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The Bookstore Speakeasy

The Bookstore Speakeasy

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4.4 Google Review
336 Adams St, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 18015, United States
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Refresh Reviews 4.4


May 11, 2018
Once again, family came to town and we walked to the south side in search of a typically Bethlehem restaurant representing our town’s culinary renaissance. The choice fell between Jenny’s Kuali, which was packed, well-lighted, and filled with smiling faces, and the Bookstore Speakeasy, which has a full liquor license. We picked the latter on that basis. This was not my first visit, so I was aware of the ambience (cool), the craft cocktails, the likelihood of live music, the pricey entrees, etc. Normally all good or acceptable things. Our experience was not positive. Tables were half-empty. Our server was patronizing and arrogant, and when she sized us up, she did her best to take our order, get food out of kitchen and in front of us so we would dine and leave. She exemplified the “you’re not from around here, are you?” attitude that so many newcomers to our area experience. I’m not sure what market niche this restaurant is attempting to meet. It’s food you can’t really see, an environment not conducive to quiet conversation, and costly drinks ($14 for a Manhattan from the well). Maybe it’s for people who want expensive small drinks someone else is paying for. Yes, they might enjoy it here. It used to be welcoming a few years back.

Apr 4, 2018
The name says it all. Cozy speakeasy ambience with live jazz on the weekends which can be fairly loud in such a small space. If you want a quick in and out meal, this might not be the place for you tonight. But if you would like to sit back, relax, unplug from your phone and feel like you have stepped back 100 years then welcome. Dozens of fancy cocktails with lots of ingredients but be warned to pace yourself, these are not weak watered down well drinks, they are worth the $12-14 price tag. Snacks, small plates, large plates, and desserts at all price levels $6-$40. Finish it all off with a liquid dessert, listen to some live jazz then call a Lyft home. Seriously please don't drink and drive. Recent new owners/management show promise while still working out some kinks in the transition. Same charismatic bartenders who have been making your drinks the last 3 years holding down the bar. There is a reason I keep going back over the last 6 years through many bartenders and managers. Have a seat at the bar on a weeknight to try some drinks created just for you and talk shop about booze.

Mar 12, 2018
This was a ton of fun! We went and had a delightful time. Would have been even more fun if we had dressed up in period costume like the staff and some patrons, but we were just in from out of town so we were unprepared. No matter, they welcomed us anyway. The night we were there they had live music (The Red Hot Ramblers) who kept us entertained will h their music and antics. Highly recommend!

Feb 25, 2018
So, the food there is delicious and the atmosphere is beautiful and cozy. The staff on the other hand is a different story. The wait staff/hostess staff continuously remind you that you only have your table for 2 hours. Knowing that right off the bat makes you feel pressured to rush your experience there. Additionally, it makes me think that maybe the establishment only cares about flipping tables quickly to make more money. I have been to many fine dining establishments in the Lehigh Valley, and this is the only place that constantly reminds you “you only have an hour left at this table and then we are going to have to ask you to have a seat at the bar or leave”. Wow! Really? Pretty sad. Also, while we were reading over our menus, my husband adjusted the little lantern on our table slightly to turn the flame up so we could see a bit better. Our waitress came over like a bat out of hell to our table and proceeded to scold my husband like he was a child. She rudely told him not to touch the oil lamp, that it was very expensive and that he can’t touch it. Her tip automatically dropped to 10% with that nasty attitude. Again, kudos to the chefs and the decorators but lose the attitudes with the staff. Such a turn off and such a shame that the staff brings this beautiful establishment down.

May 21, 2018
One of the most creative, funky bars I've been to outside a major city. They have the "feel" done right with quirky cocktails printed on used books, oil lamps dotting the tables and even the employees are dressed to fit.

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Opening Hours

Wed:5 pm - 2 am
Thu:5 pm - 2 am
Fri:5 pm - 2 am
Sat:5 pm - 2 am Today

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