¿Habla español? No? Well, then, this might not be the place for you. This is not your ordinary taco and quesadilla hotspot; it’s a Dominican restaurant with Spanish-speaking regulars. Tu Casa, as the name suggests, is a casual joint, with televisions (and even a giant projection screen) blaring Spanish-language music videos and soap operas. The Spanish-only menu is potentially crippling for the monolinguists among us, but pictures of each dish make point-and-smile ordering possible. Whole fish, shrimp, octopus, steak and chicken (all mostly fried) are the menu staples, with side choices including rice and fried plantains. If you like Chi Chi’s, then stick to the strip malls. We’re more at home at Tu Casa. (Open M-F 11a-11p; Sa 11a-10p; Su 11a-9p.)

Located in the heart of Bethlehem, Tortilla Flat offers a wide range of Mexican favorites. We’d vote for the fajitas ($13).  The combo meals are a great deal but sometimes it’s hard to know what you’re eating or taste any difference between the dishes.  The changos ($4) – fried bananas with a caramel filling – are a must for dessert. The service is fast and helpful.  And the hand-painted murals and the doggy cantina make both two- and four-legged patrons feel welcome. (Open M-F 11a-10p; Sa 9a-10p; Su 9a-8p.)

For those who want to skip the mall’s chain restaurants, the Sunset Grille provides great food, attentive service, and affordable prices. Housed in an old inn, this restaurant and its friendly wait staff make you feel like a guest in a Texas home. While you won't see obnoxious cactuses or sombreros, the Sunset Grille keeps the theme with brick-red, rich blue, and teal-patterned curtains and tablecloths.  Muted TV’s in the corners of the dining room make the atmosphere more casual without creating a lot of distraction.  The “Southwest” options (fajitas, quesadillas, and the like) are traditional favorites, but you certainly don't need to have a taste for Mexican food to fall in love with this menu—the char-grilled steaks, homemade crab cakes, and tender ribs are just a few of the great alternatives. Sunset Grille may have tried to branch out a bit too far, however, with items such as the Chinese chicken salad, so avoid these oddballs and you won't be disappointed. The bar area, while small, allows you to sit with friends and enjoy the best of both worlds- great drinks and delicious food. (Open M-Sa 11a-2a; kitchen closes at midnight.) 

Ruffino’s isn’t shy about what it does best. The specialty here is brick oven pizza, and a whole lot of it. The restaurant serves Napolitano (thin crust), Sicilian (deep dish) and stuffed (where the ingredients are between two layers of dough). And it’s all cooked in an actual brick oven visible from the dining room. (Just drag your eyes away from the desserts on display and you’ll see it.) If pizza’s not your thing, there’s also a lengthy menu full of pasta, chicken and veal entrees, as well as calzones and other sandwiches. Plus, you can’t help but enjoy the atmosphere—very “Italian village” with service like you’d find in the classiest places. It’s a great date spot, especially on weekends when they’ve got live entertainment. (Open M-Th 10a-10p; F-Sa: 11a-11p; Su noon-10p.)

If you’ve been scouring the Lehigh Valley for a trendy restaurant where you and your friends can sip martinis and look hip, you may be in luck. But with pricey, mediocre fare and inefficient service, eating at Pistachio regularly would be…well, nuts. The décor is warehouse chic, complete with exposed pipes and art deco light fixtures. Echoing acoustics turn conversations into shouting matches. The menu is hefty but don’t be fooled—the salads (which occupy almost a full page) are all over $10 and a letdown. You’re better off with a pasta dish or the eggplant shelbourne, which is yummy AND huge. Even if you don’t have room for dessert, at least check out the tray. Worst-case scenario: You settle for a cup of Mexican hot chocolate. So if you’re feeling more SoHo than Allentown, head to Pistachio with a full wallet, earplugs and patience. (Open Su-Th 11:30a-midnight; F-Sa 11:30a-2a.)

If you're venturing downtown Hamilton Boulevard, consider Pasta Alla Rosa for an Italian lunch. The menu consists of typical lunch items, like wraps and salads, but also various chicken, fish, or shrimp entrées.  Dishes are served with pasta (with a choice of five sauces) or vegetables. Despite the crowds of lunchtime downtown employees, the place maintains a minimalist elegance, with framed Italian museum posters and checkered curtains. It's not necessary to make an exclusive trip here, but if you're in the area and craving Italian, it's worth the stop. (Open M-F 9a-4p.)

Hellertown may be a bit of a drive, but this quaint, modest eatery makes the trip well worth it. Self-described as the only authentic Hungarian food in the Lehigh Valley, Paprika's serves up delicious, home-cooked meals. Start with the Perogies – a mixture of scrumptious fried dough, potatoes, and sour cream for just $3.  There’s also the Chicken Paprika's ($7), chunks of chicken and Hungarian noodles in a pool of cream sauce that’s so good you’ll be soaking it up with bread. Stop whining, and get in the car. (Open W-Th noon-8p; F-Sa noon-9p; Su noon-7p.)

Plain on the outside, Paola’s – a family-run Colombian restaurant – is downright manic on the inside, with bright yellow walls and a few tables with a view of the kitchen.  Go for traditional Colombian treats like grilled tongue or beefsteak "a caballo" or stick with a simple bacon cheeseburger.  The service is not that fast, but the televisions inside will keep you occupied until the huge (and cheap!) entree is served. (Open daily 7a-10p.)

Don’t let the small restaurant fool you—this place has huge flavor. The walls are pepto pink (a foreshadowing of the medicine you may need later), while tacky chandeliers and fake plants hang from above. Thank goodness that their authentic Indian cuisine more than makes up for the lousy interior decorating. Nawab is a three-time winner (in 2000, 2001 and 2002) of Lehigh Valley Magazine’s “Best in the Valley—Indian Restaurant Award.” (Okay, it’s not a Nobel Prize, but it’s gotta count for something, right?) Start with samosas, then try lamb rogam josh for a spicy challenge (order plenty of nan—bread—to relieve your taste buds), or the chicken tikka masala for something milder. Vegetarians, don’t despair: There are plenty of meat-free meals, tasty enough even for carnivores. Be sure to bring your ID (students get 15% off lunches and dinners). (Open M-Th 11:30a-3p, 5p-10p; F 11:30a-3p, 5p-11p; Su 11:30a-9:30p.)

The Mangos experience is hard to define—one-part Caribbean casual and two-parts Mediterranean chic. The building is unassuming and unfortunately placed, wedged between a McDonald’s and a gas station, but once inside you might forget that you’re in Allentown at all. Stucco walls, brick floors, dim-lit lamps, romantic table candles, columns with archways, wood paneling, and deep reds, blues, and yellows evoke Barcelona. (Don’t neglect the intimate courtyard in warm weather.) Mangos is best-known, as it should be, for its tapas (appetizers that, combined, can serve as a meal) and rum bar. Try the Mojito, the restaurant’s most popular cocktail—it’s exceptional. The food is inventive (though occasionally a bit too salty); the paella is particularly good. The waitstaff is friendly, if a bit inefficient.  Good thing it’s worth the wait. (Open M-F 11a-10p; Sa 4p-10p.)

Nobody does “full” like La Mexicana Grill. This festive restaurant—with mango orange walls and year-round Christmas lights—serves up a ton…and it’s all great.  The fajitas (veggie, chicken, beef or shrimp) bring words like “mountainous” to mind; entrees like the chicken mole ($13) are similarly huge and tasty.  And did we mention that all dinners come with two sides—like fried plantains, refried beans or sweet potatoes? We’d say save room for the main course, but that would mean missing out on the city’s best salsa (an on-the-house treat, along with chips) and homemade guacamole.  So just be prepared to roll your way out—it’s the kind of place that the “after dinner walk” was made for. (Open daily  11a-9p.)

The new Tex-Mex restaurant Johnny Mañana’s adds a welcome splash of color to the reviving downtown, The place is easy to miss, set back in the glass-and-steel PPL Plaza, but once you’re inside, you’ll find yourself thinking you’re not in Allentown anymore. With its sky-high ceilings, deep mustard-yellow walls, rich, floor-to-ceiling red curtains and brightly outfitted tables, Mañana’s is, well, the anti-Allentown. And the food is tasty, in a Tex-Mex sort of way. Try the la fiesta fajitas ($18)—an “especial de casa mañana”—and the guacamole appetizer ($7), perfectly seasoned. J The restaurant boasts two bars, one with a temple to flat-screen television, and daily drink specials like $3 margaritas on Mondays, $3 mojitos on Tuesdays, and $3 cosmos on Wednesdays.

It might not be obvious from the name, but this “steakhouse” is more of an el restaurante mexicano. You almost feel as if you’re at one of those touristy restaurants in the heart of Cancun – in a good way. This family-friendly eatery along the strip in the Valley Plaza is very spacious (though you’d never know it from the outside). There’s a perfectly sized bar towards the front and plenty of tables and booths (some large enough to fit 10 people) in the back. Their extensive menu – from Mexican dishes like fajitas, burritos, and tacos, to a variety of steak and seafood dishes – is bound to have something for everyone. If you’re in a seafood mood, we’d recommend the grilled shrimp or the crab cakes (since they’re famous for their crabmeat).  So here's the bottom line:  it’s no five star restaurant where you'd wine and dine in style, but it’s perfect for those nights when you’re in more of a TGI Friday's state of mind but can’t bear the thought of Friday’s. (Open M-Th 11:30a-10p; F-Sa 11:30a-10:30p; Su 11:30a-9p.)

Widow Brown (the building’s last tenant) wouldn’t know what hit her. While the décor hasn’t changed much (it’s still a mix of homey and ski lodge), the food certainly has, and all for the better. Hunan Springs serves up dishes a step or two (or three) above your typical Chinese restaurant. Whether you’re taking out or eating in, you’ll have your pick between an impressive array of seafood, pork, beef, duck and lamb options, not to mention several chef specials. Try the Bo Bo Platter appetizer for two ($13)—a delicious assortment of egg rolls, BBQ ribs, shrimp toast, chicken wings, teriyaki beef and cheese puffs, served around a towering flame. This is not your father’s Chinese. (Open M-Th 11:30a-10p; F-Sa noon-11p; Su noon-9:30p.)

Though billed as "Fine Dining," a trip to Henry's is similar to voyaging to a tavern on the lower deck of a boat.  Complete with ship lanterns, portraits of captains and cork wreaths, Henry’s nautical atmosphere not-so-subtly hints at their specialty: seafood.  The menu features scallops, shrimp, flounder, crab and lobster.  Land-lovers are not forgotten, and can pick between steak and chicken dishes.  (If nothing strikes your fancy, they'll fix up a special request if they have all the ingredients.)  All entrees come with a trip to the salad bar, a potato dish and vegetables.  While it sounds like a tremendous amount of food, moderately sized portions allow you to save room for their creamy peanut butter pie. So if your in the mood for the taste of the ocean, take a short trip over to Henry’s, where you’ll be sure to find what your looking for. (Open M-Th 4:30p-9p; F-Sa 4:30p-10p.)

Who doesn't like a good gyro now and then? (We don’t know how to pronounce “gyro” either.) This family-owned restaurant, hideen in a CVS-anchored strip mall, is a real gem.  Don't be fooled by the bland décor and fake flowers: the Greek/Middle Eastern dishes are great – especially the kabobs.  (We were less than impressed, though, with the Greek salad and wish there was more than just baklava for dessert.)  For a big fat Greek good time, check out the private party belly dancer. (Open M-Sa 11a-9p; Su noon-8p.)

El Castillo is unique to say the least. Its mix of a hectic take-out business and casual, bright-lit dining atmosphere makes for a bizarre ambiance, though the service is friendly and welcoming. The dining room is small, but the portions large. If you stop by El Castillo only once, order the paella ($15)—you will thank us. Some of the seafood can be pricey; seafood soupy rice is $23, and the mashed fried green plantains with octopus is $12. Meat dishes, on the other hand, are inexpensive; the mashed fried green plantains with chicken is $4, and the BBQ pork ribs is $5. If you’re looking for lighter fare, the lettuce, tomato and avocado salad ($3.50) is tasty as an appetizer or a meal. These Dominican dishes are full of flavor and color and definitely worth a try. (Open daily 7a-11p.)

Attention hungry shoppers: Just beyond Macy’s perfume counter in the Lehigh Valley Mall awaits the smell of …sauerkraut? For the most part, Allentown seems to have forgotten its rich German heritage where dining is concerned. Dunderbak’s is one of the very few exceptions. It’s often overlooked since it’s one of many options at the mall, and the dining area itself is hidden behind a gift shop (where you can choose between ten different kinds of sauerkraut) and quick-service counter (great for a sausage on the go). Your first impression once you wander back: Beer. It’s responsible for most of the interior decorating—it lines the walls on shelves and in coolers—and for filling out a very lengthy drink list. (Just try to name their more than 200 varieties.) Whether you’re drinking or not, try the food for a real taste of Deutschland. Try the griebenschmalz or dogs with wurst, or their signature grilled reuben. The service is quick but don’t look to the servers for much additional assistance. While it isn’t stellar, Dunderbak’s is a great reason to skip the food court during your next trip to the mall. (Open during mall hours.)

As any good Sicilian knows, a meal is better when it’s made with a family recipe, lots of garlic and a touch of love. Carrabba’s founders used just that philosophy when they first set up shop in Houston. They’re regularly packing ’em into the Allentown outlet, a low-lit, comfortable space with Frank Sinatra singing in the background. Appetizers like the crab cakes, seared in a cast iron skillet and served with a roasted bell pepper sauce will leave you begging for more. You'll need a healthy appetite to finish one of the main courses, but irresistible choices like the lobster ravioli served in a white wine cream sauce or the pollo rosa maria chicken, stuffed with fontina cheese and prosciutto are worth the "need to nap in the car before driving home" feeling of fullness and satisfaction. (Open M-Th 4p-10p; F 4p-11p; Sa 3p-11p; Su 2p-9:30p.)

Cactus Blue is one hot tamale.  Voted best Mexican food in the Lehigh Valley in 2005 and 2006, this hole-in-the-wall more than earned the accolades.  The service is outstanding, the food is delicious and fresh, and the colorful décor and atmosphere round out the experience.  Complement a flavorful dish—we’d suggest the enchiladas or chimichangas with beef so tender you won’t even need a knife—with a refreshing Mexican mango soda.  And end your meal with a bang thanks to Cactus Blue’s banana cream-filled churros.  When you go (and you must!), don’t forget to arrive early or make a reservation because the cantina fills up quick. (Open M-Th 11a-9p; F-Sa 11a-10p.)

The Brass Rail has put the “f” in family reastuant since 1917, when it opened as a hotdog and hamburger stand in downtown Allentwon. Technically an Italian restaurant, the Rail serves something for everyone:  pasta dishes, fish, steak, burgers, pizza, famous cheese steaks (hailed as the best in the city) and drinks (check out the specials). Though very diner-esque, with the large menu, low prices, and cash register up front, it has a far more homey feel: a fireplace with fake logs burning, paper holiday decorations—the exact ones you swear your Mom puts up at home—and a waiting room full of small children and old ladies with walkers. We certainly endorse the Brass’s motto (proudly displayed on a variety of merchandise): “Get off your brass and come to the rail!” Oh, and don’t be surprised if you hear the place break into a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday to Grandma!”—trust us, it’s bound to happen. (Open M-Th 7a-midnight; F-Sa 7a-1a; Su 8a-10p.)

Mere vegetarians are such wussies! At Balasia, vegans run the show, and even  the carnivores among us are grateful.  Balasia is set in a fabulous Victorian mansion in nearby Emmaus, though the homemade dishes are even more beautiful—a kaleidoscope of fresh and artfully arranged vegetables. The vibe is earhty, with bamboo placemats and scented acors at every table. Your host is also the owner and cook, and she’ll happily recount her travles through India, studies of botany, and 11-year commitment to vegan foods. Her menu changes every day and the drink specials are all organic (including everything from red peach soda to Kombucha, a Himalayan tonic).  Make sure you try the Peanut Butter Bombe, so rich that you would never know it isn’t chocolate. Down with the lactose-industrial complex! (Open Tu-W 11a-4p; Th-F 11a-4p, 5p-11p, Sa 5p-11p.)

Paris has its Eiffel Tower. For London, it’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, while New York boasts the Statue of Liberty. Here in Allentown, we have the Brew Works. We jest, yes, but only slightly: the 400-seat, $7 million brew pub has quickly become, since its 2007 opening, the nerve center of life downtown. One payoff: we no longer need to slog to the Fegley family’s original outpost, in Bethlehem (see page XX). The Brew Works occupies four enormous (wide-planked) floors of an old silk factory, and “soaring” seems a feeble description of the steel-beamed ceilings. The food—look out for “beer-enhanced” dishes—is much better than your typical pub fare. We like the pizza special ($9) and the juicy “bacon me bleu” burger ($8.50), though our first love is the mysteriously delicious chicken cheesesteak ($8). And then there are the beers, all brewed on site: five standbys (our favorite is Hop Explosion) and a rotating cast of seasonal offerings (like the high-alcohol Rude Elf Reserve). You could easily get lost here: the ground-floor space, with its underlit bar and glimmering stainless steel brewing tanks, opens onto an outdoor “Biergarten.” Downstairs is the “Silk Room,” with its L.A. hipster vibe—low-slung black leather couches, votive candles, and a startling two-way mirror (you have to see it). Take the wide staircase to the second floor “High Gravity” bar and dining area, which hosts live music on the weekends and comedy on Tuesday nights. Thursday is “College Pub Night,” so bring your Muhlenberg ID for specials. And don’t forget to leave with a “growler” ($3, $8 to fill) of craft brew. (Open daily 11a-2a.)

Okay, so while it’s a little sketchy from the outside, Aladdin is amazing on the inside…jaw-dropping really. The ceiling is low and starry, and the walls are covered in richly colored tapestries. Camel statues line the lower alcoves of the walls and pillows make the seating extra comfortable. While it’s a little pricy, the food is definitely worth every penny. Anyone new to Middle Eastern food should start with the falafel—it’s a classic, and especially delicious here. If you plan on drinking, be sure to bring your own, and don’t forget to bring an extra $2.50 on Saturdays for the Belly Dancing cover charge. (Open Tu-F 11a-2p, 5p-10p; Sa-Su 5p-10p.)