I originally posted this one in the June 19 edition available on Amazon / Smashwords.
Today’s featured place is the Apollo restaurant on Broad St. in Bethlehem. I stopped by here after receiving an invite from Brian Panella. Brian hosts happy hours at different restaurants around the Lehigh Valley.
The Apollo is a more upscale restaurant. A relaxed atmosphere and open area for seating provides an enjoyable experience. Weather permitting, sidewalk seating is also available.
Walking in, I was greeted by a very friendly hostess. After finding a place at the bar, I asked the bartender about happy hour food specials. Taking her suggestion, I tried the pizza appetizer. The orders are taken by a person’s first name, unusual, but adds to a more personal level of service. I did not expect a small basket of bread also. What I expected to be a light appetizer was turning into a full meal.
The bread basket included samples of 4 different types of bread, including my favorite: garlic! This time, I did not sample the alcohol, went with a Diet Coke. After about 20 minutes, the pizza arrived. For an appetizer, it was the size of a large dinner plate. Like I said, a full meal here. The pizza had a thin crust with a crispy bite. Toppings included a cheese that almost melted with each bite. Seasonings and sauce added a flavor that was not too spicy. This was not your normal, big name, pizza. It was a very enjoyable experience.
My overall experience was excellent! Service, food and atmosphere provided a brief escape from everyday life. I asked about the paintings on the walls. The hostess informed me they are done by local artists. The full menu is posted on a window and is very visible when walking by. Prices are about average for a restaurant. Several items are between $10 and $20. Would I suggest The Apollo? Yes, maybe not for everyday dinner. I would lean towards when you are in the mood for a great dining experience. One that will provide a brief escape from life.
The Apollo is a more upscale restaurant. A relaxed atmosphere and open area for seating provides an enjoyable experience. Weather permitting, sidewalk seating is also available.
Walking in, I was greeted by a very friendly hostess. After finding a place at the bar, I asked the bartender about happy hour food specials. Taking her suggestion, I tried the pizza appetizer. The orders are taken by a person’s first name, unusual, but adds to a more personal level of service. I did not expect a small basket of bread also. What I expected to be a light appetizer was turning into a full meal.
The bread basket included samples of 4 different types of bread, including my favorite: garlic! This time, I did not sample the alcohol, went with a Diet Coke. After about 20 minutes, the pizza arrived. For an appetizer, it was the size of a large dinner plate. Like I said, a full meal here. The pizza had a thin crust with a crispy bite. Toppings included a cheese that almost melted with each bite. Seasonings and sauce added a flavor that was not too spicy. This was not your normal, big name, pizza. It was a very enjoyable experience.
My overall experience was excellent! Service, food and atmosphere provided a brief escape from everyday life. I asked about the paintings on the walls. The hostess informed me they are done by local artists. The full menu is posted on a window and is very visible when walking by. Prices are about average for a restaurant. Several items are between $10 and $20. Would I suggest The Apollo? Yes, maybe not for everyday dinner. I would lean towards when you are in the mood for a great dining experience. One that will provide a brief escape from life.
