The Best Restaurants/Diners in The Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Reading: home, middle school)

[karen_s]

Originally Posted by loose cannon

I agree that it is a good diner/restaurant in the otherwise crappy town of A-Town. However, I do not like the abbreviated term, "ham fam." I prefer to be proper and address the establishment in a respectable manner.

I used to think it was a derogatory type of term for the diner too, but I see they have "Ham Fam" in Neon lights by the front door

[loose cannon]

Originally Posted by karen_s

I used to think it was a derogatory type of term for the diner too, but I see they have "Ham Fam" in Neon lights by the front door

They sold out and gave in to the slang designation.

[virangos]

Sorry I was wrong, Jack Creek isn't in the plaza by redners, It's in the strip mall down the street on Catasauqua rd. with Ollies.

Best Chinese take out is Miramir on 7th st. just past home depot off rt.22

[Lehigh Valley Native]

Originally Posted by loose cannon

They sold out and gave in to the slang designation.

They have been billing themselves as "Ham Fam" for several years now.

[janeannwho]

Old Favorites

Yocco's

Stahley's

Stuffed Clams at the hotel Bethlehem, not sure if they are still there

The Oasis Restaurant and Putt Putt

Tops

The Lantern

Mach's Gute

Gromans for sandwhiches

[toobusytoday]

Janeann, are these perhaps places that were popular several years ago? Yocco's and the Hotel Bethlehem are the only ones I am familiar with. Stahley's sort of rings a bell, like maybe I drove past it. I would prefer to go to good, non-chain places so if these are open now maybe you could describe them a little more - all in Bethlehem?

[loose cannon]

Pete's Hot Dogs in South Bethlehem are better than the overrated Yoccos. Of course hot dogs in general are bad for you no matter where you get them. I try to limit my hot dog consumption to once a month or two.


Be forewarned that if anybody ever reccomends the Brass Rail on Lehigh St. in South Allentown don't take the bait. They are terribly overrated and the cheesesteaks are not good despite what the "dumb dutchies" tell you. They were located on Hamilton St. but went out of business. Now they just have one location on Lehigh St. It is bad, blandised, phony Italian food!

[milledge44]

diner - bethlehem diner on catasaqua rd....

hot dog place.... without a doubt it is potts!!!!!!!!
please do not start an argument with me over who has the best hot dog... to each his own...

richards drive in also known as greasy d!*ks in easton is good too..

J's cheesesteaks use to be good... but then the original owners sold the business( at least the one in bethlehem...) and the new owners changed everything...

also ricardo's tavern house in hellertown has the best mexican food ever

[Lehigh Valley Native]

To offer my opinion on a few places mentioned:

Brass Rail - I like the food and prices. It is not 5 star by any stretch of the imagination, but considering the price it is a decent bargain. A rum and coke only costs $1.75 and that makes me happy. The place is always packed. The steak sandwiches are decent, but they are not a traditional philly cheesesteak and are good for a change of pace.

Stahleys or Stahley's Cellarette is a great place. Really good food at really cheap prices. Again, not 5 star dining and the place dosen't look like much from the outside, but food and drink prices make up for it on the inside. It is on Union Blvd. in Allentown about 2 miles outside Bethlehem.

Bethlehem Diner on Catasaqua road is awesome, everyone must eat there.

Potts Hot dogs are good too, but a much different dog than Yoccos

A few new ones:
Grumpy’s Bar B Que Roadhouse on Mauch Chunk is as close to Bar B Que mecca as you will get north of the Mason-Dixon line.

Beef Baron is on Catasaqua road on the Beth/A-town border. They have great roast beef sandwiches.

Mama's Pizza in Coplay IMHO is the best pizza I have ever had, with the exception of a pizza place near the Franklin Institute in Philly.

Bear Swamp Diner in Macungie serves up a great Breakfast. I never ate there for lunch or dinner.

Out of the places I mentioned Grumpys, Stahleys and Brass Rail rank as my top 3.

[loose cannon]

Originally Posted by Lehigh Valley Native

To offer my opinion on a few places mentioned:

Brass Rail - I like the food and prices. It is not 5 star by any stretch of the imagination, but considering the price it is a decent bargain. A rum and coke only costs $1.75 and that makes me happy. The place is always packed. The steak sandwiches are decent, but they are not a traditional philly cheesesteak and are good for a change of pace.

Stahleys or Stahley's Cellarette is a great place. Really good food at really cheap prices. Again, not 5 star dining and the place dosen't look like much from the outside, but food and drink prices make up for it on the inside. It is on Union Blvd. in Allentown about 2 miles outside Bethlehem.

Bethlehem Diner on Catasaqua road is awesome, everyone must eat there.

Potts Hot dogs are good too, but a much different dog than Yoccos

A few new ones:
Grumpy’s Bar B Que Roadhouse on Mauch Chunk is as close to Bar B Que mecca as you will get north of the Mason-Dixon line.

Beef Baron is on Catasaqua road on the Beth/A-town border. They have great roast beef sandwiches.

Mama's Pizza in Coplay IMHO is the best pizza I have ever had, with the exception of a pizza place near the Franklin Institute in Philly.

Bear Swamp Diner in Macungie serves up a great Breakfast. I never ate there for lunch or dinner.

Out of the places I mentioned Grumpys, Stahleys and Brass Rail rank as my top 3.

I also give kudos to the Bethlehem Diner. In addition I think the Tic Toc in Easton/Palmer Township is also very good.