Find your way to these alumni-owned eating and drinking establishments.
Illustrations by Nate Padavick, Fall 2023
Apollo Grill
85 W. Broad St.
Owner: Rachel Griffith ’07
610-865-9600 • apollogrill.com
The Apollo is a casual yet upscale bistro committed to serving wonderful food and unique cocktails in a lively and fun atmosphere.
“Whether you want to share apps with a group of friends, enjoy a fine-dining experience, or grab a cocktail at the bar, there’s something for everyone at Apollo. I found the Tricolore salad (mixed greens, goat cheese, mandarin oranges, roasted red beets, and walnuts with a honey drizzle and balsamic vinaigrette) colorful, flavorful, and light, while the Black & Blue Tenderloin appetizer offered a hearty bite paired with the Tempura Fried Cauliflower.”
—Amanda Maenza ’13, G’17
Joe’s Tavern
12 W. Broad St.
Owner: Shelly Salak ’86
610-868-3200 • joestavern.com
Heading into its 64th year and third-generation ownership, Joe’s is the quintessential tavern experience, offering an impressive selection of craft beers, as well as cocktails, along with classic quality pub fare. Homemade soups and cheesesteaks are the tavern’s specialty.
“Samantha Hickey ’23 and I stopped into Joe’s for dinner. We began our evening with an elderflower champagne cocktail for Sam and a Leinenkugel, from a craft brewery in Wisconsin, for me. We ordered several items: French onion soup; pierogies with beer, cheese, and bacon; a cheesesteak; a burger with sautéed onions, mushrooms, Cheddar, lettuce, and tomato; and Parmesan fries on the side. Everything was made fresh and was delicious. As for decor, since Shelly is originally from New York, Yankees and New York Giants memorabilia are everywhere.”
—Matt Nesto ’16, G’21, G’22
The Cup
1430 Linden St.
Co-owners: William Burkhardt ’69 and
Frederick Buckenmeyer
610-691-8422 • bethlehemdairystore.com
The Bethlehem Dairy Store (known by most as The Cup, for the original shape of the shop—a large milkshake cup) has been an ice-cream-lover’s heaven since the 1930s. For more than 30 years, Burkhardt and Buckenmeyer have been serving homemade ice cream in 30-plus flavors and every imaginable serving option: cups, cones, sundaes, shakes, floats, on top of Belgian waffles, in ice cream sandwiches, and more.
“This has been my go-to ice cream spot since I was a child. The ice cream is the best in the valley, and they have countless flavors to choose from. And with the neon lights, vintage style, and smiles everywhere, the atmosphere is unmatched!”
—Ethan Deater ’23
Lost Tavern Brewing
444 Main St.
Owner: Ken Rampolla ’79
losttavernbrewing.com
The first satellite taproom of the Hellertown-based brewery, Lost Tavern is located within the Moravian Book Shop, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in America, where visitors and students can also purchase Moravian University texts and merch. You can order from a wide selection of beer on tap or select from options to go. Want something to munch while you sip? Head back to the Rendevoo counter for some Asian fusion cuisine.
“Lost Tavern is one of my favorite spots on Main Street. They have a large menu, with various types of beer, guaranteeing there’s something for everyone. I can enjoy the dark classics, such as the American Porter, while my friends who are less versed in beer can enjoy a fruit-forward, juicy Onomatopoeia.”
—Christie Jacobsen ’00
Adagio
Owner: Anthony Spagnola ’94
610-625-3777 • seafoodadagio.com
Named after the Italian musical term meaning “in slow tempo,” Adagio specializes in seafood but also offers chicken, steak, pasta, and pizza for the non–fish lovers in your group. The restaurant is open for dinner only, Wednesday through Saturday, 4 to 10 p.m.
“My friend Claire Boucher and I recently checked out Adagio. Neither of us had been, and we were excited to try it. The menu offered an extensive selection of seafood. The standout for me was the surf and turf, which included a perfectly cooked fillet and bacon-wrapped scallops. The seafood was incredibly fresh and seasoned just right. The service was impeccable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff.”
—Angela Kilburg ’18
Sotto Santi
10 W. 4th St.
Owner: Anthony Spagnola ’94
484-895-3111 • sottosantipizzapub.com
At this pizzeria pub in South Bethlehem, you’ll find a wide selection of pizza, calzones, and other Italian food favorites whether you want to dine in or take out. Happy hour drinks and food specials change daily. And if you’re up for some late-night fun, stick around for the DJ on Thursdays through Saturdays or karaoke on Sundays.
“I had the wonderful experience of trying out Sotto Santi earlier this semester. I ordered their Sweet and Stingy Wings, an antipasto salad, a half pepperoni/half cheese pizza cooked in their signature brick oven, and some zeppole, a lightly fried dough dessert. Everything was fresh and well prepared, and the pizza was among the best I’ve had in the Lehigh Valley.”
—Romello Walters ’22, G’24
Aging Moon
211 Mechanic St.
Owner: Abby Hudock ’19
484-553-3095 • agingmoon.com
The Aging Moon is a small cheese shop featuring premade cheeseboards and blocks of cheese as well as accompaniments. The shop also takes online orders. Owner Abby Hudock is an American Cheese Society 2022 scholarship recipient and a certified sommelier. She will happily advise as to what wines or beers best pair with the cheese or cheese board you choose.
“The Moravian University Cheese Club ordered two charcuterie boards from The Aging Moon for club events. Both boards were unique, and the flavors were fantastic. My favorite cheeses were the aged Cheddar and the smoked gouda. They were creamy, bold, and flavorful, perfect for a crowd-pleasing event. We will definitely order from her again for our next charcuterie board event. I recommend her shop to cheese lovers everywhere.”
—Shane Klinger ’24, president of the cheese club
McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub and
Whiskey Bar
534 Main St.
Owners: Linda Shay Gardner ’74 and Neville Gardner
610-861-7631 • redstagpub.com
If the name doesn’t convince you of this eating and drinking establishment’s Irish authenticity, then consider that Neville Gardner, co-owner with his wife, Linda Shay Gardner ’74, grew up in Northern Ireland in a home that prided itself on hospitality and homemade foods. When he emigrated to the United States, he brought family recipes and his gift for hospitality with him. The authentic, cozy Celtic ambience welcomes all to enjoy made-from-scratch Irish and Scottish meals and baked goods and hand-selected loose teas. The full bar includes a lengthy list of beers and one of the most extensive offerings of whiskey you’ll find anywhere. And in the spirit of hospitality, the “bar stays open ’til it’s closed.”
Ripper’s Pub
77 W. Broad St.
Owner: Chuck Kovacs ’78
610-866-6646 • rippers-pub.edan.io
If you’re looking for a bar that’s informal and inexpensive, stop in at Ripper’s Pub for a beer and a burger (or other casual fare), conversation, bar games, and televised sports. Ripper’s has been welcoming alumni, students, and locals for 40 years. And that includes those who like to indulge in smoking a cigar.
1200 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
1 800.441.3191
610.861.1320
FAX: 610.625.7930
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