Stella's Diner Reviews

Visited here after a long flight and a serious bout if hunger walked a mile to find it accidentally, and a mile well walked. I wanted to experience diner culture and we passed by lots of different places but ate here it was excellent, service brilliant their Halloween make up unbelievable to go to so much effort. And the food did not disappoint real honest home cooking its like you have come to their home to eat, it also seems central to the area around with many locals calling in and eating, this is the nice side and probably as traditional as Apple pie, this is what many people miss about life,the old style restaurants, but its here in everything you see, the waitress was lovely and attentive and caring, again a missing trait in some not all places I visit but I think with here she seems so naturally friendly you nearly want to serve her and sit with her and enjoy her company. Not a bad word can I write here as not bad thing happened here all good, I don't need to praise here the people who come back here, is proof enough that this is good honest food, served by good honest people, and I will be back very soon.

Had a good breakfast with a large group. Omelets were good as was the service. fine place for a meal.

Great diner breakfast! We had excellent service. Coffee was very good & the refills were prompt. Breakfast was fantastic. Crispy hash browns as requested. Omelet huge & fresh. Service so nice Highly recommend

Standard diner fare which means a little bit of any/everything. Best for breakfast you know the egg platter with potatoes, two meats and pancakes. $30 for two

It's all excellent homemade food, and the service is beyond compare. You get quality and quantity for the price. The food choices are endless, and they are artistically prepared to dazzle your eyes. I've never had a bad meal here. They aim to please. You are not a number in this restaurant. You're a friend and welcome guest no matter how crowded it becomes. It's like a friendly club, and they're always happy to see you. This is my favorite Lakeview restaurant.

As is typical, I visit venues twice before I decide to review them on Trip Advisor. Both times I have been here have been memorable experiences. I tend to go during the quite time between lunch and dinner when there are few others inside, and the staff are extremely friendly and downright entertaining. The first time I visited the owner was telling stories to a few patrons at the table next to me and made the experience one of the most memorable I've had at an eating establishment. The wait staff make you feel like family and the food.. well, the food is just excellent (for a diner, and I do not mean that in a derogatory way). You definitely get your money's worth, which is important because the diner isn't priced for the budget-conscious, though it is certainly not expensive either. There is outdoor seating in the warm-weather months, and plenty of indoor seating as well. I have yet to go for bunch but I have heard it can be packed. I would recommend this diner for anyone craving some delicious American fare at a reasonable price and excellent service.

Such friendly staff and quick service. Stella's is delicious and classic diner fare. You can't go wrong with a shake. The staff is always willing to customize your order. We got cheese fries instead of normal fires for no up charge. Love it.

We stopped in for lunch, it was amazing! Everything is homemade! The milkshakes, the food, the chocolate pudding, all amazing. We will be back soon and every time we visit Chicago.

When staying in Chicago for 2 months at the start of the year, we rambled around Belmont and ended up finding this gem, right in the heart of Belmont village. The owner, Gus, was so friendly andthe other staff there were also fantastic! They could not do enough for you and made you want to keep coming back! The food portions are generous and the main theme is 'hearty comfort food'. The desserts are also luxurious, especially the Goddess Cake. Overall, this is the warmest place (metaphorically) you can find in the cold Chicago winter down in Belmont.

We were looking for something less tourist-y to eat on a Chicago vacation and were thrilled to find this diner. The decor is cute and modern. The service was very friendly. We ordered soups, salads, sandwiches and roast turkey. Everything was homemade and very good. Portions were filling. If I were ever back in Chicago, I'd seek this restaurant out again.

Super charming and authentic diner with old american comfort food favorites and a friendly staff that treats you like family and remembers you for years. Malted milkshakes are a dream. Cute chicken pot pies and other diner fare - but I stop in there when ever I'm 50 miles within the vicinity for their malted Belgium waffles. So good I named my dog Waffle in their honor.

You know a restaurant serves a great breakfast when you arrive at the door at 9 in the morning and you have to wait in line. In that respect, Stella's Diner at 3042 North Broadway Street in the Lakeview neighborhood is similar to Nookie's and Elly's, two of our favorite breakfast spots in the Old Town neighborhood. Stella's, with its comfortable booths, also offers an extensive menu for lunch and dinner. I highly recommend the fresh roast turkey open face sandwich with hand-made turkey gravy and the fish n' chips and the corned beef sandwich on rye with chicken noodle soup. And the milk shakes are to die for. But Stella's is best known for its breakfast fare. The specials are exceptional. Order the house specialty (two eggs, two pancakes with sausage or ham or bacon) or the hungry person breakfast (three eggs, bacon and sausage and ham, hash browns and toast) or the Mad Texan egg skillet (hash browns smothered with melted cheese and topped with two eggs, house-made chili, chopped onions and jalapeno peppers) or the Firehouse Breakfast Special (three scrambled eggs, onion, green peppers, mushrooms, hash browns and toast). And don't forget to order a side of corned beef hash with all of them. The breakfast menu also includes such staples as biscuits and gravy, country style eggs Benedict, country fried steak and eggs, French toast, pancakes, three-egg omelets, egg skillets and Belgian waffles. My wife was delighted with the Belgian waffle smothered with strawberries, blueberries and banana and the cinnamon raisin French toast. Arrive early. There is no parking lot and you never know if you'll be able to find a spot on the street. Trust me, any inconvenience won't spoil your trip.

Not presumptuous but clean, very friendly and great food. Try the Hobo skillet with ham & mushroom and Greek toast. Very nice and good value.

The food is delectable! Everything is homemade & fresh. They have friendly staff & service. You feel like family here. They serve breakfast all day. They make a killer shake. I adore their blackened chicken salad without a 'real' dressing that is out of this world. We go here multiple times on visits to Chicago and can't get enough!!!

If you don't know what a hobo is, you must go to Stella's. Try their "California Hobo", hash browns, covered in melted cheese and avocados, the perfect fill you up and wake you up for breakfast topped with an egg (your choice). Or try their bbq chicken sandwich. Their fries are fresh and addictive. Nick will welcome you (we've made it to Stella's every year on our holidays to Chicago for 7 years - never, ever disappointed). You'll have a waiter and waitress serving you in nothing flat. You'll have your fresh squeezed OJ and your coffee or tea before you can even look at the menu. The service is next to none. The food is fresh, homemade, and we're sure Stella is there more than in spirit! And if you think you can handle it, try one of their amazing desserts - from every kind of a shake you can imagine (Butterfinger is too much), to their chocolate brownie fudge to...well, you'll have to choose from the extensive menu. Be prepared to walk out full, happy, with a great cheer from the team. If you come on Saturdaya or Sundays around noon, early afternoon, be prepared for a bit of a wait, but, it won't be long and it will be worth it. One of our all-time favourite restaurants brimming with American hospitality, and portions that you'll have a hard time finishing, no matter how good they taste! A must in Chicago!

I met a future business partner who took me there for breakfast. We had a wonderful egg skillet , excellent service and a good price. Smooth artistic quiet place. Will definitely go there when am in Chicago . Well done

I like Stella's. Breakfast is always good. Any other time , when I have been for lunch it is a average dinner experience.. Not, bad. Just average. Though I will say this! When I dine as a single person, I only get a greeting from the servers(women) they take my order and deliver it ONLY. NEVER have they checked on me. (today was not exception) I watch them with there other guests and they giggle and check on them while dining. Now, I notice this for I am sitting alone and just watching what is going on and the flow. When I come in as a 2 seater they always check up and ask if things are alright. I have to say, I love going here for breakfast, it truly pains me to see how they treat single diners(me). I am thinking I may not return for a long time. My 3 stars is more for service and average lunch. 4 stars for quality of breakfast for sure. Sorry, Stella's

We went there for lunch and managed to have a table outside. That was great as the area is not too noisy for an outside seating. Food was great, as it is a diner like restaurant, you'll everything you want in the menu. So, easy for everyone with nice service.

Better than other similar places in the area. Been here a couple of times and find the staff and food better than other places. Good portion sizes, not too big. Nice place to go for brunch if you don't feel like cooking or going far.

Delicious food and inviting atmosphere. Have eaten here many times and I am never disappointed! Great lakeview diner.

Had a really nice dinner here recently. Servings are large, food is very tasty, and the service is warm and attentive. Highly recommended!

Nothing fancy about this place but the food and service was great. They serve breakfast all day and it was nice to have it for a late dinner.

Ladies do not let your significant others dine here without you. I will explain later. The food was wonderful. I have a memory of a lot of corner restaurants when I lived here 45 years ago and I have looked for that kind of place for years. NYC and San Francisco came close in the 1970's. This is the place. The egg skillet was everything I wanted. The menu was full of great ol traditional American dishes like Meat Loaf. The Chili was a little sweet for me but I am very fussy about chili. The price was very fair and the service up to snuff. I always pay in $2 bills and they did not look at me funny as some do. Now to my advice to the ladies. If you notice in movies and on TV shows the crowds are always full of attractive ladies. I am 69 years old and not in the market but even I had to notice the the street was full of very attractive ladies. I don't know why. The neighborhood was full of other interesting restaurants like a Turkish one, a Cuban one and one called The Red Pig. I will explore more for you but Stellas draws me like headlights to moths.

Went here at a friend's suggestion. It's a good old fashioned coffee shop, with a slightly updated menu. Friendly service, well prepared food. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area and hungry.

Made the 2 block walk from my hotel in -20 temperatures for breakfast. Well worth it. Standard diner breakfast menu, I had the veggie skillet with rye toast. Really delicious, nice fresh veggies in the skillet, just the right amount of cheese and perfect eggs. Super friendly staff, great coffee.

Great breakfast, great vibes, great service, what more could you want? Popped in after a late night out and was blessed to get to have coffee on the spot, they just knew from the look. Food was great and really enjoyed my omelette and rye, even got to see a regular and waitress be catty with one another.

The staff were very pleasant and the food tasty. The menu had a good twist on standard breakfast fare to keep it interesting.

The is the Host with the Most. He knows everyone who walks thru the door and makes you feel.like family. The milkshake menu is unbelievable. Good is to notch. Every dish is fresh nothing prepackaged or frozen. The garlic bread 🍞is what dreams are made of.You will leave full and happy.

We have eaten here many times when visiting our daughter in Chicago and she is a regular. Sadly she moved to a new neighborhood so may not come so often. Menu is varied in offerings and portion sizes. On most recent visit one daughter had portabellas and blue which is blue cheese plus red peppers and spinach, this was very tasty and filling even though an appetizer portion. Both daughters are vegetarians and both found offerings on the menu that were good. I had a BLT from the simple sandwich menu, there are several sides to choose from, I had fresh fruit cup. Hubbie had spinach and feta cheese omelet, large and very well cooked, hash browns were just fair and he did not care for the thick Texas toast. Service was friendly and attentive. We always enjoy eatng here, hubbie prefers diners and this is a favorite.

I have never had a bad meal here. It's named for the owner's mother, who was a terrific cook and some of her recipes are stilll used. I always get the steak sandwich with the Greek salad and my husband often gets the turkey dinner. The milkshakes seem very popular and I see a lot of burgers coming out of the kitchen. Owner is a hoot. Very chatty and friendly and is a good person to ask about neighborhood doings. We even took our car to his brother to get it fixed and he was wonderful and trustworthy! This will be a go-to place for a long time. Oh - Ruben sandwich is also very good.

We stumbled on this place walking on Broadway and I'm so happy we went in. It's definitely a place that we'll return to. It's a place you can feel at home at. The place is very clean. Super friendly service. The food is not fancy, but very tasty. Generous portion sizes without being too large. Prices are very reasonable.

This restaurant- open for breakfast, lunch and dinner- is a reliable tasty treat. The menu is large, with lots to choose from. Prices are competitive. The servers (and owner) are very friendly and will remember you and your orders, even if you don't come in all that often. The restaurant is a favorite in Lakeview and is worth a visit even if the line is s bit long (it moves quickly) and there is no parking lot (but ample parking on the street).

We didn't have time to go to the restaurant we originally planned on going to (it closed early) so I started to Google diners around me and found Stella's. We really enjoyed the food and had great service.

We have been going to Dtella's for years. The food is excellent and Gus the owner is great.

We were looking for somewhere to eat that offered vegetarian choices on the menu, and within walking distance to Briar Street Theater. This fit the criteria. They serve breakfast all day, and well as a very extensive lunch/dinner menu. We all opted for breakfast, and we were all very pleased with our choices. The hostess seated us right way, even though 2 members of our party were not there yet - much appreciated, since we had a young one with us. Our server was very polite and attentive. We were there at an 'off-time', but they were still busy. I imagine during peak hours there would be a wait to be seated. We would go here again, if in the area.

The only thing wrong with Stella's is that it's not right around the corner from my apartment. This is the kind of place you wish you had in your immediate neighborhood, with solid food and really friendly wait staff and management. A great place for breakfast, sandwiches and roll-ups, even more ambitious entrees (one of my favorites is blackened catfish), and a wonderful chili.

Recent visit to Chicago and we found our way to Stella's, great people, great service, great food !!!

The food is good but nothing out of the ordinary. This is your typical diner food (nothing wrong with that!). The services is always decent and they have great outdoor seating. In terms of diner pricing, you will pay a little more based on it's location.

Decent food with friendly staff. Lots of coffee and large portions but nothing different or exciting. It will fill up your belly and warm you up before heading out in the cold Chicago winter mornings. The pico de gallo was good with enough kick from the jalapeños.

We had our first visit to Stella's Diner the other night and we'll definitely be back. Breakfast served any time and at a great price! The service was superb and the food delish! The food (pancakes, eggs, chicken tenders) was exactly as we ordered and was quick to arrive. Definitely kid/ tween friendly with lots of choices and a relaxed atmosphere.

Stopped by this local diner for the first time. Large variety menu. Very attentive service by everyone. Enjoyed the smothered burger (grilled onions and mushrooms)

We come to Stella's whenever we are in Chicago. There is a wait on the weekends for breakfast, but it moves fairly quickly and it is definitely worth it! They do sandwiches and such later in the day but the breakfast items are their strong suit...fun, busy diner atmosphere. Wait staff is very, very friendly and efficient!

What a great find! Moved to the neighborhood a few months back and decided to try this place for breakfast on a Saturday morning. After a 2 minute wait we were seated with a smile and greeted by a wonderful server who was so helpful even though she was so busy. She made a recommendation when I asked her a few questions. Food was plentiful and so delicious! There are so many more things on that menu Id love to try I cannot wait to go back for dinner and dessert! You must try!

We stopped in one evening out of the rain for a quick bite and were treated to great service and awesome food. There was a great deal of variety of food and it was all good. We never got to the desserts but all that we saw dished out during our stay looked wonderful! This place gave you a warm and welcoming feel and the food was just as good!

I went here with my daughter & her family as the kids went to a dance class nearby. The menu had many choices- eggs, omelettes, pancakes, French toast as well as many lunch options. The service was great and someone came around many times to refill our coffee cups. My daughter and I got the vegetarian skillet- with has browns and melted cheese and your choice of eggs over it as well as many choices of bread. We both got English muffins. My son-in-law got the Firehouse breakfast special. We all loved our food. It became very crowded as time went on. The grandchildren joined us after their dance lessons & split a Mickey Mouse pancake with chocolate chips and scrambled eggs. I recommend it highly.

WIth real diners going the way of the Dodo, I like Stella's traditional liver, onions, and potato and also their traditional meatloaf. If you get the right waitress, they can also do a fine chocolate milkshake.

Stella, you know your way around breakfast. So so good, and incredible serving sizes. They never leave your coffee less than full. This is an old fashion style diner, and we loved it. The service was excellent, and you felt like the servers liked one another and were happy to take care of anyone needing their coffee topped off. This will be a place we will do breakfast often.

Love this all-day breakfast place... omelets and all the usual egg dishes with hash browns, toast varieties. Pico de gallo fresh and homemade! Lunch and dinner items, as well. Coffee is fresh and hot. Service is personalized.

I've been twice and love the comfort food. It is like what mom made. I had the hot open-face turkey sandwich and it is great. The service is also friendly and quick. I will be back!

This old fashioned diner has long been an established favourite with me and a' must visit' on our periodic visits to our best friends in Chicago. They used to live close nearby, but then moved to the Hyde Park area which makes it something of a trek these days - but it is always well worth it! We naturally made it our starting point for breakfast on our 'boys day' out yesterday, especially as most of our planned drinking venues were also up north. My California skillet with avocado was quite superb and set me up perfectly for the long day ahead. Long may it flourish!

Stella's is a visually appealing diner and I was immediately greeted and taken care of. The wonderful young lady who took my order was cute and friendly, she did not rush me to decide at all. After placing my order (avocado cheeseburger) I realized I had to have their chocolate diva cake, which was no problem even though I had already been rung up. While paying Gus was so friendly and made me feel like I was a regular customer. He made conversation with my mom and I which established a nice cultural connection. We'll be back! By the way my cheeseburger was great! And that cake was amazing definitely a great ending to my meal.

I love eating at diners when I'm in America and Stella's was one of the best I've visited. The family who run it are really friendly and welcoming. The food was cooked really well and tasted amazing. The giant burgers and apple cobbler should not be missed! We'll be back. Thank you!

Great family place, nice food and salat's....You have to go here for breakfast/brunch. It is a great family place but best of all the skillets are amazing!

I had lunch at Stella's while my son was in town, and we wanted to check out some place different than the usual. We were seated quickly and serviced not long after that despite it being the end of the week day lunch time. After reviewing the extensive menu, I had to choose. My Chicken melt was delicious with nicely grilled marbled rye bread. The sandwich came with a small side of just right coleslaw and I opted for fries for my side dish. Very good fries, cooked just right and they were not salted, so I could use just the right amount for ME. Friendly staff and a fun 50's decor made our lunch very enjoyable. I will go back for sure!

Stack it up! Even the vegetarian waitress knew how to sell a sandwich. With a side of potato pancakes and a root beer of choice (they have many) you'll be full and rested to hit the streets of northern Chicago like a local. Casual, comfortable, fun and delicious.

Have been here a few times and the service here is so wonderful always. Your always greeted right away from the friendly guy at the counter who I think is the owner and the servers are always very upbeat and cheerful. The food is a wide variety of breakfast and lunch. Have never had anything I don't like. I'm really looking forward to enjoying there patio in the summer!!! Will continue to come here and highly recommend!! Great little neighborhood place to go. Keep up the great work!!

This mainstay of the neighborhood has been through several name changes and several remodelings, but run by the same family for many years. They know what they are doing and they excel at it. A classic diner, offering typical diner choices - waffles, omelets & all sorts of breakfast favorites, very well executed standard lunch fare including patty melts, tuna salad plates and oven baked grinders, and a wide variety of tasty dinner items as well - Stella's also offers a much wider variety on their menu than many typical diners. Mind you, this is not a fancy dress-up place; it is a casual, neighborly spot to have a solid meal. This place offers great value: very friendly staff, a lively location (window seating is recommended) and good food. Expect to wait for a table if you show up at brunch time on the weekends, but worthwhile.

We went for lunch and were not disappointed. Chicken salad and hand cut fries were delish. The chocolate pudding was to die for.

Omelet with quarter strips of kraft processed cheese embossed on the top!!!! Pancakes were bland and lacked taste Side sausage served in a bed of lettuce!!! One of those every thing looks great menu decorations etc unfortunately the food was in the blah category head north to the edge diner for real food!!

If you get the chance definitely stop here! Their cajun chicken is delicious and the wait staff are very friendly. This place is amazing.

This neighborhood restaurant is worth the visit. The menu is vast, the food is great, the service is excellent, and everybody remembers your name (like Cheers). And the restaurant is exceptionally clean, which we really like. The workers are constantly cleaning up. You can eat inside or outdoors. Highly recommended.

My wife and her parents were in Chicago visiting our daughter, I went a couple of days later. The next morning we headed out for breakfast at Stella's it was the third day in a row for my wife and in-laws. I asked if they wanted to try somewhere new, and they said it was too good to miss. It was good. Varied menu, good sized portions and good food. It was worth 3 days in a row, you can have something different each day and it is like a different restaurant that you know will be consistently good.

This place has been around forwever and there's a good reason why, Pretty much everything they serve is good to excellent, In addition to good food and very nice staff (especially the owners!), this family run restaurant has wide range of options so there's is something to please everyone. Great breakfasts, lunches and dinners that can be ordered at any time of day. Love their milkshakes which are better than any of the other local ice cream places. All my family and friends highly recommend Stella's.

We always go here with the kids for a quick dinner. The food is good, selection for everyone and most important, the owner is friendly and enjoys visiting with his neighbors when they come in. Not many of these gems around so we like to keep this one going. Oh, they have some pretty tasty desserts not to be missed.

10 minute walk up from Days inn at Diversey. Great food and friendly service from a family-run restaurant. Go early for breakfast on a weekend morning as there will be a line out on the sidewalk to get in late morning. Competition would be Melrose restaurant further up North Broadway, but that entails crossing Belmont into Boystown, which are becoming dangerous areas, especially after dark.

I researched some good breakfast places in the Lakeview area, and Stella’s Diner was a place that was in the top 10 for the area. The service was very good from when we arrived to when the food order was taken. The server seemed to be a career waitress, as she was friendly and knew how to serve. I ordered the Gypsy Egg Skillet ($7.95) with an extra egg, and it was the best skillet I’ve ever had, mind you I don’t often order skillets, but regardless, it was superb!

This is a bright, friendly neighborhood place with a wide selection of tasty breakfast food, sandwiches, and comfort foods. Good service.

Fun restaurant to eat at. Great atmosphere, service and food. Large portions reasonably priced. You're always welcome even if you are a first time visitor.

Welp! Ya walk right in and get that good ole diner food smell but as you look around the food plates are gigantic. You wont go hungry and service is great. Food for days!!!

I had the Mexican Jolt with a chocolate malt, my wife had a Belgian waffle. Both were very good. Nice portions, good price, busy but friendly staff. Lots of diners in the area, but this one is near the top.

I have a fondness for institutions...places that manage to weather the decades by sticking to a tried and true formula always gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. Stella's is such a place. It puts me in mind a bit of Lou Mitchells...a neighborhood diner that has been there for a very long time and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future. I came here with my wife and infant son in the morning on New Years Eve 2015. We took some time to look at the menu...the manager (who i think is the grandson of the founder) noticed that we were weighing options and offered to give us advice on other neighborhood options if this was not what we were looking for. We decided that this looked good and went with it. We ordered skillets, one veggie and one with avocado. Both were filling and satisfying and reasonably priced. Our waitress was attentive and super sweet. Best of all it was clear that his was a neighborhood joint...the staff seemed to know most if not all of the blue collar the guys who were stopping in for their morning meal. Even though this was our first (and quite possibly last) visit we felt just as welcome. Overall a great place for good, satisfying traditional American breakfast food.

The food is solid, a notch above your usual greasy spoon. The staff, tatted and pierced to the max, is a colorful and accurate reflection of the East Lakeview neighborhood. It is one of my favorite places in the world!

We live in the neighborhood and Stella's is a regular stop for breakfast. You can't go wrong with anything they serve. Service is fast, friendly and very efficient. This is a family run business that has been open for over 40 years. Hubby loves the french toast platter. I'm gluten intolerant and the staff always makes great suggestions for alternatives to toast or pancakes! It is worth stopping in for breakfast or a sandwich!

Went in for breakfast about a 10 min walk from our hotel , everything was delicious. Service was great it felt really like a family diner. I had the egg skillet it was everything

Great place for classic diner food. Very comfortable atmosphere and the people are friendly. My favorite thing to get is either the egg hudson or the chicken fingers

What a great place! Had a lovely family dinner with my parents, husband, and our 3 year old daughter. Gus and the rest of the staff treated us like regulars and even helped encourage our food-averse daughter to eat her dinner. The staff knows kids and allows them and their family to have the best possible time. This would be our go-to restaurant is we lived anywhere in Chicagoland.

Whether you're in a hurry or there to dine with friends, this is a great place to go for breakfast. Plenty of options and all reasonably priced. I love the staff there as they are all friendly and I have never had an issue with my food. Service is quick and they always get food out on time. Very rarely a long wait at breakfast. In the heart of Lakeview and certainly an excellent place to eat. Outside options available as well

We went here for breakfast and it was good enough. Pancakes tasted of mix, but the eggs were good. Big portions, we shared an order and it was enough.

Stella’s Diner is definitely an American classic diner. I got the triple stacked turkey bacon club with friends and a coffee. The vibe in the diner is amazing and the workers were all very nice. The food was incredibly and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone that loves diners like me!

We came here for breakfast on Labor Day morning because it was one of the few places open. Service was excellent and there is a nice outdoor area to sit on the sidewalk. Food was pretty bland and tasteless. It is a cheap place to eat but you get exactly what you pay for. My egg sandwich was served on soggy toast with salty under-cooked bacon. The only one who ended up enjoying their meal was my son who got the french toast. Definitely not a spot we'd go back to given all the other breakfast choices in the area.

Great stop before Blue Man Group with the kids. The food was good. Price was reasonable for the portion size. Gus and his staff seal the deal. Seeing an owner meet and greet guests still makes a difference. As we were eating, the majority of the people are the regulars that know the place, and the staff knows them. I highly recommend a stop here.

Really liked our breakfast/lunch here. Both the omelette and the club sandwich were large portions and great value. The staff were really nice.

It was actually November 2016, I was there for the rugby. I am back here in Ireland missing Stella's.on our first night in Chicago I had dinner here, and loved it with it's all day breakfast, I hadn't eaten my dinner but looking at the menu for breakfast I could hardly wait, and after that I think I ate here for breakfast every day for ten days, the diner operation is new to us Irish but having seen American programs about the diner culture it was everything and more, I don't drink coffee but I loved it here the waitresses and waiters,the busboy, the guy on the checkout everybody made it for us,this is a community restraunt, the social scene for its customers is second to none,the welcome for tourists who want pancakes with there home fried steak, every time I have breakfast I think of Stella's and how lucky you are to have it, I wanted to go back during the summer to show my daughter but it wasn't possible, she likes the same as I do so I know she would have loved it. So as the old saying goes if it ain't broke don't fix it, it was world series also,I am sorry the Cubs didn't win but that made it special to share that with the people of Chicago, thanks for all that you did for us, even if rugby isn't your thing but give it time,

This is what all Diners should aspire to become. Excellent food, reasonable prices and quick service.

We eat here twice on a recent visit to Chicago for baseball games at Wrigley Field. Large diner menu, quality food and friendly service.

You have to go here for breakfast/brunch. It is a great family place but best of all the skillets are amazing! My favorite is the Hobo - it has avocado, 3 types of cheese, eggs how you like them and hashbrowns. The best part is they give you LOADS of avocado!

In the Lakeview area of Chicago is a true diner...Stella's! I had the most delicious eggs benedict. They were ordered and delivered just the way I like them. The ham was sweet and tender. Worth every calorie. Enjoy a nice long walk through the Lakeview area to enjoy its neighborhood feel and charming architecture.

There were 3 of us in our party. This is a cute little place for breakfast. Our food was good and service was as well. There wasn't a wait and it was a Sunday morning which we were very happy about.

We often go here for Sat or Sun brunch. Recently we sent with 3 other couples before going to TimeLine Theatre. Everyone loved it. You can BYOB. The servings are big, come people took home food. The price is extremely reasonable. The owners are friendly and very accommodating. If you want great comfort food at a reasonable price in a friendly atmosphere, this is the place in East Lakeview.

great selection on menu including all day breakfast. Kids loved it lots of choices. Waitress and all the staff were fabulous. Nice outdoor patio. Prices very reasonable.

I've been coming here over 25 years - usually for breakfast, occasionally for lunch or dinner. Very consistent, and good service even when they're slammed. Pretty good food.

If you are visiting Chicago and want a great diner experience but don't want to spend a ton of money, Stella's is an outstanding place to consider. I see Stella's fitting the bil in so many ways, but if you are visiting Chicago as a tourist and looking for local color, wow, this is the place. If you are a business person under pressure to save money on expense account dining while traveling, keep in mind you can eat here and expense a taxi seperately and the company probably won't mind. If you are just in town with friends and looking for a good mean and having to watch the pennies, this is a good place. I highly recommend their comfort food. Everything they serve is home made on the premises and having been a customer for years, I have always found their food to be delicious and satisfactory. I have never felt hungry. The portion sizes are generous. I particularly like that when it comes time for dessert, if you have room (chances are you may not) they have some nice selections in the ice cream department. Sometimes I will order a chocolate shake to nurse along with whatever I am having and it just feels wonderful. Comfort food city. So come for the food, watch the foot traffic go by through the big windows, and enjoy a fun, independent, big city diner, just like it should be.

After eating here almost every week for the past 9 years, I thought it's time to tell others about this great neighborhood diner. The food is great and service superb. There is usually a line on weekends but the wait is worth it. We usually go for breakfast which has all the classic American choices at better prices than any of the other neighborhood restaurants. It's family owned and the staff makes you feel like they and their customers are also family. Stella's feels like the "Cheers" of Chicago, where "everybody knows your name". Love this place and you will too.

A great choice in the area! I have had breakfast here a few times and it is always very good. Inspired: the friendly and efficient servers Atmosphere: a bustling city diner Service: excellent Food: food is always good Parking: I walk or take Uber Discovered: heard about from locals Return: YES!

There's nothing to compare with a neighborhood diner that has been satisfying customers for breakfast, lunch and dinner for more than 50 years. In the restaurant business, that's an eternity. If you're still flipping flapjacks or frying chicken or broiling burgers after all that time, you're a success. Like Stella's Diner at 3042 North Broadway on Chicago's North Side, at Broadway and Barry in the Lakeview East neighborhood, it is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Over the years, it has earned a stellar reputation for such mundane but popular items as chocolate milk shakes, chicken noodle soup, chicken finger basket, triple chocolate pudding, bacon cheeseburger, turkey bacon club sandwich and South Beach Shake. For breakfast, try the Country Style Eggs Benedict with two poached eggs and baked ham on top of biscuits and covered with sausage gravy and hash browns. Or how about two scrambled eggs with corned beef hash? Or cinnamon raisin French Toast? Or Belgian waffles with strawberries, blueberries and bananas? One of my favorites is oatmeal with raisins and nuts. And don't pass up the Breakfast Special, Eggs Hudson, an English muffin topped with ham, poached eggs and cheddar cheese with hash browns. If you're really hungry, the Hungry Person Breakfast with three eggs, ham, sausage, bacon and hash browns with toast is sure to please. For lunch and dinner, there is a myriad of choices. Our favorites are the turkey bacon club sandwich, a triple decker with fresh turkey, crisp bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on toast; a South Beach Shake with orange soda and orange sherbet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry; garlic bread; chicken noodle soup; Julienne salad with ham, turkey, Swiss and American cheese; fish and chips; hot turkey or meat loaf open face sandwich over bread with mashed potatoes and gravy; Monte Cristo sandwich with roast turkey, ham and melted cheese on French Toast; Patty Melt with grilled onions on marble rye; grilled chicken croissant with Swiss cheese and bacon; corned beef on rye; and triple chocolate pudding, featuring three layers of chocolate. Still hungry? I didn't think so.

Visiting our Daughter and asked her what one of her favorite restaurants was and she immediately replied Stella's. It reminded me of a 50"s diner, plain and simple, lot's of food choices, great service, and a friendly atmosphere. We have been back to Stella's at least 3 times since we found out about it. (2 1/2 hour drive for us.) The food has always been delicious no matter what we ordered, and there has always been so much we were able to send our daughter home with leftovers for the next day. A great place to just stop in and grab a bite, we will be back.

My family and I went out to the city (Chicago) for the weekend and we stopped in Stella's Dinner for a bite to eat! As soon as we walked in we were greeted by the owner and he was so great with the kids! He helped them places there own orders (age 6) helpes us save money on our meal! He knew right away we were not from the city! The whole time there no whinning from the.kids cause he told the kids if they were good they would get sundays! Smiles and laughs from everyone! Food was AMAZING too! Wish I didnt have to drive 2 hrs.to get there!

This is exactly the kind of diner I want to go and have breakfast in. There are ample choices from the menu, Service is quick and friendly and the food is tasty. I will definitely be making Stella's a regular occurance.

I wanted to like Stella's... what's not to like about a diner with tasty French toast? But the day I went, service was slow and I ordered a soda that was the worst tasting soda I've ever had. It tasted like they left the dishwashing liquid in it or something... definitely something wrong with it. Based on the other reviews, I should probably give it another shot, but my own experience did not leave me eager to return.

Stopped here for a late breakfast midweek as it was close to our hotel and had good reviews. Service friendly and prompt. We had waffle, pancakes, omelette - all good.

This restaurant is run like a well-oiled machine. The food and service are both very good. (Our server, Ro, has worked there for years and remembers everybody.) The menu is pretty extensive, and prices are reasonable. They even make their own fabulous desserts and ice cream creations. The only thing that would make this diner better would be a parking lot, but this is the city...

I wish I had discovered Stella's when I lived in Chicago years ago but better late than never. The menu is extensive and breakfast is served all day. Gus, the current owner, greets regulars and newcomers with great enthusiasm. The restaurant was founded by his parents and is named after his Mother. The neighborhood obviously means a lot to Gus. While we were enjoying our dinner, he grabbed a server and abruptly left the diner. He had observed that a woman in an electric scooter was having difficulty traversing the rough pavement of the street so they helped pushed her to safety. America is great because of people like Gus and places like Stella's.

Stella's has a wide variety of options to choose from and from what I've seen (over a few visits), all are pretty darn good! Most recently, I had a turkey bacon club sandwich with (hand cut) fries. The fries were EXCELLENT as was the sandwich. The only disappointment was the (tiny amount of) coleslaw. If it's only going to be such a tiny amount on the plate and it's not very tasty (it's just ODD tasting in both my and my friend's opinions), just leave it off! The sandwich was very large (I usually finish my meals when I go out, but I only ate half), as was the portion of fries. I also had a Butterfinger milk shake and it was YUMMY! Our waitress (self admitted that she doesn't usually wait tables and was over burdened) was VERY friendly, but the place was packed and they could have used more help that day as the service was SLOW (I'm assuming someone called off). We weren't in a hurry that day, so it didn't matter to us, but if you were, you were out of luck. Prices are good, the food is very good and I will definitely be back when I'm in the neighborhood. Oh...and my friend insisted on getting some of their chocolate pudding. Apparently, they use 3 types of chocolate and they are known for this concoction. I had only a few bites, but they were quite good!

The staff were friendly and humorous. The food was tasty and there was something to please everyone. Service was fast. Diners are classic Americana and this one is worth a visit. They were having a large party in the back room and still were able to provide good service to other diners.

We ate at this local diner for lunch recently. Found it just walking around the Wrigleyville area looking for a place for lunch. The food was excellent !!! My wife had a great salad, I had a great turkey ruben, & our son had a great burger. I was impressed that the turkey ruben had fresh sliced turkey. No processed thin strips, but thick slices of breast turkey. Same with the salad my wife had - fresh sliced turkey. The food was excellent and the service just as good. We had an older type gentleman and he was great at service - almost like being over in Europe for the attention to detail. I had to take a business phone call right when the food was delivered and our waiter took my meal back until I came back to the table after the phone call. That is attention to customers you don't normally see. Highly recommended plce to eat at least for lunch, but I suspect dinner would be the same. All the staff was smiling and looked like they cared about everything going on in the place.

I live in Chicago and live near Sella"s. This is a diner and is just like Jerry Seinfield's restaurant in New York. The food is all fresh and delicious. As I said I live near the restaurant and eat here regularly. If your looking for a home cooked meal, fresh and delicious, this is the place!

There were six of us and we needed to eat quickly on a Sunday morning. Even though they were busy, we got in fast, had a good meal, it was reasonably priced and clean. The manager or owner (not sure) and the waitress were both friendly and helpful. While the neighborhood seems to be filled with more hipster fashioned dining, this is your good old diner type, midwest breakfast!

We arrived to a wait of only a couple minutes - Sunday around 10:45am. Stella's is bright, colorful, not crowded seating - indoor and outdoor. We were greeted by a friendly host - who then seated us with an attentive waitress. Breakfast was quick and one of the best I've had. I had a french toast special - stuffed with cream cheese and topped with orange marmalade with a side of apple turkey sausage. It was an amazing perfect combo of toppings w/ the french toast and the apple turkey sausage was very good size and tasty. My husband had a skillet that was very filling with a side of toast. The total price was around $18 which is extremely reasonable for the quality, quantity, and location - very nice neighborhood - so many people out walking and enjoying the day. Highly recommend you try this location!

This Chicago diner is a great choice for any meal. The family-owned and family-run restaurant takes pride in serving its patrons and giving back to the community. Many customers are regulars here. The menu is vast, the servers are friendly and eager to please, prices are reasonable, and the food is delicious. There's a fun aspect to Stella's as well. The walls are covered with colorful art, often showing the work of a local artist. And creative cartoons pop up announcing fun and delicious desserts and ice cream creations. The restaurant will even cater parties (on or off site) if you like. Sit and talk with the owners, and you'll become fast friends and loyal customers eager to return for more.

Stella's is an old fashioned, no frills eatery with great service, large portions and yummy food. We've eaten there for breakfast, lunch and diner and just love it. I especially love the Sweet and Sour Cabbage soup. So good! They always have specials and this last time my husband had the grilled cheese with cheddar, bacon and avocado. Perfect. Relax and enjoy. Always good for people watching, too.

My wife and I both had the breakfast skillets. I thought the food was amazing. The waitress was wonderful. They offer outdoor seating, and recommend on the beautiful Chicago mornings.

Had breakfast at Stella's twice now and both times I've had a positive experience. The food there is terrific and the service goes above and beyond. The diner itself is like a modern day version of the 50's & 60's diners. As soon as you walk in the door you are welcomed and asked to sit anywhere you like. You are greeted immediately at your table and asked if you'd like something to drink. I had the coffee both times and it was excellent. The portions of food you receive are enormous. Both times I ate enough to fill me up for breakfast and took another whole meal in a doggie bag for lunch. the food is delicious. The best part of the experience is the staff. Every person in there is friendly and hard working. There is one person who especially deserves kudo's and that is Roe (sorry if the spelling is incorrect). He makes your visit memorable and pleasant. If you go to eat there make sure you ask where his tables are and you won"t be disappointed. He greeted every person that sat in his section like they were an old friend. I have only been there twice and he remembered me from the first time. Great place to eat!!!!!!!!!

We had a Sunday morning breakfast here while staying at a nearby hotel. The fare is standard diner food with friendly and excellent service. Over-easy eggs were slightly overcooked but we've had worse. There are many, many small places to eat in this neighborhood, you may want to hold out for something a bit more unique and a bit more special.

I used to love having breakfast here and I enjoyed all of their people until today. They have these apple cobblers that I had not had before. I wanted to try one today. I went there in a very slow period. I got it and it was worth the calories then the trouble stated. I have a club on Facebook encouraging the use of $2 bills , for environmental and cost reasons. It is important to me. I only carry $2 and $1 coins. I went to pay and being an off period the cashier was some big wig for the restaurant. He looked at me and said that I was onme of those $2 bill guys. I responded with yes and that it was good ofr the environment. $1000 in $1s cost twice as much as $1000 in $2 bills because it takes twice as much paper, ink, printing and even shipping.) He said , before I could finish that they were stupid and walked away. I think that insulting a regular, paying customer is stupid. I promised him that he would never have to deal with my $2 bills again. I said good bye to the waitress and used the door for the last time ever You do not have to worry about seeing me there again.

Great diner with great service and great food. The food came fast and tasted good and was plentyfull. Had the bacon- and cheeseburger one day and the handcut fries with it was very good.

On a soft food diet so wasn’t terribly hungry. Just had a side of hash browns. Bit dry for my liking but a big portion. Would have preferred butter to soften it up on my plate than in the plastic tubs that I had trouble opening. The service was great though bring me milk so I didn’t have to use the plastic containers of half and half and were always filling up. Everyone else seemed happy with their eggs and the place was packed.

We stopped by Stella's before heading back to KY. I wanted breakfast & he wanted lunch so this was a perfect compromise. The staff was super friendly & it seemed like the locals frequent this place often. The food was yummy & priced just right.

This diner was just down the street from our hotel. It has a real "diner" feel with neat artifacts on the fall etc. The menu was great for breakfast so we actually went back the next day. Food was delicious and service was great too! Will defineatly be going back when we visit Chicago again.

My daughter recently moved to the neighborhood. We stumbled in to Stella's and discovered a great place to eat and connect. The food, service, and vibe were all fantastic. The owner, Gus, treated us like family and made us feel like old friends. Stella's mixes great food with great service. It's much more than a corner diner. We highly recommend Stella's!!!!

Not only has this restaurant been in the neighborhood forever but it is also a family owned and run business. Gus and Maria are wonderful owners who make everyone feel like they are family. This is pretty standard diner food with great breakfast, great portions and unbeatable homemade love. Some of the stand outs other than breakfast, they make an awesome turkey bacon club and of course it comes with fresh hand cut fries! Burgers are great and don't forget a milkshake! If you want a meal that isn't downtown and you are in the hood, go!

Easy walk from hotels in the Diversey, Surf and Halstead area. Basic breakfast and more! Reasonably priced and many regulars in the place.

Had the steak quesadilla, overall nothing super special. The service was eh. The waiter was really nice, but the hostess was really rude. Overall I'd go back if I had too, but not overall that happy. The pricing was good, location good. Probably more of a breakfast place.

Good breakfast at average cost. Not a Big menu but adequate. nice location and outdoor seating. Just average Diner

Breakfast for dinner!! But really get the tuna melt if if you are stuck on the menu. I got the salsa eggs and it came with tortillas. The owner is great! We loved everything about this joint. All of the staff was so kind and helpful. It was just a wonderful and tasty experience. Highly recommended!

The breakfast foods were very good. Nothing really terribly outstanding, just a good breakfast. I had a skillet omlet thing "The West Coast" with avacado. Very good. Another day had a lox and onion omlet. Nothing to write home about, but good. Coffee is good.

Great neighborhood diner. Opened in 1962 and still owned and run by the family. Reminded me of "Big Fat Greek Wedding! The owner came over to chat, and he greeted every customer as they arrived. Big burgers, grilled cheese, Monte Cristo (can't find that many places). Food, service, prices are all fantastic. Worth finding this place when you're in Chicago.

A family runned restaurant with good atmosphere, from the 60's. There is a good selection of differentkind of food!

Our 8th year in early January on holidays - and the coldest, windiest weather we've ever seen! But, Stellas was an island of warmth, hot drinks and fabulous food, as always. We kept Maria & Team company on Sunday & Monday of Ion, Jimmy and the rest for the remainder of that first week of Jan 2014. Seriously, Stella's is the best diner in the world. We finally tried Maria's milkshake and it was so rich, we should've had it as the meal. The skillets are awesome, the burgers and everything else is as good as it gets. We're lobbying Guy from Triple D to visit! Thanks Stellas for some hearty fare, lots of smiles and jokes, & a great time again in the Windy City!

Great place in Lakeview for affordable, classic food. Went on a Saturday afternoon. Breakfast and lunch on offer. Service welcoming and attentive. Tuna salad sandwich was delicious -- perfectly toasted bread, not too much mayo, nice crunch in the tuna salad. A nice option for the area.

We needed a family friendly place that was near Briar St Theatre. Stella's is just a block away and we had the best experience there, we wished we could have stayed longer! Gus, the owner (Stella's son), greeted us at the door. He immediately took our 2 kids and showed them how fun it was to spin on the barstools. Then he showed them all the flavors of shakes and started showing them toppings and then dropped a cherry in each of their mouths. He seemed to develop a re-pore with my 9 year old sassy daughter in particular. He said, "You and me, we're twins." The service was great and the food was great- the best food we had on our Chicago trip (and probably the leas expensive). I had a garlic bread steak sandwich, tasty and tender. My son had the salmon which was buttery and delicious. My wife had a famous BLT and my daughter had a Mickey Mouse pancake. Also, the shakes were AMAZING, the best I've had in years. My kids asked, "Can we come back here every time we go to Chicago?" "YES, we will." We were sorry that we had to leave so quickly, but we had to get to the show. As my wife and I were finishing up, Gus had my son passing out menus and my daughter working the credit card machine! We had to drag them away to go see Blue Man Group.

Friendly staff, great food and wonderful shakes. We were in Chicago for a week and ate at Stella's most days. By the end of the week we were treated like regulars and really felt very welcome. Highly recommended!!

Just had great dinner here last night. Servings are large, prices are very reasonable, and the food is very tasty. Omelets were particularly great!