Awkwardly named, yes. Hard to find—it’s true. But we came for the seafood, and here we were impressed. The “famous” clam chowder deserves its acclaim—it’s some of the best we’ve tasted. The Maryland crab dishes, straight from the Chesapeake, are delectable. The place is named for its oysters, and they’re also tasty (and especially slippery). Our servers were friendly and astoundingly knowledgeable about the menu. (Ask about the chowder, and you’ll get a rapid-fire ingredient recitation.) Youell’s has a nautical elegance to its dining room, and it should: The prices here, though fair, will stretch the college budget. Parents weekend? (Open M-Th 4p-9p; F-Sa 4p-10p.)

We’re not sure what they were going for with the interior decorating at Teppan Hibachi Steak house and Sushi Bar – the bright red walls with multicolored squares scream mod but the tables adorned with bamboo plans and a wall mural with ancient geisha tea-servers, not so much.  Regardless, the wait staff is friendly and fast, and the menu has an infinite number of reasonably priced sushi combinations (accompanied by pictures just in case the Japanese names trip you up).  Try the Maki Combi, which includes three different types of sushi (all delicious), Miso soup, Ginger salad, and ice cream, all for just under $15. Teppan is the perfect fit for a lightweight alternative to the General's Quarters.

Think country dining with a sophisticated flare. Morgan’s flagstone walls and fireplaces give it the feel of a cozy cottage—not surprising since the building used to be an inn and, before that, a B&B. Good luck choosing among their delicious homemade breads, dishes and desserts. We’d suggest starting with their French onion soup or bruschetta with lump crap herb salad and lemon sauce ($10). Entrees range from filet mignon and rosemary marinated lamb chops, to parmesan crusted halibut and pan-seared tuna. Our favorite was the molasses and garlic-marinated pork tenderloin with ginger applesauce. And our top pasta pick is the papparadelle Bolognese pasta ($10 for a lunch portion and $14 for an entrée). Even their sandwiches and salads are big enough to leave you satisfied. Early birds are rewarded well here: If you can make it to Morgan’s by 11am, you’ll get to enjoy several different kinds of frittatas ($5), fluffy omelets ($5), and the German Apple Pancakes ($5). (Open M-Sa 7a-9p.)

Imagine the scene from the Disney classic Lady and the Tramp—two hound dogs sharing a strand of spaghetti with soft Italian music in the background—and you’ve got a perfect picture of the atmosphere at Louie’s. Established by the Belletieri family in 1958, under the moniker of Gino’s, Louie’s is the quintessential Italian family restaurant. Recently moved to Allentown’s South Side from its longtime 12th and Chew location, Louie’s has had a face-lift. Black and white family photos still stare down at long tables covered with checkered tablecloths. The main attraction, by far, is the cuisine: The Belletieri’s traditional home-style sauces set Louie’s apart from all of its old country imitators. The sauces are so good that they sell them under the Belletieri product line. The desserts are frightfully tasty. The Italian rum cake, chocolate moose and chocolate peanut butter pie, in particular, should be illegal. (Open M-F 11a-10p; Sa 4p-10p; Su 4p-9p.)

If you're heading downtown, make sure to pay a visit to this family-owned local favorite. Though the romantic music and table candles clash with the pizzeria-style open kitchen, Lo Baido’s redeems itself with its friendly service and delectable Italian cuisine. Although it’s BYO, expect to get a complimentary glass of their homemade wine. The food is freshly prepared with homemade sauces and salad dressings. Most entrees are served with a house salad—a mishmash of basic lettuce, ziti and raisins—and an intermezzo of homemade sorbet. The baked manicotti ($13) and the chicken marsala ($16) are especially good, as is the penne ala vodka con gamberi ($19). You won’t have room, but loosen your belt and try some of the inexpensive-yet-fabulous ice cream, made fresh on site. Lo Baido’s makes you feel like you’re in Little Italy, thanks to its fresh, homemade ingredients and superb staff. (Open M 11a-8p; Tu-Th 11a-9p; F 11a-10p; Sa noon-10p.) 

With its proper staff, limited entrees, and high prices, the Farmhouse is cstriving for (accent please) f-i-n-e d-i-n-i-n-g.  We found the atmosphere a bit stuffy and better suited for the AARP crowd. The real find is the Farmhouse’s downstairs bar.  The space feels like an old wine cellar, with dim lighting and rustic stone walls.  It’s got a romantic, almost mysterious vibe, along with a wide array of beers, wines, and spirits—a great backdrop for a date. (Open Tu-Th 5p-9p; F-Sa 5p-10p.)

Is your inner carnivore screaming for steak? For some of the best in Allentown, saddle up and head out to Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse—part of the New Jersey-based chain. Prime rib’s their specialty, but they also dish out chicken, seafood, and tasty burgers. (Vegetarians, you’re limited to ravioli and a plentiful salad bar.)  Drink specials include $1.50 margaritason Tuesdays and $2 pints on Thursdays. The space is almost as delectable as the meat—special rooms for larger parties, a bar and lounge area and a cozy fireplace. The main drawback are the crowds at this popular spot, so be sure to reserve a table in advance. (Open M-Sa 11:30a-10p.)

Here’s good Italian food without pretension.  Café Buon Gusto is half pizzeria and half dining room, so feel free to call ahead and order from the take-out menu, or enjoy a sit-down dinner.  Either way, you won’t be disappointed.  Their entrees (around $17) include pasta, veal, chicken, seafood, and steak dishes, and are served with bread, salad, and a choice of pasta.  The pollo parmigiana is tasty, though we found the pollo francese a little too lemony.  Prepare for large servings and save trunk space for lefteovers. And don’t forget to bring your own bottle of vino. (Open M-Sa 11a-10p; Su 4p-10p.)

Got extra cash to burn or parents in town?  Try the Buckeye.  Dishes range from the mundane (like nachos) to the classy (like the Crabmeat Colorado, a $30 dish featuring filet mignon and lump crab meat).  Set in a stone tavern from the 1700s, the décor is a little tacky—think Cracker Barrel on steroids. While service is inconsistent, appetizers like the cheesy garlic bread more than make up for it. (Open M-F 11a-9p; Sa noon-10p; Su noon-9p.)

With its gaudy, gold-framed photographs, its large, color-bulbed Christmas lights and oversized plastic cakes on the walls, this deliciously kitschy Italian restaurant is so tacky it’s fun. There is a Pope Room, complete with a bust of the pontiff in the middle of a round table, and music playing overhead from great Italian-American singers like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. The bathrooms take the experience to the next level: You’ll find pictures of naked people, and hear the opposite sex speaking Italian over the stereo system. For dates? Not so much. But Buca is perfect for large groups, because the dishes are served to be shared, family-style, right down to the desserts. When you’re being seated, you’re led through the kitchen and greeted by everyone—even the chef. Check your diet at the door, as the food here is high-calorie and high-carb, but every bite is worth it. You can’t screw up your order, but the macaroni rosa and chicken parmigiana are favorites. If, by some miracle, you have room, the bella festa is a cake-and-ice-cream masterpiece. (Open M-Th 11a-10p; F-Sa 11a-11p; Su 11a-9p.)

Living by the motto, “we cook what we want to eat,” the chef at Black Orchid serves up a smorgasbord of fusion food that’s hard to pigeonhole. While the no-frills exterior and floor-to-ceiling mauve walls inside might not excite the senses, the food comes to the rescue. With colorful appetizers like collard green dip, served with warm, homemade tortilla chips, and soul food-inspired entrees like tamarind baby back ribs and Creole shrimp, everything on the menu is full of vibrant spice and flavor. The portions start out big, but each dish also comes with a choice of two sides. We recommend the collard greens, corn pudding, and especially the candied yams. Even the macaroni and cheese is a creamy delight. No matter what you order, make sure to wash down your meal with a sweat tea—theirs is spectacular. Regardless of what you’re in the mood for—Southern or Caribbean-inspired, even Italian—the chef at Black Orchid is ready to prepare it from scratch. Just plan on a wait—home-cooked meals take time!  (Open Tu-Su 11a-2p, 5p-9p.) 

$$$ Italian

MIN 1243 Tilghman St.
610-770-7717

On one of the busiest streets in Allentown lies a quaint garden courtyard, filled with Roman statues and fountains. At Bellisimo, you reward your senses long before the food’s brought out. (Inside, too: The dimly lit, tiled dining room is a long way from the chaos of Seeger’s.) Each meal begins with Italian rolls dipped in hot garlic and oil. Don’t skip the appetizers here: The hot antipasto, with Italian meats, cheeses and fish, is particularly good. The entrees are generously portioned, and rarely disappointing. Tuscan wine, elegant music, the soft gurgle of a fountain: It’s easy to forget—and depressing to remember—that you’re a few car lots away from campus. (Open Tu-Su 11a-10p.)

It’s really your pick when it comes to a night out at the Apollo Grill.  The place is a combination of fancy restaurant and sports bar; a dimly lit, slightly overcrowded dining area full of beautiful paintings adjacent to a bar with a television screen for ESPN.  The food, wherever you end up, is delicious.  Like the crowd and atmosphere, the menu is split between affordable fare and items to save for a night when you’re planning to step up to your “A-game.” While entrees typically run $11 to $25, there’s plenty to fit the college budget:  the appetizers, club sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and pastas are all priced from $7 to $11.  For the older crowd, there’s a dizzying array of martinis and wines.  Beware the dessert menu you’ll get before receiving your bill – it’s hard to resist. The Apollo Grill is nice but not over the top—the perfect place to take first dates, long-time loves, and parents. (Open Tu-Sa 11a-10p.)

If this is your first time, you probably just passed Amigo Mio. Turn the car around, and drive more slowly this time! Yes, it’s in a plain fow house, and no, there isn’t a parking lot. But trust us: it’s worth it. The Mexican here is tasty and there’s nothing remotely Tex about it. You’ll be seated in Amigo’s single, living-room sized dining area, and suprised to find a full bar and warm yellow walls. All entrees are reasonably priced at $3 to $4 but surprisingly small so don’t be afraid to order two.  If your satisfied stomach is brave enough to take on desert, try the flan. This is no ordinary flan – it comes in flavors like double chocolate and pumpkin. So fire up your GPS and remember to bring cash. (Open W-F 5p-9p.)