Bites Nearby: Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse

This establishment’s name says it all.

Grumpy’s is a place for barbecue and more barbecue, available in a welcoming, no-frills setting that serves up down-home entertainment as well.

Its claim to fame is all manner of barbecued meats—spare ribs, pork butts, pork loin, beef brisket, prime rib, chicken wings, chicken quarters and more—rubbed with a seasoning mix then slow cooked and smoked over a hickory wood fire for up to twelve hours. Quarter rack, half rack, and full rack spare ribs are front and center on the menu, along with pulled pork barbecue sandwiches and plates.

The Southern style of cooking (with flavors also borrowed from Cajun and Tex-Mex cuisine) appears in the hearty gumbo and chili, the breaded and fried alligator bites appetizer, the entrée of crawfish étouffée over blackened catfish, and even in the desserts of pecan pie, bread pudding and Southern banana pudding.

The restaurant, with full bar, is housed in an 1840’s tavern in a small town locals still know as Mechanicsville. It’s a few minutes north of Allentown, just inside the border of South Whitehall Township. The owners perpetuate the roadhouse feel of the place, with its rustic open beams and stone walls, by liberally decorating with auto and motorcycle memorabilia.

Tuesday nights are designated as Bike Nights, a promotion for motorcycling riding patrons. Blues and jazz jams and open mics are held on Thursdays, and Grumpy’s stays open late on Fridays and Saturdays to feature live bands. Grumpy’s offers event catering, and can bring the barbecue to you with their mobile cookers and trucks.

3000 Mauch Chunk Rd., Allentown, PA  18104. 610 769-4600.