Joe's Tavern

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Joe's Tavern Bethlehem Oldest Tavern. Great food, great drinks, authentic in every way! Clair, PA flooded from the devastation of Hurricane Hazel.
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How It All Began: The Story of Joe's Tavern

Founded by Joe Salak, a coal miner whose life took an unexpected turn after the coal mines in St. Joe’s Tavern has become a beloved landmark in Bethlehem. Joe, like many working-class men of his time, was determined to provide for his family after losing his job. In search of new opportunities, he made his way to Bethlehem to find work with the Bethlehem Steel Corp. However, luck wasn’t on his side—Bethlehem Steel was on strike. Not one to back down from hard work but never one to cross a picket line, Joe found himself at a crossroads. But this was a man who wasn’t easily defeated. After a brief stint as the steward of the Ukrainian Club—a popular but troubled social hall for the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bethlehem’s Heights—Joe decided to take a leap of faith. In 1960, he purchased a modest bar on Broad Street. The place became known for its welcoming atmosphere, a place where working-class locals could gather after a hard day’s work. A nickel a glass for tap beer? Hard to imagine in today’s world, but back then, a dollar went a long way! Joe’s wife, Helen, worked tirelessly in the kitchen, crafting homemade meals that became a staple of the tavern’s charm. Their son, Russ, fresh from his service in the Air Force, joined his father in the family business. Over time, Russ became the face of the tavern, operating the business for 44 straight years, with the same hardworking spirit as his father before him. Sadly, Russ passed away in March 2020, but his legacy, along with that of Joe, lives on. Today, Joe’s Tavern remains a family-owned and operated business, serving the same community that Joe had so much faith in. Celebrating its 65th year in 2025, the tavern stands as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and a family’s dedication to their roots. From its humble beginnings to a local institution, Joe’s Tavern continues to serve as a place where stories are shared, friendships are made, and the spirit of Joe and his son Russ Salak, lives on.

10/12/2026
A simple, yet lovely soup. Say it with me... Ancini De Pepe, mangia!.*..
10/12/2026

A simple, yet lovely soup. Say it with me... Ancini De Pepe, mangia!.*..

Jeez, yesterday was a tough one. If today isn't any better, we are here for ya!Kitchen serving until 9..*.. 🤪
10/12/2026

Jeez, yesterday was a tough one. If today isn't any better, we are here for ya!
Kitchen serving until 9..*..
🤪

They're cold and ready for ya! A nice selection, just some of the Fall Harvest b**rs for a lovely Fall Day..*.. ...
10/10/2026

They're cold and ready for ya! A nice selection, just some of the Fall Harvest b**rs for a lovely Fall Day..*..

LIVE MUSIC at the Plaza! Listening to the sound checkof MidSummer Band, this is going to be awesome! Make a stop on Bro...
10/10/2026

LIVE MUSIC at the Plaza! Listening to the sound checkof MidSummer Band, this is going to be awesome! Make a stop on Broad Street, bring a chair or find a place to land!
Downtown Bethlehem 1pm. Reading the tea leaves here, the drummer has a Tiki Barber jersey on! Could be an EPIC! .*..

It's been a minute... or a couple thousand. Not going to lie... It's a little spicy! While it lasts. CHILI at Harvest...
10/10/2026

It's been a minute... or a couple thousand. Not going to lie... It's a little spicy! While it lasts. CHILI at Harvest Fest, Yipppee!.*..

It's Harvest Fest, time to gather and express our gratitude for a season of growth and abundance. It's going to be a be...
10/09/2026

It's Harvest Fest, time to gather and express our gratitude for a season of growth and abundance. It's going to be a beautiful Saturday to stroll around downtown Bethlehem! Stop in BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER. The perfect mashup of Oktoberfest, Harvest Fest, Saturday Football, Baseball Playoffs, and Andrew Rogers Food Truck until the wee hours of the night! Something for everyone..*..

If you haven't attended a Trivia night, this is your week to give it a go!.*..
10/06/2026

If you haven't attended a Trivia night, this is your week to give it a go!.*..

Address

12 W. Broad Street
Bethlehem, PA
18018

Opening Hours

Tuesday 3pm - 2am
Wednesday 3pm - 2am
Thursday 11am - 2am
Friday 11am - 2am
Saturday 11am - 2am
Sunday 11am - 2am

Telephone

+16108683200

Website

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