Photo by: Michael Furman
Coffee lovers who graduate from the Starbucks chain to Stella’s Coffeehaus get more than the typical cup of coffee.
Located at 1476 S. Pearl St. Stella’s offers not only an excellent but also served in a very pleasant surrounding.
An enormous porch invites wanderers to sit comfortably outside. Heated lamps and large umbrellas accessorize the portico that wraps all the way around the house, boasting two-person tabletops and tables large enough for a Hookah gathering.
The coffee is supplied locally from Pablo’s Coffee. Buy a small cup for $1.50, medium for $1.75, large for $2.10 or a bottomless for only $2.32.
Bags of coffee beans are also available for purchase. A pound of coffee usually costs $12.98, but every Wednesday the price drops by two dollars, and people have the option to purchase as little as one-third of a pound for only $4.
The blooming tea is a specialty here. The tea leaves are constructed into small spheres, which are carefully woven together by Chinese craftsman. As this tiny orb is left to steep in hot water, it slowly opens, and its layers unfold to reveal a beautiful blossom. One order costs $3.25, but the tea is potent enough for at least two cups. One of the most popular blooming tea flavors is called Two Dragons Play with Pearl. It is a light, green, exotic blend. The blooming tea is also sold in tiny Chinese fashioned boxes for $8.95, the perfect size for a small gift.
The counter at Stella’s offers baskets of vegan health bars, fresh baked goods and tiny bags of cashews. Among the baked items are frosted lemon bread, banana bread and pumpkin bread. Slices are sold for $2.25. The pumpkin bread is satisfyingly moist but is not especially flavorful.
The raspberry date bar is a delicious blench of buttery granola complemented by fruity dates; it tastes like it comes straight from grandma’s kitchen, and it only costs $1.85. The pastries drop to half-price after 5 p.m.
The biscotti selection is exceptional. Among the interesting collection of flavors, two of the popular choices are razzleberry krunch and 3-D fudge brownie. The razzleberry krunch is a blend of wild cherry chips and pistachios. Each bite is an interesting combination of crunchy sweetness and tiny bursts of pistachio. The 3-D fudge brownie is also delicious, with a balanced blend of chocolate and chocolate chips. Buy a single biscotti for only $1.66. You won’t regret it.
The tea list includes herbal tea, black, green, blooming and chai. The chai tea is sold hot or iced. A small cup is $2.27, medium $3.25 and large $3.50. For chai lovers it is important to note that this beverage leans towards the spicy flavor rather than the sweet.
The atmosphere also makes Stella’s worth the visit. The narrow foyer is misleading to the rest of the coffee house, which is a large labyrinth of rooms. There are a variety of unique nooks where people gather to chat and study. Four smaller rooms are linked together, one of them framed with comfortable sofas and another encircled by a small library.
Toward the back of the transformed house there is a larger space that opens up to accommodate larger parties. Every wall showcases local artists’ work and most is for sale.
Stella’s also showcases live music every Friday and Saturday night from 8 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon.
Stella’s is typically filled with activity but does tend to be busier on the weekend.
Check out Stella’s for the live music, artwork or as a place to study. Whether you order a bottomless cup of Pablo’s Coffee or the astonishing tea that blooms before your eyes, you are bound to enjoy your time at Stella’s.
