Taking over the business where you once took orders is a high-stakes move, but Rachel Griffith made it look natural.
Back in 1999, the Moravian University graduate transitioned from staff member to owner, partnering with Executive Chef Alice Schneck to helm one of Historic Downtown Bethlehem’s most ambitious kitchens.
Over a quarter-century later, that female-led leadership team still runs West Broad Street’s most consistently packed dining room, proving that deep roots produce lasting success.
Quick Bite – Apollo Grill, Bethlehem, PA 🍷
Long before Broad Street developed into the vibrant culinary corridor it is today, this kitchen set the tone for upscale casual dining in the Lehigh Valley.
Griffith and Chef Schneck focused on building a menu around creative small plates, hand-cut steaks, and a bar program that treats regulars like family.
That employee-turned-owner backstory resonated with the community, fueling decades of reader-choice awards for best overall restaurant, best bistro, and best appetizers.
Operating completely independent of regional hospitality groups, the restaurant maintains its distinct personality as a cherished local mom and pops and hole in the wall success story.
The Local Atmosphere – Apollo Grill, Bethlehem, PA 🥂
Warm lighting, dark wood finishes, and a bustling central bar give the space a relaxed yet refined energy from open to close.
Neighborhood residents from nearby Fountain Hill and Hanover Township regularly share table space with visitors coming in from Hellertown and Easton.
The flow of the evening is straightforward: start with a martini at the bar, split a few signature appetizers across the table, and take your time over a long dinner without feeling rushed out the door.
Signature Bites – Apollo Grill, Bethlehem, PA 😋
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Black & Blue Tenderloin Tips: Tender beef tenderloin seared with cajun spices, finished with melted blue cheese and balsamic glaze.
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Garlic Shrimp Appetizer: Large shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served with crusty bread for dipping.
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French Onion Soup: Slow-simmered caramelized onion broth topped with a toasted crouton and bubbling melted provolone.
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Pan-Seared Sea Scallops: Fresh jumbo scallops seared golden brown, served over seasonal risotto with lemon butter.
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Grilled Filet Mignon: Center-cut beef filet cooked to order, paired with garlic mashed potatoes and red wine demi-glace.
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Apollo Bistro Burger: Half-pound custom beef blend topped with caramelized onions, cheddar, and house-made bistro sauce.
Takeaway Bite – Apollo Grill, Bethlehem, PA 😎
Securing a reservation on West Broad Street rewards you with an experience refined over 25 years of hands-on ownership.
By combining a genuine staff-to-owner tradition with sharp kitchen execution and warm service, this kitchen remains the benchmark for independent dining in the Lehigh Valley.
📍: 85 W Broad St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
🕒: Tue-Thu: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Sun-Mon: Closed