You’re walking down Main Street in the historic district of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The air is crisp, maybe there’s a bit of that Lehigh Valley humidity, and you see the massive steel-tapped doors of Bethlehem Brew Works. For a lot of people, it’s just that place you go for a burger before a show at Musikfest or where you grab a pint of Valley Golden Ale because it’s a local classic. But if you think this is just another cookie-cutter brewpub, you’re missing the actual soul of the place.
Honestly, people tend to oversimplify what’s happening at 559 Main Street. They see the "Steelworker" aesthetic and assume it’s all just nostalgia for the old Bethlehem Steel days. While the history is baked into the bricks—literally, as the building has that industrial-chic vibe that was cool way before it became a Pinterest trend—Bethlehem Brew Works Bethlehem PA is more of a community living room than a mere tourist trap.
It’s been around since 1998. Think about that. In the craft beer world, 1998 is practically the Stone Age. Jeff and Mike Fegley didn’t just open a bar; they staked a claim in a downtown that looked a lot different back then.
The Beer Reality Check
Most folks walk in and order whatever is at the top of the list. Big mistake. While the Valley Golden Ale is their number one seller—and it’s a solid, crisp entry-level craft—the real magic is in the seasonal rotations and the high-gravity stuff that'll knock your socks off if you aren't careful.
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Take Rude Elf’s Reserve. It’s a Belgian Strong Dark Ale that clocks in at a massive 10.5% ABV. It’s spiced with cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Locals know that once Rude Elf season hits, the vibe in the city changes. It’s a holiday tradition in a glass. Then you have the Steelgaarden Wit, which is this unfiltered, citrusy Belgian-style wheat beer that basically tastes like summer on a patio.
What a lot of people don’t realize is the sheer amount of hardware these guys have won. We aren't just talking "Best of the Valley" (though they have plenty of those). They have Great American Beer Festival medals. They’ve got World Beer Cup awards. Their Arctic Alchemy, a bold Old Ale, has taken home gold. It’s world-class liquid being brewed in a basement in the middle of a shopping district.
The tap list usually looks something like this:
- Flagships: Steelworkers Oatmeal Stout (silky on nitro), Fegley’s ESB, and that ubiquitous Valley Golden.
- The Heavy Hitters: Fegleyator Doppelbock and whatever Imperial Stout they’ve currently aged in bourbon barrels.
- The Modern Stuff: They’ve adapted to the Hazy IPA craze with things like Kodachrome Haze and Talk To Me Juice.
Beyond the Main Bar: The Steelgaarden Secret
If the main floor feels too "restaurant-y" for you, you’ve gotta head downstairs. The Steelgaarden Lounge is where the real ones hang out. It’s got a different energy—more of a New York-style underground lounge vibe with leather couches, pool tables, and a 40-foot bar. It feels like a hideout.
This is also where they host some of their more "interesting" events. You might stumble into a retro video game night or a "Charity Cask Night" where they tap a firkin and give all the proceeds to a local non-profit. That’s a huge part of their identity. They don’t just exist in Bethlehem; they support it. They even have a specific email for community requests—community@thebrewworks.com—which tells you they actually care about the neighborhood.
The Food Situation
The menu is "brewpub plus." You’ve got your pierogies (this is PA, after all) and huge burgers, but they also lean into the German and Dutch heritage of the area.
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You haven't lived until you’ve tried the Bavarian Pretzels with the beer cheese dip made from their own lager. It’s addictive. Some people complain that the food quality can be inconsistent when the place is slammed during Christmas City events, and yeah, that can happen. It’s a massive operation. But on a Tuesday night when the kitchen isn't drowning in 500 orders? The Steelworker's Oatmeal Stout paired with a steak or their "BREWschetta" is hard to beat.
The Logistics Most Tourists Mess Up
Don’t just drive around for forty minutes looking for street parking on Main Street. You won’t find it. Use the North Street Garage or the Walnut Street Garage. They are a two-minute walk away.
Also, the hours are surprisingly generous for a town that sometimes goes quiet after 9 PM. They are open until 2 AM every single night. Whether it's a Sunday or a Friday, if you need a late-night drink in a space that isn't a dive bar, this is your spot.
- Address: 559 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018
- Phone: 610-882-1300
- Lift/Accessibility: They have a lift for wheelchair access, which is a big deal in these older historic buildings.
Why It Still Matters
In a world where every town now has three microbreweries, Bethlehem Brew Works stays relevant because it’s authentic. It’s not a sterile, industrial park taproom with no soul. It’s built into the history of the Lehigh Valley.
When President Barack Obama visited back in the day, he didn't go to a chain; he went there. That says something about its status as a landmark. It’s a place where you can see a college student from Lehigh University sitting next to a guy who actually worked at the Steel, both drinking the same pint of Steelworkers Oatmeal Stout.
The "next big thing" in beer will always be coming around the corner. But places like this—places that survived the late 90s craft boom, the 2008 recession, and the 2020 chaos—they survive for a reason.
If you're planning a visit, definitely try to time it for a Sunday Brunch. They do a specific brunch menu from 11 AM to 2:30 PM that pairs surprisingly well with a Blueberry Belch (their fruit ale) or a mimosa made with local flair.
Check the current tap list on their website before you go, because they rotate fast. If you see Fegley’s Insidious Imperial Stout or any of their sour ales like the Framboise, jump on it. Those are the deep cuts that prove they are still at the top of their game after nearly three decades.
To make the most of your trip, grab a 32oz crowler of whatever seasonal is on tap to take home. It’s the best way to support the local scene while ensuring you have something decent to drink when you're back on your own couch.