Allentown’s bar and pub scene is quietly stacked with great burgers. From old‑school institutions to newer gastropubs, these are the places locals keep recommending when the craving hits.
1. Wert’s Cafe
Wert’s is basically Allentown burger royalty.
It’s a cozy, family‑run spot that looks like a classic neighborhood restaurant, and the burger has a reputation that stretches way beyond the Lehigh Valley.
The patties are thick, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. The signature “Wert’s Burger” usually comes with their famous fried onions on top, plus cheese and classic fixings.
The bun is soft and holds together, and the whole thing feels like a diner burger that went to finishing school.
Pair it with fries or onion rings and you’ll get why locals treat this as the gold standard.
2. Union & Finch
Union & Finch is a stylish, bistro‑ish spot in the West End that leans modern American comfort food, and the burger is one of the most popular things on the menu.
It’s more of a chef’s burger: quality beef, cooked to temp, on a brioche‑style bun with thoughtful toppings—often a sharp cheese, bacon or pancetta, and a house aioli or special sauce.
It’s rich, juicy, and plated with crispy fries that actually deserve the “hand‑cut” description.
This is the place people name when you want a burger that still feels a little “night out” instead of pure bar food.
3. Fegley’s Allentown Brew Works
Right in the heart of downtown, Brew Works is known for its house‑brewed beer—but the burger lineup more than holds its own.
They do several builds, usually including a classic cheeseburger, a bacon‑cheddar version, and a more creative option or two with things like blue cheese, caramelized onions, or spicy peppers.
Patties are big and juicy, buns are toasted, and the fries and pierogies on the side make it feel like peak pub comfort. Locals love washing it down with one of their IPAs or seasonal brews.
4. Copperhead Grille (Allentown)
Copperhead Grille is a sports‑bar chain, but in Allentown a lot of people will tell you their burgers are legit. The atmosphere is exactly what you’d expect: TVs everywhere, loud, casual, and very game‑day‑friendly.
The burgers are thick and well‑seasoned, with lots of topping options—bacon, onion straws, various cheeses, and house sauces.
The BBQ‑bacon‑cheddar style burger is a favorite for its smokiness and crunch, and the buns are soft without falling apart. If you want a burger, a beer, and the game, this is an easy choice.
5. The Tavern on Liberty
The Tavern on Liberty is known for an excellent craft beer list, but regulars will absolutely vouch for the burger.
The patty is usually a hefty, griddled affair with nice charring on the outside and plenty of juice inside. Toppings are classic but well done—cheddar or American, bacon, grilled onions, and pickles—with a soft bun tying it together. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and exactly what you want alongside a good IPA flight.
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