The results of our 20th annual Restaurant Awards are officially here! Get to know the reader-voted winners in categories ranging from cuisine to atmosphere to location.
Torre
Favorite Mexican
Whether the occasion calls for brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks, Torre has just the thing. From their Pan Mexicano (Mexican French toast) with sweet plantains, candied pecans and Kahlúa syrup to their Tapachula tacos (vegan jackfruit carnitas, avocado and salsa roja) to their Chávez Cosmo (citrus vodka, St. Germain elderflower, white cranberry and fresh-squeezed lime juice), there are so many reasons to indulge.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 610.841.9399 | torrerestaurant.com
Thai Thai II
Favorite Thai
When that pad Thai craving hits, Thai Thai II is hard to beat. Not convinced? Head to their Instagram to see for yourself!
509 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.868.1919 | Facebook | Instagram
Steak & Steel Hibachi
Favorite Japanese
Steak & Steel is Bethlehem’s first (and only) full-scale hibachi, sushi and gastropub in one. Enjoy traditionally prepared Japanese cuisine as well as an extensive local craft beer, sake and spirits selection in a cozy atmosphere.
44 W. Walnut St., Bethlehem | 610.849.2323 | steakandsteelpa.com
Aladdin Restaurant
Favorite Middle Eastern
Family-owned and -operated since 1981, Aladdin Restaurant is a true Lehigh Valley staple. The Pie Sampler, Tabouleh, Arnabit, Grape Leaves, Megdous and Smeed Salad are among their most popular menu items.
651 Union Blvd., Allentown | 610.437.4023 | aladdinlv.com
Cachette Bistro & Creperie
Best French
Even if a trip to France isn’t in your budget, noshing on delicious French cuisine can be as easy as visiting Downtown Bethlehem. Cachette Bistro & Creperie opened in 2015 in the space adjacent to Tapas on Main. “Cachette has a quaint rustic feel to it and transports you to France,” says regional manager and co-owner Cara Paredes. “It is light and bright with antique accents.” Definitely say oui to The Classic crepe (Nutella, banana and strawberries) or El Cubano Crepe (roast pork, ham, gruyere, mustard aioli and pickles). Paredes also recommends the Croque Madame, a specialty pressed sandwich with ham and gruyere (and sometimes egg) that’s served with a frisée apple salad. “Follow that with a sweet crepe and your meal is complete!”
504 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.419.2091 | Facebook
Bar Bix
Favorite Design
The drinks at Bar Bix change with the seasons, and so does the vibe. “The space is very lush and green during the warm months, and during the winter it is an intimate setting to enjoy with loved ones,” explains general manager Cassondra Engarto. The bar, inside and to the back of Downtown Easton’s Townley House boutique hotel, has an attached courtyard that belies its urban surroundings. “Sipping a cocktail under one of our vine-covered pergolas watching the sunset, the sweet scent of herbs and wisteria in the air, is an experience unique to Bar Bix and one we are proud to say sets us apart from the other bars in the area,” Engarto says.
130 N. 3rd St., Easton | 484.544.4801 | townleyhousehotel.com
Pho Bowl
Favorite Vietnamese
Don’t sleep on the Bò Kho, a simple Vietnamese stew made with beef and carrots. Traditionally, it’s served with a toasted baguette to dunk in the soup, but Pho Bowl in Bethlehem also offers it as a noodle soup or with a side of jasmine rice.
524 W. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.419.4484 | Facebook
Hunan Springs
Favorite Chinese
At Hunan Springs, sharing is encouraged! Their dishes are served family-style so guests can enjoy all the General Tso’s Chicken, fried rice and lo mein they desire.
4939 Hamilton Blvd., Wescosville | 610.366.8338 | hunansprings.net
The Ice Cream Lounge & Caribbean Grill
Favorite Cajun
At the Caribbean Grill, menu offerings include red snapper, jerk chicken, oxtail and more served with rice. Or, opt for the rasta pasta, known for its rich and creamy texture with a hint of heat from the jerk seasoning.
1800 Sullivan Trl., Easton | 484.544.4694 | theicecreamlounge.com
McCarthy's Red Stag Pub & Whiskey Bar
Best Irish
McCarthy’s is the Lehigh Valley’s Celtic destination, with authentic Irish and British Isles food made from scratch, a full bar and an extensive Irish and Scottish whisky menu.
534 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.861.7631 | redstagpub.com
Tapas on Main
Favorite Spanish
This authentic Spanish tapas-style restaurant is known for its next-level sangria—but guests would be remiss not to enjoy the burrata, Manchego apple empanadas or papas a la francesa alongside it.
500 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.868.8903 | tapasonmain.com
The Bayou
Favorite Southern
Chicken and Waffles. Cornbread. Nashville Mac-n-Cheese. Cast Iron Pierogi. Brown Sugar Beignets. No one does Southern quite like The Bayou.
64 Centre Sq., Easton | 610.829.1700 | 702 Hawthorne Rd., Bethlehem | 610.419.6669 | datbayoulv.com
Kabinett Wine Bar
Favorite German
The owners of Kabinett Wine Bar set out to create a restaurant that captured their Aussie and German backgrounds. The menu reflects the latter with its duck breast schnitzel and Bienenstich (cake, honey, custard, toasted almonds, apricots and honeycomb toffee) dishes as well as various German wines.
125 Northampton St., Easton | 484.545.7670 | kabinettwinebar.com
Three OAK Steakhouse
Favorite Steakhouse
Experience this old-fashioned, New York-style steakhouse in the heart of Downtown Easton. Here, all beef is aged in-house in a Himalayan-salt-brick-lined dry-aging room and then cooked to perfection.
323 Northampton St., Easton | 610.559.5510 | threeoaksteakhouse.com
Daddy's Place
Favorite Mediterranean
Sisters Lena and Odil Koorie are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their Easton eatery, Daddy’s Place. Their recipes came with them when they immigrated to the U.S. from their native Lebanon decades ago. “We cook more like a village-style food,” Odil says. “In the villages you don’t have many things available to you. That’s how we learned to do everything from scratch.” Their open-style kitchen allows customers to watch their selections take shape. “People can see and taste the freshness in the food,” Odil says. She recommends their award-winning hummus, a fatoush salad or any of the grilled kabobs. Daddy’s Place also has a hefty selection of craft beers and cocktails to complement the cuisine.
650 Northampton St., Easton | 610.438.4442 | daddysplaceeaston.com
Aman's Artisan Indian Cuisine
Favorite Indian
Aman’s promises good food, good company and world-class ambiance. The family-owned and -operated Punjabi Indian restaurant has even been recognized by TripAdvisor as a World Top 10 Percent Restaurant.
336 Northampton St., Easton | 484.298.0400 | amanseaston.com
Nkasso
Favorite African
Habiba Diaby and her husband Adama Coulibaly were itching to share a taste of home when they decided to establish a restaurant in Downtown Allentown. It’s fitting then, that the name of their eatery—Nkasso—translates to “my home” in their native African language, Bambara. Diaby says it’s a reflection of the warm and inviting atmosphere. Those who’ve never experienced African cuisine shouldn’t shy away from visiting; staff members are ready and willing to assist newbies. Diaby says Nkasso’s most popular selection is fufu, a classic African dish consisting of pounded yams or plantains served with egusi soup, okra soup or peanut butter sauce. Attiéké (cassava couscous) is another must-try.
44 N. 8th St., Allentown | 484.221.1926 | nkassofood.com
Mama Nina Foccacheria
Favorite Italian
From casual to upscale, there’s no shortage of Italian eateries on the Lehigh Valley dining scene. But even among some very stiff (and very tasty) competition, Mama Nina Foccacheria always seems to rise to the top of the heap. A mainstay of Bethlehem’s Main Street for more than 15 years, the place is usually packed on any given weekend. An interior wall is decorated with accolades as well as pictures of heavy hitters who have dined there, Joe Biden and Bill Clinton among them. But you don’t have to be a VIP to eat like one here. Mama Nina’s menu has all the Italian classics you’d expect, with a generous selection of seafood dishes as well. And don’t forget the dolci (dessert).
546 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.867.9802 | mamaninabethlehem.com
Kim's Kitchen
Favorite Korean
Kim’s Kitchen is celebrating 20 years of serving the Lehigh Valley since opening their doors in 2003. Try Kim’s Famous Veggie Dumplings: lightly fried dough pockets filled with Korean vegetables and served with Kim’s secret dumpling sauce.
5842 Main St., Center Valley | 610.282.5857 | kimskitchen309.com
Yianni's Tavern
Favorite Greek
Yianni’s offers modern interpretations of traditional Greek cooking. Order the avgolemono—their famous egg lemon soup.
3760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem | 610.410.9300 | yiannistaverna.com
Youell's Oyster House
Favorite Seafood
Restaurants come and go, but Youell’s Oyster House is forever, it seems. The restaurant’s roots run deep, with references to the eatery—which got its start in Easton—entering the public record in the late 1800s. Even a devastating fire at its current location in Allentown in 2013 couldn’t hasten its end. Says owner Christian Filipos: “No one informed me that it would be impossible to, from charred remains, build and open a restaurant in 14 months, so I just did it.” And the hungry patrons who have flocked to Youell’s for decades to feast on fresh soft-shell crabs, Chilean sea bass, lobster roll and oysters (and much more—“We have a relatively big menu,” Filipos says) will be forever grateful.
2249 Walnut St., Allentown | 610.439.1203 | youellsoysterhouse.com
Green Vida Co.
Favorite Healthy Fare
Green Vida Co. is serving up more than just cold-pressed juice. Their hummus veggie wrap, power kale quinoa bowl, chicken Caesar salad and Ahi tuna tostada are just a few of their delicious menu items.
1800 Sullivan Trl. Suite 330, Easton | 610.438.4112 | 325 Northampton St., Easton | 484.541.5309 | greenvidacompany.com
Sette Luna
Favorite Easton
This rustic Tuscan trattoria on Ferry Street has mastered authentic wood-fired pizza, pasta and every Italian favorite in between—from osso buco to gamberetti risotto.
219 Ferry St., Easton | 610.253.8888 | setteluna.com
Union & Fitch
Favorite Allentown
An American-style bistro specializing in casual comfort food with an elevated twist, Union & Finch never disappoints. Enjoy a pound of mussels and fries as your meal with their Moules Frites entrée, which is served in a white wine butter sauce. (It also happens to be a weekly Tuesday special for just $12.)
1528 W. Union St., Allentown | 610.432.1522 | unionandfinch.com
Photo by Geoff Conklin
Apollo Grill
Favorite Bethlehem
Since 1999, locals have been loving Apollo Grill in Historic Downtown Bethlehem. The casual yet upscale bistro is committed to serving delicious food and unique cocktails in an always fun environment.
85 W. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.865.9600 | apollogrill.com
House & Barn
Favorite Emmaus
Once a working farm, House & Barn is a welcoming, cozy and casual destination that’s home to three spaces: The House, The Barn and The Shed. It’s also home of The Burgery Company’s famous burgers (choose from beef, venison, Kobe, chicken, bison and elk patties). So, when we say there’s something for everyone here, it’s true.
1449 Chestnut St., Emmaus | 610.421.6666 | houseandbarn.net
Birthright Brewing Co.
Favorite Nazareth
More than a premium craft brewing company, Birthright’s food menu includes mouth-watering shareables, salads, a variety of fresh-cut fries, wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches and even brunch (available on Saturday and Sunday).
57 S. Main St., Nazareth | 610.365.2225 | birthrightbrewingco.com
The Berlinsville Hotel
Favorite Bath/Walnutport
Known for their daily specials sheet, this family-run restaurant takes pride in its constant creativity that allows them to keep up with what customers are wanting. Guests especially love their cheesesteaks, pasta flights and pierogi. Don’t miss the sliders on Sunday, $5 off bone-in wings on Monday, taco flights on Tuesday, homemade lasagna on the third Wednesday of the month and the longstanding prime rib night every Thursday.
4588 Lehigh Dr., Walnutport | 610.767.6022 | berlinsville.com
Savory Grille
Favorite Macungie/Fogelsville
Go back in time to when fine dining was an experience to be savored at the Savory Grille. A true culinary gem, Chef Shawn Doyle and his team prepare made-to-order sauces and seasonings, use only the freshest and finest ingredients, and make all breads, stocks and desserts in-house daily.
2934 Seisholtzville Rd., Macungie | 610.845.2010 | savorygrille.com
The Catty Corner
Favorite Northampton
A nostalgic neighborhood pub in the heart of Catasauqua, The Catty Corner is beloved by locals for its presence in the community as well as its house-made menu items, pizzas and stromboli.
301 Mulberry St., Catasauqua | 610.443.2284 | cattycornerpub.com
Coplay Eatery
Favorite Whitehall
Choose from among Coplay Eatery’s fresh salads, homemade soups, potato baskets, quesadillas, hot sandwiches, melts and more. Here, the food is fresh and made to order.
1214 Chestnut St., Coplay | 610.440.0293 | Facebook
The Spinnerstown Hotel
Favorite Quakertown
The Spinnerstown Hotel has been exceeding expectations for decades. In fact, the historic hotel has been a staple in the community since 1750. Today, they’re serving a variety of dishes made with mostly local ingredients.
2195 Spinnerstown Rd., Quakertown | 215.536.7242 | spinnerstownhotel.com
Photo by Andrew Tomasino
PA House
Favorite Hellertown / Favorite Overall Vibe
At Hellertown’s PA House, good vibes are nonnegotiable and the dining style is low-key but premium, offering an exceptional cocktail menu, prosecco on tap and Neapolitan-style pizzas from an imported pizza oven. The Fun Guy (chef’s mix of Primordia farm mushrooms, truffle oil, fromage blanc and fresh mozzarella topped with fresh arugula) and The Bee Sting (tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, spicy soppressata and Mike’s Hot Honey) have become fast favorites.
662 Front St., Hellertown | 484.851.6662 | thepahouse.com
Drip—Flavor Lab
Favorite Gluten-Free
Going gluten-free doesn’t mean missing out on the good stuff at Drip in Hellertown. Owners Bob Weill and Chef Andrew Murtha say almost anything on the menu is fair game. That includes their customizable burgers and fried chicken offerings. “We’re thanked on a daily basis by people that unfortunately haven’t been able to enjoy things like fried chicken, or onion rings, burgers and fries,” Murtha says. “We take all the precautions we have to so we can bring that joy to people who have to walk around on eggshells when they dine out.” Murtha, a Buffalo native, says Drip’s wings(also gluten-free) are a crowd pleaser, too. “We have a very unique technique we execute. It’s a two-day process, so we run out sometimes, but it’s so worth it.”
1310 Main St., Hellertown | 484.851.3700 | driptheflavorlab.com
Brass Rail Restaurant & Bar
Favorite Phillipsburg, NJ
The Brass Rail Restaurant & Bar has been serving up great food, drinks and entertainment since the 1900s! Menu favorites include the cheeseburger sliders, fish and chips, fried shrimp tacos and BLT.
840 Belvidere Rd., Phillipsburg | 908.454.0931 | thebrassrailpburg.com
Grille 3501
Favorite Bar
“Sophisticated yet unpretentious” describes both Grille 3501’s atmosphere and its menu. Think New American cuisine combined with warm hospitality. For dinner, try the boneless beef short ribs, free range chicken breast or grilled sea scallops.
3501 Broadway, Allentown | 610.706.0100 | grille3501.com
Limeport Inn
Favorite Center Valley
The Limeport Inn has celebrated 175 years of dining excellence. Choose from pub fare like the PA pasture-raised burger, dinner entrées like cast-iron seared filet mignon or opt for something from their pizza oven (lobster and white truffle, anyone?).
1505 Limeport Pike, Limeport | 610.967.1810 | limeportinn.com
Surv
Favorite Forks/Bangor
Scratch-made New American cuisine and wood-fired pizza in a chic but casual atmosphere is what you’ll find at Surv. Their chicken and waffles (made with a mac & cheese waffle) is a fan favorite.
1800 Sullivan Trl., Easton | 484.544.0624 | surveaston.com
Blue Grillhouse
Favorite Private Dining
Blue Grillhouse boasts seven private restaurant dining spaces as well as step-by-step planning assistance. Whether you’re organizing a business gathering or dreaming up a special event, Blue is happy to help guests customize.
4431 Easton Ave., Bethlehem | 610.691.8400 | bluegrillhouse.com
Bolete
Favorite Special Occasion / Fine Dining
Dining at Bolete is truly an experience and an escape from the rest of the world; here, guests need not worry about being rushed through dinner. The menu is updated seasonally, so make a reservation to see what’s in store.
1740 Seidersville Rd., Bethlehem | 610.868.6505 | boleterestaurant.com
The Wooden Match
Favorite Live Music
Enjoy live music at this cigar bar gastropub in Historic Downtown Bethlehem. Follow along on social media to see who’s playing next!
61 W. Lehigh St., Bethlehem | 610.865.1777 | thewoodenmatch.com
ZEST bar+grille
Favorite Rooftop
Located on the rooftop floor of 306 South New Street in the heart of Southside Bethlehem, ZEST’s three-season terrace seating allows guests to take in spectacular views while enjoying their dinner and drinks. The ZESTini is made with clementine vodka, aperol, agave and lime.
306 S. New St., Bethlehem | 610.419.4320 | zestbethlehem.com
1741 on the Terrace
Favorite View
Letting your eyes wander during a dinner date is usually bad form, but you can be forgiven for giving the once (or twice) over to 1741 on the Terrace, where there’s a feast for the eyes just outside the floor-to-ceiling arched windows. Nestled inside Historic Hotel Bethlehem, the restaurant provides patrons with a front row seat to all the happenings on the always bustling Main Street, with historic Moravian structures just steps away. “Several years ago, we restored 1741 on the Terrace to its original garden ambiance,” says Kelly Ronalds, the hotel’s director of room sales and guest experience. “This is a room that has traditionally hosted guests seeking a unique dining experience for over 100 years.”
Historic Hotel Bethlehem
Favorite Hotel Restaurant
There’s so much to choose from at Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Enjoy weekly Thursday Night Jazz in the Tap Room situated just off the main lobby, dine intimately in 1741 on the Terrace or check out the Musical Sunday Brunch buffet. Not one will disappoint!
437 Main St., Bethlehem | 855.264.2598 | hotelbethlehem.com
Published as “The 2023 Restaurant Awards: 46 Reader-Voted Favorites” in the November 2023 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
