Bites Nearby: Sangria

Of all the ingredients this restaurant serves its diners, Sangria’s signature flavor is its location. At street level on one of downtown Allentown’s most prominent corners (9th and Hamilton streets), in the Butz Corporate Center, Sangria’s floor-to-ceiling windows ensure that the streetscape is part and parcel of the dining experience.

The sleek, contemporary décor contributes to Sangria’s refined urban style.

In mild weather, tables on the broad outdoor patio literally pull patrons into the activity of downtown. If there is to be a revitalization of center city Allentown, Sangria has staked its claim to be on the cutting edge.

The restaurant describes its cuisine as American Continental. The menu exhibits, but is not dominated by, Mediterranean influences. A server recently characterized the dishes as “sophisticated, but not ostentatious.”

At dinnertime, appetizers include flatbreads of assorted flavor combinations, garlic shrimp, mini fish tacos and steamed dumplings (many in the $10-$12 range).

Among the 20 or so entrée choices are lamb shank, short ribs, tilapia, salmon and butternut squash tortellini. Sashimi grade tuna and an 8 oz. filet are served on a smooth hot stone (brought to the table at about 500-600 degrees F.). By flipping the meat when desired, the diner controls the amount of doneness.

A Sangria classic is Mediterranean paella, a presentation of lobster, shrimp, scallops, chorizo, mussels and clams over yellow rice. Dinner entrees are mostly $25-$30. Salads are a la carte.

At lunchtime, diners may build their own burgers with a turkey, veggie or beef patty and choice of cheeses and savory toppings, or select from an array of wraps and sandwiches such as falafel pita, Cuban sandwich, roast beef sliders and pastrami on rye.

Also featured are soups, salads (cobb, taco, baby spinach, roasted beet and goat cheese) and a few pasta dishes (penne pasta margarita and rigatoni Bolognese). With some lower or higher, the majority of lunch items are $8.95-$12.95.

Sangria reinforces its stature as a place to meet and mingle with drink specials and half-price appetizers for weekday happy hour and reverse happy hour (8-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday), and live music in the bar on Friday and Saturday nights. And yes, they serve several varieties of sangria, by the glass or pitcher.

Sangria

840 W. Hamilton St.

Allentown, PA 18101. 

610-432-3280.