BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A popular cocktail bar and restaurant is closed on the city’s Southside, but the owner said Tuesday she hopes to reopen early next year.
The Bookstore Speakeasy, at 336 Adams St., has a handwritten sign on the door noting the establishment is currently closed for repairs.
"We are bummed about it too. We apologize for the inconvenience,” the sign states. A resident of a nearby apartment complex said the place has been dark “for at least a month.”
It appears the establishment closed some time in November, with messages across social media stating some with reservations showed up to find the door locked. Others said they had reservations rejected.
An online reservation system, Host Me, said no time slots are available for future dates.
Lehigh grad took ownership in 2017
In response to messages left Tuesday, owner Linda Barsik described the establishment as "temporarily closed for some necessary maintenance and improvement."
"We are looking forward to opening again at the end of January," Barsik said. "However, it's not firm, so I'll know better at a later time."
Barsik, a graduate of Lehigh University, took ownership of the Bookstore Speakeasy in 2017. A feature story written for the campus community noted she was working alongside her business partner and brother Sean Barsik.
The establishment had previously operated under the same name, but under different ownership, beginning in 2008.
The location — between Mechanic and Fourth streets —was the site of an actual Prohibition-era speakeasy and was known for its handcrafted cocktails, along with menu items like ahi tuna ceviche and black truffle fries.
Live jazz was also advertised at 6:30 p.m on Thursdays and Sundays, and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Liquor license expired
A voicemail recording at the Bookstore states their “current” operating hours are Friday and Saturday only, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The website, which has not been updated, still advertises the Bookstore as operating 5-11 p.m. Thursdays, 5 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays and 5-11 p.m. Sundays.
Google lists the location as "temporarily closed."
According to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the liquor license for the establishment expired April 30, 2023.
Shawn Kelly, spokesman for the PLCB, said the expiration was due to the licensee failing to obtain the necessary tax clearances.
"That means the licensee had no authority to sell alcoholic beverages after that date," Kelly said.
A Facebook account for the Bookstore has not been updated since Dec. 28, 2022.
