Trad'l American

Magnolia's Vineyard

MIN  2204 Village Rd., Orefield
610-395-1233
www.magnoliasvineyard.com

This secluded restaurant, in an old 19th-century country inn, certainly lets you escape the chaos of campus. The decor is surprisingly modern, though, and the food cosmopolitan. For an added twist, legend has it that a young woman (waiting for her lover to return from war) haunts the building. That may explain the short wait time between your appetizer and main course—maybe the host wants to get you moving before you encounter any wandering spirits. (Open Tu-Sa 5p-9p; Su 3p-9pm.)

King George Inn

MIN  3141 Hamilton Blvd.
610-435-1723
www.kinggeorgeinn.com

Though its neighbors are Dorney Park, a mini-golf course, and several chain restaurants, the King George Inn manages to seem distant from it all.  Its traditional wooden chairs, uncovered ceiling beams and lacey white tablecloths transport diners to 1756, the year the historic landmark opened. Everything is Ye Olde English at the Inn, down to the stone building itself. Keep your upper lip stiff as you try the no-nonsense seafood and steaks, and watch your wallet: The steep prices don’t mean big portions . You’ll never go thirsty, though, as the wine list is exceptional. The small dining room gets packed by 7pm on a Saturday night, so reservations are a good idea.  Be sure to throw on a nice shirt and pair of shoes, too—diners didn’t wear hoodies at the Inn in 1756 and they shouldn’t wear them now!   So sit back, relax, and enjoy your expensive English meal, ol’ chap! (Open M-Th 11:30a-10p; F-Sa 11:30a-11:30p; Su 3p-9p.)

The Hanoverville Roadhouse

MIN 5001 Hanoverville Rd., Bethlehem
610-837-1122
www.hanroadhouse.com

If you’re expecting a casual and noisy Texas Roadhouse, you’re in for a surprise.  Housed in a historic building from the 1820s, the Hanoverville Roadhouse has a warm and homey feel: you’ll be tempted to look for a doorbell as you walk across the porch and reach the old wooden door. The Raodhouse proudly displays the past with exposed beams and portraits of Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin.  It’s gourmet but not exotic – the dishes are traditional American fare and include prime rib, shrimp scampi, and chicken marsala.  The place is a bit pricey (although well worth it) and attracts a classier, more mature crowd than the typical college joint. (Open M-Sa 11:30a-3:30p; 4p-9p; Su 3p-8p.)

Glasbern

MIN 2141 Pack House Rd., Fogelsville
610-285-4723
www.glasbern.com

The Glasbern Country Inn, set on a one-hundred acre historic farm-turned-conference center and B&B, is a welcome change of scenery. Think beams, candlelight and stone-wall rustic elegance (“smart casual” attire is required)—for a price. You’ll dine on pasture-raised meats, and fruits and vegetables grown on-site.  (The menu changes with the seasons to include and highlight produce that’s currently available.)  You order a la cart Sundays through Fridays but are limited to a four course prix fixe menu ($55 per person) on Saturdays.  While everything’s good, we strongly recommend the Glasbern salad and the oven-roasted Glasbern chicken.  (Open daily 5:30p-8:30p; reservations required.)

GEO Spirits & Cuisine

MIN 904 W. Hamilton St., in the Crowne Plaza Hotel
610-530-8570

The bright and lively décor may be one of the only memorable things about this restaurant.  Of course, there’s also the faint smell of chlorine and the patrons in bathing suits (thanks to the hotel’s nearby swimming pool) that sets Geo apart.  The service is on the slow side, though the food’s not bad (steak excepted). At least the prices are high.  (Open M-Th 11a-11p; F-Sa 11a-midnight; Su 11a-10p.)

Federal Grill (P)

MIN 536 Hamilton St.
610-776-7600
www.federalgrill.com

This casual chic establishment is anything but an all-American eatery. The Grill is an oasis downtown—zebra-print bar stools, window-pane mirrors and understated twinkle lights give off a soothing, eclectic ambiance. The menu changes daily, featuring a refreshing twist on familiar cuisine: award-winning steaks, seafood and pastas. Downstairs you’ll find a full smoking bar, complete with over three-dozen brands of cigars to choose from. If balancing a cigar with a martini glass isn’t your skill, head upstairs to the dining room—great for a night on the (Allen)town. When it’s available, order the deep yellow, richly flavored carrot soup, or the pepper crusted hay tuna, delectable if sushi-grade fish does it for you. The lunch menu is lighter on your wallet, and includes burgers, salads, and a light alternative to French fries called “tobacco onions.” (Open M-Th 11:30a-3p, 5p-10p, F 11:30a-3p, 5p-1a; Sa 5p-1a.)

Apollo Grill

MIN  85 W. Broad St., Bethlehem
610-865-9600
www.apollogrill.com

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.)