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.

One of our favorite meatless Soups!.*..
10/23/2026

One of our favorite meatless Soups!.*..

Karaoke tonight at 9pm! Alumni or not, come sign. Pizza truck outside until the end of Karaoke. It's the perfect even...
10/23/2026

Karaoke tonight at 9pm! Alumni or not, come sign. Pizza truck outside until the end of Karaoke. It's the perfect evening to get outside and have some fun!.*..
🎤

Andrew will be outside with his delicious Pizza this Friday and Saturday NIGHT. .*..
10/23/2026

Andrew will be outside with his delicious Pizza this Friday and Saturday NIGHT. .*..

A Marzen, a Sour, a Pumpkin, and a New Zealand IPA, all on tap for the great month of OCTOBER! .*..
10/22/2026

A Marzen, a Sour, a Pumpkin, and a New Zealand IPA, all on tap for the great month of OCTOBER! .*..

10/22/2026

The kitchen takes its last order at 9pm. Last 2 weeks for the Parklet; come watch the game outside under the stars!.*.....
10/22/2026

The kitchen takes its last order at 9pm. Last 2 weeks for the Parklet; come watch the game outside under the stars!.*..
🐻 🏈

Welcome, Moravian Alumni and Families! It's a beautiful weekend to be back in BETHLEHEM!.*..
10/22/2026

Welcome, Moravian Alumni and Families! It's a beautiful weekend to be back in BETHLEHEM!.*..

Feeling a little sentimental this fall, with the World Series upon us. Reminded us of how we celebrated when the Yankee...
10/21/2026

Feeling a little sentimental this fall, with the World Series upon us. Reminded us of how we celebrated when the Yankees won it back in 1978. We didn't have easy access to signage or God forbid, social media, so Joe, his wife Helen, and Russ creatively clipped and hung every NY Newspaper Headline they could find, and of course... they stepped it up with Christmas Snow to make it a real celebration! Our family loved the Christmas snow, it makes great Graffiti art.
Oh, those were the days my friend!.*..

Coming in hot with this award-winner! Pair it with a side salad for one healthy and hearty meal!.*..
10/20/2026

Coming in hot with this award-winner! Pair it with a side salad for one healthy and hearty meal!.*..

Indoor/Outdoor Trivia! Only 2 more Tuesdays to take in the fresh air and think amongst the stars! Outside seating is l...
10/20/2026

Indoor/Outdoor Trivia! Only 2 more Tuesdays to take in the fresh air and think amongst the stars! Outside seating is limited, so come early, get some dinner and get your brain ready to WIN!.*..

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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