Which Hidden Gem Will You Visit First?
Happy Wednesday Everyone! Last week we had such a great time bringing you amazing breakfast locations all day, we decided to do it again this week! At UBMe, it is very important for us to remember where we come from. We love going all around the Lehigh Valley, scoping out places we haven’t tried yet!
Today we are coming to you with the Top 8 Hidden Gem Bar and Restaurants of the Lehigh Valley. It was especially difficult to narrow it down, so we chose locations that have stand-out, defining features. You can visit them for yourself and let us know if you agree with us! If you stayed with us throughout the day, you already know the order and which restaurants were included, but we want to give you some more details and how you can find out additional information! Enjoy!
8. The Wooden Match
Bethlehem, PA
The Wooden Match is a wonderful venue in historical downtown Bethlehem, and they often host live music! They are open every day of the week and offer beer and meet specialties. My personal favorite item from The Wooden Match is their Hoss Pierogies – you absolutely cannot go wrong with sautéed pierogies! The Wooden Match is also a cigar-lovers dream, since they allow them any time and any place! Definitely check it out, and make sure you keep an eye out for when they have bands coming in!
7. Fegley’s BrewWorks
Allentown, PA & Bethlehem, PA
The Lehigh Valley is lucky enough to have not one, but TWO Fegley’s BrewWorks in the area! Located in Allentown and Bethlehem, we absolutely love the authentic brewery vibe both locations provide. They have multiple seating areas that makes each time you visit a brand new experience. Fellow UBMe Teammate, David is a Memphis native and always looking for local comfort food that reminds him of home. The Brisket Grilled Cheese is a sandwhich on the menu that he’s gotten multiple times, and its always done perfectly! If you haven’t been to Fegley’s BrewWorks, or have only been to one of their location, we’re encouraging you to go, and maybe try the Brisket Grilled Cheese if you’re in the mood!
6. Three OAK Steakhouse
Easton, PA
Three OAK Steakhouse has a beautiful aesthetic, with dark, exposed brick, floral arrangements and moody light fixtures. The environment is simply cool. What puts them at #6 is their rooftop bar. It is the perfect atmosphere in the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons to sit out and enjoy a drink with friends and family. They have an extensive wine list which is perfect for us winos, so if you want to get out and enjoy a few glasses (or bottle!) of wine on a gorgeous rooftop overlooking Easton, THREE OAK Steakhouse is the place to go!
5. Bolete
Bethlehem, PA
Bolete is a wonderful hidden gem in Bethlehem, PA. They have such a quaint charm that you can find in very few places. They offer charming outdoor seating as well as rustic, beautiful indoor seating. Their food is phenomenal as well, especially their deserts! They also have an extensive wine list, so whether you’re coming in for brunch, lunch or dinner, you can enjoy a relaxing glass of vino! We at UBMe highly encourage you to stop in!
4. Zest
Bethlehem, PA
Is there anywhere else in Bethlehem where you can get these beautiful views? Zest is a must-go at sunset, at least once in your life! I’m quite partial, and Zest is one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Whether you’re sitting inside or outside, the decor and views are STUNNING and its the perfect atmosphere to relax after a long day at work. I can highly recommend the Crab & Mango Spring Rolls (don’t share them as an appetizer, get them just for yourself!) and the Spiced Pecan & Goat Cheese Salad. Trust me, nothing on the menu will disappoint!
3. Blue Grillhouse
Bethlehem, PA
Blue is one of my favorite restaurants of ALL-TIME! I have never not enjoyed the atmosphere, and while COVID-19 really threw a wrench in a lot of dining options, Blue’s outdoor seating stayed exceptional. Lights, fire pits, beautiful table settings, every aspect of their outdoor dining is stunning! Their food is also to-die-for, and I couldn’t rave about it more! If you’re going to be at Blue for appetizers or dinner, I would highly recommend the Jumbo Lump Crab Dip or Fried Calamari with Garlic Lemon Crusted Salmon or Shrimp + Scallop Pasta! Their Yukon Golden Mashed Potatoes are also out of this world – trust me! If you haven’t visited Blue Grillhouse in Easton, PA, you absolutely must! Especially while the weather is beautiful, enjoy a meal outside!
2. Social Still
Bethlehem, PA
Bethlehem really is home to so many amazing bars and restaurants, and Social Still is no exception. They are a micro-distillery as well as restaurant, so any drink you enjoy there, you can actually buy the spirits to take home with home! One super unique feature is that before becoming a distillery + restaurant, it was a bank! You can have dinner in an actual vault if you desire, and it brings you a whole new experience while eating and drinking! There menu changes pretty often, which I personally love. ‘All the Nachos’ is a current favorite appetizer, and I LOVE the Baked Burnt End Brisket Mac N’ Cheese! Like all of the other hidden gems included in our Top 8, you really can’t go wrong with anything off the menu!
1. Bookstore Speakeasy
Bethlehem, PA
You won’t find anywhere like The Bookstore Speakeasy in all of the Lehigh Valley! On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights they offer live jazz performances to enhance the roaring 20’s ambience. Walking into The Bookstore Speakeasy gives you a sense that you have just traveled back in time by a century. Dimmed lighting, ornate decor and cocktails of all different colors, sizes and presentations provide a truly special and memorable experience to all who dine here. With no place like it, The Bookstore Speakeasy was a solid #1 this week for our Hidden Gem Bar & Restaurant of the Lehigh Valley!
Enjoy!
We hope you enjoyed that virtual tour around the Lehigh Valley with us and found a hidden gem or two that you’re eager to try! At UBMe, it is our passion to connect people with one another, and through the restaurant industry, we are able to go a step forward and connect people with amazing food as well! All of these restaurants are incredible, and there are so many more that deserved to be a part of this list, but we only had time for 8! Make sure you keep them in mind when considering your next restaurant excursion, and try one of our UBMe Team’s recommendations – we really are big foodies and know great food!
If you’re a restaurant owner or looking to open your own restaurant soon, make sure you check out our Free Online Ordering system and automatic order printing – it’s a restaurant lifesaver (and money saver!) Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
Until next week – Bon Appetit!