Walking past the Apollo Grill during peak dinner hours has left me to believe it might be near impossible to ever eat there without a reservation made in the Carter administration. Everyone knows the food is good and the atmosphere better at the grill taking up residence across from the Edge on Bethlehem's Broad Street, but to enjoy it without the company of the entire town of Bath within earshot, I recommend doing lunch.

An early afternoon Apollo meal will be more expensive than a deli or pizzeria lunch, but the taste upgrade is worth the dough. My girlfriend had an enormous turkey club she claimed was terrific while I had the grilled vegetable panini (for those who haven't gathered from previous food posts, I am a vegetarian and welcome any questions on how herbivores can survive in a very carnivorous Lehigh Valley), which was also huge and stocked with the kind of fresh mozzarella that can make a good sandwich a knee-buckling good sandwich. We also ordered a plate of sweet potato fries upon my girlfriend's suggestion and despite my dissent (this coming Thursday will mark the 26th consecutive Thanksgiving I pass the sweet potatoes right on down to my brother without taking any), but they were actually pretty damn good and somewhat addictive.

The total bill came to about $27, including tip (we had iced teas). Lunch patrons also get a free bread basket with a few different kinds of bready-like things that are quite tasty. Lunch at the Apollo would be an excellent place for a date of any kind as you'll get to show class and still be able to enjoy some conversation. Not to knock the Apollo for dinner; I have actually made it in for an excellent meal and I've even ordered really expensive drinks at the bar during a night where I was delusional enough to believe I could afford to do so, but those looking for a place without the volume and bustle of your typical diner will appreciate the laid-back vibe of lunch at the Apollo.

-Ryan