Allentown Favorite: Grille 3501
Lehigh Valley residents continue to flock to city chic hotspot Grille 3501 for three reasons—the atmosphere, the food and the drinks. The delicious New York fusion menu includes dishes with creative combinations that are both unexpected and consistently excellent. Combine that with their ingenious Martini Sampler, a collection of four mini martinis of your choice, and it's easy to see why Grille 3501 takes this top spot, yet again, as Allentown Favorite. Grille 3501, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this month, also takes home the coveted Favorite Overall spot in this year's survey. Keep an eye out for a much-anticipated facelift this fall, from updated décor to a revamped menu (which will maintain some of the long-time popular dishes). “It's time for something new,” says co-owner John Tripani.
Grille 3501 | 3501 Broadway, Allentown | 610.706.0100 | grille3501.com
Bethlehem Favorite: Apollo Grill
Area diners know they are in for a delicious meal every time they make a reservation at Apollo Grill, the winner of Favorite Bethlehem for the second year in a row. Easily it's menu items like the Baby Lamb Chops and their Crème Brûlée of the Day that have also awarded them the distinction of Favorite Appetizer and Favorite Dessert Menu. “We're so grateful that people are spending their hard-earned money here,” explains owner Dyanne Holt. “We understand that money is tight for everybody and we want to make sure that if you're dining here you're get your money's worth.” Holt and her staff are always appreciative of their guests and make every effort to treat patrons to regular specials. No need to wait for Bethlehem Restaurant Week to enjoy delicious dinner specials; Apollo offers their take on the popular food event every Wednesday throughout the year, along with Skinny Cocktail Tuesdays and Therapeutic Thursdays. Approaching their 13th year, Apollo's unstuffy elegance makes it the perfect locale for an important lunch meeting, celebratory dinner or a night out just because.
Apollo Grill | 85 W. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.865.9600 | apollogrill.com
Easton Favorite: Valenca
Nabbing the Favorite Easton award is Decadent Dish newcomer Valenca. Situated amid Easton's bustling downtown circle, Valenca (who also scored in the Favorite Chef category) features a menu with classics like paella and a sizzling Steak on the Stone. Thanks to Chef Steve Kershner, who joined the team in February, the menu has been kicked up a notch and has gained a reputation for affordable quality. Aside from the food, Valenca adds to Easton's respected restaurant scene for its inviting ambiance inside and on the patio. “The atmosphere is the nicest in the Lehigh Valley,” owner George Meireles boasts. “People may perceive Valenca as too expensive and too stuffy; that really isn't the case. Once you come in you realize that it's very reasonably priced and it's a comfortable, family-friendly place to dine.”
Valenca | 64-66 Center Square, Easton | 610.923.5142 | valencaonthesquare.com
