Making Milestones Matter

Stirna's Restaurant going strong at 100

Randy Shemanski

Whenever something (or someone) reaches a 100th anniversary, it's a cause to celebrate. The problem is, though, sometimes we tend to overlook the significance of that longevity, especially when the anniversary involves a business.

Stirna's Restaurant and Bar at Providence Square in North Scranton is celebrating that milestone this year. When a restaurant stands the test of time like Stirna's has, it can only mean good things. But that doesn't mean owner Cathy Gavin has rested on her laurels. Instead, she's staying ahead of the times.

Stirna's reopened back in September following a remodeling project that had the establishment closed for 11 weeks. The new bar area features old brick work still showing signs of a fire in 1974 and a new marble top bar. Two flat screen televisions adorn each end of the bar, keeping patrons up-to-date with the local news or the big game.

The quaint, comfortable dining room sits separate from the bar, giving patrons a sense of privacy. That dining atmosphere makes Stirna's a great place for a date or someplace to watch your favorite team battle a hated rival.

Stirna's also remained smoke-free after the city lifted the smoking ban, which has helped to increase business, according to Gavin.

With the remodeling project complete, Gavin is planning to expand after purchasing the lot on the Main Avenue side of the restaurant.

"We want to expand our kitchen, and we want to build a room that will be open in the summer, but that we can also use in the winter when the weather isn't as good," she said.

The addition, which is currently in the planning stages, will allow Stirna's to host more groups, something the restaurant does now, but occasionally isn't able to handle due to size restrictions.

The remodeling and proposed expansion are part of Gavin's desire to help in the revitalization of Providence Square. She also hopes to host a block party at some point over the summer.

With all of the changes to the restaurant itself, one thing remains constant - great food.

With nightly specials and a host of appetizers, salads and sandwiches, it's easy to find a tasty meal. The Signature Boneless Buffalo Chicken Bites make the perfect prelude to just about any meal and the Crab Bisque is a staple for soup lovers.

But it's the entrees where Stirna's really makes its mark. No matter what the meal, all entrees include choice of soup or salad, potato, vegetable, rolls and butter, coffee or tea, and dessert. If that sounds like a lot, it is, but that's a good thing. It's all included in the price of the entree, so you can find an entire meal at one spot on the menu, rather than piecing together different choices.

Entrees include beef, pork, pasta, chicken and seafood dishes, all for less than $20. Add one of Stirna's famous Whiskey Sours and you're set.

One our recent visit to Stirna's, we cozied up to the bar and ordered the Chicken Franchese, which came highly recommended by the friendly bartender.

The two thick chicken strips in a parmesan egg batter and sauteed in a white wine, garlic and lemon sauce were definitely the right choice. The tender chicken practically melted in our mouth as we savored the tasty sauce. The leftover sauce was quickly smothered up with the four small pieces of fried dough that adorned the plate.

Rolls, corn and French fries (forgive us, we're a sucker for fries) accompanied the Chicken Franchese and were more than enough to leave us satisfied. Unfortunately, however, it didn't leave room for dessert, although the Stirna's Signature Brownies sound delicious.

If you're looking to add a great meal to your Parade Day experience this weekend, head on over to 120 W. Market St. Stirna's will open at noon on Parade Day and feature live entertainment by Smith. Also, although typically closed on Mondays, Stirna's will be open this Monday at 4 p.m. for St. Patrick's Day.