It was quite a hot day Aug. 12, but the new Barrel and Drafthouse at Wind Creek Bethlehem offered a perfect way to cool down.

Inside the restaurant’s opening event, a DJ was playing a modern remix of older songs, but nothing polka enough to suggest the barrel motif; they have many kegs, big barrels and mini barrels on the tables, giving the place a nice theme, all surrounded by TV screens.

The seating is very nice, as well as having different options from tables that seat 2 to tables that seat up to 12. Also, there was a very nice, wide, and open bar for many people to come up and be able to get drinks at the same time on a busier night.

Staff member Isrfael Mateo said, “Building an environment where you’re happy to come into work is important.”

There is a wide variety of drinks to choose from, including the Negroni, the Southside Mule and what seemed to be everyone’s favorite, the Yuzu Pineapple Margarita. The food selections included an old Bethlehem crabcake sandwich, churrasco, loaded wedge, marrow duo and the stack burger.

Attending this event as well was the Director of Restaurant Hospitality for Aramark Sports+ Entertainment John Gilbert and Executive Chef Dave Blackburn, who is scheduled to be competing in the 2028 culinary Olympics. “We’re going to win gold,” Blackburn said.

“They should demand a lot better quality and volume, and that’s what we’re focusing on. You’re going to get the best burger, and it’s not going to cost you $25,” said Gilbert.