New Steakhouse opens in Owego

Thursday, Jan. 31 marked the opening of a distinctive new restaurant in our area, the Owego Steakhouse. Located on the property of the former La Scala Ristorante and Tony’s Restaurant at 948 State Rte. 17C in Owego, N.Y., the Owego Steakhouse is gearing up to offer an exclusive, one-of-a-kind dining experience. The property sat vacant for nearly three years.

Owego Steakhouse owner Leon Anastasakos, and who also owns and operates the River Rock Diner located at 904 State Rte. 17C in Owego, said of his new venture, “It will be a unique offering for the area, combined with an incredible fine dining atmosphere,” adding, “The Owego Steakhouse will feature extreme top shelf premium cuts and beef dishes, along with seafood, chicken, combination meals and vegetarian options.”

The Owego Steakhouse has sights set on becoming a dining destination, and where guests can linger while relishing exquisite appetizers, cocktails and top-notch meals prepared from scratch, accompanied by fresh homemade bread, and all amidst a view of the Susquehanna River.  

Different than the River Rock Diner, which opened in October of 2014 and serves up favorite diner style food in a homey atmosphere, the Owego Steakhouse will be a more relaxing and classy alternative, with hints of elegance for romantics.

Renovations at the property include a repaving of the parking lot outside, and then inside, a major cleaning with fresh paint and décor. The pizza counter that patrons might remember at the front entrance of the former restaurants is now blocked off, but the classic L-shaped bar remains.

To complement the entire transformation, banquet space will be available for an average of 40 guests, and come late spring and/or early summer, a patio will be opened for guests to enjoy their meals outside.

Anastasakos, an Endicott native, has worked in the food service business for over 25 years. Anastasakos’ father emigrated to the U.S. from Greece and eventually relocated to the Southern Tier where he opened a grocery store as well as the well-known Spartan Deli. A young Leon helped his father as early as age 12 and later gained experience in restaurants in larger cities such as Detroit and New York City, and also spent time overseas crafting his Greek culinary skills.  

And for those who live in Broome County or adjoining communities, Anastasakos suggests that, “You take a drive, Owego is really not that far.”

Anastasakos is excited to bring the Owego Steakhouse to the area, and said, “The time was right,” and further commented that it is his hope that the restaurant will spark interest for new visitors to the area, and that it will also become a new favorite for residents and visitors alike.

The restaurant, Anastasakos shared, will also create from five to seven new jobs. 

The Owego Steakhouse, during its start-up, will be open Thursday through Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m.  Follow the restaurant on Facebook, or for additional information or to make reservations, call (607) 687-3663.