Dive Bar Confidential: Chicken Lounge Allentown, PA

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

Our friends, Chris and Matt, recently hit up the Chicken Lounge in Allentown and here’s what happened.

“Thursday night and after 10 hours of work I need a drink; a drink and food. Too many places have loud music and so-so food on the menu and I know one place in Allentown to go. That’s right, the Chicken Lounge.

Yes, everyone has at least heard of the place, and yes it is all and more of what you’ve heard.

Matt picks me up in his ‘66 Mustang, well ‘cause that’s how you gotta roll there. As we walk in and sit at the bar (which overlooks the grill) the cook Pat greets us and asks how are we doing.

The waitress asks what we are having. Matt orders a burger and I get some wings, they tell me of their new sauce that incorperates ranch dressing and chili but I decline saying I have a four-hour car ride tommorow. Tom comes off of break to say hi.

Tommy is synonymous with the Chicken Lounge. He always greets you with a hello and if you talk to him enough colorful stories emerge. He makes you feel welcome and yet just relaxed enough that you can let your guard down.

As our food comes up and placed on us (I start to drool because I’ve had dreams of this food at work), Jason says “Hey fruit roll ups for everyone!” and everyone at the bar gets a free one.

Major score for me and Matt. As we eat our fruit Roll ups, our friend Mike comes in and orders a burbon and coke. We talk about our plans for vacation, and thats when Author walks in. Author loves white Russians, and we ask Tommy to make us some Russian Qualudes.

I have never been to a bar that can make mix drinks the same as Tommy does, sweet yet you can taste the alchol enough. As we all down the drinks, Tommy comes over to talk to us. Author tells us of his story in Alantic city and sleeping under a random stage,

Tommy tells us of his trip comming up to Vegas and things he wants to go see. we close our tabs and walk out saying goodbye to Tommy and the rest of the crew there. We feel happy, full and ready to goto bed, and feeling that this little bar with the wonderfull charater people in it has finished our night with a happy note as we ride off into the later hours.”