Stella A’s Bar & Grill has earned its place in the heart of Lock Haven
Having a restaurant in downtown Lock Haven was a lifelong dream of the Anastos family — one that traces back to 1918, when the current owner’s grandfather opened the Texas Restaurant, a staple of the Lock Haven restaurant scene, serving classic American breakfast with a Greek flair. It wasn’t until 2010 that Louie Anastos and his brother finally made that dream a reality with the opening of Stella A’s.
Located on Lock Haven’s picturesque Main Street, the cozy restaurant and bar offers an atmosphere that is both classy and comfortable, along with a few culinary surprises. For those looking to start their dinner with a cocktail, the menu features a mix of classic and adventurous martinis, as well as a selection of old-fashioned cocktails. We tried the chocolate martini, a decadent blend of vodka, Baileys, and Godiva chocolate, and the whisky sour from the Throwback Cocktails menu. Both pack a punch and make a delightful start to the meal.
The menu ranges from Greek specialties and appetizers to American and Italian fare, so there are plenty of options for all kinds of palates. This variety is exemplified even more by the plentiful gluten-free options available. Those who want or need to eat gluten-free are definitely not relegated to salads. Almost every section of the menu features a couple of gluten-free options, including some with the option to have gluten-free pasta or bread.
We opted for some traditional Mediterranean meze, a platter with hummus, tzatziki, pita bread, Kalamata olives, feta, pepperoncini peppers, and cucumber. It’s a feast for the senses and really brings together all the Mediterranean flavors. A must-have appetizer is the homemade spanakopita — soft, warm, baked phyllo dough squares filled with creamy feta and spinach. They’re so delicious you’ll want to keep them all to yourself! The homemade soup du jour was French onion soup, and it was everything you’d expect from this European classic. The bright homemade tomato-basil soup is gluten-free and bursting with the flavor of roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and beef broth.
For our choice of entrees, we dug into the Greek specialties, with Anastos recommending the pastitsio, a Greek take on lasagna featuring layers of penne pasta, a rich beef filling, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all smothered in Alfredo. The brick-size portion is perfect for large appetites or to take home for tomorrow’s lunch. It comes with a Greek salad on the side. We ate the whole thing and licked the plate. Another specialty on offer is the kota me spanaki, perfectly grilled chicken topped with spinach, feta, and a Marsala sauce. We Americanized it by choosing fried onion rings and zucchini planks as the sides. This is also available as a pasta bowl with the option of gluten-free pasta.
For lovers of seafood, Stella A’s has a lot to offer — whether it’s tuna or crab as an appetizer, Greek shrimp scampi, or one of the many fish-centric entree options. We stuck with the Greek specialties and chose the Greek shrimp scampi. This satisfying dish benefits from having just a few simple ingredients: al dente spaghetti tossed with juicy shrimp, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and feta with a lemony white wine butter sauce. Definitely more than the sum of its parts, it comes with a fresh and crunchy Greek salad.
Honestly, just the amount of different things to choose from on the menu merits a return visit. And they’re not afraid to get a little weird. The aptly named “Our Mother Said It Wouldn’t Sell” burger offers a playful twist on the classic American favorite, topped with peanut butter, cheddar cheese, and bacon. We didn’t try it this time around, but it is sure to pique the interest of adventurous foodies. All burgers have the option of beef or veggie for the patty, and can be had with a gluten-free bun.
Whatever you choose, make sure to leave some room for dessert.
You’ve tasted baklava before, and Stella A’s is both traditional and delicious. But you’ve probably never tasted it like this. Another must-order item on the menu (and highly recommended by Anastos) is the baklava sundae: crumbled fresh baklava served with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The combination of crunchy phyllo and nuts with the creamy vanilla and caramel proves that they were meant to be enjoyed together.
For those with a chocolate craving, there are two versions of the chocolate lava brownie. By itself with whipped cream, or as a sundae with vanilla ice cream. Both are served warm and gooey. On this night, the featured dessert was an indulgent raspberry cheesecake with a chocolate Oreo crust.
The vibe at Stella A’s is akin to being invited to dinner by your Greek relatives. It is relaxed and familiar, and very friendly. The only serious thing is their commitment to quality food and outstanding service. And this atmosphere occasionally spills over into their unique patio seating and even the street. On Final Fridays in the summer and during Lock Haven’s Jams & Arts Festival at the end of August, there’s live music just outside the door, making this a community hotspot for live entertainment as well.
We’ll be back to dive deeper into the menu or catch some of their ever-changing Thursday, Friday, and Saturday features. Whatever we end up choosing, one thing is certain — we’ll be in good hands. T&G
Sherri Jordan and Luciano Sormani are the ad coordinator/graphic designer and creative director at Town&Gown.
