Bay Leaf Restaurant
935 W Hamilton St, Allentown, PA, 18101
Bay Leaf Restaurant Menu
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Address :
935 W Hamilton St
Allentown, PA, 18101 - Phone (610) 433-4211
- Website https://www.allentownbayleaf.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Kelly B.
This is not what most would expect in Allentown, but hopefully more like it will be coming soon enough, with a future sports arena down the street. A cross between Asian (mostly Thai) and American food, this is not your usual fair. The service is quite good and so is the food. You might feel out of place if you arrive too casually dressed (like jeans & such). This is not a t-shirt establishment. During the week, it is usually business professionals having lunch there. I have yet to see a child dining there, during my visits. Though I would guess well behaved kids, with manners, might do well here. Parking is either on the street (with meters) or in the back lot (though very hard to find, since the one way street-like allies behind are not designed with square blocks in mind). Seating is limited, so you would probably have to call ahead if you have a large group. If you want a nice quiet place to experience with friends, this is the place.
(3)Randy G.
Maybe it was a bad night for them.
(2)Ann T.
Okay. I like the Bay Leaf, but I have to say that it's starting to feel a bit tired. The decor, service, and atmosphere are still very nice, but the food has not wowed me the last few times I have been there. Ingredients like button mushrooms, canned artichoke hearts are boring and uninspired. Dishes are pleasant enough for the most part, but I expect more for the prices.
(3)Weisi Z.
Extremely disappointed! Saw good review and went down there, but I waited like an hour and a half until my dish came up!!!! and the food were just about average and not even worth waiting for that long!!! I asked the waiter why did it take so long. He said it happened sometimes.......what?????? are you kidding me? the restaurant was not even full, probably less than half of the tables were taken. Don't go there unless you are sick of the restaurants that you always go.
(2)Becki S.
The food is excellent and I think the prices are good for the quality, especially in comparison to other Allentown restaurants. The sauces are always spot on. The atmosphere is relaxing and the servers are very friendly and good at what they do.
(5)Arnab M.
Eh. This is the shee-shee place to go to for lunch and dinner in Allentown, however, they are GROSSLY overpriced, not just for Allentown, but probably most cities. The food isn't bad, and the menu is rather varied, but there is much room for improvement. They do not deliver and make sounds (and possibly faces as well) if you call to order take-out. They only serve white jasmine rice, no brown rice options. Thankfully, the food was quite tasty, but not tasty enough for the $25 I paid for my sole with bananas and walnuts in maple sauce.
(3)clement m.
The owner is Thai and a superb chef. While this local restaurant is the best Allentown has to offer, it can hold it's head high with any big city eatery as well. Whether for lunch or dinner, the owner prepares all the meals. The staff is plesant. All meals are prepared to order, so be a little patient. If you haven't been here, the Bay Leaf is a must. Crab Bisque- superb; rack of lamb-superb; chicken curry-superb; wine list is strong; deserts could use a little tweak if one is a chocolate freak, otherwise, this place should NEVER change a thing, except the location: downtown Allentown (bang-bang)!
(5)Sean L.
Well, I always thought it was not helpful to leave a review based on service, but here I am. We have been waiting for 45 minutes to receive our food. No explanation. A table seated after us has been eating their meal for 15 minutes now. We will never eat hear again just based on the slow service alone. How can a person expect to take a lunch break and make it back to work. Really disappointing.
(1)Anne G.
My favorite restaurant in the Lehigh Valley! Quaint and charming with an excellent staff and a spectacular menu. When a restaurant can survive decades and maintain a consistent quality, you can be sure it comes from pride of ownership. Be sure to take time to experience this fine restaurant and the incredible food they serve!
(5)Sal C.
Awesome find while visiting in the area to see a Lehigh Valley Phantoms game. Very fresh food, massive portions, very original combination of ingredients and tastes. Doesn't look like much from the outside, but don't let that fool you, definitely worth it!
(4)Jane M.
This is right up there with the 5 star restaurants in the Lehigh Vally and beyond! Food never disappoints! Service is great... It's yumtown food is always delicious and fresh and hot!! Great dessert and coffee! Can't go wrong with The Bay Leaf!!
(5)Bridget C.
Absolutely fabulous meal!! So good we didn't take anything home. Completely empty on a Monday night there was only one there table sat besides us. Get the Duck Two Ways in the red curry to die for!!! My mom wanted to come here for her bday and says she found her new favorite place!
(5)M G.
Business lunch Great service, great food selection, unbelievable rice with shrimp dish I would recommend this to anyone!
(5)Jose A.
Delicious food. Vegan Stir fry is just incredible!
(4)R W.
What a great restaurant. I used to frequent Bay Leaf when I worked in center city 20 years ago - it was everyone's favorite in the office. Then there was a 10+ year period when I moved and didn't get a chance to go. What an absolute pleasant surprise when I finally did get to return to my beloved Bay Leaf recently to discover it hasn't changed one bit! The food had the same quality. Such a rarity in a restaurant to consistently produce over a decades-long period.
(5)Jack D.
One of the best restaurants my wife and I have eaten at. The food was suberb, service excellent and the ambiance outstanding. The Bay Leaf is in a somewhat depressed downtown area, but is fantastic. I would eat here frequently if it were close to my home. We had scallops and soft shell crabs. They were both prepared wonderfully. An A+ from us.
(5)Juliet G.
Loved it here! Like how the tables are not crammed together and the ambiance is romantic. Had the sole with bananas and walnuts and a maple glaze with crab- excellent! The pecan bourbon pie was a great dessert to share. Coming back!
(5)Bryan M.
Nice quaint place in downtown allentown. Quite deceiving from the outside, but nice inside. Seated quickly. I would rate service 8/10. I ordered raw salmon for app which was pretty good, a bottle of coppala pinot grigio, and sea bass with lemon grass and coconut milk. All were tasty and fresh. My bill was 77.11 without tip which was a bit on the high side for the quality but not complaining. This is a good place for a date night or something similar. They do not have a full bar... beer and wine only. Dont go here expecting sushi, typical asian dishes, etc.. its a unique menu
(4)J N.
Yum! First time here...had the raw salmon app & the steak au pois. Both were delicious this is a must visit in downtown Atown!!
(5)Hady Y.
The food is amazing.. Really nice friendly staff.. Services is excellent.. Everything on the menu is good.. Soup are to die for.. Coming back for sure.
(4)Drooling N.
Not often do you wake up the morning after and remark "Wow, now wasn't that a good dinner last night?!". That is precisely what happened to me and my wife concurred. I will put my head out there and make a claim that in terms of the best overall experience, Bay Leaf is the best restaurant in Allentown. Oh yes, I said best! Not one of the best, but best. There are a few that can compete with it in the Lehigh Valley, but this is the best in town. Period. I usually do not review a place unless I have been there at least twice. Having been to bay leaf about four times now, this review was long overdue. Never have I had a single complaint. Never has the food disappointed me. And every single time I have left completely happy. Bay Leaf is a quaint little restaurant located right in the heart of Allentown downtown. They have a comfortable, rustic yet elegant decor and serve Thai food with a modern twist. My wife and I have been here only for dinner so my review is based on their dinner menu of course. My favorite things on the menu so far include: mango, crabcake , shrimp and crabmeat ravioli as appetizers. Duck two ways, lamb saddles for entrees. The portion sizes, presentation and taste are exceptional. Perfect balance of savory, sweet, sour and tanginess, basically the very best of thai cuisine, elevated to a new level of sophistication. The duck is cooked so perfectly, that I am sure the ducks used are basking in duck heaven. Crispy skin on the outside, perfectly seasones, soft, gamy duck falling off the bone. The sauce, akin to a massaman curry, beautifully rich with flavor, yet subtle and fragrant. You get the perfect balance of fresh coconut milk and the mild heat of ginger and the fragrance of lemongrass in a beautiful symphony. Mix that sauce with their light and fluffy jasmine rice, take a piece of that duck and close your eyes to savor the perfection. Their lamb is equally delectable. I have run out of my descriptive abilities as I am already looking for my fifth visit here. They also make delicious desserts made fresh in house. I remember the chocolate pot de creme and their chocolate mousse. What better than chocolate to finish your sinful dinner? They also have a short but interesting wine collection. Try the Francis Ford Coppolla vintage. The guy stopped making movies and makes wine. And its good! Okay, now stop yelping and reserve a table for dinner here ASAP!
(5)Emily G.
This is a decent place to eat in downtown Allentown. Their food is described as New American & Asian Cuisine and everything I've eaten here has been really good and nicely presented. When I was a vegetarian they always created a special meal for me because there was nothing on your menu for me. Usually it was a stir fry with tofu, all kinds of veggies and rice. Then I could specify spicy or not. I really appreciated their efforts because not every place will cook you a special meal. Now that I eat meat again I usually order the Chicken Lorraine. It's so good! (Chicken, bacon, mushrooms, cream sauce). I have also had the puffy pastry with chicken and ham. Yum! Service can be kinda slow so don't come here if you're in a rush.
(4)Justin M.
Went here with my wonderful gf for our anverysery. Food was amazing had some Tai curry chicken sweet yet spicy. Also the mushroom soup was amazing. Heck even the water taste great so clean and crisp the service was great always getting refills etc short wait and everything the waiters we're very polite. Only reason it not a five is cus my gf said the steak was not well done but she still loved it we plan on coming here again. I wana really see what these guys can do with coffee haha
(4)Karl O.
What a jewel....I have been here several times for lunch when visiting clients in Allentown, but tonight it was time to check it out for dinner. Chris our waiter was excellent, knowledgable and a pleasure to have as a server. Appetizer was steamed clams in a garlic chili sauce. Clams were cooked perfectly and the sauce was fresh and spicy and not that sticky sweet stuff you find in jars. Entrees we had classic rack of lamb and my wife had salmon in a Thai panang curry sauce. Well...the lamb was perfectly cooked, veggies selection was fresh and not overlooked...and the red wine reduction was the envy of any high starred restaurant in NYC. Salmon was so flavorful, the curry was a little spicy (which we like) but complimented the salmon flavor and the dish was a great hit. Now...I am not a dessert person, but Chris assured me that the Chef/Owner's wife made all of the desserts.....a good selection, but we went for the coconut sorbet. Well, the name does not do it justice...creamy, silky smooth martini glass full of heaven with a hunt of acidity from the strawberry. This has been my best meal in the Valley since moving here 3 years ago, please try it, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Karen W.
We went there for my moms birthday. The night started off with them losing our reservation even though is wasn't busy. I ordered the salmon Oscar, when it arrived there was no crab or shrimp anywhere on the plate. The waiter rudely informed me it was stuffed inside the salmon. As I continued to eat I still did not discover any shrimp and crab. The chefs solution was to give me two shrimp on a plate. They couldn't even be bothered to say I'm sorry. I wouldn't go back
(2)Brant N.
The food is fantastic and it always comes out hot. Try the spring rolls for an appetizer. The menu is very long and offers many different dishes. Price is very reasonable. If you want to go out and have a great meal every time then check it out.
(5)David B.
This place is a true Allentown classic. Never disappointed, great quality. Wait staff friendly and helpful. Fresh seafood and and incredible appetizers. Our server Ralph could not be better .
(4)Dan W.
I have been to the Bay Leaf twice with large groups and I have yet to experience a bad dish. If they were in the city I would have to give them a 4, but since they are in Allentown they are definitely a 5. I tried the NY strip the first time I went and it was amazing. The blue cheese butter was a great surprise. The second time I went I had the rack of lamb which was the best rack of lamb I have ever had. Service was great, but only for people who are not expecting a quick meal. The slower paced meal makes you feel like they are not rushing you out the door, which I really like. If you are in Allentown this place is definitely worth checking out, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Miguel S.
For over 10 years the Bay Leaf has proven to be one of only a couple stable places well worth frequenting for a great meal in downtown Allentown. That is a shame for Allentown, but it's not the Bay Leaf's fault... they have done their part. While long gone are likes of Louie's, The Shanty, Federal Grill & many others, Bay Leaf still continues to deliver. We hadn't been in quite a while, but found most things thankfully haven't changed much or at all. The decor, excellent service/staff, menu and exceptional quality food has remained largely in tact since we first started going. The menu is extensive. You can easily feast on appetizers alone. The list of dinner options for both apps & main courses seems to be about a mile long each. The various Thai influenced dishes are great, and so are the more traditional selections like Steak au Poivre. Although it's commonly served at many places these days, the seared tuna appetizer is outstanding here. There's something special about how they encrust the sesame seeds, and the quality of the tuna is top notch. The sauce is excellent as well. Varied and unique sauces is one of Bay Leaf's specialties. Even if you're not a big fan of fruits or veggies like me, it's impossible not to notice how crisp they are. We need to get back more often. We've heard unsubstantiated rumors about it possibly closing, but hope that doesn't happen. We have never been disappointed in the many trips we've made to Bay Leaf. Above and beyond the food, we always have a great time whenever we go. The staff and owners do a excellent job. Highly recommended if you're ever in the area for lunch, dinner & dessert.
(5)Andra J.
I've come here plenty of times and I've always enjoyed the food. My favorite dish is the lamb curry. Fresh vegetables with tasty lamb. Yum! I usually have issues with the service though. Lunch often takes over an hour and the servers are not friendly when you pick up take out orders. They also refuse to divide your tab so it makes eating out with groups difficult.
(3)Carolina A.
I have been fortunate enough to eat at Bay Leaf on several occasions. Although I do not live in Allentown (I'm from Miami), I make sure to stop by every time I'm in the area. I was recently visiting friends in Allentown last week and was able to enjoy yet another fantastic meal from Bay Leaf. As another reviewer mentioned, all dishes are made to order and carefully prepared by this family owned restaurant. The chefs/owners are Thai and have created an inspiring fusion menu of creatively flavorful dishes. Ingredients are always fresh and the service is great. While every dish is worth trying, the following are my absolute favorites: Appetizers - Mango Napoleon (my obsession)- if you enjoy fruit fusion dishes then you'll love this. If I could eat this every single day then I'd be in heaven. Crab Cakes- I thought I didn't like crab cakes until I tried these. As it turns out, most restaurants use imitation crab and apparently that's where they go wrong. Phyllo Wrapped Goat cheese - excellent but as it is made individually and to order, give a 10 - 15 min leeway, trust me it's worth it. Ravioli- homemade dough made to perfection with shrimp and real crab meat (never imitation). Entrees- Chicken with Parmesan Crust - Julia Child once said the mark of a great chef is their chicken and I agree. Chicken is so easy to make palatable but so much more difficult to make excellently. This chicken is one of my favorite chicken dishes ever! Steak au Poivre- seared to perfection, never overcooked. Grouper - flavorfully fantastic! This is great if you want a heavier seafood dish Sea Bass - one of my absolute favorites as the lemongrass and coconut milk broth make for a very refreshing entree! Deserts- While ALL the deserts are awesome (including the homemade ice cream), my heart belongs to the Frozen White Chocolate Cake. This dessert, along with another one from a Portuguese restaurant in Miami (Old Lisbon), is my heart's desire. The only problem with Bay Leaf is I always find myself too full from the amazing meal to be able to truly enjoy this masterpiece but that's when to-go boxes come in handy!
(5)Keith L.
I'm still a fan of this place, but someone needs to change the description of their food. It is NOT Thai. Asian-y fusion-y maybe...but not Thai.
(4)Kristen D.
My boyfriend and I went here for Allentown Restaurant Week (yes, there is such a thing) since we'd heard nothing but good things about this place. We made reservations, assuming it would be more crowded than usual for Restaurant Week, but the place was nearly empty and weirdly quiet. I had the wild mushroom soup for an appetizer and salmon with diced shrimp and Thai panang curry sauce and my boyfriend had the chicken with parmesan crust with the shrimp and crab ravioli appetizer. My soup was decent, but sort of tasted like a canned mushroom soup that was mixed with some wild mushrooms. The salmon was much better and cooked to perfection, and the curry sauce was great. My boyfriend really enjoyed both his entree and appetizer, and he normally doesn't eat much fish. For dessert I had the chocolate pot de creme, which was basically a chocolate creme brulee. The service was great, no complaints there. I do think they're overpriced, especially for this area (most entrees are over $20). I probably wouldn't have gone if it wasn't for the special Restaurant Week menu. If they run more specials, I'll be much more likely to return!
(3)Kathryn R.
The food is always outstanding and reasonably priced. I adore the calamari appetizer with sweet/sour sauce. The sea bass with lemongrass sauce is amazing. Hubby and friends swear by the salmon panang. The cashew encrusted mahi mahi is also a bit hit on my list. In fact, the Bay Leaf is our favorite "go to" restaurant in the Lehigh Valley. The wait staff have always been particularly attentive (and yes, we eat here at least once or twice a month, if not more often). Chris exemplifies the level of service you can expect, despite the number of guests. And, I'd agree with other reviewers that their decor is tired, dated. But for some reason it just doesn't bother me that much.
(5)Peggy G.
Hands down this is my favorite restaurant is the Lehigh Valley. I have been enjoying the quality and inventive food here since moving here in 1978. The entrees are always prepared with care and no matter how many times you return, the food (esp the fish dishes) are consistently fresh. It's still a treat for me to return time and again. Try it you'll surely agree with me!
(5)Mark O.
We had a fine meal here, with a variety of Thai dishes -- we ate five appetizers -- and all were delicious. Our friends, who tried entrees, were similarly pleased. (For example, we had a salad with duck breast: the duck was perfectly cooked, you could actually taste duck! and the salad complemented it and didn't overwhelm it.
(4)Paul R.
Heard great things about this "Thai" restaurant from a friend. We arrived on a Saturday night to find this restaurant being described as "Thai restaurant" yet the Bay Leaf Restuarant ("BLR") was WITHOUT the typical Thai dishes on the menu such as Pad Thai or Drunken Noodles . Most the dishes appeared to be a variation of Italian dishes (such as Chicken with parmesan crust, Veal Chops, etc.) with a little Thai influence (and, yes, Italian cooking frequently includes basil. And, yes they did have dishes that claimed to use Thai spices. The BLR is NOT a Thai restaurant. This is an Italian Chop House that uses Thai spices on certain dishes. Dishes were over priced. On the other hand the fresh bread was very good. Don't waste you time with the BLR if you are looking for a Thai restaurant.
(2)Hk K.
We had a loong drive from Virginia and a meal at this Thai place was just the remedy for the tired souls. The bread was warm and melted into your mouth. I had the shrimp and chicken dish with mangoes (yummy unripe mangoes) and walnuts. The meat was cooked perfectly, not too rubbery...check it out when you are in Allentown!
(4)H V.
One of our long-standing favorite places to eat in the valley. This place has been great for years. It never fails to make for lovely evening of attentive servers who are lots of fun and great Thai fusion food. But don't be afraid if you don't care for Thai, their menu has lots of non-aisian options that are just as tasty. I think the pad thai here is second to none with huge crispy shrimp and peanuts and the perfect amount of sauce. Another favorite of mine is the Thai orange salad with shrimp, chicken, toasted coconut, peanuts, cilantro and lovely orange segments all tossed in a sweet/spicy chili dressing. I crave this dish! SO good. The Bay Leaf is perfect for a nice night out with someone special or just a great dinner or lunch. It's also perfect for New Year's eve or a very special occaision.
(5)Vanessa W.
Finally made it here after hearing good things for a while. Had some great lunch here with co-workers. I started with the seafood bisque - yummy! Then had chicken and noodles in a creamy curry sauce. Not enough room for dessert, but the selection was great. Everyone enjoyed their meals. Good, attentive service. Nice asian fusion restaurant at a lower to medium price point. Two thumbs up. I'll be back!
(4)Joyce M.
This place has great food and attentive service. The are famous for their lemongrass soup, which, sadly, is only available during lunches. Everything else I have ever ordered here was always excellent, beautifully prepared and delicious.
(5)clement m.
The owner is Thai and a superb chef. While this local restaurant is the best Allentown has to offer, it can hold it's head high with any big city eatery as well. Whether for lunch or dinner, the owner prepares all the meals. The staff is plesant. All meals are prepared to order, so be a little patient. If you haven't been here, the Bay Leaf is a must. Crab Bisque- superb; rack of lamb-superb; chicken curry-superb; wine list is strong; deserts could use a little tweak if one is a chocolate freak, otherwise, this place should NEVER change a thing, except the location: downtown Allentown (bang-bang)!
(5)M G.
Business lunch Great service, great food selection, unbelievable rice with shrimp dish I would recommend this to anyone!
(5)Jose A.
Delicious food. Vegan Stir fry is just incredible!
(4)J N.
Yum! First time here...had the raw salmon app & the steak au pois. Both were delicious this is a must visit in downtown Atown!!
(5)Anne G.
My favorite restaurant in the Lehigh Valley! Quaint and charming with an excellent staff and a spectacular menu. When a restaurant can survive decades and maintain a consistent quality, you can be sure it comes from pride of ownership. Be sure to take time to experience this fine restaurant and the incredible food they serve!
(5)Jack D.
One of the best restaurants my wife and I have eaten at. The food was suberb, service excellent and the ambiance outstanding. The Bay Leaf is in a somewhat depressed downtown area, but is fantastic. I would eat here frequently if it were close to my home. We had scallops and soft shell crabs. They were both prepared wonderfully. An A+ from us.
(5)Juliet G.
Loved it here! Like how the tables are not crammed together and the ambiance is romantic. Had the sole with bananas and walnuts and a maple glaze with crab- excellent! The pecan bourbon pie was a great dessert to share. Coming back!
(5)Sean L.
Well, I always thought it was not helpful to leave a review based on service, but here I am. We have been waiting for 45 minutes to receive our food. No explanation. A table seated after us has been eating their meal for 15 minutes now. We will never eat hear again just based on the slow service alone. How can a person expect to take a lunch break and make it back to work. Really disappointing.
(1)Bryan M.
Nice quaint place in downtown allentown. Quite deceiving from the outside, but nice inside. Seated quickly. I would rate service 8/10. I ordered raw salmon for app which was pretty good, a bottle of coppala pinot grigio, and sea bass with lemon grass and coconut milk. All were tasty and fresh. My bill was 77.11 without tip which was a bit on the high side for the quality but not complaining. This is a good place for a date night or something similar. They do not have a full bar... beer and wine only. Dont go here expecting sushi, typical asian dishes, etc.. its a unique menu
(4)Hady Y.
The food is amazing.. Really nice friendly staff.. Services is excellent.. Everything on the menu is good.. Soup are to die for.. Coming back for sure.
(4)R W.
What a great restaurant. I used to frequent Bay Leaf when I worked in center city 20 years ago - it was everyone's favorite in the office. Then there was a 10+ year period when I moved and didn't get a chance to go. What an absolute pleasant surprise when I finally did get to return to my beloved Bay Leaf recently to discover it hasn't changed one bit! The food had the same quality. Such a rarity in a restaurant to consistently produce over a decades-long period.
(5)Sal C.
Awesome find while visiting in the area to see a Lehigh Valley Phantoms game. Very fresh food, massive portions, very original combination of ingredients and tastes. Doesn't look like much from the outside, but don't let that fool you, definitely worth it!
(4)Jane M.
This is right up there with the 5 star restaurants in the Lehigh Vally and beyond! Food never disappoints! Service is great... It's yumtown food is always delicious and fresh and hot!! Great dessert and coffee! Can't go wrong with The Bay Leaf!!
(5)Bridget C.
Absolutely fabulous meal!! So good we didn't take anything home. Completely empty on a Monday night there was only one there table sat besides us. Get the Duck Two Ways in the red curry to die for!!! My mom wanted to come here for her bday and says she found her new favorite place!
(5)Drooling N.
Not often do you wake up the morning after and remark "Wow, now wasn't that a good dinner last night?!". That is precisely what happened to me and my wife concurred. I will put my head out there and make a claim that in terms of the best overall experience, Bay Leaf is the best restaurant in Allentown. Oh yes, I said best! Not one of the best, but best. There are a few that can compete with it in the Lehigh Valley, but this is the best in town. Period. I usually do not review a place unless I have been there at least twice. Having been to bay leaf about four times now, this review was long overdue. Never have I had a single complaint. Never has the food disappointed me. And every single time I have left completely happy. Bay Leaf is a quaint little restaurant located right in the heart of Allentown downtown. They have a comfortable, rustic yet elegant decor and serve Thai food with a modern twist. My wife and I have been here only for dinner so my review is based on their dinner menu of course. My favorite things on the menu so far include: mango, crabcake , shrimp and crabmeat ravioli as appetizers. Duck two ways, lamb saddles for entrees. The portion sizes, presentation and taste are exceptional. Perfect balance of savory, sweet, sour and tanginess, basically the very best of thai cuisine, elevated to a new level of sophistication. The duck is cooked so perfectly, that I am sure the ducks used are basking in duck heaven. Crispy skin on the outside, perfectly seasones, soft, gamy duck falling off the bone. The sauce, akin to a massaman curry, beautifully rich with flavor, yet subtle and fragrant. You get the perfect balance of fresh coconut milk and the mild heat of ginger and the fragrance of lemongrass in a beautiful symphony. Mix that sauce with their light and fluffy jasmine rice, take a piece of that duck and close your eyes to savor the perfection. Their lamb is equally delectable. I have run out of my descriptive abilities as I am already looking for my fifth visit here. They also make delicious desserts made fresh in house. I remember the chocolate pot de creme and their chocolate mousse. What better than chocolate to finish your sinful dinner? They also have a short but interesting wine collection. Try the Francis Ford Coppolla vintage. The guy stopped making movies and makes wine. And its good! Okay, now stop yelping and reserve a table for dinner here ASAP!
(5)Emily G.
This is a decent place to eat in downtown Allentown. Their food is described as New American & Asian Cuisine and everything I've eaten here has been really good and nicely presented. When I was a vegetarian they always created a special meal for me because there was nothing on your menu for me. Usually it was a stir fry with tofu, all kinds of veggies and rice. Then I could specify spicy or not. I really appreciated their efforts because not every place will cook you a special meal. Now that I eat meat again I usually order the Chicken Lorraine. It's so good! (Chicken, bacon, mushrooms, cream sauce). I have also had the puffy pastry with chicken and ham. Yum! Service can be kinda slow so don't come here if you're in a rush.
(4)Justin M.
Went here with my wonderful gf for our anverysery. Food was amazing had some Tai curry chicken sweet yet spicy. Also the mushroom soup was amazing. Heck even the water taste great so clean and crisp the service was great always getting refills etc short wait and everything the waiters we're very polite. Only reason it not a five is cus my gf said the steak was not well done but she still loved it we plan on coming here again. I wana really see what these guys can do with coffee haha
(4)Karl O.
What a jewel....I have been here several times for lunch when visiting clients in Allentown, but tonight it was time to check it out for dinner. Chris our waiter was excellent, knowledgable and a pleasure to have as a server. Appetizer was steamed clams in a garlic chili sauce. Clams were cooked perfectly and the sauce was fresh and spicy and not that sticky sweet stuff you find in jars. Entrees we had classic rack of lamb and my wife had salmon in a Thai panang curry sauce. Well...the lamb was perfectly cooked, veggies selection was fresh and not overlooked...and the red wine reduction was the envy of any high starred restaurant in NYC. Salmon was so flavorful, the curry was a little spicy (which we like) but complimented the salmon flavor and the dish was a great hit. Now...I am not a dessert person, but Chris assured me that the Chef/Owner's wife made all of the desserts.....a good selection, but we went for the coconut sorbet. Well, the name does not do it justice...creamy, silky smooth martini glass full of heaven with a hunt of acidity from the strawberry. This has been my best meal in the Valley since moving here 3 years ago, please try it, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Karen W.
We went there for my moms birthday. The night started off with them losing our reservation even though is wasn't busy. I ordered the salmon Oscar, when it arrived there was no crab or shrimp anywhere on the plate. The waiter rudely informed me it was stuffed inside the salmon. As I continued to eat I still did not discover any shrimp and crab. The chefs solution was to give me two shrimp on a plate. They couldn't even be bothered to say I'm sorry. I wouldn't go back
(2)Brant N.
The food is fantastic and it always comes out hot. Try the spring rolls for an appetizer. The menu is very long and offers many different dishes. Price is very reasonable. If you want to go out and have a great meal every time then check it out.
(5)David B.
This place is a true Allentown classic. Never disappointed, great quality. Wait staff friendly and helpful. Fresh seafood and and incredible appetizers. Our server Ralph could not be better .
(4)Dan W.
I have been to the Bay Leaf twice with large groups and I have yet to experience a bad dish. If they were in the city I would have to give them a 4, but since they are in Allentown they are definitely a 5. I tried the NY strip the first time I went and it was amazing. The blue cheese butter was a great surprise. The second time I went I had the rack of lamb which was the best rack of lamb I have ever had. Service was great, but only for people who are not expecting a quick meal. The slower paced meal makes you feel like they are not rushing you out the door, which I really like. If you are in Allentown this place is definitely worth checking out, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Miguel S.
For over 10 years the Bay Leaf has proven to be one of only a couple stable places well worth frequenting for a great meal in downtown Allentown. That is a shame for Allentown, but it's not the Bay Leaf's fault... they have done their part. While long gone are likes of Louie's, The Shanty, Federal Grill & many others, Bay Leaf still continues to deliver. We hadn't been in quite a while, but found most things thankfully haven't changed much or at all. The decor, excellent service/staff, menu and exceptional quality food has remained largely in tact since we first started going. The menu is extensive. You can easily feast on appetizers alone. The list of dinner options for both apps & main courses seems to be about a mile long each. The various Thai influenced dishes are great, and so are the more traditional selections like Steak au Poivre. Although it's commonly served at many places these days, the seared tuna appetizer is outstanding here. There's something special about how they encrust the sesame seeds, and the quality of the tuna is top notch. The sauce is excellent as well. Varied and unique sauces is one of Bay Leaf's specialties. Even if you're not a big fan of fruits or veggies like me, it's impossible not to notice how crisp they are. We need to get back more often. We've heard unsubstantiated rumors about it possibly closing, but hope that doesn't happen. We have never been disappointed in the many trips we've made to Bay Leaf. Above and beyond the food, we always have a great time whenever we go. The staff and owners do a excellent job. Highly recommended if you're ever in the area for lunch, dinner & dessert.
(5)Andra J.
I've come here plenty of times and I've always enjoyed the food. My favorite dish is the lamb curry. Fresh vegetables with tasty lamb. Yum! I usually have issues with the service though. Lunch often takes over an hour and the servers are not friendly when you pick up take out orders. They also refuse to divide your tab so it makes eating out with groups difficult.
(3)Weisi Z.
Extremely disappointed! Saw good review and went down there, but I waited like an hour and a half until my dish came up!!!! and the food were just about average and not even worth waiting for that long!!! I asked the waiter why did it take so long. He said it happened sometimes.......what?????? are you kidding me? the restaurant was not even full, probably less than half of the tables were taken. Don't go there unless you are sick of the restaurants that you always go.
(2)Arnab M.
Eh. This is the shee-shee place to go to for lunch and dinner in Allentown, however, they are GROSSLY overpriced, not just for Allentown, but probably most cities. The food isn't bad, and the menu is rather varied, but there is much room for improvement. They do not deliver and make sounds (and possibly faces as well) if you call to order take-out. They only serve white jasmine rice, no brown rice options. Thankfully, the food was quite tasty, but not tasty enough for the $25 I paid for my sole with bananas and walnuts in maple sauce.
(3)Carolina A.
I have been fortunate enough to eat at Bay Leaf on several occasions. Although I do not live in Allentown (I'm from Miami), I make sure to stop by every time I'm in the area. I was recently visiting friends in Allentown last week and was able to enjoy yet another fantastic meal from Bay Leaf. As another reviewer mentioned, all dishes are made to order and carefully prepared by this family owned restaurant. The chefs/owners are Thai and have created an inspiring fusion menu of creatively flavorful dishes. Ingredients are always fresh and the service is great. While every dish is worth trying, the following are my absolute favorites: Appetizers - Mango Napoleon (my obsession)- if you enjoy fruit fusion dishes then you'll love this. If I could eat this every single day then I'd be in heaven. Crab Cakes- I thought I didn't like crab cakes until I tried these. As it turns out, most restaurants use imitation crab and apparently that's where they go wrong. Phyllo Wrapped Goat cheese - excellent but as it is made individually and to order, give a 10 - 15 min leeway, trust me it's worth it. Ravioli- homemade dough made to perfection with shrimp and real crab meat (never imitation). Entrees- Chicken with Parmesan Crust - Julia Child once said the mark of a great chef is their chicken and I agree. Chicken is so easy to make palatable but so much more difficult to make excellently. This chicken is one of my favorite chicken dishes ever! Steak au Poivre- seared to perfection, never overcooked. Grouper - flavorfully fantastic! This is great if you want a heavier seafood dish Sea Bass - one of my absolute favorites as the lemongrass and coconut milk broth make for a very refreshing entree! Deserts- While ALL the deserts are awesome (including the homemade ice cream), my heart belongs to the Frozen White Chocolate Cake. This dessert, along with another one from a Portuguese restaurant in Miami (Old Lisbon), is my heart's desire. The only problem with Bay Leaf is I always find myself too full from the amazing meal to be able to truly enjoy this masterpiece but that's when to-go boxes come in handy!
(5)Keith L.
I'm still a fan of this place, but someone needs to change the description of their food. It is NOT Thai. Asian-y fusion-y maybe...but not Thai.
(4)Kristen D.
My boyfriend and I went here for Allentown Restaurant Week (yes, there is such a thing) since we'd heard nothing but good things about this place. We made reservations, assuming it would be more crowded than usual for Restaurant Week, but the place was nearly empty and weirdly quiet. I had the wild mushroom soup for an appetizer and salmon with diced shrimp and Thai panang curry sauce and my boyfriend had the chicken with parmesan crust with the shrimp and crab ravioli appetizer. My soup was decent, but sort of tasted like a canned mushroom soup that was mixed with some wild mushrooms. The salmon was much better and cooked to perfection, and the curry sauce was great. My boyfriend really enjoyed both his entree and appetizer, and he normally doesn't eat much fish. For dessert I had the chocolate pot de creme, which was basically a chocolate creme brulee. The service was great, no complaints there. I do think they're overpriced, especially for this area (most entrees are over $20). I probably wouldn't have gone if it wasn't for the special Restaurant Week menu. If they run more specials, I'll be much more likely to return!
(3)Kathryn R.
The food is always outstanding and reasonably priced. I adore the calamari appetizer with sweet/sour sauce. The sea bass with lemongrass sauce is amazing. Hubby and friends swear by the salmon panang. The cashew encrusted mahi mahi is also a bit hit on my list. In fact, the Bay Leaf is our favorite "go to" restaurant in the Lehigh Valley. The wait staff have always been particularly attentive (and yes, we eat here at least once or twice a month, if not more often). Chris exemplifies the level of service you can expect, despite the number of guests. And, I'd agree with other reviewers that their decor is tired, dated. But for some reason it just doesn't bother me that much.
(5)Peggy G.
Hands down this is my favorite restaurant is the Lehigh Valley. I have been enjoying the quality and inventive food here since moving here in 1978. The entrees are always prepared with care and no matter how many times you return, the food (esp the fish dishes) are consistently fresh. It's still a treat for me to return time and again. Try it you'll surely agree with me!
(5)Mark O.
We had a fine meal here, with a variety of Thai dishes -- we ate five appetizers -- and all were delicious. Our friends, who tried entrees, were similarly pleased. (For example, we had a salad with duck breast: the duck was perfectly cooked, you could actually taste duck! and the salad complemented it and didn't overwhelm it.
(4)Paul R.
Heard great things about this "Thai" restaurant from a friend. We arrived on a Saturday night to find this restaurant being described as "Thai restaurant" yet the Bay Leaf Restuarant ("BLR") was WITHOUT the typical Thai dishes on the menu such as Pad Thai or Drunken Noodles . Most the dishes appeared to be a variation of Italian dishes (such as Chicken with parmesan crust, Veal Chops, etc.) with a little Thai influence (and, yes, Italian cooking frequently includes basil. And, yes they did have dishes that claimed to use Thai spices. The BLR is NOT a Thai restaurant. This is an Italian Chop House that uses Thai spices on certain dishes. Dishes were over priced. On the other hand the fresh bread was very good. Don't waste you time with the BLR if you are looking for a Thai restaurant.
(2)Hk K.
We had a loong drive from Virginia and a meal at this Thai place was just the remedy for the tired souls. The bread was warm and melted into your mouth. I had the shrimp and chicken dish with mangoes (yummy unripe mangoes) and walnuts. The meat was cooked perfectly, not too rubbery...check it out when you are in Allentown!
(4)Becki S.
The food is excellent and I think the prices are good for the quality, especially in comparison to other Allentown restaurants. The sauces are always spot on. The atmosphere is relaxing and the servers are very friendly and good at what they do.
(5)H V.
One of our long-standing favorite places to eat in the valley. This place has been great for years. It never fails to make for lovely evening of attentive servers who are lots of fun and great Thai fusion food. But don't be afraid if you don't care for Thai, their menu has lots of non-aisian options that are just as tasty. I think the pad thai here is second to none with huge crispy shrimp and peanuts and the perfect amount of sauce. Another favorite of mine is the Thai orange salad with shrimp, chicken, toasted coconut, peanuts, cilantro and lovely orange segments all tossed in a sweet/spicy chili dressing. I crave this dish! SO good. The Bay Leaf is perfect for a nice night out with someone special or just a great dinner or lunch. It's also perfect for New Year's eve or a very special occaision.
(5)Vanessa W.
Finally made it here after hearing good things for a while. Had some great lunch here with co-workers. I started with the seafood bisque - yummy! Then had chicken and noodles in a creamy curry sauce. Not enough room for dessert, but the selection was great. Everyone enjoyed their meals. Good, attentive service. Nice asian fusion restaurant at a lower to medium price point. Two thumbs up. I'll be back!
(4)Joyce M.
This place has great food and attentive service. The are famous for their lemongrass soup, which, sadly, is only available during lunches. Everything else I have ever ordered here was always excellent, beautifully prepared and delicious.
(5)Kelly B.
This is not what most would expect in Allentown, but hopefully more like it will be coming soon enough, with a future sports arena down the street. A cross between Asian (mostly Thai) and American food, this is not your usual fair. The service is quite good and so is the food. You might feel out of place if you arrive too casually dressed (like jeans & such). This is not a t-shirt establishment. During the week, it is usually business professionals having lunch there. I have yet to see a child dining there, during my visits. Though I would guess well behaved kids, with manners, might do well here. Parking is either on the street (with meters) or in the back lot (though very hard to find, since the one way street-like allies behind are not designed with square blocks in mind). Seating is limited, so you would probably have to call ahead if you have a large group. If you want a nice quiet place to experience with friends, this is the place.
(3)Randy G.
Maybe it was a bad night for them.
(2)Ann T.
Okay. I like the Bay Leaf, but I have to say that it's starting to feel a bit tired. The decor, service, and atmosphere are still very nice, but the food has not wowed me the last few times I have been there. Ingredients like button mushrooms, canned artichoke hearts are boring and uninspired. Dishes are pleasant enough for the most part, but I expect more for the prices.
(3)