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What should I order at Stella?

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Stella

4 (1151 reviews)
You are 1 of 24 skippers at this restaurant
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Burgers

Burgers are highly praised throughout the reviews for their great variety, fantastic taste, and generous portions. Customers mention half-pound burgers with many options, including a standout blue cheese burger, highlighting excellent preparation and flavor.

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Hand-cut Fries

Hand-cut fries receive multiple mentions for being spectacular and particularly tasty, often paired with the burgers as a favorite side.

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Gumbo

Gumbo is frequently recommended, with several guests enjoying the Cajun selections. It is noted for its great flavor, homemade taste, and good portion sizes.

4

Jambalaya

Jambalaya is highlighted as a flavorful and delicious Cajun dish that guests would order again, praised for its authentic taste and quality.

5

Chorizo and Pork Belly Tacos

These tacos are loved for their flavor and are recommended enthusiastically by customers who even take them to go.

6

Creole BBQ Shrimp Appetizer

The Creole BBQ Shrimp appetizer is described as amazing with a nice level of heat, making it a standout starter.

7

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake

This dessert is specifically mentioned as fantastic, suggesting it is a well-liked sweet option.

8

Margarita Pizza

The Margarita pizza receives positive remarks for its taste and is recommended by customers eager to try more menu items.

9

Edith Chicken Sandwich

The Edith chicken sandwich is a favorite sandwich choice noted for excellent food quality and flavor.

10

Cuban Sandwich

The Cuban sandwich is described as possibly the best ever tasted by a customer, highlighting it as a must-try.

Location details

1006 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, Iowa, 52246, US

Open in Google Maps

Hours

Monday 11 AM to 9 PM
Tuesday 11 AM to 9 PM
Wednesday 11 AM to 9 PM
Thursday 11 AM to 9 PM
Friday 11 AM to 9 PM
Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM
Sunday 11 AM to 8 PM

About Stella

Contemporary neighborhood American restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, pizza & Cajun dishes.

Amenities & services

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great wine list
  • Serves local specialty
  • Sports

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Late-night food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • College students
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Tourists

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards

Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Usually plenty of parking

Frequently asked questions

What is Stella known for?

Stella is especially known for Cajun dishes like jambalaya and gumbo, plus burgers and sandwiches such as the Stella burger and Cuban sandwich. Reviewers also call out the Cajun entrees, fries, and weekly specials, especially on Tuesdays when half-price Cajun entrees can make it feel like a bargain.

What dishes are most recommended at Stella?

The most frequently recommended items are jambalaya, gumbo, the Stella burger, blue cheese burger, Cuban sandwich, and the chorizo and pork belly tacos. Reviewers also mention the crawfish etouffee, Creole BBQ shrimp appetizer, Cajun cheese curds, and the fries as standouts.

What is the atmosphere like at Stella?

The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and a little trendy, with a small space that can feel cramped when full but still allows conversation. Reviewers describe it as lively and buzzing on game days, and it works well for groups, solo diners, and people meeting up for drinks at the bar.

Is Stella good value, and what is the price range?

Stella is in the $10 to $20 range, and reviewers often say the portions are large enough to feel like two meals. Some call it a little pricey, but many also say the food quality, weekly specials, and generous servings make the price worth it.

When is the best time to visit Stella?

Go early on Iowa football game days, because reviewers say it gets busy fast and can be full and buzzing. Tuesday is another good time to visit if you want the half-price Cajun entrees, especially dishes like crawfish etouffee, jambalaya, or gumbo.

Is parking available at Stella?

Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.

Does Stella have vegetarian options?

Yes, Stella offers vegetarian options.

Is Stella kid-friendly?

Yes, Stella is good for kids.

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