A New Seasonal Kitchen & Steakhouse

Amy Morton’s Stolp Island Social

Tucked next to The Paramount Theater, this wonderful, spacious new addition to the Aurora culinary scene offers something for everyone. There are full-bodied adult beverages, delicious lunch and dinner options and scrumptious, diet-busting desserts. The restaurant is open Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:30; Fridays and Saturdays at 5:00; Sundays at 11:00. On the days when there’s a matinee at the Paramount, the restaurant be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11:30.

There’s abundant seating at the spacious bar, for those seeking a comfortable, upscale setting for before- or after-theater drinks. The dining room offers plenty of comfortable seating for single diners, as well as larger parties of eight, or more; and the efficient waitstaff will make sure you are served in plenty of time to make your curtain next door.

Their menu is chocked full of delicacies. There’s a large choice of fine wines, as well as some exciting specialty cocktails and even virgin, alcohol-free beverages. I can personally recommend the smokey Stan Mikita’s Mezcal Margarita, which pairs well with almost anything on the food menu, or simply to be enjoyed by itself.

There are a variety of “Brunchy” dishes, as well. They include familiar items such as Breakfast Burritos and Eggs Benedict. But for luncheons the restaurant offers a wonderful Croque-Monsieur, served with frittes. You might also try the Social Smash Burger or a Mushroom Ricotta Cavatelli, with salata. There’s Macaroni and Cheese and a meal-size Arugula & Little Gem Salad, as well as house-cut steaks, a number of sides and smaller portioned dishes for children.

The Dinner Menu opens with a large choice of Starters, from Crab Cakes to Deviled Eggs, and everything in between. The Entrees include expertly prepared House and Reserved Steaks, all scrumptious and tender. There are also Chops, Burgers, Fish and Pasta, each with a choice of additional Side Dishes. The Dessert Menu is equally as enticing (I recommend the decadent Cheesecake topped with Cherries Jubilee). 

There’s a delicious Pre-Theatre Prix Fixe menu, available until 6:15 every evening. It includes the Little Gem Salad (which was as enjoyable as the rest of the meal), a choice of Manhattan Center Strip, Roasted Chicken or Mushroom Cavatelli, and Panna Cotta for dessert.
Reservations are recommended and the restaurant offers special event dining, as well as takeout service.
The dining experience at Stolp Island Social is highly recommended whether you’re looking for a new favorite eatery, a restaurant for fine dining before or after the theatre, or just a delightful new place to sit and have a drink and catch up with friends.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Amy Morton’s Stolp Island Social is located next to the Paramount Theater, 5, E. Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL.
Valet parking is available, but there’s plenty of street and lot parking in the area.

Call (630)340-4980 for reservations or takeout. Go to www.StolpIslandSocial.com for more information.