the name is not deceiving
After this one being on my list for around 6 months, I finally made it on 10/04/13. This was a special event: Their 2nd Anniversary Bash! It started around 4 and I made this my first stop. The Facebook event made it look promising.
Taking a bus over, I knew the address but, was not familiar with the area. Turned out, you really could not miss it. Yes, you are looking at a Hollywood Video store converted into a sports bar!!!! When I saw this, "Ok, I really HAVE to check this one out now!" Honestly, I was expecting your typical sports bar. Small to mid sized with nothing above average.
Oh, Big Woody's is not hard to find: Corner of Easton Avenue / Stefko Blvd. Bethlehem, Pa.
Taking a bus over, I knew the address but, was not familiar with the area. Turned out, you really could not miss it. Yes, you are looking at a Hollywood Video store converted into a sports bar!!!! When I saw this, "Ok, I really HAVE to check this one out now!" Honestly, I was expecting your typical sports bar. Small to mid sized with nothing above average.
Oh, Big Woody's is not hard to find: Corner of Easton Avenue / Stefko Blvd. Bethlehem, Pa.
Now that you have the exact location...
I did not realize there were two parts to the sports bar. I entered through the section where you can order food to go. This part is the entrance on the left. Fairly small with a counter, waiting area, etc. What you would typically expect in a "to go" place. Ok, sounding kind of stupid I asked where the bar was. Walking through 2 western saloon style doors, my first reaction is next.
"WOW!!!! I am amazed!" Honestly, I was basically floored. My expectations were way off. The first thing I noticed was the first band setting up by the window. Next? The large, and I mean large bar area. The length is basically a long, wide double bar. Two sections with a walkway in between are on the inside.
I did not realize there were two parts to the sports bar. I entered through the section where you can order food to go. This part is the entrance on the left. Fairly small with a counter, waiting area, etc. What you would typically expect in a "to go" place. Ok, sounding kind of stupid I asked where the bar was. Walking through 2 western saloon style doors, my first reaction is next.
"WOW!!!! I am amazed!" Honestly, I was basically floored. My expectations were way off. The first thing I noticed was the first band setting up by the window. Next? The large, and I mean large bar area. The length is basically a long, wide double bar. Two sections with a walkway in between are on the inside.
Getting there at the start of Happy Hour, it was easy to find a seat on the opposite side. After about a minute or two, one of the bartenders asked me about a drink. Requesting the specials, and trying not to violate one of my rules; I went with a Bud Light. My rule? No more than one beer / glass of wine when I am doing a review / article. Requesting a menu, I figured: "A short food review also." While I was waiting, I looked around to see if the place was really impressive.
Well, they did not waste any space here. 2 rows of booths were behind me. With some small tables towards the windows. A small arcade located at the far wall was visible. Overall it is an excellent layout with room to move even when there is a larger crowd.
Well, they did not waste any space here. 2 rows of booths were behind me. With some small tables towards the windows. A small arcade located at the far wall was visible. Overall it is an excellent layout with room to move even when there is a larger crowd.
Oh, I did mention about the food. Looking at two menus, it was a hard choice. Limiting the budget, I narrowed it down to steamed clams or a slice of pizza. Guess which one I went with...
Could not resist trying the cheesesteak pizza. Hey, I was at a sports bar. Honestly, I am not a fan of wings. The other top choices? Big surprise: Burger / fries or flat out cheesesteak. While waiting for the food I kept looking around. Paying attention to the customers and people working. After about 15 minutes, I had a slice of pizza in front of me. The large slice made this one a lunch / dinner combo.
It was a typical slice. Pizza with steak, onions, cheesesteak sauce. The taste? I could taste every topping. They did not go overboard on any ingredients. Just enough to give it flavor, especially with the onions. It was very filling.
With the band starting to play. The crowd gradually getting larger. I had to bail out for the next stop. Time for the overall...
Could not resist trying the cheesesteak pizza. Hey, I was at a sports bar. Honestly, I am not a fan of wings. The other top choices? Big surprise: Burger / fries or flat out cheesesteak. While waiting for the food I kept looking around. Paying attention to the customers and people working. After about 15 minutes, I had a slice of pizza in front of me. The large slice made this one a lunch / dinner combo.
It was a typical slice. Pizza with steak, onions, cheesesteak sauce. The taste? I could taste every topping. They did not go overboard on any ingredients. Just enough to give it flavor, especially with the onions. It was very filling.
With the band starting to play. The crowd gradually getting larger. I had to bail out for the next stop. Time for the overall...
Service: Surprised Me! Very friendly. The bartenders even took a few moments, when they could, to talk to people. Within a few minutes of sitting down, I had a beer in front of me. I had to get a bartender's attention when I was ready to order. Given the size of the bar and amount of people, I really did not care. Everyone was being taken care of as fast as possible. To the point of being asked about more beverages and food.
Food: Have Attention! The overall taste was only slightly above average. Not going overboard on specific toppings, especially the onions, earned this rating. The size and fact it filled me up also helped.
Atmosphere: Excellent! Size, spacing, amount of TV's (check the photos) and friendliness of staff all contributed to this rating. Observing other customers, everyone seemed to be having a great time.
Overall Recommendation:
Big Woody's is a great place even if you have a smaller budget. Between pizza, beer (tall 16oz.) and tip, I spent a little over $6.00. For me, this was a great value. When I mentioned it to a few other people, they definitely agreed. The atmosphere, service and prices provide you with a stop by after work or taking the family out for dinner. The amount of TV's and placement would be a definite for any sports fan.
I would place Big Woody's in Bethlehem with places on top of your list for adults or the family. Yes, I was that impressed, even thinking about it several hours later.
They have 5 locations and this one is my very first visit. The review only covers the Easton Avenue location.
Have your attention yet? This should really add to your curiosity. They have an Oktoberfest / Family Fun Day coming up on Oct. 26. I will be stopping by to check out this aspect. Here is the event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/696096353738118/
In case you are thinking about stopping by the Easton Avenue location or any of the 5:
https://www.facebook.com/BigWoodysBethlehem
http://bigwoodysbar.com/
Food: Have Attention! The overall taste was only slightly above average. Not going overboard on specific toppings, especially the onions, earned this rating. The size and fact it filled me up also helped.
Atmosphere: Excellent! Size, spacing, amount of TV's (check the photos) and friendliness of staff all contributed to this rating. Observing other customers, everyone seemed to be having a great time.
Overall Recommendation:
Big Woody's is a great place even if you have a smaller budget. Between pizza, beer (tall 16oz.) and tip, I spent a little over $6.00. For me, this was a great value. When I mentioned it to a few other people, they definitely agreed. The atmosphere, service and prices provide you with a stop by after work or taking the family out for dinner. The amount of TV's and placement would be a definite for any sports fan.
I would place Big Woody's in Bethlehem with places on top of your list for adults or the family. Yes, I was that impressed, even thinking about it several hours later.
They have 5 locations and this one is my very first visit. The review only covers the Easton Avenue location.
Have your attention yet? This should really add to your curiosity. They have an Oktoberfest / Family Fun Day coming up on Oct. 26. I will be stopping by to check out this aspect. Here is the event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/696096353738118/
In case you are thinking about stopping by the Easton Avenue location or any of the 5:
https://www.facebook.com/BigWoodysBethlehem
http://bigwoodysbar.com/