5 overall.
(3)
Mark L.
Not sure what got into me to think that being a scrub on a Monday night with no reservation during Restaurant Week would not be a bad wait. Both rooftop and main dining room was a 45- to 50-minute wait, but that's okay because the bar is only a few steps away! The six of us enjoyed some Fat Tires and Crispin Ciders for a good half-hour while waiting. That's when we noticed that "our table" (presumably this table was being prepared for us next) had been vacant for a good 10 minutes. Without prompting from the waitresses, we just began to sit down. Stella's, I was willing to hand out the golden 5-star rating, but work on your hosting & seating processes, and then we'll have another talk. That being said, I absolutely loved the food. I ordered jumbalaya, which was not only a huge portion, but had the perfect amount of spice and flavor to give it that real authentic taste. I already love seafood so I would've been happy eating the oyster appetizers for dinner. (We also recommend the lobster mac & cheese.) Next, I'm definitely going to try the rooftop experience given that the hostess remembers I walked in the door.
(4)
Greg G.
My wife and I went to Stella's for my birthday last nignt. Food and service was fantastic! Blackened swordfish and diver scallops were our entre choices. Calimari as an app. Wonderful clam chowder, and my wife doesn't like clams, she raved about the soup. Our server James Kelly, also a manager, was very attentive, even though he was quite busy. Other servers and staff would clear items off our table as they passed by. We didn't want for a thing. I can't wait to go back. Fresh, well prepared food, made the investment totally worthwhile. Thanks for a great birthday dinner!
(5)
Evelyn I.
First time here, not impressed. We've been waiting for over 45 min for our order. Waiter just stopped by our table to say they're working on our order. No bueno!!
(2)
Sam O.
We've been here a few times over the years, and always seem to be unimpressed. Last night might be the last. We were able to get a seat on the rooftop without much fuss ( less than 10 min wait). I feel bad as the new building next door obstructs the view of downtown, but it's still a nice scene. Down to why we are here, the food. edamame: funky sauce not very pleasant clam chowder: actually pretty good, but unnecessarily spicy scallops: Just OK. cooked well, but over-seasoned. Could drop one of four scallops, and lower the price. mashed potatoes: pretty good Overall, not bad, but definitely not worth the price. There are too many better places for food just in uptown. Stick with just some drinks on the rooftop.
(2)
Anna H.
Love this place to much! I've got to say, we came in for dinner and it looks like the crowd changes as the night goes on. We were sat right away on a Saturday night. The rooftop had a bit of a wait. We were greeted right away by our server and he took great care of us even though it was clearly busy. The cocktails...mmmm! Pricey but so good. I stuck with the dragonfruit mojito and it was amazing. My boyfriend had a margarita that had waaaay too much sweet and sour but he switched his drinks and was happy. We got a crab spinach artichoke dip which was good but not amazing. The sushi roll was a firecracker. So good! There was a backup with sushi so we actually didn't get it until after our meal but it was good so we weren't upset. The dinner was great. My boyfriend had huge, meaty crab legs. I had the tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes. Cooked perfectly. so delicious and a big portion. My mom had the walleye which was also great. We finished with a raspberry creme brulee. We were stuffed but it was SO GOOD. Overall, we really loved the place and cannot wait to go back. Its expensive but the restaurant has a great vibe, loved the food and were taken great care of. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Kathleen R.
Decent but not great drink prices but you are clearly paying for a great patio! The Strawberry Mojito was good but not amazing. The IPA was good but they always are. I heard people next to me complaining about the oyster quality and he even spit one out so there is that...It is fine but not great. The patio rox my sox but that is really about it.
(3)
SamIams G.
A decent place with a great happy hour. Wide selection of food and drinks and very reasonably during happy hour. Service is really hit and miss depending on who is working, and food is just ok at regular menu price. Better food/deals in Uptown but by no means a bad place.
(3)
Rebecca S.
I had a bad experience with oysters and Stella's had reassured me that I'm missing out on them if cooked correctly. I am so addicted to oysters now after sampling what Stella's had to offer. I have 2 dozens of the Malpaque oysters and they are absolutely to die for. I came home after my trip in Minnesota and tried to find Malpaque again and haven't been successful. Oh how I miss Stella's. I wish there have been a location out here with good oysters like Stella's. I also had the surf and turf, absolutely amazing. I also had oysters Rockefeller and they were OK. I think the hollandaise sauce could have been more buttery.
(4)
Camille L.
The mojitos are fab, the happy hour specials are great, and the ambiance is nice. 2 for 1's on pretty much everything on tap and house wine during happy hour and they also have good food choices on their happy hour menu. They have a reasonably priced lunch menu but I thought the dinner was over priced for the quality of food they serve. The roof top is a must see when the weather is nice. It probably has one of the best views of downtown Minneapolis. It's very difficult and pretty much impossible to get a decent table though. We got seated at THE WORST table one evening, it was right next to some large and loud radiator and tucked behind something. I will NOT sit there again even though it's the only table; they shouldn't even have a table in that spot! When I asked about the happy hour specials up on the patio, the bartender loudly said, "WE DON'T DO HAPPY HOUR UP HERE EVER! LOOK AT THE VIEW". (okay! Sorry I asked) He redeemed himself by making us good mojitos though. The hostesses on the upstairs patio seemed a bit snooty and high on themselves too. One of these summer days, I will get a nice table upstairs and enjoy a nice lunch and mojito. It's a place you want to make a point to visit at least once in the summertime in Mpls. This place is decked out on Halloween too and has one of the best Halloween parties ever! Lots of creative costumes come to this place. It was packed and the music was good!
(4)
Kimberly C.
THE RED VELVET CAKE IS NOT THE SAME! :-( I was really disappointed as that cake has been the highlight of many of my past visits; it was among the best that I've ever had. Now, the color is burgundy, the taste too chocolatey, the tanginess is missing, the cream cheese frosting is excessively sweet and has only a tiny hint of cream cheese. I can no longer vouch for it. I'm determined to help them find a quality more like the previous one. Even if I have to make it myself. On a good note, I enjoyed the food. The surf and turf was good. Initially the portions looked small, but it turned out to be just right. A downside was that I ordered a medium steak, but it came out med-well. Oh well,...they're a seafood joint! It was still good, and so were the scallops, mashed potatoes (one of hte best I've had), and the asparagus with hollindase, which made eating veggies....FUN! My group had ordered mussels, which I typically don't like due to it's sliminess. However, after giving in and trying one, it was okay. It came in a rich creamy sauce which was so good that I used it on my scallops.
(3)
Julie D.
Perfect rooftop experience with a wonderful piece of salmon. I never expected to share one of my favorite places with my family. Truly unforgettable.
(4)
Mike C.
The food here is pretty good, but I really don't like how there is a difference in happy hour prices based your seating location, they charge more for food if you are seated on the roof top versus seated inside. The food prices here are insane and the low star count reflects this. 3 stars was granted not at all based on quality, but value. For the prices they demand I want more or much much better!
(3)
elisa c.
Lovely place for an summer afternoon. The whole family was in town to celebrate the summer birthdays, and we decided on Stella's, thinking there would be a range of options for even the pickiest eaters in group. Stella's did not disappoint - even my very Minnesotan grandparents who think ketchup is a spice found their crabby patties to be delicious. We had a range of appetizers for the table, and while everything came out tasty the real standout was the spinach and spicy crab dip - I could have eaten that entire plate myself. My sister ended up ordering the stuffed talapia, and I I think I had half of her meal because it was too yummy to ignore. While the food was overall good, it was a bit up there in price, but what made Stella's so amazing was the great service. Bother throughout the meal with a large group and then after we were finished, we asked the hostess where there may be a nice spot for a family photo since this was the first time in two years we were all together, she immediately offered to open up the skydeck area for us, which was closed at this time. She took us up there, and took far too many pictures for us, and then let us relax up there in the sun - and this was all after our meal and we had already paid the bill - she was amazing! The skydeck had some great views of Minneapolis and was all around beautiful. Thanks again!
(4)
Laura E.
I ate here in December and was pretty disappointed, especially considering all the good things I had heard about this place. I got a strong impression that the place was good but then maybe went a little too far with budget cuts or something. This place was expensive but has food that I'd expect to get at Red Lobster or some mediocre suburban seafood chain restaurant. The swordfish was super bland and the sauce that came with it tasted like some weird margarine chemical sauce. The vegetables I got were frozen in some places. Someone I was with got a salad and their balsamic vinaigrette had solidified -- wtf. So yeah, I wasn't impressed...
(1)
Marijane T.
5 stars for service cause our group was huge n we kept switching seats and she still got us the right food, I don't remember the food cause the alcohol clouds my vision, but it must of been good cause it stayed down even with all the alcohol. Oh yeah awesome happy hour, place is packed for a reason.
(5)
kyle t.
Very good food and one of the best roof tops around. OK I have sampled a very small set of items from the menu but from what I have had I have really liked. The last visit was muscles in a cream sauce and they rocked. Service was very good and the view can't be beat, either people watching or skyline. Only beef is they don't do happy hour on the rooftop, you have to sit inside. 90 degree day I don't think I'll pass up the sun for a cheap tap beer. Thumb way up for another great Parasolle place. Kt
(4)
Pang Houa T.
My husband and I enjoyed happy hour here several years ago, and have always wanted to return for dinner, which turned out to be a less pleasant experience. First of all, we were seated by the spiral stairs. Our table was eye level with people's feet, which proved to be distracting, so we asked to be moved to a booth, which was not a problem. I did not like the industrial lighting at the booth, though, it was too bright. On to the food... Since it was a Thursday, and Stella's was promoting their crab feast, I decided to order the crab cake to start. It was just okay. It came out not very hot and looking a little lopsided. It wasn't bad, just not great. For my entree, I had the blackened swordfish, which was good. The spinach side was too garlick-y and the mashed potatoes were just okay. My husband ordered the mahi mahi, and it was completely undercooked, yuck. While they were re-heating his fish, he was given a free cup clam chowder, which again, was just okay. A little overwhelmed by bacon. The re-heating took a while. By the way, is it normal for restaurants to just re-heat food if it was undercooked? We thought it wouldn't be sanitary and that it was taking so long because they were cooking him a new piece of fish...we were wrong. For entrees that are priced over $25, we expected better quality. I would give the happy hour another try, but will be eating dinner elsewhere.
(2)
Drew W.
Recently purchased a Groupon for Stella's Lobster Bake: $85 for dinner for two. ( A claimed $166 value) I will tell you upfront it maybe worth the $85 you pay for the groupon but it is no where near the quoted $166 supposed value. Just saying.....you each get a small salad and some bread, and ONE lobsterbake to share. It is like the crabbake at joes crab shake, but only one....and one dessert to share...it is not on their regular menu so they can say its value is whatever they want. The kicker is you get taxed at the full value at the end.....is better to just stick with the basic groupons $10 for $20 worth of food...etc....buyer beware.
(3)
Joanna C.
The rooftop here is amazing. The service has always been good in my experience, however, I've generally found the food only mediocre. Stick to traditional seafood fare and away from Sushi. Not their specialty by any means.
(3)
Rhonda G.
Cool relaxed little place but the food missed the mark on a few things. Crab bisque was too sweet, crab cakes were too salty. A happy medium would bump this place up a star or two. Staff was very nice and efficient which I always appreciate but some of the menu items need a bit more attention. I noticed a crab leg special that starts at 4pm so that could be a crowd pleaser if you're into that kind of thing.
Stella's is alright, depending on when you go and what you're looking to get out of it. Roof top patio: A! I've gotten drinks and happy hour specials after the patio was cleared of some of it's crazy uptown crowd around 11 on a week night. It was refreshing to take in the scenery without being packed in like sardines. Sitting down to eat: C. Another time I went out with a group for a friend's birthday. The waitress was nice and let us wait to order after it passed 10 PM so we could take advantage of happy hour. Some items are worth the $5: the sliders, cheese curds, dip, etc. Please avoid getting the $5 half rolls of sushi, you will be greatly disappointed. It's only five thin pieces of sushi and has the quality you could get from prepackaged sushi at a grocery store. The waitress was great in splitting the groups' bill but she did disappear for a good half hour so my group could not leave as the very drunken crowd surrounded our table to listen to the live music on the second floor. Stella's is more of an experience place, it's one of Uptown's hottest spots for hip young adults.
(3)
Whitney F.
Pleasantly surprised by stellas the other night. What I usually think of as that bar i used to be a regular at a few years ago, loving the young professional scene almost as much as the 10-12 2-4-1s... I havent been back nearly as often. I came here on a Friday night after a downtown happy hour, hoping to find a fish option (other than fish and chips for once) for a late night dinner. The boy and I came at the awkward hour to cap off an early happy hour and enjoy a late night bit, just before the "going out" crowd came in. Super happy about our meal and the people watching was amazing! He ordered the blackened swordfish and I had the scallops with the lemon sauce. He passed on the hollandaise and used mine. The sides were just a-okay... but when looking for a fresh fish option, with fun drinks and a young yet somewhat classy atmosphere.If I hadn't had a few cocktails under me, the new sushi menu looks amazing! Can't wait to try the new lobster roll!
(3)
Frank L.
This is my favorite place in Uptown. It gets a little crowded, especially on the rooftop in the summer, so definitely make a reservation. Phenomenal shrimp scampi, and you can't go wrong with the fresh catch options. I never thought I could be full from just four scallops and some asparagus, but I was wrong. Get the pomegranate lemonade (get it "grown up" if you're 21+). Great for big groups, dates, or rowdy drinks with friends.
(5)
Kc K.
Don't get me wrong. I like Stella's. For drinks. And I've generally accepted that its hard to get a table on the roof, but still worthwhile to try. That all said, Stella's has been a disappointment on the food front. Both for dinner (the dishes were very average, and rather overpriced), and for the appetizer/happy hour type orders. Each time I've tried to order food, or came for dinner, I have been surprised by how overpriced-ordinary the food has been. No more dinners.
(2)
Sara W.
I have been to Stella's now twice and overall it's okay in my opinion. Their rooftop, as many others seem to be in accordance, is wonderful! However, it is quite small, so be prepared to wait anytime you go. I went with my fave Norwegian and his parents around 2pm on a Saturday, and it was a rockin. I really think they enjoyed the view of the city, and it was a wonderful day for a little rooftop sun bathing time, so it worked out quite nicely. My swanky Norwegians ordered a couple bottles of vino, the calamari, and a handful of other appetizers. Overall, everything was okay, just nothing special. This said, I still had a fabulous time, our server was excellent, consistently checking in, and refilling drinks even in the mist of the craziness of the rooftop. The other time I have gone on a Saturday evening for a late night snack/drink, and I would rate this even lower in my book. Given, it was extremely busy, picture a Passion Pit concert of moshers at First Ave, all attempting to score a table, and push themselves to the bar. All in all, their patio is a A, and I really would like to go back for happy hour one of these days, as I really do love me a good rooftop/view of Minneapolis.
(3)
Candace V.
Meh food. Expensive food. Love me some Uptown & adore seafood, but Stella does not impress.
(3)
Sonja D.
I came here for a birthday dinner, having never been here before, without expectations. I've heard good things though. I didn't see any parking, so I parked across the street in a lot and asked the dude how much. I can't remember what he told me, and when I said "really?" he said "where are you going?" I said, "Stella's across the street", he says, "oh then it's only $5". I'm not sure if he was just being nice (there wasn't a sign with prices), but i appreciated the gesture nonetheless. However, that has nothing to do with Stella's, i don't think. We had a table reserved, but it was a Wednesday evening and it didn't seem that packed. The service was great! Our hostess, waitress, and person who brought food were all really friendly and helpful. We each had something different and it came out in a short amount of time and she had everyone's order correct. I did think it was strange that they had paper menus, though. A place like this, serving expensive seafood should probably invest in some nice laminated/covered menus. I don't think Chef Ramsey would be very happy with the paper choice. I was a little surprised at the prices, but not terribly, so I decided to order something that sounded amazing. I ordered the Stuffed Tilapia- stuffed with shrimp, crawfish, and brie cheese, served with garlic mashed potatoes, mixed greens topped with a lemon basil buerre blanc. I was expecting a taste explosion in my mouth, but I wasn't, unfortunately, that thrilled. The fish was done well, but it was sort of bland. I didn't get flavors from the stuffed part. The garlic mashed were also bland. Homemade, which is expected and appreciated, but not very flavorful. The mixed greens were actually the best part. The lemon basil buerre blanc (I have no idea what that means) was really really great. I would like a bottle of it, and it actually would've tasted great drizzled over the fish. Our waitress was nice and separated all the checks the way we wanted (some of us were in pairs), and I had no problem leaving a 20% tip for her. However, I wasn't too impressed with anything else, and probably would only come back to enjoy the patio upstairs at some point. I feel like that is a must for a Minneapolis resident, and I just haven't done it yet.
(3)
Amy Z.
2 stars; someone made an effort in creating an atmosphere and they do get 2 stars for effort. They do not earn the remaining 3 stars because the atmosphere reminds me too much of TGIF's or Joe's Crab Shack. Was hoping for something a little more stylish... 2 stars; I asked our server to help us choose between calamari or crab cakes for a starter. She suggested the calamari. It was bad. Not like it made us sick but there was too much salt and grease involved. I can only imagine what the crab cakes are like if she recommended the calamari over the cakes. The BBQ ribs were okay. Not great but they were fine. Sushi was okay. Drinks were fine. We thought we would try something new instead of the usual Uptown Cafeteria or Chino Latino dinner. At least now we know!
(2)
Samantha N.
I've been to Stella's a few times and I feel comfortable enough to say I've got a pretty good idea on how I feel towards it. The first time I went there, my brother and sister in law took me out for a late 21st birthday. We went around 5pm in time for happy hour. There were a few people in the room, but not enough to seem like it was busy. The happy hour menu is good; 2 for 1 drinks and yummy food selections. If you're a huge fan of seafood like I am then you'd love their happy hour menu. There are sushi rolls, oysters, shrimp buckets, crab dip, tacos, clams, jalapeno poppers and much more. Around 8pm more people arrived. It got much noisier and packed towards the night. Around 9pm, a gentlemen came and played live music right by us. He definitely set the right mood for everyone. We left shortly afterwards because it was getting really packed and loud. My brother and I were practically yelling to hear each other! I guess for my first experience I thought the food was great and the atmosphere is fun. However, I'm not too sure if it's good for a family sit down or if you're looking for a "chill" bar. The second time I went on a Friday night. I took my girlfriends there for a girls night out. We asked for the rooftop and had to wait about twenty minutes to get a table. I almost changed my mind, but I really wanted to get the beautiful view of uptown. Of course, we got the corner table with the greatest view. I think the girls enjoyed it as much as I did. We got a few drinks and food, but as college students, it might have been a little over priced for us. We all expected it, anyway! Once the sun started to set, the rooftop attracted more people--mainly men of all ages. We disappeared quickly after and went to another bar that was more suitable. We still had lots of fun over dinner and drinks, but I don't think any of us wanted to stay that long once we realized everyone was all about drinking on the rooftop! Other than the extreme mood switch between day and night, I still love the place. It also helps that I'm a seafood lover. I still go there Fridays just for their happy hour. I always get their oysters, shrimp, and jalapeno poppers accompanied by a nice-cold beer. Nothing is more refreshing! Perhaps, I'll give it another shot at the night scene. But for now, I'll stick to the happy hour (my happy place).
(4)
Don C.
TERRIBLE service, need I say more? Drinks were sloppy, bartenders were rude, and prices were outrageous. Granted, this is uptown, so a snooty attitude and overpriced drinks is to be expected to a certain degree, but this is a new Low. The only thing that can save this place is the rooftop bar on a sunnyday, but it's October, and we have a looong way to go till spring.
(1)
Lucy K.
So i was in town for a short time, and my friends took me to Stella's. I couldnt be happier. I love seafood and this is definitely a great place for it. The restaurant is huge. Two floors with an open kitchen. Apparently there is a third floor also but when its freezing in the winter, no one is going to see that part of the restaurant. Waitstaff was really friendly. A couple of the items we wanted to order werent available that day so that sucked. THeir cocktails - delish! Their food...amazing! Fresh, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to perfection. We started off with some oysters and calamari. The oysters were fresh, juicy and plump. The calamary was tasty with a great dipping sauce. For dinner I had the hawaiin ahi tuna with a Lemon Basil Buerre Blanc sauce. The tuna was cooked perfectly (medium rare) and the sauce was PHENOMENAL! The mashed potatoes were so tasty. Simply delicious! My friend had the alaskin king crab. They cleaned at the table for her and it was sweet and succulent! I seriously was thinking of this restaurant the following day because it was so damn good!
(5)
Lina H.
the roof opened for the first time after winter and it was super duper jammed packed at 10:00pm on an April Saturday night. I stood in a line that i thought was moving pretty quick while the girls in front of me kept complaining how horribly long it was- probably cause their 5 inch heels were killing the crap out of their feet. hah! when i got inside i had to dodge people just to get to the bar on the first floor. after minutes of trying to get served, i decided to go up the elevator to another floor hoping that I'd be successful in ordering a drink. Andrew and i ended up on the roof top where there was a good amount of (drunk) people. he made his way to the bartender and ordered me a patron and pineapple while he got a jack and coke. the guy next to him ordered 4 shots and tipped the bartender a "dollar" now for a second there i was like holly crap what a cheap ass.. but the dude on the other side of Andrew ordered and left 50 cents.. is this how people tip in Minnesota!? our bill came out to be 9 bucks! for two premium cocktails!! that's a deal!! you can't get that in Hollywood... we tipped the bartender 2 bucks. he said thank you =) the place has like 4 floors... gi-normous and it was packed on every floor. there is a stair case in the middle with a high roof. i didn't get a chance to order any food but from the looks of others they appear to be enjoying their plates.
(4)
Emily T.
This is a fun place to go for a fancy night out but we were a little bit disappointed in the bang for our buck. We paid about $32 dollars for a scallop entree which came out with under cooked potatoes as a side and maybe three scallops. It was tasty, but definitely something we could have made at home with 3x more portion sizes for the same amount of money. The service was also a bit slow but the place is always packed so this should be expected. Excellent dirty martini from the bar though, they do know how to make a nice drink here.
(3)
Finn K.
Sorry but in this case I'm going to be bitterly honest because I wish I had been properly warned. I should start though by saying the balcony is nice in a trendy Uptown-wanabe sort of way...BUT, the service was sluggish, the dining area downstairs was swarming with flies and the live, or rather half dead, Lobster and greasy out-of-a-box "homemade" crabcakes were god-awful. Unless your planning to drink yourself into a semi-comatose blackout before actually tasting the food I would avoid this place. Infact, I wouldn't wish this food on my worst enemy. In fact, I'm shocked that Stella's is creeping up on 4 stars right now...that is totally sad Uptowners. So if your reading this and are wondering "well maybe I should just try it for myself" or "it can't be that bad" well..consider yourself warned.
(1)
Sarah T.
The rooftop view is incredible, but the service can be very uneven--especially around lunchtime. I would recommend coming here in the evenings, but be prepared for crowds and a little bit more expensive bill.
(2)
J P.
Food is generally good with arguably the best clam chowder I've had. Diver scallops were excellent although the sauce was horribly salty. I will not return on account of abysmal service. Food took 45 minutes and the server didn't even pretend to pay attention to our table. It was also a good 25 minutes before my mojito came, where it was watered down beyond belief. Would have been brilliant if we weren't trapped at our table for over 100 minutes on a Sunday evening.
(2)
Emily A.
One star for the roof. One star for happy hour. Go somewhere else to eat. Their menu is limited and totally overpriced. For a fish place you'd think they'd have at least a couple of good dinner salads with shrimp or crab cakes or something. Not the case. The entire menu was altogether unappetizing. I settled on the shrimp linguine ($18) which was drowning in butter. My date got grilled salmon, I've had much much better and for $30 I felt assaulted.
(2)
Autumn Y.
Stella's is the typical cult like experience in Minneapolis, I feel. Upon moving here, everyone suggested, "stella's for happy hour, dinner, late night!" Overall, I can't say it's one of my favorite places. Sure, I get the craving for all you can eat fish sticks Fridays, and I'm a sucker for the rooftop, but the late night lines, the lack of bar specials on the roof and some of the overpriced apps are undesirable. Edit: I forgot to mention my love for the curry chicken wings. Not actually called that, but they smell like curry, and are mighty delicious. I enjoyed them with a friend during my first visit to Stella's. (thank you for the reminder, Erice),
(3)
Andrew B.
I don't understand how this place has so many positive reviews. The place smells strongly of fish (in a bad way) and is bro central. Enough said.
(1)
Lisa M.
Holy Cornbread! Disclaimer - I don't eat seafood, but everyone else in my party does. We went here on a recent Saturday night for a friends birthday. We made reservations and were seated in Jo Jo's section - she had served our friends before and now I see why they asked for her. I started with a white wine flight. 3 glasses for $12 - they were full glasses too! Good deal if you ask me. She recommended some appetizers of mussels and tuna dip. According to the group they were excellent. I ordered the corn bread and a friend ordered the walleye fingers as well. Now, if given the opportunity, I would have eaten the cornbread for dinner, but I had to be reasonable. The taste and texture were perfect and it had a bite at the end. Mmmmmmm! I ordered the cat fish and fried green tomatoes for dinner. The portion of cat fish was gigantic and really good! My dining companion had the arctic char and loved it as well. On to dessert - we shared the mini donuts and I can't believe more places don't have them for dessert. The service was excellent! She gave our friend a t-shirt as a birthday souvenier. The manager gave us a tour and I think Stella's would be great place to have a nice party. A perfect meal for me - wine, cornbread, cat fish and mini donuts with good friends - who could ask for more?
(4)
Maija M.
We went with the Groupon - half price on the lobster bake for two. We arrived at 6:48 for a 7pm reservation. Upon checking in, the bored looking hostess told us to check back in 10 minutes, as they were still trying to seat their 6:45 guests. We took a seat at the bar, and went back up. Some guy - a manager? - who had been confering with the hostess told us they still weren't ready and to come back up at 7. (No apologies, just attitude.) My phone said it was 6:59. Also, there were empty tables. We were finally seated about 10 mins later. Our meal came with a salad - the dressing I ordered, lemon vinaigrette, was awesome! It was more mustard than lemon to me, but totally delish. There was definitely not 2 full lobsters in our lobster bake, but it was good enough - the potatoes in the broth were barely edible & very hard. The chocolate cake at the end was good, but nothing I'd go out of my way for. I enjoyed the raspberry lemonade too, there was pureed fruit in it. Our waiter was extremely bored, like the waitress, and didn't check in at all during our main course to see how we were doing. Refills seemed like a pain to him & weren't easy to come by. I am very glad we didn't pay full price for the meal. Probably wouldn't go back again, although I am not completely opposed to the idea.
(3)
Nick M.
We went on a Saturday night.....now that I'm on the other side of 30 I should probably go back during the week. The food wasn't too bad, drinks were solid, but trying to go to the roof is an adventure. One thing I will say, the staff was great. Taking into account how busy the place was, I was almost shocked at how great our waitress was.
(3)
Stephanie O.
I've been hearing great things about Stella's for ages. I tried to go once for a friend's going-away-party but the line was out the door and around the block so I decided to try going another time. The time came this past Friday when my boyfriend and I decided to get some cheap oysters and happy hour drinks after work. We work in St. Paul so getting to Uptown, parking, and scoring a table at Stella's by 6pm was a challenge - but, after the hostess downstairs said the wait might be shorter on the patio, we were able to grab drinks at the bar while we waited for our table. We didn't know how much drinks *normally* cost anyway, so when our rail drinks came to $12 we thought "good thing they're 2-for-1s because that's an expensive drink!". Then, once we'd been seated at a high-top table and still had a few minutes left for happy hour, we ordered a dozen oysters. Their website says Friday is Oyster Orgy during Happy Hour - meaning $0.69 oysters. On there website's happy hour menu, there is absolutely NO mention of happy hour being indoors only (though if I'd checked Yelp first, I would've known and either stayed inside or avoided the place altogether!). We also got the sushi grade ahi tuna dip because I'm big on guacamole and tuna - and we were willing to pay the full cost just to try this item. After a couple more drinks and some bland food (Yes, BLAND. Bland oysters that were poorly shucked and thus loaded with crunchy bits of shell flaking off, bland tuna and guac, weak drinks) our extremely slow server dropped off our check...$25 for the oysters, plus non-discounted drinks...we were ticked. So, we paid our $80 bill (while waving goodbye to any other plans our weekend may have otherwise included) and went downstairs to talk to a manager. The manager made some excuses like, for example, that someone outside of the restaurant runs the website and obviously they are just not doing a good job keeping it up to date. She then tried to blame us for not asking if happy hour was included on the patio (though this seems like a sketchy policy to begin with, and certainly does not seem like the kind of policy one would think to ask about). Finally, she claimed she couldn't do anything (yeah, right...) and gave us her boss's card telling us he'd be in after noon the following day. Several phone calls and voicemails have been made but no word yet. In the mean time, I've made a point to tell all of my friends and family who have in the past recommended Stella's and none of us have any intention of giving that company another dime anytime soon. I'd just like to say that I'm not one to complain about restaurants or businesses in general. I don't eat dairy products (I get sick, I'm not just finicky) so I have had my share of dishes come out covered in cheese after requesting otherwise, and I do not fault the restaurantsfor this - after all, I am asking them to change something on their menu and I hate having to do that as it is! I have also been to MANY places with ridiculously long waits, horrible service, etc etc...but I always tip well, I always smile and am understanding, and I try to give the place a second chance and hope that it was just a fluke. However, Stella's manager would not even apologize (again, tried to deflect the blame) and so many things went wrong that I needed to do something about it. Here's my recommendation: Go somewhere else. Personally, I'm going to try Sea Salt. I hear their seafood is better anyway :)
(1)
Bill P.
Great food in a casual atmosphere. Black grouper was excellent which surprised me this far from the ocean. We also tried jambalaya which I also enjoyed, just the right amount of spice. Old building with that warehouse atmosphere. It was too cold to check out the roof patio.
(4)
Andrew H.
Frequenting Stella's for a few years now, my wife and I always have a great time, whether it's just the two of us for a dinner date or we're meeting friends. Any time I see a Stella's groupon, I snatch it - no questions asked - especially if it's for the lobster bake dinner for two! Their menu boasts fresh seafood arriving daily, with certain offerings one may not commonly find in our dear northern state of Minnesota. I've never been dissatisfied with the quality of fresh oysters or sushi while dining at Stella's, and I order one or the other nearly every time we're dining. However, I do occasionally bear witness to "seafood snobs" anticipating waves crashing on the beach just outside as they dine on sushi so fresh it's still twitching. I have tempered my expectations (only slightly) with Stella's, and I believe they do a great job presenting a quality menu. When I glance out the window during dinner, I expect to see Lake Street, not the pacific. Weeknights are a great opportunity to sneak in for a meal and drinks if you want to avoid the weekend scene - though it can be fun as well. Yes, Stella's gets rather packed as the weekend evenings roll on - and yes, it's typically a younger crowd. Sunday Fundays can absolutely be heightened by visiting Stella's for a little daytime happy hour, particularly if you want lunch. I always like easy Sunday's with peel and eat shrimp, oysters, and checking out what the taco of the day is. Nonetheless, I must reiterate my endorsement of the lobster bake for two. Served in the stockpot, it opens to reveal two sectioned lobsters, mussels, shrimp, and sausage all cooked in a delicious cioppino. It's a knockout. Combine that with a window table at street level, and you'll enjoy a great meal with some entertaining people watching! Summer months are great for the rooftop, but any section of Stella's - at any time will offer a positive experience in my humble opinion.
(4)
Prescilla X.
One star is strictly dedicated to the roof top lounge. This place was definitely not appealing on the inside with the decor and the wood looked old. The ambiance plays a huge factor in the restaurant biz! The food was sub-par. We had the spicy edemome which was oily, runny, and had to much soy sauce. Than had the clam chowder which was actually pretty delicious because it had the perfect amount of meat and vegetables, no less. Our main courses were fish dishes that we were able to build ourselves but the sauces were flavorless and blah!! Granted the fishes by themselves were good! Than the most disappointing thing on the menu was the desserts! We already started off with two things on the dessert menu gone and it was only 7pm! Than proceeded to order a dessert, only to find out that they had "sold out" of that one too! So finally, ended up with the berries which weren't fresh, had runny whip cream, and CHAMBORD! Dont get me wrong, I love my alcohol but MAYBE JUST MAYBE they should've added that on the menu stating that there is alcohol addded. If you go to Stella's Fish Cafe, head straight to the roof top.
(2)
Annie D.
Oh, Stella's. I have never been here to eat dinner, but I've been for drinks a few times, mostly when I was younger. The other night, I was coerced into it by a friend. It had been about two years since my last trip to Stella's and things have not changed. I enjoy 2-4-1 drinks on Friday nights and so does everyone else, judging from how packed it was in here. The bartender that we had that night was excellent---totally got to us with a quickness and smile even though he was probably dealing with drunk people all night. It's a meat market (fish market?) for 20 somethings. As a woman, you can feel the eyes of the male race on your butt. The whole thing makes me feel both old and judgmental of our generation's courtship rituals. "Wanna take a shot with us?" should not be a pick-up line. Anyway, being that I've already got a mighty good man, I was trying to be a spectator in these strange interactions. Upstairs, they had live music that wasn't half-bad except that people were grinding on the "dance floor" to covers of Jason Mraz. It was pretty funny to watch, actually. If not for the crowd, I might come here more often because of those 2-4-1s... plus the rooftop knocks the socks off in the summer. It really does.
(3)
Tracy W.
Homemade potato chips, Fish tacos, Crawdad Jambalaya, Roof seating, need I say more? Okay, I will. Everything here is yum yum yum yum yum delicioso.
(4)
New D.
Ordered the champagne mussels, and the sesame crusted tuna. Champagne mussels were great, as are most of their appetizers. The sesame crusted tuna was awefull. There was no flavor to it, no salt, only flavor was the little bit of the spicy mayo sauce from their sushi. Daichon and carrot relish, were not pickled enough and flavorless. For $28 dollars for the dish, I expected more. Food took 45 minutes to come, waitress was unattentive, I ordered coffee, the waitress forgot to bring cream or sugar, no spoon? really?
(2)
Ellen R.
Dear Stella, you made me give you three stars when I really wanted to give you four. I am a huge advocate of Stella's happy hour. You can't beat 2-4-1 drinks, $5.25 appetizers, and enough seafood to make your head spin. However, the past couple times I dined at Stella's it was a little rough. I left feeling annoyed and dissapointed. Service is slow because they're understaffed and extremely busy. It feels like the presence of a floor manager and additional kitchen staff could really help whip things into shape. The food is quite tasty, and I have yet to get my hands on a full lunch or dinner. My favorite happy hour indulgences include: peel n' eat shrimp, champagne mussels, raw oysters, and fried calamari (when it's hot). Be prepared to wait inexplicably long for you food with little attention from your server. Weekday evenings and weekend nights are always busy, so take heed!
(3)
Amber V.
Stella's is always amazing. I ordered the Sunday lobster special, it was perfect-the right texture and great flavor, just warm so it wasn't overcooked. My boyfriend ordered the jumbalaya for the second time in a row, it was amazing. Our server was excellent, came back at all the right times and had excellent recommendations. After an excellent tip, we even received a free slice of pink Cadillac cake-delicious!
(5)
Rob G.
Here's the thing about Stella's: If you want a nice place for a happy hour cocktail and a few laughs with friends with a stellar view, go to the rooftop, order a drink, and marvel at your glorious decision to go to Stella's for a night of stupid but fun activities. On the other hand, if you go to Stella's for dinner, you have made a grave error with the use of your precious dollars. I've been to Stella's many times over the years to just hang out upstairs with friends and basically have never been disappointed. It gets crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, but that's a plus if you're looking for a chill-out night of people watching and conversation. I tried going for dinner recently and was so severely disappointed that I have to consider suggesting to Stella's that they consider stop punishing people with their crummy "seafood" and just turn the whole place into a bar. The food is gross. We ordered oysters and they tasted like they'd been sitting out for about three hours in the sun. Fishy, stinky, nasty oysters. I want my money back. I ordered the battered walleye for dinner and reveled in my deep fried dough with a thin wisp of fish in the middle. Thanks friends. Oh, and the lump of mashed poo-tatoes that was strategically placed directly under the fish so that they could fit all the culinary delights on the fist-sized plate was a real treasure too. Final score: Happy hour: 23 points Dinner: 0 points (Gross)
(1)
Stephanie R.
I have been a little MIA lately as life has been way busy! But, yesterday I had the chance to finally get out and try Stella's for the first time and WOW! I had the coconut shrimp and diver scallops and I was seriously impressed. Being born and raised in Boston I have eaten a descent about of sea food. This meal seriously can hang with some of the big dogs on the East Coast. Even my Father in Law, a former Massachusetts fisherman did not have one complaint and couldn't stop raving about his meal! I will say it was very pricey, but man the food was fresh and well worth it! This place is a must try and I will definitely be back!
(5)
M S.
I think stella's food has gone down in quality. I used to love stella's for a reliably delicious fresh fish dining experience, but of late, the fish dishes have had a raunchier scent, and left me feeling less than great. The mixed drink i ordered was very sweet and had no discernable alcohol. Time before my latest visit, my daughter was served old chocolate milk. she was rejecting it, and when i sipped it, it was totally off. Turned out to have been past date. that shouldn't happen. i also consistantly recieve slimy greens in my salad, and the sushi we were served was pretty far sub par, even for a non sushi focussed restaurant. The parm crusted walleye was all right. We're disappointed, after several icky meals at Stella's lately, and it used to be a favorite. I hope it turns itself back around.
(2)
Ngoc N.
Stellas isn't what it used to be! I remember last summer when my group of friends and I would end up at Stellas at least once a week. We always had good service, good food, and a good time. We were there to a point where we noticed when prices changed or when they changed their happy hour menu. At that time, we realized the change before our waiter ever did. The rooftop is still a nice place to be on a warm summer evening with it's awesome view. Now that winter has come, there's not much left for it to offer. I was never that impressed by the food off their menu, it's good, but not that great. I can pay for the same food at other places. Service is hit or miss. We've had really nice servers, but we've also had ones that seem like they were annoyed with us. There's been a lot of experiences recently where we have to work really hard to flag down staff to get stuff. I like the place for happy hour though, I probably wouldn't come for anything else. Friday's Oyster Orgy is pretty good. Good price for the oysters! Too bad they raised it up to $0.59 or $0.69, depending on where you check or who you talk to. I do miss the days when it was just $0.50. I'm surprised they raised the prices when most other places are lowering theirs. Can't complain too much though when it's super cheap. Speaking of oysters - always make sure what you're eating is fresh. If it tastes bad, don't eat it. We had a few experiences last year where our oysters tasted really "fishy" and they were oozing white stuff. Pretty nasty. It took a few tries to convince the staff that it was bad. We only noticed because we came on a regular basis there...I'm sure other patrons who don't eat oysters frequently would not notice. Be careful!
(3)
Colleen H.
This was one of THOSE restaurants that I could not wait to try.... I will take a moment to acknowledge the AMAZING CORN BREAD... but other than that... food was very mediocre... i was relieved that I had a coupon to help pay for the meal... given the quality, I would not typically pay those prices.. sorry Stella - you made me BLUE ~
(2)
Dana T.
I love the size of Stella's... So many different seating options. Its great place to go if your not looking to sit still! 4 different levels... It's also wheelchair accessible. But even though this bar/restaurant seems huge, this place is always jam packed. I feel like a smashed up sardine in a can! Everyone one is there to hit up the 2fers... I mean, everyone! Maybe this the spot is where all the pre-gaming begins in Uptown. Last time I went here I ordered the Crab and artichoke dip... Oh, my, gosh. LOVED IT! I will be ordering it the next time I go, this I already know. But the main attraction is the drinks of course... They make a mean mojito. Loves them! Service here is... Ehhhh... errrrr.... ehhh... Not a whole lot to say about it. Of course I will visit here again, it's in the heart of Uptown.
(4)
Joe N.
Went 12/21/12 with friends. Overall, only OK experience. Dragon roll app very nice, Cajun bull bites also nice. Blackened mahi mahi only so-so and scallops were undercooked. Other 6 entrees were fine (salmon on a plank, fried walleye), but you could do just as we'll at Red Lobster. Sad because Stella's was once a favorite for fun dining and great seafood.
(2)
Jim C.
Went last night. No problem getting a table on short notice--perhaps because of Memorial Day weekend. Service was good. Wife had Salad Nicoise, which was really good. I had the waitron- recommended Copper River salmon w/ creole sauce and grilled asparagus. Despite the intriguing sauce name, the dish was bland and portion size was on the smallish side for $27 (I was still hungry when I left--requiring a trip to a nearby peanut bar). My wife ordered the sangria, which was overly sweet and about 60% ice--stay away from it. I had a beer and was given the option of super-sizing from a pint to a "goblet" of beer for an extra $1. While unsure how many ounces are in a goblet, it's definitely worth it in terms of presentation value alone--the late afternoon light shone through it making it look like the Holy Grail.
(3)
Kimberly T.
First things first: never come here without a coupon! I see them in every Uptown/Downtown quarterly & get postcards from them all the time. Food has always been great. I love the coconut shrimp & the lobster roll. Service has always been good when I've dined. I prefer to come here for dinner rather than 2-4-1's on a Saturday!
(4)
Don S.
Had a Groupon and took the wife out for her birthday. We had the Lobster Bake, and was it goooood!. I liked the bread, very flavorful and able to absorb the juices in the bottom of the pot. The sausage in the bake was spicy and added great flavor to the stock. The Zinfandel went well with the bake. We had fun with the waitress, and she was good to us. Hour and a half after sitting down, we rolled out, full, satisfied and with a bit of food to take home and a new t-shirt too. My wife said it was one of her best birthday dinners. It is a little noisy for an older guy like me, and of course parking isn't ideal, but some of that you expect for the location. But we liked it enough that we will return. Sometime soon we will go back for the Sunday Lobster dinner.
(4)
Jada M.
The only reason I gave this place 2 stars was for the rooftop patio, the only thing this place is good for is a great location with a gorgeous view. The food is absolutely terrible so please pass on it. Their seafood (which they specialize in) is terrible!!! Seriously terrible. Choose Uptown Cafeteria over this place they have a great view much better food and service!
(2)
Diana G.
There's nowhere I'd rather be than Stella's on a Saturday night! I like to start with some sushi, grab some 2-4-1's, and eventually head to the rooftop deck. Love the atmosphere inside or out, even the dudes that play cover songs on the second floor.
(4)
Anna J.
This is one of those places that the atmopshere is WAY better than the food...or service. Not to complain too much...we had the best seat in the house...literally. My buddy got a corner table on the way upper deck. we got to sip drinks and watch the sun set. it was trully stunning. ohh yes...opps..i'm reviewing the resturant. The service was slow. I thought most things on the menu were way overpriced. Even came here for happy hour and left with a pretty hefty check. How does that always happen to me? I will return...but not hungy. When I return...it will be on payday and I will be thirsty. Come for the deck and not expect to much otherwise.
(3)
Art H.
We called and got a reservation just minutes before we showed up with a group of 12 (maybe 14). Seated almost immediately (6:30 Friday evening). Loud, yeah, with people talking, but at least no thumping music. Business meeting, everyone wants separate tickets; waitress smiles and says "no problem." She's fast, efficient, friendly, nobody ever has an empty beer bottle or drink or water glass. Food is pretty quick. Every single person was very pleased with what they got. Guy next to me (from south Florida, not excited about Minnesota seafood) had "the best Jambalaya I've ever had." It was excellent; first Jambalaya I've ever tasted that wasn't too salty; I gotta agree, best I've ever had. I had "fish on fire," sashimi in a luscious sauce, with paper-thin jalapeno slices. Sounded good, but it was fantastic. Sashimi platter was 15 bucks, huge salad was five bucks. Most entrees 24 to 32 dollar range. Perfectly pleasant experience. Only bad point is that they added 20% tip to the bill. I would have probably tipped a little more, service was excellent. But at least one of us paid his bill, left a nice tip, and then noticed after we'd left that the tip was already added.
(5)
Ryan P.
So you want to meet some girls do you? And it's Friday night? OK first thing... get dressed up in your best "going out" shirt and jeans. Find 6 or 7 of your best buddies, each of whom you affectionately refer to as "bro" or in some cases "brah". Now you are ready to paint the town... pile into someone's Escalade. Drive directly to Uptown. Park somewhere, anywhere except not in that giant eyesore of a new parking ramp because it sucks. Then you head over to Stella's because that's where it's at. Wait in line for about 10 minutes because you don't know the door guy. Get inside and you get to wade through 5 different levels, jammed packed with other people who look a lot like you. Approach the beautiful ladies, tell them why you are awesome. Get drunk off their late night weekend happy hour. Go home with all your buddies with a few numbers you got. Mission accomplished.
(3)
D L.
Went there for dinner and dessert. Great meal. For dessert, try the brownie batter -- decadent, and enough for two.
(5)
Katie O.
Stella's is a crowded spot and it's definitely for the "younger" crowd. They offer some pretty good specials and their food isn't bad. The last time I was here I sat at a table and the waiter was amazing - he was friendly and fast even though you could tell he was frazzled by the crowds. The drinks are mixed well and the bartenders are fast as well. The food is a bit lack-luster, I've only had appetizers and it was during a happy hour/specials time so I felt it was fair priced. If it had been during a non-special time, I think I would have not ordered any because the prices are bit high. Overall, worth a try.
(3)
Jess L.
I had a very enjoyable rooftop patio evening this past Wednesday. Happy hour was nice, with a good selection of beverages and snacky bits. The food was tasty, the happy hour merlot was ok, and service was ok. Our server was a really nice, funny guy, but he was kind of absent. I wasn't terribly impressed that their bathrooms are "conveniently" located on the 2nd floor. Strange. All in all, a good experience, and I'm looking forward to hanging out there again soon.
(4)
Rakhi N.
Love. Stella's. I go on Sundays for the happy hour. Great oysters. They ship 'em fresh daily, except Sunday. Minimal beer selection. Good daily fish menu. Peel and eat shrimp is really delicious...and $5 on HH menu. Sometimes on Sunday short on waitstaff. Sit at the bar for prompt service.
(5)
Tom L.
PROS: -Rooftop offers great views of the city. -2 for 1 drink specials -Aggresive specials on drinks during the week NEGATIVES -Went outside to make a phone call while eating dinner and bouncer grabbed my arm as I went back in to i.d. me, while calling me BOSS. I don't believe I am his manager. -Asked to sub brocolli for asparagus and they said it would be an $8.95 fee. -Later the manager bought us a round of drinks because of the absurdity.
(3)
Kristin G.
I had the Beer Battered Walleye Pike here. I didn't love it. But I did really like the appetizers that we ordered. I think the food is decent. The atmosphere was nice. On another trip I sat on the roof for cocktails, it was excellent. Both trips I had excellent cocktails, but the food could have been better.
(3)
Deidred A.
Disclaimer: I am from the east coast. Grew up in Miami, live in Boston. I know Seafood. Stella's gives a good try but ends up disappointing. I ordered a lobster roll on a hot day. Yes, that was probably not the best choice as the closest lobsters are 1000 miles away but they did have a lobster tank. Well the lobster roll came out bland' it didn't have any taste. The chips meanwhile were way too seasoned. My wife shared the same sentiment about her meal. You don't go to the Midwest for seafood so why does Stella's get three stars? The decor and atmosphere. It is way too dirty hipster inside. Odd ornaments and pictures of tubby men with their shirts off. It is just unappetizing. Lobster is expensive, make the experience feel worth it. With the roof deck this could be such a cool place to go. Instead it comes across as weird Applebee's that serves seafood. Unless they go upscale my guess is that they will be closed in five years; which would be huge shame. Step up Stella's!
(2)
Erin W.
I heard from a co-worker that Stellas Oyster Orgy was a can't miss for oyster lovers @ 69 cents per oyster. So yesterday a few friends and I went right after work and found that the oyster special was in full effect. We ordered about 72 oysters to share among the 4 of us. When the oysters were delivered to our table we were taken back a little bit because they were small, not like McCormicks, but after putting salt, tabasco sauce, and drenching the oysters with lemon the oysters did not disappoint. They were definitely fresh and TASTY! The only drawback is that the service took a little long considering that it wasn't busy at 4pm and the place was relatively empty. We all agreed that it was a spot that we would visit again in the very near future!
(4)
Brian G.
Nice atmosphere. The food is bland as hell. The French fries had more taste than the fish. I'm from the south where the food has plenty of taste. This would not fly below the Mason Dixon line. Portions are plentiful though. Just plentiful bland.
(2)
Steve G.
They have great happy hour and late night specials. 2-4-1's on taps (and not just the watered-down stuff) and fairly cheap apps. Recommend the ahi tuna crisps. If your in the mood for oysters Friday's they are pretty cheap. Unfortunately if you're looking for a patio happy hour there are no specials on the roof. Awesome rooftop patio. More of a mid 20's to30 crowd at night and is packed on weekends so I would recommend arriving there early (10 or before). There can be a pretty long line to get into the place, but usually I've got in pretty quick. It can be difficult to get drinks at the bar and the staff can be overworked up there. During dinner its busy, but not as bad. Service inside has always been great. Overall this is a good place. Enjoy the specials inside during the winter and a great patio in the summer.
(4)
David S.
I don't think the food or the drinks are necessarily that great, but the rooftop patio is well worth the visit.
(3)
Chris F.
Terrible food and service. They cant even clean or cook a lobster properly. I will suggest that no one ever visits Stella's.
(1)
Britta S.
The food at Stella's isn't bad and its a cool venue so I am not writing about those aspects. If you go for a meal, you'll probably like it. I am writing about Stella's bar scene on the weekends: I have been to Stella's a few times on the weekend and had the same horrible experience each time. The bouncers are on a serious power trip, which is a huge downer as you walk into a bar...then you get inside only to find the place BUSTING at the seams with people. Every table is full, the lines around the bars are 20-30 minutes long and if the roof top is open, don't even try getting a drink up there on the weekend. You are constantly being bumped into, spilled on and told to move out of the way. Security Staff inside were bossy and rude (I would be too if I had to work in that environment) and without being thoroughly intoxicated before you go (so you can wait in the 30 min drink line) it is a disaster. I will go ANYWHERE else in uptown before I go back to Stellas.
(1)
A G.
It was good, nothing spectacular. Service was attentive and food fine. Just nothing special.
(3)
Taylor O.
I recently had my rehearsal dinner at Stella's and it was absolutely everything I could have imagined and more. Although I was not involved with the planning (so I don't know the details) I did enjoy the final product. The loft space we had was spectacular and the space was decorated lovely. The space was modern but super romantic. The food was delicious and we were given four different options. They also arranged to have our favorite flavor of Sebastian Joe's Ice Cream served as desert (which happened to be what my husband and I had on our first date)! I would definitely recommend Stella's for a rehearsal dinner, or any special event. It something you and your guests won't forget, or regret!
(5)
Joyce L.
Oh yes we did. We hauled the kids up to the city for happy hour at Stella's on a Friday night (3-6pm). It was packed. It's not really a restaurant meant for toddlers and infants. It is doable for school age kids. During happy hour, do not bother looking at the regular menu. Stick with the happy hour menu. $5 appetizers, 2 for 1 beer and call drinks (ie. gin and tonic), and best of all $.69 oysters. As for the appetizers, here are the winners: cheese curds, fried catfish, shrimp basket (peel and eat), pulled pork sliders, ribs. The loser: shrimp toast. Don't do it. My one complaint--they only allow you to order a dozen oysters at a time, and it takes about 15-20 minutes for them to arrive often with oyster shell bits on them. Despite this, they are fresh and cold, which is critical because old, warm oysters are gross. Make sure to make a reservation (use opentable.com to get points--no points are awarded if you make the reservation via the Stella's website) and if you go with kids, take them to see the big lobster tank just outside the open kitchen. Overall, I liked this place a lot. The food was tasty service was friendly.
(4)
Rebecca B.
Great rooftop restaurant on a nice day! Cocktails were delish, as was the beer battered fish and chips!
(4)
Crystal P.
My fiance and I went here for a date night wanting sea food but not at a super fancy place. We were seated, and tried to have a conversation. We had to YELL to eachother, even then couldn't even hear what the other one was saying. The bus boy came by and poured us water and got a water and ice pile on the floor next to our table and then walked away. We walked out without even meeting our server. Maybe a good place for a bar, but not impressed for a nice date night.
(1)
Molly Y.
I LOVED this place at one point. WHAT HAPPENED??
(3)
Margaret O.
I can't get enough of Stella's happy hour. Oysters delight and it doesn't break the bank at just $1 a piece or 50 cents on Fridays. There are some other selections like wings, mini-burgers etc that I've tried. These are just OK, nothing to complain about but also nothing to write home about. I usually end up just wishing I'd gotten more oysters. Although my life raves about the spicy tuna roll which is on the happy hour menu too. We just went this past week, which was extraordinarily special since it was the first restaurant that my wife and I got to get out to after our new daughter got home. We are loving family life, but some couples adult time was awfully wonderful. And it's right next to both the Uptown and Lagoon theaters, to make a really fun evening out of it.
(5)
Elisa V.
Overall not a great experience. I have been there to drink at night and thought it would be fun to try the food in the day and was very much letdown. My friend and I were told be a server upon entering the happy hour specials and suggested we try the rooftop, we then were seated and told that the happy hour specials were not available on the rooftop. Our server brought our drinks slowly, and they were warm when they were brought to our table, she was also very slow with our food and the check. It was a busy day, but the tables around us seemed to be still handled quite well. The food was also not what we expected. Portions were fine but there was nothing special about any of the dishes we ordered.
(2)
Susan G.
My husband and I treated our 19 year old daughter and 29 year old niece visiting from Madison to an evening at Stella's last night. We had a great experience from drinks at the roof top bar, dinner on the 2nd floor, food quality and customer service provided by all employees encountered. The roof top was ver crowded but the bartenders did a great job filling orders in a friendly and efficient manner. The hostesses at the front entrance were personable and made sure we had a great table next to a window. Our waitress was very outgoing and knowledgable. Two of us had Mahi Mahi, one had walleye fish and chips and one had cioppino. All meals were excellent. Very flavorful and generous portions. We've been to Stella's several times, including as part of a large business meeting, and have always been pleased.
(4)
Kimlinh B.
I was here for the oyster happy hour special on a Friday. The oysters were great - but there's not much you can do to mess up oysters on the half shell. The service, on the other hand was definitely lacking. It probably took a half hour to get the first dozen - which really is unforgivable since there's no cooking involved! But perhaps that's just the nature of the beast since it WAS happy hour. One thing I had a definite problem with was the fact that they had several tables right below the stairwell leading to the upstairs dining room and bathrooms. It's so unsanitary to have people sitting right below the stairs where anything could fall onto their food. It's something you may not notice if you're sitting at the tables, but was obvious from a bird's eye view. Stellas needs to re-arrange some furniture.
(2)
Bub N.
We went here for a mid week lunch. The food and service were excellent. We had raw oysters, Oysters Rockefeller, blackened swordfish and salmon. The drinks we had were also very good. One of my new favorites in the twin cities.
(5)
Glenn P.
Stella's gets just one star because the food was good! The service on the other hand was mediocre at best! At best! We actually had fun people watching as the halloween party was going on. But after the server brought our food he didn't return until we finished our meal!!! In the meantime visited many times to refresh drinks and offered and brought the table next to us free desert! We couldn't even get asked if we wanted another drink or anything. Maybe we didn't fit the look the part of the normal patrons of this establishment??! They won't need to worry about a visit from us or anyone we know that we will pass our experience onto.
(1)
Shawn S.
The perfect summer day is going to Stella's around 4 on a Saturday, sitting at the bar, and letting the staff please you. Great cocktails, and we love the tuna tartar/avocado appetizer. Ceviche, not so much though. The Mojitos are well prepared. The staff knows how to muddle and they rarely meddle!!! Happy Hour on week nights only though. What I like is that they are crowded but I have not experienced any attitude...unlike Seven downtown.
(3)
Rachel G.
This themed restaurant takes the seafood theme right to the edge. Any more, and it would be cheesy. Doesn't matter where you go in the place - you can find an ambiance that fits your mood. Great happy hour. Great patio. The new rooftop "elite" patio, feels forced.
(4)
Tori M.
I am a huge seafood fan and I do love me some Stella's but a lot of their food is hit or miss. I had a lobster pasta dish that was just heinously salty, but the oysters were awesome. I also enjoyed the dessert, which ought to be shared between at least 8 people (although it worked out well for 4). The cocktail I had was inventive, but was bordering on painfully sweet. I will not, however, set foot here on weekends. It's just waaaay too crowded. I don't know if it's just a Minnesotans-longing-for-the-sea type thing, or if the trollop posses in every corner offer promise to the single gents, or what have you... it's just nuts. I may be a short lady, but I am damn pushy and I still couldn't make my way around. The roof is pretty, though, so perhaps on some weeknight, I will have to go back and enjoy the view (and hopefully much more space). Otherwise, the drunks and the grub are just not worth it.
(3)
Kathy C.
What is there not to love about Stellas?! As their shirts say: "good seafood isn't cheap, cheap seafood isn't good" Except at happy hour. If you're feeling flush, definitely hit up their dinner menu, as it is second to none. If it's your birthday, they serve you a giant chocolate chip cookie with ice cream (at least they used to...it's been about a year since my last birthday :) ) However, if you're a broke ass like me, hit up their happy hour, $5 apps and 2-4-1s on beers and rails and stuff. I think wine too. I do have a major case of the sads because I heard they're taking the crab scrap basket off the HH menu...Stella's if this is true DON'T DO IT!! PLEASE!! I might die. :( I have one more word for you, my fellow yelpers: Rooftop.
(5)
Jules T.
Stella's was fabulous but a bit pricey for one crab leg. Still the cold appetizer platter was fabulous, grill salmon skewer was quite huge. I enjoyed it, but I can't give it more than 3 stars. I want a whole crab. Staff very friendly Clean Busy Good for groups and kids
(3)
Jessica S.
Stella's Fish Cafe is by far by favorite rooftop lunch spot during the summer - The view of the city was great, the food was delicious and the service was excellent!
(5)
Naomi T.
Great roof top bar. Gets crowded so get there early. Gorgeous view of the skyline at dusk. Service was just so-so but the food made up for it. Fantastic!!! Loved the sushi grade tuna dip, the cajun beef tips- we ordered bucket after bucket of peel n' eat shrimp. WOW ...reminded me of eating shrimp in Charleston, SC - unbelievably fresh, and delicious. The best was saved for last - the mafia sushi roll. It was SO great we ordered 3. A little spendy, but the food is such high quality it's totally worth it. A safe bet if you're a seafood lover! Drinks were tasty. Try the "John Daly" it's not on the menu but ask for it any way. It's an Arnie Palmer with booze. Very refreshing.
(4)
Monica S.
The peel and eat shrimp at Happy Hour = 5 stars. Best happy hour food menu in uptown. I've eating pretty much everything they have and recommend it all. Just go with beer rather than the house wine.
(5)
Angela M.
Love the happy hour. Two for one drinks. 1/2 pound shrimp for $3.99. Go on Friday.... $0.69 oysters. Oh, and the taco of the day is $0.99. Yesterday the taco of the day was blackened chicken. It was absolutely amazing. I ate two ($0.99 x 2), then one of the two pulled pork sliders (btw, served with fries, and only $5). Then I ate a half pound of shrimp ($3.99). Then I ate an oyster ($0.69). And I had three beers ($5-something + half of another). The food and happy hour are downright spectacular. If you go for happy hour, get there early. We were there at 3 (when it starts) and it was pretty barren til just before 4. The bar area filled up quick. However.... this place turns into d-bag central on weekends. The bouncers are jerks, and the crowd is stuffed with jerks. The view from the rooftop rules, but only do it if you're wasted or in a generally uncaring mood because you'll probably get treated like trash at some point or another by someone (employee, bouncer, ugly chicks, ugly dudes, etc).
(3)
Kevin K.
Pricey but do the happy hour apps, well worth it. also, make sure you sit on the roof.
(4)
Andrew C.
The mussels and jalapeno corn bread were amazing as appetizers. I had the Jamaican Jerk Mahi Mahi and my friends had the stuffed grouper and Salmon Oscar and everyone was very pleased. 5 stars on the food front for sure. The only less than ideal aspects were that they brought all the food out at once since the kitchen was slow, it is a little pricey, and the corner of the roof was pretty windy (not their fault obviously). If you're looking for great seafood and don't mind spending a little bit, Stella's Fish Cafe won't let you down.
(4)
Deanna B.
The view is beautiful, I'll give them that. But the wait staff, I'm not sure if they are understaffed or if they just don't care. Now onto the food. Apps were awesome! I was super excited for our entrees, but unfortunately it was pretty bad. The food was cold, like it had been sitting around for way too long without so much as a heat lamp...very sad. Desert, also awesome...mmmm Sebastian Joes ice cream. I'm still having dreams about it.
(2)
Dru S.
First time at Stella's and I'm a fan already! Pros: Amazing seafood selection, Great service, Great atmosphere. Cons: A tad on the louder side. I did make reservation 2 hours ahead of time via Yelp app on my phone. The place was busy when I arrived at 6pm but we were seated upon arriving. Service: Our waiter was very good. He took the time to explain the menu to me since I was new to Stella's. He spoke very clearly since its was a bit noisy and was very good about checking in on our table. My order: I had the Dragonberry Mojito, which I highly recommend cuz its freakin DELISH and goes down like water, and its was worth every bit of the $9. I ordered the Steak Bites to start and Jumbalaya w/ mac & cheese for my entry. The steak bites were cajun and perfectly cook! The jumbalaya was also rather spicy and perfect too! I didnt care for the mac & cheese too much cuz they put unions in it (not my flavor for mac & cheese). Over all I would definitely recommend Stella's.
(4)
Ashley K.
I love the deck at Stella's. It has a wonderful view of the city and when it is a beautiful day outside it is perfect. The food is pretty good, my boyfriend got the Walleye Sandwich and it was huge and delicious. Over all good portions and good food. If you are looking for a place to go during the weekend party times this is a good place. It can get overcrowded, but there are multiple floors to choose from. Again good drinks and a good place to check out
(4)
Joshua W.
Late night happy hour is great and they have THE best view of Mpls from the roof. now just to actually try the food...
(5)
Lisa P.
I'll just put it out there - I avoid this place on purpose, and it's not just beacuse of the crowd that hangs out there. I really don't get the hype about the food! I've had a few menu items here that are pretty tasty, but I just can't bring myself to pay what Stella's charges for what they serve you. Maybe it's because I grew up near the coast and was totally spoiled. I just don't think it's that great. Happy Hour is a good deal, however... our waiter was awesome, and who can complain about 2-4-1s? They have a fun little $5 menu that was basically my dinner. The funny part about this is that there are probably 5 types of sliders on the HH menu. I asked the waiter what he recommended, and he didn't recommend any of the seafood sliders. at a seafood restaurant. seem weird to anyone else? the crowd here kind of makes me want to gag, but you can reserve areas of the rooftop for company gatherings. a friend also reserved their party room once, and we had a GREAT time - it was a very reasonable deal that we've considered doing again. their fries are tasty, too! Happy Hour = 4 stars Atmosphere = 1.5 stars Food = 2 stars
(2)
Mark H.
The best seafood in the metro -- as good as Oceanaire (its stuffy sibling restaurant), without all the pretense. Just dig in. I recommend the stuffed grouper or the catfish po' boy. The jambalaya is as good as any in New Orleans. I don't think the prices are too bad .. this isn't Seattle or Montauk after all -- the nearest saltwater is at MOA. If you're going for the food, try Saturday 6-7PM. If you are going later than that to socialize, expect to wait .. and please don't b**** about it. That's like moving to Richfield and complaining about the airport -- no one is listening to you. Best tips: Make a reservation on OpenTable.com and ask for Jo-Jo the waitress. She's a real treasure.
(5)
Ralph M.
Hmmm, be careful what you wish for, I suppose. Stella's had become the destination for me and a few friend's (almost) weekly Thursday late night happy hour outing, replacing the declining Psycho Suzi's. It was working pretty well: 2-for-1 & $1 oysters, and I could bike there instead of driving all the way to the assend of northeast. Times were good. Then Spring happened and the fairweather Uptown hordes appeared. Now it's a miracle if we can snag any sort of table, and I'm talking about in the bar area, not even the no specials, try not to exhale roof top patio. The final straw was the shitty service I received last Thursday. Our table of three has expanded to a table of five, we've ordered drinks and food and the good times are rolling. So naturally, our waiter swings by and drops off our check. We didn't ask for our check. There are now a couple of us who want to order more drinks. What the hell? The waiter says he will require a credit card to keep serving us. WTF? What was the magic trigger that turned us into flight risks? The $37 tab we had so far accumulated, or the magic hour of 10:45? Make that argument with a straight face. It was arbitrary, and if there's one thing I can't stand its being burdened by someone else's arbitrary dictums. The crowds I can tolerate (sometimes), but a waiter who acts like he's doing us a fucking favor for continuing to serve us can go straight to hell. Looks like I'm in the market for a new Thursday night locale.
(2)
Sophya O.
Happy hour, oh how I love you. You can't beat $1 oysters and 2 for 1 beer specials. They tasted refreshing and were chilled to perfection. The appetizers were pretty good as well-- fried pickle spears were crispy and calamari came with the heads. I can't wait to go back to Minnesota to visit Stella's again!
(4)
N H.
I am giving Stella's a 4 because it was my first time eating there today, but it was excellent!. I went with a group for work and the accommodations were ok for a group. The table for 8 was a bit squished. I think it would be perfect for a group of 6 or less. The atmosphere is very pleasant and the food was amazing. Our wait staff was fantastic and helpful. I tried the calamari- which was pretty good. The dip with it was excellent. The jalapeno corn-bread is to die for. I will be buying often.... YUM!! I ordered the Waleye sandwich with fries. The fries were good- but average. The sandwich was fantastic!! It was HUGE and took up an entire basket by itself. The fries took up a second basket. The walleye fillet was so large that the giant hoggie bun could not close around the massive fillet. I will be going back to Stellas, but probably not on a weekend evening because of the other reviews...
(4)
Michaelia K.
After making the trek up 4 floors to an awesome roof top on a beautiful July day, the view of downtown Minneapolis was amazing! Unfortunately I was rocketed back to Earth as a lousy waitress barked at us that there were no seats available on one side. Maybe it was because it was a Monday but there was some pretty rude service. We didn't get menus for ages, our dinners came out at separate times, and generally what should've been an hour lunch turned into 2 and a bit. But all was redeemed with margaritas fit for a Lush, delicious and fresh tasting Cerviche, and Oyster Rockefeller. Now I'm not very knowledgeable on oysters, but my friends say they were pretty good. The restaurant itself seemed clean and tidy, and for some reason I really liked the bathroom decor (white and iridescent turquoise blue tiles!). I'm a sucker for nautical / sea inspired interiors lol. Plus I loved some of the quotes painted on the wall: 'Don't pity a lobster. It lives to kill.' That had me cracking up for hours afterward. We only went on a Monday lunchtime, but it would be a sight to behold all four floors packed, I'm sure!
(4)
Amy C.
Reasons I like Stella's: 1. Rooftop patio 2. The food is actually good - I recommend the crabby patty, lobster BLT, halibut or walleye 3. Wine list - you can pick out by label or ask for "cheap, fine or fancy" via red or white :) 4. People watching after 9 The wait can be annoying on nice days/nights, and there isn't a lot of room to wait comfortably. Food is on the pricey side, but worth it to take in the view.
(4)
Joe C.
This is one of the best roof tops. It's outside, great vibe, view of the skyline, and elevated from ground level. It is a stop I always make when coming through Minneapolis. Not only is the ambiance great, but the drinks are well priced and the food is really good. They have a seared tuna steak that is crazy-tasty. So if you are in the area and looking for a nice place to sit outside and take in a drink and some food with some friends - it's hard to beat Stellas.
(4)
Michael N.
I had to add another star for the Thursday Crab Legs deal. $20 for a generous lb or 1.5lb. I still have to try the Sunday Lobster deal...may have to add another star after that.
(4)
Dan S.
Fantastic! Great service, good mojitos, good food. Recommend the blackened swordfish and stuffed grouper. We've eaten here a few times and it's consistently good.
(4)
bri a.
I had been here to eat many times, however never to drink, but The last time I went we had the best service and the best food out of any restaurant we've ever been to.. still kind of in marvel of it. We ordered simple classics and they came out amazing, also, our server was hilarious
(5)
Jeff J.
Tried it for the first time this last Saturday for my Birthday. The food was pretty good. I had a Scallop dish. Probably the best scallops I've ever had. Everything else was pretty good as well. Here are the problems though. They forgot to bring us our onion rings. And instead of admitting they forgot it, they said, "oh, they're coming right out." So they cooked a batch, brought them out. Waited, then brought our food out. Guess what? It was cold. I'd rather have skipped the onion rings, than have them lie, and serve us cold food. Common sense anyone? Now, to the most tacky part of my Birthday experience at Stella's. They brought me out a birthday cupcake with a candle in it, without anyone asking them to do so AND THEY CHARGED ME FOR IT. $3.00! Seriously? I didn't even want it, I ordered the cheesecake. What a joke. The Verdict: Pretty good food. Bad service and they don't know how to treat their customers. Get a clue, Stella's.
(2)
Ashley F.
Well..If you've ever wondered where every single corporate D-Bag is on a Thursday night...Head to Stella's! I have never had such mixed feelings about a restaurant as I do about the time I had at Stella's Fish Cafe. Our experience started off pretty negative, because the hostesses seemed pretty uninterested in getting us seated. We were a party of two, and we saw tons of people leave and we were still waiting for a table. After we finally got seated, our waitress immediately approached us and asked if we were ready to order. Our butts had literally just hit the chairs. When we told her we weren't yet ready, she didn't return for almost 10 minutes. My failure to read the reviews on Yelp left us pretty upset that we couldn't get the Happy Hour on the rooftop deck. I read about the happy hour on the website, and it isn't mentioned that it's unavailable on the roof-top. We started with the skillet cornbread, which was both cheap and really delicious. I had the Coconut Shrimp with Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Mixed feelings about this dish as well. The shrimp was delicious, but a little too greasy. The potatoes...I love garlic mashed potatoes, but these were outrageously garlic-y, and the with amount of butter that was put on top, they were inedible. Yuck. Boy had the fish and chips, which he enjoyed. Also, $2.95 for a lemonade, then $2.00 for refills....bogus.
(3)
Bianca M.
I have eaten here several times but it was only for happy hour, which is a great deal. Happy hour includes two for one drinks and a variety of cheap appetizers that include several seafood dishes. I really enjoy the hot crab and spinach dip, champagne mussels, calamari, oysters and their rib basket. Like I said its a great deal so you can't go wrong.
(4)
Keith B.
The roof bar and the view it presents are totally worth checking out. Decent beer selection had a great Porter on tap. Bartenders were nice and actually took the time to tell us about the place even though it was abusy saturday night. Food looked good but didn't actually eat there.
(4)
Tweetie N.
4 stars for a great outdoor rooftop - good vibe and great view; good food and service. Checked out Stella's during a visit to Minneapolis. It was our first time in Minneapolis during the Springtime and the rooftop patio at Stella's was a great place to take it all in. Food and drinks were decently priced for what you get and the quality. For me it's somewhat a splurge but a good deal considering these dishes could easily be exorbitantly priced in LA. We based our whole meal on appetizers: 1) Mussels in champagne sauce - really great and you get a lot. Dipping the crispy bread in the sauce was also tasty. 2) Crab dip - a little bit on the saltier side. I think we could have foregone this order. 3) Surf & Turf sliders - tasty as well, but I'm biased, I love anything with scallops. 4) Corn bread - my fave appetizer of the night. Great hints of jalapeno and for $5 they bring it out in a huge skillet easily shareable by a large group let alone 2 people. It can be noisy since it's more of a bar scene than intimate dining room and you do have people standing up close to you as you're chowing down, but I think the overall atmosphere and views really make up for it.
(4)
Tom R.
Note to self get reservations at this happening place before going. We waited for about 45 mins to eat. Which we did not mind at all the food is that good. The wait staff can be a mixed bag but we got lucky and got a decent waitress.
(4)
Melissa L.
Do you like loud and terrible music? Do you like forcing your way through crowds? Do you like strangers rubbing up against you? Then you will like Stella's on a weekend night.
(2)
Liz L.
Ok I took away a star because the next night we went there for dinner and we had the same waitress and I thought cool! She was so great the night before so I expected to get great service! Well the service this evening was not as great, she was almost rude...and she just did not seem to care as much (maybe she was having a better night the evening before) and there were more rules on the menu you could not switch out if you did not like something you could not switch it out for another side....you can't move any of the chairs around even though there was no one there when we went there. Dessert was still really good the food was good the service and all the rules not so much
(3)
Kat W.
I LOVE Stella's patio. It is probably as close to heaven as we'll ever get in this world. However, I have a majah problem with snotty hostesses who don't proactively offer service. I also have beef with the fact that they mysteriously don't offer the "cheap" or "fine" wines on their menu on their patio even though they offer A FULL BAR because "we don't have enough space up here." Despite the fact that the server informed the table next to us that she would be able to run downstairs and get their beers. I get not offering happy hour but, seriously? Its kind of like not offering food on their menu because they can't make it on the patio. Stella's broke my heart today.
(2)
John D.
Great rooftop with views of downtown, solid happy hour specials, and good people watching make this a fun destination in Uptown. The food is good and features seafood as the name implies, and the decor is decent. The staff are generally attentive and nice, and the place can get packed with younger people late nights and weekends.
(4)
Rona Y.
The HH here on Friday nights is amazing if you like oysters and shrimp!! The only down side is that HH is only in the bar and not on the rooftop deck. Any other night however if you can score a table on the rooftop, you've done well! Especially on warmer nights, get there early bc the wait is forever! Aside from the good food, it is always an excellent place for people watching!
(4)
Kristen H.
The first time I went here I was pretty unimpressed and, my loss, it biased me against the place for too long. I've recently begun taking advantage of their happy hour specials more often and I think it's one of the best deals in town. Happy hour has a range of reasonably priced foods, $1 oysters, and 2-4-1 drinks...plus there is an early and a late night one to satisfy all your socializing needs. And there are even a few things for the non-seafood eaters in your crew. Plus they have a decent priced crab night where we got really excellent crab legs. The real bonus is Friday happy hour (3-6) when they have the "oyster orgy" - 50 cent oysters. We were there yesterday and they are not messing around...this isn't happy hour at some places where they give you the crap they can't sell to actual paying customers. No, the oysters were tasty and HUGE. so huge that even though I was starving, 6 of those and a $1 taco pretty much filled me up. And trust me, I can eat. Stella's is more than just a great rooftop patio. However, it will be nice when I can go there and enjoy some outdoors rather than having to brush 2 inches of snow off my car when I leave.
(4)
Sophie Y.
Notes for Stella's kitchen and wait staff: The customer shouldn't have to ask for a bigger plate in order to make a salad edible. My beet salad with grilled chicken was piled ridiculously high and spilling off the sides on a tiny plate. An order shouldn't go to the table if it isn't complete and the customer shouldn't have to point out a missing ingredient. The waitress went to check on my missing goat cheese and came back to say the kitchen was just deep frying the medallion. I waited a couple minutes for the bigger plate and a couple more for the goat cheese. If you must go to Stella's, have a drink on the rooftop deck but avoid the unremarkable food and poorly executed presentation/service.
(2)
Donna N.
I don't see the draw.... Seriously just because they serve seafood (and barely cooked properly), I don't get it. The food is marginal and sometimes chef's experiment with flavors they obviously don't try taste testing first. Perhaps they should add a few classics into their menu and hire some waitstaff that don't use the work "like" interjected after every third word. The place is snobbish casual (as if everyone secretly wants to be working in a town that has a real ocean). Not my cup of tea
(2)
Kyle B.
If I was reviewing Stellas only on their view from the roof it would be 5 stars. I took my mom and brother to Stellas on their first visit to Minneapolis. The food was delicious and the view was awesome but there were several problems with the wait service. 1. We put our name on the list for the roof and then went to the bar for a drink and appetizer. After sitting around the bar for 15 minutes we tried to move to one of the 6 empty tables in the bar area, but a waiter told us that because we had ordered at the bar we couldn't take one of HIS tables. We exchanged words and told him how rude he was. I understand why he wanted a full tab at his table, but a) he could have been much more polite and b) there were a lot of empty tables. I wanted to toss him through a window but my mom was there. 2) They wrote down our number messily and then called the wrong number and gave away our table. We did get them to put us at the top of the list but we ended up waiting over an hour and 20 minutes for a table when we originally 10th on the list. 3) After all this, our waitress was great but the kitchen lost our food and we waited over an hour for dinner. They did comp us all a round of drinks on the roof for that but all in all we were at Stellas for 3 hours. I'll be back for 2 for 1s in the bar at night, and drinks on the roof anytime but I might not be back for dinner anytime soon. I do hope I run into that waiter from the bar sometime again.
(3)
Clint M.
I brought my parents here on a Sunday evening and was very happy with the decision. The rooftop is stunning at dusk. Great views of a beautiful skyline. The rooftop is a bit crowded, but overall with the music and upbeat temp, it's a fun atmosphere. My halibut was fantastic. Perfectly cooked with a unique spicy red sauce that matched the fish very well. The rest of my table was also quite satisfied with their meal as well. Rarely do we ever get dessert but the red velvet cake was too tempting to pass up. Stella's is not exactly cheap, but still quite reasonable. On this night, my girlfriend got lobster for somewhere around $20. The staff was very friendly from our server to the hostess that seated us. Even on a pretty busy night, they all seemed to have their act together. I've had multiple good experiences here and will certainly be returning.
(5)
Tammy V.
The hubby and I went her for the first time tonight! We ordered the lobster boil dinner!!! It was pretty good ! First time I have ever had a whole lobster!! Drinks were strong and tasty!!! We were seated right next to stairs and it was really drafty so that's my complaint!! We will go back there next time we r craving sea food!
(3)
Gregory D.
I like the mix of foods. Oysters and lobster to buffalo wings and burgers. Some things are pretty expensive, though. Beer is good, but not outstanding. They had some biblical shrimp quesadillas a long time ago, but when I returned, they were discontinued. Sometimes the menu changes for the worse. Oysters are okay, but some dont have much meat to them, and the restaurant was hesitant to give us actual oysters with meat in them. Bathrooms are awkward with the attendant at the sink. It's a bar. I want to piss and go back to my food and beer, not feel guilty for not paying someone for handing me a cloth.
(3)
Drew D.
If you or any of your close friends have a facebook photo album titled, "I'm on a boat", you should come here. Afterwards when you are walking to your car to drive drunk back to Eden Prairie, you can probably find some people to yell homophobic insults at.
(2)
M P.
If you like bad beer and terrible (overpriced) seafood than this is the place for you!! Been coming here on and off for years but the quality has greatly diminished. If your a frat guy looking to get drunk on Coors Light this place is a decent choice. If you want a good meal you are just out of luck. Seriously, how bad is the spinach crab dip that you have to put an entire can of dried parmesan cheese (yes, a can of the stuff you get at the grocery store, not even real cheese) on top? You'll know what I mean when you get the bill. It's just not worth it. Maybe its because I'm over 24 and have some more money to afford to go to other places now but so many places do a much better job with seafood and at a better price point than these guys. It's like they stopped trying to be a restaurant and decided to cater to college kids. Hence the run down interior and six years of used gum under the bar and tables. I only give it two stars because I've always had good servers and bartenders. If I could give them four stars alone I would. At least they try to make this dump a good place.
(2)
Alyssa B.
Great food, great atmosphere. One of my favorite places to visit in the summer for their roof-top terrace!
(4)
Helena B.
Beyond good food and drinks, our waiter here was so nice and friendly (further cementing my father's idea that the nicest people in the world are Minnesotans and my sister's love of her adopted state)! The menu had a good variety of 'comfort-type' foods (beer battered pike and the catfish dish) and more 'fancy-type' entrees and we had a decent amount of leftovers to take home with us. I'll definitely be back when it's warm enough to eat outside!
(4)
Amanda S.
Oysters - awesome! Sushi - awesome! Drink specials - awesome! All around this place is Awesome!!
(5)
Sarah C.
I've given this place too many chances. I've been here about 4 times and every single time was a huge let down. The first time we went our server after we got our food literally didn't check on us for over an hour. They gave us a huge discout but still that doesn't make up for horrible service. The food was ehh. Their appetizers are really amazing to be honest but entres aren't so great. The other times we've gone the servers are constantly gone or extremely annoying and persistently asking you how your food is. The food is okay, nothing to write home about, but the consistently bad service is why my boyfriend and I will never return. We've tried so many times to see if maybe it gets better but it just doesn't. Huge bummer. But a very lovely view of the downtown skyline.
(2)
sherzy b.
Stella's has great seafood at fair prices. The rooftop bar/patio has the best view in Uptown - thus it is usually packed. Plan to wait at least an hour for a table on a sunny weekend afternoon. Mojiotos aren't bad either. Friday happy hours in the bar are the best! But it also tends to get packed, so you might not get a table. Only con is parking - valet is around $7.
(4)
Kim P.
I went to Stella's on my birthday and got a lobster roll (subtle and succulent, high quality lobster meat), a mojito (strong and delicious), and chocolate cake (kind of dry). The bartender and waitress were extremely nice. The atmosphere is a little crazy and loud, so if you're looking for a serene dinner date where you can gaze longingly into your dinner-mate's eyes, this isn't the place. However, if you're looking for a decent bar scene and good seafood, this is the place. Service: A- Alcohol: A Entrees: A Dessert: C
(4)
Maureen F.
My first impression of this place was not that great. I was joining some friends who came here for dinner around 10:30. I was shocked to see a line out the door to get in. Then I remembered, I am in Uptown in the summer and why I don't come to Uptown on weekends. I am not a fan of crowds nor standing in line to just to have a drink. They were seated on the second floor right by the stairs. I will say this was ideal for people watching. The outfits ladies come out wearing always amuse me. I will say they have a great late night happy hour and we did have a fairly attentive waitress. We stayed for the 2 for 1 drinks. I love seafood, so I should try giving this place another try on a weekday evening.
(3)
AnandShruti R.
Let us just start by saying it was FREEEEEZING out side, so there were definitely more empty tables for a Sat night than one would normally expect. So, we didn't have to wait for a table at all. The wait staff is helpful in terms of picking out their favorites versus the unopinionated folks at other places that just say "everything is good." Also our waiter forgot to put our order for the Gorgonzola bread in early and so comped us for that, which was nice. The clam chowder was tasty but could have been warmed up some more to make it more inviting for such a cold day. As far as the main course we were split on the quality of the food. Mine was probably 3 at best (ordered the corn breaded cat fish) and her's a 4 (the grouper). However with nothing more to tip the scales we settled on the 3 rating. Their prices are a little high given the quality of what we had. Though they don't try to hide it. The wait staff has shirts on that read "good seafood doesn't come cheap." Our version for the shirt would read, "it's ok sea food, knock off about $5 bucks."
(3)
Dan S.
Stella's has the best view of the downtown skyline from an uptown bar. As such the rooftop patio is always backed from May through September. I've never had the food, but I hear its not bad. They aren't exactly giving away the drinks, but they can charge a premium for the view. I've noticed lately that more and more d-bags have been coming here, maybe its just me.
(3)
Dennis L.
Nestled in the heart of Uptown is this nice seafood restaurant with an outdoor patio. Unfortunately the several times I've been here it's been during the winter so it's quite difficult to enjoy their outdoor patio everyone else gives high praise to. But at least the food is great. The staff tells me that everything is fresh, flown in every morning via FedEx. Well so far, everything does indeed taste quite well and I haven't been able to prove them wrong. I've had the mussels and oysters. Oh and the stuffed grouper and catfish are excellent. Even the swordfish is okay. I've also enjoyed their chunky clam chowder as well. I have not tried their lobster or crab yet, but all in due time. I'm sure they are as great as they are advertised too. Heck, they even have Crabby Patties on the menu that I'm curious about! So, long story short, good food = good time.
(4)
Nathan L.
Came here today kind of on accident and it turned out pretty well. We stumbled upon their pretty decent happy hour. The 2 for 1s are nice and they also had some decent food specials. I had the mini sliders and they were very good, and very filling because I got a lot of fries with it too. We also tried the cheese curds and they weren't my favorite (but then again nothing really compares with the ones at the State Fair). They did have a really good sweet pepper sauce that they give you with the cheese curds that was really good. But I will definitely be back in the summer to check out what everyone talks about on their rooftop, along with going back to check out some of the bands.
(4)
Katie L.
Jordan and I went to Stella's for our weekly "date night". I had been here before, but it wasn't quite as I remembered it... Our waitress was awesome, very nice and joked around with us a bit. She kept calling Jordan things like "big guy" which I found funny. Jordan and I decided to start with side salads instead of the usual appetizer. We both got house salalds with ranch dressing. The nice thing was the ranch was served in a large silver boat (i hate when i don't get enough dressing). The bad thing was there were a lot of giant leaves that made it hard to eat. I ended up getting ranch all over my face. Upside-- it had croutons, cucumbers, onions, & tomatoes. For my entree, i got the brie and gorgonzola crusted scallops with mushroom risotto. I'm a huge scallop fan (basically, a huge seafood fan). But I found the scallops a tad undercooked and a little too salty. Also, the cheese mixture on the top wasn't very good and overpowered the taste of the scallop. I ended up taking the cheese off and eating the scallops plain. The risotto was the best part! Very creamy, cheesy, a had great huge slices of mushrooms. Perfectly cooked, as well. Jordan got the crab legs. It was a ton of food, also a large boat of butter (YUM) was served with it. The crab was heavenly. Came served with asparagus and mashed potatoes. He loves these legs. Seems to me like the food is getting worse than it used to be....
(3)
kyle g.
Solid but a bit overpriced. My food, a catfish po boy, was actually very good. My friend ordered a crabby patty, not so great. The service was not great. The server kept trying to trick us into ordering additional expensive things and seemed to negatively judge our decision to not get drinks or dessert. Ambiance is nothing special. Overall, you won't be disappointed, but you won't be thrilled. I went for lunch, this is important to keep in mind because I have heard good things about rooftops and happy hours.
(3)
Ryan B.
Stella's is one of my favorite summertime hangouts in Uptown - always requires a visit when I'm in town. Considering MN is 1200 miles from the closest salt water, the seafood always tastes fresh. They have a decent beer selection, fun cocktails, but the best part is the roof deck. The view of surrounding Uptown is great, but the Minneapolis skyline at twilight is fantastic. It makes a great place for a midday meal, happy-hour munchies, or late-night drinks on the deck. I suggest getting there early if you want a spot, the deck fills up on a nice summer night.
(4)
Ashley P.
I have gone here a few times. Their happy hour is pretty awesome (2-4-1) But only inside. Do Not get a mojito on the rooftop or any drink by that matter, way too over priced. The view is great, but on the weekends, it's packed, and there isn't even room for your elbows. I like going here at the end of the night when I am already spiced up, to have a nightcap and people watch. Overall: boooooooo
(2)
Chris L.
Ended up here as a last resort for a birthday dinner attempt at another spot that did not work well. However, I am very glad we ended up here. The host staff was kind and more than helpful. We were seated on the second floor which was actually a nice spot (a little quieter that downstairs). The waiter was tremendous and you could tell he genuinely loved what he did. I love the vast menu with the variety of seafood and non seafood items, but for me it was an all seafood affair. started out with the coconut shrimp which was a really nice starter. have a little kick with the sweetness did me just right. Then on to a stuffed tilapia which was beautiful in both presentation and taste and also the mac and cheese (guilty pleasure). Overall food and service was great and will definitely be back (even though it can be a hassel to go uptown).
(4)
sarah p.
Came for a Children's Foundation Fundraiser, and that was very nice. If I yelped that event, I'd give it 5 stars, especially since I won the silent auction for a night at the Westin! But, in general, I have to say that I've never been that impressed with this place. The space is huge, which makes me feel it's a little confused about what it is. The rooftop is nice during the summer/fall, but with that comes a crowd. The beers are way overpriced--a Miller Lite is 4.25--and the food is mediocre, although I admit I've never had the specialty there, like seafood or oysters. It's a place that I know I'll be back to but never because I seek it out.
(3)
Brian V.
My review based on one vist. Had the lobster dinner for two, which was good. Drinks were strong, which I like. I have no complaint of the service our waitress was friendly and attentive. I would definately come back again!
I took a group of out of town guests here earlier this year. Two singers, a gorgeous model, some local friends joined and I think we ordered half the menu. They visited this restaurant a 2nd time before they left for the airport. I crave one dish here and its the mussels with the champagne cream sauce, add the blue cheese bread to dip in the sauce and its heavenly. The jalapeno corn bread is good to order if you have a big group. The oysters were sweet, the peel and eat shrimp yummy, and the lobster was fresh. Of course I tried the red velvet cake and it did NOT disappoint. The rooftop gets very crowded during good weather days so go early if you want to sit. I prefer earlier to later because I don't like the college crowd or freshly 21 year old drinkers. Go when its still light out because the view really is beautiful.
(4)
Krystine B.
My husband and I moved here in August and we have eaten here the most! Although we do try new places we always come back to Stella's. It's our favorite. Any of the seafood is fabulous. Our favorite starters are the clam chowder, corn bread (if u have more than 2), and the calamari. The steak is to die for and the coconut shrimp is great as well. It is a great place to go out and have fun, no matter what the occasion. We look forward for this summer so we can try the rooftop.
(5)
heather s.
Despite having 6 o'clock reservations, we weren't seated until 6:30 and then it was at a table in the middle of everything with barely enough space to pull your chair out. The noise from the bar crowd was so loud we could only hear each other by shouting. The oysters rockefeller were pretty good. The pan seared scallops on the other hand where bland as could be. The thai vegetable slaw that came with it also had only a hint of coconut flavor. I never imagined anything thai could be so bland. This was the second time we had eaten here and I remember the same problem with my meal last time. The dishes seam to lack in flavor, and unless you enjoy shouting over dinner, i wouldn't recommend it.
(2)
Mike G.
Atmosphere was cool; we had a nice booth tucked back in a corner so it was good for us. My wife and I were taking friends from out-of-town out to dinner, and really had a great time. Two of us had fish (salmon and grouper) and two of us had steak (Tbone and I had the bleu cheese crab stuffed steak). It was GREAT. A few beers and wine, and then an after-dinner drink on the roof top. A bit of a meat market, and a little spendy, but the food and experience was worth it.
(4)
Theresa L.
I give it 4 stars rather than 3 because our server was awesome. However, when it comes only to the food, it deserves only 3 stars. I would have loved to have checked out the rooftop bar because it seems poppin on a weekday...next time. For now...mediocre shrimp po'boy, with mediocre fries. The man's tuna salad didn't look that special, but he enjoyed it. He's not a foodie like me and he was particularly hungry that night (hence his failure to yelp) so I wouldn't necessarily trust his judgement. On the contrary, the portabello crab cakes were delicious, yet heavy. What's with Minnesota and their love for cheese? They tend to like to drench their food with shavings of cheese. I can understand Wisconsin, but Minnesota? Anyhow, I digress...going back to the crab cakes - good, but artery-clogging. Maybe I've been spoiled by King's Fish in Carlsbad, but this place did not come anywhere to close to a great seafood joint. Such a shame because it's got a great vibe.
(4)
Alicia J.
I am a huge fan of roof deck bars. I live in San Francisco and we have very few as a direct result of our weather (the view goes away when the fog rolls in). When I come to Minneapolis you can find me enjoying cocktails at any outdoor space. I've been to Stella's a few times. I've found the dinner to include pretty decent seafood, especially for Minnesota, and the prices are reasonable for what you get. The cornbread is amazing. If you have the opportunity to come here during the day when most of the world is working, the view is great, the service is good, and the ambiance is relaxing. If you are like most of us and can only find time to drink at night or on a weekend, Stella's can be a bit disappointing. It has a way of warping you back to spring break when everyone is far too tan and blond and the men appear to have jobs focused around weight lifting. DBags mixed with DBags at a bar close to impossible to order a drink at. Other than that, people are right - the view is quite nice.
(3)
Brian L.
So far my favorite restaurant in the Twin Citys, the fried cheese curds alone helped me in my decision to move to MN. I always go for a late lunch during happy hour where Drinks are 2 for 1 and appetizers are cheap as well. The king crab legs are amazing and the restaurant just has cool vibe to it. You just can't beat the mood, feel, and view during the summer of eating on the roof. Plus you can order a 16 0z can of PBR that comes with a free coozie!
(4)
John E.
What a mistake, I ordered the BBQ Ribs! The meat was very dry and hard. But on the other hand, the another order was the Walleye Dinner that was just perfect and highly recommended. Parking was very very bad and expensive. Would not be back any time soon.
(1)
Erin H.
Always a favorite. I come here whenever I can find a happy hour buddy when I'm home in MN. The coconut shrimp was topped only by the homemade jalepeno poppers which, SO SADLY, were discontinued last time I visited! Please bring them back! Rooftop is great fun, though happy hour specials don't apply. Take the stairs since the elevator might the slowest in the city.
(5)
Cheryl A.
Love the rooftop view and the 2 for 1 drink deals.. other than that i've only had the happy hour menu. Not such a big fan. BUT friendly staff and fun atmosphere! The oysters are GREAT!!!! BUT would not recommend drinking a ton + eating oysters. Bleh.
(3)
Ngoc L.
I was in town visiting a friend who lived a block from here. We had nothing else planned so we decided to do HH. We had wings, fried pickles, and sliders w/ fries. The second night, our group returned to try their oyster HH. I think it's a dollar oyster and $4 for a pound of shrimp on Friday's. Our waitress was very good. She made sure our drinks were refilled and didnt' mind we were there for hours.
Dropped by this place for a late night happy hour before a movie next door. We chose the place based on information on their website indicating that they offered 2-for-1 specials from 9-11. We ordered our drinks and were very confused when we only received one. When we asked the waiter, he said, "Oh, they start at 10pm now, not 9pm." When we showed him the website saying otherwise, he said "Well, our happy hour times change constantly." When bars advertise specials on their website, and we can present that website live on a mobile device, they should honor that special. At the very least, an apology from the server or manager would have been in order. I have been to this place plenty of times for happy hour because the location and drink specials are great, but sadly, the service seems to have deteriorated there.
(2)
Kirsten L.
I'm a calamari fiend and this place never dissappoints. If I were actually paying a normal price for it I probably wouldn't be so excited but its SO cheap. Everyone starts out here in uptown because of the 2-4-1's. Unfortunately for a girl who learned how to chug beer from a seasoned frat boy recently this can be dangerous. Just watch yourself and don't start a chugging contest. Or lose once every few beers. Luckily that's no one's fault but my own. Also, nerds trying to be macho tools hang out here looking for girlfriends. One dismissed me as "Kristin" after insisting on getting all of our names, shaking our hands (do you seriously touch everyone you meet? Gross!) then proceeded to chat up my obviously engaged friend and would not give it up. But that's what I don't like about uptown in general, every guy thinks you're his future girlfriend. Sign up for e-harmony and move along.
(4)
Dana H.
Great food Personal service a bit on the high side of price but i took home half my meal and now I have 2 really good dinners.
(5)
Peter H.
Went here on a Saturday night with a group of about 12, and sat on the rooftop. Overall the only plus was the great view (and the energy, if that's what your looking for). The food is mediocre at best and very expensive for what you get. Calamari ($13.50) was a small-ish red plastic basket with a bed of cheap looking shredded lettuce. Chicken wings were, well, like frozen chicken wings. Certainly not worth $12. Drinks were very expensive too and their beer selection is pretty much the same as Applebees. I also thought it was odd that they have a restroom attendant. First, it's not a "classy" establishment by any stretch of the imagination. Second, I thought in today's modern society people could handle getting their own towels. Just saying. So - if you are looking for a really energetic environment with good views of uptown and very drunk people, come for the atmosphere. If you are looking for good fish or quality beer, or inexpensive drinks, go elsewhere.
(2)
Melissa B.
So, we came here with a group of 7 right as the place opened for lunch, I think 11:30 (keep in mind i am with my Grandmother and her sisters-they eat early!). We were seated on the roof deck on a beautiful August afternoon. Lovely. From there it went down hill. The food was ok, nothing great IMO. I had this cob like salad with shrimp. The shrimp was fantastic and fresh, but the salad-the leaves were dirty. Literally, not washed and I kept finding dirt. Gross. Everyone else really enjoyed their food. Oh, I also tried oysters and determined that I hate them-ewwww. I am a seafood lover-but oysters, so slimy, I can't do it. Our service was absolutely awful. Our waitress would leave for really long periods of time. It was insane. We waited for our bill for over 45 minutes. I would go back for the view if I lived in the area, maybe happy hour. The 3 stars are pretty much for the view and everyone else's food.
(3)
Traci A.
Note: I am not reviewing this place based at all on the "hipness" factor, the outside rooftop bar, of the after-work cocktail crowd. I am basing my comments solely on the indoor dining, seafood menu stuff. I liked Stella's. Having moved to MN from New England last year (read: lots and lots of really fresh and very good seafood and shellfish) , my husband and I have been missing the fresh seafood here in middle America. Some other east coast transplants rec'd Stella's and we tried it recently. And we liked it. It's not a Rhode Island or Boston seafood joint but it's good. The fish, lobster, calamari etc. reminded us of the stuff back east. Service was good (not great, but good) and drinks were fine. Nothing fancy inside but good, fresh seafood.
(4)
JetSetFiend S.
From everything I've heard about this place, I expected it to be better. I visited with a group of 10 coworkers on a Thursday night when it was not busy at all. We all just had drinks. The waiter wasn't very good about coming back to check on us, but I will give him props for separating all of our checks correctly. There was tons of seating both upstairs and downstairs so it must be a very popular place.
(3)
kiki d.
Stella's just doesn't work for me. I've been there for after-dinner drinks, and for a nice meal - neither was a satisfying experience. The food is pretty good - heavily focused on seafood, of course. The entrees change frequently, but the appetizers seem to stay the same. I like the crab cakes, calamari, and the crab/spinach dip. The entrees are on the fancier side, I'd say, and relatively expensive. The crowd is a weird mix of older people and college-age people. We saw what looked like a couple celebrating their engagement with parents and grandparents, and a group of rowdy 20-somethings seated near each other. The rooftop patio does have a nice view. But, it's crowded and has a spring-break vibe to it. I'd personally prefer that Stella's be one or the other - nice seafood restaurant I can go to with my parents, or rowdy bar I can go to with my friends.
(3)
Jennifer H.
I've been here three times and I have yet to be disappointed by the food. Its one downside is that it's super duper busy pretty much all the time and I'm not sure who you have to blow to get a spot up on the rooftop patio. The oysters are definitely the main attraction here. Go raw. The Oysters Rockefeller are OK... I guess. All the fish dishes I've tried have been perfectly cooked and succulent.
(4)
Callie B.
Love the 2-4-1 specials and the oyster orgy! Foods great, drinks are great, but the place can get packed! Try out trivia night for a less busy but super fun happy hour!
(4)
Emily S.
Stella's is a fun place to be at on a nice summer afternoon. I've been here a couple of times. the food is alright, nothing to get super excited for. I found the prices were a bit much for the quality of food you are served. The service I've gotten here on all occasions was actually pretty damn good! The server was very informative and seemed like she actually gave a damn and wanted to be at work. I rarely find that when I go out anywhere in uptown! The food is ok. I was a fan of the coconut shrimp appetizer. They have decent drinks, but I think the roof-top patio makes up for what is lacked! They have the best view of downtown, and you can see forever! Stay away on windy days, but when the air is cool, and the days is nice..Get out to Stellas!
(3)
Laurie O.
I wish I could rate negative stars!!! I've been going to stellas for years and have always been a big fan. But over the last year or so it has gone dramatically down hill!!! Last time I was there my lobster was undercooked not once but twice!! Very unappetizing to crack into a lobster to have slimy grey mucous looking flesh fall out. A friend wanted to get lunch there today and I reluctantly agreed. We both had walleye sandwiches, oysters and cornbread. In my first and only bite of my sandwich I pulled 8 bones out of my mouth. I let my server know and her response was yea fish have bones that's normal. She proceeded to tell me not to worry that the walleye was fresh and local. NEWS FLASH it is illegal in mn to commercially fish walleye and no it is not normal to find bones in fish at a nice restaurant! I've been a server in fine dining for 8 years and have never had someone find a bone in their fish. I asked to speak with a manager and he informed me that the walleye is neither fresh nor local. It is frozen pre portioned fish that they get. He apologized about the bones and told me that they don't do any of the deboning in house, that it's solely the responsibility of their fish distributor. Now on to the oysters, DONT EAT THEM, they were dirty and old!!!! My friend and I have both been in the bathroom all afternoon PUKING!! Stella's please stop serving sub par fish and seafood. I will never dine with you again
(1)
Anna M.
I'm always a bit skeptical of seafood this fair from the ocean, but I was pleasantly surprised by Stella's. I went on a very cold midweek winter night- so the place was fairly empty. I was craving something that would warm me up. I was very happy to learn that they make their Cioppino to order (as it should be done!) and were happy to work around my shrimp allergy. Our server was very friendly and helpful!
(4)
Molly B.
The view from the rooftop is great in the summer and the drinks are pretty good. But we went for happy hour tonight when they have 2-for-1 drinks and, instead of serving us one drink and waiting to see what we wanted for our second drink, our waitress brought us two of each drink at the same time. We looked like a bunch of winos surrounded by beers and Amaretto sours. So I ended up chugging my first beer so I could start on the second before it got warm. Not the way I like to spend a leisurely Monday night happy hour...
(2)
Josh L.
I like this place. Eating on the roof was a lot fun and their sunday lobster speicial is very good. The sushi rolls are not very special but tastes good. Bottom line, the fish/crab/lobster/oyster are fresh. One of the better places to eat seafood in the city.
(4)
Beth W.
Thursday night happy hour. I'm not into the bar scene, so this whole happy hour thing seemed a bit out of my element. And I'm allergic to shellfish (thanks Stella, but I have already proven it . . .), so I was a little leery of the fish cafe notion. But it was a networking event, so I was there. With all that qualifying information said, I had a very nice time. The rooftop atmosphere was great for my non-bar tendencies. The appetizers were excellent. My beverage was a pomegranate lemonade with mint, which was a great idea, but the mint was a bit mashed and unpleasant. Even with my non-fishy tendencies, I would visit Stella's again, at least in the summer!
(4)
Sarah R.
We made our reservations online. Arrived 10 minutes early, ended up waiting an extra 15 minutes past our reservation time...but they were very busy. We started with the crab stuffed mushrooms. They were a hit. We then had the lobster, crab ravioli, the heirloom tomato and goat cheese salad and San Fran Cioppino. The lobster came with chive mashed potatoes. The size of the lobster was a little small for the price but it was good. The crab ravioli was great as well...but again the portion was a little small. 7 ravioli total. The heirloom tomato salad was wonderful! Great aged balsamic, and just enough shredded basil on top. The end of the summer tomatoes! The clam chowder was to die for and the Cioppino was flavorful. Our waiter was nice, and took good care of us. They ran out of BOTH the red velvet cupcakes and the red velvet cake (which probably says how good it is). Since both were out he brought us some chocolate ice cream and mini state fair donuts. Both were great. Overall a fun trip with good service.
(4)
Eve A.
We had an awesome lunch at Stella's. I'd suggested Uptown for its funky, trendy places and this one filled the bill. I loved my pan seared Walleye Pike, but my husband's beer battered cod was some of the best I've ever had. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful, we went up to the roof after for a great view of the city, and I would highly recommend this restaurant to visitors (like us) looking for some great seafood in the Cities.
(5)
Cortney G.
Stella's is an ok spot to grab a happy hour, but definitely not somewhere that I go out of my way to get to. To clarify: I've never had a bad experience here, just not on my top ten places to hit up for dinner or drinks. Their food is greasy and kind of meh, but they do have a great rooftop for happy hour. Go to the rooftop at night, though, and you're in trouble. You can barely move because it's so packed, and the deck slats will ruin your heels - so make sure you wear a cute pair of wedges if your group is headed here!
(3)
Ally C.
Stella's has a great patio for drinks but don't bother eating there. Food is subpar and servers are quite busy. They have a great happy hour for Sunday football games.
(2)
Linda N.
i've been to Stella's many times since i've moved back to MN and i just recently went tonight after a long hiatus from the "night" scene (it's only 1am). we came in about 11pm and there wasn't a line like there usually is, maybe bc cafeteria is across the street. we were seated at the two top in the entryway so that called for a very annoying experience (ppl running into us, getting into our bubble, etc) but we kept our spirits up and didn't let it get to us. the only thing that bothered us were when two ppl decided that our table was a trash table and leave their drunken cups (yes, these were patrons and has no effect on the establishment itself, just had to say). first off, have some respect. secondly, we were clearly, full-on eating so find another table who were just drinking and getting drunk. thirdly, if you wanted to put it on our table, just ask. what happened to common courtesy?? (not so common i guess). fourth, if we were just drinking then we really wouldn't have minded it. anyway, back to the restaurant. our menu: ahi tuna crisps - a really good app. the tuna mixture had the right amount of wasabi to give it a good kick and the crispy chip was a perfect complement. mussels - i thought the cream was a bit too thick, maybe a garlic butter sauce might've been better. the bread also complemented the mussels well though so it balanced each other. still would've liked a lighter sauce. marley sushi roll - it had a fishy taste to it so that's always a red flag. bad. calamari - always good, everywhere. but i liked that they put it on a bed of chopped lettuce so we could eat it together. service - stella's always has great service. no matter how busy it gets they are still as attentive as ever. the asian chick that was serving us was always there and at perfect timing. we never had to look for her for anything bc she was always checking on us to see if we were ok. overall, if the entryway was a bit better laid out, the experience would've been a lot more pleasurable, but with the runins we had deterred my 4-5 star review.
(3)
Carolyn P.
Went with high hopes of having some good seafood in the middle of the country. Big fat bummer. Got the fishermans platter and could barely taste the seafood for all the breading (which wasn't all that great either). Fiance got the lobster and it was not good. Overcooked and not cleaned very well (nice try waitress - that's the poop line, not just a vein). For the price, it was definitely not worth it. At half the price I'm not sure that it would be worth it. Rather bummed. It's in business for the happy hour specials and the rooftop patio, definitely not the food or service.
(1)
Rachael J.
Love this place! The rooftop is hell on earth in nice weather, but I loves me some 2-4-1's after 10 though. I've had their beef tips 2 times, the first time it was like a double rainbow of delight. The 2nd time it was uninspired and dry and the service was so so and I stayed away til the staff I didn't like got fired or quit or whatever. On a whim I went back for drinks and scallops and it was magical! Buttery, perfectly peppered and the potatoes were phenomenal. It was safe to love again! So, I did their 20.00 lobster deal 3 times last year for some friend's birthday parties and we had the same waitress each time. She even remembered us. She comped us tons of goodies and it was all delicious. I feel terrible that I don't remember the waitress's name because she is AWESOME! Attentive, charming, and over all very good at what she does. Bravo Stella's bravo! Don't order the bloody mary if you have to drive home. YOWZA!
(5)
Anne M.
I was craving seafood so I talked a friend into coming here for their Friday $0.59 oyster special during happy hour (see the happy hour menu on their website), which runs from 3-6. Parking sucks because it's uptown - no validation at this place. We paid $9 for parking. We got in at about 4:40 - ordered fries, and 3 dozen oysters. We got our fries at about 5:10. We got our first dozen oysters at 5:20 and the waitress told us that they have a rule that we can only have a dozen oysters at a time, but once the dozen hits our table, she can bring us another basket. Okay, whatever, just give me my oysters. So my friend and I slurp down the first dozen in about 40 seconds. Then we have to wait some more ... where is our waitress and her promise to bring us more oysters? Alas, nowhere to be found. We had to wait about another 15 minutes before we got our remaining oysters. If we had gotten our oysters, we would have been in and out of there in about 1/2 hour and they would have had a free table, but oh no, everything has to be this long, drawn out process ... I was not impressed with the service and was really tempted to leave less than a 15% tip, but caved and left the 15%. When we got the bill, we found out that they had raised their prices (not reflected on-line) to $0.69 per oyster. $0.69 is still pretty cheap for oysters, but they should update their website to reflect their increase in prices. The only reason I'm giving this place 2 stars instead of 1 is that I satisfied my oyster craving. I am just not impressed with Stella's. It seems disorganized - there has to be a better method! Waiting that long for food that doesn't even need to be cooked is ridiculous. I may come back here again, but only when I am really, really desperate.
(2)
Peter L.
Great place for lunch, especially in the summer when you can sit outside. The food is always great. I recently tried the Jambalaya. It was good, but I don't think it was $22 good... Some of their prices are a bit steep. AVOID dinner. This place gets way too crowded and douchey during happy hour, and dinner service. On Sat. night my girlfriend and I waited for over an hour after we finished our apps before we were served our entrees. I like this place even though there's no place to park, I just won't go there for dinner anymore.
(3)
Randy H.
Together with great friends, my wife and I ventured from our franchise-dominated suburban existence to Stella's in the heart of the Minneapolis vibrant Uptown neighborhood. We love seafood with a Cajun influence and Stella's didn't disappoint. Our group shared the stuffed grouper, jerk mahi mahi and salmon, all of which were terrific but all told, I preferred the salmon. The flavor was absolutely vibrant. Freshness and quality are apparent everywhere...but you will pay for it. Most entrees will run you $25+ and the portions are modest at best. It was pretty noisy and quite busy, but in a happening sort of way. The Red Velvet dessert just may have been the best ever. The cream cheese frosting is 100% amazing. Don't miss it. We dined on the first floor but a trip to the roof proves it indeed would be a wonderful place to spend a summer evening.
(5)
Joe N.
Food very good, service excellent, roof top one of the top 2 or 3 best views in the Twin Cities. Fish is very fresh. Parmesan walleye is terrific (on lunch but for some reason not on dinner menu) Good deals available on Lobster. Happy hour quite a good deal if you are drinking. Food Prices on high side but definitely a very good place to eat if you are ok with the cost.
(4)
Anupama V.
My husband and I dined at Stella's Saturday night after an evening at the ballet. Loved the fact that we could make reservations for 11pm (they don't take reservations beyond that) and were a little intimidated by the long line of college hipsters snaking around the corner. But a quick word with the bouncers at the door and one of them led us right in and found us a server who seated us with no problems - but OMG the noise!!! it was unbelievably loud for it not being a club! The food was good but not spectacular - we had the mexican oysters for apps - fresh but small.I had the stuffed fish for the main course which was crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside. It came with mashed potatoes and a beautifully seasoned salad. My husband had the blackened sword fish which he thought was under-seasoned, but then again we both prefer big, bold flavors. In a nutshell - saturday nights are clearly not a good option for a date night dinner if you want to hear your companion, but their service is really great and the food while good is not particularly memorable.
(3)
Justin G.
Great walleye, highly recommended.
(5)
Zoey Z.
Stella's is always a great place to go during the warmer weather for their amazing rooftop--yes, it's crowded but I prefer a crowd then an empty area. Drinks are fairly priced and decent. They keep FB-ing their Wednesday night Sushi Special, buy 2 rolls get 1 free. So last night, being a randomly fabulous 68 degrees out--we went to their rooftop and they said "we are not taking any more seating"--and we'd have to wait until 10pm when everything is open seating. Fine--I get it, limited seats. We head downstairs, multiple table tops are opened but the hostessed had to go "check" she comes back 2 minutes later and points to the table directly next to her. OK-the waiter was prompt and said "yeah, all our sushi is really good". We ordered the Firecracker, Mafia roll (as per suggestion of the waiter) and Lobster roll. Sushi was horrible--lacked any flavor, there was no spicy (not even in the spicy mayo) and I had to order a side of eel sauce just to eat it. If you like billow-y rice with bland fish--then this is the sushi for you! Side note: I had their Lobster Sunday Special on the rooftop back in September--lobster wasn't cleaned properly--also at same meal ordered the caprese salad which stated "heirloom" tomatoes and was served 4 slices of limp beefsteak tomatoes--there's a complete difference. Beefsteak = $1.29/lb. Heirloom $5.99/lb. Will be enjoying Stella's rooftop but enjoying sushi elsewhere. Pros: Rooftop, Good Drink Specials Cons: Overpriced Fish, Sushi Sucks.
(2)
amy n.
Not that there could be many good fresh seafood places in the cities (cuz really, how fresh can it be so far from the coast) but don't ever try and eat the oysters, especially if you like oysters. They'll make you cry with displeasure, and you'll need a couple more overpriced drinks just to get the taste out of your mouth.
(2)
Chanstay Y.
Great late night specials like 2 for 1 beers and $1 oysters. The food is good, I have tried several appetizers and they were all super yummy. They have a great roof top patio with a full bar which is always fun. Now the one area I say they lack in is the service, the first visit the guy was on it and we had a huge group but my later visits haven't been as good. Sometimes taking a long time to get the servers attention to having food timed badly, I hate when there at 5min gaps in then people are served. I don't want to have to wait til their food comes or to be done before them due to the service. I will be back but next time I have somewhere to be I will be sure to get the check at least 10 mins before I think I should so I'm not leaving late because this can be the worst part of the visit.
(4)
Mimi L.
I generally go to Stella's for their happy hour deals. The service has never been that good, but the happy hour is usually what keeps me coming back. Not this time, this experience would probably keep me away from Stella's for a very long time. Their service has always been poor, but this time it was really bad and they were no where near busy. Our server rarely stopped at the table, which meant we constantly had to flag him down for service. The worst part about the whole thing was the food. My oysters were gritty as if they were never cleaned. The champagne mussels are usually pretty good, but they were half closed and there were broken shell pieces in the sauce. Not just a couple pieces, it was as if the shells were a main component of the sauce. Happy hour is usually the time when I don't expect great dishes, but basic cleaning of your seafood (especially because you are a seafood joint) was unacceptable. I would not come back for anything that I had. I might try again for something different, but I don't know if it's really worth my money to chip my teeth on some over-priced seafood.
(1)
Esther Y.
Came here for drinks and enjoyed the weather. Not crazy overpriced like downtown style, which is good. And the great roof deck is a plus.
(3)
Stephen G.
One of the best waitresses that I've had in a long long time. The food was excellent too although the jambalaya was a bit spicy (I'm not a Minnesota spicy person).
(4)
Michael H.
What an exceptional night on Stella's rooftop! We had one of the best tables in the house on a busy Friday night without a reservation. The server brought us out calamari, compliments of the chef. All of our meals were very fresh and prepared with unique and interesting sauces. Loved the view and the food. Got a little crowded around the bar later, seems like the place to be in Minneapolis.
(4)
Gerhart T.
One of the best roof top decks in Uptown!
(4)
David G.
Cool location, great atmosphere. Food is not all that. Wait staff was very inattentive. Have not made it up to the rooftop yet. Maybe soon!
(2)
Garett N.
Came here to the rooftop bar after dinner and drinks at another nearby establishment. It has a great view of the city and the atmosphere was fun. Recommended!
(4)
Lola S.
I have 3 words for you - roof top patio. It's only way to experince this place. The food was pretty good and did not feel like it was Midwest. :) I would definitely try to stay away from this place on the "party nights"; the atmosphere is a lot better when it's not crowded. I went there on Sunday afternoon, and would highly recommed it to anyone, especially with the happy hour deals going on at that time.
(4)
Clara K.
came here after dinner to get some drinks. the open air roof deck is really nice, especially on a balmy spring/summer night. didn't try any food but enjoyed just hanging out and taking lots of fun photos. :D
(4)
Jay V.
Sat on the deck one weekend for lunch. Had a nice meal. Portion size was good and tasty. Great view of downtown Minneapolis. Great photograph in men's room, go check it out!
(4)
Miss B.
Stella's is my favorite hh spot in Minneapolis. It's got a good vibe, that can be chalked up to good cheap wine, a consistently friendly staff, and seafood as fresh as seafood can possibly get in the middle of the country. It's also a diverse crowd--i'm never discriminated against. and please--if you are offended that someone is mentioning that discrimination is an issue in minneapolis, obviously you are not a minority. in fact, i'd say that my ethnically and culturally diverse group of friends blend in seamlessly here like they would in any major city. there's manolos mixed in with goaches (read: fake coach purses), too, which is always good for a fancy girl like me who sometimes sticks out like a sore thumb. also, their patio is the best in uptown.
(4)
Nathan B.
Went here for some late food and beers on Saturday night. We got some beers and ordered off the apps menus. Somebody ordered the kids' mac n' cheese and it was obviously from a box of Kraft. The chicken strips were standard and the gorgonzola stuffed bread was nice. The steak bites were great with BBQ sauce. They claim to have fresh seafood, and they do have live lobster available, but the prices are so absurd we didn't try any of it (I'm from Seattle, so maybe I'm just spoiled....)
(3)
John K.
Loved the walleye and the buffalo shrimp. Who would have known you can get great seafood in Minnesota?
(4)
Jeremy H.
The best place in the Twin Cities to eat seafood. The prices are a little high but they have great deals throughout the week. The rooftop is the best in Uptown and is great for drinks during the MN summer. Plan ahead though as its always busy.
(4)
Karin K.
In my opinion, Stella's is only good if you can sit on the rooftop deck overlooking Uptown. The food is okay most of the time, but be careful to ask about what fish is "today's catch". After all, we do live in MN and fish generally has to be flown in, so if it's not called "fresh today" watch out. Husband loves the raw oysters. These would not be my choice. We've been here many times mainly for the atmosphere on the deck. Food is hit or miss.
(3)
Cyrus A.
I really liked this place. Great 2-for-1 happy hour that runs even on the weekends. The Fish and Chips was really tasty, and the beers were frosty and cold. I'll certainly be back again in the future.
(4)
Jim T.
Seafood in the mid-west. I should have been a little more skeptical going into the situation. Fun atmosphere. Good pours by the bartender. Food quality, not bad and not exceptional. Execution was a little off. The descriptions painted a grander picture than received by the palate. The ceveiche tasted a little past its prime. Other apps were tasty. The scallops were prepared in a traditional bacon wrapped manor but were ever so slightly overcooked. The coconut shrimp was good too. My main dish was fair. Subtle flavors which should have existed only in the background were forced to the front and became overpowering. Great for large parties and very attentive staff. Walking out, our general consensus was....just alright.
(3)
Nicholas P.
Althought it has the best rooftop seating in all of uptown, unfortunately, that just isn't enough for me. I can't stand this place. First of all, I know a handful of people who have gotten food poisoning from here. Many of those where within the first year of service, but a couple have been within the last 6 months. So, don't get the food, unless your willing to take the risk. It is a very pretentious place. That is obvious. My work buddies like the rooftop on a nice summer day, so once in a while I end up here and it's always something. The happy hour is only on the inside, it's not on the roof top. What's with that. Drinks are cheaper, if you are inside. Does this make sense to anyone? Anyways, the last time I was here was the last straw. I get a couple of drinks for happy hour and drive home to let my dog out and retire for the evening. Well, next morning I check my bank account and there is my charge for my drinks, but, what is this, it's another $40 charge on my credit card. Not sure what happened, but if I wasn't on top of my crap, I would have gotten ripped off. I ended having multiple conversations with managers trying to get them to take the charges off my account. After three weeks if was finally resolved.
(1)
Erin S.
Love this place, mostly due to the rooftop and also just because there was the greatest company ever. We proceeded to get very happy here due to the wine and beer being buy one get one free. WHAT? Awesome. We snagged a booth, had a great waiter - and some good bar/snack food later. However, everything tastes good after a few drinks. But would definitely like to come back for drinks and dinner!!
(4)
Megan B.
I avoided this place because of all the Happy Hour hype, but was surprised by how delicious and affordable lunch was there. I got some delicious clam chowder and my dad really enjoyed the fish and chips--lots of moist, flaky fish with just a light coating of breading. And the bill was much lower than I expected. I'd recommend dining here--it seems like they really do take seafood seriously.
(4)
Hyojin O.
I went to Stella's on a Friday after work and was glad to have caught their awesome happy hour. We made a reservation on open table the night before, but I don't think it's necessary on a summer evening if you plan on sitting inside. Hubby and I got 2-4-1 drinks, salmon slider, ahi slider, some oysters and Friday HH special steamed shrimp. Yummy! We ate in since they don't allow HH on their rooftop, but whatever. Our sever was very tentative and friendly too. We will be back to enjoy their 3-6 pm and late night happy hour often.
(4)
Samone D.
Love their oyster orgy (sometimes .56 an oyster!), hate their bloody mary.
(3)
Liz G.
I love Stella's. Fun bar, good food in a great area.
(4)
Deb R.
A friend and I visited Stella's after deciding not to wait for a table at another popular Uptown restaurant. I was craving oysters. I was deeply disappointed with the oysters. It was the same thing I have been bitterly complaining about at numerous other Twin Cities restaurants - salt! Oysters naturally have a salty briny taste, and these oysters were tiny and had obviously been opened hours before I ordered them (or at least one of them had.) Even a pinch of salt in a small oyster is enough to overwhelm the taste for a non-smoker with a palate. Please don't do it! Also, they had six or seven varieties on the menu, about half of which were not available. I ordered three, one of each. No attempt at all was made to tell me which was which. The other bar food we ordered wouls have got a four star rating at least. The firecracker sushi is very good, as is the raw tuna with pico de gallo, guacamole and corn chips. My drink was a lime and Stoli, and it was nothing to write home about. Apparently there was live music starting as we were leaving because a line of youngsters at the door was getting their hands stamped. I do plan to return in the summer when the rooftop dining is open and order from the other side of the menu. I wish they had a fried oyster dish. I may need to make a trip to New Orleans or Portland to satisfy my craving properly.
(3)
Aaron H.
pros- oysters, happy hour, mojitos, grouper!, easy reservations as well as our table being ready 15 min prior to our reservation time. cons- the patio was too full and there is no way to make a reservation, the steak was slightly overcooked and over salted, bad acustics. All and all a great place,expensive at regular times but I will be back for happy hour with $1 oysters!
(4)
Emily U.
If you can make your way to the rooftop patio to check out the killer view of the Minneapolis skyline, do it. But beware: it's going to be packed on a nice summer night and you may or may not get annoyed with the throngs of people. But that's OK. The view is worth it. They've got a great happy hour and I can't review their full menu because I've never tried. But 2-4-1s are great and cheap appetizers are always a big hit. It's a casual, loud atmosphere but the service is fine. The only annoyance is parking but that's kind of theme of Uptown so you just have to deal with it.
(3)
Lily X.
Five of us came here on a 2 for 3 sushi night and ended up having 10 plates of sushi rolls, 1 plate of fresh catch of the day (scallops), an appetizer of the salmon bombs and oysters, as well as 3 bottles of wine. We were all disappointed about the food. The rolls are very average and the lobster roll was below average because the rice to lobster ratio was probably around a 4:1 or 5:1. I'm not a sushi person so I ordered the scallops and asked for grilled, but I did not expect to taste burnt & overcooked scallop meat. Then on of my friends got a fly in her mouth while drinking her wine!!? Luckily she spitted it out right away and it was still alive! Of course, my friend freaked out and manager came over to apologize. And for compensation, we got one bottle of wine taken off of our check. The rating, however, is not affected by the fly incident but is based off the food we got. The only thing I liked was the salmon bomb and their customer service. The waiters are very chill and friendly, and that's why we did not give them a hard time at all when we found that fly in our friend's drink..Overall, it was a fun night and if we do came back here again, I'll just 3 plates of salmon bombs (5 each) as my dinner meal.
(2)
Will D.
Great seafood in a land locked state. Rooftop is for ballers only. Lots o' levels to boot.
(5)
Mark J.
Great food - xept the fish tacos... Still gets 5 stars for the great food, service, and best view of Minneapolis the twin cities has to offer (on the roof)
(5)
Peter H.
Steella's has very solid sea food for a city that has no ocean access. I have eaten here for both lunch and dinner and each time it was very good. Their Lobster roll is great, and I have had really good catch of the day specials as well. Their oyster bar is great for happy hour or while waiting for your table. My favorite dish is their jalapeno corn bread, very tasty little treat. Their beer selection is sub par but their mojito's are very good. As said in other reviews you can't beat the roof top when you can get out there. Stella's is a very good and fun place to be.
(4)
Adam M.
Have you been here for the happy hour? Go here for the happy hour. Good drink/app prices. Cheap oysters! To eat dinner here is to pay too much for fairly good food.
(4)
Sven T.
I was here the other night and I loved it. After reading some of the other reviews, I can't understand why anyone would give Stellas less than 4 stars. Yeah it can be a little spring breakish in a yuppie way, but it is not Drink. Thank the Goddess and all the stars for that. In fact I bet you could rig up some sort of water balloon device to actually hit Drink's patio. Seriously, anyone who thinks Stellas is too suburb/frat boyish, I friggin double dog dare you to go to Drink just once. You've been warned. The patio is open seating after 10 (or maybe 9) so you don't have to "know: (or blow) anyone to get up there. Best views in the city. Sure drinks are Uptown priced, but hey who in Uptown doesn't charge too much for drinks? My favorite food item is the calamari. If you find better calamari anywhere in the entire city (yes I would consider going to Saint Paul even if the calamari was that good) please let me know.
(4)
Ellie Y.
I initially wasn't impressed by Stella's due to a disappointing happy hour meal where the food was mediocre a few months ago. I'm glad I gave Stella's a 2nd chance! I just went recently using a Groupon deal for 1/2 off the baked lobster dinner for 2 and it was delicious! It was generous amounts of food - bar drinks, bread & salad, followed by a pot of 2 baked lobsters in a sauce of spinach leaves, shrimp, mussels, and sausage, followed by a large slice of chocolate layer cake. The lobster tasted very fresh - we dipped the lobster in butter and used some of the cajun & salt seasoning provided on the table. It was savory! The pot also had a generous amount of shrimp, mussels, and sausage. Overall, the dinner was fantastic. I'm not sure if we'd do the same dinner again (it is $150 regular price) but I'd definitely go back for their other meals.
(5)
Chad H.
It's like Red Lobster on steroids. I've been there twice. I've been to a lot of seafood restaurants and the only place I've been to in the Twin Cities with better seafood is The Oceanaire but this is less expensive (although still about $20-$30/plate). Now the atmosphere is quite different, if not untactful, and I've never been to their patio on the roof, but the seafood is always fresh and always really good. I'm not a Salmon fan and don't usually like it, but last time we went there my wife had the grilled wild King Salmon on a cedar plank due to the waitresses recommendation and I really liked it . In fact it's probably their best dish.
(5)
Eugene V.
No, it's not getting any better. I got a lobster sandwich on burnt bread. And the lobster was overcooked.
(1)
Danielle H.
Stella's has an interesting vibe. I think the food is great and the view is great but it really is too crowded. To me the big issue is that the crowd is not diverse at all! i can't see myself going back on a Thursday night. I agree that it reminds me of Spring Break!
(2)
Marc W.
Amazing oysters and shrimp. Awesome rooftop view in the summer. Be prepared for crowds.
(5)
Lisa D.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Stellas!! Great food, great atmosphere- wonderful seafood! Even a good as oysters I've had on the east coast.. truly awesome! Great place for dinner or a weekend hang out. Good happy hour specials too. Parking is a bit of a pain, but worth it.
(5)
Mark S.
We had a big party there on a sat night, and they did a very nice job for us. Also, the roof-top with some fish and chips and a corona...nice!
(4)
Jillian N.
I like their crab cakes, and their fish sampler was exceptional. Gets busy later on weekends, which seems to be typical with the area. No complaints.
(4)
Di T.
I just came here to drink. At first I was thinking "Stella's Fish Cafe to drink?" Turned out to be a cool hang out. We went to the roof top patio and it had a nice view of downtown. It was a little chilly and they couldn't turn on the heat lamps because they would just blow out. Too bad. They had some cool drinks like "slap yo mamma". I'm not really a sweet cocktail girl, but it was pretty good. There is a bar on the patio and bar on the first floor so plenty of spots for drinking. It's in a good location in Uptown. Best of all it's close to White Castle!!!
(4)
Mike C.
Spain had just become the World Champions of Football! Viva Espana! We went to Stella's to celebrate my darling Kathryn's birthday, a bit risky being our first visit, but here we go. I found free parking within a block, we went in and climbed the 72 steps to the rooftop patio, take the elevator up! We were greeted and seated. Great views of downtown Mpls and the streets below. It was late afternoon, hot and humid but there was the occasional breeze and cool sprinkles of showery rain. Our server was bubbly and not overbearing. We ordered drinks and starters, bad news no mussels! So we had walleye fingers and peel and eat shrimp. Just right. Our house guest from the UK doesn't like fish, but she liked the walleye. Main courses ordered, three steaks, wait on, this is a fish cafe, ah well kids. I ordered Jambalaya and Kathryn had the stuffed Grouper. Another drink and the main course arrived, wow huge portions. The three steaks were ordered, medium well!( UK) guest, medium rare and almost rare. They arrived just right. The jambalaya and grouper also were just right. All five dishes came out together and all were as ordered, a well run kitchen:) Too much food for the meat eaters, to go boxes were needed. Our server brought Kathryn a red velvet cake with a candle, nice touch, nice Red cake. First visit. It won't be our last. We shall get the mussels and have a couple of beers in our next trip. I see us making Stella's one of our must take out of town folks too places as well as one if our favourite places. I highly recommend a visit. The staff are really friendly, the food is plentiful and good. Thank you Derek, manager, and Amy our server.
(4)
Mark L.
Go for the rooftop patio and the crowd. The food is underwhelming and overpriced. It is a fun place in Uptown to snack and drink. The menu is diverse. That would be my compliment. I wish it was better.
(2)
Tyler S.
Exceptional outdoor deck! Stella's in Uptown has an excellent menu and is perfect for lunch. Fills up quickly for dinner!
(4)
Ryan D.
If your in the mood for seafood in Minneapolis take a look at Stellas. In my opinion it bests both Mckormick & $micks and Oceaniare. The staff is personable. The food is excellent, make sure to try the panko crusted fried green tomatoes, the Steamed Mussels and the Homemade Tater Tots with Jalapeano Marmalade all are cant miss delights. The wine and beer lists are good and the rooftop bar is the place to be on a warm minneapolis summer night. If you plan on eating on the rooftop get there early 6 pm or earlier on drinking nights (thurs-sat) to make sure you snag a table... Also dont miss the Raw Oysters they are awesome. The ambiance is charming, the scenery is second to none, and the price is fair. Put it on your list!
(4)
Lieu T.
My friend and I went here for happy hour... only it started at 10:30pm and not 9:30pm (take note, their happy hour is later in the winter time). We decided to order the Hot Crab and Spinach Dip appetizer ($12) while we waited for happy hour (buy one drink get one free). This dish came out in a hot 6 inch skillet and loaded with hot dip and served with garlic bread and chips. The dish is basically crab meat (not imitation! and lots of it), cream cheese, parmesan, and spinach. The first few bites are heaven. This dish is big enough to satisfy 8 people. There was a lot of dip! You have to eat this fast while it is hot in my opinion because once it cools down, the dip will become very salty and hard to eat straight up (to me anyways, my friends who are regularly cheese eaters did not think so). We didn't try any other dish, so if I come back here, I would definitely sample the menu a bit more. Prices are a bit steep, but its seafood fare and good fare at that.
(4)
Ann J.
We had lunch here yesterday before going to the Science Museum. It's very quiet at lunch compared to at night - or at least on Wednesday's. Nice lunch menu with some of the same items as night, but in smaller portions. I had the coconut shrimp platter - comes with your choice of fries, garlic mashed potatoes, or chips. I had the garlic mashed potatoes - huge serving - they were good, but I would have liked more garlic! The coconut shrimp were very good and the coleslaw was on the sweet side - which is how I like it. Dave had the fish and chips - he enjoyed it though said he thought Maynard's in Excelsior was better. Overall we enjoyed it, but it is more fun at night.
(4)
freddy f.
This place is amazing. I love the ambience and the staff is very friendly. I am not a huge seafood fan but I still find items that I can order.
(5)
Jason W.
Party of 7. Slow, forgetful waiter who told us how good he is at his job. Fried food was good. Mixed drinks were weak. Out of the Sunday lobster special by 7pm...call ahead or order right away. Of course our fearless server didn't inform us until we ordered it. Rooftop for drinks can be great...as long as the Tools stay home.
(2)
P X.
Obnoxious photos, amazing seafood, rooftop patio, cheap happy hour, and steaks to write home about! This place has it all, except a bathroom on the first floor. I honestly can't get enough of their Champagne Mussels and Red Velvet Cake. In fact, I take people there for their birthday just so I can order these yummies.
(5)
Brooke S.
good food, great drinks, excellent patio, unbeatable view of downtown minneapolis.....if you're going for cocktails on a weekend, especially in summer, get there early for patio!!! andi f you get up there...prepare to look pretty, eat some oysters (actually i hate oysters so i dont do this) and drink some G&T's
(4)
Jordan S.
I love sea food, and there are very few places in Minneapolis that you can get better seafood than Stella's. I have gotten King Crab legs a couple of times here, and I have never been disappointed. They are not the best crab legs that I have ever had, but they are still pretty damn good. I have gotten them on crab lovers Thursday, and even though you get plenty of crab, you don't get a side, so it gets more expensive if you want something besides crab legs. The same goes for lobster lovers sundays. When you don't get the crab legs on Thursday, they come with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus, both are very good. When I am not getting lobster or crab legs, I go with the Swordfish. I am a big fan of swordfish, and I have found that it is kind of hard to find on menus, so when I see it on a menu, I almost always order it. Stella's swordfish was very tasty. Some of the things that you have to be careful with Stella's is what time you go there to eat dinner. Stella's is a pretty popular bar in uptown, both for happy hour and night life, and depending on when you are there, sometimes you are not really at a restaurant, you are actually at a bar. If you are in the uptown area and are looking for some good seafood, I highly recommend Stella's. And if you want to go out and have a couple drinks, Stella's isn't a bad place to go either. Stella's food is not cheap, but I also don't think that it is overtly expensive for good seafood. I feel that it is fairly priced for what you are getting.
(4)
KM I.
Stellas came recommended so we spent a Saturday evening here for dinner. Made a reservation and got a table right away. Menu was interesting but neither of us got any seafood.....my boyfriend had a steak that he enjoyed and I had the ribs. We shared bacon Mac and cheese. I disliked the BBQ sauce on the ribs for sure, funny taste to it.....and the Mac n cheese became filling after a bit, naturally I suppose. The price was about right But disappointingly the white sangria was noooo good, too citrusy, too many lemons and limes and not enough fun fruit.
(3)
Serenade R.
We had been at the Uptown Art Fair when someone recommended "Stellas" so off we went. While the large Caesar salad was way overpriced, it had just the right amount of dressing on it. Only my husband had an entree of walleye which was quite tasty, though the french fries were not hardly warm. I almost never eat out at restaurants as I still prefer my Trader Joe's greek yogurt and my own salads. The service was VERY slow........we may try it again.
(3)
Jen B.
I have to say that I have a love/hate relationship with this place. The food is ALWAYS fantastic, but the service is hit and miss, but always extreme. By that I mean it's either REALLY good, or REALLY bad. Here's an example- once when there with ONE friend, the waitress was rude, slow, inattentive, and acted put-out by us being there. Another time I was there with a group of 20. The waiter was quick, attentive, friendly, personable, put up with all of our silliness, and was willing to split the tab between all the people there. The roof is great, but always too packed and almost impossible to get a seat. They have a strict first come first served policy on the roof, that I feel should be changed to reservations for seating only. I also think they should allow only a certain amount of people up there. I have also learned the hard way to ALWAYS make reservations when going there, even if it's dead, or at an off time. Otherwise they make you feel like a reject for not doing so, and stick you at a crappy tables even if better ones are available. But once again, the food is fantastic!!!
(4)
phoebe r.
looks can be very deceiving, from the sign on the outside this place looks kind of like some dive bar. walk inside and it is 4 stories of oh my gosh. it looked kind of slow on the inside i was a little iffy then i walked up the stairs. holy moly soo many people, there was long wait for the rooftop, but totally worth it. whats better than watching a beautiful sunset while having a cocktail? the food was tasty, we got fish and chips, spicy tuna roll and some ahi thing, the fish was very fresh. i liked the vibe of the place, the service was great seeing as it was soo packed. i liked that they didn't try and kick us out when we were done with our food, my cousin and i just sat and chatted for about an hour, soo very pleasant.
(5)
Anna B.
i love the building and the rooms and how they have an outdoor area and performances, the service was ok- grumpy college students sometimes and the food was pretty good.. not the greatest seafood, but good.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Dennis O.
I went there with my wife and two sons and we had a great time out on the deck. We found out they do have a kids menu ,complete with cups with tops and straws And we ordered from the recommendation from our fun server Randy?(sp) she was so sweet to the kids and had the most up beat and sunny disposition (My wife doesn't eat seafood) we had a meal that made everyone happy try these crazy hash browns they have
(4)Susie A.
Nice rooftop patio. Killer cornbread appetizer! Big enough for a table of 6 The halibut was a little overdone, but the asparagus and mashed potatoes it came with were perfect. The dessert menu had nothing interesting enough to order. Why do so many restaurants offer the same boring flourless chocolate cake and cheesecake just like Applebee's? FYI: the bathroom is on the second level so if you are on the roof or main floor you have to take a lot of stairs.
(3)Dave R.
Good service, good (but not great) food, large portions, nice ambiance, high (but not too high) prices. I've eaten here a couple of times, and had the same opinion of Stellas at both: If I had $ for parking and $$$ for food I'd eat here more often. But I don't. I was here for lunch today and had the calamari appetizer, which was good, and the lobster bisque, which was fair. The coffee was good. The weather on the deck was windy but nice (see pics). There is no WiFi on the roof. Service was fine. I'll have to come back for Happy Hour oysters or Sunday lobster sometime. Preferably if someone else is driving.
(4)Mohammad H.
I have always been a fan of Stella. Nice atmosphere, lively crowd and the rooftop always makes it a great place to hangout with friends, have dinner and cherish the time. This time I went there for a happy hour/late Birthday/nice day out etc. you get the point. So I wasn't looking for a anything more than a serene day and couple of drinks to sip. So like an addict, I checked in on Yelp, and right away I got the offer to have $5 mojito. Wowza... check that out. Already feeling special. My friend and I headed up to the rooftop on the elevator (no hard work here). We went to the bar area and it was pleasantly crowded. You know when there are just enough people to make the place look lively but you can still get a drink from an attentive bartender. It was like that. Our bartender made eye contact and we were able to communicate that she is our savior on our thirst quenching mission. Kari (bartender) made us couple of Mojito's with top shelf rum and also let me use the coupon for both. She is just awesome. Thank you Kari. Make sure you get your drinks from her for a generous pour too. We ordered the fries and Mexican Oyesters (Oyesters with Picco Di Gallo on top). They were delicious. After that was done we realized that I should get my friend more alcohol for his late b-day. So I asked Kari for some tequila in his drink. Kari heard it was his b-day drink, so she made a super long pour :) Thank you again. You are awesome. I left out one star, because of their restroom situation. They only have restrooms on second floor. Other than that, I love the service and little humor all over the walls and t-shirts. Like "Get it yourself, I am Crabby" with a picture of Crab.
(4)Louise M.
I'm not big into Groupon. Mostly because when I bought it, it expired before I could use it. My friend, Adele, on the other hand, loves Groupon. She would tell me when to buy and remind me to use it together. When that was the case, I love Groupon. We used Groupon to try Stella's Fish Cafe. For $43, we got an appetizer, 2 entrées, and 2 drinks. Wow! That was a deal! Ok, maybe I do like Groupon a little more now. Our server said hi to Adele and turned out they knew each other from past jobs. She was of course very nice to us and gave us stellar recommendations on the menu. She told us that the mussel appetizer was her fave. We trusted her and tried it. It turned out to be supercalifragilisticexpialadelicious!!! So good. It was also supercalifragilisticexpialahomongous! The portion.. Whoa!! A colony of mussels died for our appetizers today. Breed more, Mussels. Breed. I had lobsters in mind since I bought the Groupon. I went with the Cape Cod warm lobster roll with fries. Adele went with the jambalaya. Her jambalaya was really big. Yes, she got the full portion but it was still really huge. She liked it a lot and she raved about the corn bread. My lobster roll was okay. It wasn't bad but I liked Smack Shack much better. I wasn't in love with the roll. The lobster chunks also looked not as plump and enticing like Smack Shack's. It still went down to my belly with no issue though. No issue whatsoever. However you guys.... I think you need a heads up on this one. The dessert. Let me spell it out. Warm.Brownie.Batter.With.Sebastian.Joe.Vanilla.Ice cream. WOW. Just Wow. I haven't been swept off my feet quite like that by a dessert in so long. Hands down, the best dessert I had in a long time. Well, up there with BLG's salted caramel crespelle. That gooey half cake half batter. Oh God. I couldn't talk about it without tears rolling down my cheek. It was a miracle. If it was a TV Evangelist healer, that brownie just knocked me on my head as I fell over backward, and I was healed of my pms just like that. Brownie chocolate heaven. I put a reminder on my calendar on repeat every month for this brownie for when the time comes. Thank you to our server. This was her recommendation as well. My only complaint was I ordered a cup of clam chowder and it never came. Our server offered to bring it when I asked but I was getting full already. Next time when I come back, I have to try this must try item of mine. What a great place though. I saw the reviews were all over the place. However, the mussels and the brownies were enough to make me a fan. Oh we also enjoyed their mojito and Moscow mule. Everything we had was ranging from pretty good to damn good. Kate W - wanna go for warm brownie batter next cycle? My treat if you bring the tampons.
(4)Marino K.
Place was alright, but it's not as good as all the hype portrays it to be. Ordered the fried calamari for an appetizer for $12 and the breading was kind of mushy versus that extra crunch I typically enjoy. The fries that came with the lobster roll was also a little on the "this sh** taste hella old" side and bland. The coleslaw reminded me of KFC's, and the lobster roll itself was just basic (both in the normal usage of the word and the slang from Urban Dictionary). I mean LOWTFL about that bread for $20. Oh, and the service was too slow for me. I actually half jokingly brought it up a few times, but still took a while for them to get to us. Overall, I'd say the food we tried lack overall depth in flavor profile, especially for being a little more on the pricier side. I don't know though - from my experience, the value was a little sub par. Good view at the rooftop, bomb mojitos and tasty fried walleye though!
(3)Morgan P.
Shittiest beer selection in MINNESOTA! F^ck man go look at the beer selection @ SeaSalt bitches and go stoke off a rich asswipe!
(1)Ray M.
Jordan was one of the best servers we have had in a long time very friendly and attentive . The food was priced well below the quality of food that we ate. Jordan just made it a notch better he should be commended for his hard work.
(5)Emily R.
Stella's has two different sides: The bar scene, and their food scene. Bar Atmosphere: Whenever we go out in Uptown, we usually stop at Stella's first. How can you beat the 2 for 1 drinks offered almost all night?! Stellas has many of your Uptown needs, cheap drinks, live music, cliche Uptown rooftop, small dance floor and multiple levels. Food: I really like their coconut shrimp that is available on their appetizer menu as well as a platter. Their Spicy Pineapple Marmalade dipping sauce makes it! I've also tried their Maine Lobster Pasta. This was OK. It was kind of bland and there wasn't a ton of lobster. The Gorgonzola Table Bread was delicious, but how can you mess up bread? For dessert we had the cheese cake. What I thought was cool about their desserts is that they are made fresh every day at the nearby restaurant Lucias. Overall, I love Stella's on a Friday or Saturday night and their awesome rooftop, but I'm not a huge fan of the food.
(3)Lorraine N.
Time for an update. I have started to enjoy shrimp this past year so I recently ordered the coconut shrimp and they were absolutely wonderful. The pineapple sauce they serve with it should be bottled and used on everything. I was in love with that. The brussels sprouts had good flavor but they were hard----cook them longer please and cut out the hard stem part. My drinks were decent and they do have a yelp check in offer which i used 5.00 for a 10.00 drink. They are still three stars for me because i again find them lacking in variety on the menu. My bill was 70.00 which is pretty standard for two people eating and drinking modestly at this place and I wish they would have some less expensive options but apparently it is not hurting business because i see huge groups of people gathered here frequently. You cannot beat the rooftop.
(3)Wendy H.
A great place to enjoy a sunshine spring evening, if you wait for a table and 'breath in' when you get one. Food - delicious Sushi Company - fabulous Weather - Exquisite Popularity - definitely Luckily there were only 4 of us, it would be difficult for a larger group to sit together... Too crowded for me. Everything else was FAB. This felt like a place to be seen and to enjoy the wonderful spring evening. I was glad to be outside, glad to be with friends.
(3)Julie W.
Stella's is so fun! I came here for dinner one sunny afternoon and ordered fish and chips (~$14) I'm not a fan of anything fishy or seafoody but I would order this again in a heartbeat, it was so good! Try it at least once. I also got the lemonade. I can't tell which I liked better. I was obsessed with that lemonade. You have the option of indoor or outdoor seating. We opted for outdoor seating on the roof, of course. It was beautiful out, food was great, service was wonderful. I would come back again for sure! 10/10
(5)Hailey P.
One of the hottest places in uptown, Minneapolis. my go to place for hangin out with friends especially on the weekend. For weekends, they have dance floor and live music on the second floor- always packed with cool people! After having a beach day at lake Calhoun, we stopped in for some drinks and food. Seated on the upper rooftop deck, and I got a glass of white wine and a fried oyster sandwich. the sandwich was huge~ and really fresh and flavorful- I am sure that they use very fresh ingredients. Potato chips that came with sandwich was a bit salty, but still liked them with the sandwich. Over all, great stuff! Oh and I found out that they had lobster Sunday- they offer 1 1/4 lbs of whole lobster only for $19.95! Definitely would love to go back for their lobster Sunday deal!
(4)Stephanie M.
I usually come here for happy hour (both after work and late night) because they have 2 for 1's. I don't eat seafood, but they have other non-seafood options on their happy hour menu. They also have a cool rooftop, but it usually gets really crowded, so get there early if you want a seat. It's a pretty fun place to hang out with friends and watch a game on the TVs. The late night crowd can get pretty rowdy, but that's to be expected at a bar in Uptown.
(3)Piper E.
My favorite place to get Halibut! It's so good here! The lemon blurre blanc sauce goes really good with it. The rooftop is a great place to sit and the service was great. Also, the warm brownie batter is a must try.
(5)Scott B.
What is this place? I've been here a bunch of times and have no idea what this place is. There will be a band playing country music, a DJ blaring some random EDM shit, and a Nickelback song on the speakers downstairs all playing at the same time. I think that is why I like Stella's--I have no idea what it is. The food is good, and they have a good happy hour menu. It fills up quickly on the weekends, so get there early to snag a spot on the rooftop. My friends are always confused why we are going to a 'Fish Cafe' to 'turn up', but once they see the rooftop they are sold.
(4)Juhee S.
All around ok. Had Saturday night reservations for 7pm & didn't get seated on the rooftop till 8pm. I think there's a small waiting area but basically you just stand around wherever you can find room & try to stay out of everyone's way. The one tiny elevator they have was down so it was like 4(?) flights up-- not a big deal but the bathrooms are on the second floor & the stairwell is small so there was a lot of (slow) traffic coming/going. Service was good-- our waiter was friendly & attentive. The hostess was throwing lots of attitude but I'm sure it was annoying to have so many people milling around waiting for tables & constantly asking for status updates. Checked in on Yelp for $5 mojito & the dragon mojito was maybe the best part of the dinner. Recommend it. Tables on the roof are fine. It's not like you get amazing views & they're kinda crammed together. We had one of the bar height tables & it was wobbly (we fixed it with a napkin). Biggest con was they let people smoke on the roof so you'll smell cigarettes while you eat. Not a big fan of that. As far as the food goes, I dunno. It was ok. The coconut shrimp come highly recommended but it's just breaded & fried so quality of the shrimp doesn't matter as much. It was good but how can you fuck up coconut shrimp you know? The platter comes with a very mayo-y cup of cole slaw & the garlic mashed potatoes had potato chunks but not that much garlic. The jambalaya was warned as "7/10 on the spice scale".. Uh, it was not spicy at all. There were some chunks of fish, shrimp, sausage but I wasn't that impressed. Flavor was decent. Didn't taste the jalapeño in the cornbread. The swordfish was so underwhelming & bland-- do not order. It was a nice bustling spot to do a ladies dinner on a nice Saturday night but I wouldn't put it at the top of my recommendation list. It was whatevers--
(3)Laura G.
Epic fail! Flat bread pizza was hard and absolutely cold. Sent my tacos back and what was returned was only a tiny bit better! The redeeming elements of the lunch were the view and my companions! Incredibly disappointing.
(1)Iris H.
Went here as a family for my moms 60th celebration. Sunday night at Stella's is low key with enough happening to still people watch and not feel like everyone is at home. They have a Sunday special on their lobster-50% marked down which is why we went. The food and service was great, with each of us getting different things we tried s lot. I had no complaints. My moms only complaint was that they do not thoroughly separate the lobster meat from the shell. Other than that it's an awesome place for family dinner and if you catch one of their specials it's even better.
(5)Renu B.
Good food and good service, what more could a girl ask for? I recommend the crab and spinach dip and beef bites :)
(5)Angela B.
Great food, fabulous staff, and absolutely beautiful rooftop patio. Stella's took a night that started off rudely from a bad experience at Uptown Tavern, and made the night extremely enjoyable. I will definitely patronize this wonderful cafe again and highly recommend them to all I know!!!
(5)Ellen C.
Went with some friends specifically for their happy hour. I have to say, one of the reasons why Stella's gets 4 stars is because of the value. The second my friend told me about their $0.89 oyster happy hour (only on Fridays) I HAD to go. So we went, got two dozen oysters, 2 orders of tacos of the day (turned out to be some sort of pulled pork - comes with 3 good sized tacos), and the champagne mussels. For the four of us, each of us paid $10+ and it was enough food. The oysters were great quality, except that the shucking left quite a few pieces of oyster shell to surprise me. The tacos were okay; I was expecting the tacos that were on the menu to be the tacos of the day but that was not the case, so be sure to ask if you're ordering them. The mussels were delicious - the buttery broth was amazing with the sourdough bread, and the mussels although a bit overdone, were very tasty and had soaked up that buttery sauce. They have also have 2 for 1 drink specials, and being in such a great location, this is an AMAZING place to go for some cheap, quality happy hour. Note: The rooftop patio doesn't have happy hour.
(4)Jackie C.
I have very mixed feelings about this place. Pros: Awesome rooftop to go to to on summer nights Food is pretty good. I usually order the breaded buffalo wings and fries since I usually got there late night to have a few beers with friends. I haven't personally tried the Good beer selection. Cons: Long wait every time Service leaves much to be desired. The first few times I came here the server has a "I don't really care attitude" which didn't make for the greatest experience. The most recent time I was there I asked for two chairs to be added to my table and the server was very dramatic about it asking another party to move from their table to get me the chairs even though there were some other empty ones all over. I obviously felt horrible that the other party was bothered by my server. Even though he was nice overall he should have thought a little more before acting. I know if I was the other party I would have been extremely annoyed. If it wasn't for the food and rooftop this place would have received 2 stars.
(3)Andrew T.
First of all, the fish is very fresh and done properly. I enjoyed the fried walleye with mashed potatoes and slaw, with homemade tartar sauce. Hot and delicious! I also had the blackened fish tacos which is an appetizer. Also quite good. They came with a spicy sauce which was great. A great concept in a great location.
(4)Jonathan H.
My work has held meetings and seminars in their meeting room several times. Stella's has always been kind to serve us a good meal during these events. The servers have always done an outstanding job at what they do. They also know to talk very quietly if they must do so during the presentation. They are great at not being a disturbance while doing their job. The food there is delicious. My favorite is their fish. I am grateful that Stella's treats our work so well and is able to accommodate us like they do. I always look forward to having meetings and seminars here. I highly recommend Stella's.
(5)Vee V.
This place always has that weird fishy smell to me when I walk in. It's nothing a few drinks won't fix though. This place is also massive so if you sit upstairs or at the back of the restaurant it isn't too bad. Or go to the rooftop patio in the summer months. They have a pretty awesome happy hour here. Friday's between 3pm-6:30pm, $.69 oysters, and two for one drinks! When I checked in with Yelp, I got a $5 coupon for any mojito, so I started with the bootlegger mojito. Thank you Yelp! A bunch of friends and I met here. With $69 burning a hole in my pocket I was on a mission to eat 100 oysters...I didn't quite make it to my goal. I'm not even going to share how much I ate because I sucked at it! I blame the mojito, it made me full. We had a couple dozen oysters, beef bites, sushi roll, cheeseburger, tacos, and a cod fish sandwich. All were on their happy hour menu for a reasonable price. The beef bites were a perfect medium, I prefer medium rare, but these were yummy. Everything was tasty, no complaints here. I didn't peek at their regular menu, but the appetizers were great, so I'd probably be back for dinner. Although Happy Hour specials might be too tempting to pass up. By the way, I've noticed on Groupon lately there's been deals for this place off and on. You might want to check there before you head in. Service was awesome too. Megan helped us in the bar area. We told her we were waiting on a few more friends and as soon as the table next to us cleared she held it for us. Anytime someone came by she told them "sorry buddy table is reserved." Only slip up was we had to ask her twice for crackers and an oyster shell bucket, but she was so friendly I wasn't even mad about it. I don't like that I have to walk up a long flight of stairs every time I need to use the restroom. I eat a lot and then I get lazy.
(4)Maddy D.
We had a lot of fun and had a good dinner. Took our 10 month daughter and she loved the lobster tank. It was quite loud so baby talking loudly didn't seem to bother any of the other diners! We will be back.
(4)Michael D.
First time coming here in a couple years and I was surprised to see the overall ratings so low as every meal I've ever had here has been way above average. This time my out of town gf tried walleye for the first time and loved it. My sandwich wasn't my best meal I've had here, prices can be high and service may not be the best but they do have great food.
(5)Jerice A.
Clam chowder was on point! A little bit of bacon, a little darker in color, but the texture and flavor was outstanding. Also two choices of oysters were delicious. Great beer selection. Bar had a couple tvs and great beer selection. Thursday's are $20 crab legs nights-definitely coming back then. Parking sucked- had to park in a garage but hey, that's uptown for you.
(4)Jaden G.
I live in Prior Lake, so I don't dine at a lot of restaurants in Minneapolis, but Stella's is one that I will go out of my way to visit. I've always enjoyed the food and the rooftop patio has amazing views. Great place to take a date.
(5)David P.
Stella's, the well known rooftop bar and seafood mecca in landlocked MN. We reserved a table for 6 a few days ahead of time and were surprised with the "chefs table"(right inside the kitchen), but instead of a special menu it just ended up being a noisy affair with plenty of staff running by us and commotion in the kitchen throughout the night. Sure it was slightly more entertaining but frankly I came to converse with my friends and not watch the kitchen warm dishes up under heat lamps and yell at each other when they screw up. We ordered a decent spread, I picked the 1.5lb lobster w/Bearnaise sauce and it was very good. We also grabbed Gorgonzola Table Bread, Cheese Stuffed Hashbrowns, and Fresh Fried Calamari - all were tasty. No issues with this menu and the seafood itself was fresh and done right. This is where I get to the issues I had. My lobster came with mashed potatoes(which I ordered), and also with a nice short curly black hair(which I didn't order). On the plus side, since we were sitting in the kitchen, we could scope out the cooks to see which one matched the dish in my hair. On the negative side, I was feeling overly wussy and did not make a big scene to the waitress over this nasty little nugget. My wife ordered french fries on the side, didn't receive them, then we were charged for them. The waitress was very interested in refilling our drinks which is appreciated, but not interested in checking on if our food was delivered right or tasted good. Pros: -Good fresh seafood -Good looking people -You feel super cool Cons: -Hair in food -Mediocre service -Noise especially at the chefs table -Good looking people Overall I doubt I will be back. For the $90 bill I can think of many other places I would rather spend my money, with less of a party scene(i.e. loud), better service, and food that is just as good if not better.
(2)Jim R.
For a chain, this place turns out reliably good food in huge portions. It is often bustling and can be pretty noisy - even upstairs where we usually ask to sit. On our most recent visit I had one of my favorites - coconut shrimp which comes with your choice of sides plus coleslaw. I'm a pretty big eater yet couldn't finish it. Of course we also had the yummy jalapeno corn bread (a must whenever we go there) and a couple of specialty drinks - "slap yo mama" is the one I seem to order regularly which tastes like an alcoholic lemonade, very refreshing. Service is attentive and the food comes pretty quickly. All in all, this place has decent food but often the ambience is way too loud
(3)Liz K.
I'm usually pleased when I come here. I love their happy hour specials, which are 2 for 1 drinks mon-fri from 3-6pm and $1 oysters. Champagne mussels are my absolute fave. So flavorful! Their fish tacos are WACK. Wouldn't order them again. The burgers are ok, but my friends said they could tell that they were frozen patties. I pretty much just come here for the champagne mussels LOL.
(4)Joey N.
Came here for dinner with some friends. The moment we came in to the restaurant, we were seated right away, which was a good sign for me. Knowing that is currently restaurant week, we decided to order from that menu. For the first course, we ordered all four of the dishes on the menu. I find the champagne mussel to be very good especially its sauce. Everything else seemed pretty okay, but not outstanding. Second course was kind of a meh experience for me. The San Francisco Cioppino was pretty bland. The fish didn't have much flavor and the sauce was watery and almost kinda tasteless. I also want to add that they shouldn't have used sourdough bread here because I can't barely taste the sauce after dipping it and the bread itself was pretty hard too. However, I have to admit that the Shrimp Scampi was incredible. Unlike the Cioppino, this dish was full of flavor and the pasta was just irresistible. Lastly was dessert, my favorite course. Both the Brownie Batter and the Creme Brûlée were super delicious, I mean it. The Brownie Batter was made up of hot/ warm brownie at the bottom and chilled ice cream on top. The taste was absolutely perfect when they eaten together. The Creme Brûlée was simply just a flan with a caramelized top. However, it was also very tasty, the flan was soft and the top was crunchy. Definitely a WOW factor for me! This was probably the best dessert I have ever had in a while. I'm glad that I came here before going back to California. The dessert is a MUST!
(4)Marquis T.
Words can not begin to describe how delicious our meals were. As first time customers, my wife and I came into Stella's with high expectations given the personal recommendations we received about this venue. Well it's safe to say that our expectations were met. Delicious meal with the jambalaya being the star of the show! Had my share of bayou cuisines during my stay in New Orleans and this jambalaya was among the best. Shrimp Po boy was meh. But who cares when everything else was beyond tasty!
(4)Abby P.
Stella's is one of my favorite seafood restaurants to go too! The employees there are always kind and awesome. I love their happy hour! Great appetizers and two for one drinks. I love the purple mojito! They make the drink so delicious it's perfect not too strong but just enough kick! The oysters are amazing! I'm glad they went back to giving customers a choice of what kind of oyster they would like. The blue point oyster is what I like! Not too small but not too big and the size of the oysters are about the same for each oyster. The fish taco was not my favorite. It was too fishy for me. I would pass on that. The king crab leg is my all time favorite!! It's cooked to perfection and once dipped in the butter it just fills your mouth with flavor! The mashed potatoes are very good too! The champagne mussels are just superb!!!! It use to be too watery but now the consistency of it is perfect!!!! I could drink it up it is so good! Overall I love Stella's and always enjoy going there, whether it be for the food, drinks, happy hour or hanging out at night! It's a great environment in uptown!
(5)Lina K.
The food was okay it was a too over price. The server was a bit slow and it wasn't very busy for a Friday night.
(2)Katrina O.
Second time here and it's the second time I've left feeling like it could have gone better. Our server was super awkward with us but not with any of her other tables. Trust me, I was keeping tabs on her to try and figure her out but realized she was super friendly and talkative with everyone else but us! I've had the lobster roll here before, which was good but not great! This time around I stopped by during restaurant week and had some peel n eat shrimp, which is basically shrimp cocktail except I had to do all the hard work of peeling! Then I had the seafood cioppino, which was delicious and it came with a nice big hunk of crusty french bread to soak up the broth. Creme Brulee was mediocre, the caramelized sugar on top had some burnt parts to it and yes i do mean burnt. I can differentiate between caramelization and burnt! The custard was also way too soft, almost runny in texture. If you're just looking for rooftop seating, or uptown vibe then head to Stella's! But if you're looking for a great seafood place, I would say skip Stella's and head to Smack Shack.
(2)Richard L.
I've never been to a place that had oysters for less than a dollar each. THIS PLACE BOASTS 69 CENT OYSTERS!!!! Holy smokes! Not only did my party have 7 dozen, but we also had the cheezy garlic bread and the muscles. The drinks were pretty reasonable as well. 7 dozen, 2 garlic bread, 2 things of muscles for 5 people came out to around 25 per person all with drinks. I was blown away seriously!
(5)Jonathan C.
Great food but slow service even at 5:00. We sat upstairs on the rooftop and the view was great. It didn't take very long to get the table however it took 25 minutes to get sushi for an appetizer. We were here for the art fair and wanted great food in a reasonable time. I didn't expect to be waiting this long for our food and we ordered right away! My wife was so hungry that she started to eat my 10 month olds puffs!
(2)Sucy B.
My bf and I come for the oysters and champagne clams. We end up with entrees too. Everything is so good!
(5)Tessa S.
Super fun to sit on the rooftop! I recommend the fish tacos, they have a subtle kick to them. I would also recommend the dragon mojito! It is infused with puréed strawberry. Perfect for those warm and sunny summer nights!
(4)Toshi I.
Loved this place. Surprised by the low ratings. Came here for a late business lunch and I ordered the clam chowder and salad. For dessert I had the red velvet cake. All of it was great! I could have ordered a mojito which I love but since it was business, no bueno. Anyway, our server was so nice. The ambiance is casual and looks like a fun place at night.
(5)A H.
With the exception of our waiter Mike, very disappointed in food quality, slow rude service and value for the price. Party of 7 spent over $300 and then headed to roof top for some after dinner drinks only to be greeted by a blond rude server. She knows who she is and would make a great prison guard. Many other great restaurants to visit.
(2)Mary N.
Food here, everything was on point. 5-stars. Service, 1-star. Drinks, 1-star. Came in and there was no host, so we went to look for our own seating. Our server came by but only left 2 menus for 6 people, granted 2 were kids. Then found out later on, they had to print them because they ran out. We got the crab cake poppers, jambalaya, and stuffed salmon. I could live without the crab cakes because they weren't really anything special but the jambalaya was nice and spicy- the way it should be. The stuffed salmon just melted in your mouth. It was phenomenal with the salad and mash potatoes. Service was really slow, he didn't really come by to check up on us after we got our food. We kind of had to flag him down. When our dessert came out, the guy tipped it over and knocked the plate over onto the water glass, spilling water all onto my little sister. He apologized but left it there, didn't bother to clean it at all, so there was just a huge puddle of water on our table. The key lime pie was light and fluffy. I also tried to use the yelp check-in offer for "$5 for ANY mojito" but Noah told me that it was last years promo and that I could only use this offer for the regular mojito. & that I had to write a review ON THE SPOT. It was very discouraging. This mojito was probably the worst mojito i've ever had. The limes were not fresh, they were a couple days old, where you can taste it. On top of that, it was watered down and diluted. I didn't even bother to drink it after the first sip. The food here was great, but over-priced. Service was bad and slow.
(4)Ian M.
I love Stella's, the fish is always extremely fresh and this is probably one of the best places to have fish in Minnesota. The food is definitely worth the price. The fresh catch is always great because it's flown in daily. My favorite things here honestly is the crab stuffed salmon, it comes on a bed of greens and is served with mashed potatoes, this thing is to die for. I also thought I'd give on honorable mention to the crab cake. It is one single large crab cake but the crab is fresh and it contains almost no filler. I love the rooftop during the summer and their 2 for 1 drinks at varying hours are such a great deal. I will say though that the service is sometimes lacking. It is one of the hotspots in Uptown so I understand this but the staff always seems rushed. I'll say that I've never had any major problems with the staff though and maybe they just need to have more during busy times.
(4)Heather S.
We went for the brunch buffet on Sunday morning, and the spread was excellent. A great value for what you get, which is a variety of seafood (including shrimp and oysters), other prime meats, traditional but original breakfast fare, omelets and waffles to order, and mounds of fruit and desserts. Everything was delicious. Our waitress was attentive, efficient, and kind. The only complaint I had was one employee twerp was clearing one of the buffet tables and huffed and rolled his eyes when apparently we were inconveniencing him by simply breathing the same air. It's just never ok in the service industry to display jackassholery. Boo. Other than the twerp, it was a great experience!
(4)Troy P.
Stella's is one of those Uptown staples that serves a lot of different needs. I'll highlight the three most common that I enjoy when visiting, Happy Hour, The Rooftop Patio and Late Night Drinking. -Happy Hour is competitive to the other Uptown mainstays and does not disappoint. The 2 for 1 (Well, more like buy one get one for a $1) drinks and $1 Oysters are enough to stand out in my book. Throw in the $10 specialty rolls, 3 tacos for $5 and $6 wings and you have yourself one awesome Happy Hour. The 4-6p version is fairly low key and usually pretty easy to find a spot, the late night option can be a little more crowded from my experiences but still worth it for the value. -The Rooftop Patio is basically a historical landmark in Uptown, unfortunately the construction of The Walkway luxury apartment building at the old Cowboy Slims site has all but eliminated the view of Downtown Minneapolis. Still though, the patio is one of the best in the city and that says a lot considering how many there are to choose from. In the warmer months it is always full of good looking people and has a infectious feeling of relaxation. Just don't drop anything in between the patio and the building roof, you won't get it back :( -From about 10p-2a Stella's transforms into a late night hot spot with multiple levels, it's not unusual to find a line around the corner to get in. The crowd consists of a wide range of people including but not limited to newly turned 21 year old out for their first taste of Uptown, Douchebag college kids out getting wasted, Middle Aged men and women hanging out after dinner and your run of the mill 30 and 40 year old professionals cutting loose. Stella's really is a great part of Uptown whether you like it or not. I don't like going all the time but I will definitely keep visiting.
(4)Jenn K.
Coming from a girl who wouldn't walk into a seafood restaurant a year ago, I have to say hands down this is the best seafood place ever. I can't eat here without ordering clam chowder, because it's absolutely amazing. Full of flavor, just mm mmmm mm. My husband and I recently ordered the parmesan crusted halibut, some jalapeño corn bread, and of course oysters rockafellar. Everything was perfect. As if their food wasn't enough, they have a beautiful rooftop which overlooks the whole city. Just overall a nice place to be. Peaceful. Can't wait to return.
(5)Jim R.
Weird start to the meal: sitting on the second floor, I ordered a Deschutes IPA and the waiter says its only served on the first floor. I'm like "what, why?" He says "that's our rule"...I'm like, "why, aren't all the other beers down at the first floor bar--the only bar in the whole inside?" Waiter, "yes"...I'm like, "so you won't serve me the IPA?" "Well, that's the rule.." I'm about ready to leave when he says I guess I can get it for you...hopefully their is no rule that seafood is only available on the 1st floor of a seafood restaurant...
(3)Phil P.
I thoroughly enjoyed this spot in Minnesota. The gumbo was wonderful. The jumbalaya was ridiculously good. Spicey....meaning not hot sauce Spicy but "ingredients " spicy. Ya GOTTA HAVE THE JALAPEÑO CORNBREAD!!!!! wonderful..........
(4)Sarah J.
I'm in awe of how a place this expensive can have service that bad. We arrived pretty early (around 11:30am) and the place was pretty empty. The hostess sat us immediately, and we waited a while for the waitress to show up. Eventually we got the menus to start making our lunch choices. As we looked around the restaurant, we noticed a list of available seafood choices for the day written on a chalkboard. Seabass was on that list, but missing from the menu. When the waitress finally returned to take our order, we inquired about the seabass only to have her say that it shouldn't be on the chalkboard because they don't have it (she never got around to changing it while we were there though, despite it being just chalk and her having the ability to just erase it!), and she actually forgot to bring us their other seafood menu with more choices on it. Thanks lady. She then proceeded to drop off the other menu and forget about us for a few more minutes. At this point, we were pretty annoyed, especially since the new menu only had about 7 things on it and clearly would not take 5 minutes to peruse. Eventually, we got to order an appetizer of a dozen blue oysters, and entrees of a lobster roll with mashed potatoes and a swordfish gyro with fries. The oysters were SO bad. It's pretty hard to screw up raw oysters since all you have to do is make sure they are fresh and clean, but somehow the quality checks slipped past the restaurant and they managed to serve us some pretty awful ones. At nearly twice the price of the gulf coast oysters I am used to, I was pretty bummed. The lobster roll and the swordfish gyro came out next. The brioche bun for the roll was a bit over toasted, but not to the point where it was inedible. It was a pretty good sandwich, but not $18 good. The swordfish gyro was a bit better, but not by much and it contained a lot of liquid, quickly making the pita very soggy. Whomp whomp. It took another million years for us to get the check and leave. We spent most of our waiting time watching our waitress talk with the other waitstaff, with none paying any attention to any of the customers. Not a great experience.
(2)Abby D.
Best date night spot! Food was great and service was fantastic. We sat on the rooftop which is well worth any wait. Scallops melted in your mouth and salmon was delicious. Stella's is an uptown staple for a reason- its the best.
(5)J S.
Went today for lunch and thought the food was very tasty. The atmosphere is very nice and the service good. I had the walleye sandwich and my hubby had the fins n chips. for a lunch it was way overpriced for the amount of food. I would not go back unless just for a drink just due to the high price. Each meal was 14.95. I think these were the cheapest items on menu. Nice patio! Next time I crave fish I am headed to Sea Salt or Tavern on Grand
(3)Ryan S.
I enjoy going to Stella's mostly for their happy hour. Been a few times for lunch for fish and chips and have always been satisfied. Their happy hour menu is great and the 2 for 1 drink special is nice. On Friday they also have oyster specials. Only place I have ordered oysters since moving to Minneapolis and have no complaints. Being this far inland was afraid of what I was going to be served but no regrets here. Depending on when you show up it can be a little bit of a wait to get a table or a spot at the bar. The roof top seating is wonderful on a nice day. Service has always been courteous and attentive.
(4)Kim S.
I sat at the bar and had fantastic service as always. Moe the bartender was great, very patient and knowledgable. Stella's is my favorite place to go, the food is always amazing as is the atmosphere. Ted the manager stopped by and asked how everything was which is always nice too! Can't wait to come back!
(5)Nero X.
Had the Salmon Caesar - I've had better at other places and it was overpriced. Service lacked. Appetizers came out quicker than the main entrees. And, if you go there thirsty for anything other than water, don't hold your breath for a refill.
(1)Hima R.
Having lived on the East Coast most of my life and enjoying seafood to the fullest, I was about timid about my first true seafood experience in Minnesota (ocean food, not just lake food). But after hearing a few recommendations about Stella's my husband and I tried it. GREAT STUFF! APPETIZER we got the mussels (we almost always get a mussels app if there is one) and this was surprisingly good. The mussels were huge and the broth was quite tasty, so much so that we asked for some bread to dip and they obliged (not sure if they charged as I didn't look at the receipt). ENTREES my husband got the seafood cioppino and really enjoyed it, and I had the lobster pasta and it was really good - I had asked them to go light on the parmesan cream sauce, and that didn't seem to happen, hence the 4 stars not 5. Then again I've learned in my 9 months of living in the Upper Midwest that there are very few "light" hands out there so best bet would be to order the sauce on the side if you want to have some control over how heavy your meal is. DESSERTS We didn't partake in desserts because we were pretty full and nothing jumped out as that exciting (we preferred to have Izzy's ice cream near where we live). WOULD WE GO BACK? That's always the big question, and the answer is yes, absolutely! ROOFTOP SEATING One small thing to note - we had a reservation, and planned to sit indoors, but then they sort of offered up rooftop seating. So we took the elevator up (4 floors) only to find that the roof seating requires a separate wait, so back down we went. No big deal but just a heads up if you are dead set on sitting on the roof. OVERALL I am a happy camper having found pretty good seafood at a reasonable price here in MN!
(4)Ali J.
Stella's has the potential to be great but it seems like they know they don't have to do much to attract a crowd. I stopped by for happy hour and was really excited to sit on the roof top only to learn happy hour is limited to the bar only. Lame! The happy hour specials are ok but nothing crazy amazing. Each time I've visited the bar staff has never really been knowledgable about their food or drinks - we asked what the difference between the oysters on special was and the bartender had to google it. The food is alright but nothing I would go out of my way for. One time we decided to skip happy hour and sit on the roof top. We walked upstairs and were "greeted" by a bunch of rude high-school hostesses that snapped it'd be over an hour for seats. OK, not worth that wait. While we were up there we couldn't help but notice how unorganized they were - they actually gave away someone's table when they ran to the bathroom...super awkward when they came back. Overall if Stella's were to have better service it might be worth the prices but it seems like they just don't care about service.
(2)Morgi S.
Today I went to Stella's fish cafe and as soon as I walked in I was pleased. Stella's had a beautiful staircase with lights and it was very big. The decorations were beautiful and fun. When I sat down the waitress served me and I ordered fried fish and chips. She was very friendly and the music was very upbeat and nice to listen to. The food was great but very spendy. I enjoyed the time that I had but I feel as if you could go somewhere that has the same quality food for cheaper. Overall it was great.
(4)Baramee C.
I love this place, especially on a Friday after work (or even leaving work early to take advantage of the Friday happy hour specials...aka $0.69 oysters). Happy hour runs 3-6p, so to make the most of it, you have to get there early. Let's cut to the chase. Decor: lots of wood everywhere. Oyster bar next to regular bar. Happy hour only in the bar area which includes high tops for 4+ people. Nice hostess stand right when you walk in. There's an upstairs (where the bathroom is) filled with booths and regular tables. Then...there's the rooftop, which has a great view and a pretty nice place to hang out. Service: the service was great. The server was super attentive and was always checking on us and very accommodating when we had a few more people come and she was able to move us to another table. She wasn't always rushing off even though she had other tables to attend to. She was AWESOME! Happy hour: 2-for-1 drinks (beer and well). Special-priced appetizers and oysters. M-Th $1 oysters, Fri $0.69 oysters. Food: the oysters were delicious. Most of the time they're bluepoints, but we also got Charles Island this time (loved them). The champagne mussels are a must! The wings were good. The steak bites were good (not really necessary in my opinioin). You should definitely get the gorgonzola bread (not on the menu, but needed to soak up the champagne mussels left over sauce). TLDR: go to Stella's!
(5)Laura C.
Cool location, huge rooftop, only a few blocks away from Lake Calhoun. My helpful tip is don't get the sushi-like salad. It was TINY! My husband got the taco salad and it was like 4 times the size of my salad! I liked his salad (which he kindly shared with his poor, hungry wife!) and would definitely go back and try more of the menu.
(4)Nadia R.
Best food and drinks. The servers are friendly and always ready to give recommendations
(5)Mao H.
Swordfish was a little too done otherwise it was good. The black peppercorn crust was a plus and goes so well with the cognac cream sauce. Brussel sprouts were awesome. I'm impressed! Will definitely order it again.
(4)Kien N.
I've been to stellas 3-4 times, and I'd highly recommend going to their 89cent happy hour on Friday from 3:00-6:30. It's the chef's choice, but I want to say that we've gotten bluepoints only maybe less than half the time! I really have mixed feelings about the service here. You're lucky to get a decent server. But the manager is fantastic! The first time we went, we wanted to get the happy hour half off oysters. The manager said that he knows the website stated that, but there's a winter schedule that doesn't have that special. He said he'd hook us up anyways, and took care of us that whole night. The second time we went, we got a miserable waitress that said they don't do happy hour. 10 minutes later, she comes back "oh, turns out we do". She messed up a ton of our drink orders. So assured she brought out the right beer, she had to taste it herself to realize that she was wrong. Service was slow and rough that night. Oysters were great! The third time we went, we got a good server. This one's an interesting story though. My friend accidentally left her retainer and it was thrown away. 10 minutes into our drive home, she called the restaurant and they told her to come check if she wanted but they couldn't find it. I went inside with her and the hostess brought us to the trashcan they threw everything and gave us some gloves to dig through all of the trash...by ourselves...as everyone watched. Some employees came by "you can't be back here, oh, you're looking for something in the trash, okay". The manager, the same awesome guy ^up there came by and was facking shocked. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, and he was visibly taken over by a mixture of shame, anger, and disappointment. He said we shouldn't be doing this, and he was going to take it out back, pour it out and check it himself. He asked for our number so he could call if he found anything. This guy is the role model restaurant service representative. Oh, and crispy cod sandwich was okay. Champagne mussels had really small mussels but the sauce was damn good! I'd recommend Stella's for quality oysters at an awesome price, but the odds are against you when it comes to service. *I gave it a 4 because I love oysters; if it were some other mediocre food, we'd probably be sitting at a 1 or a 2.
(4)Ivan O.
Slow service. Waited over 10 mins to get a lemonade refill. Other than that the skydeck is ok to spend time during a warm day.
(1)Erin D.
A lobster dinner for $19.99?! Amazing. They offer this deal on Sundays and it's definitely worth taking advantage of. It only lasts until the tanks are empty, but it wasn't crazy busy when we got there so there was no problem. Happy hour was buy one beer or drink and get the 2nd for $1. They deliver both drinks to you at the same time which isn't really my favorite but it's happy hour, what do you expect? The peel and eat shrimp and jalepeno cornbread were great and we got our food within 10-15 mins of sitting down which was awesome. Great place overall. Quality food and service.
(5)Benjamin F.
The rooftop is beautiful and it's a great view of the city. I had the blackened tacos, they were ok. The flavor was a little bland. I had to wait about 45-50 minutes to get the tacos. Our waitress was very nice and mentioned they were having problems with the kitchen. I would go back for the rooftop and to try other food.
(3)Ruth D.
I used to love Stella's, but my love for the food is quickly losing out to the shifting bar scene here. It used to be a nice place to go for a girls' night, or just a fun summer evening on the rooftop, but the last several times I've visited.... yikes. Shades of meat market, with smoky overtones of douchebaggery and overt sexual harassment. Yum. The staff seem tired and overworked amid the din and the chaos, and there has been a lot of unwanted attention/grabbing in public places like the stairwell or the hallway to the bathroom. Many of their (male) patrons need to learn about boundaries and respect. The fact that a woman is wearing a dress and heels is not an invitation to grab her or make sexually explicit comments to/about her. If this is you, examine your life. I also could have done without the attitude of the tin-pot dictator bouncer who was manning the elevator to the rooftop. When I refused to bribe him to get to the roof faster (my friend, who was there celebrating her birthday, and I were literally the next in line in a line that stretched around the room, so I'm not sure what his angle was--I'm not gonna pay someone $10 to get up to the rooftop two minutes quicker than I would have anyway) and then being nasty and sullen when we refused. Dude. I'll probably come back earlier, and/or on a weekday, because the food really is legitimately good. And this is coming from someone who disliked seafood for years. It's never disappointing. But the crowd here is. Very disappointing.
(3)Mackenzie S.
This place is amazing! Right across the street from a parking garage, this restaurant has the best food! The fish and chips are clearly amazing, but the strawberry lemonade is out of this world! Also, be sure to save room for the cheesecake--it's worth every calorie! Heads up, reservations only apply to indoor dining and the rooftop fills up fast. You also need 80% of your reservation party at the restaurant within 10 minutes of your reservation time or you will be skipped on the list!
(5)Michelle K.
Hands down best seafood I have eaten in this state! I don't give 5 stars lightly.. So here it is: My hubby and I came here for my birthday lunch. We started off with the Firecracker Sushi, Oysters, and jalapeño corn bread. The firecracker sushi was Oh my.. Amazing!! I don't think I have ever had some many different flavors and textures in my mouth at the same time! You will not be disappointed! My hubby said that the oysters were the best he had ever had! (I can't do the texture) The jalapeño corn bread was good.. It was not the best I have ever had but it was good! I had the Ahi Tuna with wasabi and ponzu sauce and mashed potatoes!!! To die for. It was absolutely delicious!! My hubby had the shrimp scampi linguini. It was also equally amazing!! We finished off the meal with the chocolate turtle cake because if you know me at all, every good meal should end with a desert. I would pass on the desert here as it is not their specialty. It was below average... But this would not deter me from coming here again over and over to try the so many other things on the menu that I want to try. The atmosphere was more than welcoming and pleasant. It was a very clean establishment. The service was pleasant. My only con on the service was we got our food at the same time as our sushi (as he was pretty backed up). I think this will definitely be a new hot spot for us!!! If you would like a nice lunch or dinner for date night or other, I highly recommend this place!!! Loved it loved it loved it!!!!
(5)Emma S.
Stella's has never disappointed me. With a fantastic rooftop and fresh, seemingly-off-the-coast seafood, I would go here every day if my life permitted it. Most recently, one of my roommates and I stopped by the Uptown hotspot and shared the Oyster Rockefeller and calamari. Stella's has the perfect portions for sharing, and at a place with such a large, quality menu, it's important to be able to order a bunch of little plates opposed to an individual large one. The oysters were perfectly seasoned and breaded, and the calamari didn't have one chewy piece in the bunch - doesn't get closer to perfection than that. We also ordered two mojito's off the menu - the "purple" as well as the "caribbean," to share. Their drinks are just as good as their food, and although I didn't order one this time around, their gin and tonics are some of the best in all the Twin Cities. Yeah, I said it. The waiters are also a plus, because they come around just enough to get you anything you need without being overbearing or M.I.A. In summary, if you go, share. Why limit yourself to just one menu item? The seafood is way too good for that. Stella's is like a little restaurant from Maine in the heart of Minneapolis' Uptown. Can't go wrong.
(5)Ella E.
My 5 stars are only a review of their $1 oysters!! Actually, the oysters came out to 89 cents each (which is really incredible). I ordered 24 oysters and the chef gave me a variety of oysters. All fresh, all different sizes. Yelp offered a $5 mojito coupon which was only allowed for one person at the table. I would DEFINITELY come here again and with more time so that I can try other things on the menu.
(5)Lawrence H.
Our server Mary was outstanding. I really felt as if she wanted to make us feel welcome. She was on top of everything. The food was good but it didn't make me say " oh let's drop everything and go back". I was disappointed with the appetizer of coconut shrimp. Smaller than Red Lobsters and that is dismal. Fish and Chips , take it or leave it. You can't expect much living in Minnesota. I can't wait for my trip to the gulf this winter.
(3)Shayne F.
Happy hour on a Thursday night in winter. Not very busy- great service, friendly server. The manager stopped by too and had am in-depth convo about the food. Tried mostly hh food. The mussels were awesome, I wanted to get a spoon and finish the sauce. The burgers were very good too - juicy , not too much bun either. Sushi ok- wouldn't order sushi here again (the responsive manager took the BBQ spicy tuna off our bill). Husband loved his chowder too. Great mojito- ordered without simple syrup. ( not on hh though) Good experience!
(4)Katelyn O.
Food is amazing and the roof top is awesome!!! The table bread and lobster roll were great! Employees were very friendly!
(5)Josh K.
Dropped by Stella's yesterday to kill a Groupon I got and try the place out. Location wise, it's hard to top. Rooftop patio overlooking pretty much all of Uptown is just awesome. The parking can be an irritation, especially if you go for dinner I'm sure. Thankfully, I went during lunch and had no issues. But, it's uptown, what do you expect? Drink wise, not bad but not overly good. I wasn't overly impressed with the copious amounts of ice in my lemonade that made it go faster than anything. The fact they can't even screen the "fresh squeezed lemons" is a pain in the ass too. Oh joy another seed in my straw and another down my throat. Wonderful. I do digress, I did enjoy shooting them from my straw off the rooftop... Sushi... very good. I enjoyed the app quite a bit. The tuna was good quality and the sauces were a great compliment to the fish. My lobster roll left a lot to be desired though. In all honesty, the bread was the best part. A very good brioche bread with a hint of butter to it. However, the lobster and fixings were next to flavorless. For being "world famous" or whatever they claim, it must be in the world of their 3 story building because they are nothing special for nearly $20. The saving grace from this not being 2 stars is the fact my girlfriends' walleye po-boy was very good. Great bread again, amazing sauce, good veggies and the fish was damn good. The only problem, ran out of fish with a quarter of the bread left. Not a good bread to meat ratio there. All in all, I'm glad I had a groupon for it. If I were to pay the $70 for that meal as my bill came to before applying the voucher, I'd be pretty damn pissed. Will I go back again? Not unless it's for a sushi happy hour or I get another groupon. Otherwise, overrated in almost every aspect to me.
(3)Anna B.
Stella's...You have your bright spots with your big, bright patio and yummy seafood menu. But those bright spots seem to flicker out . My husband and I went to Stella's seeking a Sunday lunch on a patio. The patio is amazing -- great views, pretty sunny. Service was lackluster at best. We were seated after a 10 or so minute wait - no biggie. Once seated, we waited about 5-10 minutes for a server to come over. Once she did - we got our orders in and put in a request for mussels to start as well as our lunch order. Mussels and drinks came out in decent time. We finished them. Mussels were super tasty! And sat. And waited. and waited. And waited some more. Asked for drink refills (our empty drinks might have been a little clue?). Waited. Waited. Smelled smoke from smoking patrons seated close to us. Finally food came out. My catfish poboy was okay - fries were tasty. Coleslaw might have been the best part of the meal. Really- the food was good. Ambience bc of smokers was mehhhh. Service was not so great. We'll be back to try happy hour someday.
(3)Tommy_n_Loretta C.
Great evening here! We had the best date night! We bought a Lobster Bake dinner for two on LivingSocial.com for $89. It was amazing!
(4)Rob B.
While I would expect that Minneapolis would have many great seafood places - despite being as far away from an ocean as a major city can possibly be - I haven't found many places that boast fresh seafood in the city. But on this occasion I was craving raw oysters and was also a little curious about this place since I have been told by numerous locals that this is a very popular place to hang out for people with pretty faces. So, it sounded like the place for me. Getting there is easy as there is a heated parking garage a half-block to the east at a cost of $9/day on the weekend. On this Saturday evening at 6pm the place was absolutely packed to the gills (pun intended). I was however disappointed when I was finally able to grab a seat at the bar to find out I had missed the $1 oyster happy hour, since the regular price is $2.75 - ouch! So instead of getting 3 or 4 dozen oysters as planned I opted for a half-dozen and the grilled ahi tuna. It was absolutely perfect. A 2-1/2" thick cut of perfectly prepared rare tuna. Fantastic and as fresh as any I have had anywhere else in the country. Great food, good beer selection, sports on the TV, dressy-casual, loud and energetic atmosphere, and oh yeah...lots of pretty faces. Maybe I'm easily impressed, but I don't think that's the case with this location. I think this place is a winner that I'll be going back to over-and-over both winter and summer.
(5)Tequila T.
The food was AMAZING!!!! The wait for the rooftop was a bit long (but understandable for a Saturday night) The manager James was very nice and outgoing. I spilt my glass and before I knew it, he was there to help clean up the spill with no problems. Our waitress Katie was very nice, she was honest and helpful with the menu & drinks. The server Jack was also very nice and on top of our needs/wants... I ordered the coconut shrimp and loved it, I also ordered the crab cake, that was also good but in my opinion wasn't worth $16. The artichoke dip & ribs were also very good... This was my third time here, and would definitely return.
(5)Mr M.
I ordered lots of entrées, they were good and served fresh and hot. Loved the champagne mussels, oysters, scallops, steak, jambalaya, lobster and sushi. Sadly giving it a 1 star. service was also great but the host at the bar was an asshole (he sincerely was) and and we still ordered drinks while waiting to be seated. He didn't seem to want my party there, gave us an attitude. Down to the reason, If you are a reputable seafood restaurant why would you attempt to serve me left over crab legs. Flash grilled, cold soggy crab legs, meat stuck on the shell like old buffet crab legs. Not coming back. Not sorry but as a courtesy of the staff, this is my review and it is based on my experience. Will not reverse this and of course to rectify the problem, well, should have never served us old stuff. I may have slipped thru the crack but from the getgo I wasn't very well treated.
(1)MD I.
THAT ROOFTOP!!!!! This place takes all my money; because they have good stuff. Yes its that good. If someones visiting Minnesota, please visit this place. they are worth trying. Friendly servers. great oyester special. Theres none downside. Love it love it love it.
(5)Megan T.
Noah is amazing! He got us everything we asked for and more! Highly recommend this place!
(5)Lu B.
I work in Uptown and like most people who work in the area we have a limited time for lunch so it's great to have so many options for restaurants but now I know why NO ONE at my large office wanted to join me for lunch at Stella's today. I walked in to Stella's and saw only two other tables in the whole place so I figured I could get my lunch rather quickly.. wrong. The host was less than excited to see someone walk in the door and ask to sit at the bar, so I happily made my way up to the bar and sat down. I wait for close to 10 minutes (for someone on a lunch break that's an awful long time to wait for a menu to even be presented) never saw the bartender nor did the frumpy looking host bother to bring me a menu. After looking around for anyone in the entire place I find THREE employees at the host stand (the host was sitting a table her included) talking & laughing. I've worked in plenty of restaurants before and I am guilty of this myself, but when the manager is also talking in an almost empty restaurant and she is not even concerned about the customers it is no surprise the employees don't care either. I walked out making a smart ass remark to the host whom was sitting down how she should at least let someone know when anyone is in their section. I didn't expect to be blown away by service & food but I was expecting to be treated like a paying customer. I was taught my lesson today, as my co-works were already aware. Ended up at the Republic and made up for my lost time.
(1)Grace R.
Food was good. Check-in for the $5 mojitos. The hostess was on a big of a power trip on the roof deck but our actual server was nice.
(3)Sarah A.
The music on the patio isn't that great but the music inside is poppin! Happy hour is buy one get the second for $1 on mixed drinks or beers in tap.
(5)Millicent C.
1) Seated on upper rooftop deck at 5:15 p.m. on a recent Friday, our server informed us that happy hour 2-for-1 isn't valid outside. While this is a crummy policy, please note this on your website at stellasfishcafe.com/stel… . 2) Please use another fish for your fish tacos. Tilapia, even "sushi grade" tilapia, still tastes like dirt. Carp, catfish, tilapia - they all taste like dirt. Use a milder pollock or cod, just anything but nasty tilapia. I've been eating fish for 35 years and simply can't understand why people are buying tilapia. It is foul. Try trout! 3) Server was friendly. The loud, drunk man falling out of the elevator as our party was leaving at 7 p.m. was friendly as well, but obnoxious and somewhat scary. 4) The men's room does not need an attendant selling chewing gum and angling for a $5.00 tip. This is Minnesota. I will try it again, but will sit inside to guarantee happy hour pricing, and probably on a night other than Friday.
(2)Jackee K.
Great food. Horrific service. I am a local. Everyone's consensus is the seafood ain't bad if you can deal with the service.
(2)Matt H.
Unequivocally the worst service I have ever experienced at a restaurant in recent memory. Truly horrible.
(1)Abbie F.
This is the second time I've been to Stellas. Once before for happy hour and most recently for dinner. It is taking everything for me to not give it a one. The only reason it is a getting a two is because my happy hour experience was pretty good. Let's begin, we walk in and ask for a table for two. They put us in front of the kitchen under the stairs. The ONLY other people in this section are in booths. Worst table ever!! Another person comes over and I ask if we can move. He moves us to the front section by the sushi bar. Ok, I like this better since there are people around and I'm not sitting under steps. We ordered the mussels, coconut shrimp and daily catch sea bass. Mussels are good, but expensive. The coconut shrimp were tiny but there were a fair number of them. Sea bass was pan-fried and not that good. The service was HORRIBLE. I don't even understand how people work there when they are so bad. No checking in on us, forever to get the check. It was SO BAD! I don't understand how a restaurant like Stella's has so much potential and can't get people to work there that can actually do their job. As a former waitress poor service is totally unacceptable.
(2)Elizabeth M.
Noah is great! Had the best 30th wedding anniversary dinner! He treated us like royalty, thanks for the memories and see you for our 31st!
(5)Sarah S.
Great place and love the roof top.But the food is average to me I have had better seafood in shacks of LA.Their flavors just don't excite me but I love going there for their ambiance specially in summers.
(3)Kelsey B.
Stella's to me is more of a drinking hole than a restaurant. I've never been blown away by the food and I feel it's pretty overpriced for the quality you get. Happy hour seems to be popular though but I would blame 2 for 1s for that.
(3)LaTyra T.
The service the I got from bartender Kris was the best. If want a good stiff drink he is your guy. Thanks kris
(5)Action D.
Went here for lunch on a dead Thursday. Server had menu knowledge and was very attentive. Ice tea was watery, but they did not charge. Soup was cold, had to be reheated. Crusted walleye was bland. Regular fish n chips was fairly tasty but not exceptional. All in all, a mixed bag. I opted for Lucia's, Grand Cafe, Black bird Cafe; however, those had limited options for some in our party. Still, better options and value in Uptown.
(3)Annie P.
Groupon special is a fab deal and the rooftop patio is wonderful on a warm summer evening. They offer a $5.00 Mojito with a Yelp check in too. Our meal was one of the best we've had in a long time and we had wonderful service by Noah. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)Jeremy B.
Too bad our server carded me! At dinner with my mother and girlfriend and I got carded. We were in the mood to go have a little fun and we it was one of those nights where we might have dropped $200 on dinner/drinks. We spent a few minutes on Yelp finding the perfect place for scallops and it seemed like a great place. I ordered what was to be the first of many cocktails, but, the server asked if I had my ID, I smiled and said no. She replied, "why not?" I said I didn't drive often and was not great at remembering to keep it on me. She said that that I should keep it on me because I, "look too young." As a 37 year old out to eat with my mom, I was vexed at this. She did not say she would not serve me a drink, she just scolded me. When she returned without my drink, she told me, "Next time bring your ID, because you don't look old enough." "Ok, it's your tip in question, not mine," I responded. She snapped back, "The law says..." I cut her off, "I am familiar with the language in the statutes. You could have decided to serve me and you decided not to. That is all that matters." In a snotty voice, she asked if I wanted to talk to the manager. I said, "No, I want to order food." But it is so damn loud in there that ordering was a process. The coconut shrimp and sushi roll and scallops were all excellent, but none of us will ever return. If parking wasn't such a bitch there, I would have gone to the car to look for my ID, but it was 5 blocks away. The place does have "that weird fishy smell" which is present in all real seafood joints open longer than a year btw
(3)Joey F.
Awesome rooftop although it can get pretty hot up there. I am not a big seafood eater, but I must say this place is tasty. Some of the best fish I have had in a while. Not such great service though. I suggest not drinking a ton if your on the rooftop because it is a long walk to the bathroom or you can wait forever for the elevator.
(4)Katherine Y.
Came here last week with my boyfriend for the first time and it was awesomeeeeee. I was really craving oysters that day and had been wanting to try Stella's out for awhile. In reference to the oysters, they were pretty good! I got the Mexican styled ones with pico de gallo and my boyfriend got the Japanese styled ones with seaweed. However, they were kinda small :( and I felt it was pricey for only 6 oysters. We also had the Mafia sushi roll and the coconut shrimp for an appetizer. Both awesome. The best part was the swordfish we ordered. I've had swordfish before but this dish paired with mashed potatoes and blue cheese was so good. My boyfriend is still talking about it. Our waiter was awesome and gave us great recommendations. Definitely will come back again.
(4)Mai C.
My husband and I sat down, waited 15 minutes, didn't get served at all... We walked out and walked over to Sushi Tango. I've been to Stella's before, the food is good, place is really busy on the weekends.
(1)Antionette S.
Went for a rooftop happy hour. service was spot on and a shout out to Amy, Noah and a very nice bar back (I think) Josh? They went above and beyond when they helped me recover a item that went over the side. Thanks for the good time and great service !!!
(5)Crystal O.
Stella's is a classic go to spot in uptown. Great for boozing, not so much for feasting. Seafood is overpriced (I get it..we're in Minnesota) but it's also not the best. Full props for their rooftop patio although good luck getting a table on one of those gorgeous spring days. GREAT. Late night HH: Friday/Saturday 10pm-1am you Buy one Drink and get another one for a buck! Nonetheless A for effort (by effort I mean HH...) C for food and experience. #NotThatStella
(3)Breanne K.
I avoid Stella's; just not my crowd. Only go there for two reasons: 1) I've forgotten that Chino Latino doesn't open till 4pm on Sundays, 2) I've got a craving for coconut shrimp. Really, Stella's is more than overrated, unless you're a frat bro or cougar. Their coconut shrimp must have crack in it though, cause it's addictive! The rooftop is spectacular. Just don't drop your wallet through the cracks... Seriously, I almost did that.
(2)Ivy M.
It's hard to come to places like these, especially if you're still a fairly new practicing vegan or vegetarian. But I was outnumbered by carnivores at the time, so what the hey. Vegetarian plates were limited, but the waiter we had was very nice and did his best to accommodate me, (I ended up getting a large portion of asparagus, along with a salad) and for that I give him huge props. The asparagus was very good while the salad was decent too. However, I knock off two stars because there was a patron nearby who had too much to drink and he began directing profane language towards one of the waitresses. He continued yelling randomly off and on for about 15 mins before he left, but it left me feeling very uncomfortable being there. I understand people get drunk and act a fool sometimes, but this was occurring in the middle of the day, at lunch and it really bothered me that nobody from the restaurant gave this guy a warning, or asked him to leave...
(3)Isabel S.
This is my second time here at Stella's. I ordered the Rock Oysters, but twice the oysters were not that clean. There were residue of chipped shell or something on the oysters. My boyfriend ordered a walleye but it was tasteless. If we had to add salt and pepper to something fried, that's pretty bad. And the saddest part was the plates were not clean, and they were all stacked together. Even their cutleries (knives and fork) were sticky. Their tagline is hygiene is always on the menu. But I am not too sure about that. Would I come back? I would think twice cause of the food, service, and cleanliness of the utensils I will be using.
(2)Kevin H.
Good food, mediocre service, Uptown prices (i.e., overpriced). Stopped in just after happy hour on a summer weekday. Seated quickly, and drinks served efficiently. Ordered Sushi as my meal, and was told it comes from a separate area and wouldn't coordinate with the other meals. No problem, but it was served like 1 minute later, so like 10 minutes before the other meals - awkward and unnecessary. Waitress came by with chopsticks just as Sushi plate was empty. Even worse, appetizer arrived AFTER all the meals were all on the table, which is just inexcusable. Food was all good, but for the price tag, service should be much better.
(2)Bushra H.
Great location. Superb customer service. Mouth-watering food. This place is the place to be! The coconut shrimp was absolutely delicious and the spicy pineapple marmalade it came with was to die for! It was my first time but most definitely won't be my last!!
(5)Saby K.
They have good drink deals if you're simply coming here for nightlife. It does get crowded, especially the dance floor, but it's a good time here. SO sad that they have the lobster claw machine in the front!!
(3)Conor C.
Need a place to take on a hot date during the summer? This place is it. Game Over. The sushi is top notch, with a variety of tastes. Recommend the fire cracker or the mango sushi rolls. Sit on the roof top and take in the atmosphere. One of the coolest places to eat in uptown. At night the restaurant turns into a go to party spot.
(5)Brian D.
Not great, not awful; on a nice summer night, it's pleasant to dine on the roof and watch Uptown drift by. The opening note was off as we went to the bar, requested two Tom Collins, and were handed their version of the summer classic, which they call a "Phil Collins". We sent that back and were given the exact same drink without grenadine. It didn't taste like a Tom Collins and neither my wife nor I liked it at all. Getting the drink order correct at the bar is one of the easy things to do right. Learn to make a Tom Collins or tell someone that you can't make on. The fried calamari appy was very nice and the Tuna Nicoise was just okay. The Nicoise: they need to put some salt on the potatoes and the green beans were pickled too much, but the lettuce was fresh and the tuna was seared nicely. Dessert was an uninspired Key Lime pie. The big attraction for Stella's is the deck, which is a nice place to sit. Service was also okay. Nothing to write home about, but I can't complain either.
(3)Katie M.
The largest draw, in my opinion, of Stella's is the rooftop. The food is good - a little expensive considering the quality. I've been there for drinks a number of times but have only eaten there twice. It's a large restaurant with a lot of space so it can get a little noisy. Try to sit outside if you can. The two menu items I have had are the apple walnut salad (delicious) and the tuna nicoise which is pan seared Ahi Tuna, green beans, kalamata olives, potatoes, hard boiled egg, asparagus & tomatoes.
(3)Mathew D.
Wife loves this place. Rooftop is perfect for a date night. Wife gets scallops and I'll usually go with the walleye which always taste fresh. Macaroni and cheese appetizer I would suggest as well!
(5)John L.
I was very unimpressed with Stella's. The people I was with enjoyed their food more than I did, so I gave 2 stars. My experience was actually lower. They staff wares shirts that imply that they will be rude and give poor service. At first, I didn't realize that was an understatement. We were the first group on the waiting list when we arrived. But the hostess refused to give an estimate on the wait. The wait, for a table, was reasonable. We ordered fairly quickly because we had the menu while waiting to be seated. I ordered the swordfish gyro, and got a salad instead of fries. That is where the quick service ended. Our lunch took about 45 minutes to arrive. My fish was overcooked and dried out. It wasn't cut in a shape that worked on a pita so I couldn't hold it. My salad didn't have the dressing I ordered. The salad was from a bag, and was so dry, I wonder if it wasn't from last year. Everyone else thought their food was acceptable. Although one did say they wouldn't want to come back. Once we were done eating, we asked for the bill. 15 minutes late the waitress came back without the bill and asked if we wanted desert. We said we weren't interested, and requested the bill again. Another 20 minutes later, she arrived with the bill, and took a card. Another 15 minutes passed and she arrives back with the paper to sign, but said she has lost my fathers credit card. But she said not to worry they always find the cards that they lose. I guess this is a common occurrence. The card was found another 15 minutes later. It only took 2.5 hours to have a quick lunch. Overall this was the worst dining experience I've had since I move to the twin cities over a decade ago.
(2)Crystal L.
Been here a couple of times for drink, but never to sit down and eat. Went with a few friends for the $20 whole lobster special on Sunday. This was my first time eating lobster, mainly because it is so expensive. I've always loved the restaurant itself, very trendy and fun. The food was great! We got the baked mac n/ cheese, stuffed french bread and each our own lobster. LOVED IT. Great price for a huge lobster. So good. Will definitely be going back. Awesome special. The other food was pretttyyy pricey, but it was yummy, so it's worth it.
(5)Pradeep S.
We stopped here hoping for a beautiful summer night on the rooftop patio. We quickly learned that was not going to happen. It was not a busy night, but for some reason we were last on the server's agenda. In between flirting with the other waitstaff, holding up various posts, and walking past us as if we didn't exist, the food arrived an hour + after putting in the order and was overall poor in taste. We even watched a runner bring the order out to the deck and set it on a serving tray in the wind for a full ten minutes before our server noticed and brought it to us. The IPA shells and cheese tasted like a saltier, worse version of velveeta. The lobster roll was the quality of a microwave dinner. The fries were, of course, soggy. The lobster bisque was decent. An absolutely simple but essential condiment request was put in when we ordered, forgotten, requested again when the food arrived, but never made it to our table. I'm a fair and reasonable man with a background in food service, but this entire experience was simply unacceptable for any establishment. Avoid.
(1)Laura L.
Coworkers and I went to Stella's for dinner on a Wednesday evening. We made a reservation for inside, to ensure we would have space for our party of 6. We were told the rooftop did not take reservations, so we took the gamble, and it paid off! We were seated on the rooftop with the view of the Minneapolis skyline. The menu is abounding with seafood options, both fish and shellfish. Our group ordered the fried calamari and the jalapeno cornbread as shared appetizers. The calamari was good, served with a dipping sauce that added a nice dimension to the fried crispiness. I was skeptical about eating seafood in the Midwest, but ended up ordering the Ahi Tuna steak. When my meal arrived, the tuna was underdone for my taste - it was barely grilled on the outside, and was very raw in the middle, which made it more like sushi. I purposely did not order sushi because I don't like raw fish, so the entree was disappointing. The broccoli that was served as a side dish was delicious though! Perfectly steamed and lightly seasoned, it was delightful! I would probably say it was the best part of the meal. One of my coworkers ordered the crab stuffed salmon, and sent it back. Something was wrong with the salmon last night, and it was not just our table - we noticed the table next to us sent it back as well. Overall, nice place, but I wasn't overly impressed. Maybe it's because I live near the coast and have a relatively high standard for seafood. In any case, if I'm ever in Minneapolis again, I'll be trying something else instead of returning here.
(3)L R.
We went last night, taking advantage of our Groupon coupon for the Lobster Bake for 2. It was a tremendous deal and we were not disappointed. We ordered two of the specialty drinks instead of the wine that came with the offer,and loved both. We had the lobster bisque, pear salad, the lobster bake (tons of food!) and it was topped off with the delicious chocolate cake at the end. Our server, Jason (?), was fantastic - very professional and timed his visits perfectly. Why not five stars - stairs to the bathroom, the usual loud music that you have yell over. Not sure if it would be a great place for a romantic meal during happy hour :) I have been there before and enjoyed lunch rooftop ... again, the food brings me back ... the stairs ... hmmm... not much they can do about that.
(4)Geni R.
Amazing seafood! It's a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. This is NOT Joes Crab Shack or Red Lobster, this is fresh seafood. I had the sun flower crusted ahi tuna and I'm still dreaming of it. They have a wide range of cocktails and food options for even the non seafood lover. The staff was friendly and went out of their way to get us free shots. Yep, that's right, free shots :) How could you not love a place like this!
(4)Suzanne F.
Busy day in uptown so didn't expect "stellar" service but the service and first drinks took 20 minutes. The Gorgonzola bread was dry and 30 minutes later the crab cake and fish and chips were at best mediocre. The tank with the lobster was cloudy and what really ticked me off was the kids dragging garbage cans and dirty dishes on carts through the dining room, disgusting. Now I can say I went and experienced this restaurant but won't be back. If I want authentic fish and chips I will go to the Anchor in NE
(2)Scott E.
We have dined inside during a cool day, but prefer to dine on the roof. Now there is a new apartment building blocking the view to the east which is too bad. I am not a fan of salmon. I check tasting menus for salmon to decide if I am going to dine at the establishment. If it is on the menu, I stay away. Recently we were at Stella's and my love ordered salmon. I tried it. OH MY... like no other salmon I have tasted. Hats off to the chef. The dessert was a HUGE slice of red velvet cake. So good. One slice is enough for four people. Parking is on the street or public pay lot. Reservations are suggested. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food. Drinks are always excellent. I have been here in a suit and tie or shorts and t-shirt. Everyone fits in. Enjoy!
(5)Tiffany L.
Honestly the only reason I will go to Stellas is for a birthday or the rooftop other wise the food is too expensive for what you are getting the pasta tastes like you could make it yourself out of a jar and the portion size isn't big either. I've tried their fish tacos which were alright listed under the appetizers its comes with three tacos. Calamari isn't anything special same as the bucket of shrimp which comes with two dipping sauces. Catfish thats deepfried was fishy and had no flavor the coleslaw was good though but comes in a tiny cup. I thought that it was awesome they had a snazzy lobster claw machine spent a good 10bucks trying to catch one! its $2 a try. If you catch it they will cook it up for you. The rooftop is great though they have a amazing view and just across the street is cafeteria. Good oysters on Friday and they also offer a lobster special on Sundays. Save your money find a deal day like the ones I mentioned or a Groupon otherwise just go for the drinks!
(3)K B.
I haven't eaten here in 5 yrs...I remember why. I came in to sample their new brunch....terribly slow service on a slow morning. For a place that boasts several eggs Benedict's...hard poached eggs are unacceptable. They took my plate away leaving my dining partner to eat alone. Oh and beware of their "hash-browns" ...an ice cream scoop if mush.
(1)Anon X.
We went out for dinner on a Thursday evening. It was pretty busy. Our bill was $65 total. We ordered the Thursday night special King Crab meal and BBQ ribs. The food was also excellent. The portion size was perfect so you didn't leave completely full. The crab was soft and juicy along with the mashed potatoes and the clam chowder that came with. We were extremely surprised at how good the ribs were as well. For a fish cafe, their rib sauce was great and the ribs were cooked very well. It was not dry at all, which is what you get at a lot of places nearby. The service was excellent, however, that would be our only complaint. We were helped by at least three people throughout the evening so we just left a big tip and hopefully everyone got a piece of it. We were in and out in about an hour. I would highly recommend this place to everyone.
(5)Julie T.
I met up for a first date here. The reason the other person suggested it was for the amazing view on the roof of Stella's. Sadly, an apartment building now blocks the view. The patio was great anyway. Started out at the bar since there was a wait for seating. Served quickly. Although I don't drink, they appeared to have a good selection of beers and other drinks. My date and I had a shrimp appetizer. The service took a little longer than I would have imagined for cool shrimp; however, it was a good date so it didn't bother me that much. I thought the shrimp were wonderfully fresh and the dipping sauces were amazing. The wait staff was very attentive to us throughout the night. Stopped by just enough to offer refills and fill water. Our server even taught was a really cool way to eat the shrimp. Very friendly.
(4)Jenni B.
I can only truly evaluate Stella's as a bar, although I hope to at some point come back for the Sunday night lobster deal. For an occasionally fishy smelling bar, Stella's is a good time. The two for one drink special on a Friday night is steal for Uptown. This is definitely the place to go if you're on a budget and not looking to chat with randos. I like that there are multiple levels so you can get some variety while you are there. In the summer try to get all the way to the top, it's the best view in the area because you can see all the other rooftop bars plus you get to see lit up downtown Minneapolis in the distance. You will need to wait in line for this though, I would head right for the bar when you arrive and get straight into line with your two-fers. Stella's often has a DJ (and by DJ i mean itunes user) which is lame. They don't have the space laid out for a centralized DJ and even if they did the music choices are off. Usually billboard hits from t-minus 1 year. It's not surprising no one has ever danced here ever. Overall it's a decent nightlife spot, I've been many times and will likely be back for many more.
(3)Geoff G.
Regularly, this place is fantastic. But on NYE, what a bust. They charge $60+ flat rate for an open bar, open buffet. Sound great, right? Well, the buffet "started" at 11, so around 10:45 everyone lined up to get their fill, and there were NO FISH OPTIONS, REGARDLESS OF BEING A "FISH CAFE". Options weren't listed online, so we weren't sure what we had even signed up for. Meatballs, skewers, and a bunch of crackers, chips, and veggies. Also, I tried getting food at 11:30pm, a half hour after the buffet opened, and it was CLOSED. That's right, not refilled as in no more food.. What a jip. The drinks? Well, I can't complain that we were able to get an open bar, but the place was so packed it took at least 20 minutes to get anything from the one bar they had open. I mean, props to those working under such restrictive and stressful circumstances, but really, Stella's, get your act together for next year, because a shoddy plate of veggies and a few drinks hardly constituted $60...
(2)Jacky W.
The best thing about this place is the rooftops views. I went there with my man friend for dinner and we were able to sit on the roof and relax as the day faded to night and the lights of the city turned on around us. That is why Stella's gets 2 stars instead of 1. The rest of the experience was unappetizing. The food was standard - absolutely nothing outstanding about our meals (we ordered the fish tacos - they were light and filling, the spinach/crab dip - subpar, and the grilled broccoli - also subpar). The beers on tap were few, but filled to the brim. Our server was absolutely awful. We were waiting for so long to order that we almost approached other servers before she was hustled over by her manager to serve us. The only other time that we saw her was when we practically grabbed her as she shuffled by, again unobservant, so that we could finally pay our bill and leave. A meal that should've lasted an hour or less lasted almost two. And the roof, unlike most nights, was not busy enough to justify her inattention. Although I absolutely love the rooftop feature of this restaurant, the service and food quality make me hesitant to return.
(2)Haley C.
Great food and fun atmosphere. Had such a fine Saturday afternoon here! I suggest the muscles and the Gouda bread. Sushi is amazing as well. Happy hour is well worth it!
(5)Heather Z.
General Manager is amazing. They made a mistake with our reservation, and more than made up for it!
(5)Autumn V.
First off: Why don't I have a review for this place since I've been here millions of times before? Haha. And secondly, I'm 20 something, single, anddd I enjoy loud top 40s music, too many people, rooftop dining, seafood, and cheap drink deals... all of which Stella's has. My only complaint is that it does get ridiculously packed on Saturday nights. Friday nights aren't as bad but once I get a few drinks in, I can't complain anymore. Just be aware it gets to be much like a sardine can. Haha. But yknow, most of uptown/the Calhoun Square area is like this in the summer on the weekends. *shrugs* I love their happy hour deals (main floor bar area only)! My favorites are the $1 oysters, the champagne mussels, the peel & eat shrimp, the taco of the day, and the crab+spinach dip..... which is half of the happy hour menu. Haha. And there's 2-4-1 rail, beer drinks. Yay! Also there's a claw game for live lobsters. Win one, and they'll cook it for you. I'm not sure about winning one at midnight on a weekend but I'm sure they'll figure something out for you. ;) Oh, summer. I'm so glad you're here.
(4)Kristine O.
I wasn't all that impressed for their high prices. I got the lobster roll and my boyfriend got the Ahi Tuna. Both were just okay. We also each got a beer and I was surprised that the bill came to over $60. I'm more of the whole in the wall get your moneys worth kind of foodie. We have a gift card so we will probably go back on a Sunday and give the $20 lobster a try or Thursday for the Crab special.
(2)Mad I.
5 stars for the oh so crowded roof top where you just have to go to see and be seen! lol The food is mighty tasty too, I like fried seafood so I'm happy :)
(4)Calandriel A.
Note: This review mainly pertains to my experience at Stella's New Year's Eve party in 2013. I'd give the event a 1-star rating, but the establishment earns another star back because I had dinner there once and it was an okay experience. Tickets for the NYE party were $60.00 per person. I thought this was pretty steep, until I learned that drinks and a buffet were included. Considering how expensive Stella's is, it actually seemed like a pretty good deal. I was gearing up for a night of coconut shrimp and other seafood appetizers accompanied by a few glasses of wine. My friends and I arrived a couple of hours before midnight and decided to get drinks right away. Already, it was quite a bit of a wait at the bar, because the place was getting packed. An hour later, it was IMPOSSIBLE to get a drink. I must have waited at that bar for a good 15 minutes, being shoved out of the way by various people that didn't care I'd gotten there first. The bartenders didn't even notice me or my boyfriend in the sea of people and I eventually gave up. I don't doubt that the place was over capacity, because it became unbearable to move after a while. The stairs were so overcrowded with drunken idiots in high heels that it became a serious fire hazard. They DID have security, but the guy was having a Hell of a time getting anyone to listen to him. And good luck getting into the bathroom. Again, there was a security guard present to make sure girls weren't sneaking into the men's bathroom because the women's line was so long. So, after giving up on drinks, and weaving our way past the girl who'd just thrown up on the dance floor, we scaled the stairs and made our way to the buffet tables. To my great dismay, there was ABSOLUTELY ZERO seafood available. The buffet consisted of barbeque meatballs, cheese cubes, crackers, and an assortment of vegetables with Ranch dip. It was like the kind of food they serve at high school graduation parties in someone's parents' garage. I felt so disappointed that I really wish I'd asked for my money back. I've never spent so much on absolutely NOTHING before. In addition to the buffet being terrible, it only lasted for about a half hour before they put everything away. So if you didn't manage to get your crackers and cheese in that span of time, you didn't get anything at all. To sum it up: don't waste your money on this horrible, overpriced event.
(2)Michael B.
We were here on 6/27/14 for a birthday dinner. I knew it started off bad when we showed up, told them who the reservations were under and they said, "ok we will be right back." Once Blondie McShort Dress returned telling us they were getting our tables ready she ask "and how many of you will there be tonight?" Reservations were made. She probably should have checked. Not a huge problem. Her high school education was put to a minor test. On to our table! Our waiter was friendly but lacked any urgency on getting our drinks. Once we finally got them we were happier and then ordered our dinners. I had the diver scallops. They were a very nice sized. The blue cheese Brussel sprouts were good as well. The mashed potatoes lacked flavor. Nothing was hot though. I tried my girlfriends food (I don't remember what it was and it doesn't matter) the fish was luke warm at best. Here asparagus was ICE cold. Our food had clearly been sitting out for a long time. Our waiter never brought the food but whoever did certainly didn't care it was getting cold. I was looking forward to eating dinner here. Unfortunately I was grossly disappointed. I've never seen lobsters pray to be boiled until I saw them "swimming" in such cloudy and murky water in their tank. For over $100 there are much better seafood places in Minneapolis.
(2)Phillip Y.
We visited here on Sunday after visiting the MIA. We were surprised that the hostess asked for reservations. So, I guess it is regularly pretty busy. We did not have reservations but she seated us in the back near the kitchen. It was fine and we ordered our dinner platter. I got the SF seafood cioppino (fish, scallop, shrimp, mussel, and a generous pair of crab legs). This is higher-end restaurant so expect higher prices. However, the quality is definitely there. The wait was not too long and service was fantastic. Parking is across the street and didn't check if there was validation on parking. After looking online, it looks like no discount with eating in Uptown. It was Sunday so it was only $5 but it would be nice to have parking validated.
(5)Mandy J.
I love their patio during summer days, other than that, food is ok, a little overpriced though.
(3)Blake C.
Ate at Stella's tonight with my family had a nice blacken chicken Alfredo very tasty buy would have liked it better if the blacken spice was spicer.
(4)Natalie K.
I just went to Stella's for the second time and so I'm updating my review. I waited with a friend to get a seat on the renowned roof top. It was packed and I can see why because the view is one of the best in Uptown. I had a pomegranate mojo while I waited which had me craving more. Also, because it was packed my friend and I were forced to stand by the waitstaff area and they were so kind even though they had every right to be frustrated because we were in their way. This is why I am giving the place a high review. We had some appetizers that were ok but the atmosphere, staff, and drinks well made up for the food. Please try out the rooftop at least once!
(4)Jennifer S.
Using a discount coupon deal, we went on Monday night for 2 appetizers and 4 specialty beverages. Large selection if items that qualified as "appetizers". We ordered a dozen oysters (chef selection) and their crab cakes. Oysters were good - and I enjoyed the vinegar-y granita-type stuff that came with the shells. Crab cakes were so-so. Probably would not order again. A bit later, we decided to order another item to round out our dinner - and we ordered their lobster roll with (our choice of) french fries. The roll was nice, although I found it salty; I would have rather enjoyed tasting a slight sweetness of the lobster. The fries were good. Our server was great. What ultimately turned me off to this place was observing another wait staff member rolling up 3 rugs on the floor in front of the food prep area and then moments later (certainly not enough time to have gone to a sink to wash his hands) picking up a food order to bring it to some unsuspecting person.
(2)Lucas G.
Waited 30 minutes. Seated, then asked if we'd be okay with being moved if possible. Took another 5 minutes for water, and after 10 more minutes with no service, we threw in the towel and took our +$100 somewhere with better service, that'd cost half asking.
(1)Rona L.
GOtta try the cornbread here!
(4)Rob M.
This used to be the place to be. Now it looks like it has turned into a family place. I wouldn't waste my time here in the future. Maybe only for the Friday night oysters!
(2)Jenny C.
A great place for lunch, dinner, or happy hour. There maybe some wait if you prefer the rooftop but it's worth it. It has a really nice view of uptown and much cooler or breezy during the summer. The foods are awesome every time I order a sandwich, sushi, oysters, desserts, etc. As for the drinks at the bar, the bartender always makes my drinks perfect which is a little bit on the strong side during HH. The parking might be a little hectic to find street parking but I always choose to park in the ramp across from it even though it may be a little bit expensive depending how long I'l be there. Other than that it's a must place to try for everyone.
(5)E M.
Great food and great service. Id love to come back here more often. Stuffed steak was amazing
(5)Kate M.
I attended a birthday party for 20 ppl in the service industry. The oysters had sand in them, the lettuce was soggy for the Caesar with a sad amount of dressing. The server scolded the table for wanting to order more food after our first round (some apps, some entrées). Not greeted by the 3 hostesses upon entrance, had to flag down server for everything we wanted. All in all, won't go there again and will warn friends who consider it and try to derail them. At least I didn't get roofied!
(1)Chris M.
Assigning a star rating to Stella's is difficult, as this place seems to change faces as the day progresses. The lunchtime crowd is usually pretty sedate and there are a number of affordable lunch time options, with the lobster roll being my favorite of the bunch. That said, there are better ones to be found in the Cities, but the sheer amount of lobster provided justifies the price tag. It also doesn't hurt that happy hour starts at noon on the weekends... Happy hour at Stella's is a bargain, with 2-4-1 drinks, $1 oysters ($0.69 on Fridays) and discounted menu items. While the oysters might not be the best in the Cities and are usually the fairly ubiquitous Blue Points, the price is hard to complain about. Once the sun drops Stella's usually gets pretty packed. Every dinner I have had here has been enjoyable, though their entree prices are on the high-end for what I would consider a casual dining experience. But again, the food is good, and bonus points for serving grass fed beef. Late night, especially on the weekends during summer, is usually obnoxiously packed. While generally not my scene, there's no denying that it's popular for a reason, and their rooftop patio is tough to beat.
(4)Trina S.
I love this place only for their $1 oysters on Fridays except for the fact that it's hard for me to ever make it here for the deal. I usually have to plan in advance when I'm going to come here on a Friday for the $1 oysters so I can take off from work a little early. The food here is just okay. I usually just come here at night during the warmer months and sit at the rooftop which has a great view of the city, order some appetizers, drinks, and talk with friends.. I almost never find myself coming here during the winter season unless someone is having their birthday there. If you're looking for a restaurant to eat good seafood I don't suggest going here. But if you're into the whole rooftop view with some drinks, then this spot is definitely the one you should go to in uptown. Also...if you're a big fan of Ricky Rubio (which I'm not), he seriously lives here...every time I've been here I see him. And I always see people on my social network feeds saying "RR is here at Stella's!" LOL someones obsessed.
(2)Barbara B.
We ordered the lobster bisque, the lobster pasta, and the seafood cannelloni. The lobster had a good flavor but we had to dig deep to find even the smallest lobster chunks. The lobster pasta featured undercooked shell pasta and the portion size was woefully inadequate. The seafood cannelloni was terrible. The cannelloni was dry, brittle, and charred. It was sent back and replaced gratis with beer battered and cold mashed potatoes. The kitchen got the order wrong and served fries instead of mashed potatoes. Service was so-so. Beverage refills were not offered. Two thumbs down!
(2)Marysol V.
I have been here twice so far, and for my main dish have gotten the samething: The Lobster Roll, they load it up with lobster and you get 2 sides it is so delish. I have gotten two different appetizers; the crab cakes, and the crab artichoke dip, and both were phenomenal!!! I like the dip more than the cakes but they were both sooooooo flavorful. We had a groupon for it which helped a little with our bill, but not that much we were 4 people and we ordered alot! Lool. So good! Tried the Ahi Tuna also, and it was so good. NEWSFLASH: AHI TUNA IS SUPPOSED TO BE RAW IN THE CENTER. Hahaha
(5)Elena O.
The lobster bake for two with wine that we purchased on Groupon was fabulous! So nice to have lobster perfectly prepared. The atmosphere is lively, so if you are looking for a quiet dinner, this may not be your cup of tea. But if you are looking for a fun night out with excellent food, this is the place to go in Uptown.
(5)Melissa A.
Great rooftop during the summer. Stella's beer battered walleye is very satisfying...Enjoyed every bite!
(4)Helen K.
I came here last night for dinner w/ coworkers....I think this place is a bit pricey for what they offer. Sangria was $10 and was loaded w/sugar - so sweet it made me nauseous. I wasn't in the mood for fish so I was left w/ the 3 non seafood options. I went with the jambalaya ($23!!?!)....my coworker said it tasted like uncle bens....
(1)D S.
My wife and I had an early dinner at Stella's using a Groupon we purchased. We had the Lobster Bake special and the food was delicious. Service was excellent (thank you Noah) and atmosphere was wonderful. Would definitely go here again, seems like a great place to take our out of town friends
(4)Joseph K.
Celebrated Father's Day at Stella's. My parents got the "Surf & Turf" (day's special) and I got the seafood pasta. All really good. Our server, Mary, was excellent. Will come back again for oyster night!
(5)Meggan E.
One of the best patios in Uptown. Kind of the like Figlio's back in the day where food is usually solid and a good happy hour makes you stay put. Now that I'm older, I recommend the patio for right after work or on a weekend afternoon. I've tried a variety of their apps over the years and prefer the calamari, cornbread or artichoke dip as strong snacks to share. For an entree, try their option of a filet of fish with the sauce on the side. Simple but well executed.
(4)Trinh N.
I had great cajon beef tips here. My friend and I got a table right away even on a Saturday evening
(4)Rd N.
There motto is simple "good seafood isn't cheap and cheap seafood isn't good" well apparently no one has had Stella's seafood. Mussel appetizer was dismal with the sauce being the highlight. They claimed they had the best lobster roll, but all I tasted was onions and mayo. I ordered a bulliet made man, their specialty drink cocktail. They didn't have the whiskey and told me they've just been using rail whiskey in that drink. Ordered a makers ol fashioned was given a makers manhattan. Fried calamari wasn't good, not fresh at all. We also ordered the Italian seafood pasta which was very good! Well balanced flavors of fresh marinara and quality seafood. Servers were very attentive and polite. If Stella's would take their restaurant seriously and not depend on the atmosphere and location of the area it would be a returning business. Plastic cups for water?! Come on man! Dirty silverware?! Come on man!
(2)Birdy H.
Had lunch here on May 22, 2012 with my girlfriend and her hubby. This is a 2 story restaurant which I thought was totally cool. We sat upstairs to enjoy the sun and air. Drinks were good and service was excellent. Friendly staff all around. It is a bit pricy for drinks and food but if you like seafood, this is a good place to hit up. I ordered the Jambalaya.. freaking awesome! Loved it! We also got a few appetizers and those were also fantastic. I would definitely come back here again should I pay Minneapolis another visit in the future.
(4)Christopher V.
Stella's has a lot of untapped potential. The rooftop patio is an awesome place to have dinner or enjoy a cocktail. The service, however, needs to improve. There is always a wait to sit on the patio, which I can understand, but the servers don't even give you a time quote. You could be waiting hours! When you do get seated, plan to either be rushed through your meal, or left waiting for a while. The seafood is pretty good and the dollar oysters during happy hour are great (if your lucky and get the big ones)!
(3)Fernando M.
I have to start saying that I'm not a bid reviewer, but I felt obligated to write this review about a place that I go quite often. I really like their happy hour and every time we have people out of town, we must take them to Stella's for good seafood and a taste of local beers. However, I've been pretty disappointed with this place in the last 3-4 times that I went there. Mostly because of their poor service, it starts with the hostess in the entrance and it goes all the way to the rooftop. First, a couple months ago I took my parents there on a Monday and we went to the rooftop for drinks. The hostess had a couple tables available for large groups, but she said that couldn't give me them because it was just 3 of us - suddenly 2 people arrived and talked to the waitress and sat at that same table. I then, questioned her and she said that didn't know that the waitress let them sit there... really? I waited another 20-30 minutes and then they were able to accommodate us. They felt like they were the owners of the restaurant and were very snobby about getting us a table on a freakin Monday. Anyway, a few weeks ago we took the in-laws there and it took forever again to sit us. They finally found a place in the higher level of the rooftop and we ordered fish entrees. When the food arrived, all entrees were cold and we asked the waitress to warm up and she rolled her eyes. Last night, went there again to the rooftop and after almost an hour waiting, they were able to sit us in the worst table of the rooftop - the one right in the entrance. I tried to order a drink from the rooftop bar and the bartender was rude and was being a big jerk. Guess what ? The food was cold again and it all came in different timing. I'm not sure what the problem with this place is, but the rooftop is definitely off and I'll make sure to share with all my uptown friends the disappointment that this place has been to me in the last times that I've been there.
(3)Jennifer J.
Great rooftop. Food is so over-priced for what you get and it's just ok. I spent $75 on dinner for just me!!! 2 drinks, a salad, fish and tip! Wine at the bar and table was $6, same wine on the roof was $8. If it wasn't for the fact that I had to go here for a birthday dinner, I would not go out of my way to eat here, just drink on the roof.
(3)Brody L.
Best seafood in Minneapolis. Three stories of dining. You want to eat on the balcony, the view is great.
(5)Susan B.
Had to wait 10 minutes for valet and was downhill from there. Dirty forks, plastic glasses, smelly servers and paper cup for sauce for fried calamari at those prices? Grilled asparagus was burnt and fish was just o.k. Probably for those who think Red Lobster is good seafood place. Prefer Smack Shack or others. Will not go again.
(1)Bethany S.
Amazing sea food! The best scallops ever! Most dishes are pretty expensive but that's to be expected with good sea food. I always sit on the rooftop here when it's available. Beautiful rooftop view, nice happy hour, and very good waitstaff. I've always had a great experience at Stella's.
(4)Jess F.
For sea food, there are much better places out there. For drinks, yeah, there's hell of a lot better places for that too. For the Animal Kingdom experience, this is the place to be! Watch packs of bros collide in chest thumping, vein throbbing adrenalin. Admire women dressed like birds of paradise. The mating rituals abound while everyone fights to reach the watering hole. All said and done, when in Uptown, I think the best place and, sadly, the most crowded place to be is the roof of Stella on a weekend night in the summer. Perched up there, Stella's doesn't seem so fight or flight.
(2)Tim S.
I have to admit that in the past, I've had less than stellar service at Stella's, but the food was always good. So it was great to have Ben make up for all the other times the servers weren't as good he was yesterday. Ben was friendly, efficient, offered suggestions and answered questions about the menu. The Jambalaya was tasty, but the Clam Chowder wasn't hot and kind of runny.
(4)Cynthia M.
Fun, lively place to eat. Food was average, wouldn't rave about it. Drinks were large. Go for the atmosphere.
(3)Patrick M.
I'm glad to say that this place lived up to the hype for the most part. The clam chowder here is probably the best I've eaten anywhere, including numerous places along the east coast. It's dark, expansive, crowded, and a little noisy in the first-floor dining room. There was also a long line out the door, so make reservations and show up on time. They won't have any trouble finding someone else to take your table if you are late. I was a little disappointed with my entree--the stuffed salmon. It didn't have much stuffing in it and tasted a little over salted. I was so hungry I wolfed the whole thing down anyways. My wife's dish tasted much better. I don't remember what she had exactly though. The saving grace was that our server was very accommodating and offered to take my dish off our bill and bring me something else. I declined her offer since I already ate most of the plate. This wonderful customer service will keep me inclined to try the place again. Overall, not a bad place to eat in Uptown. Just make sure you have reservations!
(3)Ellie S.
Stella's is God's fish restaurant gift to the world. It is on the expensive side, but the food is so worth it. I got a shrimp scampi dish I believe and it was amazing. Some of my friends got the crab sandwich and loved it. Every dish tastes fresh and the service is sublime. I'd recommend this place for a birthday or graduation dinner. It's also really beautiful inside, and we very much enjoyed our cocktails!
(5)Michelle N.
The oysters here is ok. I have not try their full range menu to provide the best review but the oysters compared to other seafood fare does not stand out to other restaurants I have tried.
(3)Adrienne W.
the jalapeño cornbread is the best thing ever .. if you like spicy. great happy hour. the bar is a great atmosphere on weekends. and you cannot beat the rooftop in the summer. good prices for really good food.
(4)L C.
I've been to Stella's many times for the past 5 years and it was a great place. Recently for the past 3 months, it's not been so good. The food is still the same but the service is bad. The hostess and the waiters are rude. The waiter with a beard is the worse one of all. For the first few times I thought they might be busy and ok, understandable but it is every single time now. I will not be going back there again as it seem like this is not once out of the blue but continuous.
(3)Naomi T.
The rooftop has great views, but it's a bit of a party scene. And they allow smoking. If you want a more quiet meal, try to get seated on the second tier of the patio. The main rooftop level is crowded and loud with a lot of young adults who come for the bar. The fish tacos were great although a little salty for me, the battered cod had a nice peppery taste, and the salmon was cooked a little less than I would prefer. We waited for about an hour Friday evening. No reservations for the rooftop.
(4)Reed G.
Stella's has a great rooftop. Love it. The rest is just okay. Service is generally weak and the food is overrated. Honestly, I just don't like this place at all... except for the great rooftop.
(3)John W.
This isn't a hard review to do...Went to Stella's Fish House. Let's see it's a gorgeous summer evening. Can someone say rooftop dining?? I don't spend a lot of money on meals very often, mainly because I find I can make better myself. However Stella's is worth the money and the rooftop view is worth dealing with parking in uptown. Good conversations, a few cocktails, and fresh fish what more could someone want. We went on a Tuesday night and only had to wait 5 minutes for a table. The wait staff was friendly and we never felt rushed. So I give them 4 out of 5 stars... now you may ask why only 4 stars. Well even though I said that the fish was with the money it's still slightly over price as are the drinks if it's not Happy Hour. Ta ta for now.
(4)Bao Y.
I have been here a few times before and I am still not impressed. The fresh oysters are probably the only reason I would come here, cold, fresh with some Tabasco and a squirt of lime, yum. Had the Stella and Dragon sushi roll and thought the rice was disgustingly mushy, and over sauced (unless you like that). My friend had the crabby patty and thought it was disgusting, I liked her mashed potatoes? Service was slow, slow, slow. We came in at 1:00 and didn't get out food served till 2:30 and there were very few customers so I don't know what the holdup was. Very disappointing since we only went there because we had a groupon and wanted to play the lobster crane game which has moved due to the game makers request of not wanting to bore the customers. Overall, not worth it.
(2)Bill H.
I really want to love Stella's, but she is a very fickle girl. The space is fantastic. The roof-top patio is one of the best spots in the Twin Cities to enjoy a cocktail while you take in a beautiful view. The service is also always top-notch. My problem is the food. It's good, but not great. Why must they drain (and possibly rinse) the oysters? The salty liqueur provides the tasty depth and story of the chewy little morsels! I've had better at Sea Salt Eatery and Pittsburg Blue. I am a fan of Lobster rolls, and Stella's has a big, meaty "Adult" one on the menu - but I've never had one that contains any appreciable amount of tail meat, and it's dressed in nothing but mayonnaise and celery. Give a brother a dash of Old Bay or something! The sushi is also good, but it's not as good as Kobe, Oragomi, Mt. Fuji, and many others that specialize in it. Stella's provides a big variety of seafood and fish dishes, and that is their real strength. However, if you are looking for something really great, a smaller, more focused venue would be a better pick.
(3)Rachel H.
I LOVE going to Stella's rooftop in the summer time. It's usually packed, but for me--worth it. During the winter this place is still very busy and for good reason-- it's large enough that they are able to separate off different areas of the restaurant and cater to different musical interests. I've eaten dinner a few times and was always pleased. They have a great HH menu, however the downfall is that you have to eat inside. Sooo, usually we'll eat and then go up to the roof. Additionally, they have buy one drink get the second for $1 until midnight, which is pretty awesome for someone looking to have a big night out. I've never taken advantage of their signature seafood specials but I've heard good things.
(4)Emily V.
I hesitated to go here because of all of mixed reviews I've read. It seems really hit-or-miss as far as service, especially. However, I had a good experience on my visit there, and look forward to going again. The service was good (although she didn't mention the special to us, which is kind of an annoyance of mine), my lobster roll was FILLED with lobster, and my husband had a lobster pasta that he really liked (and couldn't finish, which was a first). Honestly, this isn't the type of place that I would wait a long time to eat at, but we went during the week for dinner and had a great meal.
(4)Trish L.
We have been to Stella's numerous times and it is always fabulous. We ask to sit in Noah's station as he is fabulous. He always remembers each of our favorite drinks, remembers our favorite appetizers and always has great recommendations. He always makes us feel like we are 'important customers' every time we dine at Stella's. The food is also fantastic. The mussels for an appetizer is a must! And the king crab legs are to die for! Good food, great drinks, and great service.
(5)Arazue F.
I have been to Stella's a number of times and only recently I finally reached the rooftop and I cannot believe what I have been missing out on! The view is awesome! We went on a Sunday night too, so it wasn't crowded, it was really relaxing, and service wasn't all that. I've never eaten real food here so this review is based on drinking and their edamame. They have great drinking deals, in the past I've always made it for 2-4-1s. It's usually packed on the weekends, but whatevs, I'm willing to deal with crowds for cheap drinks, and the bartenders downstairs are usually pretty fast. Most recently when I was on the rooftop, they had $3 Premiums and $4 well drinks, AND when my friend checked in on Facebook she got a $5 mojito. We wanted to order the calamari but they ran out, so we opted for the spicy edamame. It was so good, we asked for another order. Service was slow, but we weren't in a hurry so that's okay. However, it seemed like all the servers had more tables than they could handle but I think that's how it always is, and it wasn't even that busy. Whatever, for the view and the atmosphere, it's worth it.
(3)Jennifer Z.
I LOVE Stella's! I've come here for the bar scene, brunch, lunch, dinner, everything! It's always super crowded and full of people. The rooftop is the best rooftop, only because it is the highest I think in Uptown. I LOVE their oysters! I tried oysters for the first time at Stella's so I have to give them props for introducing me to oysters and also making it so good that I fell in love with them! Now I order them everywhere I go, but they don't always make it like Stella makes it. Another time I came here for dinner and ordered the Jambalaya which was amazing! It was spicy and just tasted sooo good! Honestly, everything they serve is delicious and there is such a variety of dishes. I love the atmosphere! Come here for lunch, brunch, dinner, nightlife. You will not be disappointed!
(5)Ron S.
We had a Groupon for lunch and although my date had been there before I never had. She had the fish tacos and I had the parmesan walleye. Unfortunately her fish tacos were salty to the point of being inedible. She had me try them and I felt my blood pressure increase with just one of the shrimp. My walleye was fine although it could have used more of the sauce. Service was great but maybe the chef should think about tasting the food before it leaves the kitchen.
(2)Missy H.
Wish I could review the mashed potatoes here, but I never received them with my scallop entree. The kitchen apparently ran out and I was never offered a substitute. Hence, I still paid for these mashed potatoes that I never received. This was strike two, as I tried to order sushi at 3pm on a Saturday and the waitress told me it would be 50 mins to receive one roll, due to the kitchen being too small. My suggestion would be to make several selections for you meal ahead of time, so the small kitchen might be able to accommodate your needs.
(2)Katrina M.
Great rooftop seating. Lively scene. Good food.
(5)Suzanne B.
You cannot beat this rooftop experience to enjoy the beautiful summer evenings in MN. Happy Hour drink prices are reasonable. Oyster bar happy hours are even better. Arrive early, stake out a place, and wait for your entourage to join you. I haven't had a bad item on the menu, but I also rarely meet a dish I don't like when dining in a restaurant. Stella's is better for apps and drinks with friends than for its entrees (which verge on being overpriced). If you're in the Uptown area and want an unbeatable rooftop with a view of the downtown skyline, put Stella's on your list!
(4)Sarah Z.
I'm a little peeved. I just visited Stella's for the first time--to see why everyone flocks there--and was a little disappointed. It was Friday night and the rooftop bar was filled to capacity, so we had to sit inside. (We being my boyfriend and me.) The inside was ugly, boring, totally not special. When we ordered, our waiter told us multiple times that the kitchen was "really backed up" because it was so busy. It was like he was trying to warn us so we wouldn't yell at him or take away from his tip. He also kept hanging out at our table, which was weird because he just stood there and looked around. It just felt like Stella's ego was too big for itself. The service, the venue, and the food weren't worth the price or hype. Side note: After reading Annie's review, I watched for the meat market activities at the restaurant and she was definitely right. Girls dressed in skimpy dresses and crazy high heels. Bros in their tight shirts on the lookout. It's funny that they choose a place like Stella's to find some action. Anyway. Now onto the food specifics... First, we each ordered a $9 drink. I had a mojito, which was good but a little too limey. And he had some pink drink that tasted like boozy bubble gum. These drinks should have cost around $6, not $9. Then, we ordered cornbread and fish tacos for the appetizer course. The cornbread app is HUGE! You could split it comfortably between 6 hungry people, maybe 8 normal people. But it tasted fine. I thought it could have used some cheese to give it deeper flavor. The fish tacos were yummy, but also big. There were 3 medium-sized tacos with various condiments. It could have been an entree in itself. For the entree course, I had the spicy tuna sushi roll (Spicy Tuna Explosion? I think?) with the seaweed salad. Both were delish! I've had better sushi, but it was still really good. He had the halibut, which cost upwards of $25. It was good, but the sauce tasted a little bitter and earthy, and the 6 potato cubes that it came with weren't seasoned. NOT worth the price. Anyway, our bill came to be around $100. For TWO people?? This place isn't worth that kind of money. It was good to experience it once, but I probably won't be going back unless someone makes me.
(3)Christian M.
Our food was really good. One of the best meals we have had in the cities. The service was a bit slow, but to be expected from a packed restaurant on a Friday evening. I am from the Gulf Coast of Florida, and it is great to get fresh seafood in the midwest.
(4)Alisha H.
INSIDE: Two for 1 Happy Hour in the Bar from 3-6pm and 12-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Service is decent for the location and crowd which is a mixture of uptown hipsters, couples on dates, a few families and groups of friends out to dinner. Atmosphere is what makes it what it is, and is mostly what you're paying the higher price for. FOOD: I enjoy Stella's sushi rolls when I'm not up for having a full meal. On Wednesday's they are also buy two get one free which is great for friends getting together and grabbing a meal. Not an overwhelming selection to choose from though. Raw oysters are good and $1.00/piece when on HH special. Cajun Beef bite appetizer is good for those who don't do seafood. Their Diver Scallops are usually good. 3/4 times I've had them they've been great. Once just a little subpar. Their salmon dishes are also good and portion size is huge. Sundays offer a full lobster (no sides) for $19.95. ATMOSPHERE: The big draw here is really the roof top patio in the summer. But be warned: Very few HH specials apply up here and the wait is usually pretty long on summer weekends. But if you're willing to wait you can expect to enjoy an unobstructed view of downtown with whatever drink you're sipping. This in my opinion can be worth it.
(3)Liuyin S.
Oyster Orgy. It happens on Fridays, between 3 and 6 pm, at Stella's Fish Café. Oysters are 69 cents each for those three hours. This works out to be a savings, per oyster, of a million dollars off the normal price (= $2.50 per). For those of you who feel a deep, unhealthy, almost loathsome, craving to eat raw bivalves (and I most certainly do from time to time), but can't realistically carry all the gold bricks it normally takes to purchase two dozen of them at Stella's normal prices, Oyster Orgy is nothing less than a miracle. It's what lets me live from month to month. Thank you, Stella's! Your mac and cheese is pretty good, too. Regular HH menu valid at this time as well.
(5)Todd G.
Stella's for lunch. Fish n chips was just average. Nuf said. The lobster brie & bacon panini sounds good- right? But I wasn't thinking. Fact is: put that much bacon in a sandwich and result = tastes like bacon sandwich. Impossible to really enjoy the lob. Too bad.
(3)Kelly P.
Friendly & helpful waitstaff here. I took advantage of their $10 any sushi roll HH special many times! Yummy every time. Best grilled salmon I've had anywhere. Quick story: I was impressed when I was trying to order a drink called the "bad decision" that was no longer on the menu. Our waiter looked into it, talked to the other staff to find out what was in it, and ten minutes later I had a bad decision ..or two. Excellent mojitos as well!
(4)Josh L.
This place is better for cooked fish than uncooked fish. But the oysters were good.
(3)Daniel D.
First timers there and not ver impressed. Even though we went for lunch the fish n chips came out as 2 small fish sticks and a handful of fries def not worth the $13-15 for it. Wife had a salad and ask for shrimp and doubled the price and was blah. We have no problem paying too dollars for good food but we felt this was over priced for the food. Even though there were several items we wanted to come back to not sure we will because of the principle of not getting any value for the money.
(2)Bruce L.
I really enjoy this place but it's a great excuse to go there when a Groupon is involved, this is the case here. Always a good crowd here in Uptown and this Wednesday evening was no exception. We were seated near the kitchen and that's fine to watch the dishes come out. We decide to start with the crab and spinach dip on tortilla chips and I think it was about three minutes until we had this dish, I'm not sure how they did it but damn, that was quick! For a main dish we had fish and chips, nothing too adventurous but that was what I was hungry for and that's all that matters :) Fish was light and flakey and great flavor and served hot and quick. Another great experience and if they have any more Groupons here you will see me knocking down your door for a reservation (reservations recommended)
(4)Frank G.
Well, this was not a strong experience in any capacity. The service down to the food was pretty bad. We were greeted by a hostess reading a book. Now, I'm pretty sure the only job of a hostess is to not be reading a book, but, this was the case. While waiting for our table we went to the bar. The restaurant was runnnig one bartender, who, granted, was nice, but disappeared for over five minutes after we first sat down and was obviously being pulled in too many directions. It didn't help matters that a drunken hobo was in the bar. I am not opposed to drunken hobos in the right environemnt...like in a boxcar ...the dustbowl in 1930's Oklahoma....or at Palmer's bar, but not at a restaurant when I'm out to dinner with my girlfriend. After this we were shown our table at the back corner by the kitchen. The waitress was nice enough, but also seemed wholly distracted. To boot, my view was straight at a garbage scooper laid against the wall in front of me. We ordered the oysters, which were fine, but before we could eat even two oysters, our entree arrived. Literally, we had all of our food at once. I hate that. The excuse was that it happens sometimes when they put the order all in at once. Um...well...then don't put it all in at once, just a suggestion. The fish was ok, edible, but then again so is Arby's if you're hungry enough. The fish was dry and not a visually pleasing plate. We even splurged for a piece of cake at the end of the meal, and were not surprised by its amazing mediocrity. Uptown has become a very competetitve restaurant area over the last few years and Stella's has failed to keep pace. That said, with Chino Latino, The Nightingale, Social House, Bar Louie, The Cafeteria and others I don't think I'll be returning to Stella's Fish Cafe anytime soon.
(2)Josh R.
We are from out of town visiting family and this is always a stop for me and my fiancée. Great customer service, the Happy Hour Mussel's were our favorite and to top it off they have our favorite MN beer on tap, Summit Extra Pale. We will always visit Stella's when we come to the Twin Cities.
(5)Sarah H.
Stella's...what to say, what to say. It's hard to judge this place because it is so inconsistent. I have been to Stella's several times. Let's go through the good, the bad, and the ugly. The Good. Coconut shrimp!! Omfg, the coconut shrimp are amazing. The spicy orange pineapple marmalade sauce is delicious. I always ask for 4-5 extras. It seriously makes the dish. Also, the late night 2-for-1 happy hour is delightful, but definitely for a different crowd. The Bad. The inconsitency of the food. Sometimes it's great, sometimes it sucks, sometimes it's hot, sometimes it's cold. When it's good, it's GREAT. When it's bad, it's TERRIBLE. The Ugly. The service. Not how they look, but how they act. With two floors, there just don't seem to be enough servers around for the major rush periods. And that makes things ugly. For example, the bf and I went to dinner there a couple of weeks ago on a Sunday. They have $20 1 1/4 lb lobster that night. Sweet deal, right? *Insert buzzer noise here* The waitress told us that they were sold out. When we left, the tank was full of lobster. WTF? We wanted to take back our tip, but the one thing that isn't slow at Stella's is the bus service. Needless to say, not in a hurry to go back.
(3)Kelsey O.
Really fun location with an awesome rooftop! Great place to come and have a perfect evening in Uptown
(4)Robert S.
Great food! The jambalaya is my favorite thing to eat at restaurants around here. Happy hour is bomb, and the prices are solid. Valet parking is available, and the atmosphere is super chill.
(4)J D.
One of my favorites to eat but the after dinner crowd is way too club like.
(4)David K.
I love the rooftop patio and the food! I have never had a bad meal.
(4)Kim R.
We stopped by Stella's for an early dinner with my family last night. My mom and dad had a groupon for a lobster dinner. They kindly shared a few bites of their dinner, plus some of their fabulous turtle cake. My husband and I decided to share an appetizer and entree. The prices here are a little expensive (around $30 for an entree). We started with a bowl of clam chowder. It was great, creamy but not too thick. It had nice chunks of potato and small chunks of clam. The bowl is pretty shallow, and my husband said he could have eaten the whole thing himself. For our dinner, we shared the lobster roll with mashed potatoes. This sandwich was excellent. I've never had a lobster roll before. The chunks of lobster were huge, and there was a lot of it. The sandwich is served on a sweet, brioche roll which tastes great with the creamy lobster salad. I would also recommend their flavored lemonades. I had the raspberry, but I preferred my sister's strawberry lemonade. They had lots of great sounding desserts on the menu, but we all shared my parents' turtle cake. This piece of cake was huge, and enough for 6 of us to share! It is very rich with a fudgy chocolate frosting. I really liked the crunchy pecans.
(4)Lady D.
This place is very uptown... Pricy, and lots of seafood, which I don't particularly care for but I've ended up here at least 1/2 a dozen times.... beef bite w hollanayse sauce off appetizers menu is my recommendation. Roof in the summer is an experience.
(3)Jaymie A.
Very cool lovatio in uptown. Hard to find parking though, definitely go for the $8 valet. The food was good, but the absolute best part was the atmosphere. Great place to come for happy hour after work!
(4)Colin C.
One of our favorite seafood joints in Minneapolis. A bit pricy, but worth the splurge. Sit on the rooftop deck! Beautiful view over uptown, and the feel of the deck is more lovely than downstairs. Cool atmosphere. Valet parking is worth it.
(5)William C.
My brother turned 21 and I decided that Stella's would be a great place to have a wonderful dinner!!! I had never been there before and I pictured a swanky setting and was surprised to see a somewhat bar type setting. They have a bar area and I think a few large rooms on the second floor for large groups. I ordered the Stuffed Tilapia and it was wonderful! The mashed potatoes were a perfect match to the perfectly grilled tilapia with stuff lobster inside. I gave this place 4 stars based on the wonderful assortment of food. The reason why I didn't give 5 is because of the parking situation (which is normal for Uptown) and the higher prices on the menu. Expect to spend at least $22 - $25 a head on the main course.
(4)Joshua S.
I don't know if it's because I just moved from So Florida and there's fish and seafood restaurants on every block or what but I usually go everywhere except here and after people raving about this place I stopped in last Friday with two friends. First off, it was late, probably 10-11-ish and right off the bat it smelled so thick of cooked fish that I didn't know how anyone could dance and party here without feeling dirty and stinky. So, the main level was pretty packed so we went up the steps to the little bar in the back and realized it was 2-for-1's. Somehow we ordered one drink a piece, which would've added up to six drinks, but ended up with eight and the bartender was so crabby that she didn't hear us say she made a mistake. Whatever, we paid for them and took a seat. The dance music was bumping but the only dance floor was a little makeshift one that was at the top of the steps and in the middle of some tables blocking people from moving around and getting drinks. It was a funky setup. So, we sat there for about a half hour and people watched...and drank. What I saw was definitely not an uptown crowd....had to be about 99% kids from the 'burbs cabbing it in for the night and for some reason wanting to be crammed together to the point of annoying and surrounded by the stink of sea floor. Blah. Yuck. I can see going here if you are college age or the new "young professional" crowd that still hasn't transitioned into a casual yet professional environment (prime bar, Bar Louie's, etc) but even at almost 32 I felt very old and very annoyed. Maybe earlier in the night it's more mature people with some class and maybe really good food but based on my night here, I don't think any of us three will be back.
(2)Incalc U.
The rooftop is worthy of the hype; the food, however, is overpriced and not that great.
(2)Lisa E.
Back again and had great service this time. Ordered the same food as that last time and it was still great!
(4)Kristina D.
Expensive? Yes, but if you want quality seafood in the Midwest, you've got to pay for it. Some of the wait staff even wear shirts to remind us of this fact! But if you come during their various great specials -wow! $0.69 oysters? 2-for-one white wines? Yes please!
(4)Monica B.
I visit this restaurant many times and this by far was the worse experience i have had. And it happen to be the one time I dined with someone who had never been there. i asked for something, it came with bacon and it came with bacon so i told him i didn't want want it, not a bacon eater, so i order a salad.. Wow so the salad comes out with bacon on it as garnish I am assuming! You would think he would be smart enough to not bring me something after i just told him i wanted a non bacon dish. then we had to flag him down for refills, and at that point i was just ready to go so asked for a box and after 7 mins still no box. so i just got up and went to the hostess and asked her to get me one. He is visiting other tables, seating new people and its like wow, what about your guests! it was horrible.
(2)Kaleb L.
Nicole: Amazing job as a server! Gary: You are the Don of General Managers- both of you always make sure guests are taken care of. I've never had a bad experience at this joint. This establishment mixes high class seafood with some of the best happy hours and drink specials in town. I love the happy hour specials, their full menu if I am not feeling cheap (which is rarely) as well as their evening weekend drink specials- which isn't that easy to find in Minneapolis.
(5)Linda H.
"Those don't look like the fish tacos I have been dreaming about for the past 7 months since the last time I ate them!" Is what I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs when the waitress brought my tacos to the table.. I was finishing up some sushi rolls and the most fantastic jalapeno corn bread you will ever taste when she quickly slipped them on the table...Was it because she too knew these fish tacos were not right?? I don't know what happened but the new fish tacos suck...They are in hard Ortega like shells with a long piece of blackened fish, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese....The old fish tacos were in soft tortillas with this flavorful cabbage relish type of garnish, cilantro, apparently they are gone... On the bright side, the jalapeno corn bread served in a little cast iron pan is seriously the best corn bread you will eat and the best bargain on the menu. The crunchy sushi rolls were so-so...Nothing great..just...Mehhhh....Over priced that's for sure and will not be ordering these again. I really like this place. They have a great happy hour and the best roof top patio so I will be back...I just won't be ordering fish tacos next time.
(3)Grahame B.
When I ask some folks if they dig seafood, somehow it always ends up that they say, "Yeah, I love it," only for me to find out that they actually only like fish, and that they hate shellfish. I'm not that person. I'll eat anything that lives in a lake or in the sea. Ergo, Stella's has always been near the top of my "places to try" list (sad that it's taken me this long to get there). I took the fetching Mrs. B. there over the weekend. The first thing we saw upon our arrival at the rooftop was the sign, "Good seafood isn't cheap. Cheap seafood isn't good." Alright. So we sat down right by the front door, and a VERY helpful Amy took our drink and app order. I had a Nordeast and an order of Stella's Mac and Cheese, which comes with chunks of bacon (that alone makes it worth ordering) and a four-cheese cream sauce. Trust me, it's as good as it sounds. Overall the entrees were really tasty, but the servings were massive. The fetching Mrs. B ordered the beer battered walleye, and it would have been enough for the both of us. I guess that's fine if you like leftovers, but it seemed like a bit of a waste to me. I'd rather have paid less for a smaller helping. Speaking of paying, expect a dinner for two to run you about $75-100 on the lower end. We both ordered some of the cheaper meals at $15-20 each, but you can easily drop $30-40 per entree. Like they said, good seafood isn't cheap, and it was good seafood. Not amazing, but good. We left feeling full, which isn't necessarily a good thing. After dinner we walked around the Uptown Art Fair, and the $6 paella from a street vendor made me wish we'd put off Stella's for another time. I'll definitely eat there again, but there are other Uptown places that are a bit more my style that I'll return to first.
(3)Laurie L.
If you see a Groupon for Stella's Fish Cafe, grab it. Eating fresh seafood in the midwest is expensive (and, if a place offers cheap seafood, you probably should not eat it!) After cashing in on both a dinner Groupon at Stella's and a lunch Groupon at Stella's, I am sold. Both Groupons came with drinks included ($9 drinks!!). Lunch for two came with a shared appetizer of our choice and two main luncheon items, again of our choice. The dinner Groupon came with salad and bread, a bucket of assorted seafood items, and one piece of cake to be shared. The wait staff did not hover, and I prefer that. At both meals, my dining partner and I were not neglected nor were we made to feel like second class diners for using a Groupon. Hats off the wait staff. We ate dinner inside seated next to the lobster tank and within close range of the open kitchen. The inside decor is industrial black. Outside, where we ate lunch, is more inviting in my opinion. The day we were there for lunch was warm and sunny. We had an interesting view of the new park behind the Lagoon Theater and the residential part of Uptown. Though not needed the day we were there, heaters were spaced around the second floor patio, indicating that this area would be open in cooler weather too. When I finally win the lottery or some wealthy person offers to buy me dinner, Stella's will be the first place I will suggest going. Of course, if you don't like seafood....
(4)Brooklynn C.
I hate doing this, but I have to say that the last time I went to Stella's I was extremely disappointed with not only the service, but the food as well. I walked in during happy hour (I arrived at approx. 5pm) and asked the hostess for a table and told her a friend would be joining me in about 15-20 minutes. I was seated at a table that was so wobbly my purse almost fell off of the table top. I then proceeded to wait for my friend to join me, all the while, I was not given a menu, asked if I would like a glass of water or a beverage (it being happy hour, the main reason I was there). The place was not that busy. I fiddled with my phone and waited awkwardly for my friend to arrive. When my friend finally did arrive 20 minutes later and nearing the end of happy hour, we were then served a drink and our waitress came back almost 15 minutes later asking what we'd like to order. We started with a simple order of edamame, which came out cold and mushy. When our entrees were served, our waitress looked at the full dish of edamame and asked if we were finished with it, I simply said, "yes, it was pretty mushy." I didn't throw a fuss, didn't make a scene, just simply acknowledged the removal of it from our table and replacement with the entrees. If you've been to Stella's, you know that the place is pretty wide open. To my shock, I watched as the waitress walked over to the bar, held up the edamame to the bartender and said (not quietly, might I add, as I could hear her clear as day) "edamame is SUPPOSED to be mushy." If you're any kind of food connoisseur, you would know that fresh edamame is prepared firm, with some give to the teeth. Mushy beans means that they were overcooked. I'm disappointed in the whole experience and probably won't be recommending Stella's to my friends and family any time in the near future because of the disrespect and inattentiveness that was shown to me. Again, I hate to post rants like this, but perhaps this will show Stella's that their staff needs to step it up a bit to maintain a good reputation in the Uptown food/drink community.
(1)R M.
Just returned from lunch at Stellas, our first time there. We had a very generous Groupon, but will return soon even without such a deal! The Caesar salad is fabulous...made the way it is supposed to be including anchovies and lots of garlic. Of course the lobster roll was so satisfying and wonderful. Frankie our server was attentive and interesting and we wish her success as she moves on to graduate school. I doubt we would come at night when it is packed, but, folks, try this place out!
(5)Charlie H.
Went here a while back, my honest opinion was that this place is over rated, seafood was way over priced, raw oysters took forever to come out, an at 3.00 each I expect to enjoy them before my meal not with my meal. My crab legs showed up "non king" I orderd king crab an they where tiny and cold! Bad experience an will not return, red lobster is 100xs better then here
(1)Elibe E.
Came to Stella's with some friends on a cold night. The service was attentive and helpful. The menu is extensive and the seafood selection is diverse. I ordered my "old reliable": the Lobster Roll. It was fresh and mixed perfectly (not too much mayo). This changed my life. I did not expect that a Midwestern establishment would be able to prepare this so well. The remainder of my order: Mac and Cheese, Fries, and a cold PBR.
(4)Ken R.
Went early to get a table on the rooftop, got in quickly and didn't see the waitress for 15 minutes; it wasn't crowded yet. Waitress arrives, we order wine and beer; another 15 - 20 minutes, we order our meals and an appetizer. Wonderful view, my wife had happy feet at the prospect of consuming crustaceans, got my beer...thinks are looking good. 30 minutes later our peel-n-eat shrimp appetizer arrives; at this point I seriously consider listening to my stomach, which is telling me to forget peeling and just start eating, promising that it would sort it out. My brain wins only by the narrowest of margins. 20-25 minutes after that our meals arrive. My wife ordered the 1 1/4 lb lobster and asparagus, I ordered the Catch of the Day - Sea Bass, broiled with garlic mash. Mr. Sea Bass was cold to the touch around the edges and just barely warm in the middle; the mash potatoes had solidified into a Play-Doh consistency. Ms. Lobster seemed to be okay, but the asparagus were cold. Here's the thing - the fish was a QUALITY piece of fish that had been allowed to get cold and dry out a bit. The mash potatoes tasted decent cold, they would have be really good had they been warm, and that's what really bummed me out. The lobster had cooled a bit, but the insides were kept warm by the shell, so my wife was happy...hell, she's a mermaid, she'll eat shellfish all the time, in any way. (Family lore has it that on a vacation to the Greek Islands, she had Garlic Shrimp every night for 2 weeks, on top of other sea life entree's.) Here's the other thing, for around $150.00 (1 beer; 2 glasses of wine) that just isn't acceptable. Not. At. All. If you include the sub-par to mediocre service it gets even less acceptable. If it wasn't rooftop, I don't think they would be doing well. Oh, and really, I don't care if the kitchen is overloaded, or that the food has to come up 3 flights of stairs to the roof. Seafood and Food-service is your BUSINESS. The rooftop is always packed and it's been running for a while - FIGURE IT OUT, it is YOUR BUSINESS; at this point there is no excuse for the consistently cold food, poor service - not at these prices. Maybe I'm just a cheapskate...my Mermaid seemed happy.
(1)Todd M.
"Amy" took very good care of my buddy Tom & I tonight ! Yummy calamari & coconut shrimp got us started, scampi linguini & sirloin got the job done !! She even presented a tasty slab of chocolate cake for my birthday ! Nice work Stella's !
(4)Mark R.
Came here for lunch with my family. We all enjoyed our meals. The tuna melt was quite good but, the description was not accurate. It said it was pan seared tuna so, I expected actual tuna, not tuna salad. The tuna salad was good, and it did look like perhaps it had been made from seared tuna? But, the sandwich did not include a piece of seared tuna. the crab cakes and popcorn shrimp appetizers were yummy and quickly consumed. A look into the lobster tank revealed a not so happy (aka Dead) lobster. This was a little alarming considering the tank is positioned so customers can inspect the lobsters. Really? You showcase your lobster tank and leave a dead lobster in it? We told the staff, they didn't seem concerned. It stayed in the tank the entire time we were there. Maybe it was sleeping.....NOT!
(3)Erica C.
So I have a friend, who has a friend of a friend's cousin's friend who will remained unnamed, who has a birthday that put's said random person a year behind all of her friends. One year, all of her friends started turning 21 but she had many more months to go. Luckily this unnamed person had a cousin who let her borrow her i.d. to use. This said person's cousins name was Stella. So for a few months, this person had tons of Stella jokes thrown at her.... "Ooo look like Stella got her groove back!" and "There's a con-STELLA-tion out tonight"...or so I've heard. So this restaurant reminds me of that time in said random person's life. Anyway, I love Stella's Fish Cafe cause Stella got her groove back with great HH and fish fry! The food is great and the HH specials are shiggitybombdotcom. (quick story: Shiggitybombdotcom is what came out when I tried to say "that's the bombdotcom" and "the sh*t" at the same time...a fail that turned into a word me and my friend use now) It's totally illegal to have more than 1 drink at a time in Texas so I still get a bad boy rush when I get a 2 for 1 at Stella's and they bring me 2 drinks at the same time. So naughty. There's also great food on HH, I love love love their chicken wings. The first time it came out, I got so confused cause all I could smell was curry powder. When did buffalo wings have curry on them? Nonetheless, it was probably one of the best wings I've ever had and I love my cheeken. I've also had the Philly Cheese Steak sliders... nothing to run home and slap yo momma about but they were good. On Fridays (perfect for my buddies that practice lent) Stella has unlimited fish and chips. I could never eat that much fish fry but I could steal one off of a friend who got the unlimited fish and chips. I don't know if it was the bad boy rush of sneaking a piece but it was so delicious. There was a perfect ratio between the crispy batter and the cod on the inside. The garlic mash potatoes were also a great compliment. Wow, two and a half illegal stories in one yelp review.
(4)Molly H.
First of all, the roof top patio is fantastic! If I had came just for drinks, they may have gotten more than 3 stars, but we came here for my sisters birthday dinner. We had a party of 7 and they were quick to accommodate us on the patio, regardless of not specifying that when making our reservation, so that's where another star was received. It was the food that didn't wow us. I ordered the Walleye, which was huge and pretty good. But overall everyone was less than impressed with their entrees. The food is quite expensive which I guess lifted our expectations, but again it was just meh! My husbands liked the flavors of his mashed potatoes but they came out cold, cold mashed potatoes eeww! The food wasn't terrible, but it definitely was not worth the prices. If you are stopping in for a drink on the rooftop patio, yes I would recommend is place. But, if you are looking for stellar fish entrees I would look elsewhere.
(3)James Q.
Great food but service can be great at times but not so great other times! Overall, I love this place.
(4)Warren C.
I wish I knew of this place six months ago. This place is bumping. Stunning rooftop, tons of attractive women, energetic and lively atmosphere. I also ended up spending $80. Oysters go for about $2-3 each, I bought a dozen of them. They're pretty good, but I didn't feel like it was really worth it. The stuffed tilapia is good too, but I had a lot of bones in my dish, when 3 of my other friends had no bones in theirs. Lucky me, I guess. I was hungry and they took about an hour to bring the food out, so I chose to eat it anyway. The only downside was the sheer slowness of the entire meal. Got a table for 16 at 9:30 PM, got out of the place around midnight. Other than that, I love everything else about this place.
(4)Jason G.
We will no longer be visiting Stella's. There has been a downward spiral in food quality over our last three visits. Without exception our meals have been over-cooked, rubbery lobster, potatoes that fall into pieces, and a plate of ribs that was insulting. Sad to say it but even the roof top will not bring us back.
(1)Amy S.
We had a nice meal. The fettuccine with lobster and the blackened swordfish were both good entrees. The waitstaff was pleasant and our food arrived in just about the right amount of time. My only complaint was that the bill came out with the wrong price of my entree. Though they fixed it, that mistake shouldn't have been made and likely many people have been paying the wrong price for the fettuccine. So please check your bill carefully!
(4)Erik B.
Great atmosphere. Roof top rocks! Food is how it should be - awesome! Love it!
(5)Dawn M.
Great patio atmosphere. Food and drinks were great. Only miss was the service. We waited at our table for 30 minutes before a member of our group stopped a waitress. After that our waitress was a rockstar. Asked what she would recommend and ended up with an incredible entree. Definitely would go back.
(4)Gabriel P.
Nice ambience, good service, and utterly spectacular, mindblowing food. The oysters did not disappoint, but the real surprises were elsewhere on the menu. I'm a big clam chowder fan and Stella's easily beats anything I've had on the East Coast. The sushi was also top notch. Only weakness is the price--it will put a pretty decent dent in your pocket.
(4)Kathy S.
"Let's get oysters. For 69 cents." That's all I needed to hear before we were in the car and on our way to Stella's for Oyster Orgy happy hour on Friday! There was no wait when we arrived at 5pm, which was pretty impressive for Uptown on a Friday night. As soon as our server came, we basically told her to bring us a dozen and keep them coming until the end. The oysters themselves were tiny but hey, what can you possibly expect for 69 cents each? Other than oysters, we also had the peel & eat shrimp (um, WAY better than I'd expected!), calamari (yummy-fried-goodness), and champagne mussels (meh). 1 hour, 3 appetizers and 60 oysters later, we were full, VERY content and on our way. They're not exactly top-quality but if you're looking for a whole lot of cheap oysters, this is the place!
(3)Michael L.
In general I think this place is pretty overpriced and with a chain restaurant vibe. I think you are paying a premium for cool roof deck, which obviously in the winter, or anytime you sit down below (which is usually unless you have reservations) the mediocre food and very average Outbacky decor of the place is not too thrilling. Having tried the $20+ entrees, I was not too impressed, but actually the fish & chips seems to be a pretty great deal at a reasonable price, larger portion than one usually gets. Beer list is pretty boring for Minneapolis standards but fine. $20 lobster night on Sunday is a decent deal.
(3)Mariel L.
3.5: I didn't know why it took me so long to come to Stella's, but now I know: it's much ado about nothing. Now, you must know several important factors that led to this sniffly judgment: 1) It's April 1 and the weather outside is still effin' frightful, so I never got to experience the so-called "best rooftop views in Uptown Mpls". 2) The food I ordered in particular was just OK. 3) The long wait put a damper in my spirits that not even a sweet glass of mojito can lift. You should know that Stella's is a cavernous restaurant with two floors and a rooftop. So, imagine my group's irked reaction when we were told that our 7:30 PM reservation was going to take a little while to set up because, "the party at the table you're supposed to be in has been here since 4 PM." Now, instead of getting annoyed by the previous party, I felt more annoyed with Stella's. How can you run a business where you don't have any leeway or contingencies for people who stay past the "acceptable" time limit (as if there is one...)? I don't know half of the logistics that go into restaurant service, but I at least hoped Stella's has some flexibility for situations like this, as opposed to making us wait for 30 minutes for a reservation we made. The free drinks were just a patch in an otherwise bigger boo boo of an issue. Once we were seated though, our server was very thoughtful and swift, which helped a lot. I decided to get a fish fry because I've never done a fish fry, and my friends tried everything from stuffed tilapia to striped bass. I guess I shouldn't have expected greatness for my fish fry; after all, it's just battered cod and chips. The cod was flaky and is what it is; just put some salt and vinegar and you're good to go. My friends raved about their dishes, which is good. And really I had such a fantastic, hollering time with the gal pals that the woes I had at the beginning of dinner melted away. I just had to rant a li'l bit about the wait, but I will consider coming back here in the summer, and then maybe provide an updated review.
(3)Thao '.
Stella's is a great happy hour place. I love the mussels. It is buttery, savory, seafood goodness. We also get the oysters, which are at a great price. Though it is not the best oysters, it takes care of the cravings for a good price. Nice, clean environment (and bathrooms) that is open for late happy hour. Feels like there are few of those in uptown for us grown ups!
(4)G N.
Despite the great location/venue, I was turned off by the rude staff.
(1)Jessica L.
Ah, the famed rooftop patio! Of course I had to give it a shot! Décor: How come no one mentions this place is like 4 floors?! I was so confused when I went in (And amazed) at how large this place is. Even though there were lots of people, I appreciated that they kept off a dining area, a bar area and a... mingling area, lol. It definitely was a treat to get to explore a restaurant like this. The building itself is REALLY great, so I understand why it's busy. Also, go early to avoid long lines.. Service: It's very well run. Waiters/waitresses are around when you need them and they are not at all imposing, which is perectly befitting to the environment. They werent' annoyed at all when I asked them for directions to the rooftop/bathroom/etc. Food: I went for drinks, but we did get the crabcakes. I'm a little embarrassed to say I think this was maybe my first or second time having a crabcake with actual crab in it (darn you, imitation crabs!!!). While I do enjoy that added touch of real seafood, I found Stella's crabcakes a tad on the salty side and just not that good. And for that, it doesn't get more stars. Overall: A spot to hit up if you haven't yet because the building itself is AMAZING. I need to come back to try the actual food, but the app I had I would steer away from..
(3)Stephanie K.
Pros: Amazing patio, fall of the bone ribs, great french fries. Cons: Staff that's overworked - service is definitely lacking, interior is drab and not very classy considering the prices, food is over-priced and mediocre, happy hour specials just bring food/drink prices down to what they should be, separate reservation system for the patio and if you don't know this when making your patio reservation you will sorely be disappointed and not notified of your error even if you specifically ask for a patio spot.
(3)Angela J.
I had a party here for my sister's bachelorette party, and we had a BLAST. We had four tables inside at the bar area, and they were prepared for us when we arrived. I had ordered off of the happy hour menu (great specials!) and had the food arranged for ahead of time. They were very easy to work with, and they let us bring in our own cake and dessert for the party. Our waitress was phenomenal, giving separate drink tabs to each girl, which was MUCH appreciated... All in all, great night, fun atmosphere, fabulous happy hour! I wish we would have had more time to see the rooftop bar, I've heard it's great, but they didn't take party reservations up there, I think they're busy enough so couldn't spare the reserved table space.
(4)Cindy D.
Best happy hour in uptdown! Fun place to hang out with friends. Make sure to get there early to get a table. Must try!!
(5)Josh W.
I really like Stella's, however as some have mentioned, it can be inconsistent at times. Thus, I usually stick to dishes that they make well. The halibut is my personal favorite and I'm a big fan of the tuna melt for lunch. The outdoor patio rivals only Brit's for best patio in the Twin Cities and their mojitos are some of the best in town. In fact, if you have somebody visiting from out of town during the summer, grabbing a cocktail on the Stella's rooftop overlooking Minneapolis might just be a highlight of their trip.
(4)Kristi C.
Two and a half stars....would have given Stella's the benefit of three stars if service wouldn't have been so slow. On a Sunday night no less and the place was a little more than half full. The food is okay. There wasn't much on the menu that seemed particularly enticing to either me or my dinner mate. On the upside, "Bad Decision" mojito was outstanding with it's lemon/blueberry/acai flavors. The Hot Crab & Spinach Dip was very good, lots of crab flavor. The Roasted Beets over Mixed Greens Salad was a decontructed version, very light on the beets, the greens were lacking in the dressing department. New England Clam Chowder with Bacon was some of the best I've ever tasted. Onto the entree, which we ended up splitting a couple of sushi rolls. The Baked Lobster Roll had a hint of what we thought was BBQ-a unique and good flavor. The Salmon Explosion was tasty as well. They were out of the Apple Bread Pudding, chose the Lemon Meringue Tart (lots lemon-yum) and the Red Velvet Cake, which was a huge slice, with a wonderful cream cheese frosting.
(2)Jason K.
It was a frigid Saturday and my wife and I had a $30 groupon for Stella's. We were looking forward to our Saturday lunch date all week. We entered the establishment and it was cool, bar to the right and tables to the left. Plus there are tables in the balcony and more tables up on the roof for when it is warm outside. We were seated in a booth by the huge lobster tank and we could watch the chefs cook while we waited, it was pretty awesome. I saw a few living cockroaches dropped into the boiling H2O that took their life. They looked plump and red when they came out and they whetted my appetite. There were also a ton of fish and chips lining the patron's tables. Solid looking fried cod and french fries. Our server came by and I ordered the Blackened Catfish Po' Boy and my wife got the crab cakes appetizer and the jalapeno cornbread. I got a Diet Coke, which was refilled by our server multiple times and then it happened... The po boy was HUGE. I subbed the side salad for fries with blue cheese. The salad was small, but the dressing was nice and chunky. It made me happy. The catfish was huge and filled the whole baguette, which was sub sized. They added a pickle to the side. +1. The fish was delicate, yet perfectly spiced, with a beautiful mayo spiced with cajun fun spread on the fluffy, not too crispy baguette. I tried my wife's crab cakes, they were AMAZING. Hardly any filler, if any. There were only two silver dollar sized cakes, but the spices and crab melded perfectly together. Her corn bread came out on a skillet with a big glob of butter on it that my wife scooped off quickly, but the balance between the corn and jalapenos mixed wonderfully. Our waiter was cool and I the refills were fully fun. I loved this place, good atmosphere and good company. 5 Stars.
(5)Ryan Q.
This has turned into one of my favorite spots to go in Uptown. They have 2 for 1's from 9-12 along with some live music on Friday and Saturday night. It can get packed and it's nothing too special but I enjoy still being able to grab a table, enjoy some drinks, and listen to a couple tunes. I have yet to try the food so don't take my word on that one.
(4)Amy R.
I keep hoping to be able to bump this up from my orignal review, but I'm just not able to-- yet. Service was excellent. Our server was magnificent. Very personable, and attentive, but not overly attentive. He knew my party was catching up and didn't mind us sitting for awhile. After he took our orders, he came back to tell us he forgot to place our order which was admirable. We were in no hurry and at least he was honest. The ceasar salad was good, just the right amount of garlic. Raspberry creme brule missed the mark- very dense and the top was too crunchy, but it was complimentary so can't complain. Had reservations for the patio wasn't told they didn't take them for the patio. I wish it would say that on the website prior to making them since that's the reason we chose Stella's in the first place. Whatever.. 3.5 overall.
(3)Mark L.
Not sure what got into me to think that being a scrub on a Monday night with no reservation during Restaurant Week would not be a bad wait. Both rooftop and main dining room was a 45- to 50-minute wait, but that's okay because the bar is only a few steps away! The six of us enjoyed some Fat Tires and Crispin Ciders for a good half-hour while waiting. That's when we noticed that "our table" (presumably this table was being prepared for us next) had been vacant for a good 10 minutes. Without prompting from the waitresses, we just began to sit down. Stella's, I was willing to hand out the golden 5-star rating, but work on your hosting & seating processes, and then we'll have another talk. That being said, I absolutely loved the food. I ordered jumbalaya, which was not only a huge portion, but had the perfect amount of spice and flavor to give it that real authentic taste. I already love seafood so I would've been happy eating the oyster appetizers for dinner. (We also recommend the lobster mac & cheese.) Next, I'm definitely going to try the rooftop experience given that the hostess remembers I walked in the door.
(4)Greg G.
My wife and I went to Stella's for my birthday last nignt. Food and service was fantastic! Blackened swordfish and diver scallops were our entre choices. Calimari as an app. Wonderful clam chowder, and my wife doesn't like clams, she raved about the soup. Our server James Kelly, also a manager, was very attentive, even though he was quite busy. Other servers and staff would clear items off our table as they passed by. We didn't want for a thing. I can't wait to go back. Fresh, well prepared food, made the investment totally worthwhile. Thanks for a great birthday dinner!
(5)Evelyn I.
First time here, not impressed. We've been waiting for over 45 min for our order. Waiter just stopped by our table to say they're working on our order. No bueno!!
(2)Sam O.
We've been here a few times over the years, and always seem to be unimpressed. Last night might be the last. We were able to get a seat on the rooftop without much fuss ( less than 10 min wait). I feel bad as the new building next door obstructs the view of downtown, but it's still a nice scene. Down to why we are here, the food. edamame: funky sauce not very pleasant clam chowder: actually pretty good, but unnecessarily spicy scallops: Just OK. cooked well, but over-seasoned. Could drop one of four scallops, and lower the price. mashed potatoes: pretty good Overall, not bad, but definitely not worth the price. There are too many better places for food just in uptown. Stick with just some drinks on the rooftop.
(2)Anna H.
Love this place to much! I've got to say, we came in for dinner and it looks like the crowd changes as the night goes on. We were sat right away on a Saturday night. The rooftop had a bit of a wait. We were greeted right away by our server and he took great care of us even though it was clearly busy. The cocktails...mmmm! Pricey but so good. I stuck with the dragonfruit mojito and it was amazing. My boyfriend had a margarita that had waaaay too much sweet and sour but he switched his drinks and was happy. We got a crab spinach artichoke dip which was good but not amazing. The sushi roll was a firecracker. So good! There was a backup with sushi so we actually didn't get it until after our meal but it was good so we weren't upset. The dinner was great. My boyfriend had huge, meaty crab legs. I had the tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes. Cooked perfectly. so delicious and a big portion. My mom had the walleye which was also great. We finished with a raspberry creme brulee. We were stuffed but it was SO GOOD. Overall, we really loved the place and cannot wait to go back. Its expensive but the restaurant has a great vibe, loved the food and were taken great care of. Can't wait to return!
(5)Kathleen R.
Decent but not great drink prices but you are clearly paying for a great patio! The Strawberry Mojito was good but not amazing. The IPA was good but they always are. I heard people next to me complaining about the oyster quality and he even spit one out so there is that...It is fine but not great. The patio rox my sox but that is really about it.
(3)SamIams G.
A decent place with a great happy hour. Wide selection of food and drinks and very reasonably during happy hour. Service is really hit and miss depending on who is working, and food is just ok at regular menu price. Better food/deals in Uptown but by no means a bad place.
(3)Rebecca S.
I had a bad experience with oysters and Stella's had reassured me that I'm missing out on them if cooked correctly. I am so addicted to oysters now after sampling what Stella's had to offer. I have 2 dozens of the Malpaque oysters and they are absolutely to die for. I came home after my trip in Minnesota and tried to find Malpaque again and haven't been successful. Oh how I miss Stella's. I wish there have been a location out here with good oysters like Stella's. I also had the surf and turf, absolutely amazing. I also had oysters Rockefeller and they were OK. I think the hollandaise sauce could have been more buttery.
(4)Camille L.
The mojitos are fab, the happy hour specials are great, and the ambiance is nice. 2 for 1's on pretty much everything on tap and house wine during happy hour and they also have good food choices on their happy hour menu. They have a reasonably priced lunch menu but I thought the dinner was over priced for the quality of food they serve. The roof top is a must see when the weather is nice. It probably has one of the best views of downtown Minneapolis. It's very difficult and pretty much impossible to get a decent table though. We got seated at THE WORST table one evening, it was right next to some large and loud radiator and tucked behind something. I will NOT sit there again even though it's the only table; they shouldn't even have a table in that spot! When I asked about the happy hour specials up on the patio, the bartender loudly said, "WE DON'T DO HAPPY HOUR UP HERE EVER! LOOK AT THE VIEW". (okay! Sorry I asked) He redeemed himself by making us good mojitos though. The hostesses on the upstairs patio seemed a bit snooty and high on themselves too. One of these summer days, I will get a nice table upstairs and enjoy a nice lunch and mojito. It's a place you want to make a point to visit at least once in the summertime in Mpls. This place is decked out on Halloween too and has one of the best Halloween parties ever! Lots of creative costumes come to this place. It was packed and the music was good!
(4)Kimberly C.
THE RED VELVET CAKE IS NOT THE SAME! :-( I was really disappointed as that cake has been the highlight of many of my past visits; it was among the best that I've ever had. Now, the color is burgundy, the taste too chocolatey, the tanginess is missing, the cream cheese frosting is excessively sweet and has only a tiny hint of cream cheese. I can no longer vouch for it. I'm determined to help them find a quality more like the previous one. Even if I have to make it myself. On a good note, I enjoyed the food. The surf and turf was good. Initially the portions looked small, but it turned out to be just right. A downside was that I ordered a medium steak, but it came out med-well. Oh well,...they're a seafood joint! It was still good, and so were the scallops, mashed potatoes (one of hte best I've had), and the asparagus with hollindase, which made eating veggies....FUN! My group had ordered mussels, which I typically don't like due to it's sliminess. However, after giving in and trying one, it was okay. It came in a rich creamy sauce which was so good that I used it on my scallops.
(3)Julie D.
Perfect rooftop experience with a wonderful piece of salmon. I never expected to share one of my favorite places with my family. Truly unforgettable.
(4)Mike C.
The food here is pretty good, but I really don't like how there is a difference in happy hour prices based your seating location, they charge more for food if you are seated on the roof top versus seated inside. The food prices here are insane and the low star count reflects this. 3 stars was granted not at all based on quality, but value. For the prices they demand I want more or much much better!
(3)elisa c.
Lovely place for an summer afternoon. The whole family was in town to celebrate the summer birthdays, and we decided on Stella's, thinking there would be a range of options for even the pickiest eaters in group. Stella's did not disappoint - even my very Minnesotan grandparents who think ketchup is a spice found their crabby patties to be delicious. We had a range of appetizers for the table, and while everything came out tasty the real standout was the spinach and spicy crab dip - I could have eaten that entire plate myself. My sister ended up ordering the stuffed talapia, and I I think I had half of her meal because it was too yummy to ignore. While the food was overall good, it was a bit up there in price, but what made Stella's so amazing was the great service. Bother throughout the meal with a large group and then after we were finished, we asked the hostess where there may be a nice spot for a family photo since this was the first time in two years we were all together, she immediately offered to open up the skydeck area for us, which was closed at this time. She took us up there, and took far too many pictures for us, and then let us relax up there in the sun - and this was all after our meal and we had already paid the bill - she was amazing! The skydeck had some great views of Minneapolis and was all around beautiful. Thanks again!
(4)Laura E.
I ate here in December and was pretty disappointed, especially considering all the good things I had heard about this place. I got a strong impression that the place was good but then maybe went a little too far with budget cuts or something. This place was expensive but has food that I'd expect to get at Red Lobster or some mediocre suburban seafood chain restaurant. The swordfish was super bland and the sauce that came with it tasted like some weird margarine chemical sauce. The vegetables I got were frozen in some places. Someone I was with got a salad and their balsamic vinaigrette had solidified -- wtf. So yeah, I wasn't impressed...
(1)Marijane T.
5 stars for service cause our group was huge n we kept switching seats and she still got us the right food, I don't remember the food cause the alcohol clouds my vision, but it must of been good cause it stayed down even with all the alcohol. Oh yeah awesome happy hour, place is packed for a reason.
(5)kyle t.
Very good food and one of the best roof tops around. OK I have sampled a very small set of items from the menu but from what I have had I have really liked. The last visit was muscles in a cream sauce and they rocked. Service was very good and the view can't be beat, either people watching or skyline. Only beef is they don't do happy hour on the rooftop, you have to sit inside. 90 degree day I don't think I'll pass up the sun for a cheap tap beer. Thumb way up for another great Parasolle place. Kt
(4)Pang Houa T.
My husband and I enjoyed happy hour here several years ago, and have always wanted to return for dinner, which turned out to be a less pleasant experience. First of all, we were seated by the spiral stairs. Our table was eye level with people's feet, which proved to be distracting, so we asked to be moved to a booth, which was not a problem. I did not like the industrial lighting at the booth, though, it was too bright. On to the food... Since it was a Thursday, and Stella's was promoting their crab feast, I decided to order the crab cake to start. It was just okay. It came out not very hot and looking a little lopsided. It wasn't bad, just not great. For my entree, I had the blackened swordfish, which was good. The spinach side was too garlick-y and the mashed potatoes were just okay. My husband ordered the mahi mahi, and it was completely undercooked, yuck. While they were re-heating his fish, he was given a free cup clam chowder, which again, was just okay. A little overwhelmed by bacon. The re-heating took a while. By the way, is it normal for restaurants to just re-heat food if it was undercooked? We thought it wouldn't be sanitary and that it was taking so long because they were cooking him a new piece of fish...we were wrong. For entrees that are priced over $25, we expected better quality. I would give the happy hour another try, but will be eating dinner elsewhere.
(2)Drew W.
Recently purchased a Groupon for Stella's Lobster Bake: $85 for dinner for two. ( A claimed $166 value) I will tell you upfront it maybe worth the $85 you pay for the groupon but it is no where near the quoted $166 supposed value. Just saying.....you each get a small salad and some bread, and ONE lobsterbake to share. It is like the crabbake at joes crab shake, but only one....and one dessert to share...it is not on their regular menu so they can say its value is whatever they want. The kicker is you get taxed at the full value at the end.....is better to just stick with the basic groupons $10 for $20 worth of food...etc....buyer beware.
(3)Joanna C.
The rooftop here is amazing. The service has always been good in my experience, however, I've generally found the food only mediocre. Stick to traditional seafood fare and away from Sushi. Not their specialty by any means.
(3)Rhonda G.
Cool relaxed little place but the food missed the mark on a few things. Crab bisque was too sweet, crab cakes were too salty. A happy medium would bump this place up a star or two. Staff was very nice and efficient which I always appreciate but some of the menu items need a bit more attention. I noticed a crab leg special that starts at 4pm so that could be a crowd pleaser if you're into that kind of thing.
(3)Kristi T.
Showed off this place to my fiancé! We love the happy hour Mussels. Great upstairs patio too. I'm sad the view is gone but still a great place to relax.
(5)Lila C.
Stella's is alright, depending on when you go and what you're looking to get out of it. Roof top patio: A! I've gotten drinks and happy hour specials after the patio was cleared of some of it's crazy uptown crowd around 11 on a week night. It was refreshing to take in the scenery without being packed in like sardines. Sitting down to eat: C. Another time I went out with a group for a friend's birthday. The waitress was nice and let us wait to order after it passed 10 PM so we could take advantage of happy hour. Some items are worth the $5: the sliders, cheese curds, dip, etc. Please avoid getting the $5 half rolls of sushi, you will be greatly disappointed. It's only five thin pieces of sushi and has the quality you could get from prepackaged sushi at a grocery store. The waitress was great in splitting the groups' bill but she did disappear for a good half hour so my group could not leave as the very drunken crowd surrounded our table to listen to the live music on the second floor. Stella's is more of an experience place, it's one of Uptown's hottest spots for hip young adults.
(3)Whitney F.
Pleasantly surprised by stellas the other night. What I usually think of as that bar i used to be a regular at a few years ago, loving the young professional scene almost as much as the 10-12 2-4-1s... I havent been back nearly as often. I came here on a Friday night after a downtown happy hour, hoping to find a fish option (other than fish and chips for once) for a late night dinner. The boy and I came at the awkward hour to cap off an early happy hour and enjoy a late night bit, just before the "going out" crowd came in. Super happy about our meal and the people watching was amazing! He ordered the blackened swordfish and I had the scallops with the lemon sauce. He passed on the hollandaise and used mine. The sides were just a-okay... but when looking for a fresh fish option, with fun drinks and a young yet somewhat classy atmosphere.If I hadn't had a few cocktails under me, the new sushi menu looks amazing! Can't wait to try the new lobster roll!
(3)Frank L.
This is my favorite place in Uptown. It gets a little crowded, especially on the rooftop in the summer, so definitely make a reservation. Phenomenal shrimp scampi, and you can't go wrong with the fresh catch options. I never thought I could be full from just four scallops and some asparagus, but I was wrong. Get the pomegranate lemonade (get it "grown up" if you're 21+). Great for big groups, dates, or rowdy drinks with friends.
(5)Kc K.
Don't get me wrong. I like Stella's. For drinks. And I've generally accepted that its hard to get a table on the roof, but still worthwhile to try. That all said, Stella's has been a disappointment on the food front. Both for dinner (the dishes were very average, and rather overpriced), and for the appetizer/happy hour type orders. Each time I've tried to order food, or came for dinner, I have been surprised by how overpriced-ordinary the food has been. No more dinners.
(2)Sara W.
I have been to Stella's now twice and overall it's okay in my opinion. Their rooftop, as many others seem to be in accordance, is wonderful! However, it is quite small, so be prepared to wait anytime you go. I went with my fave Norwegian and his parents around 2pm on a Saturday, and it was a rockin. I really think they enjoyed the view of the city, and it was a wonderful day for a little rooftop sun bathing time, so it worked out quite nicely. My swanky Norwegians ordered a couple bottles of vino, the calamari, and a handful of other appetizers. Overall, everything was okay, just nothing special. This said, I still had a fabulous time, our server was excellent, consistently checking in, and refilling drinks even in the mist of the craziness of the rooftop. The other time I have gone on a Saturday evening for a late night snack/drink, and I would rate this even lower in my book. Given, it was extremely busy, picture a Passion Pit concert of moshers at First Ave, all attempting to score a table, and push themselves to the bar. All in all, their patio is a A, and I really would like to go back for happy hour one of these days, as I really do love me a good rooftop/view of Minneapolis.
(3)Candace V.
Meh food. Expensive food. Love me some Uptown & adore seafood, but Stella does not impress.
(3)Sonja D.
I came here for a birthday dinner, having never been here before, without expectations. I've heard good things though. I didn't see any parking, so I parked across the street in a lot and asked the dude how much. I can't remember what he told me, and when I said "really?" he said "where are you going?" I said, "Stella's across the street", he says, "oh then it's only $5". I'm not sure if he was just being nice (there wasn't a sign with prices), but i appreciated the gesture nonetheless. However, that has nothing to do with Stella's, i don't think. We had a table reserved, but it was a Wednesday evening and it didn't seem that packed. The service was great! Our hostess, waitress, and person who brought food were all really friendly and helpful. We each had something different and it came out in a short amount of time and she had everyone's order correct. I did think it was strange that they had paper menus, though. A place like this, serving expensive seafood should probably invest in some nice laminated/covered menus. I don't think Chef Ramsey would be very happy with the paper choice. I was a little surprised at the prices, but not terribly, so I decided to order something that sounded amazing. I ordered the Stuffed Tilapia- stuffed with shrimp, crawfish, and brie cheese, served with garlic mashed potatoes, mixed greens topped with a lemon basil buerre blanc. I was expecting a taste explosion in my mouth, but I wasn't, unfortunately, that thrilled. The fish was done well, but it was sort of bland. I didn't get flavors from the stuffed part. The garlic mashed were also bland. Homemade, which is expected and appreciated, but not very flavorful. The mixed greens were actually the best part. The lemon basil buerre blanc (I have no idea what that means) was really really great. I would like a bottle of it, and it actually would've tasted great drizzled over the fish. Our waitress was nice and separated all the checks the way we wanted (some of us were in pairs), and I had no problem leaving a 20% tip for her. However, I wasn't too impressed with anything else, and probably would only come back to enjoy the patio upstairs at some point. I feel like that is a must for a Minneapolis resident, and I just haven't done it yet.
(3)Amy Z.
2 stars; someone made an effort in creating an atmosphere and they do get 2 stars for effort. They do not earn the remaining 3 stars because the atmosphere reminds me too much of TGIF's or Joe's Crab Shack. Was hoping for something a little more stylish... 2 stars; I asked our server to help us choose between calamari or crab cakes for a starter. She suggested the calamari. It was bad. Not like it made us sick but there was too much salt and grease involved. I can only imagine what the crab cakes are like if she recommended the calamari over the cakes. The BBQ ribs were okay. Not great but they were fine. Sushi was okay. Drinks were fine. We thought we would try something new instead of the usual Uptown Cafeteria or Chino Latino dinner. At least now we know!
(2)Samantha N.
I've been to Stella's a few times and I feel comfortable enough to say I've got a pretty good idea on how I feel towards it. The first time I went there, my brother and sister in law took me out for a late 21st birthday. We went around 5pm in time for happy hour. There were a few people in the room, but not enough to seem like it was busy. The happy hour menu is good; 2 for 1 drinks and yummy food selections. If you're a huge fan of seafood like I am then you'd love their happy hour menu. There are sushi rolls, oysters, shrimp buckets, crab dip, tacos, clams, jalapeno poppers and much more. Around 8pm more people arrived. It got much noisier and packed towards the night. Around 9pm, a gentlemen came and played live music right by us. He definitely set the right mood for everyone. We left shortly afterwards because it was getting really packed and loud. My brother and I were practically yelling to hear each other! I guess for my first experience I thought the food was great and the atmosphere is fun. However, I'm not too sure if it's good for a family sit down or if you're looking for a "chill" bar. The second time I went on a Friday night. I took my girlfriends there for a girls night out. We asked for the rooftop and had to wait about twenty minutes to get a table. I almost changed my mind, but I really wanted to get the beautiful view of uptown. Of course, we got the corner table with the greatest view. I think the girls enjoyed it as much as I did. We got a few drinks and food, but as college students, it might have been a little over priced for us. We all expected it, anyway! Once the sun started to set, the rooftop attracted more people--mainly men of all ages. We disappeared quickly after and went to another bar that was more suitable. We still had lots of fun over dinner and drinks, but I don't think any of us wanted to stay that long once we realized everyone was all about drinking on the rooftop! Other than the extreme mood switch between day and night, I still love the place. It also helps that I'm a seafood lover. I still go there Fridays just for their happy hour. I always get their oysters, shrimp, and jalapeno poppers accompanied by a nice-cold beer. Nothing is more refreshing! Perhaps, I'll give it another shot at the night scene. But for now, I'll stick to the happy hour (my happy place).
(4)Don C.
TERRIBLE service, need I say more? Drinks were sloppy, bartenders were rude, and prices were outrageous. Granted, this is uptown, so a snooty attitude and overpriced drinks is to be expected to a certain degree, but this is a new Low. The only thing that can save this place is the rooftop bar on a sunnyday, but it's October, and we have a looong way to go till spring.
(1)Lucy K.
So i was in town for a short time, and my friends took me to Stella's. I couldnt be happier. I love seafood and this is definitely a great place for it. The restaurant is huge. Two floors with an open kitchen. Apparently there is a third floor also but when its freezing in the winter, no one is going to see that part of the restaurant. Waitstaff was really friendly. A couple of the items we wanted to order werent available that day so that sucked. THeir cocktails - delish! Their food...amazing! Fresh, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to perfection. We started off with some oysters and calamari. The oysters were fresh, juicy and plump. The calamary was tasty with a great dipping sauce. For dinner I had the hawaiin ahi tuna with a Lemon Basil Buerre Blanc sauce. The tuna was cooked perfectly (medium rare) and the sauce was PHENOMENAL! The mashed potatoes were so tasty. Simply delicious! My friend had the alaskin king crab. They cleaned at the table for her and it was sweet and succulent! I seriously was thinking of this restaurant the following day because it was so damn good!
(5)Lina H.
the roof opened for the first time after winter and it was super duper jammed packed at 10:00pm on an April Saturday night. I stood in a line that i thought was moving pretty quick while the girls in front of me kept complaining how horribly long it was- probably cause their 5 inch heels were killing the crap out of their feet. hah! when i got inside i had to dodge people just to get to the bar on the first floor. after minutes of trying to get served, i decided to go up the elevator to another floor hoping that I'd be successful in ordering a drink. Andrew and i ended up on the roof top where there was a good amount of (drunk) people. he made his way to the bartender and ordered me a patron and pineapple while he got a jack and coke. the guy next to him ordered 4 shots and tipped the bartender a "dollar" now for a second there i was like holly crap what a cheap ass.. but the dude on the other side of Andrew ordered and left 50 cents.. is this how people tip in Minnesota!? our bill came out to be 9 bucks! for two premium cocktails!! that's a deal!! you can't get that in Hollywood... we tipped the bartender 2 bucks. he said thank you =) the place has like 4 floors... gi-normous and it was packed on every floor. there is a stair case in the middle with a high roof. i didn't get a chance to order any food but from the looks of others they appear to be enjoying their plates.
(4)Emily T.
This is a fun place to go for a fancy night out but we were a little bit disappointed in the bang for our buck. We paid about $32 dollars for a scallop entree which came out with under cooked potatoes as a side and maybe three scallops. It was tasty, but definitely something we could have made at home with 3x more portion sizes for the same amount of money. The service was also a bit slow but the place is always packed so this should be expected. Excellent dirty martini from the bar though, they do know how to make a nice drink here.
(3)Finn K.
Sorry but in this case I'm going to be bitterly honest because I wish I had been properly warned. I should start though by saying the balcony is nice in a trendy Uptown-wanabe sort of way...BUT, the service was sluggish, the dining area downstairs was swarming with flies and the live, or rather half dead, Lobster and greasy out-of-a-box "homemade" crabcakes were god-awful. Unless your planning to drink yourself into a semi-comatose blackout before actually tasting the food I would avoid this place. Infact, I wouldn't wish this food on my worst enemy. In fact, I'm shocked that Stella's is creeping up on 4 stars right now...that is totally sad Uptowners. So if your reading this and are wondering "well maybe I should just try it for myself" or "it can't be that bad" well..consider yourself warned.
(1)Sarah T.
The rooftop view is incredible, but the service can be very uneven--especially around lunchtime. I would recommend coming here in the evenings, but be prepared for crowds and a little bit more expensive bill.
(2)J P.
Food is generally good with arguably the best clam chowder I've had. Diver scallops were excellent although the sauce was horribly salty. I will not return on account of abysmal service. Food took 45 minutes and the server didn't even pretend to pay attention to our table. It was also a good 25 minutes before my mojito came, where it was watered down beyond belief. Would have been brilliant if we weren't trapped at our table for over 100 minutes on a Sunday evening.
(2)Emily A.
One star for the roof. One star for happy hour. Go somewhere else to eat. Their menu is limited and totally overpriced. For a fish place you'd think they'd have at least a couple of good dinner salads with shrimp or crab cakes or something. Not the case. The entire menu was altogether unappetizing. I settled on the shrimp linguine ($18) which was drowning in butter. My date got grilled salmon, I've had much much better and for $30 I felt assaulted.
(2)Autumn Y.
Stella's is the typical cult like experience in Minneapolis, I feel. Upon moving here, everyone suggested, "stella's for happy hour, dinner, late night!" Overall, I can't say it's one of my favorite places. Sure, I get the craving for all you can eat fish sticks Fridays, and I'm a sucker for the rooftop, but the late night lines, the lack of bar specials on the roof and some of the overpriced apps are undesirable. Edit: I forgot to mention my love for the curry chicken wings. Not actually called that, but they smell like curry, and are mighty delicious. I enjoyed them with a friend during my first visit to Stella's. (thank you for the reminder, Erice),
(3)Andrew B.
I don't understand how this place has so many positive reviews. The place smells strongly of fish (in a bad way) and is bro central. Enough said.
(1)Lisa M.
Holy Cornbread! Disclaimer - I don't eat seafood, but everyone else in my party does. We went here on a recent Saturday night for a friends birthday. We made reservations and were seated in Jo Jo's section - she had served our friends before and now I see why they asked for her. I started with a white wine flight. 3 glasses for $12 - they were full glasses too! Good deal if you ask me. She recommended some appetizers of mussels and tuna dip. According to the group they were excellent. I ordered the corn bread and a friend ordered the walleye fingers as well. Now, if given the opportunity, I would have eaten the cornbread for dinner, but I had to be reasonable. The taste and texture were perfect and it had a bite at the end. Mmmmmmm! I ordered the cat fish and fried green tomatoes for dinner. The portion of cat fish was gigantic and really good! My dining companion had the arctic char and loved it as well. On to dessert - we shared the mini donuts and I can't believe more places don't have them for dessert. The service was excellent! She gave our friend a t-shirt as a birthday souvenier. The manager gave us a tour and I think Stella's would be great place to have a nice party. A perfect meal for me - wine, cornbread, cat fish and mini donuts with good friends - who could ask for more?
(4)Maija M.
We went with the Groupon - half price on the lobster bake for two. We arrived at 6:48 for a 7pm reservation. Upon checking in, the bored looking hostess told us to check back in 10 minutes, as they were still trying to seat their 6:45 guests. We took a seat at the bar, and went back up. Some guy - a manager? - who had been confering with the hostess told us they still weren't ready and to come back up at 7. (No apologies, just attitude.) My phone said it was 6:59. Also, there were empty tables. We were finally seated about 10 mins later. Our meal came with a salad - the dressing I ordered, lemon vinaigrette, was awesome! It was more mustard than lemon to me, but totally delish. There was definitely not 2 full lobsters in our lobster bake, but it was good enough - the potatoes in the broth were barely edible & very hard. The chocolate cake at the end was good, but nothing I'd go out of my way for. I enjoyed the raspberry lemonade too, there was pureed fruit in it. Our waiter was extremely bored, like the waitress, and didn't check in at all during our main course to see how we were doing. Refills seemed like a pain to him & weren't easy to come by. I am very glad we didn't pay full price for the meal. Probably wouldn't go back again, although I am not completely opposed to the idea.
(3)Nick M.
We went on a Saturday night.....now that I'm on the other side of 30 I should probably go back during the week. The food wasn't too bad, drinks were solid, but trying to go to the roof is an adventure. One thing I will say, the staff was great. Taking into account how busy the place was, I was almost shocked at how great our waitress was.
(3)Stephanie O.
I've been hearing great things about Stella's for ages. I tried to go once for a friend's going-away-party but the line was out the door and around the block so I decided to try going another time. The time came this past Friday when my boyfriend and I decided to get some cheap oysters and happy hour drinks after work. We work in St. Paul so getting to Uptown, parking, and scoring a table at Stella's by 6pm was a challenge - but, after the hostess downstairs said the wait might be shorter on the patio, we were able to grab drinks at the bar while we waited for our table. We didn't know how much drinks *normally* cost anyway, so when our rail drinks came to $12 we thought "good thing they're 2-for-1s because that's an expensive drink!". Then, once we'd been seated at a high-top table and still had a few minutes left for happy hour, we ordered a dozen oysters. Their website says Friday is Oyster Orgy during Happy Hour - meaning $0.69 oysters. On there website's happy hour menu, there is absolutely NO mention of happy hour being indoors only (though if I'd checked Yelp first, I would've known and either stayed inside or avoided the place altogether!). We also got the sushi grade ahi tuna dip because I'm big on guacamole and tuna - and we were willing to pay the full cost just to try this item. After a couple more drinks and some bland food (Yes, BLAND. Bland oysters that were poorly shucked and thus loaded with crunchy bits of shell flaking off, bland tuna and guac, weak drinks) our extremely slow server dropped off our check...$25 for the oysters, plus non-discounted drinks...we were ticked. So, we paid our $80 bill (while waving goodbye to any other plans our weekend may have otherwise included) and went downstairs to talk to a manager. The manager made some excuses like, for example, that someone outside of the restaurant runs the website and obviously they are just not doing a good job keeping it up to date. She then tried to blame us for not asking if happy hour was included on the patio (though this seems like a sketchy policy to begin with, and certainly does not seem like the kind of policy one would think to ask about). Finally, she claimed she couldn't do anything (yeah, right...) and gave us her boss's card telling us he'd be in after noon the following day. Several phone calls and voicemails have been made but no word yet. In the mean time, I've made a point to tell all of my friends and family who have in the past recommended Stella's and none of us have any intention of giving that company another dime anytime soon. I'd just like to say that I'm not one to complain about restaurants or businesses in general. I don't eat dairy products (I get sick, I'm not just finicky) so I have had my share of dishes come out covered in cheese after requesting otherwise, and I do not fault the restaurantsfor this - after all, I am asking them to change something on their menu and I hate having to do that as it is! I have also been to MANY places with ridiculously long waits, horrible service, etc etc...but I always tip well, I always smile and am understanding, and I try to give the place a second chance and hope that it was just a fluke. However, Stella's manager would not even apologize (again, tried to deflect the blame) and so many things went wrong that I needed to do something about it. Here's my recommendation: Go somewhere else. Personally, I'm going to try Sea Salt. I hear their seafood is better anyway :)
(1)Bill P.
Great food in a casual atmosphere. Black grouper was excellent which surprised me this far from the ocean. We also tried jambalaya which I also enjoyed, just the right amount of spice. Old building with that warehouse atmosphere. It was too cold to check out the roof patio.
(4)Andrew H.
Frequenting Stella's for a few years now, my wife and I always have a great time, whether it's just the two of us for a dinner date or we're meeting friends. Any time I see a Stella's groupon, I snatch it - no questions asked - especially if it's for the lobster bake dinner for two! Their menu boasts fresh seafood arriving daily, with certain offerings one may not commonly find in our dear northern state of Minnesota. I've never been dissatisfied with the quality of fresh oysters or sushi while dining at Stella's, and I order one or the other nearly every time we're dining. However, I do occasionally bear witness to "seafood snobs" anticipating waves crashing on the beach just outside as they dine on sushi so fresh it's still twitching. I have tempered my expectations (only slightly) with Stella's, and I believe they do a great job presenting a quality menu. When I glance out the window during dinner, I expect to see Lake Street, not the pacific. Weeknights are a great opportunity to sneak in for a meal and drinks if you want to avoid the weekend scene - though it can be fun as well. Yes, Stella's gets rather packed as the weekend evenings roll on - and yes, it's typically a younger crowd. Sunday Fundays can absolutely be heightened by visiting Stella's for a little daytime happy hour, particularly if you want lunch. I always like easy Sunday's with peel and eat shrimp, oysters, and checking out what the taco of the day is. Nonetheless, I must reiterate my endorsement of the lobster bake for two. Served in the stockpot, it opens to reveal two sectioned lobsters, mussels, shrimp, and sausage all cooked in a delicious cioppino. It's a knockout. Combine that with a window table at street level, and you'll enjoy a great meal with some entertaining people watching! Summer months are great for the rooftop, but any section of Stella's - at any time will offer a positive experience in my humble opinion.
(4)Prescilla X.
One star is strictly dedicated to the roof top lounge. This place was definitely not appealing on the inside with the decor and the wood looked old. The ambiance plays a huge factor in the restaurant biz! The food was sub-par. We had the spicy edemome which was oily, runny, and had to much soy sauce. Than had the clam chowder which was actually pretty delicious because it had the perfect amount of meat and vegetables, no less. Our main courses were fish dishes that we were able to build ourselves but the sauces were flavorless and blah!! Granted the fishes by themselves were good! Than the most disappointing thing on the menu was the desserts! We already started off with two things on the dessert menu gone and it was only 7pm! Than proceeded to order a dessert, only to find out that they had "sold out" of that one too! So finally, ended up with the berries which weren't fresh, had runny whip cream, and CHAMBORD! Dont get me wrong, I love my alcohol but MAYBE JUST MAYBE they should've added that on the menu stating that there is alcohol addded. If you go to Stella's Fish Cafe, head straight to the roof top.
(2)Annie D.
Oh, Stella's. I have never been here to eat dinner, but I've been for drinks a few times, mostly when I was younger. The other night, I was coerced into it by a friend. It had been about two years since my last trip to Stella's and things have not changed. I enjoy 2-4-1 drinks on Friday nights and so does everyone else, judging from how packed it was in here. The bartender that we had that night was excellent---totally got to us with a quickness and smile even though he was probably dealing with drunk people all night. It's a meat market (fish market?) for 20 somethings. As a woman, you can feel the eyes of the male race on your butt. The whole thing makes me feel both old and judgmental of our generation's courtship rituals. "Wanna take a shot with us?" should not be a pick-up line. Anyway, being that I've already got a mighty good man, I was trying to be a spectator in these strange interactions. Upstairs, they had live music that wasn't half-bad except that people were grinding on the "dance floor" to covers of Jason Mraz. It was pretty funny to watch, actually. If not for the crowd, I might come here more often because of those 2-4-1s... plus the rooftop knocks the socks off in the summer. It really does.
(3)Tracy W.
Homemade potato chips, Fish tacos, Crawdad Jambalaya, Roof seating, need I say more? Okay, I will. Everything here is yum yum yum yum yum delicioso.
(4)New D.
Ordered the champagne mussels, and the sesame crusted tuna. Champagne mussels were great, as are most of their appetizers. The sesame crusted tuna was awefull. There was no flavor to it, no salt, only flavor was the little bit of the spicy mayo sauce from their sushi. Daichon and carrot relish, were not pickled enough and flavorless. For $28 dollars for the dish, I expected more. Food took 45 minutes to come, waitress was unattentive, I ordered coffee, the waitress forgot to bring cream or sugar, no spoon? really?
(2)Ellen R.
Dear Stella, you made me give you three stars when I really wanted to give you four. I am a huge advocate of Stella's happy hour. You can't beat 2-4-1 drinks, $5.25 appetizers, and enough seafood to make your head spin. However, the past couple times I dined at Stella's it was a little rough. I left feeling annoyed and dissapointed. Service is slow because they're understaffed and extremely busy. It feels like the presence of a floor manager and additional kitchen staff could really help whip things into shape. The food is quite tasty, and I have yet to get my hands on a full lunch or dinner. My favorite happy hour indulgences include: peel n' eat shrimp, champagne mussels, raw oysters, and fried calamari (when it's hot). Be prepared to wait inexplicably long for you food with little attention from your server. Weekday evenings and weekend nights are always busy, so take heed!
(3)Amber V.
Stella's is always amazing. I ordered the Sunday lobster special, it was perfect-the right texture and great flavor, just warm so it wasn't overcooked. My boyfriend ordered the jumbalaya for the second time in a row, it was amazing. Our server was excellent, came back at all the right times and had excellent recommendations. After an excellent tip, we even received a free slice of pink Cadillac cake-delicious!
(5)Rob G.
Here's the thing about Stella's: If you want a nice place for a happy hour cocktail and a few laughs with friends with a stellar view, go to the rooftop, order a drink, and marvel at your glorious decision to go to Stella's for a night of stupid but fun activities. On the other hand, if you go to Stella's for dinner, you have made a grave error with the use of your precious dollars. I've been to Stella's many times over the years to just hang out upstairs with friends and basically have never been disappointed. It gets crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, but that's a plus if you're looking for a chill-out night of people watching and conversation. I tried going for dinner recently and was so severely disappointed that I have to consider suggesting to Stella's that they consider stop punishing people with their crummy "seafood" and just turn the whole place into a bar. The food is gross. We ordered oysters and they tasted like they'd been sitting out for about three hours in the sun. Fishy, stinky, nasty oysters. I want my money back. I ordered the battered walleye for dinner and reveled in my deep fried dough with a thin wisp of fish in the middle. Thanks friends. Oh, and the lump of mashed poo-tatoes that was strategically placed directly under the fish so that they could fit all the culinary delights on the fist-sized plate was a real treasure too. Final score: Happy hour: 23 points Dinner: 0 points (Gross)
(1)Stephanie R.
I have been a little MIA lately as life has been way busy! But, yesterday I had the chance to finally get out and try Stella's for the first time and WOW! I had the coconut shrimp and diver scallops and I was seriously impressed. Being born and raised in Boston I have eaten a descent about of sea food. This meal seriously can hang with some of the big dogs on the East Coast. Even my Father in Law, a former Massachusetts fisherman did not have one complaint and couldn't stop raving about his meal! I will say it was very pricey, but man the food was fresh and well worth it! This place is a must try and I will definitely be back!
(5)M S.
I think stella's food has gone down in quality. I used to love stella's for a reliably delicious fresh fish dining experience, but of late, the fish dishes have had a raunchier scent, and left me feeling less than great. The mixed drink i ordered was very sweet and had no discernable alcohol. Time before my latest visit, my daughter was served old chocolate milk. she was rejecting it, and when i sipped it, it was totally off. Turned out to have been past date. that shouldn't happen. i also consistantly recieve slimy greens in my salad, and the sushi we were served was pretty far sub par, even for a non sushi focussed restaurant. The parm crusted walleye was all right. We're disappointed, after several icky meals at Stella's lately, and it used to be a favorite. I hope it turns itself back around.
(2)Ngoc N.
Stellas isn't what it used to be! I remember last summer when my group of friends and I would end up at Stellas at least once a week. We always had good service, good food, and a good time. We were there to a point where we noticed when prices changed or when they changed their happy hour menu. At that time, we realized the change before our waiter ever did. The rooftop is still a nice place to be on a warm summer evening with it's awesome view. Now that winter has come, there's not much left for it to offer. I was never that impressed by the food off their menu, it's good, but not that great. I can pay for the same food at other places. Service is hit or miss. We've had really nice servers, but we've also had ones that seem like they were annoyed with us. There's been a lot of experiences recently where we have to work really hard to flag down staff to get stuff. I like the place for happy hour though, I probably wouldn't come for anything else. Friday's Oyster Orgy is pretty good. Good price for the oysters! Too bad they raised it up to $0.59 or $0.69, depending on where you check or who you talk to. I do miss the days when it was just $0.50. I'm surprised they raised the prices when most other places are lowering theirs. Can't complain too much though when it's super cheap. Speaking of oysters - always make sure what you're eating is fresh. If it tastes bad, don't eat it. We had a few experiences last year where our oysters tasted really "fishy" and they were oozing white stuff. Pretty nasty. It took a few tries to convince the staff that it was bad. We only noticed because we came on a regular basis there...I'm sure other patrons who don't eat oysters frequently would not notice. Be careful!
(3)Colleen H.
This was one of THOSE restaurants that I could not wait to try.... I will take a moment to acknowledge the AMAZING CORN BREAD... but other than that... food was very mediocre... i was relieved that I had a coupon to help pay for the meal... given the quality, I would not typically pay those prices.. sorry Stella - you made me BLUE ~
(2)Dana T.
I love the size of Stella's... So many different seating options. Its great place to go if your not looking to sit still! 4 different levels... It's also wheelchair accessible. But even though this bar/restaurant seems huge, this place is always jam packed. I feel like a smashed up sardine in a can! Everyone one is there to hit up the 2fers... I mean, everyone! Maybe this the spot is where all the pre-gaming begins in Uptown. Last time I went here I ordered the Crab and artichoke dip... Oh, my, gosh. LOVED IT! I will be ordering it the next time I go, this I already know. But the main attraction is the drinks of course... They make a mean mojito. Loves them! Service here is... Ehhhh... errrrr.... ehhh... Not a whole lot to say about it. Of course I will visit here again, it's in the heart of Uptown.
(4)Joe N.
Went 12/21/12 with friends. Overall, only OK experience. Dragon roll app very nice, Cajun bull bites also nice. Blackened mahi mahi only so-so and scallops were undercooked. Other 6 entrees were fine (salmon on a plank, fried walleye), but you could do just as we'll at Red Lobster. Sad because Stella's was once a favorite for fun dining and great seafood.
(2)Jim C.
Went last night. No problem getting a table on short notice--perhaps because of Memorial Day weekend. Service was good. Wife had Salad Nicoise, which was really good. I had the waitron- recommended Copper River salmon w/ creole sauce and grilled asparagus. Despite the intriguing sauce name, the dish was bland and portion size was on the smallish side for $27 (I was still hungry when I left--requiring a trip to a nearby peanut bar). My wife ordered the sangria, which was overly sweet and about 60% ice--stay away from it. I had a beer and was given the option of super-sizing from a pint to a "goblet" of beer for an extra $1. While unsure how many ounces are in a goblet, it's definitely worth it in terms of presentation value alone--the late afternoon light shone through it making it look like the Holy Grail.
(3)Kimberly T.
First things first: never come here without a coupon! I see them in every Uptown/Downtown quarterly & get postcards from them all the time. Food has always been great. I love the coconut shrimp & the lobster roll. Service has always been good when I've dined. I prefer to come here for dinner rather than 2-4-1's on a Saturday!
(4)Don S.
Had a Groupon and took the wife out for her birthday. We had the Lobster Bake, and was it goooood!. I liked the bread, very flavorful and able to absorb the juices in the bottom of the pot. The sausage in the bake was spicy and added great flavor to the stock. The Zinfandel went well with the bake. We had fun with the waitress, and she was good to us. Hour and a half after sitting down, we rolled out, full, satisfied and with a bit of food to take home and a new t-shirt too. My wife said it was one of her best birthday dinners. It is a little noisy for an older guy like me, and of course parking isn't ideal, but some of that you expect for the location. But we liked it enough that we will return. Sometime soon we will go back for the Sunday Lobster dinner.
(4)Jada M.
The only reason I gave this place 2 stars was for the rooftop patio, the only thing this place is good for is a great location with a gorgeous view. The food is absolutely terrible so please pass on it. Their seafood (which they specialize in) is terrible!!! Seriously terrible. Choose Uptown Cafeteria over this place they have a great view much better food and service!
(2)Diana G.
There's nowhere I'd rather be than Stella's on a Saturday night! I like to start with some sushi, grab some 2-4-1's, and eventually head to the rooftop deck. Love the atmosphere inside or out, even the dudes that play cover songs on the second floor.
(4)Anna J.
This is one of those places that the atmopshere is WAY better than the food...or service. Not to complain too much...we had the best seat in the house...literally. My buddy got a corner table on the way upper deck. we got to sip drinks and watch the sun set. it was trully stunning. ohh yes...opps..i'm reviewing the resturant. The service was slow. I thought most things on the menu were way overpriced. Even came here for happy hour and left with a pretty hefty check. How does that always happen to me? I will return...but not hungy. When I return...it will be on payday and I will be thirsty. Come for the deck and not expect to much otherwise.
(3)Art H.
We called and got a reservation just minutes before we showed up with a group of 12 (maybe 14). Seated almost immediately (6:30 Friday evening). Loud, yeah, with people talking, but at least no thumping music. Business meeting, everyone wants separate tickets; waitress smiles and says "no problem." She's fast, efficient, friendly, nobody ever has an empty beer bottle or drink or water glass. Food is pretty quick. Every single person was very pleased with what they got. Guy next to me (from south Florida, not excited about Minnesota seafood) had "the best Jambalaya I've ever had." It was excellent; first Jambalaya I've ever tasted that wasn't too salty; I gotta agree, best I've ever had. I had "fish on fire," sashimi in a luscious sauce, with paper-thin jalapeno slices. Sounded good, but it was fantastic. Sashimi platter was 15 bucks, huge salad was five bucks. Most entrees 24 to 32 dollar range. Perfectly pleasant experience. Only bad point is that they added 20% tip to the bill. I would have probably tipped a little more, service was excellent. But at least one of us paid his bill, left a nice tip, and then noticed after we'd left that the tip was already added.
(5)Ryan P.
So you want to meet some girls do you? And it's Friday night? OK first thing... get dressed up in your best "going out" shirt and jeans. Find 6 or 7 of your best buddies, each of whom you affectionately refer to as "bro" or in some cases "brah". Now you are ready to paint the town... pile into someone's Escalade. Drive directly to Uptown. Park somewhere, anywhere except not in that giant eyesore of a new parking ramp because it sucks. Then you head over to Stella's because that's where it's at. Wait in line for about 10 minutes because you don't know the door guy. Get inside and you get to wade through 5 different levels, jammed packed with other people who look a lot like you. Approach the beautiful ladies, tell them why you are awesome. Get drunk off their late night weekend happy hour. Go home with all your buddies with a few numbers you got. Mission accomplished.
(3)D L.
Went there for dinner and dessert. Great meal. For dessert, try the brownie batter -- decadent, and enough for two.
(5)Katie O.
Stella's is a crowded spot and it's definitely for the "younger" crowd. They offer some pretty good specials and their food isn't bad. The last time I was here I sat at a table and the waiter was amazing - he was friendly and fast even though you could tell he was frazzled by the crowds. The drinks are mixed well and the bartenders are fast as well. The food is a bit lack-luster, I've only had appetizers and it was during a happy hour/specials time so I felt it was fair priced. If it had been during a non-special time, I think I would have not ordered any because the prices are bit high. Overall, worth a try.
(3)Jess L.
I had a very enjoyable rooftop patio evening this past Wednesday. Happy hour was nice, with a good selection of beverages and snacky bits. The food was tasty, the happy hour merlot was ok, and service was ok. Our server was a really nice, funny guy, but he was kind of absent. I wasn't terribly impressed that their bathrooms are "conveniently" located on the 2nd floor. Strange. All in all, a good experience, and I'm looking forward to hanging out there again soon.
(4)Rakhi N.
Love. Stella's. I go on Sundays for the happy hour. Great oysters. They ship 'em fresh daily, except Sunday. Minimal beer selection. Good daily fish menu. Peel and eat shrimp is really delicious...and $5 on HH menu. Sometimes on Sunday short on waitstaff. Sit at the bar for prompt service.
(5)Tom L.
PROS: -Rooftop offers great views of the city. -2 for 1 drink specials -Aggresive specials on drinks during the week NEGATIVES -Went outside to make a phone call while eating dinner and bouncer grabbed my arm as I went back in to i.d. me, while calling me BOSS. I don't believe I am his manager. -Asked to sub brocolli for asparagus and they said it would be an $8.95 fee. -Later the manager bought us a round of drinks because of the absurdity.
(3)Kristin G.
I had the Beer Battered Walleye Pike here. I didn't love it. But I did really like the appetizers that we ordered. I think the food is decent. The atmosphere was nice. On another trip I sat on the roof for cocktails, it was excellent. Both trips I had excellent cocktails, but the food could have been better.
(3)Deidred A.
Disclaimer: I am from the east coast. Grew up in Miami, live in Boston. I know Seafood. Stella's gives a good try but ends up disappointing. I ordered a lobster roll on a hot day. Yes, that was probably not the best choice as the closest lobsters are 1000 miles away but they did have a lobster tank. Well the lobster roll came out bland' it didn't have any taste. The chips meanwhile were way too seasoned. My wife shared the same sentiment about her meal. You don't go to the Midwest for seafood so why does Stella's get three stars? The decor and atmosphere. It is way too dirty hipster inside. Odd ornaments and pictures of tubby men with their shirts off. It is just unappetizing. Lobster is expensive, make the experience feel worth it. With the roof deck this could be such a cool place to go. Instead it comes across as weird Applebee's that serves seafood. Unless they go upscale my guess is that they will be closed in five years; which would be huge shame. Step up Stella's!
(2)Erin W.
I heard from a co-worker that Stellas Oyster Orgy was a can't miss for oyster lovers @ 69 cents per oyster. So yesterday a few friends and I went right after work and found that the oyster special was in full effect. We ordered about 72 oysters to share among the 4 of us. When the oysters were delivered to our table we were taken back a little bit because they were small, not like McCormicks, but after putting salt, tabasco sauce, and drenching the oysters with lemon the oysters did not disappoint. They were definitely fresh and TASTY! The only drawback is that the service took a little long considering that it wasn't busy at 4pm and the place was relatively empty. We all agreed that it was a spot that we would visit again in the very near future!
(4)Brian G.
Nice atmosphere. The food is bland as hell. The French fries had more taste than the fish. I'm from the south where the food has plenty of taste. This would not fly below the Mason Dixon line. Portions are plentiful though. Just plentiful bland.
(2)Steve G.
They have great happy hour and late night specials. 2-4-1's on taps (and not just the watered-down stuff) and fairly cheap apps. Recommend the ahi tuna crisps. If your in the mood for oysters Friday's they are pretty cheap. Unfortunately if you're looking for a patio happy hour there are no specials on the roof. Awesome rooftop patio. More of a mid 20's to30 crowd at night and is packed on weekends so I would recommend arriving there early (10 or before). There can be a pretty long line to get into the place, but usually I've got in pretty quick. It can be difficult to get drinks at the bar and the staff can be overworked up there. During dinner its busy, but not as bad. Service inside has always been great. Overall this is a good place. Enjoy the specials inside during the winter and a great patio in the summer.
(4)David S.
I don't think the food or the drinks are necessarily that great, but the rooftop patio is well worth the visit.
(3)Chris F.
Terrible food and service. They cant even clean or cook a lobster properly. I will suggest that no one ever visits Stella's.
(1)Britta S.
The food at Stella's isn't bad and its a cool venue so I am not writing about those aspects. If you go for a meal, you'll probably like it. I am writing about Stella's bar scene on the weekends: I have been to Stella's a few times on the weekend and had the same horrible experience each time. The bouncers are on a serious power trip, which is a huge downer as you walk into a bar...then you get inside only to find the place BUSTING at the seams with people. Every table is full, the lines around the bars are 20-30 minutes long and if the roof top is open, don't even try getting a drink up there on the weekend. You are constantly being bumped into, spilled on and told to move out of the way. Security Staff inside were bossy and rude (I would be too if I had to work in that environment) and without being thoroughly intoxicated before you go (so you can wait in the 30 min drink line) it is a disaster. I will go ANYWHERE else in uptown before I go back to Stellas.
(1)A G.
It was good, nothing spectacular. Service was attentive and food fine. Just nothing special.
(3)Taylor O.
I recently had my rehearsal dinner at Stella's and it was absolutely everything I could have imagined and more. Although I was not involved with the planning (so I don't know the details) I did enjoy the final product. The loft space we had was spectacular and the space was decorated lovely. The space was modern but super romantic. The food was delicious and we were given four different options. They also arranged to have our favorite flavor of Sebastian Joe's Ice Cream served as desert (which happened to be what my husband and I had on our first date)! I would definitely recommend Stella's for a rehearsal dinner, or any special event. It something you and your guests won't forget, or regret!
(5)Joyce L.
Oh yes we did. We hauled the kids up to the city for happy hour at Stella's on a Friday night (3-6pm). It was packed. It's not really a restaurant meant for toddlers and infants. It is doable for school age kids. During happy hour, do not bother looking at the regular menu. Stick with the happy hour menu. $5 appetizers, 2 for 1 beer and call drinks (ie. gin and tonic), and best of all $.69 oysters. As for the appetizers, here are the winners: cheese curds, fried catfish, shrimp basket (peel and eat), pulled pork sliders, ribs. The loser: shrimp toast. Don't do it. My one complaint--they only allow you to order a dozen oysters at a time, and it takes about 15-20 minutes for them to arrive often with oyster shell bits on them. Despite this, they are fresh and cold, which is critical because old, warm oysters are gross. Make sure to make a reservation (use opentable.com to get points--no points are awarded if you make the reservation via the Stella's website) and if you go with kids, take them to see the big lobster tank just outside the open kitchen. Overall, I liked this place a lot. The food was tasty service was friendly.
(4)Rebecca B.
Great rooftop restaurant on a nice day! Cocktails were delish, as was the beer battered fish and chips!
(4)Crystal P.
My fiance and I went here for a date night wanting sea food but not at a super fancy place. We were seated, and tried to have a conversation. We had to YELL to eachother, even then couldn't even hear what the other one was saying. The bus boy came by and poured us water and got a water and ice pile on the floor next to our table and then walked away. We walked out without even meeting our server. Maybe a good place for a bar, but not impressed for a nice date night.
(1)Molly Y.
I LOVED this place at one point. WHAT HAPPENED??
(3)Margaret O.
I can't get enough of Stella's happy hour. Oysters delight and it doesn't break the bank at just $1 a piece or 50 cents on Fridays. There are some other selections like wings, mini-burgers etc that I've tried. These are just OK, nothing to complain about but also nothing to write home about. I usually end up just wishing I'd gotten more oysters. Although my life raves about the spicy tuna roll which is on the happy hour menu too. We just went this past week, which was extraordinarily special since it was the first restaurant that my wife and I got to get out to after our new daughter got home. We are loving family life, but some couples adult time was awfully wonderful. And it's right next to both the Uptown and Lagoon theaters, to make a really fun evening out of it.
(5)Elisa V.
Overall not a great experience. I have been there to drink at night and thought it would be fun to try the food in the day and was very much letdown. My friend and I were told be a server upon entering the happy hour specials and suggested we try the rooftop, we then were seated and told that the happy hour specials were not available on the rooftop. Our server brought our drinks slowly, and they were warm when they were brought to our table, she was also very slow with our food and the check. It was a busy day, but the tables around us seemed to be still handled quite well. The food was also not what we expected. Portions were fine but there was nothing special about any of the dishes we ordered.
(2)Susan G.
My husband and I treated our 19 year old daughter and 29 year old niece visiting from Madison to an evening at Stella's last night. We had a great experience from drinks at the roof top bar, dinner on the 2nd floor, food quality and customer service provided by all employees encountered. The roof top was ver crowded but the bartenders did a great job filling orders in a friendly and efficient manner. The hostesses at the front entrance were personable and made sure we had a great table next to a window. Our waitress was very outgoing and knowledgable. Two of us had Mahi Mahi, one had walleye fish and chips and one had cioppino. All meals were excellent. Very flavorful and generous portions. We've been to Stella's several times, including as part of a large business meeting, and have always been pleased.
(4)Kimlinh B.
I was here for the oyster happy hour special on a Friday. The oysters were great - but there's not much you can do to mess up oysters on the half shell. The service, on the other hand was definitely lacking. It probably took a half hour to get the first dozen - which really is unforgivable since there's no cooking involved! But perhaps that's just the nature of the beast since it WAS happy hour. One thing I had a definite problem with was the fact that they had several tables right below the stairwell leading to the upstairs dining room and bathrooms. It's so unsanitary to have people sitting right below the stairs where anything could fall onto their food. It's something you may not notice if you're sitting at the tables, but was obvious from a bird's eye view. Stellas needs to re-arrange some furniture.
(2)Bub N.
We went here for a mid week lunch. The food and service were excellent. We had raw oysters, Oysters Rockefeller, blackened swordfish and salmon. The drinks we had were also very good. One of my new favorites in the twin cities.
(5)Glenn P.
Stella's gets just one star because the food was good! The service on the other hand was mediocre at best! At best! We actually had fun people watching as the halloween party was going on. But after the server brought our food he didn't return until we finished our meal!!! In the meantime visited many times to refresh drinks and offered and brought the table next to us free desert! We couldn't even get asked if we wanted another drink or anything. Maybe we didn't fit the look the part of the normal patrons of this establishment??! They won't need to worry about a visit from us or anyone we know that we will pass our experience onto.
(1)Shawn S.
The perfect summer day is going to Stella's around 4 on a Saturday, sitting at the bar, and letting the staff please you. Great cocktails, and we love the tuna tartar/avocado appetizer. Ceviche, not so much though. The Mojitos are well prepared. The staff knows how to muddle and they rarely meddle!!! Happy Hour on week nights only though. What I like is that they are crowded but I have not experienced any attitude...unlike Seven downtown.
(3)Rachel G.
This themed restaurant takes the seafood theme right to the edge. Any more, and it would be cheesy. Doesn't matter where you go in the place - you can find an ambiance that fits your mood. Great happy hour. Great patio. The new rooftop "elite" patio, feels forced.
(4)Tori M.
I am a huge seafood fan and I do love me some Stella's but a lot of their food is hit or miss. I had a lobster pasta dish that was just heinously salty, but the oysters were awesome. I also enjoyed the dessert, which ought to be shared between at least 8 people (although it worked out well for 4). The cocktail I had was inventive, but was bordering on painfully sweet. I will not, however, set foot here on weekends. It's just waaaay too crowded. I don't know if it's just a Minnesotans-longing-for-the-sea type thing, or if the trollop posses in every corner offer promise to the single gents, or what have you... it's just nuts. I may be a short lady, but I am damn pushy and I still couldn't make my way around. The roof is pretty, though, so perhaps on some weeknight, I will have to go back and enjoy the view (and hopefully much more space). Otherwise, the drunks and the grub are just not worth it.
(3)Kathy C.
What is there not to love about Stellas?! As their shirts say: "good seafood isn't cheap, cheap seafood isn't good" Except at happy hour. If you're feeling flush, definitely hit up their dinner menu, as it is second to none. If it's your birthday, they serve you a giant chocolate chip cookie with ice cream (at least they used to...it's been about a year since my last birthday :) ) However, if you're a broke ass like me, hit up their happy hour, $5 apps and 2-4-1s on beers and rails and stuff. I think wine too. I do have a major case of the sads because I heard they're taking the crab scrap basket off the HH menu...Stella's if this is true DON'T DO IT!! PLEASE!! I might die. :( I have one more word for you, my fellow yelpers: Rooftop.
(5)Jules T.
Stella's was fabulous but a bit pricey for one crab leg. Still the cold appetizer platter was fabulous, grill salmon skewer was quite huge. I enjoyed it, but I can't give it more than 3 stars. I want a whole crab. Staff very friendly Clean Busy Good for groups and kids
(3)Jessica S.
Stella's Fish Cafe is by far by favorite rooftop lunch spot during the summer - The view of the city was great, the food was delicious and the service was excellent!
(5)Naomi T.
Great roof top bar. Gets crowded so get there early. Gorgeous view of the skyline at dusk. Service was just so-so but the food made up for it. Fantastic!!! Loved the sushi grade tuna dip, the cajun beef tips- we ordered bucket after bucket of peel n' eat shrimp. WOW ...reminded me of eating shrimp in Charleston, SC - unbelievably fresh, and delicious. The best was saved for last - the mafia sushi roll. It was SO great we ordered 3. A little spendy, but the food is such high quality it's totally worth it. A safe bet if you're a seafood lover! Drinks were tasty. Try the "John Daly" it's not on the menu but ask for it any way. It's an Arnie Palmer with booze. Very refreshing.
(4)Monica S.
The peel and eat shrimp at Happy Hour = 5 stars. Best happy hour food menu in uptown. I've eating pretty much everything they have and recommend it all. Just go with beer rather than the house wine.
(5)Angela M.
Love the happy hour. Two for one drinks. 1/2 pound shrimp for $3.99. Go on Friday.... $0.69 oysters. Oh, and the taco of the day is $0.99. Yesterday the taco of the day was blackened chicken. It was absolutely amazing. I ate two ($0.99 x 2), then one of the two pulled pork sliders (btw, served with fries, and only $5). Then I ate a half pound of shrimp ($3.99). Then I ate an oyster ($0.69). And I had three beers ($5-something + half of another). The food and happy hour are downright spectacular. If you go for happy hour, get there early. We were there at 3 (when it starts) and it was pretty barren til just before 4. The bar area filled up quick. However.... this place turns into d-bag central on weekends. The bouncers are jerks, and the crowd is stuffed with jerks. The view from the rooftop rules, but only do it if you're wasted or in a generally uncaring mood because you'll probably get treated like trash at some point or another by someone (employee, bouncer, ugly chicks, ugly dudes, etc).
(3)Kevin K.
Pricey but do the happy hour apps, well worth it. also, make sure you sit on the roof.
(4)Andrew C.
The mussels and jalapeno corn bread were amazing as appetizers. I had the Jamaican Jerk Mahi Mahi and my friends had the stuffed grouper and Salmon Oscar and everyone was very pleased. 5 stars on the food front for sure. The only less than ideal aspects were that they brought all the food out at once since the kitchen was slow, it is a little pricey, and the corner of the roof was pretty windy (not their fault obviously). If you're looking for great seafood and don't mind spending a little bit, Stella's Fish Cafe won't let you down.
(4)Deanna B.
The view is beautiful, I'll give them that. But the wait staff, I'm not sure if they are understaffed or if they just don't care. Now onto the food. Apps were awesome! I was super excited for our entrees, but unfortunately it was pretty bad. The food was cold, like it had been sitting around for way too long without so much as a heat lamp...very sad. Desert, also awesome...mmmm Sebastian Joes ice cream. I'm still having dreams about it.
(2)Dru S.
First time at Stella's and I'm a fan already! Pros: Amazing seafood selection, Great service, Great atmosphere. Cons: A tad on the louder side. I did make reservation 2 hours ahead of time via Yelp app on my phone. The place was busy when I arrived at 6pm but we were seated upon arriving. Service: Our waiter was very good. He took the time to explain the menu to me since I was new to Stella's. He spoke very clearly since its was a bit noisy and was very good about checking in on our table. My order: I had the Dragonberry Mojito, which I highly recommend cuz its freakin DELISH and goes down like water, and its was worth every bit of the $9. I ordered the Steak Bites to start and Jumbalaya w/ mac & cheese for my entry. The steak bites were cajun and perfectly cook! The jumbalaya was also rather spicy and perfect too! I didnt care for the mac & cheese too much cuz they put unions in it (not my flavor for mac & cheese). Over all I would definitely recommend Stella's.
(4)Ashley K.
I love the deck at Stella's. It has a wonderful view of the city and when it is a beautiful day outside it is perfect. The food is pretty good, my boyfriend got the Walleye Sandwich and it was huge and delicious. Over all good portions and good food. If you are looking for a place to go during the weekend party times this is a good place. It can get overcrowded, but there are multiple floors to choose from. Again good drinks and a good place to check out
(4)Joshua W.
Late night happy hour is great and they have THE best view of Mpls from the roof. now just to actually try the food...
(5)Lisa P.
I'll just put it out there - I avoid this place on purpose, and it's not just beacuse of the crowd that hangs out there. I really don't get the hype about the food! I've had a few menu items here that are pretty tasty, but I just can't bring myself to pay what Stella's charges for what they serve you. Maybe it's because I grew up near the coast and was totally spoiled. I just don't think it's that great. Happy Hour is a good deal, however... our waiter was awesome, and who can complain about 2-4-1s? They have a fun little $5 menu that was basically my dinner. The funny part about this is that there are probably 5 types of sliders on the HH menu. I asked the waiter what he recommended, and he didn't recommend any of the seafood sliders. at a seafood restaurant. seem weird to anyone else? the crowd here kind of makes me want to gag, but you can reserve areas of the rooftop for company gatherings. a friend also reserved their party room once, and we had a GREAT time - it was a very reasonable deal that we've considered doing again. their fries are tasty, too! Happy Hour = 4 stars Atmosphere = 1.5 stars Food = 2 stars
(2)Mark H.
The best seafood in the metro -- as good as Oceanaire (its stuffy sibling restaurant), without all the pretense. Just dig in. I recommend the stuffed grouper or the catfish po' boy. The jambalaya is as good as any in New Orleans. I don't think the prices are too bad .. this isn't Seattle or Montauk after all -- the nearest saltwater is at MOA. If you're going for the food, try Saturday 6-7PM. If you are going later than that to socialize, expect to wait .. and please don't b**** about it. That's like moving to Richfield and complaining about the airport -- no one is listening to you. Best tips: Make a reservation on OpenTable.com and ask for Jo-Jo the waitress. She's a real treasure.
(5)Ralph M.
Hmmm, be careful what you wish for, I suppose. Stella's had become the destination for me and a few friend's (almost) weekly Thursday late night happy hour outing, replacing the declining Psycho Suzi's. It was working pretty well: 2-for-1 & $1 oysters, and I could bike there instead of driving all the way to the assend of northeast. Times were good. Then Spring happened and the fairweather Uptown hordes appeared. Now it's a miracle if we can snag any sort of table, and I'm talking about in the bar area, not even the no specials, try not to exhale roof top patio. The final straw was the shitty service I received last Thursday. Our table of three has expanded to a table of five, we've ordered drinks and food and the good times are rolling. So naturally, our waiter swings by and drops off our check. We didn't ask for our check. There are now a couple of us who want to order more drinks. What the hell? The waiter says he will require a credit card to keep serving us. WTF? What was the magic trigger that turned us into flight risks? The $37 tab we had so far accumulated, or the magic hour of 10:45? Make that argument with a straight face. It was arbitrary, and if there's one thing I can't stand its being burdened by someone else's arbitrary dictums. The crowds I can tolerate (sometimes), but a waiter who acts like he's doing us a fucking favor for continuing to serve us can go straight to hell. Looks like I'm in the market for a new Thursday night locale.
(2)Sophya O.
Happy hour, oh how I love you. You can't beat $1 oysters and 2 for 1 beer specials. They tasted refreshing and were chilled to perfection. The appetizers were pretty good as well-- fried pickle spears were crispy and calamari came with the heads. I can't wait to go back to Minnesota to visit Stella's again!
(4)N H.
I am giving Stella's a 4 because it was my first time eating there today, but it was excellent!. I went with a group for work and the accommodations were ok for a group. The table for 8 was a bit squished. I think it would be perfect for a group of 6 or less. The atmosphere is very pleasant and the food was amazing. Our wait staff was fantastic and helpful. I tried the calamari- which was pretty good. The dip with it was excellent. The jalapeno corn-bread is to die for. I will be buying often.... YUM!! I ordered the Waleye sandwich with fries. The fries were good- but average. The sandwich was fantastic!! It was HUGE and took up an entire basket by itself. The fries took up a second basket. The walleye fillet was so large that the giant hoggie bun could not close around the massive fillet. I will be going back to Stellas, but probably not on a weekend evening because of the other reviews...
(4)Michaelia K.
After making the trek up 4 floors to an awesome roof top on a beautiful July day, the view of downtown Minneapolis was amazing! Unfortunately I was rocketed back to Earth as a lousy waitress barked at us that there were no seats available on one side. Maybe it was because it was a Monday but there was some pretty rude service. We didn't get menus for ages, our dinners came out at separate times, and generally what should've been an hour lunch turned into 2 and a bit. But all was redeemed with margaritas fit for a Lush, delicious and fresh tasting Cerviche, and Oyster Rockefeller. Now I'm not very knowledgeable on oysters, but my friends say they were pretty good. The restaurant itself seemed clean and tidy, and for some reason I really liked the bathroom decor (white and iridescent turquoise blue tiles!). I'm a sucker for nautical / sea inspired interiors lol. Plus I loved some of the quotes painted on the wall: 'Don't pity a lobster. It lives to kill.' That had me cracking up for hours afterward. We only went on a Monday lunchtime, but it would be a sight to behold all four floors packed, I'm sure!
(4)Amy C.
Reasons I like Stella's: 1. Rooftop patio 2. The food is actually good - I recommend the crabby patty, lobster BLT, halibut or walleye 3. Wine list - you can pick out by label or ask for "cheap, fine or fancy" via red or white :) 4. People watching after 9 The wait can be annoying on nice days/nights, and there isn't a lot of room to wait comfortably. Food is on the pricey side, but worth it to take in the view.
(4)Joe C.
This is one of the best roof tops. It's outside, great vibe, view of the skyline, and elevated from ground level. It is a stop I always make when coming through Minneapolis. Not only is the ambiance great, but the drinks are well priced and the food is really good. They have a seared tuna steak that is crazy-tasty. So if you are in the area and looking for a nice place to sit outside and take in a drink and some food with some friends - it's hard to beat Stellas.
(4)Michael N.
I had to add another star for the Thursday Crab Legs deal. $20 for a generous lb or 1.5lb. I still have to try the Sunday Lobster deal...may have to add another star after that.
(4)Dan S.
Fantastic! Great service, good mojitos, good food. Recommend the blackened swordfish and stuffed grouper. We've eaten here a few times and it's consistently good.
(4)bri a.
I had been here to eat many times, however never to drink, but The last time I went we had the best service and the best food out of any restaurant we've ever been to.. still kind of in marvel of it. We ordered simple classics and they came out amazing, also, our server was hilarious
(5)Jeff J.
Tried it for the first time this last Saturday for my Birthday. The food was pretty good. I had a Scallop dish. Probably the best scallops I've ever had. Everything else was pretty good as well. Here are the problems though. They forgot to bring us our onion rings. And instead of admitting they forgot it, they said, "oh, they're coming right out." So they cooked a batch, brought them out. Waited, then brought our food out. Guess what? It was cold. I'd rather have skipped the onion rings, than have them lie, and serve us cold food. Common sense anyone? Now, to the most tacky part of my Birthday experience at Stella's. They brought me out a birthday cupcake with a candle in it, without anyone asking them to do so AND THEY CHARGED ME FOR IT. $3.00! Seriously? I didn't even want it, I ordered the cheesecake. What a joke. The Verdict: Pretty good food. Bad service and they don't know how to treat their customers. Get a clue, Stella's.
(2)Ashley F.
Well..If you've ever wondered where every single corporate D-Bag is on a Thursday night...Head to Stella's! I have never had such mixed feelings about a restaurant as I do about the time I had at Stella's Fish Cafe. Our experience started off pretty negative, because the hostesses seemed pretty uninterested in getting us seated. We were a party of two, and we saw tons of people leave and we were still waiting for a table. After we finally got seated, our waitress immediately approached us and asked if we were ready to order. Our butts had literally just hit the chairs. When we told her we weren't yet ready, she didn't return for almost 10 minutes. My failure to read the reviews on Yelp left us pretty upset that we couldn't get the Happy Hour on the rooftop deck. I read about the happy hour on the website, and it isn't mentioned that it's unavailable on the roof-top. We started with the skillet cornbread, which was both cheap and really delicious. I had the Coconut Shrimp with Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Mixed feelings about this dish as well. The shrimp was delicious, but a little too greasy. The potatoes...I love garlic mashed potatoes, but these were outrageously garlic-y, and the with amount of butter that was put on top, they were inedible. Yuck. Boy had the fish and chips, which he enjoyed. Also, $2.95 for a lemonade, then $2.00 for refills....bogus.
(3)Bianca M.
I have eaten here several times but it was only for happy hour, which is a great deal. Happy hour includes two for one drinks and a variety of cheap appetizers that include several seafood dishes. I really enjoy the hot crab and spinach dip, champagne mussels, calamari, oysters and their rib basket. Like I said its a great deal so you can't go wrong.
(4)Keith B.
The roof bar and the view it presents are totally worth checking out. Decent beer selection had a great Porter on tap. Bartenders were nice and actually took the time to tell us about the place even though it was abusy saturday night. Food looked good but didn't actually eat there.
(4)Tweetie N.
4 stars for a great outdoor rooftop - good vibe and great view; good food and service. Checked out Stella's during a visit to Minneapolis. It was our first time in Minneapolis during the Springtime and the rooftop patio at Stella's was a great place to take it all in. Food and drinks were decently priced for what you get and the quality. For me it's somewhat a splurge but a good deal considering these dishes could easily be exorbitantly priced in LA. We based our whole meal on appetizers: 1) Mussels in champagne sauce - really great and you get a lot. Dipping the crispy bread in the sauce was also tasty. 2) Crab dip - a little bit on the saltier side. I think we could have foregone this order. 3) Surf & Turf sliders - tasty as well, but I'm biased, I love anything with scallops. 4) Corn bread - my fave appetizer of the night. Great hints of jalapeno and for $5 they bring it out in a huge skillet easily shareable by a large group let alone 2 people. It can be noisy since it's more of a bar scene than intimate dining room and you do have people standing up close to you as you're chowing down, but I think the overall atmosphere and views really make up for it.
(4)Tom R.
Note to self get reservations at this happening place before going. We waited for about 45 mins to eat. Which we did not mind at all the food is that good. The wait staff can be a mixed bag but we got lucky and got a decent waitress.
(4)Melissa L.
Do you like loud and terrible music? Do you like forcing your way through crowds? Do you like strangers rubbing up against you? Then you will like Stella's on a weekend night.
(2)Liz L.
Ok I took away a star because the next night we went there for dinner and we had the same waitress and I thought cool! She was so great the night before so I expected to get great service! Well the service this evening was not as great, she was almost rude...and she just did not seem to care as much (maybe she was having a better night the evening before) and there were more rules on the menu you could not switch out if you did not like something you could not switch it out for another side....you can't move any of the chairs around even though there was no one there when we went there. Dessert was still really good the food was good the service and all the rules not so much
(3)Kat W.
I LOVE Stella's patio. It is probably as close to heaven as we'll ever get in this world. However, I have a majah problem with snotty hostesses who don't proactively offer service. I also have beef with the fact that they mysteriously don't offer the "cheap" or "fine" wines on their menu on their patio even though they offer A FULL BAR because "we don't have enough space up here." Despite the fact that the server informed the table next to us that she would be able to run downstairs and get their beers. I get not offering happy hour but, seriously? Its kind of like not offering food on their menu because they can't make it on the patio. Stella's broke my heart today.
(2)John D.
Great rooftop with views of downtown, solid happy hour specials, and good people watching make this a fun destination in Uptown. The food is good and features seafood as the name implies, and the decor is decent. The staff are generally attentive and nice, and the place can get packed with younger people late nights and weekends.
(4)Rona Y.
The HH here on Friday nights is amazing if you like oysters and shrimp!! The only down side is that HH is only in the bar and not on the rooftop deck. Any other night however if you can score a table on the rooftop, you've done well! Especially on warmer nights, get there early bc the wait is forever! Aside from the good food, it is always an excellent place for people watching!
(4)Kristen H.
The first time I went here I was pretty unimpressed and, my loss, it biased me against the place for too long. I've recently begun taking advantage of their happy hour specials more often and I think it's one of the best deals in town. Happy hour has a range of reasonably priced foods, $1 oysters, and 2-4-1 drinks...plus there is an early and a late night one to satisfy all your socializing needs. And there are even a few things for the non-seafood eaters in your crew. Plus they have a decent priced crab night where we got really excellent crab legs. The real bonus is Friday happy hour (3-6) when they have the "oyster orgy" - 50 cent oysters. We were there yesterday and they are not messing around...this isn't happy hour at some places where they give you the crap they can't sell to actual paying customers. No, the oysters were tasty and HUGE. so huge that even though I was starving, 6 of those and a $1 taco pretty much filled me up. And trust me, I can eat. Stella's is more than just a great rooftop patio. However, it will be nice when I can go there and enjoy some outdoors rather than having to brush 2 inches of snow off my car when I leave.
(4)Sophie Y.
Notes for Stella's kitchen and wait staff: The customer shouldn't have to ask for a bigger plate in order to make a salad edible. My beet salad with grilled chicken was piled ridiculously high and spilling off the sides on a tiny plate. An order shouldn't go to the table if it isn't complete and the customer shouldn't have to point out a missing ingredient. The waitress went to check on my missing goat cheese and came back to say the kitchen was just deep frying the medallion. I waited a couple minutes for the bigger plate and a couple more for the goat cheese. If you must go to Stella's, have a drink on the rooftop deck but avoid the unremarkable food and poorly executed presentation/service.
(2)Donna N.
I don't see the draw.... Seriously just because they serve seafood (and barely cooked properly), I don't get it. The food is marginal and sometimes chef's experiment with flavors they obviously don't try taste testing first. Perhaps they should add a few classics into their menu and hire some waitstaff that don't use the work "like" interjected after every third word. The place is snobbish casual (as if everyone secretly wants to be working in a town that has a real ocean). Not my cup of tea
(2)Kyle B.
If I was reviewing Stellas only on their view from the roof it would be 5 stars. I took my mom and brother to Stellas on their first visit to Minneapolis. The food was delicious and the view was awesome but there were several problems with the wait service. 1. We put our name on the list for the roof and then went to the bar for a drink and appetizer. After sitting around the bar for 15 minutes we tried to move to one of the 6 empty tables in the bar area, but a waiter told us that because we had ordered at the bar we couldn't take one of HIS tables. We exchanged words and told him how rude he was. I understand why he wanted a full tab at his table, but a) he could have been much more polite and b) there were a lot of empty tables. I wanted to toss him through a window but my mom was there. 2) They wrote down our number messily and then called the wrong number and gave away our table. We did get them to put us at the top of the list but we ended up waiting over an hour and 20 minutes for a table when we originally 10th on the list. 3) After all this, our waitress was great but the kitchen lost our food and we waited over an hour for dinner. They did comp us all a round of drinks on the roof for that but all in all we were at Stellas for 3 hours. I'll be back for 2 for 1s in the bar at night, and drinks on the roof anytime but I might not be back for dinner anytime soon. I do hope I run into that waiter from the bar sometime again.
(3)Clint M.
I brought my parents here on a Sunday evening and was very happy with the decision. The rooftop is stunning at dusk. Great views of a beautiful skyline. The rooftop is a bit crowded, but overall with the music and upbeat temp, it's a fun atmosphere. My halibut was fantastic. Perfectly cooked with a unique spicy red sauce that matched the fish very well. The rest of my table was also quite satisfied with their meal as well. Rarely do we ever get dessert but the red velvet cake was too tempting to pass up. Stella's is not exactly cheap, but still quite reasonable. On this night, my girlfriend got lobster for somewhere around $20. The staff was very friendly from our server to the hostess that seated us. Even on a pretty busy night, they all seemed to have their act together. I've had multiple good experiences here and will certainly be returning.
(5)Tammy V.
The hubby and I went her for the first time tonight! We ordered the lobster boil dinner!!! It was pretty good ! First time I have ever had a whole lobster!! Drinks were strong and tasty!!! We were seated right next to stairs and it was really drafty so that's my complaint!! We will go back there next time we r craving sea food!
(3)Gregory D.
I like the mix of foods. Oysters and lobster to buffalo wings and burgers. Some things are pretty expensive, though. Beer is good, but not outstanding. They had some biblical shrimp quesadillas a long time ago, but when I returned, they were discontinued. Sometimes the menu changes for the worse. Oysters are okay, but some dont have much meat to them, and the restaurant was hesitant to give us actual oysters with meat in them. Bathrooms are awkward with the attendant at the sink. It's a bar. I want to piss and go back to my food and beer, not feel guilty for not paying someone for handing me a cloth.
(3)Drew D.
If you or any of your close friends have a facebook photo album titled, "I'm on a boat", you should come here. Afterwards when you are walking to your car to drive drunk back to Eden Prairie, you can probably find some people to yell homophobic insults at.
(2)M P.
If you like bad beer and terrible (overpriced) seafood than this is the place for you!! Been coming here on and off for years but the quality has greatly diminished. If your a frat guy looking to get drunk on Coors Light this place is a decent choice. If you want a good meal you are just out of luck. Seriously, how bad is the spinach crab dip that you have to put an entire can of dried parmesan cheese (yes, a can of the stuff you get at the grocery store, not even real cheese) on top? You'll know what I mean when you get the bill. It's just not worth it. Maybe its because I'm over 24 and have some more money to afford to go to other places now but so many places do a much better job with seafood and at a better price point than these guys. It's like they stopped trying to be a restaurant and decided to cater to college kids. Hence the run down interior and six years of used gum under the bar and tables. I only give it two stars because I've always had good servers and bartenders. If I could give them four stars alone I would. At least they try to make this dump a good place.
(2)Alyssa B.
Great food, great atmosphere. One of my favorite places to visit in the summer for their roof-top terrace!
(4)Helena B.
Beyond good food and drinks, our waiter here was so nice and friendly (further cementing my father's idea that the nicest people in the world are Minnesotans and my sister's love of her adopted state)! The menu had a good variety of 'comfort-type' foods (beer battered pike and the catfish dish) and more 'fancy-type' entrees and we had a decent amount of leftovers to take home with us. I'll definitely be back when it's warm enough to eat outside!
(4)Amanda S.
Oysters - awesome! Sushi - awesome! Drink specials - awesome! All around this place is Awesome!!
(5)Sarah C.
I've given this place too many chances. I've been here about 4 times and every single time was a huge let down. The first time we went our server after we got our food literally didn't check on us for over an hour. They gave us a huge discout but still that doesn't make up for horrible service. The food was ehh. Their appetizers are really amazing to be honest but entres aren't so great. The other times we've gone the servers are constantly gone or extremely annoying and persistently asking you how your food is. The food is okay, nothing to write home about, but the consistently bad service is why my boyfriend and I will never return. We've tried so many times to see if maybe it gets better but it just doesn't. Huge bummer. But a very lovely view of the downtown skyline.
(2)sherzy b.
Stella's has great seafood at fair prices. The rooftop bar/patio has the best view in Uptown - thus it is usually packed. Plan to wait at least an hour for a table on a sunny weekend afternoon. Mojiotos aren't bad either. Friday happy hours in the bar are the best! But it also tends to get packed, so you might not get a table. Only con is parking - valet is around $7.
(4)Kim P.
I went to Stella's on my birthday and got a lobster roll (subtle and succulent, high quality lobster meat), a mojito (strong and delicious), and chocolate cake (kind of dry). The bartender and waitress were extremely nice. The atmosphere is a little crazy and loud, so if you're looking for a serene dinner date where you can gaze longingly into your dinner-mate's eyes, this isn't the place. However, if you're looking for a decent bar scene and good seafood, this is the place. Service: A- Alcohol: A Entrees: A Dessert: C
(4)Maureen F.
My first impression of this place was not that great. I was joining some friends who came here for dinner around 10:30. I was shocked to see a line out the door to get in. Then I remembered, I am in Uptown in the summer and why I don't come to Uptown on weekends. I am not a fan of crowds nor standing in line to just to have a drink. They were seated on the second floor right by the stairs. I will say this was ideal for people watching. The outfits ladies come out wearing always amuse me. I will say they have a great late night happy hour and we did have a fairly attentive waitress. We stayed for the 2 for 1 drinks. I love seafood, so I should try giving this place another try on a weekday evening.
(3)AnandShruti R.
Let us just start by saying it was FREEEEEZING out side, so there were definitely more empty tables for a Sat night than one would normally expect. So, we didn't have to wait for a table at all. The wait staff is helpful in terms of picking out their favorites versus the unopinionated folks at other places that just say "everything is good." Also our waiter forgot to put our order for the Gorgonzola bread in early and so comped us for that, which was nice. The clam chowder was tasty but could have been warmed up some more to make it more inviting for such a cold day. As far as the main course we were split on the quality of the food. Mine was probably 3 at best (ordered the corn breaded cat fish) and her's a 4 (the grouper). However with nothing more to tip the scales we settled on the 3 rating. Their prices are a little high given the quality of what we had. Though they don't try to hide it. The wait staff has shirts on that read "good seafood doesn't come cheap." Our version for the shirt would read, "it's ok sea food, knock off about $5 bucks."
(3)Dan S.
Stella's has the best view of the downtown skyline from an uptown bar. As such the rooftop patio is always backed from May through September. I've never had the food, but I hear its not bad. They aren't exactly giving away the drinks, but they can charge a premium for the view. I've noticed lately that more and more d-bags have been coming here, maybe its just me.
(3)Dennis L.
Nestled in the heart of Uptown is this nice seafood restaurant with an outdoor patio. Unfortunately the several times I've been here it's been during the winter so it's quite difficult to enjoy their outdoor patio everyone else gives high praise to. But at least the food is great. The staff tells me that everything is fresh, flown in every morning via FedEx. Well so far, everything does indeed taste quite well and I haven't been able to prove them wrong. I've had the mussels and oysters. Oh and the stuffed grouper and catfish are excellent. Even the swordfish is okay. I've also enjoyed their chunky clam chowder as well. I have not tried their lobster or crab yet, but all in due time. I'm sure they are as great as they are advertised too. Heck, they even have Crabby Patties on the menu that I'm curious about! So, long story short, good food = good time.
(4)Nathan L.
Came here today kind of on accident and it turned out pretty well. We stumbled upon their pretty decent happy hour. The 2 for 1s are nice and they also had some decent food specials. I had the mini sliders and they were very good, and very filling because I got a lot of fries with it too. We also tried the cheese curds and they weren't my favorite (but then again nothing really compares with the ones at the State Fair). They did have a really good sweet pepper sauce that they give you with the cheese curds that was really good. But I will definitely be back in the summer to check out what everyone talks about on their rooftop, along with going back to check out some of the bands.
(4)Katie L.
Jordan and I went to Stella's for our weekly "date night". I had been here before, but it wasn't quite as I remembered it... Our waitress was awesome, very nice and joked around with us a bit. She kept calling Jordan things like "big guy" which I found funny. Jordan and I decided to start with side salads instead of the usual appetizer. We both got house salalds with ranch dressing. The nice thing was the ranch was served in a large silver boat (i hate when i don't get enough dressing). The bad thing was there were a lot of giant leaves that made it hard to eat. I ended up getting ranch all over my face. Upside-- it had croutons, cucumbers, onions, & tomatoes. For my entree, i got the brie and gorgonzola crusted scallops with mushroom risotto. I'm a huge scallop fan (basically, a huge seafood fan). But I found the scallops a tad undercooked and a little too salty. Also, the cheese mixture on the top wasn't very good and overpowered the taste of the scallop. I ended up taking the cheese off and eating the scallops plain. The risotto was the best part! Very creamy, cheesy, a had great huge slices of mushrooms. Perfectly cooked, as well. Jordan got the crab legs. It was a ton of food, also a large boat of butter (YUM) was served with it. The crab was heavenly. Came served with asparagus and mashed potatoes. He loves these legs. Seems to me like the food is getting worse than it used to be....
(3)kyle g.
Solid but a bit overpriced. My food, a catfish po boy, was actually very good. My friend ordered a crabby patty, not so great. The service was not great. The server kept trying to trick us into ordering additional expensive things and seemed to negatively judge our decision to not get drinks or dessert. Ambiance is nothing special. Overall, you won't be disappointed, but you won't be thrilled. I went for lunch, this is important to keep in mind because I have heard good things about rooftops and happy hours.
(3)Ryan B.
Stella's is one of my favorite summertime hangouts in Uptown - always requires a visit when I'm in town. Considering MN is 1200 miles from the closest salt water, the seafood always tastes fresh. They have a decent beer selection, fun cocktails, but the best part is the roof deck. The view of surrounding Uptown is great, but the Minneapolis skyline at twilight is fantastic. It makes a great place for a midday meal, happy-hour munchies, or late-night drinks on the deck. I suggest getting there early if you want a spot, the deck fills up on a nice summer night.
(4)Ashley P.
I have gone here a few times. Their happy hour is pretty awesome (2-4-1) But only inside. Do Not get a mojito on the rooftop or any drink by that matter, way too over priced. The view is great, but on the weekends, it's packed, and there isn't even room for your elbows. I like going here at the end of the night when I am already spiced up, to have a nightcap and people watch. Overall: boooooooo
(2)Chris L.
Ended up here as a last resort for a birthday dinner attempt at another spot that did not work well. However, I am very glad we ended up here. The host staff was kind and more than helpful. We were seated on the second floor which was actually a nice spot (a little quieter that downstairs). The waiter was tremendous and you could tell he genuinely loved what he did. I love the vast menu with the variety of seafood and non seafood items, but for me it was an all seafood affair. started out with the coconut shrimp which was a really nice starter. have a little kick with the sweetness did me just right. Then on to a stuffed tilapia which was beautiful in both presentation and taste and also the mac and cheese (guilty pleasure). Overall food and service was great and will definitely be back (even though it can be a hassel to go uptown).
(4)sarah p.
Came for a Children's Foundation Fundraiser, and that was very nice. If I yelped that event, I'd give it 5 stars, especially since I won the silent auction for a night at the Westin! But, in general, I have to say that I've never been that impressed with this place. The space is huge, which makes me feel it's a little confused about what it is. The rooftop is nice during the summer/fall, but with that comes a crowd. The beers are way overpriced--a Miller Lite is 4.25--and the food is mediocre, although I admit I've never had the specialty there, like seafood or oysters. It's a place that I know I'll be back to but never because I seek it out.
(3)Brian V.
My review based on one vist. Had the lobster dinner for two, which was good. Drinks were strong, which I like. I have no complaint of the service our waitress was friendly and attentive. I would definately come back again!
(4)Richard F.
Went to Stella's for the 2nd time a few nights ago on somewhat of a whim. I was walking around Lake Calhoun with a friend enjoying the Spring weather and said to myself, "Mhmm...I could really go for some fish, what is close by? Stella's!" So we ventured over to Stella's and glad we did. We started with the Crab Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, HIGHLY recommend! They were, actually IT was (as there was only one, but decent size), was very good. We polished it off quickly. We were actually talking about how it could be a meal if they included one more and one or two sides. The appetizer came only 1 or 2 minutes before our meal, which I was not too happy about, as my friends meal was somewhat cold by the time we finished the appetizer. BUT, it wasn't too big of a deal, just wished it was spaced out a bit more. I had the Peppered Seared Ahi, which was surprisingly a good portion. I was not expecting the size they brought me. It was pretty good, the Ahi itself was very good. Seemed as fresh as you can get in Minneapolis. The sauce was good and the Wasabi mashed potatoes were a good combo with the Ahi. My friend had the Crab Stuffed Ravoili and was happy. I believe it came with 8 pieces, one side of the dish had a red sauce, the other a white sauce. Very similar presentation to Pazza Luna's Cannelloni. She thought it was good. We both liked the combination of both sauces and thought there was a decent amount of crab in each. Not sure if I were to order it, or recommend it though. The service was good, not great nor bad, just good. Our drinks were promptly filled and plates cleared. The appetizer timing was the only issue I can think of. The décor was simple, nothing to rave about, but seemed pretty cool. I will definitely go back and will have to try the patio everyone seems to rave about. I thought my Ahi was a bit over priced, but with the portion size and location of restaurant, I guess it would be in line with what I should expect. I wish I could give a half star, as I would give it a 3.5, but as the appetizer was great, the Ahi was fresh and the portion was a good size I decided to give it a 4.
(4)Mitzi D.
I took a group of out of town guests here earlier this year. Two singers, a gorgeous model, some local friends joined and I think we ordered half the menu. They visited this restaurant a 2nd time before they left for the airport. I crave one dish here and its the mussels with the champagne cream sauce, add the blue cheese bread to dip in the sauce and its heavenly. The jalapeno corn bread is good to order if you have a big group. The oysters were sweet, the peel and eat shrimp yummy, and the lobster was fresh. Of course I tried the red velvet cake and it did NOT disappoint. The rooftop gets very crowded during good weather days so go early if you want to sit. I prefer earlier to later because I don't like the college crowd or freshly 21 year old drinkers. Go when its still light out because the view really is beautiful.
(4)Krystine B.
My husband and I moved here in August and we have eaten here the most! Although we do try new places we always come back to Stella's. It's our favorite. Any of the seafood is fabulous. Our favorite starters are the clam chowder, corn bread (if u have more than 2), and the calamari. The steak is to die for and the coconut shrimp is great as well. It is a great place to go out and have fun, no matter what the occasion. We look forward for this summer so we can try the rooftop.
(5)heather s.
Despite having 6 o'clock reservations, we weren't seated until 6:30 and then it was at a table in the middle of everything with barely enough space to pull your chair out. The noise from the bar crowd was so loud we could only hear each other by shouting. The oysters rockefeller were pretty good. The pan seared scallops on the other hand where bland as could be. The thai vegetable slaw that came with it also had only a hint of coconut flavor. I never imagined anything thai could be so bland. This was the second time we had eaten here and I remember the same problem with my meal last time. The dishes seam to lack in flavor, and unless you enjoy shouting over dinner, i wouldn't recommend it.
(2)Mike G.
Atmosphere was cool; we had a nice booth tucked back in a corner so it was good for us. My wife and I were taking friends from out-of-town out to dinner, and really had a great time. Two of us had fish (salmon and grouper) and two of us had steak (Tbone and I had the bleu cheese crab stuffed steak). It was GREAT. A few beers and wine, and then an after-dinner drink on the roof top. A bit of a meat market, and a little spendy, but the food and experience was worth it.
(4)Theresa L.
I give it 4 stars rather than 3 because our server was awesome. However, when it comes only to the food, it deserves only 3 stars. I would have loved to have checked out the rooftop bar because it seems poppin on a weekday...next time. For now...mediocre shrimp po'boy, with mediocre fries. The man's tuna salad didn't look that special, but he enjoyed it. He's not a foodie like me and he was particularly hungry that night (hence his failure to yelp) so I wouldn't necessarily trust his judgement. On the contrary, the portabello crab cakes were delicious, yet heavy. What's with Minnesota and their love for cheese? They tend to like to drench their food with shavings of cheese. I can understand Wisconsin, but Minnesota? Anyhow, I digress...going back to the crab cakes - good, but artery-clogging. Maybe I've been spoiled by King's Fish in Carlsbad, but this place did not come anywhere to close to a great seafood joint. Such a shame because it's got a great vibe.
(4)Alicia J.
I am a huge fan of roof deck bars. I live in San Francisco and we have very few as a direct result of our weather (the view goes away when the fog rolls in). When I come to Minneapolis you can find me enjoying cocktails at any outdoor space. I've been to Stella's a few times. I've found the dinner to include pretty decent seafood, especially for Minnesota, and the prices are reasonable for what you get. The cornbread is amazing. If you have the opportunity to come here during the day when most of the world is working, the view is great, the service is good, and the ambiance is relaxing. If you are like most of us and can only find time to drink at night or on a weekend, Stella's can be a bit disappointing. It has a way of warping you back to spring break when everyone is far too tan and blond and the men appear to have jobs focused around weight lifting. DBags mixed with DBags at a bar close to impossible to order a drink at. Other than that, people are right - the view is quite nice.
(3)Brian L.
So far my favorite restaurant in the Twin Citys, the fried cheese curds alone helped me in my decision to move to MN. I always go for a late lunch during happy hour where Drinks are 2 for 1 and appetizers are cheap as well. The king crab legs are amazing and the restaurant just has cool vibe to it. You just can't beat the mood, feel, and view during the summer of eating on the roof. Plus you can order a 16 0z can of PBR that comes with a free coozie!
(4)John E.
What a mistake, I ordered the BBQ Ribs! The meat was very dry and hard. But on the other hand, the another order was the Walleye Dinner that was just perfect and highly recommended. Parking was very very bad and expensive. Would not be back any time soon.
(1)Erin H.
Always a favorite. I come here whenever I can find a happy hour buddy when I'm home in MN. The coconut shrimp was topped only by the homemade jalepeno poppers which, SO SADLY, were discontinued last time I visited! Please bring them back! Rooftop is great fun, though happy hour specials don't apply. Take the stairs since the elevator might the slowest in the city.
(5)Cheryl A.
Love the rooftop view and the 2 for 1 drink deals.. other than that i've only had the happy hour menu. Not such a big fan. BUT friendly staff and fun atmosphere! The oysters are GREAT!!!! BUT would not recommend drinking a ton + eating oysters. Bleh.
(3)Ngoc L.
I was in town visiting a friend who lived a block from here. We had nothing else planned so we decided to do HH. We had wings, fried pickles, and sliders w/ fries. The second night, our group returned to try their oyster HH. I think it's a dollar oyster and $4 for a pound of shrimp on Friday's. Our waitress was very good. She made sure our drinks were refilled and didnt' mind we were there for hours.
(4)David F.
Came here for the baked lobster pot for two. It was a Groupon special and included wine, salad and desert. I made reservations a week in advance for the rooftop, but when we got there, we were told there were over 30 groups ahead of us and since it was a nice night, it would be a long wait. We opted to sit inside. As other reviewers noted, it's VERY loud, and you need to shout to be heard across the table. The included wine was cheap, and tasted like it. The salad was excellent, and a highlight of the meal. The main course was ok. The lobsters were cooked fine, but weren't sweet and flavorful like lobster should be. The sausage, shrimp, potatoes and mussels at the bottom of the pot were the best part of the bake. The should have added some of that flavor to the lobsters! The waitress gave us a tip to save some of the bread for dipping into the stew mixture. Didn't have to work hard to save it, as it was awful bread, even with the herb butter. Really Stella, how much harder, or more expensive is it to serve good bread? The crem brûlée for desert was again, ok, not fabulous. All in all, we may return for a drink and appetizer outside if we're in the area, but it won't be a dinner destination for us. There are better options for my money.
(3)Michael M.
Dropped by this place for a late night happy hour before a movie next door. We chose the place based on information on their website indicating that they offered 2-for-1 specials from 9-11. We ordered our drinks and were very confused when we only received one. When we asked the waiter, he said, "Oh, they start at 10pm now, not 9pm." When we showed him the website saying otherwise, he said "Well, our happy hour times change constantly." When bars advertise specials on their website, and we can present that website live on a mobile device, they should honor that special. At the very least, an apology from the server or manager would have been in order. I have been to this place plenty of times for happy hour because the location and drink specials are great, but sadly, the service seems to have deteriorated there.
(2)Kirsten L.
I'm a calamari fiend and this place never dissappoints. If I were actually paying a normal price for it I probably wouldn't be so excited but its SO cheap. Everyone starts out here in uptown because of the 2-4-1's. Unfortunately for a girl who learned how to chug beer from a seasoned frat boy recently this can be dangerous. Just watch yourself and don't start a chugging contest. Or lose once every few beers. Luckily that's no one's fault but my own. Also, nerds trying to be macho tools hang out here looking for girlfriends. One dismissed me as "Kristin" after insisting on getting all of our names, shaking our hands (do you seriously touch everyone you meet? Gross!) then proceeded to chat up my obviously engaged friend and would not give it up. But that's what I don't like about uptown in general, every guy thinks you're his future girlfriend. Sign up for e-harmony and move along.
(4)Dana H.
Great food Personal service a bit on the high side of price but i took home half my meal and now I have 2 really good dinners.
(5)Peter H.
Went here on a Saturday night with a group of about 12, and sat on the rooftop. Overall the only plus was the great view (and the energy, if that's what your looking for). The food is mediocre at best and very expensive for what you get. Calamari ($13.50) was a small-ish red plastic basket with a bed of cheap looking shredded lettuce. Chicken wings were, well, like frozen chicken wings. Certainly not worth $12. Drinks were very expensive too and their beer selection is pretty much the same as Applebees. I also thought it was odd that they have a restroom attendant. First, it's not a "classy" establishment by any stretch of the imagination. Second, I thought in today's modern society people could handle getting their own towels. Just saying. So - if you are looking for a really energetic environment with good views of uptown and very drunk people, come for the atmosphere. If you are looking for good fish or quality beer, or inexpensive drinks, go elsewhere.
(2)Melissa B.
So, we came here with a group of 7 right as the place opened for lunch, I think 11:30 (keep in mind i am with my Grandmother and her sisters-they eat early!). We were seated on the roof deck on a beautiful August afternoon. Lovely. From there it went down hill. The food was ok, nothing great IMO. I had this cob like salad with shrimp. The shrimp was fantastic and fresh, but the salad-the leaves were dirty. Literally, not washed and I kept finding dirt. Gross. Everyone else really enjoyed their food. Oh, I also tried oysters and determined that I hate them-ewwww. I am a seafood lover-but oysters, so slimy, I can't do it. Our service was absolutely awful. Our waitress would leave for really long periods of time. It was insane. We waited for our bill for over 45 minutes. I would go back for the view if I lived in the area, maybe happy hour. The 3 stars are pretty much for the view and everyone else's food.
(3)Traci A.
Note: I am not reviewing this place based at all on the "hipness" factor, the outside rooftop bar, of the after-work cocktail crowd. I am basing my comments solely on the indoor dining, seafood menu stuff. I liked Stella's. Having moved to MN from New England last year (read: lots and lots of really fresh and very good seafood and shellfish) , my husband and I have been missing the fresh seafood here in middle America. Some other east coast transplants rec'd Stella's and we tried it recently. And we liked it. It's not a Rhode Island or Boston seafood joint but it's good. The fish, lobster, calamari etc. reminded us of the stuff back east. Service was good (not great, but good) and drinks were fine. Nothing fancy inside but good, fresh seafood.
(4)JetSetFiend S.
From everything I've heard about this place, I expected it to be better. I visited with a group of 10 coworkers on a Thursday night when it was not busy at all. We all just had drinks. The waiter wasn't very good about coming back to check on us, but I will give him props for separating all of our checks correctly. There was tons of seating both upstairs and downstairs so it must be a very popular place.
(3)kiki d.
Stella's just doesn't work for me. I've been there for after-dinner drinks, and for a nice meal - neither was a satisfying experience. The food is pretty good - heavily focused on seafood, of course. The entrees change frequently, but the appetizers seem to stay the same. I like the crab cakes, calamari, and the crab/spinach dip. The entrees are on the fancier side, I'd say, and relatively expensive. The crowd is a weird mix of older people and college-age people. We saw what looked like a couple celebrating their engagement with parents and grandparents, and a group of rowdy 20-somethings seated near each other. The rooftop patio does have a nice view. But, it's crowded and has a spring-break vibe to it. I'd personally prefer that Stella's be one or the other - nice seafood restaurant I can go to with my parents, or rowdy bar I can go to with my friends.
(3)Jennifer H.
I've been here three times and I have yet to be disappointed by the food. Its one downside is that it's super duper busy pretty much all the time and I'm not sure who you have to blow to get a spot up on the rooftop patio. The oysters are definitely the main attraction here. Go raw. The Oysters Rockefeller are OK... I guess. All the fish dishes I've tried have been perfectly cooked and succulent.
(4)Callie B.
Love the 2-4-1 specials and the oyster orgy! Foods great, drinks are great, but the place can get packed! Try out trivia night for a less busy but super fun happy hour!
(4)Emily S.
Stella's is a fun place to be at on a nice summer afternoon. I've been here a couple of times. the food is alright, nothing to get super excited for. I found the prices were a bit much for the quality of food you are served. The service I've gotten here on all occasions was actually pretty damn good! The server was very informative and seemed like she actually gave a damn and wanted to be at work. I rarely find that when I go out anywhere in uptown! The food is ok. I was a fan of the coconut shrimp appetizer. They have decent drinks, but I think the roof-top patio makes up for what is lacked! They have the best view of downtown, and you can see forever! Stay away on windy days, but when the air is cool, and the days is nice..Get out to Stellas!
(3)Laurie O.
I wish I could rate negative stars!!! I've been going to stellas for years and have always been a big fan. But over the last year or so it has gone dramatically down hill!!! Last time I was there my lobster was undercooked not once but twice!! Very unappetizing to crack into a lobster to have slimy grey mucous looking flesh fall out. A friend wanted to get lunch there today and I reluctantly agreed. We both had walleye sandwiches, oysters and cornbread. In my first and only bite of my sandwich I pulled 8 bones out of my mouth. I let my server know and her response was yea fish have bones that's normal. She proceeded to tell me not to worry that the walleye was fresh and local. NEWS FLASH it is illegal in mn to commercially fish walleye and no it is not normal to find bones in fish at a nice restaurant! I've been a server in fine dining for 8 years and have never had someone find a bone in their fish. I asked to speak with a manager and he informed me that the walleye is neither fresh nor local. It is frozen pre portioned fish that they get. He apologized about the bones and told me that they don't do any of the deboning in house, that it's solely the responsibility of their fish distributor. Now on to the oysters, DONT EAT THEM, they were dirty and old!!!! My friend and I have both been in the bathroom all afternoon PUKING!! Stella's please stop serving sub par fish and seafood. I will never dine with you again
(1)Anna M.
I'm always a bit skeptical of seafood this fair from the ocean, but I was pleasantly surprised by Stella's. I went on a very cold midweek winter night- so the place was fairly empty. I was craving something that would warm me up. I was very happy to learn that they make their Cioppino to order (as it should be done!) and were happy to work around my shrimp allergy. Our server was very friendly and helpful!
(4)Molly B.
The view from the rooftop is great in the summer and the drinks are pretty good. But we went for happy hour tonight when they have 2-for-1 drinks and, instead of serving us one drink and waiting to see what we wanted for our second drink, our waitress brought us two of each drink at the same time. We looked like a bunch of winos surrounded by beers and Amaretto sours. So I ended up chugging my first beer so I could start on the second before it got warm. Not the way I like to spend a leisurely Monday night happy hour...
(2)Josh L.
I like this place. Eating on the roof was a lot fun and their sunday lobster speicial is very good. The sushi rolls are not very special but tastes good. Bottom line, the fish/crab/lobster/oyster are fresh. One of the better places to eat seafood in the city.
(4)Beth W.
Thursday night happy hour. I'm not into the bar scene, so this whole happy hour thing seemed a bit out of my element. And I'm allergic to shellfish (thanks Stella, but I have already proven it . . .), so I was a little leery of the fish cafe notion. But it was a networking event, so I was there. With all that qualifying information said, I had a very nice time. The rooftop atmosphere was great for my non-bar tendencies. The appetizers were excellent. My beverage was a pomegranate lemonade with mint, which was a great idea, but the mint was a bit mashed and unpleasant. Even with my non-fishy tendencies, I would visit Stella's again, at least in the summer!
(4)Sarah R.
We made our reservations online. Arrived 10 minutes early, ended up waiting an extra 15 minutes past our reservation time...but they were very busy. We started with the crab stuffed mushrooms. They were a hit. We then had the lobster, crab ravioli, the heirloom tomato and goat cheese salad and San Fran Cioppino. The lobster came with chive mashed potatoes. The size of the lobster was a little small for the price but it was good. The crab ravioli was great as well...but again the portion was a little small. 7 ravioli total. The heirloom tomato salad was wonderful! Great aged balsamic, and just enough shredded basil on top. The end of the summer tomatoes! The clam chowder was to die for and the Cioppino was flavorful. Our waiter was nice, and took good care of us. They ran out of BOTH the red velvet cupcakes and the red velvet cake (which probably says how good it is). Since both were out he brought us some chocolate ice cream and mini state fair donuts. Both were great. Overall a fun trip with good service.
(4)Eve A.
We had an awesome lunch at Stella's. I'd suggested Uptown for its funky, trendy places and this one filled the bill. I loved my pan seared Walleye Pike, but my husband's beer battered cod was some of the best I've ever had. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful, we went up to the roof after for a great view of the city, and I would highly recommend this restaurant to visitors (like us) looking for some great seafood in the Cities.
(5)Cortney G.
Stella's is an ok spot to grab a happy hour, but definitely not somewhere that I go out of my way to get to. To clarify: I've never had a bad experience here, just not on my top ten places to hit up for dinner or drinks. Their food is greasy and kind of meh, but they do have a great rooftop for happy hour. Go to the rooftop at night, though, and you're in trouble. You can barely move because it's so packed, and the deck slats will ruin your heels - so make sure you wear a cute pair of wedges if your group is headed here!
(3)Ally C.
Stella's has a great patio for drinks but don't bother eating there. Food is subpar and servers are quite busy. They have a great happy hour for Sunday football games.
(2)Linda N.
i've been to Stella's many times since i've moved back to MN and i just recently went tonight after a long hiatus from the "night" scene (it's only 1am). we came in about 11pm and there wasn't a line like there usually is, maybe bc cafeteria is across the street. we were seated at the two top in the entryway so that called for a very annoying experience (ppl running into us, getting into our bubble, etc) but we kept our spirits up and didn't let it get to us. the only thing that bothered us were when two ppl decided that our table was a trash table and leave their drunken cups (yes, these were patrons and has no effect on the establishment itself, just had to say). first off, have some respect. secondly, we were clearly, full-on eating so find another table who were just drinking and getting drunk. thirdly, if you wanted to put it on our table, just ask. what happened to common courtesy?? (not so common i guess). fourth, if we were just drinking then we really wouldn't have minded it. anyway, back to the restaurant. our menu: ahi tuna crisps - a really good app. the tuna mixture had the right amount of wasabi to give it a good kick and the crispy chip was a perfect complement. mussels - i thought the cream was a bit too thick, maybe a garlic butter sauce might've been better. the bread also complemented the mussels well though so it balanced each other. still would've liked a lighter sauce. marley sushi roll - it had a fishy taste to it so that's always a red flag. bad. calamari - always good, everywhere. but i liked that they put it on a bed of chopped lettuce so we could eat it together. service - stella's always has great service. no matter how busy it gets they are still as attentive as ever. the asian chick that was serving us was always there and at perfect timing. we never had to look for her for anything bc she was always checking on us to see if we were ok. overall, if the entryway was a bit better laid out, the experience would've been a lot more pleasurable, but with the runins we had deterred my 4-5 star review.
(3)Carolyn P.
Went with high hopes of having some good seafood in the middle of the country. Big fat bummer. Got the fishermans platter and could barely taste the seafood for all the breading (which wasn't all that great either). Fiance got the lobster and it was not good. Overcooked and not cleaned very well (nice try waitress - that's the poop line, not just a vein). For the price, it was definitely not worth it. At half the price I'm not sure that it would be worth it. Rather bummed. It's in business for the happy hour specials and the rooftop patio, definitely not the food or service.
(1)Rachael J.
Love this place! The rooftop is hell on earth in nice weather, but I loves me some 2-4-1's after 10 though. I've had their beef tips 2 times, the first time it was like a double rainbow of delight. The 2nd time it was uninspired and dry and the service was so so and I stayed away til the staff I didn't like got fired or quit or whatever. On a whim I went back for drinks and scallops and it was magical! Buttery, perfectly peppered and the potatoes were phenomenal. It was safe to love again! So, I did their 20.00 lobster deal 3 times last year for some friend's birthday parties and we had the same waitress each time. She even remembered us. She comped us tons of goodies and it was all delicious. I feel terrible that I don't remember the waitress's name because she is AWESOME! Attentive, charming, and over all very good at what she does. Bravo Stella's bravo! Don't order the bloody mary if you have to drive home. YOWZA!
(5)Anne M.
I was craving seafood so I talked a friend into coming here for their Friday $0.59 oyster special during happy hour (see the happy hour menu on their website), which runs from 3-6. Parking sucks because it's uptown - no validation at this place. We paid $9 for parking. We got in at about 4:40 - ordered fries, and 3 dozen oysters. We got our fries at about 5:10. We got our first dozen oysters at 5:20 and the waitress told us that they have a rule that we can only have a dozen oysters at a time, but once the dozen hits our table, she can bring us another basket. Okay, whatever, just give me my oysters. So my friend and I slurp down the first dozen in about 40 seconds. Then we have to wait some more ... where is our waitress and her promise to bring us more oysters? Alas, nowhere to be found. We had to wait about another 15 minutes before we got our remaining oysters. If we had gotten our oysters, we would have been in and out of there in about 1/2 hour and they would have had a free table, but oh no, everything has to be this long, drawn out process ... I was not impressed with the service and was really tempted to leave less than a 15% tip, but caved and left the 15%. When we got the bill, we found out that they had raised their prices (not reflected on-line) to $0.69 per oyster. $0.69 is still pretty cheap for oysters, but they should update their website to reflect their increase in prices. The only reason I'm giving this place 2 stars instead of 1 is that I satisfied my oyster craving. I am just not impressed with Stella's. It seems disorganized - there has to be a better method! Waiting that long for food that doesn't even need to be cooked is ridiculous. I may come back here again, but only when I am really, really desperate.
(2)Peter L.
Great place for lunch, especially in the summer when you can sit outside. The food is always great. I recently tried the Jambalaya. It was good, but I don't think it was $22 good... Some of their prices are a bit steep. AVOID dinner. This place gets way too crowded and douchey during happy hour, and dinner service. On Sat. night my girlfriend and I waited for over an hour after we finished our apps before we were served our entrees. I like this place even though there's no place to park, I just won't go there for dinner anymore.
(3)Randy H.
Together with great friends, my wife and I ventured from our franchise-dominated suburban existence to Stella's in the heart of the Minneapolis vibrant Uptown neighborhood. We love seafood with a Cajun influence and Stella's didn't disappoint. Our group shared the stuffed grouper, jerk mahi mahi and salmon, all of which were terrific but all told, I preferred the salmon. The flavor was absolutely vibrant. Freshness and quality are apparent everywhere...but you will pay for it. Most entrees will run you $25+ and the portions are modest at best. It was pretty noisy and quite busy, but in a happening sort of way. The Red Velvet dessert just may have been the best ever. The cream cheese frosting is 100% amazing. Don't miss it. We dined on the first floor but a trip to the roof proves it indeed would be a wonderful place to spend a summer evening.
(5)Joe N.
Food very good, service excellent, roof top one of the top 2 or 3 best views in the Twin Cities. Fish is very fresh. Parmesan walleye is terrific (on lunch but for some reason not on dinner menu) Good deals available on Lobster. Happy hour quite a good deal if you are drinking. Food Prices on high side but definitely a very good place to eat if you are ok with the cost.
(4)Anupama V.
My husband and I dined at Stella's Saturday night after an evening at the ballet. Loved the fact that we could make reservations for 11pm (they don't take reservations beyond that) and were a little intimidated by the long line of college hipsters snaking around the corner. But a quick word with the bouncers at the door and one of them led us right in and found us a server who seated us with no problems - but OMG the noise!!! it was unbelievably loud for it not being a club! The food was good but not spectacular - we had the mexican oysters for apps - fresh but small.I had the stuffed fish for the main course which was crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside. It came with mashed potatoes and a beautifully seasoned salad. My husband had the blackened sword fish which he thought was under-seasoned, but then again we both prefer big, bold flavors. In a nutshell - saturday nights are clearly not a good option for a date night dinner if you want to hear your companion, but their service is really great and the food while good is not particularly memorable.
(3)Justin G.
Great walleye, highly recommended.
(5)Zoey Z.
Stella's is always a great place to go during the warmer weather for their amazing rooftop--yes, it's crowded but I prefer a crowd then an empty area. Drinks are fairly priced and decent. They keep FB-ing their Wednesday night Sushi Special, buy 2 rolls get 1 free. So last night, being a randomly fabulous 68 degrees out--we went to their rooftop and they said "we are not taking any more seating"--and we'd have to wait until 10pm when everything is open seating. Fine--I get it, limited seats. We head downstairs, multiple table tops are opened but the hostessed had to go "check" she comes back 2 minutes later and points to the table directly next to her. OK-the waiter was prompt and said "yeah, all our sushi is really good". We ordered the Firecracker, Mafia roll (as per suggestion of the waiter) and Lobster roll. Sushi was horrible--lacked any flavor, there was no spicy (not even in the spicy mayo) and I had to order a side of eel sauce just to eat it. If you like billow-y rice with bland fish--then this is the sushi for you! Side note: I had their Lobster Sunday Special on the rooftop back in September--lobster wasn't cleaned properly--also at same meal ordered the caprese salad which stated "heirloom" tomatoes and was served 4 slices of limp beefsteak tomatoes--there's a complete difference. Beefsteak = $1.29/lb. Heirloom $5.99/lb. Will be enjoying Stella's rooftop but enjoying sushi elsewhere. Pros: Rooftop, Good Drink Specials Cons: Overpriced Fish, Sushi Sucks.
(2)amy n.
Not that there could be many good fresh seafood places in the cities (cuz really, how fresh can it be so far from the coast) but don't ever try and eat the oysters, especially if you like oysters. They'll make you cry with displeasure, and you'll need a couple more overpriced drinks just to get the taste out of your mouth.
(2)Chanstay Y.
Great late night specials like 2 for 1 beers and $1 oysters. The food is good, I have tried several appetizers and they were all super yummy. They have a great roof top patio with a full bar which is always fun. Now the one area I say they lack in is the service, the first visit the guy was on it and we had a huge group but my later visits haven't been as good. Sometimes taking a long time to get the servers attention to having food timed badly, I hate when there at 5min gaps in then people are served. I don't want to have to wait til their food comes or to be done before them due to the service. I will be back but next time I have somewhere to be I will be sure to get the check at least 10 mins before I think I should so I'm not leaving late because this can be the worst part of the visit.
(4)Mimi L.
I generally go to Stella's for their happy hour deals. The service has never been that good, but the happy hour is usually what keeps me coming back. Not this time, this experience would probably keep me away from Stella's for a very long time. Their service has always been poor, but this time it was really bad and they were no where near busy. Our server rarely stopped at the table, which meant we constantly had to flag him down for service. The worst part about the whole thing was the food. My oysters were gritty as if they were never cleaned. The champagne mussels are usually pretty good, but they were half closed and there were broken shell pieces in the sauce. Not just a couple pieces, it was as if the shells were a main component of the sauce. Happy hour is usually the time when I don't expect great dishes, but basic cleaning of your seafood (especially because you are a seafood joint) was unacceptable. I would not come back for anything that I had. I might try again for something different, but I don't know if it's really worth my money to chip my teeth on some over-priced seafood.
(1)Esther Y.
Came here for drinks and enjoyed the weather. Not crazy overpriced like downtown style, which is good. And the great roof deck is a plus.
(3)Stephen G.
One of the best waitresses that I've had in a long long time. The food was excellent too although the jambalaya was a bit spicy (I'm not a Minnesota spicy person).
(4)Michael H.
What an exceptional night on Stella's rooftop! We had one of the best tables in the house on a busy Friday night without a reservation. The server brought us out calamari, compliments of the chef. All of our meals were very fresh and prepared with unique and interesting sauces. Loved the view and the food. Got a little crowded around the bar later, seems like the place to be in Minneapolis.
(4)Gerhart T.
One of the best roof top decks in Uptown!
(4)David G.
Cool location, great atmosphere. Food is not all that. Wait staff was very inattentive. Have not made it up to the rooftop yet. Maybe soon!
(2)Garett N.
Came here to the rooftop bar after dinner and drinks at another nearby establishment. It has a great view of the city and the atmosphere was fun. Recommended!
(4)Lola S.
I have 3 words for you - roof top patio. It's only way to experince this place. The food was pretty good and did not feel like it was Midwest. :) I would definitely try to stay away from this place on the "party nights"; the atmosphere is a lot better when it's not crowded. I went there on Sunday afternoon, and would highly recommed it to anyone, especially with the happy hour deals going on at that time.
(4)Clara K.
came here after dinner to get some drinks. the open air roof deck is really nice, especially on a balmy spring/summer night. didn't try any food but enjoyed just hanging out and taking lots of fun photos. :D
(4)Jay V.
Sat on the deck one weekend for lunch. Had a nice meal. Portion size was good and tasty. Great view of downtown Minneapolis. Great photograph in men's room, go check it out!
(4)Miss B.
Stella's is my favorite hh spot in Minneapolis. It's got a good vibe, that can be chalked up to good cheap wine, a consistently friendly staff, and seafood as fresh as seafood can possibly get in the middle of the country. It's also a diverse crowd--i'm never discriminated against. and please--if you are offended that someone is mentioning that discrimination is an issue in minneapolis, obviously you are not a minority. in fact, i'd say that my ethnically and culturally diverse group of friends blend in seamlessly here like they would in any major city. there's manolos mixed in with goaches (read: fake coach purses), too, which is always good for a fancy girl like me who sometimes sticks out like a sore thumb. also, their patio is the best in uptown.
(4)Nathan B.
Went here for some late food and beers on Saturday night. We got some beers and ordered off the apps menus. Somebody ordered the kids' mac n' cheese and it was obviously from a box of Kraft. The chicken strips were standard and the gorgonzola stuffed bread was nice. The steak bites were great with BBQ sauce. They claim to have fresh seafood, and they do have live lobster available, but the prices are so absurd we didn't try any of it (I'm from Seattle, so maybe I'm just spoiled....)
(3)John K.
Loved the walleye and the buffalo shrimp. Who would have known you can get great seafood in Minnesota?
(4)Jeremy H.
The best place in the Twin Cities to eat seafood. The prices are a little high but they have great deals throughout the week. The rooftop is the best in Uptown and is great for drinks during the MN summer. Plan ahead though as its always busy.
(4)Karin K.
In my opinion, Stella's is only good if you can sit on the rooftop deck overlooking Uptown. The food is okay most of the time, but be careful to ask about what fish is "today's catch". After all, we do live in MN and fish generally has to be flown in, so if it's not called "fresh today" watch out. Husband loves the raw oysters. These would not be my choice. We've been here many times mainly for the atmosphere on the deck. Food is hit or miss.
(3)Cyrus A.
I really liked this place. Great 2-for-1 happy hour that runs even on the weekends. The Fish and Chips was really tasty, and the beers were frosty and cold. I'll certainly be back again in the future.
(4)Jim T.
Seafood in the mid-west. I should have been a little more skeptical going into the situation. Fun atmosphere. Good pours by the bartender. Food quality, not bad and not exceptional. Execution was a little off. The descriptions painted a grander picture than received by the palate. The ceveiche tasted a little past its prime. Other apps were tasty. The scallops were prepared in a traditional bacon wrapped manor but were ever so slightly overcooked. The coconut shrimp was good too. My main dish was fair. Subtle flavors which should have existed only in the background were forced to the front and became overpowering. Great for large parties and very attentive staff. Walking out, our general consensus was....just alright.
(3)Nicholas P.
Althought it has the best rooftop seating in all of uptown, unfortunately, that just isn't enough for me. I can't stand this place. First of all, I know a handful of people who have gotten food poisoning from here. Many of those where within the first year of service, but a couple have been within the last 6 months. So, don't get the food, unless your willing to take the risk. It is a very pretentious place. That is obvious. My work buddies like the rooftop on a nice summer day, so once in a while I end up here and it's always something. The happy hour is only on the inside, it's not on the roof top. What's with that. Drinks are cheaper, if you are inside. Does this make sense to anyone? Anyways, the last time I was here was the last straw. I get a couple of drinks for happy hour and drive home to let my dog out and retire for the evening. Well, next morning I check my bank account and there is my charge for my drinks, but, what is this, it's another $40 charge on my credit card. Not sure what happened, but if I wasn't on top of my crap, I would have gotten ripped off. I ended having multiple conversations with managers trying to get them to take the charges off my account. After three weeks if was finally resolved.
(1)Erin S.
Love this place, mostly due to the rooftop and also just because there was the greatest company ever. We proceeded to get very happy here due to the wine and beer being buy one get one free. WHAT? Awesome. We snagged a booth, had a great waiter - and some good bar/snack food later. However, everything tastes good after a few drinks. But would definitely like to come back for drinks and dinner!!
(4)Megan B.
I avoided this place because of all the Happy Hour hype, but was surprised by how delicious and affordable lunch was there. I got some delicious clam chowder and my dad really enjoyed the fish and chips--lots of moist, flaky fish with just a light coating of breading. And the bill was much lower than I expected. I'd recommend dining here--it seems like they really do take seafood seriously.
(4)Hyojin O.
I went to Stella's on a Friday after work and was glad to have caught their awesome happy hour. We made a reservation on open table the night before, but I don't think it's necessary on a summer evening if you plan on sitting inside. Hubby and I got 2-4-1 drinks, salmon slider, ahi slider, some oysters and Friday HH special steamed shrimp. Yummy! We ate in since they don't allow HH on their rooftop, but whatever. Our sever was very tentative and friendly too. We will be back to enjoy their 3-6 pm and late night happy hour often.
(4)Samone D.
Love their oyster orgy (sometimes .56 an oyster!), hate their bloody mary.
(3)Liz G.
I love Stella's. Fun bar, good food in a great area.
(4)Deb R.
A friend and I visited Stella's after deciding not to wait for a table at another popular Uptown restaurant. I was craving oysters. I was deeply disappointed with the oysters. It was the same thing I have been bitterly complaining about at numerous other Twin Cities restaurants - salt! Oysters naturally have a salty briny taste, and these oysters were tiny and had obviously been opened hours before I ordered them (or at least one of them had.) Even a pinch of salt in a small oyster is enough to overwhelm the taste for a non-smoker with a palate. Please don't do it! Also, they had six or seven varieties on the menu, about half of which were not available. I ordered three, one of each. No attempt at all was made to tell me which was which. The other bar food we ordered wouls have got a four star rating at least. The firecracker sushi is very good, as is the raw tuna with pico de gallo, guacamole and corn chips. My drink was a lime and Stoli, and it was nothing to write home about. Apparently there was live music starting as we were leaving because a line of youngsters at the door was getting their hands stamped. I do plan to return in the summer when the rooftop dining is open and order from the other side of the menu. I wish they had a fried oyster dish. I may need to make a trip to New Orleans or Portland to satisfy my craving properly.
(3)Aaron H.
pros- oysters, happy hour, mojitos, grouper!, easy reservations as well as our table being ready 15 min prior to our reservation time. cons- the patio was too full and there is no way to make a reservation, the steak was slightly overcooked and over salted, bad acustics. All and all a great place,expensive at regular times but I will be back for happy hour with $1 oysters!
(4)Emily U.
If you can make your way to the rooftop patio to check out the killer view of the Minneapolis skyline, do it. But beware: it's going to be packed on a nice summer night and you may or may not get annoyed with the throngs of people. But that's OK. The view is worth it. They've got a great happy hour and I can't review their full menu because I've never tried. But 2-4-1s are great and cheap appetizers are always a big hit. It's a casual, loud atmosphere but the service is fine. The only annoyance is parking but that's kind of theme of Uptown so you just have to deal with it.
(3)Lily X.
Five of us came here on a 2 for 3 sushi night and ended up having 10 plates of sushi rolls, 1 plate of fresh catch of the day (scallops), an appetizer of the salmon bombs and oysters, as well as 3 bottles of wine. We were all disappointed about the food. The rolls are very average and the lobster roll was below average because the rice to lobster ratio was probably around a 4:1 or 5:1. I'm not a sushi person so I ordered the scallops and asked for grilled, but I did not expect to taste burnt & overcooked scallop meat. Then on of my friends got a fly in her mouth while drinking her wine!!? Luckily she spitted it out right away and it was still alive! Of course, my friend freaked out and manager came over to apologize. And for compensation, we got one bottle of wine taken off of our check. The rating, however, is not affected by the fly incident but is based off the food we got. The only thing I liked was the salmon bomb and their customer service. The waiters are very chill and friendly, and that's why we did not give them a hard time at all when we found that fly in our friend's drink..Overall, it was a fun night and if we do came back here again, I'll just 3 plates of salmon bombs (5 each) as my dinner meal.
(2)Will D.
Great seafood in a land locked state. Rooftop is for ballers only. Lots o' levels to boot.
(5)Mark J.
Great food - xept the fish tacos... Still gets 5 stars for the great food, service, and best view of Minneapolis the twin cities has to offer (on the roof)
(5)Peter H.
Steella's has very solid sea food for a city that has no ocean access. I have eaten here for both lunch and dinner and each time it was very good. Their Lobster roll is great, and I have had really good catch of the day specials as well. Their oyster bar is great for happy hour or while waiting for your table. My favorite dish is their jalapeno corn bread, very tasty little treat. Their beer selection is sub par but their mojito's are very good. As said in other reviews you can't beat the roof top when you can get out there. Stella's is a very good and fun place to be.
(4)Adam M.
Have you been here for the happy hour? Go here for the happy hour. Good drink/app prices. Cheap oysters! To eat dinner here is to pay too much for fairly good food.
(4)Sven T.
I was here the other night and I loved it. After reading some of the other reviews, I can't understand why anyone would give Stellas less than 4 stars. Yeah it can be a little spring breakish in a yuppie way, but it is not Drink. Thank the Goddess and all the stars for that. In fact I bet you could rig up some sort of water balloon device to actually hit Drink's patio. Seriously, anyone who thinks Stellas is too suburb/frat boyish, I friggin double dog dare you to go to Drink just once. You've been warned. The patio is open seating after 10 (or maybe 9) so you don't have to "know: (or blow) anyone to get up there. Best views in the city. Sure drinks are Uptown priced, but hey who in Uptown doesn't charge too much for drinks? My favorite food item is the calamari. If you find better calamari anywhere in the entire city (yes I would consider going to Saint Paul even if the calamari was that good) please let me know.
(4)Ellie Y.
I initially wasn't impressed by Stella's due to a disappointing happy hour meal where the food was mediocre a few months ago. I'm glad I gave Stella's a 2nd chance! I just went recently using a Groupon deal for 1/2 off the baked lobster dinner for 2 and it was delicious! It was generous amounts of food - bar drinks, bread & salad, followed by a pot of 2 baked lobsters in a sauce of spinach leaves, shrimp, mussels, and sausage, followed by a large slice of chocolate layer cake. The lobster tasted very fresh - we dipped the lobster in butter and used some of the cajun & salt seasoning provided on the table. It was savory! The pot also had a generous amount of shrimp, mussels, and sausage. Overall, the dinner was fantastic. I'm not sure if we'd do the same dinner again (it is $150 regular price) but I'd definitely go back for their other meals.
(5)Chad H.
It's like Red Lobster on steroids. I've been there twice. I've been to a lot of seafood restaurants and the only place I've been to in the Twin Cities with better seafood is The Oceanaire but this is less expensive (although still about $20-$30/plate). Now the atmosphere is quite different, if not untactful, and I've never been to their patio on the roof, but the seafood is always fresh and always really good. I'm not a Salmon fan and don't usually like it, but last time we went there my wife had the grilled wild King Salmon on a cedar plank due to the waitresses recommendation and I really liked it . In fact it's probably their best dish.
(5)Eugene V.
No, it's not getting any better. I got a lobster sandwich on burnt bread. And the lobster was overcooked.
(1)Danielle H.
Stella's has an interesting vibe. I think the food is great and the view is great but it really is too crowded. To me the big issue is that the crowd is not diverse at all! i can't see myself going back on a Thursday night. I agree that it reminds me of Spring Break!
(2)Marc W.
Amazing oysters and shrimp. Awesome rooftop view in the summer. Be prepared for crowds.
(5)Lisa D.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Stellas!! Great food, great atmosphere- wonderful seafood! Even a good as oysters I've had on the east coast.. truly awesome! Great place for dinner or a weekend hang out. Good happy hour specials too. Parking is a bit of a pain, but worth it.
(5)Mark S.
We had a big party there on a sat night, and they did a very nice job for us. Also, the roof-top with some fish and chips and a corona...nice!
(4)Jillian N.
I like their crab cakes, and their fish sampler was exceptional. Gets busy later on weekends, which seems to be typical with the area. No complaints.
(4)Di T.
I just came here to drink. At first I was thinking "Stella's Fish Cafe to drink?" Turned out to be a cool hang out. We went to the roof top patio and it had a nice view of downtown. It was a little chilly and they couldn't turn on the heat lamps because they would just blow out. Too bad. They had some cool drinks like "slap yo mamma". I'm not really a sweet cocktail girl, but it was pretty good. There is a bar on the patio and bar on the first floor so plenty of spots for drinking. It's in a good location in Uptown. Best of all it's close to White Castle!!!
(4)Mike C.
Spain had just become the World Champions of Football! Viva Espana! We went to Stella's to celebrate my darling Kathryn's birthday, a bit risky being our first visit, but here we go. I found free parking within a block, we went in and climbed the 72 steps to the rooftop patio, take the elevator up! We were greeted and seated. Great views of downtown Mpls and the streets below. It was late afternoon, hot and humid but there was the occasional breeze and cool sprinkles of showery rain. Our server was bubbly and not overbearing. We ordered drinks and starters, bad news no mussels! So we had walleye fingers and peel and eat shrimp. Just right. Our house guest from the UK doesn't like fish, but she liked the walleye. Main courses ordered, three steaks, wait on, this is a fish cafe, ah well kids. I ordered Jambalaya and Kathryn had the stuffed Grouper. Another drink and the main course arrived, wow huge portions. The three steaks were ordered, medium well!( UK) guest, medium rare and almost rare. They arrived just right. The jambalaya and grouper also were just right. All five dishes came out together and all were as ordered, a well run kitchen:) Too much food for the meat eaters, to go boxes were needed. Our server brought Kathryn a red velvet cake with a candle, nice touch, nice Red cake. First visit. It won't be our last. We shall get the mussels and have a couple of beers in our next trip. I see us making Stella's one of our must take out of town folks too places as well as one if our favourite places. I highly recommend a visit. The staff are really friendly, the food is plentiful and good. Thank you Derek, manager, and Amy our server.
(4)Mark L.
Go for the rooftop patio and the crowd. The food is underwhelming and overpriced. It is a fun place in Uptown to snack and drink. The menu is diverse. That would be my compliment. I wish it was better.
(2)Tyler S.
Exceptional outdoor deck! Stella's in Uptown has an excellent menu and is perfect for lunch. Fills up quickly for dinner!
(4)Ryan D.
If your in the mood for seafood in Minneapolis take a look at Stellas. In my opinion it bests both Mckormick & $micks and Oceaniare. The staff is personable. The food is excellent, make sure to try the panko crusted fried green tomatoes, the Steamed Mussels and the Homemade Tater Tots with Jalapeano Marmalade all are cant miss delights. The wine and beer lists are good and the rooftop bar is the place to be on a warm minneapolis summer night. If you plan on eating on the rooftop get there early 6 pm or earlier on drinking nights (thurs-sat) to make sure you snag a table... Also dont miss the Raw Oysters they are awesome. The ambiance is charming, the scenery is second to none, and the price is fair. Put it on your list!
(4)Lieu T.
My friend and I went here for happy hour... only it started at 10:30pm and not 9:30pm (take note, their happy hour is later in the winter time). We decided to order the Hot Crab and Spinach Dip appetizer ($12) while we waited for happy hour (buy one drink get one free). This dish came out in a hot 6 inch skillet and loaded with hot dip and served with garlic bread and chips. The dish is basically crab meat (not imitation! and lots of it), cream cheese, parmesan, and spinach. The first few bites are heaven. This dish is big enough to satisfy 8 people. There was a lot of dip! You have to eat this fast while it is hot in my opinion because once it cools down, the dip will become very salty and hard to eat straight up (to me anyways, my friends who are regularly cheese eaters did not think so). We didn't try any other dish, so if I come back here, I would definitely sample the menu a bit more. Prices are a bit steep, but its seafood fare and good fare at that.
(4)Ann J.
We had lunch here yesterday before going to the Science Museum. It's very quiet at lunch compared to at night - or at least on Wednesday's. Nice lunch menu with some of the same items as night, but in smaller portions. I had the coconut shrimp platter - comes with your choice of fries, garlic mashed potatoes, or chips. I had the garlic mashed potatoes - huge serving - they were good, but I would have liked more garlic! The coconut shrimp were very good and the coleslaw was on the sweet side - which is how I like it. Dave had the fish and chips - he enjoyed it though said he thought Maynard's in Excelsior was better. Overall we enjoyed it, but it is more fun at night.
(4)freddy f.
This place is amazing. I love the ambience and the staff is very friendly. I am not a huge seafood fan but I still find items that I can order.
(5)Jason W.
Party of 7. Slow, forgetful waiter who told us how good he is at his job. Fried food was good. Mixed drinks were weak. Out of the Sunday lobster special by 7pm...call ahead or order right away. Of course our fearless server didn't inform us until we ordered it. Rooftop for drinks can be great...as long as the Tools stay home.
(2)P X.
Obnoxious photos, amazing seafood, rooftop patio, cheap happy hour, and steaks to write home about! This place has it all, except a bathroom on the first floor. I honestly can't get enough of their Champagne Mussels and Red Velvet Cake. In fact, I take people there for their birthday just so I can order these yummies.
(5)Brooke S.
good food, great drinks, excellent patio, unbeatable view of downtown minneapolis.....if you're going for cocktails on a weekend, especially in summer, get there early for patio!!! andi f you get up there...prepare to look pretty, eat some oysters (actually i hate oysters so i dont do this) and drink some G&T's
(4)Jordan S.
I love sea food, and there are very few places in Minneapolis that you can get better seafood than Stella's. I have gotten King Crab legs a couple of times here, and I have never been disappointed. They are not the best crab legs that I have ever had, but they are still pretty damn good. I have gotten them on crab lovers Thursday, and even though you get plenty of crab, you don't get a side, so it gets more expensive if you want something besides crab legs. The same goes for lobster lovers sundays. When you don't get the crab legs on Thursday, they come with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus, both are very good. When I am not getting lobster or crab legs, I go with the Swordfish. I am a big fan of swordfish, and I have found that it is kind of hard to find on menus, so when I see it on a menu, I almost always order it. Stella's swordfish was very tasty. Some of the things that you have to be careful with Stella's is what time you go there to eat dinner. Stella's is a pretty popular bar in uptown, both for happy hour and night life, and depending on when you are there, sometimes you are not really at a restaurant, you are actually at a bar. If you are in the uptown area and are looking for some good seafood, I highly recommend Stella's. And if you want to go out and have a couple drinks, Stella's isn't a bad place to go either. Stella's food is not cheap, but I also don't think that it is overtly expensive for good seafood. I feel that it is fairly priced for what you are getting.
(4)KM I.
Stellas came recommended so we spent a Saturday evening here for dinner. Made a reservation and got a table right away. Menu was interesting but neither of us got any seafood.....my boyfriend had a steak that he enjoyed and I had the ribs. We shared bacon Mac and cheese. I disliked the BBQ sauce on the ribs for sure, funny taste to it.....and the Mac n cheese became filling after a bit, naturally I suppose. The price was about right But disappointingly the white sangria was noooo good, too citrusy, too many lemons and limes and not enough fun fruit.
(3)Serenade R.
We had been at the Uptown Art Fair when someone recommended "Stellas" so off we went. While the large Caesar salad was way overpriced, it had just the right amount of dressing on it. Only my husband had an entree of walleye which was quite tasty, though the french fries were not hardly warm. I almost never eat out at restaurants as I still prefer my Trader Joe's greek yogurt and my own salads. The service was VERY slow........we may try it again.
(3)Jen B.
I have to say that I have a love/hate relationship with this place. The food is ALWAYS fantastic, but the service is hit and miss, but always extreme. By that I mean it's either REALLY good, or REALLY bad. Here's an example- once when there with ONE friend, the waitress was rude, slow, inattentive, and acted put-out by us being there. Another time I was there with a group of 20. The waiter was quick, attentive, friendly, personable, put up with all of our silliness, and was willing to split the tab between all the people there. The roof is great, but always too packed and almost impossible to get a seat. They have a strict first come first served policy on the roof, that I feel should be changed to reservations for seating only. I also think they should allow only a certain amount of people up there. I have also learned the hard way to ALWAYS make reservations when going there, even if it's dead, or at an off time. Otherwise they make you feel like a reject for not doing so, and stick you at a crappy tables even if better ones are available. But once again, the food is fantastic!!!
(4)phoebe r.
looks can be very deceiving, from the sign on the outside this place looks kind of like some dive bar. walk inside and it is 4 stories of oh my gosh. it looked kind of slow on the inside i was a little iffy then i walked up the stairs. holy moly soo many people, there was long wait for the rooftop, but totally worth it. whats better than watching a beautiful sunset while having a cocktail? the food was tasty, we got fish and chips, spicy tuna roll and some ahi thing, the fish was very fresh. i liked the vibe of the place, the service was great seeing as it was soo packed. i liked that they didn't try and kick us out when we were done with our food, my cousin and i just sat and chatted for about an hour, soo very pleasant.
(5)Anna B.
i love the building and the rooms and how they have an outdoor area and performances, the service was ok- grumpy college students sometimes and the food was pretty good.. not the greatest seafood, but good.
(3)