When burger lovers swap recommendations in Nebraska, Stella’s Bar & Grill in Bellevue keeps rising to the top. Open since 1934, this cozy spot turns simple, hand pressed patties into repeat worthy meals that live up to the hype.
With 4.7 stars from thousands of reviews, it blends hometown charm with a craveable menu that rewards both purists and adventurers. If you have a free lunch hour, consider this your nudge to go early and arrive hungry.
Why Stella’s keeps winning burger debates
You hear Stella’s whenever Nebraskans start talking burgers because the place delivers on the basics and still surprises. Hand pressed, never frozen patties hit a hot flat top and get that savory char you can smell before you sit.
The buns are soft yet sturdy, toppings are crisp, and everything arrives on paper napkins, a humble detail that somehow heightens the nostalgia.
It is a bar and grill, but absolutely family friendly, with quick service and a welcoming vibe. Expect a wait during peak hours, though the text system lets you relax in your car.
Once seated, orders move fast, and the kitchen’s rhythm shows in consistent doneness and well timed sides.
Value matters here. Prices are fair for the quality, portions feel right, and you can customize generously with add ons.
Whether you love a straightforward cheeseburger or a maximalist stack, the menu gives you room to play without overcomplicating things.
What seals the reputation is reliability. People return after years and find the burger just as juicy, the fries still hand cut, and the onion rings perfectly crisp.
It is comforting, flavorful, and unpretentious. That repeatable experience keeps Stella’s at the top of every list.
How to plan your visit
Stella’s sits at 106 Galvin Rd S in Bellevue, easy to reach from Omaha with a short drive south. Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday, so plan accordingly.
If you want a quick lunch, show up right at opening. Midday and dinner rushes bring waits, but the text alert system keeps things painless.
Parking is straightforward, and there is a small outdoor waiting area. Inside, seating is tight and cozy, more neighborhood hangout than sprawling restaurant.
You will hear the grill and see plates flying by, which only builds anticipation.
Order at the table with friendly staff who keep things moving. If you are particular about doneness, say so, because the default leans toward more cooked.
Share baskets of fries or onion rings to keep costs in check while tasting more of the menu.
For first timers, start with a classic burger with everything, then add a signature twist like grilled onions or bacon. If you are adventurous, pick a specialty combo or ask about the day’s special.
And if you dislike crowds, early weekday lunches are your best bet. You will leave satisfied, not rushed.
The signature burger experience
Start with Stella’s base burger built with everything: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mayo. The patty is hand smashed on a hot flat top, locking in juices and creating a crisp edge.
The bun is soft but holds, soaking up drips without collapsing.
You taste beef first, then cool crunch, then a mellow richness from mayo and cheese if you add it. Customizing is easy, from grilled onions to bacon or jalapenos.
If you want to judge the fundamentals, order it simple, maybe with American cheese and a side of pickles.
Portions feel balanced. One burger plus a shared side usually hits the spot without overdoing it.
If hungry, double up the patty or add an egg for a satisfying bump in flavor and texture.
Everything arrives quickly and hot, which matters because the magic is in that fresh off the grill moment. The paper napkin presentation is charming and practical, reinforcing the no frills, all flavor approach.
Take a bite, pause, and notice the sear, the seasoning, and the bun’s gentle sweetness. That is the Stella’s signature in one mouthful.
Specialties and wildcards
Beyond the classic, Stella’s shines with playful signatures that regulars swear by. The pastrami burger layers smoky, peppery slices over the patty for a deli meets grill combo.
A peanut butter and egg option sounds wild, but the salty sweet spread and rich yolk turn into a savory sauce that surprises you.
On certain days, the donut burger pops up as a special. It is sweet, salty, and unapologetically fun, the kind of item you split and still remember.
Brisket topped burgers show up Friday nights, adding tenderness and a barbecue note.
Vegetarians are not left out. An Impossible Burger option handles the craving while keeping the build true to the Stella’s style.
Toppings and sauces carry over, so you still get that balance of char, creaminess, and crunch.
If you want a story to tell, ask about the Stellanator challenge. It stacks six patties, six fried eggs, bacon, and cheese into a photo worthy tower.
Most people will not finish it, but even attempting becomes a shared memory. However you play it, Stella’s specialties deliver variety without forgetting what makes the base burger great.
Fries, rings, and shareable sides
Stella’s sides feel like a tour of classic fry shop favorites. Hand cut Idaho potato fries bring soft centers with a salty crunch when they are on point.
Some batches lean softer, but the flavor stays clean and potato forward. Light seasoning lets you taste the spud rather than a spice rack.
Onion rings get plenty of love for their crisp, golden batter and sweet interior. They hold up to dipping without sliding off in a single bite.
Fried pickle chips and homemade kettle chips round out the lineup for groups who want multiple textures.
Sharing is smart here. A basket of fries plus onion rings covers most cravings and keeps the table talking.
Add a side of chili for loaded fries, or keep it simple with ketchup and ranch.
If you are picky about crispness, mention it kindly when ordering. The kitchen is responsive and will try to match your preference.
Either way, sides arrive hot and generous, landing beside burgers at just the right time. It is comfort food that complements the star without overshadowing it.
Drinks, pricing, and value
Stella’s is a bar and grill, so you can pair burgers with cold beers, soft drinks, or a simple cocktail. There is even Red Bull for those chasing an energy boost.
The drink list fits the room: approachable, unfussy, and priced fairly.
Menu pricing stays wallet friendly for the quality you get. Burgers feel like a deal given the care in cooking and the fresh toppings.
Add ons cost extra, so build mindfully if budget matters.
Portions are honest, not oversized. One burger and a shared side often lands around that sweet spot of satisfaction without waste.
Families appreciate the value, and regulars praise consistent totals that do not creep up unexpectedly.
Service amplifies the overall worth. Staff keep refills coming, checks accurate, and pacing smooth, which makes the meal feel polished even when the room is buzzing.
When you leave, you feel like you got more than you paid for, and that is a big reason people keep recommending Stella’s.
Timing the trip and beating the rush
Peak times at Stella’s are lunch and early dinner, especially Fridays and Saturdays. The space is compact, so waits are common, but the text system helps you wander or wait in your car.
If you hate lines, show up at 11 AM or aim for a late lunch.
Turnover is fast because the kitchen moves with a practiced rhythm. Still, larger groups should plan ahead and expect a short delay.
The staff handles parties well, but seats are finite, and the dining room stays busy.
Parking is straightforward around the building, and you will see locals coming and going with to go bags. If it is chilly or hot outside, the car wait option feels like a small luxury.
Keep your phone handy and you will slide in quickly when your table is ready.
Pro tip: decide your order while waiting. The menu is simple, but choosing a specialty can stall the table.
Ordering promptly gets food down fast, delivering that sizzling burger while the fries are at peak crispness. Timing plus preparation equals a smoother, happier meal.
Local legend status and what to try first
Stella’s has been around since 1934, and that longevity shows in confidence without pretense. Awards sit on table cards, but the grill does the talking.
Reviews consistently highlight juicy patties, friendly staff, and a warm, neighborhood feel that keeps people returning for years.
If it is your first visit, order the Stella Burger with cheese and everything. Add grilled onions for a touch of sweetness.
Share onion rings and a basket of fries to sample the sides locals love.
Ready to explore further? Try the pastrami burger for smoky depth or the peanut butter and egg for a surprising savory sauce effect.
Ask about rotating specials like the donut burger or a brisket topped version on Fridays.
Close your meal with a drink refill and a glance at the bustling little kitchen that made it all happen. You came for hype, but you will leave with a favorite.
That is how a neighborhood spot becomes a statewide recommendation, one satisfying burger at a time.