Ely Stein

Review of Stella's Southern Bistro

My wife and I wished to have a date night so havin...

My wife and I wished to have a date night so having secured our progeny with the grandparents we adjourned to Stella's. This is not the usual chain restaurant. You will not find any gimmicky or tacky decorations adorning the walls. No minimum flair on the wait staff. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting with many of the wait staff recognizing and conversing with regulars. The menu is more limited than the typical chain, but in this case quantity is sacrificed for quality. My wife ordered some sort of mexican black bean smoked pork soup and it was incredible. An excellent mix of flavors combining the spice and variety of Mexican soup with the citrus sweetness of southern BBQ. The accompanying cheddar grits, delivered in souffle form, and macaroni with cheese were almost excellent enough to be meals in their own right. For myself I had a few glasses of Odan 14yr and soaked in the atmosphere. We were served by a man named Brent who did a most excellent job. He was attentive and incredibly knowledgeable about the food and drinks. He pointed my wife towards her dinner of choice as well as directing me towards the Oban when I told him that I preferred peaty Scotch. As a locally owned and operated establishment this place is a testament to the skill and artistry of Simpsonville chefs. The only complaint I can muster, if indeed it be considered a complaint, is that the impact on your taste buds is matched only by the impact on your wallet. For food of this quality however it is a worthy sacrifice. Personally, the price puts this place out of reach for a regular meal but for special occasions my wife and I will definitely be returning.