Gus Filipos

Youell’s Oyster House is the Lehigh Valley’s answer to seafood.

Youell’s Oyster House is hidden in a cozy neighborhood of Allentown, PA within minutes of the Allentown Fairgrounds, Muhlenberg College and Cedar Crest College.  About twenty minutes from the PPL center.

Youell’s Oyster House has History

Part of Pennsylvania history, originally opened in 1895. Then Gus Filipos, a longtime patron of Youell’s, bought the business in 1984 and his son Chris joined in 1987.

Over the years they earned a reputation for excellent food.  Their oysters, their Certified Black Angus beef. Their wine and craft beer selections.

And very fresh seafood.

According to their website the scallops (and presumably most of their seafood) is caught less than 12 hours before being served on your plate.

Pretty good.

The motto they repeat throughout their website is:

“Upscale dining

in a relaxed atmosphere.”

I was told a few times during a recent East Coast visit, that Youell’s has the best seafood in the Lehigh Valley, so I planned to try them out.

Let’s Taste Youell’s

I arrive on a Saturday mid-afternoon, take a seat at their half full bar and proceed to order an Old Fashioned, Caesar Salad and Salmon Tartare.

Youells Oyster House Caesar salad

Cuisine

Are the ingredients fresh? Is your dish well-plated?

The cuisine is excellent.  Crisp lettuce in the salad.  Fresh, creamy salmon tartare.  The plating is inventive and inspiring.  I can close my eyes later and still happily taste it all.  

Youells Oyster House Salmon Tartare

Youell’s Ambience

The setting is comfortably disarming.  The phrase they use is “Upscale dining in a relaxed atmosphere’ and they accomplish this goal.

Open floorplan, lovingly re-built after a devastating fire, pastel and light wood.  Lots of outside light shining in. 

Youells Oyster Bar

Not necessarily “romantic”, but more “homey”.  Not really a first date kind of place, nor a “Saturday night” kind of place.  

I am a bit surprised the customers ranged older (55+) considering the location is so close to colleges and other younger spots.

Service

As mentioned, it’s a Saturday afternoon and I am surprised by how busy it is.  Feels like neighbors and regulars.  Nobody seems “in a rush.”

My bartender is friendly and pleasant, but she keeps busy.  The service is as relaxed as the vibe itself.  Some prefer that, some would like a bit more attention.

Hospitality

Does the restaurant deliver on the promise it makes to their customers?

If you’re looking for comfort and excellent food, this is a great place to try.  Not “impressive” or romantic, but down home quality.

I’d go back again on a Friday or Saturday night to see if the vibe does evolve for a more sexy, date night feel.  But my guess is, it doesn’t and that’s the way the restaurant and its usual crowd likes it.

Youell’s Oyster House has excellent seafood in the Lehigh Valley, but their relaxed ambience might leave some of their customers wanting more of an experience.

Located at 2249 Walnut St, Allentown, PA 18104

Lunch 11-3pm daily

Dinner from 11am daily

Visit their website at: https://youellsoysterhouse.com/