BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. – The management team behind a go-to spot for beer, burgers and banter among friends is marking 20 years of operation with week-long specials and festivities.
Keystone Pub & Grill, a full-service bar and restaurant known for its burgers, chicken wings and other American pub fare, will host a 20th anniversary, week-long celebration with various food and drink specials as well as entertainment beginning Monday, May 11, at 3259 Easton Ave. in Bethlehem Township.
All food and drink specials are for dine-in service only.
The schedule for the pub’s 20th anniversary specials and other festivities is as follows:
Monday, May 11: 10 wings for $5, 4-10 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12: Pulled pork sandwiches for $5
Wednesday, May 13: $5 Pub Fries all day and trivia, 7-9 p.m.
Thursday, May 14: Three sliders for $5, 4-10 p.m.
Friday, May 15: Performance by Billy Bauer Band, 8 p.m.
Additionally, $2.50 Bud pints and $2 Busch Light cans will be available all week.
“Can you believe we have been here for 20 years?!!” an announcement on the pub’s Facebook page. “As a thank you, we would love for you to come celebrate with us … as we go back in time. See you at The Pub!”
The Keystone Pub opened in 2000 in an early-19th century building, at Easton Avenue and Willow Park Road, and current Owner Savaas Kiprislis took over operations 20 years ago.
The structure originated as a grist mill, built by George Butz in 1806, before a later owner – R.T. Schweitzer – converted it into a hotel known as the Butztown Hotel, according to a historical account on the pub’s website.
“In the 1950′s Howard Searfass purchased the hotel. He would play poker with his friends while his daughters would tend the bar,” the historical account continues. “Later on, Charles and Nancy Eyster purchased the hotel and the name ‘The Butz’ would be heard around the township.”
In 2021 and 2022, Kiprislis and a team of contractors implemented a host of renovations at the Bethlehem Township location, which occupies the first two floors of the historic, four-story building.
Improvements included upgrading the stairs, more than doubling the pub’s kitchen, implementing an open-concept bar and dining area and constructing a new covered patio that connects to the pub’s side.
“Keystone Pub Bethlehem has grown to be a cornerstone of the community,” reads a message on the pub’s website.
“Whether you are looking for a place to gather with coworkers for a happy hour drink or a place to bring the family for dinner, ‘The Pub’ is there to make you feel at home. Over nearly the last two decades Keystone Pub & Grill has grown and expanded, establishing itself as an integral part of the Lehigh Valley. Keystone Pub & Grill is dedicated to local schools, groups, and organizations by hosting fund raisers and contributing donations. We believe supporting our local communities is the best way for us to give back the support they have given us over the years.”
Keystone Pub, with more than 25 TVs, is known for its traditional or boneless chicken wings, available in sauces such as garlic parmesan, honey chipotle, Asian tang and grilled pineapple habanero; and dry seasonings such as chili-lime, lemon pepper, Cajun and Desert Ranch.
The pub’s wings have garnered several local accolades, including being named “best place for wings” in multiple years in Lehigh Valley Style’s annual “Best of the Lehigh Valley” reader-voted contest.
“Our wings make up a good 20 to 25% of our sales because they’re so popular,” Kiprislis previously told 69 News. “They’re jumbo and fresh, never frozen.”
The pub also serves shareables such as coconut shrimp, cheesesteak egg rolls, mozzarella moons and Muchos Nachos (with choice of beef, chicken, pulled pork or chili); and classic pub fare such as cheesesteaks, French dip au jus, reubens and seasoned beef or chicken tacos; and entrees such as fresh fish and chips, grilled salmon, BBQ ribs charbroiled 10-ounce sirloin steak.
Other menu highlights include a wide variety of burgers (half-pound charbroiled angus beef or veggie patties), chicken sandwiches, salads and sides.
A second location of Keystone Pub closed in September 2024 after 12 years of operation on Grape Street in Whitehall Township.
“It’s a lot of work – being pulled between the two locations,” Kiprislis told 69 News at the time.
“Now, we’ll be able to focus on just the Bethlehem location. Also, I want to concentrate on my family because it’s hard to find free time with the two locations.”
In an online post announcing the Whitehall location’s closure, Kiprislis thanked the restaurant’s customers and staff.
“It has been our pleasure to serve, and we thank you for the 12 years of business in Whitehall,” the post reads.
“Our deepest gratitude goes to our diligent and devoted Whitehall staff and families. We cannot thank them enough. Excitement fills us as our sights are fully on our original establishment. We look forward to seeing you for the same tasty drinks and wings at our Bethlehem location!”
For the latest Keystone Pub updates, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram.