The restaurants in my rankings are all located in the Lehigh Valley and are not major chains, as I believe supporting local restaurants and businesses strengthens the local Lehigh Valley economy. The ranking for each restaurant is based on my personal opinion and taste buds, as I have eaten at every restaurant listed in my top five. My rankings do not consider the Google star ratings. I included them for you to form your own opinion if you were to visit any of the restaurants listed.

1. Billy’s Diner Google Star Rating: 4.4/5 Founded in 2000, this diner has been a favorite among Bethlehem locals and tourists. Billy’s specializes in breakfast and lunch and is sadly only open from 7 AM to 3 PM. Billy’s has that classic cozy atmosphere that almost every diner has as also said by senior Stephen Vautrin “The atmosphere of Billy’s Downtown Diner is so comforting. Almost instantly, you are greeted with a genuinely happy employee, and you are then sat in very comfortable seating.” Their main staple dishes include pancakes, sandwiches, and French toast. Billy’s has won multiple awards, but most recently has won the Decadent Dish Award.

2. The Brick Tavern Inn Google Star Rating: 4.5/5 Established in 1818, The Brick Tavern Inn has been supplying Quakertown with cuisine in a historic brick building. They have won the Best Restaurant for Fine Dining in Upper Bucks County for the past 3 years. They offer classics like Crab Cakes and Filet Mignon.

3. Copperhead Grille Google Star Rating: 4.4/5 Founded in 2002, this family owned restaurant has two locations: one in Allentown and another in Center Valley. These restaurants offer a variety of American cuisine and they are the perfect spot to watch any sport, as they are both sports bars. Some of their most notable dishes include the chicken fajitas, burgers, and wings. I can confirm everything is delectable. Senior Ava Riehl also agrees as she said “I really like Copperhead. The Mac and cheese, my favorite, makes me so happy as it is so incredibly delicious it makes me twitch out because of the joy.”

4. Youell’s Oyster House Google Star Rating: 4.5/5 Founded in 1895 this restaurant has served the Allentown community with its delicious seafood. This restaurant has numerous awards, one of the most notable being the Morning Call Readers Choice award for over 5 years. Youell’s Oyster House is most known, obviously for its oysters and oyster related dishes

5. Bolete Google Star Rating: 4.7/5 Originally created in 2007, this restaurant, which originated from Boston, moved to Bethlehem where its founder, Lee Chizmar, grew up. This farm to table restaurant focuses on freshness and supporting the local community by using local ingredients. Bolete has numerous awards, including the “Best Place to Impress Date” award and was also featured on Food Network’s “All Star Best Thing I Ever Ate” show on season 1 Episode 10 titled “Filled with Envy.” Bolete’s restaurant reflects an American Cuisine style menu that changes daily.