Bellevue’s longest-running family-owned business has been serving the same beloved burgers since 1936.
Stella’s Bar and Grill at 106 Galvin Rd S continues founder Estelle Sullivan’s legacy with recipes handed down to each owner.
Named Nebraska’s Best Burger by the Nebraska Beef Council and Omaha’s Best Burger 16 consecutive years, this spot defines burger excellence.
What Makes Stella’s Bar and Grill Special
The same grill used for over 30 years continues cooking every burger to perfection with family secrets built into the process.
Fresh beef gets well-seasoned and hand-pattied daily, never frozen, ensuring moist and flavorful burgers that locals drive 40 minutes to enjoy.
Featured by Urban Spoon, Gourmet Magazine, and Business Insider, these burgers rack up awards year after year.
The Story Behind Stella’s Bar and Grill
Estelle “Stella” Sullivan opened Francois & Sullivan in 1936 in her home on Betz Road and Lloyd Street while her husband Al ran a service station.
After Al passed away in the early 1940s, Stella raised four children alone while operating two businesses and serving the community.
The current location at 106 Galvin Road South opened in 1949 on a former dairy farm that Stella purchased herself.
Food Highlights
- The Stella Burger – Classic burger with fried egg showcasing the original recipe that made this place legendary.🍔
- Pastrami Burger – Local favorite combining beef patty with pastrami creating a unique flavor profile.🍔
- Double Burger – Two thick 6-oz patties so massive you might not fit it in your mouth, greasy in the best possible way.🍔
- Single Burger – Perfect portion allowing you to actually finish without needing a nap afterward.🍔
- Fresh Onion Rings – Hand-cut and fried to order, perfect accompaniment to any burger.🧅
- Fresh-Cut Fries – Delivered daily from local produce suppliers, maintaining that fresh-never-frozen standard.🍟
The Atmosphere at Stella’s Bar and Grill
The small family-owned space packs quickly during peak hours—arrive before 6pm or expect to wait.
The Wall of Fame and Wall of Shame displays burger challenge victories and defeats, adding competitive energy.
The Stellanator Challenge features six burger patties, six fried eggs, six slices of cheese, 12 strips of bacon, and all the toppings—record holder Molly Schuyler finished in 3 minutes, 40 seconds.
Bottom Line
When you’ve been serving the exact same burger recipe for 88 years, you clearly got it right the first time.
The philosophy that “food doesn’t have to be fancy to be good” perfectly captures what makes this place special.
Meaningful customer relationships, a team that’s more like family, and a supportive community explain why Stella’s remains Bellevue’s most treasured burger destination.
Address: Stella’s Bar and Grill | 106 Galvin Rd S Bellevue, NE 68005
Phone: (402) 291-6088
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Sun: Closed