Bookstore Speakeasy brings memorable style and flavor to Bethlehem’s bar scene.
As the name suggests, Bookstore Speakeasy brings us back to the Prohibition era speakeasy times. The owners and staff work hard to recreate the look and style of the area and deliver incredible tastes.
According to their website, reservations are suggestions. They’re being modest.
Reservations are pretty much mandatory unless you want to wait over an hour. So, make a reservation. It’s worth it.
Also, since this is a “specialty” restaurant, please check out my tips at the bottom of the article.
You enter through a non-descript door on a plain-looking street. At first, I didn’t think I was at the right place. And, of course, this is all planned on-purpose to match the business’s theme.
Bookstore Speakeasy’s lobby
You walk down the steps into a different world.
The world of a prohibition-style speakeasy. The owners have done a thorough and detailed job on design and it pays off.
Bookstore Speakeasy’s specialty drink list
In the lobby you wait with other guests until you’re called by the hostess, and then your full party enters yet another world: the bar / seating area. It’s even more dense with speakeasy design.
Cuisine
The drinks are excellent. The food is excellent.
They have a full bar, but also offer custom drink specials.
Bookstore Speakeasy’s bar
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Their drinks aren’t traditionally straight forward. Rather, they’re almond infused, maple-infused, etc. Everything I tasted was “a little bit different” than what I expected.
I could see some people loving that detail. I could see others being very frustrated. The barstaff doesn’t want you to be frustrated, so ask questions.
Once I started asking more and more questions, the bartender (Ry) was very helpful and friendly. He ended up pouring me several small samples until I could figure out what I’d like.
The food was plentiful and outstanding. If you’re a foodie, it’s worth a visit for the food alone.
Ambiance
You’re there for the vibe and it pays off immediately and consistently.
The scene is locally award-winning and very well-crafted.
A mostly-finished Old-Fashioned with 2 samples
I would’ve expected dates, seduction and romance. To me, the vibe was swanky, lounge-y romantic. (maybe that says more about me).
Inside, there was a college-aged date at the bar, a Moms Night Out at one table and older couples (55+) at two other tables. A private group party cozied off in a secluded corner.
Made it hard to figure out the bar’s demographic as tonight’s crowd was very mixed. However it felt like a local hang, as “Lehigh” and “Moravian Academy” were both overhead several times.
For me, I’d travel from well outside the area to have this experience.
There is a corner of the room for a live band and supposedly there’s live music most nights. The overall area seemed too small for that, like the sound would dominate everything.
If you’re a live music lover, maybe that’s great news. Out for dinner, drinks and conversation, maybe that’s not great news.
Service
So here’s where I messed up. It’s not really a “walk-in and grab a quick drink” bar. You really want to make reservations ahead of time. This is “suggested” on their website, but it should be required.
The bar seems to be maintained at a quarter full. The restaurant is steady at ⅔ full.
So, I received rushed service. The hostess worked to squeeze me into their packed schedule. Once seated, the bartender was very helpful. I had a quick drink and a bite and moved on quickly enough to fit their next scheduled seating after me.
Hospitality
All in all, it reminds me of a mini-version Los Angeles’ Magic Castle. At the Castle their rules are very straightforward, respected, must be followed, and the venue is a better place as a result. If anyone asked my opinion, I’d suggest the Bookstore lean more into “rules”.
Bookstore Speakeasy can easily be a special night worthy of driving from anywhere in Eastern PA (roughly 30-45 mins). I’d go back again, but this time I know the rules.
Tips:
- Make a reservation
- Walk in with an adventurous palette
- Sit down expecting to spend some money. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it.
- Know there’s an automatic 25% gratuity added to your bill. Order accordingly.
- Ask the bartenders and waiters questions. Have fun with the experience.
Bookstore Speakeasy is delicious, memorable and helpful.
For more info and to make a reservation: https://www.bookstorespeakeasy.com/
