Invented to uplift and nourish recovering carousers, brunch is a soft landing, a meal dedicated to relaxed revelry. Each of these options pulls out all the stops, offering unique menus that will have you and your brunch buddies loving life.
1. The Wilbur Mansion
201 Cherokee St., Bethlehem | 610.419.1101 | wilburmansion.com
A stunning landmark in South Bethlehem for over 150 years, The Wilbur Mansion has been restored to luxuriance and began hosting a Sunday brunch in June. Enjoy summer mornings at the venue's outstanding outdoor space, and fresh sangria French-pressed tableside. The spotlight has to shine on an Eggs Benedict flight with a tri-state theme: crab cake for Maryland, pork roll for New Jersey and chopped sirloin with caramelized onion for Pennsylvania.
2. Kabinett Wine Bar & Garden
125 Northampton St., Easton | 484.545.7670 | kabinettwinebar.com
The Aussies behind Kabinett Wine Bar & Garden in Easton bring a unique flavor and flair to their brunch experience.Within an Art Deco hunting lodge lair, you'll find a menu resplendent with the diverse flavors of their roots in Sydney and Bavaria, from Turkish eggs and crispy Japanese okonomiyaki to potato rösti and fluffy ricotta pancakes with candied honeycomb. It's a welcoming world of the different and delicious.
3. Historic Hotel Bethlehem
437 Main St., Bethlehem | 855.264.2598 | hotelbethlehem.com
All other brunches in the Valley follow in the wake of the nationally renowned Sunday spectacular at Historic Hotel Bethlehem. This opulent event—including seafood, desserts and a carving station—refreshes its menu regularly with seasonal inventions from the chef. Like a rich dollop of hollandaise, live music elevates brunch at Hotel Bethlehem to a sensory experience that will set the mood for a stroll downMain Street.
4. Union and Finch
1528 W. Union St., Allentown | 610.432.1522 | unionandfinch.com
The quaint appearance of this cozy neighborhood spot in Allentown belies a varied brunch menu running the gamut from grilled halloumi, savory crêpes and brûléed Waffles Foster to staples like hash browns and eggs. Snag an outdoor seat and pair your “Hangover Sandwich” with a sunrise-hued mimosa flight—you'll want to come back and find out what's for lunch and dinner.
5. Bolete
1740 Seidersville Rd., Bethlehem | 610.868.6505 | boleterestaurant.com
Brunch at Bolete marches to the beat of fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers. Summer can't be other than abundant with dishes like the Farmers Breakfast, featuring local heirloom tomatoes with house-made mozzarella, poached eggs, pesto hollandaise and Bolete's sourdough toast. A new private dining room can be reserved for up to 20 guests, so whether you're here for a casual brunch or marking a special occasion, this innovative menu will bestow the bounties of the season.
Published as “5 Things” in the August 2023 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
