WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A new business is creating a buzz with its elevated design, cocktails and entertainment in Lehigh County.
Level Bar & Lounge, an upscale bar and lounge specializing in craft cocktails, opened Jan. 23 at 1061 N. Sixth St. in Whitehall Township.
Tirso Lighting
Partners Domingo Rodriguez and Jesus Espinal spent several months renovating the space, which was previously home to other establishments, including the Park Inn and, most recently, Valley Legends Sports Bar.
Level features “new everything,” including updated lighting, TVs, sound equipment, furniture, a bartop, back bar and DJ area, Rodriguez said.
To bring their vision to life, the partners tapped New York-based Tirso Lighting – led by CEO, artist and designer Tirso Pelaez – to completely transform the space.
The Tirso team combines expertise in interior design, audio, video and lighting to craft unique and immersive experiences, and with Level, the team created a chic venue showcasing speakeasy vibes highlighted by dimly lit, amber-style lighting.
Tirso Lighting
A variety of elements, including metal ceiling panels, pops of greens and golds and accent lighting on the walls, tables and behind the bar, create a unique and intimate atmosphere.
There’s also a custom, illuminated “LVL” sign on the wall for photo ops.
“We’ve been getting a lot of positive feedback on the cocktails well as the space itself,” Rodriguez said. “We’re going for an elevated, speakeasy look, and everyone’s really loving it.”
Level Bar & Lounge in Whitehall Township offers a “Text Your Ex” cocktail, featuring Brugal 1888, fresh strawberries, Cointreau and a splash of lemonade.
Level Bar & Lounge
Lead bartender Alejandro Infante curated Level’s drink menu, which includes a mix of signature and classic cocktails.
More than a half dozen signature cocktails, $16-$18, include customer favorites such as the “Next LVL” (Empress 1908 Gin, ripe lychees and sweet orange smoke), “Up All Night” (Don Julio Reposado, Licor 43, coffee liqueur, cold foam and cinnamon dust), “Vacation Me Please” (Johnnie Walker Black Label, crème de coco and pure coconut water), “Trust Issues” (Hennessy Cognac, amaretto, banana liqueur, passion fruit, grated nutmeg and egg-white foam) and “Kiss and Tell” (Hendrick’s Gin, fresh kiwi, herbal liqueur, Luxardo splash, lime and mint).
“Our signature drink is the ‘Next LVL,’ which is a purple lavender lychee martini,” Infante said.
Level Bar & Lounge in Whitehall Township offers a “Next LVL” cocktail, featuring Empress 1908 Gin, ripe lychees and sweet orange smoke.
Level Bar & Lounge
“We use premium ingredients, including fresh muddled fruits, and a lot of the drinks are served in cool cups, like the ‘Text Your Ex,’ which comes in a rose-shaped cup. Another popular drink is our twist on the espresso [martini] featuring our own house-made foam.”
Classic cocktails, starting at $12, include popular selections like a French 75, margarita, Moscow mule, paloma and an old fashioned.
There also is a variety of mojitos, including classic, passion fruit, strawberry, mango, coconut and guava.
Level, open 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday, features a 13-seat bar and seating for around 50 more at nearby lounge chairs and banquettes.
Level Bar & Lounge in Whitehall Township offers an “Up All Night” cocktail, featuring Don Julio Reposado, Licor 43, coffee liqueur, cold foam and cinnamon dust.
Level Bar & Lounge
A pool table is situated in a back room, and the business also features hookah and DJ entertainment.
“There’s no designated dance floor, but some people will still make their own room to dance,” Infante said with a laugh. “It’s a fun time overall.”
A food menu consisting of primarily shareables and small bites, such as wings, tacos and empanadas, is expected to be introduced in the coming months, Rodriguez said.
For the latest Level Bar & Lounge updates, follow the business’ Instagram page.
More in Lehigh CountyPopular chain confirms plans for new Lehigh Valley store at former Christmas Tree Shops spot
HANOVER TWP., Pa. – A national retail chain, known for its wide selection of arts and crafts and home decor products, is expanding its footprint in the Lehigh Valley.
A new Hobby Lobby location is expected to open in the fall at the Airport Shopping Center in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, a company spokesperson confirmed to 69 News on Wednesday.
The new store, at 916 Airport Center Drive, will occupy an updated space that previously housed a Christmas Tree Shops location, which closed in 2023.
Information related to hiring will be available at careers.hobbylobby.com/current-openings/retail-hourly closer to the new store’s hiring, the spokesperson said.
In recent weeks, construction has been taking place at the rear of the Airport Shopping Center adjacent to the former Christmas Tree Shops location. Full story here.
A Christmas Tree Shops store closed in 2023 at the Airport Shopping Center in Hanover Township, Lehigh County.
‘Longtime dream’: Parkland grad excited to serve community at new Lehigh County sweet shop
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A new destination for crepes, ice cream, smoothies, acai bowls, loaded waffles and other sweet treats is coming soon to Lehigh County.
Sip + Dip, a fast-casual eatery offering coffee, ice cream, desserts and more, is expected to open in late March at 2407 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township, co-founder Kaley Johnson told 69 News.
The shop, which is currently under construction, will operate a couple of doors down from Five Guys in the Whitehall Plaza shopping center.
Guests will be able to enjoy fresh eats and drinks such as acai bowls, Dubai strawberries, smoothies, fresh juice and coffee.
Several menu items, including crepes, mini pancakes and waffles loaded with various sweet toppings, will be made to order. Read more here.
Sip + Dip
‘Bigger & better’: Lehigh Valley vintage shop to double in size at new location
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A business offering vintage clothing, accessories, home decor and more is making moves in Lehigh County.
Room & Ward Vintage, offering curated vintage apparel, home furnishings and gifts, will hold a grand reopening celebration noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at its new, larger location at 21 N. Seventh St. Suite 3 in downtown Allentown.
The celebration will feature retro music, St. Patrick’s Day finds and discounts and giveaways, including 20% off for the first 10 purchases and a free logo decal for the first 20 shoppers.
The new store will operate across from Simpatico and next to Cozy Crumbs Cafe on the ArtsWalk, located between Sixth and Seventh streets.
Room & Ward owner Andrew Ward established the business in late 2024 at 26 N. Sixth St. in downtown Allentown. Read more.
Pictured is Room & Ward’s former location on North Sixth Street in downtown Allentown. The business will hold a grand reopening celebration on March 7 at its larger location on the ArtsWalk, at 21 N. Seventh St. in downtown Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
New Chase Bank location nearing completion at former Yocco’s site in Lehigh County
U. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – A new bank will soon offer a wide array of financial services at a former restaurant site in the Lehigh Valley.
Construction of a new Chase Bank location is nearing completion at 7150 Hamilton Blvd. in the Trexlertown section of Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County.
The Trexlertown Plaza site was previously home to a Yocco’s restaurant, which closed in December 2023 and was demolished last year to make way for the bank’s construction.
Yocco’s continues to operate five other restaurants throughout the Lehigh Valley.
An exact opening date for the new Chase Bank location has not yet been determined, but it is set to open sometime in the second quarter of this year, according to Jimmy Contreras, vice president of U.S. regional communications for JPMorgan Chase. Full story here.
Construction of a new Chase Bank location is nearing completion at 7150 Hamilton Blvd. in the Trexlertown section of Upper Macungie Township.
Ryan Kneller
Lehigh County tavern to debut weekend ‘boozy brunch’ featuring tasty eats and drinks
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Mimosa flights, chicken and waffles, crème brulee French toast and other brunch specialties are coming soon to a popular Lehigh Valley restaurant.
Thirsty Turtle Tavern, a full-service, family-friendly restaurant and bar offering casual American cuisine, will kick off its weekend “boozy brunch” later this month at 1410 Grape St. in Whitehall Township.
Starting March 14, the tavern will feature a variety of made-to-order brunch dishes and drinks from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
The tavern’s regular menu also will be available during these hours. Read more here.
Thirsty Turtle Tavern operates at 1410 Grape St. in Whitehall Township.
Wawa, a favorite for hoagies, on a roll with another new Lehigh Valley location set to open
WHITEHALL, Pa. – Just a couple of weeks after Wawa opened its first new store of 2026 in Allentown, another new Wawa location will welcome customers with free coffee and T-shirts in Lehigh County.
Wawa, Inc. has announced its newest Lehigh Valley location will hold a grand opening on Thursday, March 12, at 1519 Whitehall Mall in Whitehall Township.
The new location, at MacArthur and Mickley roads, is the 13th of nearly 100 stores that Wawa expects to open in 14 states in 2026, according to a news release.
The grand opening party will begin at 7:55 a.m. with Wawa general manager Michael Chisholm counting down to the moment when the doors open for the very first time at 8 a.m.
Free “Wawa Grand Opening Tour in the USA” T-shirts will be given to the first 100 customers, as supplies last, and free any size hot coffee will be available through Sunday, March 15. Read more.
Ryan Kneller
Allentown OKs liquor license for new restaurant at former TGI Fridays
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Allentown City Council voted Wednesday night to transfer a liquor license from South Whitehall Township to The Felix Restaurant LLC, 395 S. Cedar Crest Blvd.
The applicant is Donny Petridis, a restaurateur who owns The Shelby in Lower Macungie Township.
Petridis is planning to open a new restaurant at the former TGI Fridays site, located at the Shops at Cedar Point.
Petridis intends to open a higher-end American cuisine establishment by the end of this year.
Plans show 150 seats inside and an additional 80 seats on an outdoor patio.
Although the conceptual designs have not been finalized, Petridis intends to apply for building permits in the next 60 to 90 days. Full story here.
A building that previously housed a TGI Fridays restaurant is pictured in The Shops at Cedar Point at 395 S. Cedar Crest Blvd. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
‘Everything must go!’: Lehigh County plant store holds closeout sale
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A Lehigh Valley plant business is closing one location to focus on another.
A year-old location of The Wicked Botanist closed permanently on Feb. 28, at 1133 Third St. in Whitehall Township, according to a recent announcement on the business’ social media pages.
The store held a closeout sale, with various items – including plants, thrifted clothes, crystals and books – discounted 25% off their original prices.
The Wicked Botanist’s location at 267 E. Broad St. in Bethlehem continues to operate as normal. Read more.
The Wicked Botanist
Easton area news‘Bittersweet update’: With lease ending, Lehigh Valley barbecue business seeks new ‘home base’
FORKS TWP., Pa. – A business offering “low and slow wood-smoked BBQ,” including ribs, brisket, chicken and pulled pork, is in search of a new permanent location.
You Got Pork’D, specializing in premium barbecue and homemade sides, is planning to depart Leaf Cigar Bar, at 90 Mort Drive in Forks Township, by the end of March, owner Brian Jones told 69 News.
Leaf decided not to renew You Got Pork’D’s lease, and the barbecue business is now in search of a new “home base,” Jones said.
Jones announced the “bittersweet update” on Monday on You Got Pork’D’s social media pages.
“After an amazing run together, Leaf Cigar Bar has decided to end our lease so they can bring the kitchen back under the Leaf name,” Jones stated in the online post.
“We’re genuinely sad about this chapter closing — Leaf has been a fantastic partner, and we’ve loved serving you from there. We’ll continue serving up all your favorites from Leaf through the end of March (or until further notice) — so come see us soon!” Full story here.
Lehigh Valley business set to bloom with beautifully designed event space, floral shop
EASTON, Pa. – Just in time for spring, a new business will soon bring a customizable venue for weddings, baby showers and other functions alongside a floral shop featuring fresh flowers daily to Northampton County.
Bloom Room Easton, a fully designed event space and floral shop, is expected to hold a soft opening in early April at 527 Northampton St. in downtown Easton, owner Wendy Straker told 69 News.
The soon-to-be updated space was previously home to Old Mecca Cafe.
Bloom Room will specialize in hosting intimate celebrations including bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties, corporate gatherings and micro-weddings.
Straker, a resident of Easton, is excited to help community members host one-of-a-kind events while creating lasting memories. Read more here.
A Labor of Love: Sette Luna celebrates 20 years in Easton
EASTON, Pa. – For 20 years, Sette Luna has charmed guests with Italian cuisine on Ferry Street in Easton.
“Seeing the smiles on satisfied guests. Just being able to do what we love has really just made it a blur. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years,” said owner and chef Josh Palmer.
Palmer said it’s also been a labor of love.
“I started as a redhead, as you can see, I’m not anymore,” he joked. “It’s a lot of great memories, trials and tribulations, the heartache with long hours.”
So Sunday was a time to celebrate, the hard work and memories made along the way. Full story here.
Bethlehem buzz‘Incredibly grateful’: Bethlehem restaurant to close as owners focus on other dining establishments
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A full-service restaurant is bidding farewell after a year of operation in Northampton County.
La Kang Chicken & Rice, specializing in Thai-style chicken and rice dishes, is set to permanently close on Monday, March 9, at 15 E. Fourth St. in Bethlehem.
Co-owners Nakkarawoot “Noah” Krueawong, Ratchaphol “Paul” Rojratana, Jam Maca-antal and Anthony Valdez opened La Kang Chicken & Rice in March 2025 at the site of the former General Zapata, a Mexican restaurant that closed in November 2024 after 15 years of business.
La Kang Chicken & Rice’s sister restaurants, La Kang Thai French Cuisine at 190 S. Greenwood Ave. in Palmer Township and La Kang Thai Noodles Bar at 620 Main St. in Hellertown, will continue to operate as normal Rojratana told 69 News on Thursday.
The team also remains committed to operating its mobile food trailer, La Kang Thai Kup, Rojratana said. Read more.
New announcement from Bethlehem Co-op Market; No, it’s not an opening date
BETHLEHEM, Pa.- The Bethlehem Co-op Market still isn’t ready to put an official opening date on the calendar for its brick-and-mortar grocery store, but it is celebrating reaching a fundraising milestone.
The co-op has passed the $600,000 threshold it set for itself to proceed with the next phase of work at 250 E. Broad St.
That means refrigeration work is now underway, the co-op wrote, in its March 1 newsletter: “Estimates to complete this phase of work are anywhere between 3-6 weeks. As it continues, our timeline to open will become clearer, so expect the announcement of an opening plan very soon.”
The $600,000 is part of a larger $1.6 million fundraising goal the co-op has set to open the store and keep it running through its first year. Full story here.
Berks County updatesNew businesses announced for Broadcast District in Berks
SPRING TWP., Pa. — With dirt moving and heavy equipment on site, many wonder what’s going on at the Broadcast District at Spring Township.
“We’re full steam ahead right now,” said Matt Robinson, senior vice president of mixed-use development at SJC Ventures. “Weather permitting, I think we should see buildings going vertical really at the end of the spring or the beginning of the summer.”
Right now, crews are focused on site preparation.
“Once those utilities go in the ground, we can start paving roads and putting in curbs and sidewalks… and start erecting those buildings,” Robinson said.
Whole Foods Market will anchor the 115,000-square-foot development on Broadcasting Road, between Route 222 and Paper Mill Road. About 15 to 20 other tenants have committed so far.
“We’re pleased to announce that we’re also going to have a Chase Bank, 7 Brew Coffee, Qdoba, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Hair Cuttery, Laser Away, Luna Nail Lounge, Sleep Number…” Robinson said.
Other tenants that were previously announced include BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, First Watch, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Shake Shack. Read more here.
Popular shop serving up boba tea, milkshakes, mochi waffles and more at new Berks location
WEST READING, Pa. – A business known for its tasty treats is making moves in Berks County.
Winnie Tea Bar, offering freshly prepared boba tea, milkshakes, mochi waffles and more, this week relocated from its original, three-year-old spot at 725 Penn Ave. in West Reading to its new location less than a half mile east at 402 Penn Ave. in West Reading.
Other menu highlights include fruit teas, hot teas, specialty coffee drinks and Korean shaved ice.
The business’ new location is operating next to its sister business, Winnie Mochi, which opened in 2024 at 400 Penn Ave.
Winnie Mochi offers freshly prepared mochi donuts, Korean corn dogs, Korean fried chicken, lemonade, Vietnames coffee and more. Read more.
Monroe, Schuylkill countiesBudget Store & Lock’s newest regional location aims to make life’s transitions ‘a little bit simpler’
STROUD TWP., Pa. – A new, state-of-the-art storage facility is offering a modern and secure environment where items are protected year-round from extreme temperatures.
A new Budget Store & Lock location will hold a grand opening event 10:30-11:30 a.m. March 18 at 291 Travelers Way in Stroud Township.
The event, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony (11 a.m.) and remarks from distinguished guests, will be presented by the Pocono Chamber of Commerce, a partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The new facility is located on Travelers Way, just off Route 611. Full story here.
Geisinger to open new ConvenientCare clinic in Schuylkill
ORWIGSBURG, Pa. – Geisinger says it will open a new ConvenientCare clinic in Schuylkill County April 1.
In a news release Monday, Geisinger said the new ConvenientCare will open in the Geisinger Orwigsburg office building at 300 Hollywood Blvd.
Geisinger said the clinic will provide community members with access to quick care with no appointment necessary.
The clinic will be staffed with two certified register nurse practitioners (CRNPs) and licensed medical staff who can treat adults and children age 1 or older, Geisinger said in its news release.
The clinic will be open weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and weekends, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Geisinger said ConvenientCare clinics offer walk-in urgent care that allows patients to be seen quicker than a routine office visit. Read more here.