L. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – A new restaurant is serving up mouthwatering fare and musical flair in Lehigh County.
The Broken Record, a full-service, music-themed restaurant featuring modern American cuisine and a full bar, is in its soft opening phase at 6776 Hamilton Blvd., Unit 1, in Lower Macungie Township, according to Taylor Eisenhard, who’s heading the restaurant’s kitchen operations.
The Broken Record is located at 6776 Hamilton Blvd., Unit 1, in Lower Macungie Township.
Ryan Kneller
For nearly 15 years, Eisenhard and his wife operated Griddle 145, a popular breakfast and lunch eatery on MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township, which closed in December in advance of The Broken Record’s debut.
A majority of Griddle 145’s kitchen and front-of-house team also transitioned to The Broken Record.
The new Lower Macungie restaurant brings to life the vision of partners Jeff Trainer and Andrea Kinney, who are big fans of great music and great food, Eisenhard said.
Trainer also owns Wind Creek Event Center in south Bethlehem.
In Lower Macungie, The Broken Record occupies a newly outfitted space featuring a sleek rectangular bar, top-of-the-line kitchen and state-of-the-art sound system.
Ryan Kneller
Seating is available for around 100 guests at the bar, along with nearby banquettes and tables with chairs.
Aesthetic highlights include modern pendant lighting, pops of greenery and a vibrant accent wall featuring an abstract, black-and-white design.
The music theme is carried into the décor with one wall showcasing a collection of album covers from iconic musical acts such as The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Madonna and Michael Jackson, and another wall featuring framed images of David Bowie, Tina Turner, Beastie Boys, Run DMC and other music legends.
More music-related photos and memorabilia will be added to the restaurant in the coming weeks, Eisenhard said.
The Broken Record is located at 6776 Hamilton Blvd., Unit 1, in Lower Macungie Township.
Ryan Kneller
The Broken Record’s music-heavy atmosphere is further evident with a turntable playing vinyl records spanning a wide array of musical genres.
On a recent evening, guests of The Broken Record could enjoy classic hits such as “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders, “Crazy on You” by Heart and “The Way You Move” by OutKast.
“We want to have a fun, lively and upbeat atmosphere,” Eisenhard said. “So, there will always be music playing here.”
During its soft-opening phase, The Broken Record is operating with a limited dinner menu that will expand later this winter, Eisenhard said.
The partners also hope to offer breakfast and lunch within the next couple of months, Eisenhard said.
The Broken Record is located at 6776 Hamilton Blvd., Unit 1, in Lower Macungie Township.
Ryan Kneller
Current dinner menu highlights include small plates ($8-$18) such as mushroom risotto, Calabrian chicken wings, spinach artichoke dip and rock star shrimp (peel-n-eat steamed shrimp with Old Bay, onions and side of garlic butter or cocktail sauce); tacos ($14.50-$15.50) including crispy cod, pork belly and tequila lime seared shrimp; pizzas ($18.50-$20) such as caramelized onions and sausage, white mushroom ricotta and smoked mozzarella and pepperoni; and sandwiches ($15) such as Alpine chicken (crispy chicken cutlet, Swiss cheese, garlic honey mustard aioli and arugula on brioche bun) and drunken chicken (crispy chicken cutlet, burrata cheese, vodka sauce and arugula on brioche bun).
Eisenhard describes the cuisine as modern American with a focus on small plates suitable for sharing.
The Broken Record is located at 6776 Hamilton Blvd., Unit 1, in Lower Macungie Township.
Ryan Kneller
All of the menu items have been receiving great feedback, but the skirt steak frites, vodka burrata pizza and studio tostada (corn tortilla with seared ahi tuna, pickled jalapenos, scallions, cilantro, black and white sesames seeds and sriracha aioli) have proven to be especially popular in the restaurant’s first few days, Eisenhard said.
When breakfast and lunch service arrive later this winter, guests should expect to see some Griddle 145 staples, including bananas Foster French toast, huevos rancheros, breakfast tacos and various omelettes, Eisenhard said.
Some of Griddle 145’s favorites, including a burger with caramelized onions, smoked bacon, cheddar jack cheese and garlic aioli, are already featured on The Broken Record’s menu, he added.
A recent post on Griddle 145’s Facebook page announced The Broken Record’s soft opening, with hours this week of 4-10 p.m. daily through Saturday and 4-9 p.m. Sunday.
The Broken Record is located at 6776 Hamilton Blvd., Unit 1, in Lower Macungie Township.
Ryan Kneller
“Thank you all for your patience – we’re officially kicking things off with our soft opening this week and we’re so excited to welcome you in!” the announcement reads.
“… Come check out the new space, the new vibe, and what we’ve been working so hard on. Bring your friends, bring your appetite, and help us make some noise! We can’t wait to see you!”