Best Take-Out in and Around Bethlehem, PA
We have heard about the “new normal” in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing and washing our hands have become the new principles that matter. The coronavirus outbreak has also changed the way we dine out. With restaurants having to change their business models to takeout and delivery only businesses, consumers have changed the way they choose eateries. A highly rated full service restaurant does not mean the business does takeout orders well.
In an around Bethlehem, Pennsylvania operate dozens of restaurants that do takeout well. From burger stands in Allentown to ethnic restaurants located near Lehigh Valley, you have plenty of options when it comes to ordering food and beverages to go.
Let’s see what makes a takeout restaurant great, before listing 10 restaurants we recommend in and around Bethlehem, PA for takeout orders.
Attributes of a Successful Takeout Restaurant
The first factor that should pique your interest in a takeout eatery is the high quality of the food. You want fresh food that is timed correctly to register at the right temperature. Cold menu items should be cold and hot menu items should be hot when you pick up an order.
Here are a few other attributes that make restaurants great options for takeout orders.
Easy ordering system
Separate area for takeout orders
Accuracy
Sturdy packaging
Strictly adhere to food safety standards
20 Best Takeout Restaurants in and around Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Whether you live in the area or you are just visiting for a short time, the following restaurants should be on your takeout radar.
Apollo Grill
(610) 865-9600
85 W Broad St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
As one of the pillars that form the business community in the center of Bethlehem’s Historic District, Apollo Grill sits less than a mile from hotels, local colleges, and the boutique shops that attract visitors from all over Eastern Pennsylvania. The casual, yet upscale bistro features popular takeout dishes such as Imperial Crab Cakes, Panko Crusted Sea Scallops, and Moroccan Braised Lamb Shank.
The Bayou (Bethlehem)
(610) 419-6669
702 Hawthorne Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18018
You do not have to be “Born on the Bayou” to love the delectable takeout fare coming out of the kitchen at The Bayou. The chef created the menu to promote a shared experience. Order a couple of Shrimp Po Boy sandwiches to complement the New Orleans culinary vibe generated by Jambalaya and Dirty Rice. Live music accentuates the authenticity of the Cajun and creole cuisine.
Black Forest Deli & Catering
(610) 865-3036
745 W Union Blvd, Bethlehem, PA 18018
What better place to order takeout than a deli, and not just any deli. Black Forest Deli & Catering features an extensive sandwich menu that includes perogies and halupkis. The nod to Eastern European recipes like Borsch keep Bethlehem residents coming back for more. You can also order one of the freshly made soups or salads for takeout.
Blue Grillhouse
(610) 691-8400
4431 Easton Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18020
Steak typically do not travel well, which makes them unpopular among takeout guests. That is not the case for the takeout steaks cooked to perfection by the talented cooks at Blue Grillhouse. Wrapped in heat retention foil, the steaks ordered to go from the restaurant travel especially well. In addition to steaks, try the Duck Confit Flatbread, as well as Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, and Sun-Dried Tomato Crusted Chilean Sea Bass.
Cactus Blue
(610) 814-3000
2915 Schoenersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18017
With the focus on using local ingredients, Cactus Blue not only offers healthy and delicious fare, the restaurant also has made the commitment to support local farmers. Cactus Blue has earned several accolades, including named the “Best Mexican in the Valley” by publications such as Lehigh Valley Style and The Morning Call. Popular menu items include Quesadilla Tinga, Burrito Caesar, and Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Copperhead Grille
(610) 282-4600
5737 PA-378, Bethlehem, PA 18015
A hiatus on sports entertainment scheduling does not mean you cannot visit your favorite sports bar and restaurant for culinary inspiration. Copperhead Grille features handcrafted recipes that put a flavorful twist on standard sports restaurant fare. Some of the popular takeout menu items include Norwegian Salmon, Blackened Shrimp Fajitas, and Vietnamese Pho Bowl.
Edge Restaurant
(610) 814-0100
74 W Broad St #5738, Bethlehem, PA 18018
Combining French and Asian culinary influences, the chef at Edge Restaurant delivers some of the most creative takeout menu items in and around Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The restaurant has earned the “Best Dining” distinction from The Morning Call for four consecutive years. Comfort food reigns supreme at this restaurant, such as Crispy Calamari, Chicken & Waffles, and the “Cubano Press.”
Geakers Tacos
(610) 419-4869
3531 Freemansburg Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18020
With social distancing a newfound prominent habit to follow, local food trucks have enjoyed a healthy uptick in business. Such is the case for Geakers Tacos, which runs a wildly popular food truck in the heart of Bethlehem, PA. Geakers offers standard meats like beef and chicken for its tacos, but if you want to walk on the exotic side of food, try fish or gator tacos. A wide variety of flavors diversify the relatively simple menu.
Hotel Bethlehem
(855) 264-2598
437 Main Street Bethlehem, PA. 18018
With multiple eateries located within the same venue, Hotel Bethlehem also offers a curbside to go menu featuring dishes such as Farfalle, Slow Roasted Cod, ad Hotel B Cheesesteak. The curbside ordering platform efficiently process orders to ensure short ticket times. You can also order takeout standouts like the signature meatloaf and seafood cobb salad offered by the Tap Room & Bar.
Keystone Pub
(610) 814-0400
3259 Easton Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18020
For pub fare that exceeds the quality of pub food offered by other restaurants, place a takeout order with Keystone Pub. The community first approach business model used by the restaurant attracts diners from all over Eastern Pennsylvania. Customer reviews highlight dishes such as the Alpine Burger, 8-Ounce Sirloin, and Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.
The MINT Gastropub
(610) 419-3810
1223 W Broad St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
“Contemporary comfort foods” is how the owners of The MINT Gastropub describe the menu. Inventive dishes like Shrimp Carbonara and Fish N’ Chip Tacos push the ceiling for delicious takeout food. Truffle Farm Steak Fries are a must have item for any takeout order.
Social Still
(610) 625-4585
530 E 3rd St, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Known for its distillery, Social Still continues to excel by offering an innovative menu that features organically grown ingredients. The restaurant receives rave reviews for menu items that include Porkroll Poutine and the Real “Ham” Burger. Although relaxed regulations during the COVID-19 crisis allows the restaurant to sell bottles of its famous home distilled spirits, the restaurant also offers takeout for dishes like its popular Crispy Chicken Sammich.
Pho Viet Royal
(610) 419-4771
2126 W Union Blvd
If you crave freshly made summer rolls that include crunchy cucumbers, then Pho Viet Royal is for you. The restaurant receives rave reviews for handling takeout orders efficiently, even when it is on a lengthy wait.
The Burger Shack
(610) 443-2077
2011 N 1st Ave
Yes, the Burger Shack does classic burger recipes well, but the vegan friendly takeout joint also makes some of the best chicken wings found in eastern Pennsylvania. Fresh and fast defines this takeout eatery.
Big Daddy’s Famous Cheesesteaks
(610) 849-2539
1130 Pembroke Rd
You know you have a good thing going when New Yorkers make the trek to the Bethlehem area, instead of going into Philadelphia for cheesesteak sandwiches. Delicious ingredients such as roasted peppers make this restaurant a must visit for tasty sandwiches.
Roasted Bethlehem
(610) 849-2673
22 W 4th St
Anyone with a craving for a delectable omelet to go should visit Roasted Bethlehem. The café is a breakfast hot spot that does a bustling takeout business.
Wiz Kidz Cheesesteaks
(610) 419-2566
65 E Elizabeth Ave
Considered by food critics to rival the quality of the cheesesteaks created by the legendary operators of Max’s in Philadelphia, Wiz Kidz Cheesesteaks features a kid-friendly menu that is served by some of the friendliest takeout servers in the region.
Fratelli Pizzeria & Cafe
(610) 867-2773
1230 N New St
You cannot have a list of the best takeout joints, unless you place at least one pizzeria on the list. Fratelli Pizzeria & Café offers a creative selection of specialty pies the restaurant bakes in a timely manner for takeout orders.
Touch Thai
(610) 419-3838
549 Main St
If you are looking to tantalize your taste buds by eating curry inspired dishes, look no further than Touch Thai. Tofu Drunken Noodle is the most popular menu item ordered for takeout.
Rice ‘N Beans To-Go
(610) 419-6646
2330 Jacksonville Rd
For this takeout-only establishment, Latin American cuisine reaches deep into South America. The takeout restaurant features some of the most popular dishes from Peru, as well as the classics that make Mexican cuisine great.
Casa Del Mofongo
(484) 893-4808
553 Main St
Also a Latin America themed eatery, Cafe Del Mofongo dedicates an area of its restaurant for takeout orders. A heat lamp and a built-in refrigerator ensure food remains at the proper temperature.
El Paisano
(610) 694-9326
22 E Union Blvd
This Mexican takeout specialist features homemade hot sauces that offer customers a condiment to use for days after picking up their takeout orders.
