New Steak & Steel Hibachi in Bethlehem perfect for any occasion
It’s dreary, it’s winter, and restaurant-speaking … I was in need of a change. Then comes along Bethlehem’s first full-scale hibachi, sushi, and gastropub establishment! If you’re like me and have been eagerly awaiting Steak & Steel Hibachi’s opening for months, I am pleased to inform you that this new spot does not disappoint. Owner Rob Lewis comes from Jim Thorpe, where he is a partner of a restaurant group that owns several Asian restaurants across the country. His experience, and good taste, shows.
Setting and décor
Located right in the heart of Historic Downtown Bethlehem, at 44 W. Walnut Street to be exact, this place has a unique vibe. Steak & Steel has a contemporary and chic open concept design. Upon entering, you are face to face with a full bar. To your right, the dining room has a sleek and modern gastropub feel. The interior glows as red lights line the ceilings, contrasting the deep black walls and floors.
It almost feels like I’ve found a secret underground sushi and hibachi club. In a good way. To the left of the full bar is the sushi bar, where one can sit and watch the chefs work their magic. Behind the sushi bar is an enlarged black-and-white photo of the blast furnaces at the former Bethlehem Steel plant taken by Lewis. Did that tug at my heartstrings? Yes. My reservation was for the hibachi, so my guests and I were seated beside floor-to-ceiling windows, which melt into brick relief walls, adorned with playful graffiti paintings. The whole place can seat about 150 people – yet it manages to create an expansive and intimate ambience all at once.
Service
On a cold and winterymixed Monday night, the place was swarming with people. Like I said, this is a first for Bethlehem, and everyone’s pretty excited. Be sure to make a reservation. Also, be sure to ask for Rob Lewis, because he might be one of the friendliest humans I have ever met. In addition, his love for this restaurant and for what he does is palpable. Whether you’re seated at the bar or sushi bar, the hibachi or dining room, the service is attentive and
speedy. The whole experience just felt exciting, and the staff seemed excited, too. But let’s get to the main attraction here…the cuisine!
Food
The menu here is full scale. It’s almost overwhelming. But, let us begin with the drinks. The cocktail menu is spectacular, with many vodka-based concoctions available. Lewis is adamant about supporting local craft beers, wines, and spirits. For example, the Sake squirted at us throughout the hibachi experience was from Sangu Kora in Delaware River Water Gap. In terms of sushi . . . there are about two dozen premium rolls on the menu. I tried the Kingston Roll, made with spicy crabmeat, mango, and avocado, topped with salmon, tuna, and the chef ’s special sauce. There is a kick to it, but is generally a more mild experience, which is what I prefer. There are plenty of options, however, for spice enthusiasts.
All dinner entrees are served with soup and the freshest, crispiest, coldest of salads. I did not realize cabbage and romaine could ever be so satisfying. There are a plethora of sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, tempura and udon options. We were there for the hibachi. My friends tried the shrimp, scallops, and New York strip steak. I opted for the chicken. The hibachi experience is thrilling, of course, but I was impressed by how perfectly it was all grilled. Juicy, without a hint of a threat of being undercooked!
If none of this strikes your fancy, I hear that the bento boxes are fantastic. They cook up several Thai specialties, like pad Thai and red curry. I almost ordered the crispy duck entree, then drooled momentarily at a spicy honey chicken passing by
. . . but I’ll just have to go back! Again and again and again.
The bottom line
It’s new, it’s exciting, and the perfect spot for any kind of occasion. Birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, a sushi date, Saturday night drinks. Steak and Steel Hibachi & Gastropub is a one size fits all.
The food is truly excellent. The staff, the dA©cor, and the patrons surrounding me made me feel relaxed and welcomed. Who could ask anything more from a dining experience? Go see for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
STEAK AND STEEL HIBACHI & GASTROPUB
Where: 44 W Walnut Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 Contact: 610-849-2323 Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Prices: Starters $4.00$16.00, Entrees: $16.00$38.00
Bar: Full bar
Credit cards: Yes Handicap accessible: Yes