In a great affogato, sweet cool ice cream and hot espresso enhance each other in a distinct pairing of chilled cream and delightful, rich bitterness before melding into a third delicious entity you can sip. Here are five places to cool off and perk up with this Italian innovation from Kutztown to Easton.
1. Taste of Italy
639 Main St., Hellertown 484.851.3056 | tasteofitalyhtown.com
Italian-American classics populate a mouthwatering menu, from parmigianas and risottos to Veal Sinatra and Nonna's Lasagna, heaped with love in front of hungry guests. The affogato here is a refreshing treat after enjoying comfort food with the family, set off with a rakishly angled ladyfinger and dusted with chocolate flakes.
2. Folino Estate Winery
340 Old Route 22, Kutztown 484.452.3633 | folinoestate.com
Whether you're there for the famous brunch or some wood-fired pizza to pair with your wine, Folino's picturesque winery plops a little piece of Tuscany just west of Fogelsville. You'll find their affogato on the cocktail menu, a martini blending vodka, chambourcin and espresso with vanilla syrup and brown sugar cream over their own vanilla gelato.
3. PA House
662 Front St., Hellertown 484.851.6662 | thepahouse.com
Hellertown's PA House calls itself “low-key premium,” amazing anytime and elevated enough to put the cherry on top of a special occasion. From the wood-fired pizza to the craft cocktails, care goes into each concoction, and their affogato is no exception. A traditional vanilla bean gelato is drenched in espresso with the special touch of Disaronno for that luscious amaretto element.
4. Jay's Local
2301 W. Liberty St., Allentown 610.351.3100 | jayslocal.com
A stylish eatery not far from the Allentown Fairgrounds, Jay's is known for its coffee and breakfast sandwiches, and also serves floats, milkshakes and cheeseburgers. Their take on the affogato is a bit more like a float, with vanilla ice cream swimming in a smooth cold brew. Their coffee is sourced from Berks County nano-roaster Four Monkeys Coffee, beloved at its Kutztown location.
5. Bank Street Creamery
15 S. Bank St., Easton | 610.252.5544 | bankstreetcreamery.com
Tucked just off Centre Square in Easton, Bank Street Creamery is a must-visit on any meander through town, offering over 120 flavors of handcrafted ice cream in rotations of 24. Customers can choose any flavor for their affogato—cherry, perhaps? Or salted caramel? Or maybe a vegan gelato. The affogato americano, made with coffee rather than espresso, is also part of the regular menu.
Published as “5 Things” in the August 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
