This story is the second in a series of restaurant staples around Lehigh’s campus. Next week’s issue will feature Johnny’s Bagels.
A typical week night will see students walking down New Street heading to Sal’s Brick Oven Pizza. Whether for a full sit-down dinner or a quick slice of pizza, Sal’s is always the choice when looking for a fix of Italian food.
Upon entering Sal’s, a waitress greets and invites the patron into the cozy environment. There are quaint Italian decorations, and usually soft music playing in the background. There’s also a T.V., which the employees will happily turn on for you to watch a game.
Vanessa Ruggiero, ’17, said one of her favorite aspects of Sal’s is the “old, Italian atmosphere.”
“The food is great,” Ruggiero said. “(It has) relatively reasonable prices for this area, and the location is great for students since its so close. I had a really great time there this past Saturday night with a few of my friends.”
One of the first things students love about Sal’s is the amount of food they receive for what they pay. All entrees at Sal’s start with a serving of hot rolls topped with ample amounts of garlic and butter. Following the bread, each entrée receives a complimentary glass of wine, along with a salad. Next is the entrée itself, which is served at a generous portion size.
Sal’s employees said it counts on Lehigh students for a large portion of their business.
“Lehigh students are vital to the success of the business,” said Anne Basile, the wife of the eponymous restaurant owner.
The restaurant is also popular among the residents of Bethlehem, with 2015 marking Sal’s 15th year in business.
The Basiles, originally from Staten Island, New York, first made their way out to Phillipsburg, New Jersey, when Sal Basile’s father bought a restaurant there. Eventually, Sal Basile’s father decided to move into the Pennsylvania area, purchasing his first restaurant on Schoenersville Road. The move led Sal Basile to eventually purchase property on the South Side, which led to the opening of Sal’s Brick Oven Pizza. Originally, Sal Basile’s father also owned Mama Nina’s restaurant, located on the North Side, but the eatery was sold out of the family several years ago.
The pizza and sandwiches, whether you are taking them to go or dining in, are additional reasons why students frequent Sal’s. Amanda Donohue, ’17, explained that despite being from New Jersey, where she feels the best pizza is created, Sal’s makes one of her favorite slices.
“Whenever I need a quick dinner, or even a snack during a study break, I always head to Sal’s,” Donohue said. “I would also recommend the lasagna.”
Conor Gum, ’16, is a another regular at Sal’s. Whether it be grabbing a quick meal with friends, or a formal sit down with his mom following Lehigh football games, the restaurant is one of his favorites.
“At Sal’s you are getting great food for an affordable price,” Gum said. “My favorite dish is by far the chicken Parmesan.”
Another aspect the Lehigh community loves about Sal’s is that customers can bring their own beverages. Gum said some of his friends love being able to bring their own beers to enjoy with dinner.
“If I am going out to dinner with a group of people and we are trying to decide between two places, the fact that Sal’s is BYOB makes us much more inclined to go there,” Gum said.
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