Winston's

619 N. 7th Street

Allentown, PA  18102

484-221-9682

Hours:  M-Sat 11a-9p; Sun 11a-7p

Credit Card:  Accepted

Spoon Rate: 

Winston's brought us to a part of Allentown we might not normally visit or travel.  The online reviews were supportive that it was worth a visit.  To my knowledge, Winston (the personable owner), has a niche in the LV serving Jamaican or "West Indian & American" cuisine.   A no-frills ambience, reggae music playing in the background and authentic-looking, friendly employees greet you as you enter.  

We asked, "What's good here?  What do you recommend?"  He looked at us with confusion at our question and responded "ALL of it!"  His enthusiasm overshadowed his lack of assistance in understanding the simple menu.  Here it is: (see photo)  No paper menu.  No explanations...but the steady stream of customers, almost all getting take-out, all seemed to know exactly what to order.  We graciously accepted some free samples of the curry goat and oxtail.  He explained rice, beans, mixed vegetables and plantains come with every order (selections of fish, chicken or beef).  I like that.   Not to  mention, he guessed what I would order--jerk chicken ($8), a safe and standard option, for sure.  My husband ordered the curry goat ($10).   Now that we know the system--ordering would be a breeze.   

We dined in at one of the few tables--to get the full experience.  We enjoyed observing the friendly, neighborhood vibe.  The customers know a reasonable deal....as we were soon amazed by the portions.   The curry goat was tender--curry taste was not too overpowering.  Jerk chicken had a mild bite to it, but combined beautifully with the sides.  Definitely delicious, flavorful comfort food, with plenty of leftovers to take home. 

Our leftovers

Europa Restaurant & Barbecue
954 Pembrook Road
Freemansburg, PA  18017
610/814/6870
Hours:  T-Th 10a-9p; F-Sat 10a-10p; Sun 10a-7p
Spoon Rate:
 

 We stumbled upon this restaurant one evening.  While we were skeptical of the exterior (that reminded me of an American Legion Hall), the sign stating "churrasqueira" was intriguing.  It's always a good sign when you look in to see other customers.

Our choice to stay was affirmed by the extraordinary meal that we continue to talk about and recommend to others.  Serving a combination of Portuguese and Spanish cuisine, it is a family-friendly, modest-sized and decorated dining room.  While many chose take-out, its coziness gives it a homey feel as diners wait.  

Complimentary fresh Portuguese bread and black olives start off the meal.  We also shared a simple tossed salad ($6) for an appetizer.  The menu offers a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, meats and fish.  We decided to choose from the barbecue options, which included chicken, shrimp, ribs, pork or steak and some combos.  We chose the chicken and ribs combo ($14) which came with a side of fries and the chicken and shrimp combo ($15), which came with a side of rice.  We also ordered a side of black beans for the full experience.

Each bite was bursting with seasoned flavor and left you fascinated by how they made such a simple meal so delectable. As you can see by the pictures, the portions were large enough for more than 2 meals.  

 A satisfying meal and quiet dining experience. 

Mueller's Too Restaurant
3205 South Delaware Drive
Easton, PA  18042
610-252-8726 
Hours:  Mon-Sun 6a-9p
No Credit Cards Accepted
Spoon Rate: 


Mueller's came recommended by a friend whose family has a weekly routine of going each Sunday on their way home from church.  After she blessed me with a gift certificate, I was thankful for the opportunity to try it.  Located on the scenic Delaware River, it is off the beaten path of our normal routine, but a perfect destination for a Labor Day brunch.  In spite of the rain, we enjoyed the beautiful drive.  

As we walked in, we were greeted by a room full of people, definitely filled with locals who seemed to know each other and their servers.  Cozy, country decor and friendly servers lead you to feeling right at home.  The front room has a typical small-town diner feel.  We sat in the back room, providing more seating for larger parties.

Due to it being a holiday with an early close, they were only serving breakfast that day-which was perfect since their breakfasts came with the recommendation.  A classic breakfast menu provides plenty of options, along with a few specials.  

I was most intrigued by the breakfast scramblers--a variety of options of vegetables, meats, cheeses, scrambled with eggs and breakfast potatoes.   I created a scrambler with spinach, tomatoes, mushroom and feta cheese.  A delicious form of breakfast potatoes and sturdy toast accompanied our scrambler and omelet, tasting like it was prepared in love.

With its local charm and tasty, fresh breakfast, I can only imagine the wait for a table on the weekends.  
  

Seven Star Cafe'

Seven Star Cafe'
13 S. Main S,
Coopersburg, PA  18036
484/858/0690
Hours:   Wed-Sat 11a-9p; Sun 10a-8p
Spoon Rates:  

We love living in Coopersburg, but we are often envious of other local downtowns, like Bethlehem, Emmaus & Easton, offering much more of a commercial district of shops and restaurants.  So, we are happy to support the businesses that intermittently appear on Main Street, with its charming potential.  A new option, Seven Star Cafe' is a solid, quiet alternative to the well-known Coopersburg Diner.

Located in a historic landmark, the Barron House, Seven Star Cafe' is serving lunch & dinner, with brunch also offered on Sundays.  Indoor dining includes entertainment on the weekend.  We chose outdoor seating, maximizing this beautiful weather.  The take-out orders were steady as we enjoyed our meal.

The menu contains a variety of creative yet classic sandwiches and salads.  Our party started with one of several appetizer options, the "Macho Nachos", ($6) a generous pile tortilla chips topped with cheddar cheese, taco beef & onion.  We had a variety of selections for our entrees including the delectable 7 Star Salad ($7.95), mixed greens with thin sliced grilled marinated steak, tomatoes, red onion, bleu cheese & pepperoncini , with red wine vinaigrette
The crispy roast beef sandwich ($6.25, topped with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, fried onion rings & horseradish mayo), had a vote of approval.  I chose one of their daily specials, a scallop poboy--a rare menu option in the Lehigh Valley.  

Decent prices, a flare of gourmet, and a quiet setting.  Ice cream for dessert is conveniently next door at Good Earth.  We hope the locals will support Seven Star Cafe' and grow our downtown metropolis! 

Additional note: After publishing this post, we received this informative reply from the owner.  We wanted to share this valuable information that enhances the value of this restaurant:  

Thanks for the review...We would like to add to it......Many don't know this but we offer lot's of organic choice's. Our chicken is always organic along with our salad mix....We also try to get our produce such as, tomatoes, spring mix, potatoes, onions, kale, pea shoots and anything else we can find in season from local farms that do not use pesticides. Our meats are the best and highest quality. We use Black Angus for our hand made burgers and also for our steak sandwiches! We offer gluten free bread at your request. Since your visit ... We now have home baked fruit and cream cheese filled yummy muffins and desserts available everyday.

We would like to invite you to come in on a Friday evening where specials such as home made (wild caught) crab cakes or other fish choices, 12oz Rib Eye steaks or maybe a chicken pot pie with puff pastry crust perhaps Chicken Saltimbocca....Homemade Lobster wonton sautéed with shrimp in a béchamel sauce.....Butternut squash lasagna or a great homemade soup...... lot's of delicious choices!

Bon Appetit!
 

Tex's Smokin' Bar-B-Q

Tex's Smokin' Bar-B-Q
3671 Route 309
Orefield, PA  
484/239/9932
Hours:   Fri-Sat 11a-7p; Sun 11a-6p
Spoon Rate: 
Cash Only

Since we have relatives in Texas who have introduced us to real BBQ, we are always looking for something that comes close in comparison in the LV & B.   On a way to my nephew's football game 2 weeks ago, the smoke & large sign near Shankweiler's Drive-in were effective advertisers of a place we didn't know existed.  Food truck, BBQ, outdoor tables...perfect.  We had the opportunity to take the scenic drive on Route 309 N this weekend.  

Open since 2008, they are completing their mission of serving "the real deal."  Inquiring of its validity, I learned the owner is truly from Texas.  Good sign.  Brisket, pulled pork, sausage, ribs, beans, white bread on the menu..another good sign.  We settled on the sampler ($21.95) which included brisket, pulled pork, sausage link, 2 ribs, 3 wings, Beans, Texas Toast and BBQ sauce.  We sacrificed trying some of their unique combo sandwiches like the Betsy (pulled pork topped with slaw, $10.50) or The Belly Buster (Brisket & Pulled Pork, $13.25), but this gave us a wide variety. 

Since we arrived near closing, they were out of sausage (another good sign), so we requested extra brisket instead.  Everything was awesome--smoky, tender, flavorful, delish baked beans....truly impressive and easily gets my vote for best BBQ in the LV & B.  I even think my Texan nephews would approve.

We have enjoyed 3 additional meals from the brisket-so the portions are generous.  Menu includes some family deals and plates of meats and sides.  Tex's plans to stay open year-round as long as the weather cooperates....and it's an ideal pre-drive-in meal.