Photo by @unionandfinch
Lehigh Valley restaurants are busy preparing for a unique winter dining season to make sure customers feel as safe as possible amid the ongoing pandemic. We caught up with a few of our Restaurant Award winners to see what they have in the works.
Read on for updated procedures, menus, hours and outdoor dining solutions.
Favorite Seafood + Favorite Chef
3rd and Ferry + Mike Pichetto
3rd and Ferry will be keeping it warm with an innovative inside dining makeover to ensure the safety and comfort of guests. Tables are sectioned off with plastic barriers and curtains for more protection and privacy while maintaining the 50 percent capacity limit. The restaurant is continuing, with ferocity, their COVID-19 Cleaning Protocol of temperature checking all employees, hourly alarms for handwashing, frequently sanitizing high traffic areas and mandatory masks for employees. In addition, they have invested in an electrostatic sprayer that distributes a disinfectant approved by the CDC to kill COVID-19, which they will spray on all surfaces every night. Rest assured, they are happy to seat outside for those that feel more comfortable and are continually brainstorming new solutions for safe dining!
Favorite Indian
Aman’s Artisan Indian Cuisine
Carrying a PA COVID self-certified status, Aman’s is offering a variety of dining options for the winter season. They will have covered outdoor tents with heaters and encourage guests to bring their own blanket (they like to call it a Virgin BYOB). Maintaining regular hours and menu options, Aman’s will be actively focusing on curbside service for those who are not comfortable dining in. For those interested in hosting a holiday dinner, a separate room is available that can host up to 16 guests. Advance reservations are required. While there isn’t a fee to book the room, the minimum spend must be $400 amongst the 16 people. Visit their social media pages for information on upcoming events and specials.
Favorite Fine Dining
Bolete
The team at Bolete always likes to utilize creativity in everything that they execute (you may remember their summer dining patios), and what they have in mind for the upcoming season is no different. Recently teased on social media, expect a custom-built winter village for safe outdoor dining. Bound to be a must-visit, reservations are highly recommended.
Favorite Middle Eastern
Daddy’s Place
Indoor seating will remain at 50 percent per state guidelines, with outdoor seating not available for the winter season. The normal lunch and dinner menus are available for takeout as usual.
Favorite Deli
Forks Mediterranean Deli
Forks Mediterranean Deli will be setting up a Mediterranean gift section, with not only beautiful food, gifts and baskets that you can pick up and take with you, but also a variety of unique items (home décor, kitchen, jewelry and more) from Lebanon and beyond. They are currently in preparation for COVID-friendly dine-in options with the hope to be set up and ready to go before the holidays.
Favorite Gourmet Pizza
Gio Italian Grill
Gio Italian Grill will adjust their hours to Monday–Saturday noon–8 p.m. (last seating at 8 p.m.), with curbside contactless pickup still available and online ordering to begin soon. Outdoor heaters will also be available for dining al fresco.
Favorite Modern American
Grille 3501
Grille 3501 has set up a socially distant heated tent with flooring for al fresco dining in the winter months. Food and drinks are still available for curbside pick-up and new GrubHub and UberEats delivery options are now available.
Small Town Favorite
Limeport Inn
While outdoor heaters won’t be available, those willing to brave the weather conditions are encouraged to dine on the outdoor patio. Online ordering is expected to be offered for the winter season so keep up to date with the latest here.
Favorite New
Notch Modern Kitchen and Bar
The private indoor Chef's Table will be re-launching with availability once per night (Wednesday–Saturday) for up to 10 people by reservation only, offering a bespoke five-course menu for $100/person. Also, don’t forget about the "Feed the Family" lunch/dinner Bento Box for takeout serving up quick dinner solutions. Lastly, the outdoor patio has heat lamps for anyone willing to sit outside.
Easton Favorite
Sette Luna
Sette Luna is transforming their outdoor section into the Italian Alps this winter. Featuring a giant wood-fired grill, table heaters, evergreens and more, the Sette Luna Mountain Top Club will be the place to be. With a new hot drinks menu including favorites like hot cocoa and mulled cider—plus blankets, hoodies and beanies for sale—you'll be able to stay cozy outside all winter. Additionally, Sette Luna will be opening expanded indoor seating upstairs. With artist exhibitions, gallery receptions and availability for private dining, this new space will be perfect for that special night out.
Favorite Italian
Terry’s Italian Restaurant
Outdoor dining will not be available, but takeout will always be an option with the full menu offered to-go (along with adult beverages). Takeout hours will remain the same from Wednesday through Sunday, 4–9 p.m. On occasion, Terry’s will feature Family Meals. You can find current family meals listed on their website or Facebook.
Favorite Breakfast/Brunch
The State Cafe and Grill
The State Cafe and Grill will continue to offer socially distant dining indoors for the winter season with the additional option to order online for takeout. You can visit their website for additional news and updates.
Favorite Mexican
Torre
Torre has patio seating available, pending weather conditions. If outdoor seating isn’t your preference, they offer curbside pick-up as well as local delivery. Guests can also order Margaritas To-Go for pick-up (or to take home at the end of their dine-in meal!), which are sent home in 16-ounce bottles (approximately four servings) for $30. Note that these margaritas are made with their signature fresh-squeezed juice recipe!
Allentown Favorite
Union and Finch
Dubbing their outdoor space Union Gardens, Union and Finch has added personal table-side heaters throughout their outdoor space with plans to put up a covering over the seating to protect from the elements and help contain heat. Guests are encouraged to BYOB (bring your own blanket). Takeout will continue with online ordering and indoor dining will also be available.
Favorite Vegetarian/Vegan
VegOut
Indoor dining will not be available, but the VegOut team is planning to offer an indoor waiting area for take-out orders. Always looking for ways to make it easy for their customers, follow VegOut on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Favorite Thai
White Orchids Thai Cuisine
White Orchids has installed partitions for safe indoor dining and will have heated patio dining for those who are more comfortable dining outside. Early Bird dinner takeout orders placed and picked up by 4 p.m. receive a complimentary appetizer.
Favorite Atmosphere
Zest Bar + Grille
The Zest terrace (located on a sixth-floor rooftop) is now covered and heated to allow for cozy outdoor dining when temperatures drop. For those interested in ordering to-go, Zest continues to offer food and drink curbside and has recently joined the GrubHub and UberEats delivery network, so you can order safely from the comfort of your home.
This list will be updated as more information becomes available.
