I consider myself a "foodie", however, I am not a journalist so bear with me...As a regular customer of this restaurant I have had an opportunity to accumulate enough experiences to share my thoughts about Youell's. Youell's Oyster House is located in a residential neighborhood one block south of Hamilton Street (the main street of Allentown). They do not have a parking lot, but since it is an area of single homes, there is adequate parking space withing half a block of the facility. Evidently the building that houses the restaurant has a long history (check out their website: youellsoysterhouse.com )Youell's seats about a total of 100 guests in two dining rooms. The tables are a combination of butcher block tops, with the larger ones having white linen tablecloths, and linen napkins. Recent renovations and lighting have improved the atmosphere, which is very comfortable - not quite casual yet not quite fine dining. Patrons enter through the bar to be greeted by a host. Reservations are not required, but to avoid a wait, are suggested. The bar has a sleek, black, granite top, curved gently the length of the room. The anitque, embossed copper ceiling, solid cherry walls and recessed lighting add to warmth of this area. The bar seats around 20 guest, many of whom enjoy their dinners there. The owners went non smoking in the entire facility several years ago, before it was common.
The servers are mostly veterans, youngish, personable with a casual uniform that includes an apron with an embroidered "Youell's" logo.
I understand that the menu has contained the same offerings for decades. They range from appetizers of oyster stew, clam chowder and a decadent crab bisque, to crabmeat coctail and beer battered shrimp with house made jalapeno jelly. Of course the freshly shucked oysters, as well as the clams are a must for the shellfish lover. For entrees, there are various "combination" platters that include simply, and well prepared haddock, scallops, shrimp, crabmeat, lobster, etc. (All of which are offered individually as well - the broiled scallops are the best I've had). The focal point of their offerings is the selection of crabmeat dishes: which include crabmeat imperial, crabcakes, crabmeat stuffed shrimp or flounder, or simply lump crabmeat served with browned butter. I must say that I enjoy the crabmeat dishes much more than those that I have had at the shore. The reason being is that they do not contain any fillers or an abundance of flavoring that tend to detract from the subtlty of the crab flavor. The menu is also complimented by daily chef's features, which I have found to be expertly prepared in a variety of ways. Wild salmon done just right with a complimentary sauce, rainbow trout, valencian paella, cioppino as well as seasonal items such as local shad and shad roe as well as my personal favorite, soft shell crabs. The soft shell crabs deserve special attention: I have not had them better anywhere on the east coast. The preparation - sauteed with fresh garlic, white wine and lemon juice, compliments these delicate creatures without overwhelming them - simply delicious!
In addition to the long list of seafood, there are choices for the diner that prefers a fine steak (tenderloin or NY strip), several selections of sauteed chicken breasts.
Desserts are homemade and include an incredible Lemon Sponge Pie (the owner's grandmother's recipe, and a regional preparation), fruit pies, cheesecake and caramel flan.
Most of the entrees are in the $20 range, which is very reasonable considering the quality of the product. Drinks are well prepared and the wine and beer lists are well thought out, with the prices you would expect at other casual restaurants. The diner will find it affordable to have a multi course meal for $30, which is a value considering you will spend at least as much at one of the proliferation of "chain" restaurants that has invaded the Valley in recent years.
Overall, I have had consistently good experiences at Youell's, in spite of some minor hitches. There is not another restaurant in the area that does what they do, so comparisons are hard to make with other eateries.
Great food, reasonable prices, good service and comfortable surrounding have made me a fan of Youell's Oyster House. Thanks!