ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A new spot for locally made wines, specialty cocktails, signature small plates and more is coming soon to Lehigh County.
Soaked in the City, a new cocktail lounge from the team behind Soaked Winery, is expected to open in mid-June at 932 Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown, owner Shannon Birosik told 69 News.
Soaked in the City is coming soon to 932 Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
The new venue will occupy a soon-to-be-renovated space that previously housed a DeSales University education hub, which closed in 2025 after a little more than 2 years of operation.
Soaked in the City will be a sister location of Soaked Winery, which opened in 2019 at 567 Blue Mountain Drive in Lehigh Township.
The Lehigh Township location is housed in a rustic, 1837 German-style barn, surrounded by picturesque natural scenery that includes mature trees and a pond.
Soaked Winery operates at 567 Blue Mountain Drive in Lehigh Township.
Soaked Winery
The new Allentown spot will offer the same friendly service and award-winning wines that have led to Soaked’s success over the past several years, but it will feature a more “chic, urban vibe” compared to the winery’s countryside homebase, Birosik said.
“We’re really excited for our Allentown location,” Birosik said.
“Anybody who is familiar with our current location knows that it has a very rustic, farm vibe, and the Allentown location will be a total contrast to that.”
In addition to Soaked’s wines, the Allentown lounge will feature Pennsylvania craft beers and an expanded selection of hand-crafted cocktails, Birosik said.
Soaked Winery
“In Allentown, we’re moving into more of a cocktail lounge feel,” Birosik said.
“So, hand-crafted cocktails made with PA spirits and fresh ingredients will be a big focus at the new venue. We’ve also come up with a few fun cocktails, where we marry the wine and spirits together.”
Birosik, an at-home winemaker for many years, opened Soaked Winery in 2019 as an off-shoot of the now-closed Calvaresi Winery in Penn Township, Berks County.
Birosik had purchased Calvaresi in 2014 from longtime owner Tom Calvaresi, who was retiring, and eventually began developing a few additions to Calvaresi’s regular lineup under the Soaked brand.
Soaked Winery operates at 567 Blue Mountain Drive in Lehigh Township.
Soaked Winery
With a degree in food science from Delaware Valley College and a background in developing new products and processes for a local confectionary company for 13 years, she felt right at home.
At Soaked, Birosik purchases grapes from growers in Pennsylvania and Washington to produce a wide array of high-quality, small-batch wines.
Guests can enjoy dry selections such as merlot, syrah, barbera, pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc; off-dry varieties such as Riesling, rosé (spicy and clean with hints of strawberry and pineapple) and “Willow White” (crisp, semi-dry Rhine-style white, delivering orange blossoms in the nose and apple and grapefruit flavors); and sweet selections such as apple, blueberry, cranberry and “Lush” (port-style dessert wine that’s fruity and smooth with hints of dark cherry and currant).
A popular pick is Albariño, a white wine described as “crisp and juicy with initial impact of green apple followed by lingering nectarine.”
Soaked Winery
“We released a wine called Envy, which has also become super popular,” Birosik said.
“It’s a cabernet sauvignon, with the grapes coming from Washington state, and I age it in bourbon barrels. I also do a merlot in bourbon barrels that I call Moxy, and that’s become popular as well. I’ve been making that for a few years.”
Like the Lehigh Township location, the new Allentown venue will offer Soaked’s wines by the glass and bottle, along with wine flights and tastings.
Tastings consist of five 1-ounce pours, while flights consist of four 3-ounce pours.
Soaked Winery
Wine slushies, which Birosik labels “very, very popular,” also will be offered in Allentown.
Wine slushie flavors regularly rotate, with this weekend’s offerings including blackberry and blood orange.
“Some of our returning favorites include a red sangria and a ‘Camberry,’ made with our sweet Cameo wine and a little cranberry juice,” Birosik added.
Local craft beer and artisan cocktails also will be available in Allentown, along with a variety of small plates.
Soaked Winery
The Allentown location’s food menu is still being finalized, but individuals can expect elevated options such as seasonal charcuterie boards, flatbreads, smoked salmon crostinis and a burrata and prosciutto plate, Birosik said.
New kitchen equipment is being installed along with other upgrades such as new flooring, lighting and furniture.
A new bar will be centrally located, with a nearby lounge area to the left and another room – designed for private events and overflow seating – to the right, Birosik said.
The venue will accommodate around 80 guests, and all of the rooms will flow seamlessly together.
“We hope to host music and other things like that on the weekends, but we also would like to rent out the space on the right for private functions,” Birosik said.
“So, people could host baby showers, birthday parties, business functions and other events. We’ve also been hosting comedy events in Lehigh Township, which have been very successful, and we hope to do that in Allentown as well.”
Soaked is no stranger to the downtown Allentown business scene.
Soaked Winery
The winery hosted a pop-up shop on the ArtsWalk in 2018, and Birosik has continued to watch the city’s downtown progress with new apartment complexes, office buildings, entertainment venues and restaurants over the ensuing years.
Last summer, she and her husband attended a show at the new Archer Music Hall, and she commented to him at the time how “a great cocktail bar” would be perfect right across the street.
Less than a year later, the opportunity presented itself when the leasing team from City Center Group – the property’s landlord – reached out to Birosik about the ground-floor space.
“I’ve been watching the revitalization of downtown Allentown over the past several years,” Birosik said. “So, I’m familiar with the area, and I just really felt that now is the time to expand there.”
Soaked Winery operates at 567 Blue Mountain Drive in Lehigh Township.
Soaked Winery
In Lehigh Township, Soaked Winery operates 3-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 7 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Hours for the new Allentown location are still being finalized, but the plan is for it to operate Tuesday through Sunday.
Tentative hours are 4 to 9 or 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to midnight Fridays, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. Sundays, Birosik said.
It’s Birosik’s hope that Soaked in the City becomes not only a hot spot for great drinks and small bites but also a community hub for social activities.
“What I’d really like to do is offer different workshops and classes throughout the week,” Birosik said.
“I work with someone who teaches you how to make beautiful charcuterie boards. We could host cocktail classes and other types of instructional events. I’d also like to work with other local businesses for things like plant workshops, crochet classes and so on.”
For the latest Soaked Winery updates, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram. Info: soakedwinery.com.
More Lehigh County newsNew full-service restaurant opens at former Griddle 145 site in Whitehall
WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A popular restaurant has expanded its footprint with a new location at the site of a former longtime favorite in Lehigh County.
A new location of Al Azeez Grill, a full-service restaurant offering authentic Pakistani, Indian, Afghani and Middle Eastern fusion cuisine, opened May 1 at 1146 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
The renovated space previously was home to home to Griddle 145, a breakfast and lunch eatery that closed in late December after 13 years.
The new Whitehall Township restaurant is second location of Al Azeez Grill, which partners Syed Ali and Syed Zeshawn opened nearly two years ago at 1959 Street Road in Bensalem Township, Bucks County. Full story here.
A new location of Al Azeez Grill operates at 1146 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
Ryan Kneller
Lehigh Valley’s new Dollar General store to celebrate grand opening with gift card giveaways
EMMAUS, Pa. – A popular retail chain, which bills itself as “America’s neighborhood general store,” is expanding its local footprint with a new store in Lehigh County.
A new location of Dollar General, which strives to make shopping “hassle-free and affordable” with more than 20,000 stores in 48 states, will hold a grand opening event at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at 1328 Chestnut St. in Emmaus, according to a news release.
To celebrate the store’s opening, Dollar General will give $10 complimentary gift cards to the first 50 adult customers and DG tote bags to the first 100 customers.
The new store will occupy an updated space that previously housed a Rite Aid location in the Emmaus Shopping Center. Read more here.
A new location of Dollar General is pictured at 1328 Chestnut St. in Emmaus.
Ryan Kneller
‘It’s the beginning of life’: Dorney Park kicks off 142nd season
SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP. – Dorney Park is now in its 142nd season. The park has been a staple around here for generations.
It’s a sweet sign of spring when the rides start swinging and swaying, and the crowds return to Dorney Park. The park opened for business Friday morning.
“Oh, it’s like the beginning of summer. It’s the beginning of life,” said Thunderhawk rider and Dorney Park season ticket-holder Cliff Herring.
Iby Shaw of Schnecksville has buckled up for more than 2000 rides on the Iron Menace, which is now in its third season. Shaw thinks opening day is a special event. Read more.
Beloved restaurants
‘It’s an honor’: After 38 years, popular Lehigh Valley restaurant under new ownership
BUSHKILL TWP., Pa. – A beloved restaurant, known for its hand-crafted pizza, pasta dinners and Greek salad, has transitioned to new owners in Northampton County.
Original Doughboy’s Pizza Restaurant, a family-run establishment serving a wide array of pizzas, sandwiches, entrees and more at 230 W. Moorestown Road in Bushkill Township, has been purchased by husband and wife Nilson Mendoza and Krista Longenbach.
On Sunday, the restaurant held its last day of business under original owners Mehmet “Mike” and Intsafka Zimmer, who are both retiring, before the sale was finalized on Monday.
One longtime customer after another extended warm wishes to the Zimmers on Sunday, with one regular patron even delivering an oversized card with handmade illustrations and heartfelt comments paying tribute to what the Zimmers built nearly 40 years ago. Full story here.
Original Doughboy’s Pizza Restaurant operates at 230 W. Moorestown Road in Bushkill Township.
Ryan Kneller
‘Time for a new chapter’: Beloved pub up for sale in Northampton County as owner looks to retire
HELLERTOWN, Pa. – A popular Lehigh Valley spot for bridies, mince and tatties, shepherd’s pie and other Scottish favorites is available for purchase after nearly 20 years of operation.
Braveheart Highland Pub, a full-service restaurant specializing in authentic Scottish cuisine, is up for sale at 430 Main St. in Hellertown as owner Andy Lee plans to retire.
The establishment opened in December 2006 at the site of the former Hellertown Hotel.
The restaurant has already seen interest from prospective buyers, but until a sale occurs, it’s business as usual, Lee said.
The restaurant’s asking price is $3.8 million, and the sale would include the business, liquor license and real estate, Lee said. Read more here.
Braveheart Highland Pub operates at 430 Main St. in Hellertown.
Ryan Kneller
Foodie finds’Truly memorable’: New restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at former A Ca Mia site
LEHIGH TWP., Pa. – A new full-service restaurant is offering elevated burgers, premium steaks, house-made pasta dishes and more in Northampton County.
Diamond Grill, a full-service restaurant offering casual American cuisine, will held its grand opening at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at 4330 Lehigh Drive Suite 7 in Lehigh Township, co-owner Julia Tassie told 69 News.
The restaurant occupies an updated Lehigh Town Center space that was previously home to A Ca Mia, a BYOB Italian restaurant that closed in January 2023 after 10 years of business, and Baker Ben’s Bakery, which relocated to Delaware Avenue in Palmerton earlier this year. Read more.
Diamond Grill is located at 4330 Lehigh Drive Suite 7 in Lehigh Township.
Ryan Kneller
Lehigh Valley’s newest Popeyes almost ready to serve up chain’s ‘famous Louisiana chicken’
LOWER NAZARETH TWP., Pa. – Fans of Cajun fries, butterfly shrimp and spicy chicken sandwiches will have a new eatery to frequent in Northampton County later this spring.
A new location of Popeyes, the quick-service chain known for its fried chicken, biscuits and other Southern favorites, is tentatively set to open in late May at the southwest corner of Eastgate Boulevard and Easton-Nazareth Highway (Route 248) in Lower Nazareth Township, according to Jebran Kahn, who’s helping lead the restaurant’s development.
The restaurant will feature dine-in, to-go and drive-thru services.
The newly constructed, mostly white structure features orange and teal accents and the phrases “famous Louisiana chicken” and “love that chicken” prominently displayed on its façade. Full story here.
A new location of Popeyes is coming soon to the southwest corner of Eastgate Boulevard and Easton-Nazareth Highway (Route 248) in Lower Nazareth Township.
Ryan Kneller
Popular Lehigh Valley festivals returning with Greek food, music and dancing
Opa! Two local church festivals will soon be serving up gyros, souvlaki, moussaka and other Greek favorites.
First, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, at 1607 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem, will host its biannual Greek Food Festival Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17.
The event features several handmade Greek specialties for sale, including pastitsio (Greek baked pasta dish with ground meat and bechamel sauce), moussaka (layers of sauteed slices of eggplant, ground beef flavored with tomatoes, onions and cinnamon and covered with a custard sauce sprinkled with grated cheese) and Athenian chicken (boneless and skinless chicken breast, filled with spinach, feta and other Greek cheeses, baked and topped with light gravy). Read more here.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral is located at 1607 W. Union Blvd. in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Easton area updatesLehigh Valley’s newest taco spot opens just in time for Cinco de Mayo
EASTON, Pa. – A new destination for street tacos, tortas and other Mexican favorites is satisfying appetites in Northampton County.
Tia B’s Street Tacos, offering authentic, hand-crafted tacos, quesadillas and other Mexican street food, opened about a week ago at 118 Northampton St. in downtown Easton.
“We’re super excited,” said co-owner Bridget Lauer, who’s operating the business with her husband, Chris Quintile. “We’ve always admired Easton. It has great events, great people and great vibes, and now we’re going to be in the middle of it all.”
Lauer established Tia B’s in spring 2022 with a single food trailer, and a second Tia B’s mobile unit was added to the operation in 2024. Read more.
Tia B’s Street Tacos operates at 118 Northampton St. in downtown Easton.
Ryan Kneller
New Lehigh Valley salon to celebrate grand opening with $6.99 haircuts
PALMER TWP., Pa. – Individuals seeking a fresh look for spring will soon have a new salon to visit in Northampton County.
A new location of Great Clips, offering haircuts and styling for men, women and children, will hold a grand opening at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at 3011 William Penn Highway in Palmer Township, franchisee Leena Dhawan told 69 News.
Dhawan is partnering with her husband, Nimish Dhawan, to operate the new salon, which will be located between StretchLab and Luxury Spa & Nails in the William Penn Plaza.
In celebration of the grand opening, the salon will offer $6.99 haircuts for four weeks, Leena said. Full story here.
A new Great Clips salon is coming soon to 3011 William Penn Highway in Palmer Township.
Ryan Kneller
‘Going great’: Easton restaurant reopens with two-day pop-up after fire damage closure
EASTON, Pa. – A beloved Easton cafe re-opens in part.
The State Cafe and Grill is holding a two day pop-up. This, after being closed since mid-February due to fire damage.
Inside the Easton Bank Street Annex, pancakes served with a side of resilience, for State Cafe and Grill owner Bill Sneeringer.
“What’s it like to be serving customers again?” 69 News reporter Bo Koltnow asked.
“Good. I’m a little rusty, but it’s going great,” Sneeringer responded. Read more here.
State Cafe & Grill is located at 14-16 S. Fifth St. in downtown Easton.
Ryan Kneller
Berks County buzzPopular dessert shop franchise set to open 1st Pa. location in Berks County
SPRING TWP., Pa. – A rapidly growing business known for its decadent desserts – including cobblers with ice cream, cobbler cookies, gourmet cinnamon rolls, “bigger and better” brownies, banana puddings, “pudd-n shakes” and churro stix – will soon have a presence in Berks County.
The first Pennsylvania location of The Peach Cobbler Factory, a dessert shop franchise with more than 115 locations nationwide, will hold a soft opening on May 30 at 2647 Shillington Rd. in Spring Township, a company representative told 69 News.
A grand opening with raffle prizes, face painting and DJ entertainment will be held a week later on June 6. The grand opening also will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tentatively set for noon.
The shop’s regular hours will be noon to 10 p.m. daily. Read more.
The Peach Cobbler Factory
Jersey Mike’s opens third Berks County location
EXETER TWP., Pa. – Jersey Mike’s Subs is celebrating the opening of its third location in Berks County.
On Wednesday, the company hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and started serving subs “Mike’s Way.”
The new spot replaces GameStop in the Exeter Commons Shopping Center in Exeter Township.
Proceeds from opening day benefited the Exeter Community Education Foundation, which works with the community to expand opportunities for students in the Exeter Township School District. Full story here.
Jersey Mike’s serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956.
By Jersey Mike’s Subs
Closing notesArby’s restaurant permanently closes in Northampton County
BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. – Fans of Arby’s roast beef, crispy chicken and corned beef reuben sandwiches have one less restaurant to visit in the Lehigh Valley.
The fast-food chain’s location at 3020 Easton Ave. in Bethlehem Township has permanently closed, according to signage posted on the restaurant’s entry doors.
An Arby’s representative did not return a message seeking comment, including a reason for the closure.
Arby’s, founded in 1964, is a leading sandwich drive-thru restaurant brand known for its roasted beef, turkey and chicken sandwiches. Read more here.
An Arby’s location has permanently closed at 3020 Easton Ave. in Bethlehem Township.
1st Lehigh Valley location of fast-casual restaurant franchise abruptly closes
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A restaurant serving made-to-order burritos, quesadillas, tacos and more has ended operations.
A Bethlehem location of Moe’s Southwest Grill abruptly closed earlier this week at 3211 Schoenersville Road.
A Moe’s representative did not return a message seeking comment on the development, including a reason for the closure.
The Bethlehem eatery opened in 2012 in the Schoenersville Centre and was the first Lehigh Valley location of Moe’s. Read more.
