Quality dining in a casual atmosphere

by Rob Chalifoux
Staff Writer

Another Uptown eatery has joined the ranks of places advertising a casual, high-quality dining experience — Stephen’s.

Stephen’s is located at 24 1/2 N. Court St., the former location of the Swindlefish, now located at 63 N. Court St. As part of the building's renovations, the walls were painted with artwork and the former dance floor was filled with tables and chairs.

"It’s casual fine dining," said Stephen Messina, the restaurant’s owner. "You can come in a pair of jeans, or you can come dressed up."

Stephen’s, which had its grand opening Jan. 2, is open from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner Monday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner Friday and Saturday. It is closed Sunday, Messina said.

Currently the menu at Stephen’s changes daily, offering a few entrees each day. But Messina said he hopes to start using their regular menu this weekend.

"If you look at the menus, people are ordering everything," said Jean Jones, head chef. "There is a great variety."

Preliminary menus have included herb-roasted prime rib, lemon-pepper roast chicken, and linguini marinara, Messina said. There is also at least one vegetarian entrée each night. Prices range from $7.50 to $17.00.

Stephen’s also offers a selection of appetizers and desserts each evening. Past selections have included appetizers of mussels diablo and shrimp scampi. Patrons also tried desserts of chocolate mousse and almond truffles.

Jan Wernet, part owner of Seven Sauces, 66 N. Court St., said she thinks Stephen’s will be a positive addition to Uptown.

"It’ll have some effect, definitely, and probably a positive one," she said. "Athens needs more restaurants, and this one — right around the corner — will probably bring more business Uptown."

And that’s the plan for Messina as well.

"When you come to Stephen’s you get a nice time. It’s not pretentious, it’s just kind of comfortable," he said. "You know from the look of it that it will be a good time."