The Stegmaier — Restaurant in Wilkes-Barre

We went to the Stegmaier two nights ago and we were blown away by the entire experience. The food, the atmosphere, the staff, and beverages each merit 10/10 on their own. In prior years, the Stegmaier had been open as a private event venue, but 6 weeks ago they opened a restaurant.

When we approached the beautiful mansion, we were greeted by someone offering complimentary valet. As we were walking up the wide steps to the entrance of this grand home, we began to feel that this may be a special night. Once inside, our host greeted us and took us to our table. The home is restored to its period opulence. We sat in the solarium, which has a stained glass window ceiling. It is a breathtaking room to dine in and we were told that there is only one of two rooms like this in the world.

Our waitress, Flora, was wonderful. She was well versed in the menu and was able to make great wine pairing suggestions. I find that sometimes at other fancy restaurants, there can be a stuffiness from waitstaff, but that was not the case here. Flora was extremely professional, yet we felt like we were ordering from an old friend. I mean this in the best way.

We started with bread service for $6 per person and we were not disappointed. You are brought an olive oil dipping sauce and a honey & mustard, whipped butter concoction that is to die for. Your bread butler (yes, you heard right, you have a bread butler) brings you a variety of 3 different, freshly baked breads that are served warm, directly from the oven. Your bread butler returns throughout the meal to tempt you with more warm bread. The biggest problem with the bread service is that you might eat so much bread that you won't have room for all of the other delicious possibilities that await you.

The menu is small, but is very well thought through. There is variety and something for everyone. Entrees include pasta, steaks, chicken, seafood and vegan dish. The menu isn't overly complicated or gimmicky. At the same time, we found that every dish was beautifully presented, executed perfectly, and that each dish had that special tweak to make the dish stand out as something extraordinary.

Dishes ranged from excellent to the sublime. In the sublime category, we would put the gnocchi appetizer, the goat cheese pistachio tart, Chilean sea bass, lemon lavender creme brulee, and key lime dessert special plus every cocktail we tried. As my entree, I was in the mood for something lighter and I chose the braised vegan lentil dish with carrots, which was delicious. Many restaurants avoid or throw a vegan option on a menu as an afterthought with no creativity or imagination, but this was not the case at the Stegmaier. If I had one criticism, it would be for a little bit less lentils and for another vegetable to be added to the dish or as a side.

We paid about $110 per person + tip, which included 2 cocktails, bread service (yes, you want to do this), an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Although a pricier option in this area, this meal rivaled some of the best dining experiences we have had in the world and it would have been considered a bargain if dining in a large city.

The night ended with a tour of the mansion and nightcap at their beautiful bar. I had their "box of chocolates" drink. Delicious! Angela was a great bartender. They have a small casual bar menu which includes a burger that the bartenders raved about. I definitely will be coming back to try that burger. We even met the gracious owners, John and Melissa and the head chef, Jared.

It was a special touch to have our car waiting out front when we walked outside, with our packaged leftovers already in our car.

This is a place for a special occasion, but it is so wonderful you will just want to make an excuse to celebrate with friends or loved ones on a regular Thursday night, just like we did. It is amazing to me that this place is only opened for 6 weeks, but operating flawlessly like it had been open for years. Make a reservation soon before it is too hard to get one. We can't...

Visiting The Steg is truly an experience! From the moment we pulled up to the valet through every course of my meal, I felt cared for and valued as a guest. This is not fast casual or even your typical dining experience. You’ll definitely be smart to make a reservation but there were a couple of open tables. Things here are elevated and elegant. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or just a special splurge! Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

Started off my meal with a Caesar salad, and the best cosmopolitan ever! Then I enjoyed a fabulous salmon dish with risotto and asparagus which was huge and very filling- took home some leftovers. Finished off the meal with a delicious key lime tart, because who could resist dessert?

Between courses I enjoyed taking a little stroll around the mansion. It’s actually incredible how much money the owners had to have put into restoring this historical property and their efforts gleam in every room. I especially love the front parlor, the main dining room, and the bar area. Truly the nicest restaurant I’ve ever been to and I’m in my 50s. It’s a spectacular place!

Aside from the historic ambiance and deliciousness, what shines most about this place is the service and the way they made each of us feel like an honored guest. Our server Sharah (sorry if I’m wrong on the spelling) was attentive and friendly but also kept the pace steady without us feeling hurried.

It was also incredibly fun to get a visit from their executive chef, Jared, to top off our night. I loved every minute and can’t wait for the opportunity to come again! Good luck to the Steg! Hope you are...

The dinner at the Stagmeier was excellent providing a wonderful balance in taste and service. The free valet is amazing but easily surpassed by the charm of Stanley the valet. The Art Deco interiors transport the guest to the Roaring Twenties with a warm and greeting staff to match its opulence. Sjohn and the bartending staff carefully curate and craft and combination of traditional martinis and contemporary cocktails that go down a little too quickly.

The staff bench is incredibly deep, and skilled putting the guests at ease and create an inviting experience. Sara and Indu were two of the highlights with the conversation and overall execution. Glasses were always filled, the courses were paced in accordance with conversation and cocktails, and we were never without deliciously baked bread.

Each course was flavorful, hearty, and well priced for the quality and skill. The lobster whipped potatoes were filled with fresh plump lobster that paired well with the two person ribeye. The steak was cooked to perfection and left us wanting more despite being stuffed by the end of the night.

Chef Jared Kopechne truly puts heart and care into the food he severs. There is an earnestness and craft out into each dish. I love how the menu changes and the kitchen makes adjustments to keep the menu tasty and fresh. We already want to go back. This restaurant is just getting started and showing such amazing promise to be a Wilkes-Barre staple in fine dining.

As a side note the price point for the cocktails and appetizers make it a great place for a happy hour of...