Diner puts emphasis on breakfast
Stavros Andronis is a big believer that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
And he’s serving up classic breakfast and lunch fare at his restaurant, Stav’s Diner, for those who share his food philosophy.
The No. 1 platter ($7.75) — far and away the customer favorite — offers two eggs, a choice of breakfast meats (sausage patty, bacon, ham or turkey links), hash browns and toast.
“That one right there is a home run every time,” Andronis said.
He opened the Bexley-area restaurant 11 months ago, he says, against his better judgment.
“I swore off diners and restaurants after working for my dad,” he said, referring to Costa Andronis, who founded Golden Donuts on Lockbourne Road. The restaurant remains, with Stavros Andronis’ brother, Pandeli, and mother, Eleni, running the show. Costa Andronis died in 2014.
But Stavros Andronis came to a crossroads in his life and wasn’t sure whether he wanted to remain in the construction business. He heard about the vacant storefront and peeked inside.
“Something took ahold of me — very movie-esque, the way things went down,” said Andronis, a U.S. Army veteran.
The diner might not serve fancy coffee, but it’s an honest, medium roast, made of 100 percent Arabica beans and costs $2 for a bottomless cup, he said.
The GEF sandwich ($7.25) is a popular item, using gyro meat, egg and feta served on Texas toast. The standard gyro ($7.25) uses house-made tzatziki, the tangy Greek spread with a foundation of yogurt.
A standard quarterpound cheeseburger ($6.75) is served on a toasted bun, with a choice of Swiss, American or cheddar cheeses, and chips and a pickle on the side.
“It’s really no frills, just delicious,” Andronis said.
Chips on any sandwich can be substituted with fries or onion rings for $2.25 extra. Otherwise, they are $2.75 a side.
The three-bean chili ($6 a bowl) is topped with cheddar and chopped onions. Made with pork and beef, it also has a not-so-secret ingredient: rice, which adds body, he said.
Stav’s has specials; on Fridays, it’s spanakopita ($10.75), the spinach-and-feta pie made the way “mom instructs me to,” he said.
Andronis does not regret his decision to re-enter food service.
“I love being a part of people’s day. It’s a good social outlet, as well as a job.”
You’re a pescatarian (someone who eats fish and seafood but no other meat), so what are your favorite vegetarian- friendly restaurants?
Banana Leaf ( Restaurant, 816 Bethel Road) is very good. What they used to have was five appetizers and a buffet for $ 12.95. It was great. Brassica ( 680 N. High St.) in the Short North — it’s fantastic. I’m a frequent Mediterranean eater. My other favorite Mediterranean place is Mazah (Mediterranean Eatery, 1453 Grandview Ave.). ( It has) excellent falafel.
What other ethnic- food spots do you like?
Tadka (3535 W. Dublin- Granville Road) does a really good job. They combined a Chinese franchise with an Indian company.
Where do you go for a cheap meal?
I live right across the street from a pizza place called Catfish Biff’s ( Pizza & Subs, student
75 W. 11th Ave). I’ll go there a few nights a week with my friends and get two pizzas.
Where would you take out-of-town guests?
I’d take them to the Short North. Condado (Tacos, 1227 N. High St., 132 S. High St.) is fantastic. They’re slowly but surely expanding.
What about for dessert?
Cookie Dough Creamery (7227 N. High St.) in Worthington. Nothing is better than sitting outside with a bowl of cookie dough on a summer day. They have a soft- serve ice- cream setup with a rotating selection.