What we’re about
Welcome to the Bucks County and Lehigh Valley Historic Tavern Trail! Bucks and Lehigh (and neighboring) Counties in Pennsylvania are rich in history, dating back to colonial times. This group will explore that history through the bars, pubs, taverns and restaurants that have served these communities for hundreds of years and played a part in the history of our nation. Think McCoole's Red Lion Inn, Brick Tavern Inn, Spinnerstown Inn, Jamison Publick House, Bethlehem Hotel and many more.
So if you're interested in meeting new people, socializing, soaking in the historic atmosphere and learning something about the history of these establishments, this group is for you.
Meetups will be monthly to semi-monthly at a rotating location, and most events will feature a historic presentation of some kind. Just casual get-togethers where we have a chance to mix-and-mingle, enjoy some food and drink, make intelligent conversation and learn something about the history of the venue where we're meeting. No dues, fees or cover charges, this is a fun thing for me, not a side hustle.
See you on the trail!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- An Allentown Neighborhood Classic: Drinks and Lunch at Stahley'sStahley"s Bar, Allentown, PA
If you follow local news, then you may have heard that Stahley's Bar on the east side of Allentown is due to change hands by the end of the summer. The Stahley family, which opened the bar in 1968 as Stahley's Cellarette, is selling to another restaurateur in the area.
While early reports indicate that the new owner intends to keep Stahley's largely as is, suffice to say this is the end of an era for the neighborhood staple in the Rittersville section of Allentown. With linoleum tile floors, drop tile ceiling, wood-paneled walls, metal barstools with black vinyl cushions, even plastic booths, Stahley's is the classic blue-collar, neighborhood bar and grill, evocative of the 1960s and 70s but perhaps a dying breed in our modern times. So we'll get to experience it before the changeover.
Don Stahley Sr., established Stahley's Cellarette in the current building's basement in 1968. It had just four tables and 12 barstools. But it soon became a neighborhood favorite and took over the whole building a few years later. The main level can seat 240 people, with bar seating for 55. At one point in the 1980s, Stahley's sold more beer than any other bar in the state, more than 300 barrels a month.
Stahley's is known for its friendly neighborhood vibe, draft beer selection and diner-style menu of reasonably-priced comfort food. It still sells its famous steamed clams for just $5.75 a dozen. Plus burgers, cheesesteaks, wings, tacos, hot and cold sandwiches and more.
Meet at Stahley's for lunch at 1. I'm hoping we can get one of the Stahleys to say a few words and show us the original cellarette space, which is now used for private parties. We will be in the main space on the first floor.
See you there!
