BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A popular seafood restaurant is bidding farewell in Northampton County.
Adagio, specializing in seafood and continental fare, is set to close on Dec. 27 at 530 Pembroke Road in Bethlehem, owner Anthony Spagnola told 69 News on Monday.
Adagio operates at 530 Pembroke Road in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
On the business’ final two days, Dec. 26 and 27, all-you-can-eat crab legs for $55 and a limited version of the restaurant’s regular menu will be offered, Spagnola said.
Fraternal Order of Police, Bethlehem Star Lodge #20, plans to purchase the Adagio property and convert it into a private membership club for City of Bethlehem police officers, both active and retired, Spagnola said.
The closing date is scheduled for early January, Spagnola said.
Adagio operates at 530 Pembroke Road in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
“We had an unbelievable run!” Spagnola said.
“Now, we’re handing [the property] over to the police for great activities that will benefit the community, which is also amazing.”
After extensive renovations, Spagnola opened Adagio in September 2015 at the site of the former 530 Grille. A full bar was added a year later.
Over the decades, the property was also home to other dining destinations, including Nueva Lanterna Fusion Grill and Rum Bar and The Lantern restaurant.
Spagnola is looking to focus on his growing family and other businesses, including Sotto Santi Pizzeria Pub in south Bethlehem and Hot Fitness Factory fitness studio in Bethlehem Township.
Adagio
Following Adagio’s closure, the $55 all-you-can-eat crab legs special will be continued at Sotto Santi in Bethlehem beginning Jan. 19, Spagnola said.
The special will be available every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Additionally, all unused Adagio gift cards will be honored at Apollo Grill in Bethlehem, Spagnola said.
Spagnola and the entire Adagio team are appreciative of the community’s support over the past 10 years, and Spagnola plans to make a toast on Dec. 27.
“I just want to say, ‘Thank you, everyone,'” Spagnola said.
“It’s been a great run. We took a blighted property, turned it around and brought a new great restaurant to fruition. Serving the community has been so great.”
Adagio, named after the Italian musical term meaning “in slow tempo,” specializes in freshly prepared seafood dishes, including fried calamari, steamed clams, blackened salmon, stuffed flounder, crab cakes and jerk tuna.
Adagio
Guests also can enjoy other tasty selections such as burgers, flatbreads and chicken and steak dishes.
Popular picks include all-you-can-eat crab legs, pan-seared scallops, a broiled signature trio platter (stuffed flounder, scallops and shrimp) and coulotte and ribeye steaks, Spagnola said.
“The Adagio Restaurant specializes in all things you love about European cuisine: fresh fish from around world (Spain, Italy), shellfish dishes including Maine lobster tails or jumbo shrimp cocktail,” a message on Adagio’s website reads.
The restaurant features a roughly 100-seat main dining room, as well as a bar area with a 35-seat rectangular bar and lower-level banquet room accommodating around 160 individuals.
Adagio features lower-level banquet space.
Adagio
In October, the Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board voted to grant a special exception to the FOP to establish a membership club in a current non-conforming restaurant.
The property is in a RT-high density residential zoning district.
The FOP said it plans to use the building on a smaller scale, converting the largest part of the property into a gym with weight equipment for members, a padded training room for defensive tactics and physical skills, and a space for professional training opportunities.
“It’s a great opportunity for the Fraternal Order of Police,” Spagnola said. “They’ll have space for a gym, and it’ll be a great space for past, present and future officers.”
Although the current use has a liquor license, the FOP stated it has no intentions of purchasing the license from Adagio.
In a letter from the FOP describing its plans to the zoning hearing board, the organization said the facility “will provide Bethlehem’s police officers with a dedicated space to improve physical health and fitness, as well as host professional training opportunities that will ultimately benefit the entire community.”
For the latest Adagio updates, follow the business’ Facebook page. Info: 610-625-3777; seafoodadagio.com.