Joe's Tavern

Joe's Tavern Bethlehem Oldest Tavern. Great food, great drinks, authentic in every way! Clair, PA flooded from the devastation of Hurricane Hazel.
(731)

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 Bethlehe

m 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.

Closing on Mondays just for a few weeks.  Opening a half-hour earlier at 11am Thursday through Sunday.
06/21/2026

Closing on Mondays just for a few weeks. Opening a half-hour earlier at 11am Thursday through Sunday.

a beautiful, yet delicate soup for these first days of Summer.
06/21/2026

a beautiful, yet delicate soup for these first days of Summer.

06/21/2026
Skip the tie.
06/19/2026

Skip the tie.

From Goal chants to group sing-alongs, to power ballads!  These games are bringing out the best in us!  Karaoke after th...
06/19/2026

From Goal chants to group sing-alongs, to power ballads! These games are bringing out the best in us! Karaoke after the game at 9pm Tonight, Friday June 19!.*..

Ok we said it... LEAVE WORK EARLY!  Or just come for the second half and stick around for Karaoke at 9pm!  The perfect e...
06/18/2026

Ok we said it... LEAVE WORK EARLY! Or just come for the second half and stick around for Karaoke at 9pm! The perfect end to the work week!
$11 Pitchers or Miller Lite or Yuengling Lager..*..

New York. NEW YORK. New York Knicks!Keep the winning going!.*..
06/18/2026

New York. NEW YORK. New York Knicks!
Keep the winning going!.*..

We got this.  Kitchen serving until 9pm..*..                   🌞
06/14/2026

We got this. Kitchen serving until 9pm..*..
🌞

NBA is hitting at 8:30pm.  Stanley Cup Finals 8pm.NBA is hitting at 8:30pm.  Get here early, grab something to eat!.*.. ...
06/13/2026

NBA is hitting at 8:30pm.
Stanley Cup Finals 8pm.
NBA is hitting at 8:30pm.
Get here early, grab something to eat!.*..

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Joe's Tavern posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Category