Photo by Alison Conklin
Jumbars
Best Comfort Food
How does one talk about comfort food at this sweet spot in Bethlehem, Jumbars, without talking about the whole menu? Jumbars Cafe serves breakfast and lunch and is loaded with scratch-made options that will warm your spirits and fill your belly. The customary half-hour wait on the weekends is worth it. Manager Emily Hoffert suggests the grilled cheese on house-made bread with their soup of the day. Or maybe you want the Elvis Waffle, or the savory breakfast strata, or the chicken crêpes. The grilled sticky bun, however, is a must—even if you have to get it to go.
1342 Chelsea Ave., Bethlehem | 610.866.1660 | jumbars.com
The Flying V
Best French Fry
The Classic, Montreal Smoked Meat, Buffalo Chicken and CBR grace The Flying V’s most popular list and, of course, fries are the base for all of ’em.
201 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 610.419.2530 | flyingvpoutinerie.com
Egypt Star Bakery
Best Bread
At Egypt Star, absolutely everything is baked fresh daily.
Various area locations | egyptstarbakery.com
Black Forest Deli
Best Pierogi
Homemade pierogi with flavors and fillings ranging from mushroom to beef stroganoff to blueberry.
745 Union Blvd., Bethlehem | 610.865.3036 | blackforestdeli.com
Photo by Taylor Van Kooten
ThreeBirds Coffee House
Best Coffee Shop
You know and love ThreeBirds for its coffee, but don’t miss their beautiful and refreshing hibiscus lemonade, pictured here.
226 Bushkill St., Easton | 325 Northampton St., Easton | 484.544.0737 | threebirdscoffee.com
Menchie's Frozen Yogurt
Best Frozen Yogurt
They’ve even got vegan frozen yogurt flavors made with almond milk, almond butter, cashew milk and oat milk.
Various area locations | menchies.com
Old Brewery Tavern
Best Dive Bar
Lovingly referred to by locals as simply “OBT.”
138 W. Union Blvd., Bethlehem | 610.691.9406 | oldbrewerytavern.com
Veg Out
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Menu
A vegan Big Mac? A tofu Reuben? Find these and more at Veg Out.
1 E. Church St., Bethlehem | 610.419.0126 | vegoutbethlehem.com
Photo by Alison Conklin
Vegan Treats
Best Cake
We all know and love the peanut butter bomb, but the menu doesn’t stop there—they’ve also got carrot cake, coconut cream, pistachio, pumpkin, key lime and an endless array of cheesecakes.
1444 Linden St., Bethlehem 610.861.7660 | vegantreats.com
The Goosemen
Best Sandwich
Specialty hoagies include the Space Shuttle Special, the Mamma Goosey Stuffa Your Face and the Black-Out Hoagie—so, no, they’re not boring here.
102 W. 4th St., Bethlehem | 610.868.0176 | thegoose.com
Blue Grillhouse
Best Mac & Cheese
Blue’s mac and cheese is only available as a side—so you know it’s got to be good to win them this title. Here, it’s made with asiago and crab.
4431 Easton Ave., Bethlehem | 610.691.8400 | bluegrillhouse.com
Torre Restaurant
Best Taco
At Torre, tacos come in sets of three on four-inch corn tortillas.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 610.841.9399 | torrerestaurant.com
Photo by Alison Conklin
Two Rivers Brewing Company
Best Burger
There’s a lot to say about the burgers at Two Rivers, and we’ve said a lot of it before in these pages. Apparently, people continue to agree with the fact that the burgers at Two Rivers are superior, because this is the fourth time the restaurant and brewery has won in this category. Pictured here is That South Philly Jawn, a half-pound burger topped with banana peppers, roasted red peppers, sharp provolone cheese, horseradish aioli, a fried egg and arugula on a brioche roll.
542 Northampton St., Easton | 610.829.1131 | tworiversbrewing.com
Wally’s Deli
Best Grilled Cheese
Wally’s Deli’s Allentown location offers grilled cheese in many forms: for breakfast, there’s the Grilled Cheesy Hen or the Grilled Cheesy Hen Hamburger, both with fried eggs and hash browns, and for lunch add ham, bacon and tomato to any grilled cheese sandwich or opt for the Grilled Cheese Burger or the Grilled Cheese Steak.
1245 Chestnut St., Emmaus | 610.967.1347 | 711 N. 17th St., Allentown | 610.435.7177 | wallys-deli.com
La Kang Thai French Cuisine
Best Pad Thai
Here, your pad Thai comes served inside of an omelet!
190 S. Greenwood Ave., Easton | 610.438.0301 | @lakangthaifrench
Photo by Alison Conklin
Bethlehem Dairy Store
Best Ice Cream
Don’t sleep on the jumbo chippies, pictured here—two homemade chocolate chip cookies filled with vanilla ice cream and coated with chocolate chips.
1430 Linden St., Bethlehem | 610.691.8422 | 2 Farrington Sq., Bethlehem | 610.865.4360 | bethlehemdairystore.com
Grumpy’s BBQ Roadhouse
Best Barbecue
Grumpy’s will not sing you happy birthday…but they will cook you some of the best ribs you’ve ever had, keep drinks full and ride hogs.
3000 Mauch Chunk Rd., Allentown | 610.769.4600 | grumpysbbq.net
The Vineyard
Best Pasta
Whether you’re ordering your pasta amatriciana, marinara, Bolognese, alfredo or pesto, you won’t be disappointed.
605 N. Fiot St., Bethlehem | 610.867.2441 | thevineyardrestaurant.net
Photo by Alison Conklin
Union & Finch
Best Brunch
Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and ranges from the Croque Madame to The Hangover Sandwich.
1528 W. Union St., Allentown | 610.432.1522 | unionandfinch.com
Yocco's
Best Hot Dog
Yocco’s dogs are made well done, nestled in a freshly baked steamed bun and topped with their world-famous Secret Recipe Chili Sauce.
Various area locations | yoccos.com
Photo by Alison Conklin
The Other Fish
Best Sushi
The Other Fish started its life as Dancing Fish in 2000, but whatever you call it, this inventive Asian spot specializes in Japanese fare and excellent sushi. You won’t find run-of-the-mill selections here. Ahem, sushi with fruit? Or the Japanese bagel—smoked salmon, cream cheese, scallions. Deliveries arrive twice a week for optimal freshness; popular rolls include the Wayno, Drunk on a Tuesday and the Bobby Knight. Yuri Laubach is “the creative force” behind the menu, says owner Matthew Reichard, with monthly specials and complimentary cocktails on the weekend.
59 E. Broad St., Bethlehem | 484.821.1370 | theotherfish610.com
Brü Daddy’s Brewing Company
Best Beer Selection
Brü Daddy’s rotating selection of traditional, new age and seasonal lagers is made on site in their five-barrel brew system.
732 Hamilton St., Allentown | 610.351.7600 | brudaddysbrewingcompany.com
Mary Ann Donut Kitchen
Best Doughnut
Doughnuts, crullers and cronuts, oh my! Snag a French toast or maple bacon doughnut when they’re at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market.
1601 W. Liberty St., Allentown 610.439.9985 | 1825 W. Chew St., Allentown | 610.434.6456 | maryanndonutkitchen.com
Steve's Pizzeria Palmer
Best Pizza
Neapolitan or Sicilian? Personal, small, medium or large? Plain, extra cheese or every topping on the list? These are the questions.
1005 S. Greenwood Ave., Easton | 610.252.7756 | @stevespizzapalmer
Photo by Alison Conklin
Ciao Sandwich Shoppe
Best Hoagie
At Ciao, they’re heroes, not hoagies. Pictured here is The Easton Assassin (#11).
12 N. 3rd St., Easton | 610.510.0295 | eatatciao.com
Photo by Andrew Tomasino
Bonn Place Brewing Company
Best Local Brewery
What does New York City native Sam Masotto want you to know about the brewery in Bethlehem that he opened and operates with his wife, Gina? “Bonn Place is nice beers for nice people.” Easy enough. And maybe that is the most important thing about this gem on the city’s south side, which was founded in 2016 and stands out as a must-visit among the ever-growing number of craft breweries in the Valley. Good beer? Check. Cool atmosphere? Check. “You may walk into Bonn Place and feel that it's a private club because everyone seems to know each other,” Masotto says. “This is just the spirits at work, in a magical, special place that is very well protected.”
310 Taylor St., Bethlehem | 610.419.6660 | bonnbrewing.com
Mr. Bill’s Poultry Market
Best Public Market/Farmers’ Market Vendor
Since 1992, locals have been loving Mr. Bill’s at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market.
1825 W. Chew St., Allentown | 610.432.1108 | mrbills.com
Apollo Grill
Best Appetizer/Small Plate Menu
Burrata, shrimp limoncello, tempura fried cauliflower, beef carpaccio… the list goes on and on.
85 W. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.865.9600 | apollogrill.com
State Cafe and Grill
Best Breakfast
We join the community in wishing the State Cafe and Grill a safe and speedy recovery.
14-16 S. 5th St., Easton 610.829.0188 | thestatecafeandgrill.net
Cali Burrito
Best Burrito
You know the drill—you can enjoy your burrito breakfast, lunch or dinner; just don’t go between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., as that’s when the staff takes a siesta.
2149 Reading Rd., Allentown | 610.351.1791 | caliburrito.com
Photo by Marco Calderon
Hoem Kitchen
Best Local Delivery
This meal delivery service was born during the pandemic, when people needed seriously good takeout—but it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Established in 2021 by longtime friends Danny Adams and Mike Slaski, HOEM takes its play-on-words name from their children’s initials. “Danny and Mike wanted to create a business for their families, which would also allow them to be home more. With the pandemic, we saw a need for this type of service: meals that you can serve to your family knowing everything is homemade and fresh,” says Karen Adams. Think of HOEM as your own personal Hello Fresh or Blue Apron. Choose what you want from the menu; deliveries are made on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Johnny’s Bagels
Best Bagel Shop
Get the grown-up, not-frozen version of a Pizza Bagel—your choice of bagel with homemade marinara, mozzarella cheese and garlic herb seasoning.
Various area locations | johnnysbagelanddeli.com
Radish Republic
Best Specialty Grocery Store
An urban grocery store, Radish Republic specializes in local food from small farms and businesses.
21 N. 7th St., Allentown | 267.671.5340 | radishrepublic.com
Photo by Shelbie Pletz
Sweet Girlz Bakery
Best Cupcake
Pictured here is their Unicorn Kisses cupcake, rainbow inside and out, and topped with edible glitter.
40 N. 3rd St., Easton | 610.829.1030 | sweetgirlzbakery.com
The Tavern on Liberty
Best Wings
They’re called Liberty Famous Wings for a reason! The house-prepared chicken wings are hand-breaded and seasoned with the sauce of your choice.
2246 W. Liberty St., Allentown | 484.221.8765 | thelibertytaproom.com
Todd’s Island Seafood
Best Seafood Market
Family-owned and -run, it doesn’t get fresher than Todd’s.
711 N. 17th St., Allentown | 484.221.8385 | @toddsislandseafood
Forks Mediterranean Deli
Best Soup
Get your soup of the day by the cup, bowl or quart.
1530 Sullivan Trl., Easton | 610.250.0711 | forksmediterraneandeli.com
Photo by Marco Calderon
Around the Table
Best Food Truck
Not every food truck is kosher and vegetarian, but this one is. Around the Table has been operated by Lee and Dror Levi, a husband-and-wife team, for 12 years. Known for their falafel, Around the Table’s food is all homemade and authentically Middle Eastern. “People from all over the world eat all kinds of food and share stories around the table. Food speaks all languages,” says Dror, who is Israeli. If your language includes gyro, falafel, shakshuka or shawarma, this is your food truck. You can find it Sunday through Thursday in the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley parking lot from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
702 N. 22nd St., Allentown | 570.954.3028 | bestkosherfalafel.com
Josh Early Candies
Best Specialty Candy
Whether it’s a sweet-tooth craving or a last-minute gifting need, Josh Early has just the thing.
4640 W. Tilghman St., Allentown | 610.395.4321 | 3620 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem | 610.865.0580 | joshearlycandies.com
Komé Fine Japanese Cuisine
Best Hibachi
Komé's hibachi dinner promises clear soup and house salad, white rice, hibachi shrimp, noodles and vegetables.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 610.798.9888 | komerestaurant.com
Angelo's Restaurant
Best Breakfast Sandwich
At Angelo’s, there’s an entire section of the menu devoted to breakfast sandwiches. The McAngelo comes with two eggs, cheese and the choice of bacon, ham or sausage on an English muffin.
14 N. 4th St., Easton | @angeloson4th
Hummus House
Best Hummus
Did you know that Hummus House moved to Bethlehem? Find their falafel, shawarma and Beyond creations there.
518 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 610.434.8800 | thehummushouse.com
Photo by Alison Conklin
Carl's Corner
Best Cheesesteak
Husband-and-wife team Matt and Cindy Weintraub took on this existing business in 2018, after being longtime fans and patrons, and it’s truly been a dream come true. Not much has changed in all those years. “Our cheesesteaks are made the same way they have been for over 25 years (onions, sauce, pickles and American cheese) unless you request differently,” says Cindy. Rolls are delivered fresh daily from Amoroso’s in Philadelphia. The consistency is something that accounts for the win. “They’re even made by staff that is still here from the beginning, with the exception of Carl, who comes to visit from time to time,” says Cindy.
2 W. Elizabeth Ave., Bethlehem | 610.691.1541 | 848 Nazareth Pike, Nazareth | 610.994.3384 | carlscornersteaks.com
Photo by Alison Conklin
Eight Oaks Farm Distillery
Best Local Distillery
A visit to Eight Oaks promises farm views, seasonal craft cocktails and a locally sourced food menu. The best part? It’s where Eight Oaks grows all of its own grains to make their spirits!
7189 Route 309, New Tripoli | 484.387.5287 | eightoaksdistillery.com
Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery
Best Winery
A 17,000-square-foot wine tasting facility, a full wrap-around deck and 36-foot wine bar—of course it’s the best!
239 Blue Ridge Rd., Saylorsburg | 610.895.4205 | blueridgeestatewinery.com
Zest Bar & Grille
Best Outdoor Dining Atmosphere
Enjoy three-season seatings and spectacular views of SteelStacks, the Hill to Hill and Fahy bridges as well as the Bethlehem Public Library and City Hall.
The Rooftop at 306 S. New St., Bethlehem | 610.419.4320 | zestbethlehem.com
Local Mama Catering Company
Best Caterer
Chef and owner of Local Mama Catering Company, Beth Raynock specializes in events of all sizes (private dinner for two, anyone?), featuring local and organic ingredients, wholesome flavors and a gourmet presentation.
Seasons Olive Oil and Vinegar Taproom
Best Gourmet Food Shop
Best sellers include the Tuscan herb olive oil, the white balsamic vinegar and the black truffle salt.
508 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.866.2615 | seasonstaproom.com
Photo by Marco Calderon
PJ Whelihan's
Best Bar Food (Tied with Pints & Pies Pub) and Best Place to Watch the Game
It’s pretty handy to have the best bar food and also be the best place to watch the game, right? PJ’s has 39 televisions, guaranteeing there’s one in nearly every direction. So, it’s pretty hard to miss your favorite game. “Guests love digging into our famous wings while catching the action. We offer them classic (breaded) or naked (non-breaded) and have more than 10 signature sauces to choose from,” says Kristen Foord, marketing director of PJW Restaurant Group. Soups, salads and sandwiches offer other options, and check out the loaded nachos, perfect for sharing.
Various area locations | pjspub.com
Pints & Pies Pub
Best Bar Food (Tied with PJ Whelihan's)
Gator fries, bourbon sliders, loaded skins, corkscrew calamari—the list goes on.
2049 Northampton St., Easton | 610.438.1456 | pintsandpiespub.com
Mister Lee's Noodles
Best Ramen
Game changer: the new location in Southside Bethlehem features a full bar.
325 Northampton St., Easton | 610.829.2799 | 512 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 610.900.4888 | misterleesnoodles.com
Mueller's General Store & Kitchen
Best Cheap Eats
Mueller’s has everything you need for bait and tackle, plus beer to go, a deli, groceries and full-service restaurant.
3200 S. Delaware Dr., Easton | 610.252.8726 | @muellers-general-store-kitchen
Photo by Alison Conklin
Hawaii Poke Bowl Forks
Best Poke Bowl
The Hawaii Classic pictured here is their signature for a reason.
306 Town Center Blvd., Easton | 610.330.2886 | hawaiipokebowlforks.square.site
Saylors & Co.
Best Butcher
Beef, pork, poultry, fresh artisanal sausage and house-smoked meats all cut to your preference.
1105 Main St., Hellertown | 610.838.6363 | 325 Northampton St., Easton | 484.544.4810 | saylorsandco.com
Tapas on Main
Best Sangria
Order it by the glass, pitcher or as a three-gypsies tasting.
500 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.868.8903 | tapasonmain.com
Fegley’s Brew Works
Best Nachos
At both Valley locations, Fegley’s Loaded Nachos come with cheddar jack cheese, red onion, black olives, green peppers, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream and salsa. Add pulled pork, grilled chicken or chili for $5.
812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown | 610.433.7777 | 559 Main St. Suite | 101, Bethlehem | 610.882.1300 | thebrewworks.com
