Best Brunch Spots in the Lehigh Valley
The Lehigh Valley has quietly become one of eastern Pennsylvania's best brunch destinations. Between Allentown's growing restaurant scene and Bethlehem's walkable downtown, there's no shortage of places to spend a lazy weekend morning over eggs, cocktails, and good company. We've eaten our way through dozens of spots to bring you this list — the ones worth getting out of bed for.
What Makes Lehigh Valley Brunch Special
Unlike the Philly brunch scene where you'll wait 90 minutes for a table, the Lehigh Valley offers the same quality of food with a fraction of the hassle. Most of these spots take reservations, parking is easy, and price points run $15–$30 per person — a steal compared to what you'd pay in a bigger city. The farm-to-table movement has taken hold here too, with local farms in Bucks and Northampton counties supplying many of the restaurants on this list.
1. Union & Finch — Allentown
Union & Finch has earned its reputation as the Lehigh Valley's brunch destination. Located in Allentown, this spot combines creative cooking with a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you want to linger over a second coffee.
What to Order
The breakfast poutine is the signature dish — hand-cut fries loaded with cheese curds, gravy, and a perfectly poached egg on top. It sounds heavy, but it's addictive. Their avocado toast gets elevated with pickled onions and everything seasoning, and the banana foster French toast is worth the calories.
Pro tip: Make a reservation for weekend brunch. Union & Finch fills up by 10:30 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. If you're flexible, try a weekday brunch — same menu, no wait.
2. Edge Restaurant — Bethlehem
For a more upscale experience, Edge Restaurant at the Wind Creek Hotel offers a Sunday brunch buffet that justifies the higher price point. This is the place for a celebration brunch — birthdays, Mother's Day, or just because.
What to Expect
The buffet format means you're getting variety you can't find anywhere else in the valley. Think carving stations with prime rib and ham, a made-to-order omelet bar, fresh seafood, and a dessert spread with miniature pastries and chocolate fountains. There's also a dedicated kids' section, making it one of the better family-friendly brunch options in Bethlehem.
Budget note: The Sunday buffet runs around $40–$50 per person. It's a splurge, but the quality and quantity make it worthwhile for special occasions.
3. The Shelby — Allentown
The Shelby brings a sophisticated-yet-approachable vibe to the Allentown dining scene. The interior is stylish without being pretentious, and the weekend brunch menu strikes that perfect balance between comfort food and creativity.
What to Order
Their crab cake Benedict is a standout — two pan-seared crab cakes on English muffins with hollandaise and fresh greens. The cocktail program is equally impressive, with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar that features house-infused vodkas and over a dozen toppings. Don't skip the beignets if they're on the specials board.
4. Grille 3501 — Allentown
Grille 3501 often flies under the radar for brunch, which is a mistake. Their Sunday prix fixe brunch is one of the best values in the Lehigh Valley — a multi-course meal at a fixed price that changes seasonally.
Why It Stands Out
The prix fixe format means the kitchen puts serious thought into each dish, and the courses flow at a comfortable pace. You'll typically get a choice of starter, main, and dessert. The space itself feels upscale without being stuffy, making it great for date night brunch or a catch-up with friends.
5. Apollo Grill — Bethlehem
Apollo Grill in downtown Bethlehem is a local institution that's been serving the community for years. Their brunch is reliable, generous, and won't break the bank — exactly what you want on a relaxed weekend morning.
What to Order
The portions here are generous. Go for the classic eggs Benedict or the stuffed French toast. The outdoor patio is a major draw in warmer months, giving you a front-row seat to Bethlehem's Main Street foot traffic. It's casual, friendly, and consistently good.
Honorable Mentions
A few more brunch-worthy spots that didn't quite make the top five but are absolutely worth trying:
- Cafe Athena in Allentown — Mediterranean-influenced brunch with excellent shakshuka and fresh-baked pita
- Casa Valencia in Bethlehem — For something different, try their chilaquiles or huevos rancheros with house-made salsa
- Bolete Restaurant — Our #1 ranked restaurant in the valley occasionally hosts special brunch events. Follow their social media for announcements.
Planning Your Brunch
Here's a quick guide to help you pick the right spot:
- Best for groups: Union & Finch — great vibe, big tables, shareable menu
- Best for a celebration: Edge Restaurant — the buffet format means everyone finds something they love
- Best for cocktails: The Shelby — the Bloody Mary bar is unmatched
- Best value: Apollo Grill — huge portions, fair prices
- Best for foodies: Grille 3501 — the prix fixe is a culinary experience
Want to explore beyond brunch? Check out our full ranking of the best restaurants in the Lehigh Valley, or narrow it down by city with our guides to Bethlehem restaurants and Allentown restaurants. And if you're planning an evening out, don't miss our guide to date night restaurants in Bethlehem.
