An Allentown Neighborhood Classic: Drinks and Lunch at Stahley's

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!