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    Jay's Local

    4.2 (37 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Jay's Local Photos

    Business Info

    JAY'S LOCAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Jay's Local

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    Bacon, egg, & cheese biscuit
    Ayanna G.

    Cute little university hangout spot! Gives me hipster vibes. The breakfast biscuit was tasty, but I loveddd the waffle muffin. It came with a side of whip cream and mixed berries. I had the dirty chai latte and that was just okay. I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but I still enjoyed it. Overall it's a cute place to grab a bite to eat.

    Breakfast biscuit
    Chris D.

    While this place has a limited menu I did like the uniqueness of their items. I've never seen a waffle muffin before and it was delicious. Nice place for a quick and easy bite, order at the counter and they bring the food to you.

    Waffle muffin
    Antonina E.

    I absolutely adored this place. The outdoor turf seating is adorable, and then you enter a beautiful, open indoor space with plenty of tables to get work done along with couches/chairs to relax with friends. My friend loved the waffle muffin which came with bourbon maple syrup, and whipped cream topped with berries in a separate container that I wasn't expecting! So why the three stars? Well. My iced dirty chai with oat milk (advertised with local brewed cold brew) tasted like weak cold brew. With a hint of chai that I honestly probably wouldn't have noticed if I didn't know what it was supposed to be. It's a coffee shop. So the drinks are kind of a big deal. I asked if they could make it unsweetened so I'm not sure if maybe the syrup would have added another dimension? It was also very small for a "large." But regardless I won't be trying that particular one again. I should mention that I had asked them a couple questions via Facebook earlier in the day and they answered promptly. So thank you so much for that! But I do plan on returning. WiFi and indoor seating available!

    this is the pastel de nata it tasted like a warm cozy hug in my mouth you should get one now :~)
    Rabia U.

    this is the pastel de nata it tasted like a warm cozy hug in my mouth you should get one now :~)

    Breakfast biscuit
    Alannah B.

    Fresh and made to order Jays is a great spot to get a quick meal. Prices are very reasonable and portion sizes perfect. My favorite thing is the waffle muffin... yes you read that right, a waffle and a muffin combined. It's good I don't live closer because I could eat one of those daily.

    Menu
    Kristy M.

    So far so good! The prices seem a lot more reasonable than the business that was here previously. I had the breakfast biscuit and it was delicious. The coffee was good. They didn't have hot tea, but promised they were getting some soon so I'll be back to taste some more!

    Clean and nicely decorated!

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    1 year ago

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    Photo of Jays L.

    Jays L.

    Thanks so much! We really appreciate it!

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    2 years ago

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    Jays L.

    Thank you! We really appreciate your support!

    Helpful 8
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    3 years ago

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    Jays L.

    Hi Esin, thanks for stopping in! We hope to see you again soon!

    Helpful 2
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    1 year ago

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    Jays L.

    Thanks so much! We hope to see you again soon!

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    Photo of Debra M.
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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    4 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    2 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    Photo of Sue M.
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    2 years ago

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    Jays L.

    It was our pleasure Sue! Thank you for your kind words!

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    2 years ago

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    Jays L.

    Thank you so much for your kind words! We hope to see you again soon!

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    Photo of Ayanna G.
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    5 years ago

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    Jays L.

    Thanks for stopping by Ayanna! We hope to see you again soon!

    Helpful 3
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    2 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    4 years ago

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    Jays L.

    Thanks so much Adrian, we appreciate your kind words!

    Helpful 1
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    6 years ago

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    Jays L.

    Thanks so much for your review Chris! We hope to see you again soon!

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    6 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    6 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    Photo of Rabia U.
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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    Jays L.

    Thank you Alannah! We appreciate your support!

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    Photo of Bill F.
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    5 years ago

    Nice college spot. We stopped in Allentown on a drive and were pleasantly surprised to find a cool Muhlenberg coffee and sandwich hangout.

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    Jays L.

    Thanks a lot Bill, we appreciate you stopping in!

    Helpful 1
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    Photo of Noelle T.
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    5 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    Photo of Kristy M.
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    7 years ago

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    Jays L.

    Thanks so much for coming in Kristy! We hope to see you again soon!

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    Photo of Branden K.
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    6 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    4 years ago

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    Jays L.

    Thanks so much for your kind words, we appreciate your support!

    Helpful 1
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    6 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    4 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    7 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Jays L.

    Thanks so much Elvy! We appreciate that!

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    6 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    Photo of Ellen O.
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    6 years ago

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    Jays L.

    Thank you so much Ellen! We appreciate your kind words!

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    Jays L.

    Thanks so much for your great review Chris! We truly appreciate it!

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    7 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    6 years ago

    Great local cafe. Awesome cinnamon buns and waffle muffins. Solid coffees and other items. Great addition to Allentown.

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    Jays L.

    Thanks so much Anthony! We appreciate that!

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    7 years ago

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    Jays L.

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    Ask the Community - Jay's Local

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    Union and Finch

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    Wow!!! Found Union and Finch in an online review article. Absolutely the best food!!! Started w…read morethe Pepperoni and Brussels sprouts. Crispy pepperoni with Brussels, pecorino cheese, and spicy honey. The most unique combination of delicious flavors!! Followed with the Burrata. Excellent and the bread that came with it was some of the tastiest bread I have ever had. Yes, I know it is just bread..but no seriously, so good! Next a burger and fries! My husband declared it the best burger he has had in at least 10 years! Fries were equally noteworthy!! Best best best meal! Beer selection varied and outstanding and the Aperol Spritz was one of the best I've had. Get yourself to Union and Finch..your taste buds will thank you!!

    We sat outside in what they call the "garden room." The ambience and lighting were cozy and…read morepleasant, and it was comfortably warm despite the 30°F temperature. Unfortunately, there was a strong cold draft at floor level, leaving our feet uncomfortably cold throughout the meal. The hostess was sweet and greeted us with a smile. The food service was unremarkable. Our waiter was not particularly friendly nor personable. The drinks were a weak start. The red sangria was poor. The bourbon cocktail was an odd mix of bourbon, apple cider, and other elements--an awkward, Frankenstein-style whiskey sour that simply didn't work. Worst of all, both drinks were served in thin plastic cups, which immediately cheapened the entire experience. I ordered the falafel sandwich and specifically requested a toasted bun. It arrived not just room temperature, but cold. I sent it back, and it returned burning hot... the bottom soggy... literally too hot to pick up... with no browning or color change, clearly microwaved. Microwaving is not toasting. At that point, the sandwich was inedible. I removed the bun entirely and ate just the falafel, which was dry and largely tasteless. At this point I knew coming back to this restaurant was a mistake. Food timing was another issue. The dishes took roughly 45 minutes to arrive after the drinks, possibly longer. We were all getting annoyed and what started out well when we first walked in turned negative. I wasn't impressed on my first visit years ago... and this second visit confirmed it. Between the poor drinks, cheap plastic cups, ridiculously long wait (with no explanation nor apology), and careless food execution, there's no reason to return.

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Hawaij seasoned mushrooms on seasoned yogurt
    Hawaij seasoned mushrooms on seasoned yogurt
    Moroccan Eggs ($13)

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    Griddle 145

    Griddle 145

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    Griddle 145 is a brunch restaurant located on MacArthur Rd. in Whitehall. They are open Tue - Sun…read more8AM - 2PM. I stopped in with my parents on Friday around noon. Some things were good, others were disappointing. I couldn't decide between the breakfast tacos and the G145 egg sandwich, so I got both. This was the first time I ever ordered breakfast tacos so I'm glad they were delicious! They were piled high with chorizo, scrambled eggs, tater tots, cheddar jack cheese, pico, and sour cream. The G145 egg sandwich consists of two eggs, bacon, & American cheese on a brioche bun. The bacon was cooked perfectly and the roll was soft and flavorful. My dad ordered a strip steak and eggs. He said, "it was okay, it's kind of tough". A medium rare steak should never be tough. My mom ordered two eggs, breakfast potatoes, and toast. She enjoyed the eggs and toast, but said the potatoes were awful. I had some with my sandwich and I have to agree with her. They were bland and dry. Overall, I thought the food was pretty good, but the service was substandard. Our server was super unattentive. Eating and socializing behind the bar was more of a priority than checking on her tables. I was still generous enough to tip 20%. Pickup and delivery are both available. Reservations are recommended for parties of 6 or more. Breakfast Tacos - 7.8 G145 Egg Sandwich - 8.2 Food - 8.0 Service - 6.3 Value - 7.4 Restaurant score - 72

    Great staff, awesome space! I was Leary at first. Slightly scary neighborhood, dark windows... had…read moreto be good with people waiting for the place to open. Enjoyed it! Tasty omelette, really good breakfast potatoes! Great coffee!

    Photos
    Red Velvet Pancakes
    Red Velvet Pancakes
    Huevos Rancheros
    Huevos Rancheros
    Stuffed Brioche French Toast

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    The Shelby

    The Shelby

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    My coworkers and I were in Allentown for some meetings and booked a reservation here for dinner…read more Everyone was very impressed! We walked in and even though it was busy we were taken to our reserved table immediately. The place is big with nice decor and ambiance, and the tables are spaced out enough that it keeps the area around you quiet enough to be able to hold a conversation comfortably with the people at your table. Our server was with us quickly and took our drink orders. All of the cocktails were delicious and several of us got a second round! We got the bao buns, chicken skewers, and birria poutine to start and they were all extremely delicious. The poutine tasted more like molé though so I personally wouldn't call it birria, and the cheese was a molten cheddar-like kind and not cheese curds. It was delicious though so no one complained! I got the curry and subbed tofu for shrimp. It was a little bland and I honestly wish there would've been a bit more of the curry itself (there was so much rice) and some more salt/seasoning, but it was fine. I'd give it a 7.5/10. My coworkers all enjoyed their own dishes (especially the rigatoni) and they kept raving about them throughout the whole meal. Our server was attentive and kept the table clean and our water bottles topped up. I definitely recommend checking it out! We're keeping it i. our list for next time we're in town :)

    My friend and I had a wonderful dinner at The Shelby. We started with the bao buns and skewers, and…read moreboth were packed with flavor. We also enjoyed delicious cocktails that paired perfectly with our meal. For our main course, we shared the paella, which was flavorful, well seasoned, and generously portioned. The atmosphere was welcoming, the service was attentive, and the entire experience felt relaxed and enjoyable. It's the kind of place that's perfect for catching up with friends over great food and drinks, and I'd happily return.

    Photos
    Booth
    Booth
    Giant pork chop
    Giant pork chop
    The Shelby

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    Baked

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    Love the sign out from soooo much!!
    Love the sign out from soooo much!!
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    It was a nice Saturday in mid-May and my girlfriend and I wanted to try someplace new. We landed at…read moreMax and Butters. We had hoped to sit outside but a family had their kids running wild so we ducked inside. The establishment is one long, eclectic rectangle with a hodgepodge of art and decoration without any noticeable theme or cohesion. They served me a wonderful Reyka martini and we had breakfast for dinner because the dinner offerings didn't leave an impression. My girlfriend had three over-easy eggs with smoked bacon and I had a grilled chicken omelet with gruyere and spinach with a side of potatoes. The omelet was excellent. The potatoes could have been a crispier by they were fresh. My girlfriend enjoyed her dish as well. For a Saturday, it was strange that they had only one server and one cook in the kitchen. Even so, our server was wonderful and kind. We hope to return soon and actually have breakfast for breakfast!

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    Photos
    The back area.
    The back area.
    Max and Butters
    When summer calls for aperol spritz's on the patio.

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    When summer calls for aperol spritz's on the patio.

    Jay's Local - cafes - Updated August 2026

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