Date Night Spot of the Week: Bolete in Bethlehem

This week's Date Night Spot of the Week is Bolete, the James Beard-recognized farm-to-table restaurant at 1740 Seidersville Road in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It is housed in a 200-year-old stone farmhouse, and it is widely considered one of the finest dining rooms in the Lehigh Valley. Here is what makes it special, what to order, what it costs, and how to get a table.

What Makes Bolete Special

Bolete is the work of Chef Lee Chizmar, who was named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2015. The restaurant itself was a semifinalist for the foundation's Outstanding Restaurant award in 2019, one of only 20 restaurants nationwide, and a nominee again in 2020. That recognition is rare for any restaurant, and it is the reason Bolete draws diners from across the region for special occasions.

The menu is farm-to-table in the truest sense: it changes daily based on what local farms and purveyors are supplying, and the dining room and the tavern share the same menu. That means the food is always seasonal, and no two visits are exactly alike.

The Setting

Bolete occupies a 200-year-old stone farmhouse that once served as a stagecoach inn, set on Seidersville Road between Bethlehem and Hellertown. The dining room keeps the character of the old building, with exposed stone, wood floors, and a warm, softly lit atmosphere that suits an evening out. There is also a tavern side with a more relaxed feel, and both share the same menu, so you can choose the vibe that fits the night.

What to Order

Because the menu changes daily, the dishes below are the signatures Bolete is known for, and they appear regularly. The Maine lobster roll, with lobster salad, crème fraîche, and pickled shallots on a house-made roll, is a frequent favorite. Chilled Island Creek oysters come with a roasted shiitake mignonette, and the line-caught yellowfin tuna tartare and roasted local baby beet salad are both popular starters. For dessert, the Butterscotch Pudding has become something of a legend, and it is the way many regulars end the meal.

If you go for Sunday brunch, the menu includes the Eggs Chizmar, a house specialty named for the chef. Wine is a focus here too, with a carefully built list that pairs well with the seasonal menu.

Price Range

Bolete is priced as a special-occasion restaurant. OpenTable lists the range at roughly $31 to $50 per person, and recent diners typically report spending about $40 to $50 per person before drinks. The menu is a la carte and changes daily, so the final tab depends on how many courses you order. For a full date night with appetizers, entrees, dessert, and wine, plan accordingly.

Hours and Reservations

Bolete serves dinner Wednesday and Thursday from 5:00 to 9:30 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5:00 to 10:00 PM. Sunday brunch runs 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and the restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesday. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. You can book online through Resy or call the restaurant directly at (610) 868-6505. In the special-request field, you can note a preference for the dining room or the tavern.

A Special-Occasion Staple in the Lehigh Valley

Bolete is the kind of place people drive across the Lehigh Valley for, and it earns its reputation with a daily-changing seasonal menu, a historic setting, and national recognition that is rare in the region. Hours, menu items, and prices can change, so it is always a good idea to confirm on the official website or by phone before you go.

And if a great dinner in Bethlehem gets you thinking about what it would be like to live closer to the area, Tim Tepes has helped buyers and sellers across Bethlehem, Hellertown, and the wider Lehigh Valley for more than 36 years. Reach out any time for honest, local guidance.