Posts tagged new venue

Molly’s. Mondays. Microbrews.

Our ongoing quest for craft beer in the Lehigh Valley and a tip from one of our Twitter followers led us to Bethlehem’s South Side to check out a new venue in a familiar location. The former Lehigh Pub (also once known as the Bridgeworks) has become Molly’s Irish Grille. Now under new ownership, the facade of Molly’s still looks like your typical college pub. We admit, we were a little hesitant to enter after seeing the glow of multiple neon swill signs outside, but the rumor of a Microbrew Monday was enough to get us in the door. Once inside, we were pleasantly surprised by a variety of craft beer taps including Chimay White and Brew Works Hop Explosion (check our What’s On Draft page for the full craft beer draft list) as well as a cooler with as much micro bottle variety as one of the Mix a Six coolers at Abe’s.

Molly’s menu isn’t too shabby, either. If you’re looking for Kobe beef and oysters, head to the Bookstore instead, but if you’re in the mood for some hearty pub food, this is the place. Featured items include traditional Irish fare like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and bangers and mash. You can also find wraps, burgers, sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, salads, and over 20 appetizers - black and tan onion rings, fried zucchini sticks, and baked mac and cheese are just a few.

Microbrew Monday at Molly’s was enough to sell us on the place. Every Monday, Molly’s offers $3 micros until midnight as well as food specials (and we hear they have great Mexican Tuesday deals as well). We chose from an impressive variety of about 40 micro bottles and drafts, and even found a few we have never come across at Abe’s - Left Coast Tangerine and Torrey Pines IPA.

One more thing that made us feel at home at Molly’s - the people. We had a chance to chat with the General Manager, who was happy to answer all of our questions, take good care of us and make us feel welcome. A handful of the Molly’s staff (as well as a some of the patrons we saw there) are also previous or current employees at the Bethlehem Brew Works, and we were happy to see so many familiar faces in the few occasions we were there. We do realize that school is not currently in session and the vibe may change once the students are back, but we hope that the laid-back, friendly atmosphere remains. 

Be sure to stop by Molly’s this upcoming Monday, August 30, for the Microbrew Monday deals as well as a Meet the Brewer event with Beau Baden of Fegley’s Brew Works.

Molly’s Irish Grille is located at 4th and New Street on Bethlehem’s South Side. Contact Molly’s at 610-868-1313 for more information.