A record 15,000 votes poured in for the fourth annual Best Of competition. While some businesses took home their fourth consecutive wins, others were honored for the very first time. Scroll through to discover who received a golden ticket and why you (our readers) named them the best in the Valley!
Civic Theatre
Best Theater Group
Devoted to developing artists of the future, Civic welcomes 300 students each year to imagine, create and explore.
527 N. 19th St., Allentown | 610.432.8943 | civictheatre.com
State Theatre
Best Venue for Live Theater
This Easton landmark was established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 1981 and is supported solely by the contributions of its loving community.
453 Northampton St., Easton 610.252.3132 | statetheatre.org
Sands Bethlehem Event Center
Best Concert Venue with the Hottest Acts
Everyone who's anyone has performed here. And if they haven't, they've tried to.
77 Sands Blvd., Bethlehem | 610.297.7414 | sandseventcenter.com
Bolete
Best Place to Impress Your Date
Bolete celebrates ten years of fine dining and farm-to-table eating.
1740 Seidersville Rd., Bethlehem 610.868.6505 | boleterestaurant.com
AMC Center Valley 16
Best Movie Theater to Watch the Newest Releases
Now an AMC, patrons can enjoy 3D and IMAX, along with the classics they love.
2805 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | 610.709.8635 | amctheatres.com
Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas
Best Place to Watch an Independent Film
This two-screen independent, foreign and art-house cinema can accommodate up to 200 guests.
101 Founders Way, Bethlehem | 610.332.1300 | steelstacks.org
Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks
Best Free Entertainment
The Levitt Summer Concert Series presents 50 free, family-friendly concerts each summer. Head to their website to see this year's line up!
The Bookstore Speakeasy
Best Bar Ambiance
When this place opened in 2008, nothing around here matched its 1920s speakeasy vibe. Head down the stairs through a nondescript door, through a book-lined entrance flanked by dark curtains and into a sepia-toned room. There, the dim lighting, courtesy of tableside oil lanterns that the staff suggest you not fiddle with, just dances off every surface. The theme is carried consistently throughout, so that you really do feel like you've been transported to another era, one with an antique cash register behind a copper-topped bar, and where old-timey jazz music plays on the weekends while you peruse your menu, which arrives in the form of a leather-bound “book.”
The Bookstore made a splash, too, with its extensive cocktail list, many of them little known, all of them definitely a throwback, but in the best way possible. There's a lot to choose from when it comes to the hand-crafted cocktails, but try and stump their mixologists—go ahead. They want to make something new and unusual for you.
When it comes to food, there's plenty to nibble on while you're hanging out, whether it's the chickpea popcorn, a menu staple since the beginning, a meat and cheese plate or full-on entrées.
366 Adams St., Bethlehem | 610.867.1100 | bookstorespeakeasy.com
Braveheart Highland Pub
Best Trivia Night
Celebrate Scottish tradition and weekly trivia at this warm and homey pub!
430 Main St., Hellertown | 610.838.6555 | bravehearthighlandpub.com
SteelStacks at ArtsQuest
Best Venue to Throw a Big Bash
Culture, history and fun, all in one place.
101 Founders Way, Bethlehem | 610.332.1300 | steelstacks.org
Copperhead Grille
Best Place to Watch the Game
Whether you're there for Growler Tuesday, Wing Wednesday or Craft Beer Thursday, there's no bad seat at the bar.
1731 Airport Rd., Allentown | 610.403.4600 | 5737 Rte. 378, Bethlehem | 610.282.4600 | copperheadgrille.com
Liz Russo
Best Local Comedian That Tickles Your Funny Bone
Russo's Facebook page says it best: single, late 30-something, never married, childless, recovering alcoholic, gluten-dairy-soy-egg free, 100-pound-losing, cat-owning, stand-up comic.
Vision Nightclub
Best Nightclub to See and Be Seen
Whether it's Cinco de Mayo or just another Friday night, there's always something going on.
77 Sands Blvd., Bethlehem | 610.297.7410 | vision.sandseventcenter.com
Lucas Heckenberger, The Dime
Best Bartender Who Knows Your Signature Drink
Look for the guy with the handlebar mustache and cocktail shaker in hand.
12 N. 7th St., Allentown 484.273.4010 | thedimeallentown.com
Ripper's Pub
Best Dive Bar You Hate to Love
Famous for their free popcorn and no-frills dining.
77 W. Broad St. Suite 3C, Bethlehem | 610.866.6646
Eve Russo, WFMZ-TV 69 News
Best Local TV Personality
With nearly 12,000 online followers, there's no denying the Valley loves her.
George Wacker, Lehigh Valley with Love
Best Local Blogger
Join the discussion with George Wacker, who's not afraid to push the boundaries with his authentic and unabashed commentary.
Craig Thatcher & Nyke Van Wyk
Best Local Musician/Band
Listeners of all ages are captivated by this duo as they perform a variety of originals and classic favorites.
Becca & Malone, Cat Country 96
Best Local Radio Personalities & Best Radio Station
These two make morning commutes bearable with the best jams and commentary.
