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Category: American (New) [Edit]
Neighborhood: South EndUnion Park St (Silver)
Back Bay (Orange)
Mon-Wed. 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Thu-Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
We offer Happy Hour seven days a week, 4-7pm (where not prohibited by law). Happy Hour appetizer menu and drink specials are available.
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Shocked! Absolutely shocked!
I was planning on having my birthday party at Beehive this past Saturday night. When I got there at 9:15pm, there was a line 60 deep down the street. I instantly texted all my friends to relocate to Stephi's.
I'd never been to Stephi's before, but I knew it was associated with the more touristy Stephanie's on Newbury -- and I was extremely hesitant to hold my birthday party at such a "fancy" "ritzy" "expensive" bar. I LUCKED OUT!!
I walked in with about 5 friends, but quickly grew to about 15 or so. The staff was **incredibly nice** to me and my friends. (Bartender Jeff is a charm!) They were able to accommodate us in a private backroom once a larger party cleared out (around 10pm). (DIDN'T RESERVE AHEAD!! AMAZING!) We spent the entire night in that back room and it was PERFECT!! They even offered to keep the kitchen open late for us since we were a large group.
Food was above average, decor was modern and warm, staff was amazing! I was really happy to have stumbled upon this place - it was better my original plan!
(I took off 1 star because the fancy drinks are expensive. They're no higher than the average going rate but 12-13 for a cocktail is a lot.)
Not a nice experience overall.
The food varied in its quality. I ordered the clam chowder and the cider-braised pork shank. The clam chowder was thick and creamy - that I would recommend based on the taste - if in fact it was not the source of the stomach ache I had all night. I would guess it was due to something in the pork shank, which was in a sauce that was far too sweet. My wife's duck was a disappointment - very dry. The thai rolls that my friend ordered, though, were quite tasty - crispy and spiced correctly.
The greatest disappointment though, was the service. I had to ask three times to be brought a cup of coffee. And when the check came, our large party was charged for an extra meal and an extra bottle of wine. The waiter did immediately take them off when alerted to this. And though I do not have grounds to believe that these were intentionally padded on the check, I'm sure the manager would agree that this inattention to detail was unacceptable.
I won't be back.
Two words... YUM & ME! This is my second brunch here at my new local neighborhood gem and I love it!
The service is top notch. The hostesses are always super nice, the servers on top of their game and the on duty Mgr. stops by to ask if everything is ok. To top that off the food is really good & I have yet to be disappointed
My friend has had their "Classic Stephi Burger" twice and both times it's been delivered as ordered. Medium rare, juicy, huge and with awesome crispy fries.
I had the "Salty Pretzel Crusted Crab Cake Benedict" and it was awesome. Nice lump crab cakes topped with perfect poached eggs. I'm a huge snob when it comes to the perfect poached eggs so that's always my test of a truly perfect eggs benny.
They did the perfect job, not hard boiled, never a good sign, and not runny, another not so good sign. Like Goldilocks & The Three Bears..."it was just right."
When the other places in the South End are stacked to the rafters with walk in ressies, give this place a shot, you'll be squealing on the inside with delight.
Now where did I leave that bowl of porridge?
Went to Stephi's today for brunch and was pleased. Relative to it's big sister on Newbury, Stephi's has a much better atmosphere, is far less touristy, and the menu options were great.
I went with 3 other ladies and we each tried something different. Even though it was technically brunch-time and the brunch menu looked delicious, we all selected lunch items. I had the roast beef sandwich w/caramelized onions, cheese, etc au jus. The meat was overcooked but not terribly and could be overlooked in lieu of the great overall flavor of the sandwich. Others I was with had the chicken salad (really tasty w/big chunks of white meat chicken, little mayo, & crunchy almonds), turkey club salad (looked a little boring but was told it was very good), and the boursin chicken sandwich, which was messy but also really good. The high note of the meal was actually the pear cobbler we split, which was a healthy dessert portion and had really nice flavors (honey, vanilla, pears still a bit firm).
While not overly attentive, the waiter was very good and friendly, and I felt like his actions were by design. It was obvious that we were there to talk and spend some time, so he chose not to be pushy or irritated when we lingered at the table, which I appreciated. The manager (I presume he was the manager), came over to the table after the meal to check on us. He, too, was very friendly and genuinely cared about how our experience was. The restaurant was clean, bright, had a lot of good energy. Overall, a very nice experience. I'll add it to my list of good Sunday brunch locales.
I went here for lunch this afternoon and it was delicious! The staff was friendly and attentive, the menu was not overwhelming: the perfect amount of choices to satisfy all, and the ambiance was clean and fresh.
I had the turkey reuben with french fries. While the turkey was a tad dry, the combination with the cheese, dressing and slaw made up for it... and oh, those french fries were some of the best I had ever had. I had to try very hard not to finish every last one!
Stephi's is a great place to people watch on Tremont on the outdoor patio or have a quick business lunch. All in all, a good choice!
I was rather kind of pleased with Stephi's, and certainly moreso than Stephanie's on Newbury, which is good but not memorable: a place to drag your mother whilst shopping because they have Waldorf salads and iced tea.
While the food isn't adventurous, Stephi's does a dare-I-say really effin' good tuna tartare. It TASTES like tuna. I love that. I've had so many that are doused in citrus or vinaigrette or that unfortunate wasabi incident ... this was fresh, simple, and accompanied by fantastic house-made chippies. The sirloin Caesar was also really quite delicious; the pepper crusting was perfectly spicy, and the meat was the correct degree of doneness (done-itude? Doneancy?) Boyf's mac-and-cheese with truffle oil was also extremely, almost hedonistically tasty. A smallish portion to be sure, but filling. I could see craving that every day this winter, but I think that amount of cheese, butter, and truffle conflicts with my Catholic school upbringing.
Service was good. Perhaps took a bit long with bread and water, and then my dinner plate was whisked away the moment I finished (good timing or rushing me out? Not sure but I doubt the latter; just awkward timing.) But from the maitre d' to the floor manager to the server and backserver, everyone was warm and professional, if not overly so.
The ambiance is light-years nicer than Stephanie's. It's dim and intimate inside, with banquette deuces and larger tables in the windows. Stephi's got a nice bar and obviously the nice South End crowd, some dressed and some not-so-much (O, ubiquitous girl in Juicy Sweats.) It's probably still a good place to bring your mother but also your friends or a date or yourself.
A fairly solid four stars. You win, Stephi. You win.
This is begining to be our place to take visitors to Boston when we are not really sure what we fancy to eat (and when we are running a little bit on the last minute side for dinner). There can be a wait, but we have never been more than 30 mins, which is pretty good for many places in the South End, and there is a full bar with excellent drinks and a decent amount of room, so you dont feel like you are encroaching on other diners waiting for them to finish - which is one of my pet peeves.
Food has been consistently excellent with desert ranking highly. There is something to please everyone - from the fish hater to the vegetarian to the pasta people which is why it's great for indicisive visitors!
Wine list is pretty solid, staff always friendly. Seems less pretentious than the Newbury location (though have not dined there so cannot comment!) A failsafe option!
People thought this was:
This is becoming a big south end hangout especially for lunch during the summer. The mac and cheese is good, as are the hamburgers, the meatloaf and the salads.
The waitstaff is nice too.
Try to get a table near the front so you can look out on Tremont Street.
It's a gorgeous Monday afternoon, around 12:30 (such a shocking change in comparison to the usual time frame of my other reviews, I know!). I'm sitting at a table outside of Stephi's on Tremont, fidgeting nervously.
You must be asking yourself, why is Kymm, our delightfully tacky resident Yelp lush, actually apprehensive?
Because, my dear children, I'm waiting for a date. Long story short, I had met this boy at Rumor last Saturday night - I was immediately attracted to his rhinestone-adorned jeans, which I had noticed sparkling from across the dance floor.
But now, with my Monday sensibilities, I worried. Would that same spark be here, without the seductive haze of the nightlife? Would I still want to make out with him, minus the influence of alcohol and flattering club lights?
By the end of the lunch, I learned that ,alas, it was not meant to be. However, not all is lost! Where he was bland and dull, the tuna tartare was zesty and exciting. Where his unintelligent conversation was shallow, the lobster roll wowed me with its' depth of flavor and succulence. Where his personality dripped of monotony, our waiter won me over with his charm and humor.
So yeah, chances are I won't be seeing Mr. Bedazzled Jeans anytime soon (unless it's during a lust-fueled encounter in the back of a VIP booth, which is totally beyond my control...I swear!).
However, Stephi's captured my heart with her casual atmosphere, impeccable service, and upscale twist on American classics. With my office just around the corner, she'll definitely be seeing me - hopefully in the company of more skanky club boys :)
People thought this was:
So my bf, his brother and his gf were wondering around the South End looking for a place to eat.
Bf's brother's gf was wanting a salad, so we had to find a place suitable. they had gone to 3 places before I even showed up and recommended coming here.
it was perfect, they have signature salads!
The 4 of us got seated right away and Zach was our server.
Zach is like the most awesome waiter ever! He was perfect for us! Helped us with our menu and made it to our liking and just was soo nice when we asked to have our bill split- we were impressed!.
Appetizers:
* Warm Vermont Goat cheese-baked goat cheese with roasted garlic and olives served with HOT! French bread- this was soooo delicious!!! I gobbled it up in a minute!
* Ahi tuna tartare: looked like a 3 layer salsa dip and this was sooo yummy especially with the French bread they give you.
Entrees:
* Snapper special- cooked with black beans and guacamole stuffed in a skinless tomato. Wow! The tastes of everything combined was southwestern and sooo good. The guacamole was soo awesome
* Double thick pork chop- oh baby, it sure was huge. It was delicious with the caramelized onions on top
* Braised short rib- this is not on the bone but wow, it melts in your mouth and tastes like a bbq party!
Pink sangria! This was awesome, its made with a rose and quite a refreshing treat on a nice summer evening.
Our bill came out to about $100 per couple including alcoholic beverages not with tip yet. So not bad for a good meal.
The décor is quite lovely too and the booths with the huge leather seats- awesome!
People thought this was:
I was so excited to see that Stephi's on Tremont was opening up where Garden of Eden used to be. I love Stephanie's on Newbury but hate that they don't take reservations. Stephi's does and the food is just as great. Everything on the menu was fantastic. The loaf of bread that came was hot, buttery, and delicious. Though it doesn't sound so tasty, my girlfriend ordered this tequila and pickled jalapenos martini that was surprisingly tasty. The "gin and juice" martini was equally yummy.
Dinner was absolutely fantastic. I ordered the special of the day, striped sea bass with mushrooms and gnocchi. My fiance got the short ribs and my other friend got the cod. We were all so happy with our meals that our plates were completely clean, not one morsel left. The service was great and I might just like Stephi's on Tremont a little more than Stephanie's on Newbury.
People thought this was:
I'm surprised at how many good reviews of this restaurant. Ate here with family because nearby B&G Oyster was closed for July 4th Weekend. My family visited from LA and along w/ my fiancee we were on a culinary road trip between NYC and Boston, sampling dishes from one place to another. And out of the more than dozen eateries, this place is by far the biggest disappointment.
Ordered the classic Stephi Burger, Asian Yellow Fin Tuna Salad,Turkey Reuben Panini, Thai Chicken Roll-up. I ordered the burger medium rare, it came out well-done and dry. Altogether, it tasted like a burger at a 24hr diner. The panini was blackened on both sides. The tuna salad bland.
People thought this was:
I've never really fell in love with the original Newbury Street location. I've always felt that the food and the prices never matched up - you seemed to always pay way too much for what you get. It always seems too tourist-trappish for me. But quietly and unexpectedly, Stephi's on Tremont, the South End branch just opened in the spring, has become a neighborhood joint for me.
I ate here on the Sunday after the Fourth of July, looking to extend the first beautiful summer weekend as far as I could before the rains of 2009 started up again. We had their sangria - red for me, pink for my companion. With both brandy and vodka mixed in, the red sangria was on the strong side, but delicious nonetheless.
We sat on the patio, which was always a prime location when the space held the Garden of Eden. Since we didn't need anything heavy, I ordered off the appetizer list and got the clam chowder and the spring vegetable risotto.
The chowder tasted of fresh clams and the sea, balanced with the right amount of cream. It could have used a bit more flavor, but I had just come from Boston's annual Chowdafest, and this version beat all of the entries in that particular contest, hands down.
The risotto, however, was the star. Light and airy, but dense enough to be a meal on its own, the risotto was stuffed with asparagus, english peas, and preserved lemons, topped with a pea tendril salad. I was very impressed.
The crowd was mostly neighborhood folks, like me, so I can only assume that this place is making its name not as a destination for Tremont Street strollers, but a place where everyone will (eventually) know your name.
People thought this was:
Unfortunately for me, even though this is a same place as Stephanie's on Newbury (which I LOVE), I had a pretty negative experience here in comparison.
The decor, service, and seating is all very nice - its a lot easier to get a table here during a nice day then it is on bustling newbury. However, I find the outside seating to be a bit awkwardly designed here - a little crowded and too intimate for me with the table next to me.
The thing that really saddened me here was ordering my two favorite dishes at Stephanie's on Newbury - the steak salad and the ahi tuna salad.
The steak salad was uneventful - medium rare steak without any such hint of seasoning, served without any hint of temperature, over a plain bland caesar salad. The ahi tuna was even more a crime of lack of seasoning, served without that warm center you'd expect from seared tuna, and equally over a heaping mess of a salad with noodles inside. For $15 a person, I expect more consistency and quality.
Fortunately, I have been to Stephanie's on Newbury, and I think that what I had was an aberration - but don't throw caution into the wind expecting this to be a mirror of Stephanie's. But you know what? I'd probably give it another go.
People thought this was:
I had a wonderful, top-notch dining experience at Stephi's on Tremont. After a night of craziness for my best friend's bachelorette party, we stumbled into to Stephi's at 10:30 am, many of us hungover and all of us starving, for one of the best brunches in Boston.
The atmosphere of the newly opened restaurant reminded some in our group of the famed Sarabeth's Kitchen in NYC, with traditional yet bright and fun decor. The service was impeccable, especially given the size of our group. We were seated in the private dining area, which seats 14 and has the option to do private viewings of presentations, movies, and TV shows! The manager, Eric, was very courteous and went out of his way to ensure we were comfortable and happy. And, of course, the food was brilliant!
I had the really good french toast and the melt-in-my-mouth goodness far surpassed its braggadocian name. The cinnamon-vanilla-y butter that accompanied the toast was a great touch!
I also sampled the pretzel-covered crab cake benedict, which was also to die for.
Overall, highly recommend!!
LOVE love Stephi's on Tremont. MUCH better than Stephanie's on Newbury ... a bit more casual, less stuffy, more fun.
The food here is great. I live just down the street and have had pretty much everything on the menu. Stand-out dishes: crabcakes, tuna tartare; burger, cod, roast chicken, mac n cheese.
The bartenders are super friendly and mix up good drinks. The bar crowd is definitely mixed - I've seen late 20's singles up to older couples.
Service is professional and personal - I once asked for yellow mustard for my burger and they only had grey poupon, and they sent a runner across the street to a local market to pick me up a bottle ... needless to say they won me over.
Hey Stephi's. I appreciate what you're trying to do. Separate yourself from your older, less-hip sister on Newbury by moving to the South End, shortening your name... hey girl, I get it.
But, what I don't get is why you're trying so hard? Yes, your cocktails are over-the-top but good. Pimp that bar aspect of yourself, and hide that food menu like a pair of spanx under a sundress! It's too expensive, too blah, just ...........
So, yuppies reading this: put on your fancy schmancy but still "eco friendly" Saturday night best, hang out at the bar, but don't pay to eat this food. It'll keep you out of the cooler restaurants that I want to go to. Works for both of us!
People thought this was:
It was a comfortable relaxed place to spend the afternoon on the Fourth. We sat in the booths by the windows and got the best of the inside and outside worlds. I'd never been there before and the decor was a bit preppy for my taste - white and beige and cutesily patterned. However, like I said, it gives off a comfortable vibe.
The staff were friendly and attentive. We had the Tuna Tartare, which was delicious, and the Croque Senora, which was good but perhaps a bit overbuttery for my taste. I just tasted it, I didn't order it, but even my bf said it was a bit much. The Bloody Marys were perfect - I like them to taste like Old Bay.
I would definitely go back, but only to sit outside or around the bar area, as the main dining room skews a bit old, rich, and bland for my taste.
My family came up from NYC to celebrate my birthday and we came in on a Saturday night without reservations. We were seated in a few minutes and had a fantastic time. The food was spectacular. We even made room for the pineapple upside-down cake. Everyone loved it!
Stephi's was way better than Trattoria L'Incontro. Highly recommended for a special occasion. Fine dining at its best.
My sister and I ended up coming in because the kitchen was closed at Tremont 647. We were so happy… Read more »
Let me start out by stating that I have never been a huge fan of Stephanie's on Newbury. I figured I would just toss that out in the open. Now that I have made that fact clear, let me say that I was going in there not having the highest of expectations.
I went there with a friend for lunch today. He had the day off and I am currently unemployed so he decided to treat me to lunch. He suggested where to go and I decided, "why not?"
They totally change the space from when it was Garden of Eden. I have to tell you after entering the place, me likey. Great use of space and tastefully decorated. OK tastefully decorated, with one exception. The really creepy figures in the shadow box over the host stand. Just trust me on this one (and multiple others we talked to agree), they really need to go. They also have a nice private dining room and a chic bar.
My dining companion and I both had the turkey club salad with the mustard vinaigrette. Meh. I liked how they added the avocado to the salad and the dressing was ok, but the salad just didn't work for me. The concept was good, but the execution just wasn't there. I won't be getting it again. The bacon should have been crumbled and there should be chunks of turkey for starters. Two piles of turkey cold cuts all stuck together could be improved on. As for the bacon, the strips were just awkward since the bacon was tough, not crispy and took some effort to cut even with a knife. The portion, however, was generous. Like I stated, the salad wasn't awful or a total fail, but the concept shows so much promise. The salad also took a lot longer to come out of the kitchen than it realistically should have.
The dessert portions are very generous as well as mighty tasty. The dessert menu stated they were made in house. I got the brownie bread pudding with the creme anglaise. It was so good! If I had to say anything negative about it, the bread pudding was super hot on the outside and cold in the middle, and the creme anglaise was hot not cool or just warm. I usually like the contrast of a warm bread pudding with a cooler sauce, just me.
We also had a few glasses of wine each. I got the albariño, which I really enjoyed. I was pleased to see it since so many restaurants overlook that wine and I tend to enjoy them.
At this point, taking everything into consideration, I generally wouldn't return to this place. Well, I would consider dropping in after a meal at another restaurant for a drink and a dessert, and while writing this review, I would be deciding amongst a 2 to 4 star rating. However, I have decided to give them 4 stars and would consider going back (might take some coaxing) for one main reason. The reasons name is Katie.
Now I have been in the hospitality industry for 20+ years. If Katie treats all of her guests the way she treated us, this place is lucky to have her and she is an asset. Our drinks (we were each drinking a water, soda, and wine) were never empty or close to empty without a refill was offered, and we went through some refills. She also smiled and joked around with us, while at the same time letting us have our space. She interacted with us and took her time without rushing away from the table. Katie's service and the dessert actually salvaged this review. The service would have been given 5 stars alone.
So I may eventually make it back since I only live a few blocks away. I would most certainly request and wait longer for Katie's section. But, I am by no means rushing back and won't get the salad again.
They also informed us their patio is opening up soon, which may also decrease my return time since I would also request that I not be seated within eyesight of those creepy figurines that don't match the rest of the decor.
People thought this was:
I visited Stephi's for the first time this evening. It's bordering on 4 stars (probably a 3.75 but hey, I'll round up...for now).
We started with a drink at the bar which was crowded for a Tuesday night but not overwhelming. There were plenty of places to stand with ledges to rest your drinks even when not at the actual bar. My dirty martini was very good although a bit pricey at $9.50. But, hey, it's South End...I should be used to it by now.
They had outdoor seating but we opted for a table inside as it was late and had gotten a bit too breezy outside. The decor was definitely functional, comfortable and stylish all at the same time. The lighting was great and the booths were cozy.
We started off with a crispy shrimp appetizer (with corn and avacado) which was very tasty, as was the garlic bread they brought over to start. My dining partner ordered the burger which he liked quite a bit. I had the scallops and clams with spinach fettucini, spinach and garlic in a wine sauce. The scallops were awesome and the fettucini was good (not freshly made, I don't think but that's okay...this is not an Italian joint). My pasta was very garlicy but tasty at the same time. Definitely a solid dish overall.
As for the drinks, the martinis were very good, as I mentioned. They also had a Malbec and a Cab that I like by the glass on their menu. I didn't take a look at their full wine list so I cannot comment on that yet.
All in all, we had a good experience at Stephi's this evening. The service was good (although they did switch servers on us mid-meal). The prices were a bit high but not shocking for South End (and for a place that has an established name)...Recap on the bill...1 appetizer to share, 2 entrees, 3 martinis and a glass of wine was about $115 before tip. I would come to Stephi's again but I don't see myself becoming a regular here. Maybe that's because I'm a bit prejudice since it was originally a touristy spot on Newbury but maybe it's because I'm a big fan of some of the smaller neighborhood spots...Either way, I'd recommend trying this place at least once.
People thought this was:
I'd say this is 3-3.5...Maybe a 4, but I just didnt' feel right doing it.
I went to dine outside on a beautiful early summer Sunday afternoon, around 1:30pm. I had with me my mother, grandmother, and two Yorkies, and I wanted a classy place where we were welcome outside with the pups. Luckily, most of the South End is very accommodating to the dog lovers, unlike the rest of this city (AHEM.. NEWBURY STREET). They said there was a 20 minute wait.. but it ended up being only 10. I was dissapointed that, unlike Pops across the street where they bring your dog a cute little Pops dog bowl of water, Stephi's had no such welcoming gesture.
Our server, though, was really great, both regarding the dogs, our meal, and ... the huge thunderstorm downpour that began about 5 minutes into our meal!! They were very accommodating about us scooting in closer and closer to the building/moving tables/trying to stay dry (thank god they have an awning), and we were able to make it through the storm!
My mother had the Eggs Benedict, which looked great. My grandmother had the Reuben, a hefty well-built sandwich with a nice serving of crunchy fries. I ordered the Tower of Smoked Salmon... which was the most dissapointing part of the meal. Yes, the Everything Bagel was, in fact, piled with Smoked Salmon, Salmon Rowe, Capers, Cream Cheese.... but it was literally the only thing on the plate. Again, over at Pops, they give you a nice side of mixed greens with an oil and vinegar dressing... here, just a plate and a bagel. I was a little shocked.
Also, I did notice that many items on the menu looked exactly like what they serve at Stephanie's. Plus side... I really like Stephanie's, and this is like Stephanie's without all the fuss... but, minus side... I'm coming here because I am choosing to go somewhere that isn't Stephanie's... I wish they would vary the menu a little bit.
The inside looks really nicely decorated. Maybe some day I will try eating in the actual dining room, or at least getting drinks, but it seems like.. when you're in the South End at a place like this, you should be eating outside.. so we will have to see about that. I would go again, I think, but not until I try what the rest of the area has to offer.
People thought this was:
Amazing food & service! We stumbled upon Stephi's on Pride afternoon. It was about 3:00 in the afternoon and several other places had stopped serving lunch. Being from San Francisco we weren't all that familiar with the area and didn't know where to go. My thanks to those places that weren't serving food because otherwise we wouldn't have found this terrific restaurant!
We started out with appetizers -- Tuna Tartar and Parmesean Fritters. Bother were oh so good!
For entrees, my three friends ordered the Club Sandwich Salad. It had plenty of slices of what looked like fresh roasted turkey over a huge bed of lettuce. All three said they never had a salad so good. I had the Thai Chicken Rollup which was absolutely delicious!
We were amazed at the service provided to one of our friends who had a food allergy. The server was so attentive and told us they have a policy of notifying both the chef and manager for anyone who has food allergies. The manager even stopped by to say he was on top of it. Kudos for the extra attention.
Three of us were too full for dessert, but lucky for us one of us ordered the Pineapple Upside Down cake. It was oh so good! If I ever have to have one final dessert it's going to be that.
The next time these San Franciscan's find themselves in Boston you can be sure we'll visit Stephi's!
Amazing! Smart prices and delicious meals! Had the goat cheese salad-- fantastic!
Gil or Giovanne, our waiter was fabulous!
Go to Stephi's-- I cannot wait to return!
A few weeks back I had a craving for a Nice juicy hamburger... So we walked in to Stephi's on Tremont and were seated right away and my Burger was really good! Not only did it satisfy my craving but exceeded my expectations. Today we stopped by for Brunch and were greeted by the Manager and again, during a busy brunch got us seated right away. The atmosphere was warm and friendly and the service was top notch.
Once more the food was perfect.
Will go back and recommend to others.
The booth style seating up against the wall was made out of faux snake skin. Dark brown and cool to the touch, 50's style rivets surrounded the shape of the booth couches. Greens, creamy yellow hues, and interpretational shades of brown complimented each other throughout the dining room. Just as easily fit for an evening, the flow of the aesthetics was inviting, not at all pretentious feeling like its sister Stephanie on Newbury. And the staff members, though a little out of touch, were just as nice as the modern décor. The hostess took a minute, and was not present at the small foyer when we entered the room. It appeared to take exactly one minute for every table in the room before we got seated, I would guess around 5 (excluding the two parties outside).
The menu is small, the items presented unique, and the lunch special was interesting. The water was served upon request, the bathrooms were well taken care of, and a small peek into the kitchen allowed for a view of clean stainless steel cabinets, foodless floors, and minimal sounds escaping the slowly flapping door. All of which was contained one floor below, accessed by a flight of stairs at the rear of the dining room. As this was a work hour lunch I was interested in a sandwich or a salad lest I fall into a food coma midday. Two items stuck out after checking out the selection, the chicken saltimbocca sandwich and the croque senora, both appearing equally satisfying and creative. The croque senora was served open face smothered in one of the hierarchical French sauces known as béchamel sauce, depending on how much milk to flour the chef used to mix, and if not whisked accordingly it will either be runny or creamy, and much worse broken, this was neither, a very accurate balance was in sure order. The fried egg was also perfected, sitting underneath the sauce and a slice of manchego cheese which I would assume because of the sharpness, that it was more aged. Also accompanying the dish was the brioche and the Serrano ham. A great unifying blend of ingredients as a whole, the salinity of the cheese did not compliment the salinity of the ham or the sauce, one really, has to use less salt to make an even better plate, but an overall stunning meal. My co workers had the chicken saltimbocca which had an air of fresh and lightness, and the other, a swordfish on charred pineapple rings with a cherry and almond infused rice giving the rice a clean pink tone.
Very few restaurants warrant a clear breakdown of their food, mainly because within the layers lie the flaws, I only wished we had time for dessert, were the sweets equally dominating? Because we were at work, we felt it took an exclusively long amount of time for the food to arrive. Had we been there on excursion or to dodge the sun for a while I'm sure the plates would have seen just the right timing; after all with good food, décor, and friendly staff, this 2009 establishment certainly would not fail at something so easy to curb as a long wait time.
People thought this was:
This is really a terrific place. We walked in at 7, were greeted warmly and seated immediately. The service is attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The service was so seamless that when our dinners were delivered to the table, the waiter's helper bobbled the placement a bit. Normally, I might not have noticed but service was so good it was somewhat noticeable. Within a few seconds, a manager appeared quickly to fix the placement. This is clearly a place that pays attention to detail.
The best reason of course to try Stephi's is the food. My rib eye was perfect, cooked exactly as requested with tatter tots and caramelized onions. Try the warm goat appetizer....fantastic. Go easy on the bread they serve. It is so good it is easy to go overboard.
Finally, the Mac and Cheese is the best I have tasted in a restaurant. Absolutely perfect... and I am hard to please when it comes to Mac and Cheese.
People thought this was:
Stephi's was perfect. I've lived in the Back Bay for 7 years and I try to only go to Stephanie's on Newbury when I want either a) their eggs benedict b) the goat cheese salad or c) to get fat and happy. I definitely wanted to try their sister restaurant in the South End when it was time to forget about the consequences of calories.
With my girls in town this past weekend, Stephi's seemed like exactly what we needed after a long afternoon adventure through the city and a long night ahead of us. It turned out to be the best idea of the day. Everything was absolutely wonderful. The place felt clean and modern and all of the people working there really tried to take care of everything.
The food:
Corey's French Onion Panini (shaved prime rib, melted swiss cheese and sherry braised onions on sour dough, served with onion soup dip) won lunch of the day. Soooo good. So fking good.
Chunky Chicken Salad wrap. I was dying for their chicken salad but not on lettuce. So, they were nice enough to wrap it up and throw wonderful crunchy fries next to it. Loved it.
Turkey Reuben Panini (thinly sliced house roasted turkey on marble rye with melted swiss cheese, coleslaw and russian dressing). I didn't try it but my girl raved about it.
I've already made plans to go back next Sunday. Yay for Stephi's!
People thought this was:
As much as I'm still mourning the loss of Garden of Eden and have never been too interested in Stephanie's on Newbury, I was really impressed with Stephi's. I didn't want to like it, but from start to finish it was a great dining experience.
I came here on a Friday night with my boyfriend and his parents, who were in from out of town. We didn't have a reservation and we thought dinner was hopeless. I had visions of wandering Tremont and Washington streets, peering into window after window of restaurants packed with happy eaters. But because it was a bit overcast, we were able to get a prime spot outside immediately. The service was flawless and, honestly, so was the food. Everyone was happy. I feel like Stephi's saved us!
The best meal out of all of ours was the lobster Shepherd's pie. It had this creamy corn sauce that just took the flavor of the dish to a whole other level. Not too sweet, not too creamy...just right.
We were all so full from our meals that we passed on dessert, but of course we did take a few minutes to look at the menu. All four of us agreed that it was one of the best dessert menus we'd ever seen. We were all interested in every single item in the list--how often does that happen??
I'm so sorry, Stephi's, for misjudging you! I can't wait to come back for more!
Came here on a Friday night when the weather was perfect for dining outside. We had a 20 minute wait, which was great for Friday Evening. We started with the cucumber martini which was pretty gross, so we were able to swap it out for a chardonnay.
I started with the tomato basil and cheese soup, which was awesome. I really liked how the cheese wasn't overpowering and it filled me up nicely. I also tasted the arugula and cheese salad which was delicious too.
There are a few options on the menu, ranging from mac and cheese, salads, and main courses, mostly seafood. I had the asian salmon, which had a hoisin sauce on a bed of fennel and onions, with scallion corn pancakes. My friend had the cod. She seemed to like it a lot as I did my salmon. And it is a nice piece of fish.
We skipped dessert, which had 2 bread puddings (yum!), but chose coffee instead. The coffee was barely lukewarm, which lost a star for me.
Great service by Kevin. A definite return visit.
Surprisingly really good experience.
Surprising because it's on Tremont in the South End - snootyville USA.
Ended up here by chance last Thur nite after an attempt to get into B&G Oysters across the street was unsuccessful. (Who would have thought in this recession that they'd be an hour wait FOR THE BAR! (a table was apparently out of the question - all reserved - all night. - had never dined there but seemed more "attitudy little black dress-ish" than I had imagined.
Anyway, went across the street to Stephi's. Got seated right away (inside - a wait for the patio) and had a really nice dinner with very friendly and prompt service.
I had the Arugula salad to start - nice and fresh without too much stuff to muck it up. Then had the roasted Black Cod - really, really good - cooked just right, with tiny little onion rings. Oh, can't forget the buttery herbed bread - delicious and warm.
Two of my companions had the pork chop, both loved it, and another had the Braised Ribs which were apparently "fall of the bone yummy:"
We shared a nice bottle of wine and two desserts between us - I recommend the chocolate bread pudding.
Was not cheap, but not really expensive, either. Very reasonable for the quality of the food, service, and location.
Two thumbs up for Stephi's. I will go back again. Hopefully soon.
Love it.
The food is great and so are the people.
They know how to do business. :)
People thought this was:
My husband and I scooted over to the South End on our Vespa on one of the first beautiful sunny spring days. We were looking for an outdoor spot - but not on Newbury St., which is just getting a little old.
We saw the tables outside, and it was only then that I remembered that Stephi's had just recently opened.
We were immediately seated at one of the few remaining open tables, and a waiter promptly served us water, and momentarily brought us the glasses of white wine that we ordered.
After leisurely drinking a glass of wine and ordering our lunch, it was served at just the right time. It wasn't too long a wait, and wasn't too short. My husband got tuna tartare, and I got a goat cheese salad. Both were delicious.
When the sun started to go beyond the shade of the awning, they rolled back the awning for us so that we would still have sun.
The people watching is so much more interesting here than at Stephanie's on Newbury (see my review there...).
Good food, good service, all-around good experience. Definitely looking forward to going back.
This is my new favorite neighborhood hang out - bar none. I think I've been there three times in the past week. I went there to watch Wimbledon (and a few mimosas) and had a total blast. The bartenders are awesome - so friendly and chatty (but not too chatty if you'd rather be left alone) and the food is awesome (Mac and cheese is out of this world.) It's a fantastic place to go for brunch on a warm, sunny day because they have outdoor seating. Even if you're stuck inside, the windows are kept wide open so you get a great breeze.
People thought this was:
I went to Stephi's on Tremont with my family and had an amazing experience. I reserved a table for 6 for an early 6pm dinner, and they called the day before to confirm my reservation.
When we arrived, we were all pleasantly surprised to be seated in the private room in the back. The room was very nice. It has the feel as though you are wealthy enough to have a formal dining room with a private chef cooking your dinner.
To top it all off, everything we ordered was absolutely delicious and I can't wait to go back.
Great food, good prices.
I went there around brunch time. My 'medium' burger was a bit more on the medium-well range, but it was delicious. The place has a very modern look (it was established this year) and it was beautiful. The service was also great. Highly recommend it.
Great South End location.
Beautiful space. The bar area is great and I imagine it will become quite popular. Great cocktail list.
Lunch is good but prices are a little askew. For instance, my "crunchy salad" (simple garden salad) with grilled chicken, was more expensive than my dining partner's seared ahi tuna salad. Hers was not only larger, but seemingly more expensive ingredients. However, they have a nice selection of salads, appetizers, sandwiches, and regular meals.
Service started out rocky but things were smoothed out.
Brownie bread pudding is awesome. Think of it as a heaping portion of chocolatey bready carb overload topped with ice cream. More than enough for two people to share.
Stephi's makes a great cappuccino.
Overall, it was a pleasant experience. Not amazing, but quite good. I'll be back, just not all the time.
No place can please everybody all the time, but I'm feeling generous, and I really like Stephie's, so here you go: 5 stars! I think their food very high quality and delicious. It is tasty, with gourmet flair, and the portions are filling. The service is professional, and the decor is absolutely beautiful in my opinion - stylish and sophisitacted, slightly ecclectic, but not fussy or ostentatious. I won't go there constantly because most of the time I like really casual, cheaper food, but when I'm in the mood for something nicer, I think it's well worth going there with friends. I have always been highly satisfied going there, and I am glad to have Stephie's in the neighborhood.
Very eloquent interior to this restaurant. Good food. Not amazing, but worth going back. The lunch menu is decently priced. Good location. Not much to say here.
Went there for a casual weekend lunch. Food and service were good...nothing too memorable other than the bacon cheeseburger...which was juicy and amazing!
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