A Blog Post Sponsored by Stella’s

*While sponsored work may appear on my blog from time to time, you can be reassured that I only work with and promote companies that I would personally recommend to my family and friends!*

When you’re deciding on where to eat dinner, meet friends for happy hour, or grab a quick bite during lunch, you should consider Stella’s! As a locally owned restaurant here in Lubbock, Stella’s staff provides you with top tier service and flavor any time you stop in.

Stella’s: Quick Facts about a Local Italian Restaurant in Lubbock

Where is Stella’s?

Stella’s is located in Lubbock on 82nd Street, between Milwaukee and Frankford. 

What type of food does Stella’s offer?

Primarily serving Italian food, Stella’s also has fresh seafood on their daily menu. Their deli offers cold cuts, hot subs, calzones, and oven-fired pizza. All of their ingredients are fresh and each menu item is made from scratch!

Does Stella’s take reservations?

Yes! You can make reservations at Stella’s directly on their website. 

Can Stella’s host events?

Absolutely! They have the “Copper Room” that can seat up to 65 people comfortably. Looking to host somewhere else? Stella’s also offers catering in Lubbock for your special occasion. 

How Stella’s Got Started

One thing I love about locally owned restaurants is that there’s a story and deep history behind why they got started. The heart, soul, and vision of these owners are poured into their locally owned locations, with Stella’s and Manhattan 9 being no exception. 

If you ever get the chance to speak to Stella’s owner, Billy, you will feel his passion for continuing to serve Lubbock with their great hospitality and long standing family recipes. You can learn even more about Stella’s rich history and their legacy since 1973 on their website. 

What makes Stella’s different?

There are so many things that set Stella’s in a category of its own. The upscale Italian restaurant located right here in Lubbock invites you in from the moment you walk in the door. You can sit in the front bar where you can enjoy an upscale sports and martini bar experience or relax on their shaded patio. Depending on the day, you can also listen to live music from local artists as you enjoy menu items from Stella’s kitchen. 

Just stopping by to pick up lunch? Stella’s New York Style Deli offers a full sandwich menu as well as pizza by the slice from 11-2:30 on weekdays! If you’re wanting to slow down and dine in the restaurant, you can order off of the New York in a Minute Menu. From the time you place your order, your $12.99 + tax lunch will be served within 20 minutes.

Choosing to dine at home with the family instead? Stella’s family packs offer a great value with the same delicious flavors in the comfort of your own home. The family packs even come with a dinner salad and their house made focaccia. Need it delivered to your house? Just add $5 for in house delivery – no middle man needed! 

In the Kitchen at Stella’s 

No matter what you order, Stella’s menu is completely scratch made. Yes, you read that right. Only the highest quality ingredients are used in the kitchen. Everything from soup, to pasta, to their ravioli is made in house (the exception – gluten free menu items). In fact – not just anybody is making your food. Darren has been with Stella’s since 1999 making the delicious bread, soup, and desserts that you enjoy. He holds the family recipe for Stella’s Chicken Soup, which is a must try.  Sandra, known as the pasta queen, makes the pasta wraps and filling for each customer to enjoy. It is safe to say that the homemade legacy is still going strong in Stella’s kitchen, and their extensive menu showcases their commitment to serving the best Italian food. 

On the Menu: Stella’s 

When you sit down to look at the menu, you’ll have a hard time deciding what to order. As you enjoy the complimentary focaccia bread, the options may overwhelm you. The good news? You truly can’t go wrong with whatever you decide. 

I can personally recommend two of Stella’s most popular dishes. The Cashew Crusted Chicken served with sauteed spinach, garlic mashed potatoes, with a fire roasted green chile cream sauce will make your mouth water! The crunchy crust on the chicken is complimented so well by the savory cream sauce.

Looking on the pasta menu? The Lobster Ravioli is divine. The ravioli is stuffed with ricotta cheese, lobster, herbs, shrimp, spinach, and tomatoes, topped with a garlic cream sauce and fresh parmesan. Your tastebuds will come to life! 

On Saturdays and Sundays, you can enjoy the brunch menu from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Stella’s brunch menu offers a variety of options for everybody at your table! Enjoy a craft cocktail while you start your morning off right. 

Speaking of cocktails, Stella’s front bar and patio serve up Happy Hour specials from 4-7 PM Monday-Thursday.

The Manhattan 9 Experience

Located directly behind Stella’s is Manhattan 9. Manhattan 9 is Lubbock’s only speakeasy, a bar where you are taken back in time. Enter on the red carpet through the side of the building and say the password of the week to enter the bar. You can find the weekly password on either of their social media accounts, Facebook or Instagram. 

Immediately, you’ll notice the atmosphere of Manhattan 9 offers a different vibe than anywhere else in Lubbock. In fact, the blue couch you can kick back on was Stella’s very own piece of furniture, adding to the atmosphere and authenticity of the Speakeasy. The brick interior, vintage furniture, record player, and curated vintage games invite you in to relax, forget about the day’s stresses, and enjoy your evening. Looking for the drink menu? You’ll find it tucked away in a vintage LIFE magazine. 

Manhattan 9 services a full bar, as well as the full Stella’s menu! On Thursday nights they have “Bring Your Own Vinyl Night” where you can spin your record on their record player. Listen to a variety of records while you enjoy Hell’s Kitchen bar specials. 

Locally owned right here in Lubbock, the New York roots of Stella’s Italian dishes are waiting for you to indulge in. I’d love to hear about your experience at Stella’s or Manhattan 9! Leave a comment below and let me know what you thought. 

Emily