BILLY’S DOWNTOWN DINER
Best Breakfast
No matter where you go in the Lehigh Valley, you’re not very far from a location of Billy’s Downtown Diner—there are locations in Downtown Bethlehem (2000), Allentown (2012) and, most recently, Easton (2018). According to owner Billy Kounoupis, people love to both order—and photograph—the berry crunch French toast. It’s under the menu category “Heaven on a Plate.” Or, there's Billy's Original Breakfast Milkshake, pictured here. It's complete with vanilla ice cream, maple syrup, bacon strips, white icing, bacon crumbles, chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, whipped cream and pancake sliders, served in a chilled glass.
OH, AND GUESS WHAT?
If you dream of going out to dinner and ordering a legit breakfast, the Easton location is going to open for “brinner”—yep, breakfast for dinner—in the summer. You heard it here first!
Various area locations | billysdiner.com
TWO RIVERS BREWING COMPANY
Best Burger
Two Rivers’ most famous burger might be their Peanut Butter Bacon Cheddar Burger (it once graced the cover of Style), but the others deserve applause as well. Their Chipotle Bison Burger is made with a half pound of Fossil Farms bison, Breakaway Farms bacon, chipotle-lime barbecue sauce, horseradish aioli, smoked Gruyère cheese and beer-batter onion rings on a brioche bun. But it’s not all meat and bacon. Their Vegan Black Bean and Chickpea Burger is topped with beet and cabbage slaw, avoca - do and sriracha aioli on a seven-grain roll.
542 Northampton St., Easton | 610.829.1131 | tworiversbrewing.com
EIGHT OAKS CRAFT DISTILLERS
Bottoms Up! [ Best Local Distillery ]
Eight Oaks is truly a family affair, with multiple generations working under the roof of this purpose-built distillery that resembles a barn. Naturally, too, Eight Oaks is situated in farmland and sources the corn, wheat, barley and rye for its spirits right on site. How cool is that? The space is worth seeing, but you may have encountered Eight Oaks at a few different locations in the Lehigh Valley, such as the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market and the Easton Farmers’ Market. (They do get distributed further afield at markets in York and Harrisburg, along with Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia.)
It’s not hard to find these spirits in the state stores, but the interaction with employees and the ability to taste the spirits at the markets is really key. There’s always some new, one-off specialty item they’re pouring. Carly Butters, co-founder and general manager, says they’re very excited about their new barrel-aged gin called Old Tom, which was released in June.
7189 Route 309, New Tripoli | 484.387.5287 | eightoaksdistillers.com
YOCCO’S
Top Dog! [best Hot Dog]
Yocco’s is an institution, and for good reason. Dating back to 1922, Yocco’s operates six locations, mostly in the western half of the region. The hot dogs are custom made from Hatfield Meats, but the secret, as they say, is really in the sauce. This meat-based chili sauce is a little tangy and can be topped on hot dogs, burgers and cheesesteaks at Yocco’s. The recipe remains the same—why mess with success?
Various area locations | yoccos.com
BLONDIES CUPCAKE
Best Cupcake
Their slogan “Cupcakes so moist, you’ll need a spoon!” really says it all, doesn’t it? And it must be true—Blondies has appeared on the Food Network and has been called upon by celebrities visiting the area.
333 Front St., Catasauqua 610.443.1741 | blondiesfood.com
THE BRASS RAIL
Best Cheesesteak
They’ve won for best cheesesteak, but that comes in many forms at The Brass Rail. The menu offers the original cheesesteak (sauce, onions, pickles and hot peppers), the California cheesesteak (mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion), the buffalo chicken cheesesteak (lettuce and blue cheese dressing), the chili cheesesteak (onions and chili sauce)—and that’s just the sandwich choices. There’s also the cheesesteak salad, the cheesesteak quesadilla and the cheesesteak pizza.
3015 Lehigh St., Allentown 610.797.1927 | brassrailrestaurant.com
HOPS FOGELSVILLE
[ Best ] Pierogi
Claiming the title of best pierogi in a region loaded with excellent choices is no small feat. The Hoppy family of Byron, Carol and Scott own both locations—there’s one at the Paddock, too. At Hops Fogelsville, which dates to 1798, it’s definitely not your average pierogi situation. They’re homemade and filled with the requisite cheese and potatoes, but here’s where it veers off into a different direction. “We deep fry them, sauté them with butter and onions, add brown butter and crabmeat to them and serve them 'Fogey' style, topped with melted cheeses, bacon and jalapeños,” says Carol. “The most popular requested side is sour cream. We literally make hundreds of these each week at both locations.”
7921 Main St., Fogelsville | 610.395.3999 | 1945 W. Columbia St., Allentown| 610.437.3911 | hopslehighvalley.com
MENCHIE’S FROZEN YOGURT
Best Frozen Yogurt
Try Menchie’s latest fro-yo masterpiece—their Chips Ahoy!® cookie collaboration! This fro-yo flavor is made with real Chips Ahoy!® cookie pieces and is sure to satisfy every craving.
Various Area Locations | menchies.com
KOMÉ FINE JAPANESE CUISINE
Best Hibachi & Best Sushi
Since opening in December 2008, Komé has delivered consistency to its patrons. Their core menu pretty much stays the same—why fix what isn’t broken?—while their seasonal specials allow for experimentation throughout the year. And don’t forget to check out the dessert menu, featuring mochi ice cream, a dessert bento box and s’mores (chocolate mousse, toasted marshmallow, honey-roasted peanuts and Nutella powder).
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley 610.798.9888 | komerestaurant.com
HOUSE & BARN
Best Grilled Cheese
Served on brioche, "Barn" of House and Barn serves grilled cheeses ranging from the vegetarian Garden Herb (roasted tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, sautéed spinach, balsamic, herb goat cheese and cheddar) to the Shroom and Beef (caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, beef short rib, swiss and peppercorn aioli) and the Bacon and Cheddar (caramelized onions, tomato, mayo, bacon and cheddar). All are served with a side of their famous smoked potato salad, coleslaw, chips or mixed greens.
1449 Chestnut St., Emmaus 610.421.6666 | houseandbarn.net
THE BAYOU SOUTHERN KITCHEN & BAR
Mac To The Max [ Best Mac & Cheese ]
Whether you go to the original Bethlehem location, tucked in a neighborhood, or their Easton locale, right in Centre Square, you can order this beloved mac and cheese. It’s unusual—there isn’t bacon or lobster or anything else that usually amps up the mac and cheese experience for people. Instead, it’s smoked ham hock, fontina and cave-aged cheddar cheese and peas. “We wanted to bring different levels of creamy, cheesy goodness,” says Mo Davis, who, along with Cristian Duarte, Jerry Straub and Matt Weaver, comprise the ownership known as The Bayou Boys Hospitality Group.
Davis says the mac and cheese is the number-two seller behind fried chicken. So, you know what you have to do, right? You have to go with someone else to share the fried chicken and the mac and cheese. That pairing is no accident!
702 Hawthorne Rd., Bethlehem | 610.419.6669 64 Centre Sq., Easton | 610.829.1700 | dat-bayou.com
DINER 248
Best Comfort Food
Mozzarella sticks, a crock of chili, French dip ciabatta, chicken fingers, the 248 Melt— what could be more comforting? Enjoy it all at this family-friendly restaurant.
3701 Easton-Nazareth Hwy., Easton 610.252.4300 | diner248.com
TORRE
Best Nachos
A loyal resident on Torre’s Bocadito (snack) menu, their nachos are loaded with black beans, guacamole, Chihuahua and cheddar cheese, chili, crema and your choice of shredded chicken, pulled pork or shredded beef brisket. Enjoy them with a Torre Margarita, on the rocks or frozen.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 610.841.9399 | torrerestaurant.com
WERT’S CAFÉ
Best Soup
Wert’s homemade soups include their crock of French onion, their famous seafood bisque (served every Tuesday) and their homemade chili. Don’t forget to ask about the soup du jour!
515 N. 18th St., Allentown 610.439.0951 | wertscafe.com
BAD BONES BBQ
Best Food Truck
Owned and operated by Joe Dewalt, this food truck is coming into its eighth season and you can find it on a regular basis (typically April through mid-November) at Newhard Farms Corn Shed in Coplay. It makes for a convenient spot—in the summer, Dewalt says they smoke the farm’s super-sweet corn, dip it in butter and sprinkle it with their own sweet and smoky seasoning blend. The pulled pork is tops, but keep some room for sides such as smoky bacon mac and cheese or smoked wings— the latter are award-winning. Bad Bones makes everything and smokes the meats daily.
“We have gained an extremely loyal customer base and don’t usually do too many events anymore because our regulars get a little angry when we’re not there,” says Dewalt, with a laugh.
3250 Mauch Chunk Rd., Coplay 610.730.5838 | badbonesbbq.net
VALLOS BAKERY
Carb Loading [ Bbest Bread ]
In a world full of artisan bread, which is wonderful and lovely and has its merits, it’s good to know that an old-fashioned soft loaf of bread can still be purchased. Vallos in Bethlehem has been at it for more than 85 years. Whether it’s Vienna, French or Round Italian for your basic carb-loving needs, or something more specialized such as a honey whole wheat or hot dog and hamburger rolls, there’s always something fluffy and delicious coming out of the oven at this family-run bakery.
1800 Broadway, Bethlehem | 610.866.1012 | vallosbakery.com
LEHIGH PIZZA
Best Pizza
At Lehigh Pizza, there’s no shortage of cheesy choices. Pick from pie varieties like taco, Texas-style, pulled pork BBQ, eggplant rollatini, Hawaiian, Greek and more. They also have a gluten-free crust option!
13 W. 3rd St., Bethlehem 610.866.1088 | lehighpizza.com
MARY ANN DONUT KITCHEN
Best Doughnuts
Made fresh daily, Mary Ann Donut Kitchen of course specializes in doughnuts, but also crullers, cupcakes, danishes, sticky buns, crumb bars, bear paws and more. Try the “cronut,” a recent trend treat that is a cross between a croissant and a doughnut!
1601 W. Liberty St., Allentown | 610.439.9985 | maryanndonutkitchen.com
NORTHAMPTON SEAFOOD MARKET
Today’s Catch [ Best Seafood Market ]
Northampton Seafood, which has been operating since 1995 and is owned by Lee Billy, is known for its fresh and frozen selection of seafood, which comes from both New Jersey and New York markets on a regular basis. You can get dinner and everything else you need for it here. Stop in for some homemade soups and salad to go with your crab cakes or stuffed flounder or haddock.
190 Lilac Ct., Northampton 610.262.3333 | northamptonseafood
KEYSTONE PUB AND GRILL
Best Beer Selection
With dozens on tap, bottled, canned or in growlers, no beer lover should want for anything at either of Keystone’s Valley locations.
3259 Easton Ave., Bethlehem | 610.814.0400 1410 Grape St., Whitehall | 610.434.7600 | keystonepub.com
BLUE GRILLHOUSE
Best Outdoor Dining
As Blue likes to say, patio season is back! It’s the perfect spot for an after-work happy hour or to meet the girls on the weekend and take advantage of their seasonal Saturday lunch menu, which is officially back for summer!
4431 Easton Ave., Bethlehem 610.691.8400 | bluegrillhouse.com
GRUMPY’S BBQ ROADHOUSE
Best Barbecue
At Grumpy’s, they’ve been doing it the same way since 2004—in a house-seasoned, real hickory wood-pit barbecue. Choose from their spare ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket and more. Here, they vow to never fear the spice!
3000 Mauch Chunk Rd., Allentown 610.769.4600 | grumpysbbq.net
P.J. WHELIHAN’S PUB +RESTAURANT
Best Wings & Best Place to Watch the Game
P.J.’s famous wings are served fresh, never frozen. Choose from signature sauces like Sweet Chili, Garlic Parmesan, Mexican Garlic, Old Bay® and Inferno. Wings are half-priced every Tuesday starting at 3 p.m. Check out their website for happy hour and daily beer specials to enjoy while watching the game.
4595 Broadway, Allentown | 610.395.2532 3395 High Point Blvd., Bethlehem | 484.353.7200 | pjspub.com
PRIMO HOAGIES
Supremesub [ Best Hoagie ]
At any Primo location, it’s the freshness that sets them apart. You won’t find a sandwich being put together from pre-sliced meats— according to Stephen Kilroy and Joseph Wolfer, who each own Valley locations, every hoagie is sliced fresh to order. You may know them for their seeded rolls. If you stop in, be sure to try the Italian hoagie with prosciutto, provolone, hot capicola and Genoa salami. The other best seller? Their Schwartzies, which are corned beef, roast beef or turkey, along with Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and coleslaw and sound like a riff on a Reuben, hoagie style.
Various area locations | primohoagies.com
CALI BURRITO
Best Burrito
Try one of Cali Burrito’s specialty creations named for the places their team loves. There’s The Big Sur (steak, pinto beans, rice, ranchero sauce and cheese), The Cortez (sautéed shrimp, zesty pepper sauce, white rice, pinto beans and cabbage), The Humboldt (smoked tofu, black beans, brown rice, sour cream and cheese) and many more!
2149 Reading Rd., Allentown 610.351.1791 | caliburrito.com
UNION AND FINCH
Best French Fry
Their Finch Fries are deliciously simple— crispy and seasoned with salt and pepper. But patrons can also pump it up a notch with the poutine, complete with fries, duck jus gravy, house cheese curds and pickled jalapeños.
1528 W. Union St., Allentown 610.432.1522 | unionandfinch.com
ALADDIN MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE
Best Hummus
Opt for Aladdin’s “dinner for two” special, complete with hummus, babaganoush, tabbouleh, feta, olives, kibbeh, spinach pie, arnabit, house salad, shish taouk, shish kabob, rice, traditional baklava and coffee—all for $59.95. Don’t forget to BYOB!
651 Union Blvd., Allentown | 610.437.4023 | aladdinlv.com
TAPAS ON MAIN
Best Sangria
No one does sangria like Tapas on Main. Order a glass, pitcher or the Three Gypsies (a tasting of any three sangrias). Each variation is made with red, white or sparkling wine, and mixed with fruits and other liqueurs. Offerings include pineapple mint, limoncello raspberry cava, ginger peach, sparkling cucumber lime and more, but the blood orange is arguably their most popular.
500 Main St., Bethlehem 610.868.8903 | tapasonmain.com
JOSH EARLY CANDIES
Best Sweet Shop
Spice things up with Josh Early’s newest creation, their Habañero Sea Salt Caramels, available in milk and dark chocolate. Of course, one can’t go wrong with their famous nonpareils.
4640 Tilghman St., Allentown | 610.395.4321 3620 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem 610.865.0580 | joshearlycandies.com
COPPERHEAD GRILLE
Best Bar Food
Take advantage of Copperhead’s late-night apps, available Monday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to close, and enjoy their fried mozzarella, buffalo tenders, coconut shrimp, wings, milehigh nachos and more for discounted prices.
1731 Airport Rd., Allentown | 610.403.4600 5737 Rte. 378, Bethlehem | 610.282.4600 | copperheadgrille.com
FEGLEY’S BREW WORKS
Hop’solutely [ Best Local Brewery ]
From seasonal brews to limited releases, Fegley’s has tons to choose from. One of their flagships, their Always Sunny Pale Ale is perfect for summer sipping.
812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown | 610.433.7777 559 Main St. Suite 101, Bethlehem | 610.882.1300 | thebrewworks.com
HISTORIC HOTEL BETHLEHEM
Sunday Best [ Best Sunday Brunch ]
It’s where you go when you want something really delicious and you need a bit of an indulgence. It’s where you take out-of-town guests on a Sunday afternoon. It’s where people have been going for brunch for decades, and for good reason. The food is stellar, there’s live music and there’s literally something for everyone. Including kids.
Made-to-order omelet or waffle? Check. Carving station of roasted meats? Yep, that too. Fresh seafood and pastries for days? Got that as well. Oh, and there’s also a chocolate fountain. Because, you know, chocolate. The hotel keeps things interesting with themed brunches around holidays (Valentine’s, Bastille Day, Cinco de Mayo and so forth) and specific cuisines (Italian brunch).
437 Main St., Bethlehem 610.625.5000 | hotelbethlehem.com
WHITE ORCHIDS THAI CUISINE
Best Pad Thai
Not sure what to order? Go for the classic Pad Thai, made with stir-fried vermicelli rice noodles, egg, scallions and bean sprouts, served with crushed peanuts. Or, dig into some shareables like the White Orchids’ Corn Fritters, the Crab Cake Croquettes, the Chicken Lettuce Wraps or Tofu Satay! Keep an eye out for Notch Modern Kitchen and Bar, a White Orchids' sister restaurant opening this summer in Allentown.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley 610.841.7499 | whiteorchidsthaicuisine.com
GEAKERS TACOS
Best Taco
Beef, chicken, fish, shrimp or, even, gator— take your pick! Geakers’ taco flavorings include Jamaican Jerk, Buffalo, Asian Sesame and Bourbon. Look for their location at the Lehigh Valley Zoo!
3531 Freemansburg Ave., Bethlehem 610.419.4869 | geakers.com
STRAVINO’S ITALIAN MARKET
[ Best ] Specialty Food
There are imported goods galore—many, as you would expect, from Italy—at this mainstay market that dates to 1916. More cheese (pecorino, ricotta, asiago, burrata) than you could imagine—it would take you days to sample them all—and ravioli, and pasta, pasta, pasta. (Don’t forget to sample the olive oils and vinegars!) Their sandwiches are legendary, especially the Stravino’s Special, with hot capicola, provolone, roasted peppers, olive oil and romaine lettuce. The breads come from Egypt Star Bakery (super local) and Anthony & Sons (a New Jersey favorite).
269 5th St., Whitehall | 610.432.2551 | stravinositalianmarket.com
BETHLEHEM DAIRY STORE
Best Ice Cream
Lovingly referred to as “The Cup,” the Bethlehem Dairy Store serves happy customers year-round. With more than 40 flavors, there’s something for everyone.
1430 Linden St., Bethlehem | 610.691.8422 2 Farrington Sq., Bethlehem | 610.865.4360 | bethlehemdairystore.com
STAHLEY’S FAMILY RESTAURANT & SPORTS BAR
Best Cheap Eats
Celebrating 50 years, Stahley’s is your fun, family-friendly restaurant and sports bar. With a menu and daily specials that won’t break the bank, it’s a great spot to meet after a big game. What’s more, they’ve got a game room with pool tables, a shuffle board, jukebox and video games.
1826 Hanover Ave., Allentown | 610.433.2468 | stahleys.com
APOLLO GRILL
Best Appetizer/Small Plate Menu
When it comes to appetizers, Apollo Grill has it all. From General Tso’s beer-battered shrimp to their lump crab and avocado cocktail, naan tacos, crab macaroni and cheese, sashimi, nachos, a tuna poke bowl and more, there may be no need to order an entrée.
85 W. Broad St., Bethlehem 610.865.9600 | apollogrill.com
DAVE’S DELI & GELATO
[ Best ] Sandwich
Sandwich making is a bit of an art. If it’s too full, too many ingredients fall out. If it’s too thin, you’re not left with that “I just ate a sandwich” feeling of fullness. If the ingredients are less than quality, you can taste it immediately. And if the bread (or other delivery vessel of said ingredients) doesn’t work with the ingredients or can’t support them, well, then that’s not a good sandwich at all, is it? (Dave’s uses Boar’s Head deli products.)
Dave’s Deli, named for Dave Hall, the owner, has been around since 1992, so he’s pretty good at it. The line can get long at lunchtime but the staff keeps it moving. Soups are stellar—and save room for the gelato, too. Try Dave’s Favorite—Cajun roast beef, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato and Cajun mayo on a Portuguese roll. Or Devon’s Favorite—with hot roast beef, mozzarella cheese, sautéed onions, lettuce, tomato and spicy mayo on a toasted ciabatta roll.
310 Stoke Park Rd., Bethlehem | 444 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.882.3663 | daves-deli.com
JAVA JOINT
Best Coffee Shop
Join Java Joint’s Latté Club for a chance to win special prizes every week. Stop by between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. for 50 cents off their signature drinks like the Royal Supreme, Iced Javanut and Mochaccino. Add vanilla, caramel, almond, hazelnut, raspberry, Irish cream or coconut to any drink!
7370 Hamilton Blvd., Trexlertown | 610.530.3171 | javajointdrivethru.com
GRILLE 3501
Best Happy Hour Spot
Available Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Loft Bar and The Grille Bar, Grille 3501’s happy hour specials include favorites like their crispy calamari, crab and mango spring rolls, tuna tartare, crispy sesame chicken dumplings and truffled sweet potato-and-shiitake dumplings. Wash it all down with their Platinum Cosmo.
3501 Broadway, Allentown 610.706.0100 | grille3501.com
