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The Bookstore Speakeasy

336 Adams Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
6108671100
Website
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Ranked #23 of 233 restaurants in Bethlehem
Cuisines: American, Seafood, Tapas, Bar
Good for: Romantic
Dining options: Reservations, After-hours
Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic
Dining options: Reservations, After-hours
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22 reviews from our community

81% Recommend
    13
    5
    2
    2
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
PA
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
34 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

Cute idea, creating a "back room" speakeasy in the basement of a building. Very Good food - decent service, reasonable food prices. Excellent quality cocktails - but for Bethlehem PA, $12 a piece is a bit rich. The atmosphere was a bit cramped -and it's a small place. I was surprised it was pretty light on traffic of a Thursday... More

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Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
40 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 March 2013

Very nondescript from the outside just like the old speakeasies I imagine.Walking down the steps into this bar/restaurant is like going back into the 1920s except with new upholstery on the furniture so it smells good. Its dark and sexy and has lots of delicious food, and old fashioned drink choices. My husband likes the real french absinthe decanted from... More

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See 13 more reviews by WinHe for Bethlehem
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 March 2013

Entering through a no frills doorway the speakeasy is located in the basement of a non-discript bethlehem building. The restaurant is a throwback to the days of flappers and prohibition, with funky jazz music in the background the place is dimly lit with gas lanterns and secondhand furnature and books. If you like atmosphere, man this is the place to... More

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Northampton, Pennsylvania
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 February 2013

After you've found the entrance (it is the side door, not the front), and confirmed your reservation, you are lead 'behind the curtain' and into the restaurant. The bar is very nice, beautiful set up and it got quite crowded while we were there. We got the 'popcorn' to munch on, very good. We also split the crab cake entree... More

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Los Angeles, California
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 November 2012

Such a fun place to go! Love the Speakeasy theme and the live music is great! Service is always great too. Yes it is dark but it makes for a great place to relax or have a romantic night. Drinks are delicious and strong! Great, different place for the price. It gets crowded so go early or make reservations!

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Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
34 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 November 2012 via mobile

This is not really a restaurant review. We arrived at 10:30 & were promptly seated. The place is supposed to be a speakeasy. Had a great jazz quartet playing NOLA style. Huge craft beer selection. Only food we had were sweet potato chips which were great. I have a feeling were going to be regulars!

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See 5 more reviews by quavo1350 for Bethlehem
Valley Cottage, New York
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 October 2012

idea and atmosphere were a cool idea.very dark inside which was my first flag.food was way overpriced and the servings were not that big.quality of food wasnt the best either.and drinks $12 for a 5oz drink really people.also 2 hr limit at table and they actually watch the time.

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Allentown, PA
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 September 2012

The ambiance lived up to the billing with mostly candlelight lighting the entire restaurant. But the food was fabulous. They have an extensive bar menu for the drinkers in your group. A bit noisy but that also contributed to a 'speakeasy' environment. The Creme Brulee is a must!

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See 3 more reviews by RLStoudt for Bethlehem
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 July 2012

An excellent experience! Everything was great from entertainment to the bar staff to the unique menu of drinks to the overall atmosphere of the bar. Bartenders are friendly and entertaining too!

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Bethlehem, PA
Top Contributor
95 reviews 95 reviews
63 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 July 2012

This restaurant/bar is a brilliant idea. They took a relatively run-down, unimpressive old building, and used those disadvantages to their benefit. When you step through the "secret" speakeasy doors and pass through the bookshelf, it's like entering a time machine. Everything is decorated in the "speakeasy" theme. There are no windows; everything is lit by candle and oil lamp. The... More

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See 8 more reviews by DMO1976 for Bethlehem

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