I became jealous recently when I discovered that North East Arkansas had enough coffee shops to have a coffee crawl. Northeast Arkansas! I decided that it was high time that the Lehigh Valley had its own coffee crawl. So I made it my mission to visit each coffee shop in the Lehigh Valley so that I could present you with...
The Lehigh Valley Coffee Crawl
Allentown
Cafe Vida
In downtown, Cafe Vida offers the whole range of specialty coffee drinks. I had a Red Eye, which is a brewed coffee with a shot of espresso added. It was excellent. They serve coffee roasted by Backyard Beans in Landsdale, PA.
Hefflefinger's Coffee and Tea
Located inside the Allentown Fairgrounds, Hefflefinger's Coffee and Tea sells roasted coffee and specialty drinks. Although I would classify this shop as second wave, not third wave, their cappuccino is satisfying and it's nice to see the varieties of coffee that they sell.
North of Allentown
Blocker's Coffeehouse
This coffee shop is new to the Lehigh Valley. Blocker's Coffeehouse in Catasauqua has excellent Americanos, lattes, and pour over while you watch. Their coffee is from Conscious Coffees from Boulder, Colorado. I'm excited to see this place grow and become more popular! The Allentown area needs quality coffee shops like this one!
Taylor Roasted
Just a few blocks down from the Roxy Theatre on Main Street, Northampton, this is the only coffee shop in the Allentown area that also roasts their own coffee. At Taylor Roasted you can even see the roaster behind the counter. The lattes are consistently delicious and his coffee is roasted just right, not too light and not too dark. You can also purchase his roasted coffee by the pound. He always has an assortment available.
Bethlehem
The Joint Coffee Shop
This shop is in the courtyard behind the Sun Inn. The atmosphere is darker and artsy like a 90s style coffeehouse. They serve both Halfwit and MadCap Coffee.
The Wise Bean
The Wise Bean on New Street in Bethlehem is truly the wise old owl when it comes to Lehigh Valley coffee. Owners Bill and Joan opened their doors in 2004. After a trip to Boston where specialty coffee shops were plentiful, they realized that Bethlehem needed a great espresso bar. Through their hard work, they opened The Wise Bean and it's still open for business thirteen years later! That's not easy to do in the coffee business!
Lit Coffee Roastery & Bakeshop
Lit Coffee is close to the Banana Factory in South Bethlehem. Their coffee is roasted on the light side which is all the rage these days.
Deja Brew
I almost didn't remember Deja Brew since it is more of a lunch place than a coffee shop. It is always hopping partially due to their proximity to Lehigh University and partially due to their delicious food with clever names like my favorite, the Kayser Soze Sandwich. Deja Brew has an artsy atmosphere. My girls liked to go here with me when they were little for their broccoli soup.
Easton
Tucker Silk Mill
This cafe / meal shop is newly opened at the old Silk Mill on 13th Street in Easton, which is being revitalized. It is owned by an Australian barista who moved to the area. They serve Toby's Estate coffees (formerly of Australia, but now) from Brooklyn, NY. Also, they serve specialty teas by Kusmi. My cortado was excellent.
Fieldstone Coffee Roasters
This shop is inside the Easton Public Market on Northampton Street. They do not roast on site, but their coffee is roasted in nearby Bucks County, PA. Their lattes are excellent and so is their cold brew. I bought some loose leaf tea here for my wife, too, which she enjoys.
Cosmic Cup Coffee
Cosmic Cup Coffee is just off the campus of Layfette College. Their espresso equipment is impressive. The shop has limited seating, but a nice atmosphere.
So there it is! The Lehigh Valley Coffee Crawl! Have you tried any of these shops? What did you think of them? Did I miss your favorite coffee shop? Let me know on the Joe By Schmo Facebook Page.