ALLENTOWN, Pa. — An artsy vibe and friendly atmosphere have landed Allentown’s West End Theatre District on a list spotlighting America’s most underrated nightlife spots.
The ranking comes by the way of Wealth of Geeks, a website dedicated to pop culture aficionados.
Wealth of Geeks “is what happens when the geekiest people at the party collide with the most knowledgeable in the room,” its website says.
Allentown came in at No. 16 on the list advertising the Top 100 hidden gems for nocturnal entertainment.
“With a number of specialty retailers at its core along 19th Street, a dozen restaurants and pubs within its boundaries, its own movie theatre and performance spaces, the District attracts many visitors looking for enriching experiences in the Lehigh Valley."Wealth of Geeks website
The Queen City’s West End neighborhood was sandwiched on the list between two Charlotte, North Carolina, neighborhoods: Noda (North Davidson), widely known as the city’s art district, and Plaza Midwood, heralded for its vibrant restaurant scene and intimate music venues.
Topping the list was Sawtelle Japantown in Los Angeles, California.
'Spot for an exciting night out'
“The West End Theatre District in Allentown offers a lively nightlife scene with trendy bars, live music and unique eateries,” said the blurb dedicated to the West End’s ranking, describing the area as “a popular spot for an exciting night out.”
Go-to restaurants in the West End area include the likes of Henry’s Salt of the Sea, Youell’s Oyster House and Union and Finch, while Ringer’s Roost, Tavern on Liberty and Volpe’s are popular on the bar scene.
The West End Alliance website shouts out residents who are “civically minded, ethnically diverse and span across generations.”
“With a number of specialty retailers at its core along 19th Street, a dozen restaurants and pubs within its boundaries, its own movie theatre and performance spaces, the District attracts many visitors looking for enriching experiences in the Lehigh Valley,” the site says.
Methodology
Also making the list at No. 90 was Gallery Row in Lancaster, singled out for its “creative atmosphere and lively community events.”
Wealth of Geeks said it polled 3,000 partygoers around the country to compile 2024’s 100 Most Underrated Nightlife locations.
“Our research shows that there are many lesser-known destinations that offer equally exciting and unique experiences for nightlife. It's time to explore beyond the usual hotspots and discover the diverse and dynamic scenes that America has to offer."Michael Dinich of Wealth of Geeks
Respondents were chosen from a geographically representative online panel of those ages 21 and up, the company said.
This selection was further tailored to meet the criteria required for the survey, and questions were designed to screen and authenticate respondents.
“Our research shows that there are many lesser-known destinations that offer equally exciting and unique experiences for nightlife," said Michael Dinich of Wealth of Geeks.
"It's time to explore beyond the usual hotspots and discover the diverse and dynamic scenes that America has to offer."
