BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a new, 82-seat gastropub will open for business at the heart of Lehigh University’s campus.
The aptly named Lehigh University Pub — on the third floor of Clayton University Center, just off the Great Room — will welcome the public for the first time Tuesday.
The restaurant’s hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
The joint will offer a variety of beers and both by-the-glass and on-tap wine selections from suppliers owned by Lehigh alumni. The pub also pays homage to the university’s founders with the food menu.
'Super excited about this place'
A few tables of university workers were in attendance for an invitation-only opening Thursday.
The consensus? You can’t go wrong with the mocktails.
“The drinks are excellent.”
The Rally “Spritz” is "very lemony and delicious.”
“We’re super excited about this place.”
“The staff have been so friendly.”
“Wonderful and fancy.”
“We love the mocktails.”
“Good, simple meals — that’s going to be a consistent thing every time you come here."Lehigh University Pub Executive Chef Christian Jimenez
But the food speaks for itself, according to pub Executive Chef Christian Jimenez. He’s a graduate of Parkland High School.
“Good, simple meals — that’s going to be a consistent thing every time you come here," Jimenez said. "Nice, simple, seasonal food.”
Offerings include Asa’s fries, named after the school’s founder, Asa Packer; ”Thai curry cauliflower; the 1865 burger; Mountain Hawk veggie melt; caesar wedge salad with three protein options; and more.
Restaurant Manager Chris Reimold said of the menu, “It has a little bit of everything, something for everyone."
"Lehigh University has a very diverse community, and we want to make sure that all of that community feels welcome,” Reimold said.
Good views, vibes
Along with the third-floor views, the restaurant offers private-room seating for about 10 people.
The room’s table was fashioned from reclaimed beams and wood from back when the building was gutted for its renovation.
The light fixture was salvaged from a part of the building renovated in the 1950s.
“This new gastropub uniquely dovetails the historic architecture with a modern aesthetic to introduce the first-of-its-kind dining experience for students, faculty, guests and the general public."Settlers Hospitality CEO Justin Genzlinger, of Lehigh’s ’99 graduating class.
A table in another corner of the restaurant was built by a crew of the school’s engineering students using fallen trees.
“This new gastropub uniquely dovetails the historic architecture with a modern aesthetic to introduce the first-of-its-kind dining experience for students, faculty, guests and the general public,” said Settlers Hospitality Chief Executive Officer said Justin Genzlinger of Lehigh’s Class of 1999.
His company was brought on to manage the pub’s operation.
'Cultivate shared experiences'
Sarah Trimmer, Settlers Hospitality senior director, said the new spot will surely be a go-to for those in town for alumni events and rivalry games.
Also for parents on campus to visit their kids at school and a place for staff to pop in for lunch instead of heading down the hill or across the river to eat elsewhere.
“The concept addresses student feedback for more comfortable spaces to relax, additional food options on campus and another vibrant atmosphere conducive to socializing,” Settlers said in a news release.
“Lehigh University Pub also provides a new way to cultivate shared experiences among Lehigh community members and local residents.”
“The concept addresses student feedback for more comfortable spaces to relax, additional food options on campus and another vibrant atmosphere conducive to socializing."Settlers Hospitality, which runs the Lehigh University Pub
At some point, students may have the chance to use their campus dining credentials at the restaurant.
The pub team plans to offer live entertainment some nights, and will work with campus clubs for outreach events on site.
“We’re really looking forward to working with those different agencies within the campus, and just fill our seats and make sure people are having fun,” Trimmer said.
'Continues the story of that partnership'
Most notably, Settlers Hospitality owns the nearby, beloved Sayre Mansion.
The now-bed-and-breakfast at 250 Wyandotte St. once was home to Robert Sayre, chief engineer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad and one of the founders of Bethlehem Iron Works, which later became Bethlehem Steel.
“With us now owning Sayre Mansion and coming to the campus to run this restaurant, it just kind of continues the story of that partnership."Sarah Trimmer, Settlers Hospitality senior director, on Lehigh University Pub's connection to the historic Sayre Mansion
Sayre also was a key benefactor in the origin story of Lehigh University.
“With us now owning Sayre Mansion and coming to the campus to run this restaurant, it just kind of continues the story of that partnership,” Trimmer said.
She said her team is working with the university transportation department in hopes of eventually setting up a shuttle service to run from the Sayre Mansion parking lot to the front of the Clayton University Center building.
Still working to integrate systems across the restaurant’s operation, Trimmer said Sayre Mansion guests may, at some point, have the option to charge their meals to their room, and will have a ride back to their rooms.
A proper ribbon-cutting for Lehigh University Pub will take place in fall.
