LVwithLove Dive Bar Confidential: Liberty Street Tavern in Allentown, PA

Check out our previous Dive Bar Confidential features at Joe’s Tavern and The Beef House.

Our buddy, Chris, recently hit up The Liberty Street Tavern at 2246 W. Liberty Street in Allentown. Enjoy!

“It’s a regular Wednesday night and I pondered what to do in the west end of Allentown. Knowing of the limited bars within walking distance I decide to walk the 3 1/2 blocks to the now famous Liberty Street Tavern.

While I walk down the sidewalks of the “west end” I whistle a tune I make up in my head (why I don’t know, but it keeps me lighthearted), admiring the trees and the quiet neighborhood. As I get there the outside tables are still open and my friend, Author, is sitting there, beer in hand, waiting for me. He tells me about it, saying it’s the latest Wyerbacher, and he enjoys it as we head inside.

Inside the crowd is quiet, having conversations, and chatting about their day. Upon walking in I am greeted by the one and only Steve Wilt. He shakes me hand and asks how my life is going and if there is anything I need. I politely say I’ll find my beer and order two slices of pizza, due to Wednesday being $1.50 slice night.

Most people that hear of this bar think it’s just a normal bar, which at first glance you would think that, but here there is one difference. This place is all about beer, every type, style, size bottle, flavor, you name it they either have it, had it, or might be getting it soon. They love beer so much that’s all they have, that’s right no liquor just beer. As I walk examining the seven coolers out front full of beer (not looking at the four behind the bar and seven taps) I find the beer I enjoy in the summer, and go abouts drinking my Small Craft Warning.

Author and I go about talking on things we have done, people we’ve seen and such since seeing each other a month ago. Next to us is a little game I’ve played numerous of times, mostly inhibited on either a wheat or stout. It’s a simple game; a metal ring tied on a string hanging on the ceiling. The main object is to swing it and get it hooked on the wall. it sounds simple and a couple of guys try to get it on the hook.

No one plays anything on the jukebox, so the Jazz station is tuned just enough that you can still talk but hear the light sound of music. As our friend Neil comes over to talk about avant guard music with me and Matt, he finds out Author is from France and so starts the questions about words and places. I order for my last beer a raspberry Lambic to cap off my night.

As I pay my tab, I walk out the door to start my trek home, and say goodbye to the bouncer, as he waters the flowers out front. All and all a peacefull night.”