Lunch in South Bethlehem

Lunch in South Bethlehem, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (D)

South Bethlehem features the most variety of restaurants in the Lehigh Valley. From ethnic to organic fresh cuisine, one can find a wonderful meal to suit any budget. South Bethlehem, once home to immigrants of over fifty different nationalities, was known for the enticing cooking aromas that emanating from their homes. Today, these old recipes are still used in local restaurants. In addition, there are new cuisines to explore.
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Sights Featured in This Article

Guide Name: Lunch in South Bethlehem
Guide Location: USA » Bethlehem
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Article (D))
# of Attractions: 23
Author: Karen M. Samuels
Author Bio: Karen M. Samuels is the author of four books on Pennsylvania history, a weekly history newspaper column and several history blogs. She earned an advanced degree in Local History from Oxford University. As a retired guidance counselor and art teacher, she believes travel should be educational as well as entertaining. Karen crafts her tours to be unique, surprising and fun. All royalties from her tours go to local historical societies.
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Starters Riverport Restaurant
  • Sal's Old World Italian Restaurant
  • Manchu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant
  • Borinquen Restaurant
  • Jenny's Kuali
  • Nawab Indian Restaurant
  • Alexandra's Bistro
  • Taqueria La Lupita
  • Blue Sky Cafe
  • Goosey Gander Deli
  • Deja Brew Coffeehouse & Deli
  • Horns
  • Tulum
  • Olive Branch Cafe & Restaurant
  • Twenty Four East Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
  • Looper's Grille
  • Molinari's
  • The Steel Pub
  • Emeril's Burgers and More at Sands Casino
  • Carnegie Deli at Sands Casino
  • Colbalt Cafe at Sands Casino
  • Emeril's Italian Table at Sands Casino
  • Mike & Ike Bistro at ArtsQuest Center
1
Starters Riverport Restaurant

1) Starters Riverport Restaurant

Starters Riverport offers delicious American style comfort food in a fun atmosphere. With seven giant big screens and several 60 inch TVs, you can watch several different games at once. Starters has a separate game room with pool tables and the latest video games such as Panic Museum, Time Crisis and Guitar Hero. Starters serves classic pub food like grilled steaks, burgers and chicken, salads, fried foods and specialty sandwiches. It is a large restaurant, with a long bar and plenty of tables and booths. They are located across from the Banana Factory Arts Center.

Hours:

Sunday - Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Thursday - Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Starters accepts credit cards and offers a parking garage.Free Wi-Fi.
2
Sal's Old World Italian Restaurant

2) Sal's Old World Italian Restaurant

Sal’s Old World Italian Restaurant is a neighborhood favorite. Get there early because there is usually line of hungry patrons for this small restaurant. Sal's brick oven gives its pizzas a traditional texture, baked without drying out the crust. If you are not in the mood for pizza there is seafood lobster scampi, vegetable lasagna, chicken Florentine, baked tilapia, fettuccine alfredo with shrimp, scungilli marinara, chicken scallopini and veal and broccoli eggplant parmigiana. Sal's recipes have been in the family for generations.

Hours: Monday-Sunday 11am-10pm

It is BYOB, street parking available, credit cards accepted and no WIFI.
3
Manchu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant

3) Manchu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant

Machu Picchu Peruvian Restaurant is a small casual restaurant with a dozen tables. Their menu offers authentic Peruvian food, which is colorful, fresh and delicious. Try the sweet drink created by the Incas, Chicha Morada. It is made from purple corn. The appetizers include causa and Papa a la Huancaína. The various sauces are served on the side for dipping your choice of fish, shrimp, squid or chicken. Other entries are tallarines verdes (spaghetti cooked in spinach), arroz chaufa (fried rice), and jalea (fried seafood). Machu Picchu accepts credit cards. Parking is on the street. Hours: Wed - Sun, 11:30am - 7pm; Mon, Tue, closed.
4
Borinquen Restaurant

4) Borinquen Restaurant

This tiny, very casual restaurant offers the finest authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in Bethlehem. Their specialties are pastelillos, turnovers with a flaky crust and a spicy or sweet filling. There are only four tables. The food is inexpensive, portion sizes are generous and the service is fast. They have a limited menu that always includes Spanish rice and beans, Yuca, Pastelillos and Roast Pork.

Hours: Sundays Closed, Monday- Saturday 11am-8pm, no credit cards, and street parking.
5
Jenny's Kuali

5) Jenny's Kuali

Jenny's Kuali is a pretty restaurant that serves fresh Malaysian dishes. The dozen tables are usually filled with appreciative customers. On the menu is a good variety of curries, noodle dishes, dumplings which are flavored by a combination of Indian and Asian spices. Jenny and Roy Lim, the owners, have brought a taste of Malaysia to Bethlehem. There are lunch specials everyday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for $6. It includes an entrée and a side of white, fried or vegetable fried rice.

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11am-9pm, Sun. 12pm-8pm, credit cards accepted, on-street parking.
6
Nawab Indian Restaurant

6) Nawab Indian Restaurant

Nawab is the most popular Indian restaurant in the Lehigh Valley. The spacious restaurant is decorated with pink, sparkly walls hung with tapestries of elephants and the Taj Majal. They serve traditional Northern Indian fare including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes. The atmosphere is casual with room for dozens of tables. Diners enjoy the naan, samosas, vindaloo, tandoori and curries. Hours: Tue-Fri (Lunch) 11:30 - 2:30pm, (Dinner) 5:00 - 10:00pm, Saturday 11:30am - 10:30pm, Sunday 11:30am - 9:30pm. They accept credit cards, on-street parking, BYOB.
7
Alexandra's Bistro

7) Alexandra's Bistro

The Tsiounis family has owned and operated this diner for more than 20 years. It is a small place fitted with booths and a counter, which means it fills up quickly. It is a popular place for breakfast and lunch. The breakfast platters are generous, inexpensive and available at all hours. A lunch favorite is a gyro with homemade tzatziki sauce. This is a gem of a Greek diner. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 6:30am-8:30pm, Sunday 7am-3pm, Closed Monday. On-street parking. Accepts credit cards.
8
Taqueria La Lupita

8) Taqueria La Lupita

A family of brothers and sisters originally from Vera Cruz, Mexico runs Taqueria La Lupita. With twenty tables, booths and counter seats one can usually find a seat. There is no mistaking the type of cuisine with the pink, orange and yellow color scheme. The guacamole, sauces, chips and tortillas are all freshly made. The meat empanadas are covered with cheese and sour cream. We find the usual items we know, quesadillas, sopes, enchiladas verdes and chicken flauta. Portions are generous and prices are very reasonable. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun. and Mon.; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tues.-Sat., On-street parking, BYOB, Credit cards accepted.
9
Blue Sky Cafe

9) Blue Sky Cafe

The Blue Sky Cafe is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. They serve wonderfully inventive dishes such as "Banana Bourbon French Toast," "Red Velvet pancakes" and "Sweet Potato Quesadilla." They cater to vegetarian tastes by offering substitutions of tofu and other soy products. The servings are generous and prices are more gourmet than diner. Because it is a small place, a dozen tables and counter seating, it becomes filled during hours 9:00am -11:00am.

Hours: Tuesday - Thursday: 7am-3pm, Friday - Saturday: 7am-5pm, Sun 7 am - 2 pm. They accept credit cards. On-street parking.
10
Goosey Gander Deli

10) Goosey Gander Deli

The Goosey Gander Deli is a family run institution in South Bethlehem, operating there for 30 years. The staff is friendly with long memories for your sandwich preferences. Every salad, soup and sandwich is deliciously generous and inexpensively priced. Not all sandwiches are listed on the menu. There is a "secret menu" that you learn about as you listen to the orders while waiting in line. Try the "Mammoth" (meatballs, bacon, pastrami, roast beef, swiss) or the "Anakin Skywalker" (toasted hoagie roll, roast beef, barbecue sauce, bacon, and cheese). If you are really hungry you need the largest sandwich, the "Gombo" (two types of meat, lettuce, tomato, bacon, and cheese between 4 pieces of bread). When Lehigh University is in session, there is a line out the door at lunchtime.

Hours of Operation: M-F: 7:30am - 4:00pm, Sat.: 10:00am - 3:00pm, Sun.: 11:00am - 3:00pm. They accept credit cards. On-street parking.
Image Courtesy of Paul Sableman.
11
Deja Brew Coffeehouse & Deli

11) Deja Brew Coffeehouse & Deli

This is a family owned coffee shop/deli that offers sandwiches, soups, salads, pasta, and coffees and teas from around the world. The small shop is decorated in a pop culture theme with mismatched tables and chairs, two couches and upholstered chairs. The staff is warm and welcoming and is known for supporting the South Bethlehem community. Try the Dalai Latte or Cherry Bomb coffee drinks. They are delicious and proceeds go to community groups. The breakfast/lunch dishes and sandwiches, named for local legends, are delicious and reasonably priced. The "Greyhound" has turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, Swiss, and mayonnaise on rye toast or the "Bednarik" has roast beef, peppered turkey, American cheese, onion, horseradish on kaiser roll. Hours: Mon - Fri, 10am - 5pm; Sat, 10am - 3pm; Sun, closed. Accepts credit cards. On-street parking. Free Wi-Fi.
12
Horns

12) Horns

Horns is a sustainable restaurant using locally-sourced food. The prices are higher than a diner or fast food restaurant but the taste of the dishes makes it worth it. Highlights of the menu are the fried pickles, roasted tomatoes, huge piles of fries, lavender-mint iced tea, chicken tacos and any of the hamburgers. You order from the counter and take a seat. The decor is rustic with picnic tables, a variety of hot sauces on every table and drinks are served in mason jars. Hours: Mon. 11 am -2 pm,Tue-Thu 11 am - 10 pm, Fri-Sat 8 am - 10 pm. Accepts credit cards. On-street parking. Free Wi-Fi.
13
Tulum

13) Tulum

Tulum is a tiny restaurant that seats a dozen people at three tables and a couple of counter stools. Although the menu is limited what they serve is very popular. Tulum's servings are generous and their prices are reasonable. The spicy chicken wings are a great starter and the burritos, choice of beef, pork, chicken, or grilled vegetables, are stuffed with rice, beans, sauce and salad. Hours: Mon - Fri, 11am - 9pm; Sat, noon - 9pm; Sun, closed. They take cash only. On-street parking.
14
Olive Branch Cafe & Restaurant

14) Olive Branch Cafe & Restaurant

This quaint, small restaurant is run by a Syrian couple who serve Levantine cuisine, the traditional cuisine of the Levant, known in Arabic as the Bilad Ash-Sham. It covers the modern states of Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, northern Iraq, southern Turkey and Palestine. These recipes have been passed down through generations of the Kassis and Atiyeh families in village of Amar al-hosn, in Western Syria. With only ten tables, the Olive Branch fills quickly although they do accept reservations. The couple cooks, bakes and serves with great attention to detail. Meat lovers and vegetarians will be happy here. Try the vegetarian platter (tabbouleh, hummus, fatoosh), meat, spinach or feta pies, falafel, kebobs, salads, macaroon cookie, peanut butter pie and Arabic coffees. Hours: Tuesday - Friday Lunch: 11 am - 2 pm Dinner: 5 pm - 9 pm, Saturday Dinner: 5 pm - 9 pm, On-street parking. Accepts credit cards. BYOB.
15
Twenty Four East Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar

15) Twenty Four East Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar

Twenty Four East serves Japanese and Asian fusion dishes. The sushi rolls are inventive and very popular. Try the Crunch, Philadelphia or Hibachi rolls. Also noodle dishes, soups and salads complement the entrées and sushi. The interior features 16 tables with tablecloths, cream-colored walls, located in an elegant South Bethlehem building. Hours: Lunch: Mon - Thu, 11:30am - 2:30pm, Fri, 11:30 - 2:30pm. Dinner: Mon - Thu, 4:30pm - 9:30pm; Fri, 4:30pm - 10:30pm; Sat, 4pm - 10:30pm; Sun, closed. Accepts credit cards. On-street parking. BYOB
16
Looper's Grille

16) Looper's Grille

Looper's serves American pub food such as salads, sandwiches, burgers and entrees of steaks, seafood, poultry and pasta. There is usually a crowd sitting along the old craved mahogany bar. Also available are tables and booths inside and outdoor tables on the back patio. Looper's carries a golfing theme through it decorations and names of items on its menu. Looper's specializes in martinis, offering at least four hundred different kinds. Martinis worth trying are Dark Angel, Dark Continent, Thundercloud, Spanish Fly or the Elvis Presley. Appetizers to consider are the Loaded Cheese Fries (fries with cheese, ranch dressing and bacon on top) the Buffalo Blue Cheese Chips and the Nachos. Entrees recommended are the Double Bogey (grilled cheese, with two cheeses, sliced tomato), the NCC (fresh mozzarella, tomato, roasted red peppers and balsamic glaze on a roll) or the Looper Sandwich (warm roast beef on a garlic butter roll). Hours: Tue-Thu 11 am - 11 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am - 1 am. On-street parking, Accepts credit cards.
17
Molinari's

17) Molinari's

The family run Molinari's is an authentic Italian restaurant that uses the freshest of ingredients in the farm to table tradition. Their menu follows the way Italians really eat, first antipasti and appetizers, a pasta course, and then a main course. The pasta and desserts are made on the premises. The huge wood burning pizza oven makes perfect Neapolitan style pizzas. They carry only Italian beers and wines, liqueurs and Grappas. Molinari's has a full bar with a friendly bartender who will help pair wine with food. The decor is stylish and modern with booths and tables. Outdoor tables are available depending on weather. Try the Baby Arugula Salad (toasted hazelnuts, Bartlett Pears, parmesan reggiano, aceto balsamico) Neapolitan Margherita pizza (San Marzano Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Genovese Basil) and for dessert Honey Panna Cotta (with saba condimento, fig and amaretti cookie). Hours: Mon-Wed 5 pm - 9 pm, Thu-Sat 5 pm - 10 pm. Accepts credit cards. On-street parking.
18
The Steel Pub

18) The Steel Pub

The Steel Pub gives you a nice view of the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation complex. You can view it inside through the large glass windows or out on the large patio. You can also watch local hockey games through a 40-foot long window into the adjacent Steel Ice Center. The Steel Pub serves tasty pub food such as boardwalk fries covered in bacon and cheese, Philly cheesesteaks and a variety of burgers such as The Burger (Blend of chuck and short rib, brioche roll, choice of cheese). The full bar offers a nice variety of draft and bottled beers. The local beer Weyerbacher is the most popular choice at the moment. The decor is modern industrial. Hours: Monday-Friday 4:00pm to 2:00am, Saturday to Sunday, 12:00pm to 2:00am. Accepts credit cards. Lot or street parking.
19
Emeril's Burgers and More at Sands Casino

19) Emeril's Burgers and More at Sands Casino

You can build your own prime, brisket or grass-fed beef burger at this Emeril Lagasse's restaurant. This is one of three Lagasse restaurants at the Sands Casino. The cost of $14 may seem a lot for a hamburger but the meat is high quality and the available toppings and plump bun are fabulous. To build your own burger you fill out a form on your table to pick your type of burger and toppings. The onion rings and spicy fries are fried to a perfect crisp. The decor is modern metallic shine and diner-like with a full bar. Because they do not accept reservations there could be a wait for a table. Once you are seated the service is good. Hours: Sunday - Thurs: 11:00am – 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm Tuesday: Closed. Accepts credit cards. Must be 21 years of age or older to enter casino.
20
Carnegie Deli at Sands Casino

20) Carnegie Deli at Sands Casino

The portions at the Carnegie Deli are crazy big. The Carnegie Deli in New York City has drawn celebrities and tourists since 1937, as the most famous deli in the USA. It is still a family run restaurant that cures, pickles and smokes their own kosher-style meat. Each sandwich contains at least one pound of meat. The restaurant's motto is: "If you can finish your meal, we’ve done something wrong." The Sands Carnegie Deli is the fifth location of the famous deli and opened in 2009. From matzo ball soup, corned beef sandwich to a slice of cheesecake, it is all delicious and lots of it. The atmosphere is bright, clean with N.Y. deli decor. Hours: Sunday - Thurs: 11:00am – 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 11:00am – 11:00pm Wednesday: Closed. Accepts credit cards. Must be 21 years of age or older to enter casino.
21
Colbalt Cafe at Sands Casino

21) Colbalt Cafe at Sands Casino

This is a buffet style restaurant where you can usually find a table. The restaurant is busy but tables turn over quickly. All day on Saturdays they offer an all-you-can-eat lobster buffet for $59. The main course options change from day to day for the buffet. There is a full bar and televisions positioned to entertain the bar crowd. Although the salad offerings are limited the desserts are plentiful and delicious. Refills on soda are free. Lunch: Monday through Wednesday: $14.95 - 11am - 4:45pm, Thursday through Friday: $18.95 - 11am - 4:45pm, Saturday: $18.95 - 11am - 4pm, Sunday: $20.95 - 11am - 8pm. Accepts credit cards. Must be 21 years of age or older to enter casino.
22
Emeril's Italian Table at Sands Casino

22) Emeril's Italian Table at Sands Casino

This is the third restaurant Emeril Lagasse opened at the Sands Casino. The decor has a comfy bistro-style feel with brick walls and aged wood. There is a long elegant full bar where bartenders serve wonderful mixed drinks. The menu features antipasti, cured meats, artisanal cheeses, soups, salads, and fresh made pastas. The wood-burning oven bakes the pizzas to perfection. For dessert the gelato, ice creams and cakes are made daily by the pastry chef. Families with children under age 21 need to enter through the retail mall or hotel. Hours: Lunch & Dinner Daily, Sunday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM. They accept credit cards.
23
Mike & Ike Bistro at ArtsQuest Center

23) Mike & Ike Bistro at ArtsQuest Center

Mike and Ike Bistro in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks has the best view of the Bethlehem Steel complex of any local restaurant. It is awe-inspiring! The restaurant is located on the first floor and is a very family friendly spot with a tasty menu. There is always a place to sit, outside on a nice day, inside in the Capital Blue Cross Creativity Commons, or take your lunch into the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas to catch a movie. You will find a nice range of choices for sandwiches, salads, pizza and pasta. There is a kid's menu. Just order your lunch at the counter and enjoy all the space to relax. Try the Hummus Plate (Black Bean and White Bean Hummus Spread with Crisp Vegetables and Wheat Pita) or the Bavarian Pretzel Roll and Bratwurst with Sauerkraut and Beer Mustard. The full bar offers draught, imported and domestic beers along with red and white wines. The signature cocktail of Mike & Ike's is the blue ARTini. There is always something going on at the Bistro whether its live music, a farmers market or holiday activities. It is usually free. Hours: Fri 12pm - 10pm, Sat 11am - 10pm, Sun 12pm - 6pm. Free parking at several parking lots on the property. They accept credit cards.

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Top 15 Restaurants for Lunch in South Bethlehem

Top 15 Restaurants for Lunch in South Bethlehem

South Bethlehem features the most variety of restaurants in the Lehigh Valley. From ethnic to organic fresh cuisine, one can find a wonderful meal to suit any budget. South Bethlehem, once home to immigrants of over fifty different nationalities, was known for the enticing cooking aromas that...