After 50 Years a Popular Kingston Restaurant has Closed

A longtime staple in the Uptown Kingston food scene has quietly closed its doors, and for a lot of locals, this one is going to hit hard.

If you’ve spent any time in Uptown Kingston over the years, you know that restaurants come and go. It’s the way of the world. But every once in a while, one shuts down that feels different, and this is one of those.

Stella’s Italian Restaurant Closed in Kingston, NY

Stella's, a restaurant renowned for traditional Italian cuisine located at 44 North Front Street in Kingston, has reportedly closed after more than 50 years in business.

The news started circulating in the Facebook group Ulster Eateries Unfiltered, where longtime followers of the local food scene first caught wind of it. What initially looked like a temporary closure, thanks to a simple sign on the door reading “Sorry, we are closed today," now appears to be permanent.

I spoke with the group’s administrator, Jason Bover, who told me he’s been able to confirm the closure through multiple sources connected to the family.

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“Friends of the Burns family have confirmed that the restaurant has indeed closed,” Bover said, adding that a mixture of things played a role in the decision.

Local Favorite

Stella’s has been part of the Kingston community since 1975, serving up classic Italian dishes and becoming one of those places people didn’t just eat at...they grew up with. Whether it was a family dinner, a date night, or just a go-to comfort meal, Stella’s was that spot for a lot of people.

As of now, there’s been no official statement from the restaurant. We’ve tried reaching out by phone and through social media, but haven’t heard back.

What Happens Next?

It’s also unclear what happens next, whether the space could reopen under new ownership or if this truly marks the end of a 50+ year run. One thing is certain: Uptown Kingston just lost a piece of its history.

We’ll update this story if and when more information becomes available.