Stella’s Diner

Ah Stella’s…the only place I would ever wait an hour to feast on breakfast. No that wasn’t a typo, This restaurant is so good that if you are brave enough to come here on the weekend, you’re going to be waiting for a long time before you get in. This isn’t because they are slow or small. It’s because there are so many people wanting their delicious meals!
I’m quite the eater. You toss me a bunch of food and I’m going to go full beast mode on it and finish my plate with room to spare. Knowing that I came in and decided to get the meal that included 3 pancakes. 3 huge pancakes that had bacon, eggs, and an order of home fries on the side (additional). I was soundly defeated in this battle of man and meat. Pro tip: I get the single stack now and that is beyond satisfying. Pro tip 2: You should get your home fries extra crispy because it makes them so tasty.
Any time my wife and I want breakfast, this is one of our top choices. My only issue is the staff can be a little rough around the edges sometimes. I imagine its because they are trying to keep this restaurant moving smoothly while making sure we are all fed. I highly recommend coming here. Your safe times on the weekend are usually after 3 or 4. Anytime before that and you need to be prepped to wait!

This is a great diner right by destiny/​the stadium, I can’t believe I’d never been there before, itbwas pretty busy for an afternoon but I was seated with coffee in front of me in seconds, food was good enough to ask for a box (rare with diner food) and prices/​service are right on. Will be back.

So I came last week with my boyfriend for some brunch. I love this diner, I do, ever since discovering it about 2 – 3 years ago. This time though, I’m disappointed. The wait times in the morning, even at 11am are pretty eh.
When we were seated, it was a table in a corner — this table was still wet, the tip was left in a corner, and our menus were stuck to the table. I’m disgusted that they don’t seem to clean well.
The food itself was great. Large portions, decent price. Waitress wasn’t that attentive (it was busy so I chalked it up to other people).

i don’t know what all the fuss is about. This is an ordinary diner at best. They don’t listen to your order, the food takes ages and when it came out, it was cold. Not worth the wait, especially on a Sunday morning. The market Diner just down the road is better.

Awesome diner but always crowded during peak times. They do a decent job with takeout though.
I love a Monte Cristo and this is the only place in Syracuse I’ve found that does it right.
Service is always fast and friendly.
The only thing I’ve ever been disappointed in — their grits. I love grits, but those I’ve had here I thought were undercooked and tasteless.

Seated promptly. Waited for longer then usual at a typical diner (45min) for food. Well worth the wait for the eggs florentine! OMG was not expecting something so yummy.

If it weren’t for the company I was with this place wouldn’t get 3* It was overly loud and my food was somewhat flavorless. Took an extended period of time to get more coffee as well. It’s ok if you’re in the area.

It’s always busy when I go but I’ve never waited for a table or a seat at the bar, which is convenient. Customers are usually townspeople, SU students, and families with children. Food is good, coffee is hot, and atmosphere is fun. Bar is the place to be.

Eggs Benedict: good but very rich, even for eggs Benedict.
Pancakes: very large, fluffy and good flavor
Over easy eggs: cooked too long. They were crispy.
Traditional French toast: Not as fluffy as I would like but it was really good.
Service: they’re a very busy on weekends for breakfast but their friendly.
Ambiance: traditional diner. Very casual

Have come here for breakfast 5 or 6 times since Aug 2015, when we came up to move our son into his dorm at Syracuse. Just left a few minutes after yet another excellent meal. Big portions of good, solid American breakfast fare. Waitstaff is always friendly, with someone circling the floor continuously to make sure everyone’s coffee is always topped off. What makes it even more of a treat is that the check for four adults has never exceeded $ 45! I have always had the Fretta, I should have taken a picture, but forgot. Anyway, if you are in the area, make this a stop, you’ll be glad you did.
One thing, the wait (at least for breakfast) can be a long one, sometimes up to 30 minutes or more. You can call before you head over and they’ll put your name on the waiting list. Trust me you want to do this.

I haven’t been in queue for Stella’s breakfast in years. Any morning expect a line, that’s actually more like a mob of hungry patrons spilling out the doors. It’s work the wait. When I lived on the north side I’d walk down atleast twice a week. That was 17 years ago and the same people are still working here! They keep the queue going and the coffee flowing. I will list my favorites over the years:
Athens omelette
Someday I’ll try something else.
Good food!

Your average diner with nothing to brag about and I have been here many times. Anyone who says the home fries are so great needs to get out of the city and eat somewhere else. Sunday mornings avoid at all cost. I do not get what’s so great about this place in other people’s eyes but what ever does it for you.

Stella really loves her Betty Boop. She also really loves serving us delicious breakfast. I would recommend the home fries with onion– so flavorful and filling and probably my favorite thing here. Their Italian sausage and sausage links are authentic and fresh and they include it on the side, in omelettes, and on sandwiches.
The ambience is quick-​paced so make sure you peruse the menu quickly to place your order. Every time I’ve been here it’s packed so they’re in the business of getting you in and out, minus the attitude and short patience which is a relief.
My two tips: sit at the counter and don’t wait! It’s amazing how there are always crowds but the counter usually has a few empty seats. Also, I’ve called ahead for pickup and the quality is just as good and stays warm. Sunday mornings are especially busy so I prefer to call ahead and pick up my order. Nothing like a giant pancake in bed while watching Netflix.

I’ve lived in CNY for all but 4 years of my life. Until recently, I’d never been to this Syracuse staple. I’d drive by, think about going, see that the line was out the door and the parking lot was full, and keep it moving.
After moving back after four years away, I decided it was time to give it a try. My wife and I went one day for a late breakfast. It was busy and we had to wait, but luckily it was only maybe 20 minutes.
My first reaction is… the Betty Boop stuff is odd. It’s everywhere. I don’t get it. But it’s a diner, looks aren’t exactly the main reason to be there. Diners are all about the food.
So I ordered the Fretta, a plate of scrambled eggs with sausage, ham, pepperoni, peppers, onions and home fries mixed it, with a side of home fries. Mistake. I didn’t realize how big the portions were and I couldn’t even finish the Fretta much less the side of fries. Everything was very tasty though.
We came back again on a Sunday around 6 PM. It was pretty dead and they have you sit yourself when they’re not busy. We’d never been there that late and stood waiting to be seated for 10 minutes before we were told we could just take and table.
I was in the mood for brinner, so I went for the Fretta again. Still just as good as the last time, still couldn’t finish it. Their portions are definitely worth the prices.
As far as service goes, it depends on when you go. The first time we went, it was busy and service was great. The last time it was dead, and service was terrible. I agree with other reviewers, that some of their employees definitely have some attitude, and a lot of them were simply sitting around waiting for the place to close the last time we were there.
I’d go again. I’d like to try something that’s not breakfast food. But I’m not in love with the place, like a lot if the city is and honestly don’t understand the hype. Its an average diner, at best. Betty Boop just creeps me out when she’s everywhere…

Read this like its a solid four star review.
Came in hongry and this place did not disappoint. This is the second kind of diner that I like (the first being the kind that has everything — including dessert on the menu).
The portions were huge and the prices do not break the bank. The staff was very friendly (even though someone back there was having a bad morning — it did not affect service).
If you are not a fan of Betty Boop (cuz she’s everywhere) — stay away… or screw it, come anyway and close your eyes, the experience is just that good.
Stella’s you did right by me.

I don’t think there’s a better diner. I can only speak for the breakfast foods but WOW. Portions are huge and food is incredible. Service was friendly and accommodating for a table for 10 (call ahead.) I haven’t had diner food of this quality in a long time. Will come back again and again!
Only con– bathrooms could stand to be redone

Can’t get a much better than than Stella’s if you’re looking for classic diner atmosphere and food! I could go into all the details on how amazing my fretta was or how the waitresses literally refill your coffee even if you take a tiny sip or the friendly people, but you’ll have to go for yourself!
Just be ready for a wait!

Came here while visiting family and my cousin told us to head here since it’s a hot spot for breakfast. Boy was she right! We head there on a Saturday morning around 10am and it’s packed!
So be prepared, however the wait goes quick and if u don’t mind sitting at the bar area u don’t need to put ur name on the wait list. We sat at the bar so it was easy to see how quickly and efficiently they move. I ordered one of the specials at a great price that I know would be more else where. I do have to say our food took longer than the people next to us and they sat down after us. Big pet peeve, but the food was really good.
Once we were done eating we went to pay up front and it was still super crowded. They must be doing something right. Everybody loves diners though!

Most mediocre diner I have eaten at in CNY. The home-​fries didn’t do it for me, and the eggs Benedict was only so-​so. I have also tried the haddock and eggs. Fish for breakfast is interesting, and I love haddock because it is dense. But, the fish was over battered and didn’t seem like it was fresh. It was too watery to have not been frozen. Probably won’t be back because Mother’s Cupboard is much more consistent and holistically better. The wait at Stella’s just isn’t worth it to me.

Food is always good diner food. Their menu reminds you of any other diner you’ve been to — a mix of breakfast and lunch items.
I always get the 2 eggs combo and you can add meat and other sides. They have a selection of bread items from rye to white, etc.
You can sit at the counter first come, first serve. There is always a wait for tables. You can call ahead to put your name on the wait list — not a reservation.
It’s warm in the summer. There are fans all over, but it’s still really warm.