The Bookstore Speakeasy in Bethlehem
Categories
Location on the map
Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, US
From the business
Service options
Health and safety
Highlights
Accessibility
Offerings
Dining options
Amenities
Atmosphere
Crowd
Planning
Payments
Site: http://www.bookstorespeakeasy.com/
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday:Closed
- Wednesday:Closed
- Thursday:5–11PM
- Friday:5PM–12AM
- Saturday:5PM–12AM
- Sunday:Closed
Charged $50 to reserve a table for 5 and it does not come off the bill when you are there. Was told it’s a different system if we don’t see it just call. $50 was never refunded and calls do not get answered and emails not returned. Also, extras added to the bill that had to be removed. It’s a shame. Could be a cool place if menu was a little bigger and they didn’t try to steal money.
Love love loveeeee this gem!I couldn’t find the location right away but I actually enjoyed that aspect of it. Truly hidden. ;)The drinks are outstanding and delicious. The food is amazing. There is so much detail to this restaurant that takes you back in time.It is on the pricy side, but worth every dollar spent.
Here’s The thing about the Bookstore: it is a great place to go; The food is very good; the drinks are excellent; The atmosphere is low lit and very romantic; and the addition of live music makes this a perfect date place. However, whoever is running this place is doing a very lousy job with taking reservations. On one occasion we made a reservation, only to have it changed by the establishment without telling us, completely messing up our other plans for the evening. Just yesterday I tried to make a reservation with them, used the chat feature on their website to request a reservation and called and left not one but two messages on their voicemail. No one ever got back to us, so now we are headed to Tre ScaliniFor dinner instead. Good luck dealing with this place, it’s extremely frustrating.
Made a reservation based off someones suggestion. I only received confirmation 3 days before, which can be an issue if you need to make reservations elsewhere. I guess good reviews are of an impression that was Pre-Covid, because we did not go to the same restaurant. Very limited menu for dinner and drinks compared to an alleged 120 ct. cocktail menu. The drinks we did get we were not impressed. Especially for being somewhat of a cocktail bar. I personally witnessed my hot drink be made and then put to the side for 7 mins before receiving it. Food was okay, not incredible. They seemed to be small plate dishes. Would not recommend for food or drinks, but the jazz was decent. Of note, there is a $4 charge for nights they have jazz.
Quite possibly the coolest place Ive been to in a very long time. Staff was awesome, food and drink were great, the bartender makes all of their own bitters and ingredients, the live jazz band was relaxing and not too loud or in your face.. but the kicker?... its history. This place was a legit speakeasy back in the 20s and 30s. The dark, mostly candle lit ambiance takes you back for, what I can only imagine is, an authentic experience... we drove almost 2 hours just to check it out and will gladly do so again. Highly recommended!
We were charged for several drinks that we did not order as a larger group of females there for a bachelorette. They continuously brought drinks to our table that we did not order and sat them down knowing they couldn’t take them back, but making it seem like it was their mistake for bringing the wrong drinks and we wouldn’t be charged. Guess they expected we might get too intoxicated to notice. Very poor subsequent communication with management. A major disappointment and regardless of whose decision this was (our server did report knowing what was going on and blamed it on their boss), pretty sad to know the true motivation here when this has the potential to be such a great experience.
John is a exemptulary host and server! Very attentive and friendly as well as professional and covid safe. Very knowledgeable and had answers to all our questions. Small plates were flavorful and tasty and paired well with the cocktails. Homemade tabacco bitters! Overall worth the prices and the ambiance was that of a 20s speakeasy. John had explained the history which was a nice bonus. Well be back for sure. Bill was $$ with tip $$$.
I had terrible experience attempting to book a small event (11people), the website only allows for reservations for 10. In late January / Early February I started trying to call the Bookstore to no avail, phones werent answered during business hours at any time and there was no ability to leave a message.After nearly two weeks of attempting to contact via phone, I sent a Facebook Message to the Speakeasy. After a few days I received a reply that the co-owner Linda would call us to confirm/discuss our options and were advised there was a $5,000 minimum for a party of 11, its considered a private event. We had no issue with the minimum and expressed that in the messages on Facebook.Another 2+ weeks passed with no contact from Linda, follow-up messages on Facebook went unanswered. This was extremely disappointing as our guest of honor has had the Speakeasy on their bucket list for ages now this would have been a wonderful evening.One would assume someone calling/messaging and willing to pay a $5,000 minimum for 11 people would be something a business would try to make happen, not with this establishment. Youll have better luck booking a private event elsewhere in the Lehigh Valley.
I think this place closed.Their is no real phone number. Yes, they list a phone number online, but no one answers it and you cannot leave a message.They do not respond to emails..I Facebook messaged them because I had a question about a reservation and they blocked me.Call any other restaurant in Bethlehem or anywhere else during business hours, they will answer the phone. They will also accept your reservation with open arms, because that’s revenue.Below is my UPDATE in response to the owner’s Google response:I wrote this public review 6 days ago(03/15/2022), it only went live 3 days ago, and the owner publicly responded yesterday. That is a two day response time when the community is watching.But privately they handle their business very differently. I emailed them, at the address that the owner left here on Google, early Feb and then again late Feb. I have still not received a response.I have called only during their business hours, and they never answered once. Also their auto response on their phone number says their business hours are Friday and Saturday only..For anyone that is still reading, I made a reservation on their website for more than 5 people. They require a deposit, which I happily payed on my credit card.After I made the reservation I emailed and tried calling them to ask a few questions regarding the reservation. That is all that happened, nothing crazy.After I went a month with not being able to get in touch with them, I canceled my reservation, thinking they must be having issues with their business.On a positive note I did get my money refunded, but even that was automated. To date (06/29/2022) the only communication they responded to was this public review.Very confusing business practices..
The bookstore was awsome. I love the entrance that was very unsespecting. Our waitress Megan did an awsome job. Drinks and food were very good. My wife ordered something that was not on the menu nor common. They made it and she said it was awsome. Definitely going back!
If anyone asks me where I would like to go to celebrate any birthday, anniversary, or any other thing a person could celebrate, I give the same answer every time. THE BOOKSTORE SPEAKEASY! Every. Single. Time. It’s a very cool place. And it’ll make YOU cool, too, just for going! 😉 Why? I thought you’d never ask.First off, it’s rather a small-ish place, all cozy and dim lighting to resemble the old time candlestick lighting, and well, a speakeasy is supposed to be a secret, so no bright lights! And the menu is given to you in an old book, pasted into the book..shhhh, don’t say anything to anyone! Also, there are rules. Yup. RULES. Like “no cellphones”, we gotta keep it real. (actually you can have your darn phone. But if you want to really experience this place... don’t. ) The hammered copper bar is gorgeous, as are the bartenders...um..I mean the bar DRINKS! Yeah. The drinks. These are so unique that you must go back there often, just to experience them. My fave? “Trollop in a Tram Car”. There’s one called “Forbidden Fruit Cocktail”, the ever popular “Side Car”. The bar munchies are yum. There’s roasted chickpeas, black truffle fries (OMG these are the BEST!) and more! The food here is amazeballs! And I’m a very picky, hate most veggies and most things that are good food to an adult, I turn my nose up. But not here. It’s magic, I’m telling you! Oh! They also have live music on certain evenings. It’s music from the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, the Flapper years! And good Jazz too. Better call to make a reservation, as Thursday and Friday nights get packed and since it’s so small, save your spot!I have some photos, but I can’t find them on my phone at the moment, so I’ll go look for them and edit this review to add them in a little while. Now stop reading this review and go make a phone call! Tell them their #1 Fan sent ya!
What an incredible experience! From the minute you find the obscure, hidden front door till the time you leave, its like entering a different era! Drinks were unique and delicious, food top notch. The jazz band was amazing. Service impeccable! Cant say enough great stuff about this place. Its drinks, dinner and experience like no other! What a great night out!
Ive been to my fair share of Speakeasy bars at this point, however this place is special. Its LEGIT... Food and custom cocktails are amazing. One of the skilled bartenders crafted me something special. Everyone was as friendly and warm as the lantern lit interior. Put this on your list of places to visit. Thanks for the excellent experience!
I would have gave 4 stars and returned again for drinks one day. The reason I wont is deception. On my bill at the end of the night was a fee of $4 per person for the cover of the band that they hire to play there. They should be embarrassed and ashamed of this. No mention of this prior to the reservation, no mention of this on arrival, no mention of this at any time. An extra financial draining surprise at the end of the night. Not one person there cared or even acknowledged the band and we all get stuck paying for it. The atmosphere is nice, drinks are good, but the food is just ok. Unless you are perfect on all three you better appreciate any business you get and accommodate accordingly. The point is, we are already paying a premium for these things, and that should be accounted for in regards to having entertainment. Dont have a band, no one will care. People are there to eat and drink. First time I have ever had a restaurant charge me for a band, and again they did it without my prior knowledge and approval. BE WARNED. If they hide that from you, then what else are they hiding???
Was there on a busy Friday night. John was our server and he was EVERYTHING. He was juggling a ton of tables, but was able to make sure that we enjoyed our time there and had a unique experience. Food and drinks were fantastic, as expected. But truly, John made our night the experience it was. Thank you John, for taking care of our little party of two as if we were your largest party of the night.
Went here many times but it’s starting to go downhill. They used to have soo much selection of drinks from their books but last visit it was very limited. I asked for a simple old fashioned but they couldn’t make it because it was not in the menu. Standard cocktails should always be on the menu. Even the selection of food has been a downgrade, they used to have excellent entrees. I don’t think we’ll be returning because of the lack of selection.
My girlfriend and I were here and really enjoyed the atmosphere. At first we thought it was a bit dark. But the oil lamps on the tables created a romantic atmosphere! We both shared each others plate and enjoyed each dish from the small dish to the dessert. We had Salmon Dumplings (portion was quite small, 4 small peices); Skirt Steak (days special, it was tender); Crab Cake (flavorful, but on the dry side); virgin cocktail (let the bartender create it, mango base was amazing); chocolate ganache (blown away, on the sweeter side).If this was helpful please click the [thumbs up helpful] button. Thank you.
I mean whats not to like about the bookstore. Definitely a South Bethlehem icon and the small speakeasy vibe combined with live music makes it the perfect smile and nod kind of atmosphere. Bad jokes aside youre really here for the phenomenal drinks, great staff and just a good time. Ive been coming here since college around 2012/2013, have never been disappointed and have left quite tipsy. Of course I took an Uber home dont judge me.
I usually visit a speakeasy out of curiosity and never go back. I can’t wait to go back to this one not only for a happy night of drinks, the music, the decoration, the outstanding servers, the food! Everything at this place is 5 stars! And I heard they do brunch (?)!
I loved this restaurant! The food was outstanding, the crafted cocktails were delicious, and our waiter John was so knowledgeable and friendly. The decor and attire was spot on, and the live jazz band made for such a nice experience overall. I highly recommend, and will definitely be back the next time I’m in Bethlehem.
Went last night for my bday. Never went to one before definitely over priced for appetizer and cocktails. Need more help took way too long to get drinks. Took a $70 deposit and did not come off the bill but should be getting put back in my account. Food was cold also and my daughter got sick. She asked the waitress to make sure it was. It cooked with butter she is lactose intolerant and they did not listen. Will not be back
Multiple times, through multiple avenues I have had reservations taken but not held, or available (on line) but then later refused or proposed two hours later than scheduled. No thank you. Im not interested in being in the know. I just want a drink and a good meal, and luckily, in Bethlehem, I can get that in several other restaurants that know how to take and hold reservations.UPDATE: So, in the spirit of fairness, I DID email the address provided by the owner below. Three months later . . . still no response.
Just went last Saturday. Place was fantastic as always. Best drinks around by far. Atmosphere is the best. Went on a live jazz night which was fantastic. Wasn’t to loud or cramped like some people say. One of the best places around.Not serving entrees anymore but we just ordered three small plates and a dessert and we’re plenty fullLove this place
If youre in Bethlehem, this place is a must-stop! So authentic and classy. From the decor, to the staffs attire, it really transports you back to the days of Prohibition.Now lets talk about the drinks. The mixologists are absolutely unique. The spin they put on their drinks and the creativity thats behind each and every ingredient sets this place apart from everywhere else.Know in advance that they only offer small plates, but dont let that deter you. Their food is delicious, especially the lamb chops and beef tips.All in all, if youre looking for a break from the norm and a truly unique experience, you have to check out The Bookstore.
First experience here got off to a bumpy start, as the staff miscommunicated and left us sitting at the table for a half hour without being greeted or placing an order for drinks. BUT, as soon as we grabbed a server and brought it to their attention, the experience turned around for the better. Small plates were wonderfully cooked and lots of flavor in each dish, and the cocktails are fantastic to go along with the Prohibition ambiance. Staff was incredibly friendly and more than made up for the slip up. Overall, very very happy with the experience. and a big thank you to the staff for recovering so well after the initial mistake!
Anytime we visit bethlehem we make sure to stop by the bookstore. love the vibe and the entire aesthetic. staff is super friendly. make sure to remember to make a reservation as this place is typically packed. options for vegetarians are slim, but here are a few. the music is great and so are the drinks. cheers!
My husband and I have gone there several times in the past(a few tears ago)and it was so special that we had taken many friends and relatives there. To say the least we were very disappointed the other day to find they only have a small plate menu now rather than a dinner menu and a very limited specialty drink menu. We were quite embarrassed as we had raved about the place to the friends who we met there for dinner. The ambiance was still awesome but sadly we left before the music started. The small plates were very good and the service was fine. We will go back in the future if full dinner and full drink menu comes back.
Wow! Just wow! Finally a truly interesting, well-thought-out dining establishment in the Lehigh Valley! Firstly, the non-descript entry is very intriguing and makes one feel as they are entering a secretive and illicit business. Once inside, it is as if youve stepped back in time. The dim lighting, the collection of antique books spilling out of every nook, the oil lamps, candelabras and furniture, the long velvet drapes, and generally dark elements give an overall feel of intimacy and impropriety. It is apparent that the designer did extensive research concerning the details of an authentic speakeasy during the period of Prohibition. All of the decorative elements brilliantly come together to give the impression that the locale has a long history of covert and unlawful activities (so naughty!).I avoid establishments with big-screen t.v.s, which only detract from the ambiance and irritate the retinas. They show a lack of imagination and an attempt to attract patrons for reasons other than ambiance, delicious cuisine and impeccable service. Here, you wont find a t.v. diminishing the wonderfully-orchestrated vibe of the locale.I stopped in without a reservation on a Friday evening. The staff was very accomodating, professional and friendly and they expeditiously found me a seat at the bar. They appear to be expertly trained in moving about the dining area in a very stealth-like and courteous manner, delivering and collecting items without interrupting conversations or disrupting the cozy environment. Their period-appropriate clothing was also a very nice touch.It was extremely entertaining watching the bartenders create some very unique libations. At one point a blow torch came out and a small piece of hardwood was set ablaze and then immediately covered with a cocktail glass to collect the smoke. Hayley, the bartender was very interesting, engaging and knowledgeable. He was very well-spoken and used quite an extensive vocabulary to describe the nuances of the different cocktails. I had an Upper Manhattan and a Black Manhattan, both of which were a delightful twist (no pun intended) on a traditional Manhattan.The deliciously-seasoned salmon was prepared exactly as I had requested--medium well in the center and crispy on the top. The asparagus was cooked to perfection and the fingerling potatoes were exquisite.My entire experience at The Bookstore Speakeasy was an epicurean and ambient delight.
I was travelling with my friend and he found this place. It was alittle tricky to find and he knocked on the door before entering. It was like being transported back to the 1920s they have it so themed it felt like time travel not going to have dinner!! I felt like a kid at Disney World. The drinks are mind blowing and the food was delicious. The hostess was so sweet and friendly, we didnt have a reservation but she squeezed us in. I highly recommend getting a reservation as it is a small place. I have never been anywhere like it before, I highly recommend it, its the bees knees!!
Drinks was made well! Loved the atmosphere and the staff. Great place to unwind after a long day of work. With great food and live music. Make sure you’re not super hungry, those small plates will add up. Had almost every plate on the menu. Don’t have any complaints on the foods. Must try the fries too!
Gentle live jazz fills the warmly lit restaurant and casts a soft glow on the copper topped bar. Knowledgeable bartenders are visible as they concoct past time drinks with a modern twist or adhere to traditional recipes. Perfectly cooked small plates and prepared appetizers. Excellent location for a date night or to enjoy a few specialty drinks with friends.
We couldnt find the place..lol. but did eventually. Loved it! Cozy and relaxed ambience. Small plates (food)were delicious! The live duo were great and very entertaining,I just wished they play some jazz because they mentioned that on the website..andI didnt like how the 2 musicians were saying the f word on the mic while they were talking to the crowd, I found that very unprofessional and a huge turn off! But aside from that I had a good time and will go back. John the server was very nice and attentive also the host at the front( cant remember her name...African American girl) was very nice too. It was an awesome evening!
One of my absolute favorite places for a date night. Cocktail menu is smaller than pre-covid, but the variety and flavors are all there. Boyfriend and I got several plates to share, all were delicious. Server was apologetic because they were apparently short-staffed that night, but the service was still great and we really didnt notice any wait at all between the cocktails, live jazz, and awesome atmosphere.
Ive been to many places in the U.S. and internationally. It would be tough to name a place that makes better cocktails than this place! Their take on classic cocktails is fantastic and they only use the best ingredients. Their chef is great too. If you want to feel like youre at a real 1920s speakeasy, this is the place.
Neat little place. Drinks were incredible. Many options of mixed drinks and they are open to making things off the menu. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and helpful. Always made great suggestions. Food was good, group of four and all we had were appetizers. Drinks ranged from 12 to 18 dollars. Little pricey but not unexpected for the level of service and quality. Environment was good and decor was neat. Most lighting was by candle.
The atmosphere is unique and fun. Real candles and oil lamps illuminate the otherwise dark dining area. Great food and delicious cocktails. Apparently it has a real history from the times of prohibition. The live jazz music was the perfect touch to our evening. Will be frequenting again
The Bookstore is finally back and we were blown away at the safe and comfortable, yet intimate and fun experience they had for us. The music was amazing, the gas lamps glowing, the food as amazing as ever and of course, the best cocktails in the valley. We felt so welcomed and cared for and had the best time. Can’t recommend these fine folks enough.
The Bookstore is a great place for an evening meal. Their newer smaller drink menus makes it easier to try out more seasonal drinks, and the food menu is small but everything was delicious and the portions where great. Plus the desserts were fabulous. Would highly recommend.
If youre looking for an exquisite dining experience, this isnt the place, but if you want to step back in time into the Roaring 20s, this is your spot. The atmosphere is so authentic to the Prohibition Era. The host was very knowledgeable about the era. Our waitress didnt bother to give us any history but she was super nice. The entertainment was very good and you will pay $4.00 for their cover fee which, I think is a great idea. A glass of Cabernet is $15 😳 now for the food experience... My short rib sandwich was so salty it was almost inedible, my sisters salmon meal was overcooked, and my friends jerk chicken over a pile of mashed potatoes came out cold and looked unappetizing. But overall this place is pretty cool! I came for the first time to celebrate my birthday and I truly enjoyed the experience but the next time I come I will try to bring in my own wine, and I definitely will not be ordering any food.
We really enjoyed our visit here.We got drinks and a small dinner. Both drinks were delicious and the food was not disappointing (they make a homemade ketchup dip for their fries that is AMAZING).We look forward to coming later in the evening to hear live music.There were reviews/complaints that its too dark but the atmosphere is really pretty and once your eyes adjust, its really not that dark.
After hearing many locals rave about this place I had to experience it! Some of the comments on the positive... “great food,” atmosphere Like “walking into a timezone,” And... “great service!”Our experience did not encounter anything close to any of the above compliments... from the time we arrived until we left which sadly, was definitely too long!Upon arrival, of course we expected to see a jazzy, charming Replica of the early 1900’s... negative.Yes it was dimly lit… Just like many restaurant/bars, but to us... just looked like an old bar, as in, not well preserved?!Next, While we arrived on time… Of course, with reservations, we were greeted by a guy Who reminded us that we had an hour Before another Reservation would be coming in?!Then, after sitting down in an overcrowded, Very noisy, Dim lit, old looking, charm lacking atmosphere, We order our food, which turned out to be burgers… Being thrown off by everything else, we just felt safer with burgers, And making a brunch out of what we fully truly wanted and expected.The waiter also lacked charm, warmth, And anything else you would look for in regards to “great service!”No smiles, Or welcoming Pleasantness, Just a very rushed, Absolutely no personality… Business as usual attitude... Very strange!Finally, after an hour and a half of waiting for our BURGERS, They arrive… Dry and tasteless!!!We Felt exactly the same about everything we were experiencing along the way… Believe me none of this was hard to pick up on!Lastly, another waiter Approached our table Before 45 minutes of our hours time limit, Which again was Our first greeting... As if that wasn’t bad enough, to add insult to injury... Here comes this guy to tell us our time is almost up!!!?? Not kidding… I wouldn’t kid about something like this!The burgers were Priced like they were gourmet,Yet were literally uneatable! I do not eat fast food, but In this case, I would have enjoyed Burger King much more! 😱😳
Fantastic! Ive been to many similarly described places, but this is by far the best. The cocktail chefs (because bartender is setting the bar too low for these fabulous creators) were fantastic: great drinks, super friendly and personable. The food that suggested was....there are no words. The scallops melt in your mouth. Even the sliders are tiny works of art. The cheese board to substantial, with a delicious variety. The decor and ambiance is cool and interesting, without being pretentious. Two things to know: reservations should be made (two of us squeaked into the bar but just barely) and bring your money and leave the budget at home. But its well worth it. Well be back!!
Such a cool place. Good food, great atmosphere, and super high quality service. Our server handpicked each of our drinks based on out preferences and when they were outside the scope of the menu, would create a new drink. The only minor downside is that since its so good theres a very long wait to get a table.
I Visited the Bookstore For the first and Last Time last night. TOTALLY Disappointed with the Service, Food and Prices. The Theme was a good idea but the place was so hot and cramped it was not relaxing. It took forever for our waitress to get our drink order. After about 40 minutes My Girlfriend and I ordered the Bookstore Cheese Burger well done, I asked if they could add fried onions or maybe some bacon , the waitress explained they dont have those items. It took forever for our food to arrive. When it did arrive it was a store bought hamburger patty that was rare on the inside, thats pretty bad that we could see the red with very dim lighting . Your Menu has a lot of big words but the bottom line is a basic cheeseburger with a side of fries cost $17.00. The Drink prices were extremely high and to top it off I just read the bill and was charged a cover charge for the band. With the price of the food and drinks you would figure the Entertainment would be paid out of all the money you already overcharged for the drinks and Food. We basically Paid $139.25 for 2 under cooked Cheese Burgers, 2 Bowls of Curry Soup and 6 drinks. I have to tell you this is the first review I have ever written so for me to do this has to tell you how unsatisfied I was with your Restaurant. I posted 1 star just so I could post my review. I will make it a Point to let everyone I know about my experience at your Establishment
The atmosphere was terrific. The band was great. The drinks were totally worth the visit. The only reason this isn’t a five star review is the service. The service was awful. I probably would have spent twice as much money had I actually seen my waiter and been able to order drinks. Instead it was like he disappeared into the abyss. In the 1 and 1/2 hours I spent there I was able to order a grand total of 2 drinks. Both of them were terrific I’m just bummed I couldn’t try more.
This place is very cool and authentic feeling. Right down to how the waitresses and bar tenders dress. The food was good and they have unique cocktails they change often. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Too bad the surrounding community cant appreciate more creative places like this. Hopefully they stay in business.
Overall good night and a nice date. 4 stars for the good food and dessert and drinks. And really sweet redhead who moved reservations around to find us a seat and made sure we had water. Would be 5 stars but it is really cramped and dark and wish our waitress paid as much attention to us as she did her bartender boyfriend.
I really loved my time at the bookstore. The whole experience was authentic. The music was lovely and the menus are sewed into old books. I was asked what kind of drink I would like and had a costume cocktail made just for me based on what I told them I liked. It is a little on the pricey side. But you are paying for the whole experience. I will definitely return. This place was so much fun!
Ive never been to a speakeasy so I cant compare but the live band, the dim lighting and the decor made me feel like I was in the 1920s. The staff dresses the part and they are very kind and knowledgeable with drinks. Theres a $3 cover charge for the band and the drinks ate pretty pricey but I guess thats what you would pay in philly or NYC so it didnt bother me too much. I went with some friends on a Thursday, we made a reservation 3 hours before but we got there early, there were about 3 tables empty, we were able to sit immediately. The band was great, we had a really great time.
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.
Remarkable cocktail bar with extensive cocktail menu program. Very impressive for a cocktail bar outside of a major metro. Staff is incredibly well trained and knowledgeable. Joseph, our server, went above and beyond to cater to all of our cocktail needs and flavor pursuits. Will definitely be back and will recommend to friends.
Easily some of the most fun Ive ever had. A secretive little place with live jazz, candlelight, phenomenal cocktails, and great service and food. My girlfriend took me here for my birthday, and it was easily the best meal of my life. The server even bought me a dessert! Ill be back very soon!
Made reservations for five people. Arrived tonight at 510 PM to be turned away at the door because “they don’t accept kids under 12”… nowhere on the website does it say anything about age restrictions except after 9 PM. Have been here before but will definitely not be back.
Service was as extremely slow. Dec 27 2019 my gf took me here to surprise me. I was excited by the novelty of it. The cocktails are great. The ambiance is different. But the service was extremely slow. Drinks came out slow. I would have drank at least three or four more but only had two in the time I was there. The food is expensive for the quality. We had the poutine which was awesome but expensive. And the beef tips with Gorgonzola which was extremely small and had almost no Gorgonzola. For $16 I felt robbed. Overall neat idea but I will most likely never go back.
Im a huge fan of speakeasys. Whats a better place to come for an intimate date or a catch up session with a girlfriend than a cozy establishment with amazing drinks and live jazz performances? Upon entering, youre immediately thrown back in time to the Prohibition era. Everyone here is very friendly and welcoming. Their drink menu is organized by the type of alcohol, so its easy to narrow down your choices. All the cocktails Ive had here have been great. Their food, on the other hand, is a different story--very mediocre and overpriced. I even had to send back a cheesecake dessert because of how gritty the texture was, and I rarely ever send back food. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time because they can get filled pretty quickly on Friday and Saturday nights.
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.
Awesome place at an interesting location! You have to enter this creepy little door in the back alleyway, but once inside you are met with a beautiful dark atmosphere. Dimly lit tables and jazz music fills the room. Cocktails are amazing! Food a great. Warning though, this place is expensive. It’s worth it, but don’t be shocked by the high prices. Additionally, make reservations in advance. Hard to get a table otherwise. Two hour limit on tables
3rd time there. We had reservations and they were running slightly behind because of customers. They gave us complimentary champagne and a portion off of our large bill. We ordered multiple rounds of food and had a quite large amount of drinks that we all enjoyed. The live band was great and we all enjoyed our time.
Such a cool place! You wont find another place with ambience remotely close to this, and the drinks menu would please Coligula - several pages ranging from classics to seasonal creations. This is perfect for a date night or evening out with friends, but you should definitely make reservations!
Love this place bartenders #Ryan and #Neal are super friendly! Atmosphere is truly unique! Live jazz bands and 1920s feel! Great food craft cocktails! One thing I didnt like they didnt tell you when you made the reservation on the phone that you need to be 21 to come in after 9pm if your eating. Im forgetful and always forget my is luckily I had it when I came for my reservation
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 dont 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.
One of the coolest atmospheres in any restaurant. Go on a Saturday night and enjoy the live music. Just make sure you make a reservation! Oh and careful, the drinks are strong.Update: Visited for dinner this time and the food is outstanding. One of the best meals Ive had in the Lehigh Valley. A must try for a nice dinner.
The environment is very unique and inviting. However the service was very slow. The server was very adamant that the drinks and his bartending skills were amazing. In the nearly 2 and a half hours sitting at the table, I was able to get two drinks and it took atleast 15 minutes for the new drink to come. He continued to walk around like other staff appearing clueless. Additionally, half of our party got their food and was cold by the time they waited for the rest of the party to be served. Larger parties who were seated and ordered after us were served before completely serving our table. It was obvious that their entrees were probably served to other tables. Our server often looked at the table and just did nothing. Food was given to some and not all and drinks were empty. My food was excellent despite it being cold and soggy by the time the other couple on our double date was served. I believe its rude to eat until all are served, but it was 25 minutes before our table of 4 was completely served their meal. We were trying to celebrate a special occasion and my fiance and I were very disappointed that our night was slightly ruined by the poor service. I heard such great things and well it was a let down. The server offered to have a manager come by but never did. Just very disappointed. I think 2 stars was far too generous.
An amazing experience that makes you feel like you’re in the 20s. The food is good and the mixed drinks are amazing. They will even custom make drinks to fit what you like. What other place can you name that will put an orchid in your drink? It is expensive but worth it.
I can only speak for the appetizers and beer. Both were very good. Good food, and nice beer selection. Everyone was very nice. Its enough different that its well worth stopping by. I forget which band was playing, but they were great. Loud enough to know they were live, but quiet enough I could talk across the table without raising my voice. Nice mood. Dont go if youre looking for an inexpensive night out, but do go if youre looking for a a fun time. Cloth towels (well stocked) in the bathrooms, nice touch. Also very clean.Parking is easy, public lot just off the corner street.
Drinks on point, one of the best hard cider I have ever had. Appetizer (artichoke squash dip) was great. The big letdown was the dinner. The most underwhelming entree I have had in a while (beef Wellington). Under seasoned, cooked unevenly, and served with room temperature mashed potatoes. If i return here it will just be for drinks. Also the service was very slow. 2 drinks app, 2 beef Wellington entrees 108$ Before tip.
Our second visit and all I can say is it only gets better. Once again we came in for appetizers and drinks. Max was making the best Margaritas in town for us, Megan our server was amazing and the friendliest person ever, and to complete the trifecta was Allison our other server... wow what an amazing place, staff, people, food drinks and did I mention the music...
The ambiance and style is unique. It has a trendy sense and stands out as a speakeasy style bar/restaurant. The first time we went the bartender who served us was incredible. He was passionate about his work and you can tell that he really enjoyed his job. Tempted with giving me a unique twist on my favorite drink, an old fashion, he blew me away.The last two times we went, we got table service on a weekend. They have live music, but due to the size of the room, you cant hear or talk at all. The music is wonderful and the musicians are passionate, but you simply cant hold a conversation and I hate to say this - There is immediate relief when the bands take a break. I think if they played with no amps this could greatly improve the environment. We went once with a two instrument ensemble and it was loud enough. The last time was with three and it was ear splitting from mid room.But the real reason for going from a five star review (from a few months ago) to a two is the service.During our last couple of visits the speed of service was extremely slow. During our second visit, we were able to squeeze in just a pair of drinks a piece in about 2 hours. The recent visit we spent over two and a half hours there, and only as we were trying to get out did our second pair of drinks come... Nearly an hour after we ordered them. Quite frankly we had forgotten we ordered them.Both times the food service was wrong or there were issues that had to be resolved. We ordered desert once and waited some time just to be told they were out of something we ordered. Their answer was to double up on an order and as odd as this sounds, triple orders of deserts was too much. No complaints on the resolution, just what happened.The last time, we had dinner, and the dish came with ingredients that were not listed. While some people might not be concerned with unlisted ingredients, other might be upset that an ingredient ruins the taste of the dish overall. The solution was to remake the plate, as we desired, but it took just as long as the original order and I was done with my dinner just as my partner got her replacement.The biggest concern, and the reason I am taking this from five stars to two: Both times the service has left a lot to be desired and both times the young lady in the golden cocktail dress has flat out ruined the night.During our second visit she took care us and it was simply service. She was nice enough, but compared to the rest of the staff, including the hosts, she seemed extremely disingenuous. Overly enthusiastic for the wrong reasons, not quite listening and a personality after a big tip, not to create a great experience.Our final night the server we had was wonderful, even if extremely slow. He was attentive to our needs when he did come around. He was apologetic to any concerns around the dish, siding with us when we pointed out that the ingredient was not on the menu and discounted our bills below the value of the dish itself.The real nail in the coffin was the young waitress from our second visit and how she book-ended our night. The young man was taking care of our table all night, providing our food and drinks for the most part. But as we were trying to get out, as it was an extremely long night with slow service, we simply tried to find him to get our bill. The young lady came to us with our drinks after we had been waiting entirely too long and we simply stated we were actually trying to leave for awhile now and had not had a chance to get our bill. She gave us the most disgustingly passive aggressive smile and said Oh so you dont want these drinks I reiterated what I just said, and without another word she turned around and you can hear her stamp away, even in the extremely loud environment.
Extremely unique setting -makes you feel like youve gone back in time. But, in fitting with the old-timey speakeasy feeling, it is very cramped and tight. Live music is great, but depending on how close you are sitting to the band the music can be extremely loud. As it is meant to be a hidden bar there are no windows and it was quite stifling and sweaty when I was there (this was in the winter). Food was not too terribly memorable. I think coming for drinks and apps would probably be the best bang for your buck as you are mostly paying for the unique experience.
This place is fantastic. Amazing drinks, delicious food, and if you forgot to make a reservation (oops) you can order drinks for the waiting room until you get a spot. Wonderful vibes, live music was on point, and bartenders were fun and personable. Highly recommended!
I was so looking forward to finally experiencing this place and here’s the good and bad.. our salads were excellent as was the grape and cheese plate, entrees were “meh” as was dessert and the coffee was perfect. Drinks were good but there was so much ice in my second one it was literally a quarter of my first one. Worst part was them not honoring a gift card I had that was two years old, not used mainly because of having a hard time getting reservations. But was told they changed hands, management blah blah blah... guess what that’s not my problem and it’s not legal.. read the rules about gift cards in the attached photo. Won’t returnIn response to your response.. I can assure you my drink was in the same glass as the first one I ordered and the gift card was two years old not three and had $50 on it .. still have the receipt.. but your waiter confiscated the gift card and said he was shredding it, as a business owner you would think you’d want to build a loyal base and new customers are very expensive to acquire and it would have been much wiser of you to at least give us something in return for not honoring it. The restaurant is operating under the same name as what was on the gift card there is no way for a consumer to know ownership transitions, the law states gift cards must be honored for 5 years from purchase unless a visible expiration date is on it, which there was not. You would have lost nothing by saying I’ll meet you halfway and take $25 off. With that I would have at least felt you somewhat cared but no, you just pretty much replied to my comments with a Your Wrong statement.. wow great customer service
We were happy to find the Bookstore and consider it quite a gem. Their mixologists have a great palette and sense of balance and always mix a great cocktail! We come here for special occasions and with out of town guests. Remember to make reservations especially on weekends because the place can get packed. Also, if you have young kids, be aware that after a certain hour (I think 8), they arent allowed in. Oh, and the manager is super nice too!
Edit: Since they asked for specifics of why this only got 3 stars, Ill update it.First, the cocktails are great. Definitely more than 3 stars. Sure they are a little expensive, but expensive is the going rate for good cocktails. As this is a cocktail focused establishment, its good to see they are doing this well.The lose stars on other factors. I feel like they are falling a little short in two areas. Ambiance and Food.First, food. The last few times Ive been there, it has been just ok or a little bit above average. But most importantly, the food is also expensive and not as good as their cocktails, so Im not sure the price is justified.As for the ambiance: way too dark and way too loud. Neither of these things on its own is necessarily a problem. Dark can be intimate; loud can be energizing. But put the two together it starts to become isolating since you cant see or hear the people you are with. At times I felt as though I may as well have gone alone since I had no idea what else was going on at the table I was at. Maybe this was just because of where we were seated that night because I dont recall it being quite so miserable other times Ive been there.So, lets say the cocktails are 5 stars, food is 3, and the ambiance is 2.
We went with friends for cocktails and late night snacks (appetizers). Cocktails are always great; French 75 is my go-to for a light cocktail. The truffle fries are good (not fresh cut). The meats and cheeses appetizers were great and so were the mixed nuts. Music always has a great jazz vibe.
Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the Lehigh Valley and sure to be on my list of favorite date spots. The menu is an American style haute cuisine thats sure to leave you sated. The team of artful mixologists behind the bar create unique, and bold cocktails that will have you merry. Its vintage inspired decor and dimly lit atmosphere accompanied by jazz music provide a romantic and entertaining experience.
Great people, great experience! It is always fun to escape the norm and dive into a warm, eclectic throwback speakeasy circa 1920s. Not only is this place unassumingly tucked on a side street, but the menus are creatively tucked in real books that line the wall behind the main desk as you duck into this wonderfully staffed and decorated escape. We had two great signature cocktails and only one schnack from the menu, everything was exceptional.
My friends and I went to try this much-raved about spot and were very disappointed. Upon carding us, the hostess took my friend’s ID without explaining why. When they wanted to verify that her ID was real, she provided them with multiple forms of ID and a waiter insinuated that he still believed that her ID was fake in a rude and elitist way, which set the tone for the evening poorly. We ordered drinks and an appetizer, which were good but not worth the high prices at all. The best part was the live band.
First time here this past weekend. I consider myself quite a restauranteur having traveled around the world. The bookstore is one of the coolest restaurants Ive ever been too. Our server Joe, quite literally was one of the best servers we have had at any restaurant. He is passionate, courteous, informative, and hilarious! He is an asset to the business. You can feel his passion radiate into his work. He hand picked every single one of our cocktails, though we looked through the entire menu we decided to leave our entire experience up to him. I can honestly say how made our experience one of the best restaurants experiences in not only the US but in Europe.
I went in for a couple drinks with some friends, and thought it was a great atmosphere for an event we were planning. They had the event planner come and talk to me, in which I told him I was not sure and would need to consult other people involved. He told me if I placed a deposit of $500 and was not sure I could be refunded. I gave him my card, never received paperwork. A couple days later I found that the date of the event was changed and it was also moved to Scotland. I called 4 different times to notify them and sent MULTIPLE emails to him and the owners, with no response. After a month I finally heard from the owner who said she would refund the deposit because I wanted to book another event there. She wanted to make sure I did not dispute anything from my credit card provider for the initial deposit, after I sent her validation that nothing was in dispute I never heard from her again and never received my deposit back even after calling 4 more times. If they need the $500 so bad that they screw over clientele then they can keep it. Needless to say we will NEVER book any event with them again. I STRONGLY recommend against ever booking anything there. They are great for a quick pop in but that is it.
Cant get past their own pretentiousness, but if you can handle that, and using your cell phone to illuminate the menu and your food, youll probably enjoy this place. Tiny food menu, a bit pricey but great booze offerings from excellent cocktails to some of the best liquor selections around. Enough 1920s old people cosplay to make the clientele interesting.
I recently hosted a birthday party for a large group (17 people) at the Bookstore. Ive been to the restaurant before, but it absolutely exceeded my expectations for that night. The food was amazing, the punch bowl drinks were a hit with my friends, and the waitress was perfect. I went home completely satisfied.
The environment is awesome...hands down. Ive been to these all over the country and you guys do a great job with the environment and entertainment. The drinks are....well theres so many its very difficult to pick from. They are excellent though. A bit pricey for the area. We got 4 drinks and an appetizer that rang in around $97...
The place was so extremely hot that we could not enjoy ourselves. To create the 1920 atmosphere the restaurant is lit by candles and oil lamps. The ac could not cool the place down. We ended up blowing out our candles and turning off our oil lamp in an attempt to cool our table down. Charged $3 per person for the band that was so loud we could not hear to have a conversation. I will never go back or recommend this restaurant.
Had our family Christmas dinner here to try something different. They were very prompt with our reservation and the staff was very nice. The food was great and well worth the money. The only issue was that the drinks took awhile to come out, I had to ask the waiter a few times after waiting 15+ minutes for a cocktail.
Planned a trip to this establishment on recommendation with about a weeks lead time. Definitely try and set up your reservation as far in advance as you can because they are busy and for good reason! My party of four lucked out and we were able to get a table due to a cancellation on Cinco de Mayo.My wife had scallops and the asparagus dish, both which were 4 star fare. Great presentation, very upscale. I had the fish tacos (fish of that particular day) and it tasted great! It was not of the same level of sophistication as my wifes dishes though. My sides were green beans and french fries. The only other dish at our table was the ribeye with stuffed portabello mushroom, again with pretty average sides. Tasted great! But odd mix of fine dining and diner type fare.Great ambiance! Loved the strictly candle lit space. The bar has some amazing recipes, plan on enjoying a beverage when you go!
We had a mixed experience. We had a guest at our table who was vegan. We checked the menu...to ensure they accommodated. They did. They offered a squash and dish. We ordered...and they did not have it. No alternative. Server checked with kitchen and they said they could make something. They served it over mashed potatoes. Was told it was vegan. We asked to check with kitchen if there was butter in the potatoes and there was. They had to redo the dish. They offered nothing for the error. Dinner took 40 minutes and it was not busy. Server was friendly and nice.
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!
Went here on a whim when staying in Bethlehem for a couple of days. Note that we did go on a Tuesday, so they werent crazy busy. Everything about the experience was absolutely and utterly top notch! The food was very reasonably priced and honestly on par with some of the best restaurants Ive ever eaten at. The service was incredible, our waitress was attentive, there when we needed her, and more than accommodating! Last but not least, the drinks were out of this world, I recommend the New Deal. We live an hour and a half away and we plan on making a regular trip every month or two.
Menus were sewn into the back of real books, all beat up hardback classics. Huge list of cocktails to choose from, with fun names. Food was not quite as interesting. Room is very dark, it intensifies the mysterious vintage atmosphere but makes it pretty hard to read the menus!
Its a unique place in terms of the drinks and menu items. Prices are a bit high. The place is REALLY dark too...like dark to the point of barely being able to see the person across the table. The live music is nostalgic to the time period they are shooting for...but sometimes its just too loud for such a tiny place with such low ceilings (youre basically in a basement). The guy that was singing on my birthday was actually screaming and you couldnt even hear the instruments clearly.
We had hoped for a real 1920s experience, unfortunately what we got was a cramped, dark, over priced tavern. Our table was practically on top of the sax player, literally our toes touched as he played, and my ear was inches away from the sax. The room was so loud we had to shout to hear each other, and so dark we had to hold the menu up to the candle to read it. The service was terrible, the waitress spilled my husbands food on the table and had him put the food back on his plate. She said the table was cleaner than her hands. and she seemed to have forgotten us most of the time, and the portions of food in comparison to the high prices was equally as disappointing. I felt like olive garden could have done better. We felt completely taken advantage of, the idea of a 1920s speak easy lured us in and the end result was a pathetic attempt. In all fairness the music was great, the idea is nice, and the menu choices are unique, yet the prices and quality of the food, service, and, space just do not fit to make it all come together to be an enjoyable experience.
Fun atmosphere. Darker inside, wouldnt go here if youre looking for a well-lit space. Definitely make a reservation before you go... sometimes its a little difficult to get ahold of them by phone to make a reservation, So call when theyre openFood is delicious, a little expensive, but worth it. Unique cocktails will make you want to come back (though the Shirley temple of doom is hit or miss)
So disappointed! Used to love this place. Sent friends here a week ago and they werent impressed. Decided to see for ourselves and our food was over cooked, had to send another meal back and menu descriptions turned out to be overreaching. Considering the price, plates were very underwhelming. I highly recommend making dinner plans else where and then come for a drink and enjoy the music after.
Cozy and small venue in the basement of an old building that has a great old speakeasy vibe. Many people go dressed up in 1920s style clothing. Great old style drinks from the era and a limited, but decent menu. Not inexpensive but worth a special occasion. Live music is a bonus
Heard many good things and talked about going for months. Atmosphere was very 1920s. Drinks were definitely different than the norm. I had the crab cakes. They were delicious! Amy was a gracious server. She was friendly and efficient. Planning to go back for the live music soon.
I absolutely love it here! Live 1920s style music on Friday and Saturday nights, amazing food- menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal foods, they source from local farms, the drinks are AMAZINGLY creative and delicious. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and if you feel overwhelmed they always have helpful suggestions or you can ask them to create something for you! Neil is my favorite bartender- his drinks are on point every time!
This basement speak-easy style bar boasts a wonderfully kind staff and a great atmosphere in a fun style. But most importantly, they have the best cocktails. If you only drink party drinks or Long Island iced tea, dont bother. If youre looking for craft cocktails, stay for a couple of hours. The drinks are art in a cocktail glass.
Oh this place is absolutely amazing! Wouldnt even know its there as it is underground and you literally feel like youve landed yourself somewhere in the 1920s.The atmosphere captivates you from the moment you enter.Menus come in the form of an old book,gas lanterns are burning for just enough light.Waiters and waitresses dressed to fit the theme (the girls dresses were spectacular) Our appetisers- chickpea popcorn and Artichoke dip with flat bread were delicious.Our entrees- crabmeat sandwiches and I cant recall what mine was named but it was GOOD! (thin slices of steak on a bed of fries with a yummy green,creamy sauce) They have a huge selection of fancy drinks,so many to choose from.A jazz band were playing beautiful music,I was mesmerised by the keyboard player and stand up Bass guitarist.Couldnt recommend this place enough, one of my new favorites.Will definitely be going back next time we are in USA.
Service was awful, food not great. We waited 30 minutes for someone to take our drink order and that was only after we flagged down a wait staff. We ordered main plates - no soup, salad or appetizers - all they had to bring was one plate. Again we waited. My chicken was pink in places. We got there at 6 and got our bill around 8... no desserts or coffee, just a lot of waiting time. They charged us and 18% gratuity for our party of which felt like insult to injury. This is my second time here, not going back. If youre looking for overpriced drinks and atmosphere, this is your place, but not for food. Argh!
We went a few months ago after date night at an escape room in town.It was so fun and really gave the feel of an actual speakeasy.I see alot of complaints about wait staff etc but we were warmly greeted, all the staff was smiling and friendly, and (we sat at the bar) our bartender was fun, knowledgeable, suggested fun drinks to try, etc.I just went on the page hoping to meet up with a girlfriend of mine who lives there because I loved it!!
My wife and I have dined at the Bookstore quite a few times and generally have a good experience, so we decided to invite our friends and celebrate my birthday there. I dont know what was going on that night, but it was by far the absolute worst experience weve had there or any other restaurant in Bethlehem.(This is a long review so tl;dr: ridiculous wait periods, rude service, meh food. Go elsewhere for dinner then come sit at the bar for drinks.)We were seated promptly and greeted by our waitress who asked for our drink orders. We hadnt decided and asked for a few minutes to look at the menu. We did ask if we could have separate checks, which they were unable to accommodate per their house rules. We didnt know this ahead of time and it was not an issue, but the way that our server told us of the rule was pretty condescending. Twenty minutes later, our waitress comes back for our drink order. Unfortunately, my wife didnt care for the cocktail she ordered and discretely requested to choose another. The server made a pretty big deal about it but did allow her to choose another drink. Forty. minutes. later. our waitress comes back to take our dinner orders. We understand that it was Friday night and fairly busy, but to let a table sit waiting to even put their orders in was not acceptable, especially when she somehow managed to visit the table behind us 3 times in that timeframe.Full disclosure: I find the food at The Bookstore to be pretty mediocre but love the drinks which is the primary reason we came. Everyone was more or less satisfied with their entrees (wife LOVED the crab cakes!) except me. I ordered the vegetarian pasta because my wife generally really likes the vegetarian dishes she gets here. The mushroom/spinach/butternut squash dish currently on the menu is the worst dish I have ever eaten at this restaurant. There was no salt anywhere in that dish except the sauteed spinach the pasta rested upon. My wife tried it and told me I should send it back. I was starving and just ate it but was highly dissatisfied at the quality of that dish.For some reason, we decided to order another round of drinks, which, of course took forever. When it was clear that it had been far too long, our waitress informed us that she had accidentally sent the drinks to the wrong table, but ours would arrive shortly. No problem. But when they did arrive, mine was completely wrong. The runner apologized and took my order for the correct drink.The manager came by after our entrees, and offered my wife a free dessert because of the earlier issue with her drink. She told him it was my birthday and he very generously comped our table two desserts and a coffee. We truly appreciated his generosity and attempt to rectify our night. I added a star to my review because of this. When we received our bill, we noticed that we had been charged the $3/pp cover charge for live music. This would have been no big deal had we still been there by choice. But we spent so much time waiting and waiting to place our order, to get our drinks, to get our drinks after the mix up, that this charge felt like adding insult to injury. For this reason, we did ask our waitress if this could be removed. Again, she was unnecessarily condescending in telling us no.My wife and I were SO EMBARRASSED that we gushed about this restaurant to our friends and that they had to pay so much for such a terrible dining experience. Weve dined here several times before and had much better experiences, so hopefully it was just an off night. But we wont be back any time soon (if at all, honestly).
The atmosphere is wonderful, but that is where it ends. The staff is not very friendly or accomodating. There were 10 in our group. We had reservations fpr almost a month. The service was slow, when they finally arrived with our drinks, the server spilled a drink on my wife. No sorry and my wife had to ask for napkins, to dry it up. In our group there were 4 small business owners and it was all agreed there was little to no customer service. The food was tasty but cold. Heck they did not have any Merlot.Unfortunately none of us will return or give any positive rating. I was truly looking forward to visiting this place. Heck the dinner was a Wednesday nite no crowd but it still was bad..if you like uncaring amd unhappy faces visit.
I came in here one night alone to listen to music and have dessert, ya know...treat myself. Well, I thoroughly enjoyed my shortcake and some cop drink then I lost my car key. Like really lost my car key. As I began to sweat and panic, one of the lovely staff looked persistently until she found it. This place was perfect for ambiance, music, and style. I wish I would of brought friends, it would of scored me cool points! I’ll be back. Thank you again for the help and the service!
Have been to the Bookstore about a dozen times. The last 5 visits or so have been extremely disappointing. The quality of food they serve is well below average compared to similar places at same price point in the area. I would not recommend this place for dinner. Good atmosphere for drinks tho! Bookstore Ownership- PLEASE hire a recpectable chef!
The food and drinks were great. The steak was amazing. The only thing I didnt like was how dark it was inside. I know its their theme but I literally had to hold the menu up to candles to be able to read it. The menu by the way comes clued inside old books. Which is neat but it was to dark for me.
The people complaining about this place kill me. Weve been here a bunch of times – sometimes its perfect and sometimes there are hiccups, but if youre out to have a good time, you CAN choose NOT to get bothered by every detail. The drinks may be 10 whole dollars each, but I can name plenty of spots around the valley with pricier, weaker, and more poorly mixed drinks. Ive never had a bad cocktail here. And the bartenders are happy to create something to match your mood. My advice is to get a seat at the bar, order an assortment of meats and cheeses, and try 2 unfamiliar cocktails. After about 40 visits, youll have gone through their full drink menu. Then post a thoughtful review.PS. The crabcakes are great. If everything youre served is just as you expect it, how would you ever try anything new? Maryland schmaryland.
What a fabulous place! Terrific attention to detail, and so much fun. The menu covers something for everyone, and every item is an upgrade from the norm. And the drink menu puts all other establishments to shame. Leave the kids at home, and head to the Bookstore for a great night.
First time coming to the Bookstore Speakeasy and my boyfriend and I were coming in to celebrate Valentines Day belatedly. At first we kept driving past the place cause its very inconspicuously located (like a real speakeasy) so I cant dock points for the location (For future reference for all who go so you dont miss it, its located on the side of a building and the door just says The Bookstore and it kinda looks like an employee entrance). Upon stepping inside I was super impressed; atmosphere was super cozy and romantic. The only lighting is candelight. The menus are glued to actual books. Vintage music played the whole time. Very excellent service. The food was amazing. I had salmon and it was cooked perfectly. My boyfriend had the pulled pork sandwich and everytime he took a bite said how good it was. I suggest going on a weeknight because when they have live jazz I imagine it could get really loud because it is a rather intimate, quiet space. Would recommend this to anyone! Love the experience there and my food!
October 29, 2016: Weve been customers of the Bookstore Speakeasy since it opened. We love the ambiance, food, and live entertainment. For our anniversary weekend, we wanted a romantic evening which is why we choose this particular restaurant.We called for reservations a week prior and asked to have a table far away from the band because it is often very loud. The hostess was great. She showed us two different tables and allowed us to chose the one we liked best. After she sat us, she said our waiter would be right over.The waiter welcomed us and made a nice suggestion for a drink. Unfortunately, thats were the great service ended. He forgot to submit one of our orders and then thought we were ready to leave. We told him that we were sharing everything, and he submitted an order for two entrees instead of one. Instead of taking ownership for the mistake, he said it was a computer error. Up until this point, we could overlook the mistakes. The third, and final error, was when he used my husbands credit card to pay the bill for the table next to us.Sadly, our romantic evening to celebrate our wedding anniversary was overshadowed by incompetence. Well return because of the excellent food and atmosphere. However, were hoping that management will see this review and train the staff so that these types of mistakes wont happen again.
Amazing!! Coolest place Ive been in awhile. Was visiting from out of town. Definitely true to the speakeasy, we almost didnt find it! Menus are served in books, kerosene lamps at the tables, amazing atmosphere. Didnt order Food, but had an amazing drink. Will be back again for sure. Neat place.
Arrived at the Bookstore speakeasy to find out that they did not have any seatings available. I did try to book a table on line but not sure my connection was good bc I was already in travel. When I arrived and approached the front desk to a not so friendly hostess. I asked if there was a table or a seat at the bar. She emphatically said No and I asked to peak at the restaurant and look inside . She gave me a dirty stare and was trying to say no as I walked inside to take a peak. When I entered the inside I was approached by another employee and asked if he could help me. The two of them made me feel like I was intruding on a private wedding and not welcome there. I travel to many different cities searching out speakeasy’s and have had wonderful friendly welcomes in Binghamton NY , Baltimore MD , etc . This place turned me off completely . This one was closest to home and the least desirable. Sorry a big miss on their part. They need friendly service ! Not trying there again. I totally understand if they couldn’t get me a seat/ table it was last minute . They did make me feel Very unwelcome .They should go to the Binghamton NY one for a friendly welcome , just saying.
My first time there.... the entrancr is shady but so SpeakEasy feeling. The wait area was cool and quaint the hostess was delightful. Didnt have reservations but was told I could wait until something opened. The live music could be heard it was lively and jazzy. When finally led into the establishment were seated at a table which was nice. Unfortunately I was unable to truly experience the feel of a SpeakEasy with Live music because the party at the corner was so LOUD, high fiving it was quite annoying and took away from the vibe of the joint. Would consider visiting again just hope the future patrons wont be quite as LOUD and RUDE.
We got there, and were told they didnt have our reservation, even though a man called us 2 days prior, and left a voice mail confirming it, so they sat us at the bar. When eating at the bar, I had a soda and my friend had 2 drinks, a worker mentioned If you girls arent drinking you have to leave the bar. ??? VERY RUDE! Apparently the 80 dollars I spent in the short time we were there wasnt enough? No prices on the menu.
Total reviews rating 4.4
199 Reviews for The Bookstore Speakeasy 2023:
Review №1
2022-07-10I love this place! I havent been in many years, but it is still fantastic. Great cozy atmosphere, staff is fantastic (especially Sean, Max, and Linda (I think?!)!! The food was delish and the drinks were a flavor explosion with every sip! Definitely recommend, especially for an intimate date night. Weekend evenings, live jazz just makes the whole experience perfect!
Review №2
2022-03-28This place is amazing!! Cocktails are awesome, and fun to watch be made . Food is really good, and the service is top notch! Great environment for a date nite. BONUS.... they have live music.
Review №3
2022-03-12It’s unique, so it has that going for it! I was hoping to have live music like the site says, but was told it doesn’t start until 8. I wish the site would’ve specified that, because I would’ve made reservations for after 8.The reservation system is wonky. I picked a time and was told via text that it was not confirmed and if I wanted to be put on a waitlist… ok, sure. 1am the day I wanted to visit, I get a text message confirming. Ok…The food was delicious and the drink was strong! However - the portions were *small* and the price was *high*. We were also served with PLASTIC utensils. I’m not sure if this is a post-pandemic thing, but I spent $90+ on 2 people… I feel like I shouldn’t have had a plastic knife & fork??I’d come again for drinks only & music (since I haven’t experienced that)
Review №4
2022-03-06Amazing low-key bar. Feels like your in the prohibition Era. Very Deseret. Live jazz. Great drinks. I recommend the coconut shrimp. Warning it can be a little spicy. Highly recommend this place. 👌
Review №5
2021-09-12It is a unique experience. Really interesting (and expensive) cocktails. Amazing bartenders doing weird things like burning stuff and getting the smokey essence on your glass before making your drink, or maybe burning some of the alcohol off your Absinthe. Like stepping back in time. Often live jazz.
Review №6
2022-04-03So disappointed. My husband and I used to love it here. It had been a few years and we spent a special night out there last night. The menu is easily cut in half and only small plates. We loved to go there for dishes that weren’t offered in other restaurants and the small plate menu is not inventive- truffle fries, coconut shrimp, cheese board… all just okay. Nothing amazing. The drink menu used to be pages long and is now very small. When asking for something off menu, we were told they do not like to deviate from the menu. Meanwhile, there was a full bar behind us.We ended up going to another restaurant after our reservation for the other half of our dinner. Such a bummer because we had high expectations from past experiences.Oh, and they now use plastic silverware. $75 for 3 small plates and two cocktails (which took 20 minutes to be made)… and plastic silverware.On the hunt for a new favorite place in Bethlehem.
Review №7
2022-05-07Very cool speakeasy concept brought to life. Limited hours. Definitely make a reservation. Beautifully done theme and decor. Dim lighting and the “secret” entrance do the old time speakeasy vibe justice. The cocktails are creative, abundant, and so delicious - but strong - be careful! Our very personable server had a special one made for me with some liquors that I like. Some staff dress in period outfits. It’s a tiny place and the live music is very loud, so don’t expect to be able to hold much of a conversation while it’s playing. We’ve been here several times and make a point to whenever we’re in Bethlehem. You should too!
Review №8
2022-05-28My husband and I have been to the bookstore speakeasy several times in the past 6 months. We returned after our first time for the music and cocktails. The food is good, but it is small plates and they give you plastic ware while still charging entree prices. Once you sit, this place can be great, but there are a few things to be aware of. If you have reservations, expect to wait when you arrive. We’ve never been seated immediately. During our last visit, we arrived on time for our reservations. There was no host in sight for about 10 minutes even after ringing the bell. Other guests with later reservations began arriving. Once the host did come out and checked people in, he kept telling other guests and us that it would be a few moments. A half our after our reservation, he seats a couple who had a later reservation. When I spoke up about it, he said he was trying not to mess anything up. He then comes out and tells us that we don’t have a table and asks if we would like to sit at the bar. When we agreed to it, I turned the corner and saw 5-6 EMPTY tables and then all of the later reservations get seated around us. I have no issue sitting at the bar, but we had reservations and there were tables available so I’m wondering what criteria you must meet to be seated. The only saving grace here was the bartenders. There were kind and understanding, and the drinks are truly fabulous. While the manager listened and apologized/made excuses, the damage had been done. I do appreciate her listening. My suggestions to management is to check on your hosts, move people along if they stay too long and offer bar seating immediately if you’re running behind. Some of us like that sit at a bar anyway, and would prefer not to wait when they have a reservation. We will be back, but probably only for pop in drinks since reservations seem to get you nowhere.
Review №9
2021-12-05Such a great experience! The atmosphere with the decor and the live jazz band is so fun! The food and drinks were excellent and incredibly fresh. Our waiter was incredibly busy, but still so attentive. He took the time to explain everything on the menu and make recommendations. Would absolutely go back!
Review №10
2022-05-15This place is awesome. Great ambiance. Delicious food. Fun drinks. Our server Mary was fantastic. She gave us great recommendations and was very attentive and personable. We will definitely be back.