Decisions, decisions. You make a ton of them every day about where to spend your hard-earned cash. And lucky for you, you live in the Lehigh Valley, where options abound in everything from entertainment to pet care to personal grooming. In fact, the plethora of possibilities can be intimidating, and that’s where your opinion counts. This year you cast over 8,000 votes in Lehigh Valley Style's second annual “Best Of” survey. These are the people and places that literally wined and dined you, gave you stellar service or otherwise dazzled you in some way so you would come back for more.
They’re simply the best.
Tapas on Main
Best Sangria
Tapas is their name, and tapas is their game: lamb meatballs, garlic shrimp and sweet potato puree are just a few of the mouth-watering, small-plate specialties on the menu at 500 Main Street in Bethlehem. But what good is a savory snack without something satisfying to wash it all down? That’s where another Tapas claim to fame comes into play: the restaurant’s homemade sangria will do the trick nicely. Offered by the glass or by the pitcher, in a lineup of ever-changing seasonal flavors, it’s a drink that’s as good as any dessert.
500 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.868.8903 | tapasonmain.com
The MINT Gastropub
Best Bartender & Best Mac and Cheese
If you belly-up to the bar at The MINT Gastropub, you may be lucky enough to place your mixology needs in the very capable hands of Craig Cressman. He’s been whipping up cocktails for thirsty patrons since the restaurant opened in 2011, but he’s been behind the bar for much longer than that. Cressman says he doesn’t have a signature drink, but pick your poison and he’ll invest the time to make sure he gets it right. And there’s no snake oil for sale on his watch; Cressman says he’ll never try to sell anyone who pulls up a stool to his bar something they don’t want.
Another reason to hit The MINT: They also scored this year in the Best Mac and Cheese category. Try any of The MINT’s more than half a dozen variations, like truffled lobster, mushroom or Maryland crab, and you might be persuaded otherwise. Chef and owner Domenic Lombardo says the recipes pay homage to the way his mother used to make the dish for him and his brothers as children. So, even though it may not be your mother making the mac at The MINT, rest assured that a pinch of maternal influence is on the list of ingredients.
1223 W. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.419.3810 | bethlehemmint.com
Komé
Best Hibachi
Family fun night at the Promenade Shops starts here!
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 610.798.9888 | komerestaurant.com
Brass Rail
Best Cheesesteak
Who hasn’t indulged in this savory and hearty handful of heaven?
3015 Lehigh St. | Allentown | 610.797.1927 | brassrailrestaurant.com
Primo
Best Hoagie with All the Fixings
Simply put, it’s the Cadillac of hoagies.
Various area locations | primohoagies.com
Mitzi’s Table
Best Grilled Cheese
This cute new spot with Betty Crocker appeal offers a four-cheese, Texas toast version of Mom’s melt-y classic.
3650 Nazareth Pike | Bethlehem | 610.730.1670 | mitzistable.com
Soumaya & Sons Bakery
Best Hummus
Their homemade creamy hummus is the perfect compliment to their baked fresh daily pita bread.
264 Fullerton Ave., Whitehall | 610.432.0405 | soumayasonsbakery.com
Cheesecakes by Chester
Best Cheesecake Without the Trip to New York
If a cheesecake worthy of Big Apple bravado is what your stomach seeks, skip the hefty Lincoln Tunnel toll and stay local. Cheesecakes…by Chester can deliver the goods, and then some. Owner Roy Shuler (Chester is his middle name, and the name of his late father) says divine intervention inspired him to take the plunge and start the business in 2012; it’s an appropriate beginning for an endeavor that now churns out 11 flavors like Signature Strawberry and Audaciously Apple Cinnamon, all of which are downright heavenly.
610.428.0354 | facebook.com/cheesecakesbychester
The Bethlehem Dairy Store (The Cup)
Best Ice Cream You Could Eat a Gallon of
Summertime in the Lehigh Valley just wouldn’t be the same without a frosty-cold cone, shake or sundae dripping in hot fudge from this line-out-the-door, worth-the-wait little place.
1430 Linden St., Bethlehem | 610.691.8422 | 2 Campus Sq. (at New & Morton Sts.), Bethlehem | 610.865.4360 | bethlehemdairystore.com
Egypt Star Bakery
Best Bread That is Totally Worth the Carbs
It’s not just Whitehall-ites flocking to Egypt Star for their hearth-baked Vienna, rye and pumpernickel varieties. This place draws crust lovers from both counties with their locations in Allentown, Whitehall and Coplay.
3 area locations | egyptstarbakery.com
Chickie’s & Pete’s
Best Crispy French Fry
Crinkle cut, perfectly seasoned and cheesy side sauces make this your favorite fry.
701 Hamilton St., Allentown | 484.273.4507 | chickiesandpetes.com
Black Forest Deli
Best Pierogies That Taste Like Your Grandmother Made Them
You could roll out and stuff your own, but why would you when Vica and Mama have this authentic taste of the Ukraine down?
745 W. Union Blvd., Bethlehem | 610.865.3036 | bethlehemdeli.com
Menchie’s
Best Frozen Yogurt
Self-serve goodness that you can mix on your own from 16 flavors and top with a buffet of creative toppings.
3 area locations | menchies.com
Cali Burrito
Best Burrito
Because sometimes you just need that fresh taste of California expertly rolled in a tortilla stuffed with chicken, beef or veggies and served with a smile!
3104 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown 610.351.1791 | caliburrito.com
Geakers
Best Taco
If you can’t get out to try one of these zesty handfuls at their convenient Bethlehem Township location, maybe you can catch these guys this summer as they embark on Geakers Taco Tour.
3531 Freemansburg Ave., Bethlehem | 610.419.4869 | geakers.com
Wert’s Café
Best Juicy Burger
Wrap both hands around the bun tightly so you get a little bit of everything with your first bite of the burger that’s been bringing ‘em back for more than 40 years!
515 N. 18th St., Allentown | 610.439.0951 | wertscafe.com
Blondies
Best Cupcake You’ve Ever Tasted
She’s done it again. “Blondie” (Rebecca Zukowski-Gillespie) and her band of merry bakers in Catasauqua have worked their way into the hearts and stomachs of Lehigh Valley Style’s most discerning dessert devotees for the second year in a row. Chances are, if you dream it, she can bake it—and top if off with a handful of jimmies. With flavors like Blueberry Stuffed French Toast, Apple Danish and Chocolate Lava Bomb, don’t be surprised if you go a little weak in the knees. And if you're looking for gluten-free baked goods, Blondie's is the place to be, too!
333 Front St., Catasauqua | 610.443.1741 | blondiesfood.com
Taza Truck
Best Food Truck You Wish Was in Your Backyard
Looking to chow down on some fresh Egyptian cuisine? Taza’s got you covered. From wholesome vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free main dishes to delectable desserts, you better catch a bite from this tasty truck before it zooms away. Check their website for their convenient neighborhood locations.
610.442.1769 | thetazatruck.com
Keystone Pub
Best Place for Wings & Best Beer Selection
This dual-category winner not only serves up a variety of melt-in-your-mouth wings, including a feisty Asian Tang on their special Monday and Tuesday wing nights, its two-locations have innovated taking home their awesome selection of craft beers in the form of their quart-size “crowlers.” Not quite a “growler,” not a typical can of beer either, the crowler is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite New Holland Paleooza at home!
3259 Easton Ave., Bethlehem | 610.814.0400 | 1410 Grape St., Whitehall | 610.434.7600 | keystonepub.com
P.J. Whelihan’s Pub
Best Bar Food
P.J.’s has been packing them in around here with their great prices, massive menu and awesome atmosphere for some time now.
3 area locations | pjspub.com
White Orchids Thai Cuisine
Best Pad Thai & Best Gluten-Free Menu
There’s no joking around at White Orchids when it comes to Pad Thai—this is the real deal. And because many of their noodles are made from rice, they can offer suggestions to gluten-free diners. Just ask!
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 610.841.7499 | whiteorchidsthaicuisine.com
3rd & Ferry Fish Market
Best Bloody Mary to Cure Your Hangover
Red rover, red rover, we call Mary over! A glass filled to the brim with Old Bay vodka mixed with 3rd & Ferry’s secret Mary Mash recipe makes for a marvelously refreshing concoction served with some generous garnishes.
56 S. 3rd St., Easton | 610.829.1404 | thirdandferry.com
Grumpy’s Bar-B-Que
Best Hometown Barbeque
Saucy, zesty, spicy and slow-cooked to perfection pretty much says it all when it comes to the pork, beef or chicken magic on a bun created here!
3000 Mauch Chunk Rd., Allentown | 610.769.4600 | grumpysbbq.net
Yocco’s
Best Hot-Dog
Only the sauce is still a secret at Yocco’s. This legendary taste of the Valley is a must-munch lunch for many a hot-dog lover!
6 area locations | yoccos.com
Mario’s
Best Pizza by the Slice
No matter what your heart desires, Mario’s already has a slice whipped up for you to devour.
851 Main St., Northampton | 610.262.0550 | mariospizzanorthampton.com
Mary Ann Donut Kitchen
Best Doughnuts
You probably haven’t had a real doughnut until you’ve enjoyed one of Mary Ann’s.
1601 W. Liberty St., Allentown | 610.439.9985
Pho #1
Best Vietnamese Pho
A steaming bowl of pho was the perfect antidote to those bitterly cold days and nights of this past winter. For those who have never indulged, pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup that comes in many variations. Whatever the recipe, you’d expect nothing less than perfection from a place that bills itself as “#1,” and, by all accounts, the unassuming Pho #1 on Allentown’s Union Boulevard delivers.
1500 Union Blvd., Allentown | 610.432.1218
The Other Fish
Best Sushi
Southside Bethlehem’s loss was the north side’s gain when The Dancing Fish relocated to Broad Street and was reborn as The Other Fish in 2007. Current owner Matt Reichard bought the business two years later, and diners have packed the snug, unpretentious sushi house ever since. Reichard says many employees have worked together for more than a decade; they love what they do, and it shows. “We're always looking for new things to try and different influences we can incorporate into our menu,” he says. One of their more unique creations includes crushed-up Fritos. But even if raw ain’t your thing, don’t think The Other Fish can’t hook you. You’ll find a variety of cooked rolls on the menu, too. One thing that is a rarity: leftovers.
59 E. Broad St., Bethlehem | 484.821.1370
Corked Wine Bar & Steakhouse
Best Place for Wine Lovers
Swoon over their impressive wine list and choose to buy a bottle, tackle a tasting or relax with a full glass.
515 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.625.9463 | corkedwinebar.com
The Bayou
Best Stick-to-Your-Ribs Comfort Food
This southern-inspired kitchen aims to serve you a creative take on classic New Orleans cooking.
702 Hawthorne Rd., Bethlehem | 610.419.6669 | dat-bayou.com
Chicken Lounge
Best Nachos
It’s hard to get nachos wrong in their most basic form: pile chips, cheese and your choice of trimmings on a plate, then stick that plate in the microwave for 60 seconds, and voilà! But when nachos are done right—really right—they put any attempt at a homemade microwave masterpiece to shame. The Chicken Lounge in Allentown is known for its nachos (they’re listed as “famous” on the menu), and rightfully so. Their twist on the finger food classic uses Doritos instead of regular tortilla chips. The rest is a glorious mountain of Monterey Jack cheese, refried beans, guacamole and more. And, perhaps as an homage to its name, the restaurant offers chicken—not beef—as an add-on option.
3247 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown | 610.439.1707
Shankara
Best Vegetarian
Chef Wendy Landiak is all about satisfying your stomach with local, organic and vegan ingredients.
201 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 484.330.6405 | balasia.net
Northampton Seafood Market
Best Place to Buy Fresh Seafood
How about some halibut? This place boasts the largest selection of freshly caught seafood in the area.
109 Lilac Ct., Northampton | 610.262.3333 | northamptonseafood.com
Wegmans
Best Place to Grab Dinner on the Way Home
Hot and cold food bars, fresh produce, wholesome groceries, endless possibilities.
3 area locations | wegmans.com
Apollo Grill
Best Business Lunch Location
The sophisticated bistro that started Bethlehem’s Restaurant Row never disappoints with its modern décor, extensive cuisine options and top-notch service.
85 W. Broad St., Bethlehem 610.865.9600 | apollogrill.com
Hassan DeJesus, Gio Italian Grill
Best Waitress/Waiter
Consider yourself lucky if you see Hassan DeJesus approaching your table at Gio Italian Grill in Macungie; you can be sure you’re in good hands for the afternoon or evening. How will you know it’s him? It’s all in the smile. “Some say it’s infectious,” he says. And DeJesus has a lot to smile about. He’s been with Gio for more than seven years, and, he says, he’s loved every minute of it. He prides himself on getting to know his customers so he can provide an answer that’s more than just guesswork when he’s asked to make a personal recommendation for a hungry patron. And, perhaps most importantly, DeJesus never overstays his welcome. “A good server is there whenever needed, but never overbearing,” he says. “Present and attentive, without hovering.”
6465 Village Ln., Macungie | 610.966.9446 | gioitaliangrill.com
Easton Baking Company
Best Place for a Special Occasion Cake
Find out what generations of Eastonians already know; this place bakes the best—and we mean cakes and tomato pie!
34 N. 7th St., Easton | 610.252.6343
Billy’s Downtown Diner
Best Breakfast
Owner Billy Kounoupis is known for creating a breakfast menu that can have you eating as healthy or as decadently as you please. Either way, it’s delicious.
10 E. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.867.0105 | 840 Hamilton St., Allentown | 610.432.5484 | billysdiner.com
Josh Early Candies
Best Sweet Shop for Classic Candy or Chocolate
Fresh handmade chocolates from 100-year-old recipies.
4640 Tilghman St., Allentown | 610.395.4321 | 3620 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem | 610.865.0580 | joshearlycandies.com
Bethlehem Brew Works & Allentown Brew Works
Best Local Brewery & Best Casual Date Place
Our area’s first family of brewing—the Fegleys—captured awards in two categories this year: Best Brewery and Best Casual Date Place. Most likely because of their tasty and fun menu. It’s safe to say they know a thing or two about handcrafted signature brews and ales.
569 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.882.1300 | 812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown | 610.433.7777 | thebrewworks.com
Quadrant Book Mart and Coffee House
Best Coffee Shop
Why simply toss back a cup of joe when you can toss back a cup of joe and bury your nose in a good book at the same time? Easton’s Quadrant Book Mart and Coffee House offers both luxuries to regulars who’ve fallen in love with the place, and to newcomers who are lured inside by the charming and inviting storefront just a few strides away from the city’s bustling Centre Square. As if that’s not enough, the Quadrant is also a café. It’s true one-stop shopping for the body, the mind and that part of your brain that’s screaming for a caffeine jolt.
20 N. 3rd St., Easton | 610.252.1188 | facebook.com/quadrantbookmartcoffeehouse
Sweet Memories
Best Girls' Lunch Location
An ever-changing menu and a ginormous mouthwatering dessert display case—need we say more?
180 Main St., Emmaus | 610.967.0296 | sweetmemories180.blogspot.com
Blue Grillhouse
Best Happy Hour Spot & Best Outdoor Dining
Unwind with a glass of wine at the bar, or sip a specialty-crafted cocktail on the most pleasing outdoor patio around.
4431 Easton Ave., Bethlehem | 610.691.8400 | bluegrillhouse.com
Stahley’s Family Restaurant & Sports Bar
Best Cheap Eats
This is just the best little neighborhood place to please your pocket and your taste buds.
1826 Hanover Ave., Allentown | 610.433.2468 | stahleys.com
Ocean
Best Tapas/Small Plates
Truffled French fries, vegetable spring rolls, oven-baked flatbreads—it’s time to enjoy little dishes with big flavor.
235 Ferry St., Easton | 610.559.7211 | ocean235.com
