Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on June 12, 2025.
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We've been awaiting the public opening of The Storyville Lounge in Allentown for many years.
This gorgeous speakeasy space was built several years ago and used for private events (with open houses during the bi-annual Allentown Night Market– when we would historically visit). But it was only recently that they expanded to maintain regular hours.
So in early 2025, we made our way back to Allentown to check out The Storyville Lounge, Conjure Bar, and more. For those who like housemade spirits, delicious takes on classics, and a stunning speakeasy ambiance, this one is for you!
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Speakeasy Vibes and Crafted Spirits at The Storyville Lounge
Before heading to The Storyville Lounge, it is perhaps worth highlight that this particular business is more like three (or even four) unique spots in one.
There is the specialty shop, Dr. Tumblety's, featuring an array of vintage and unusual wares, which has been a staple in Allentown for many years. Go to bar behind the bookcase in the back, and you'll be transported to early 20th-century New Orleans at The Storyville Lounge- the stunning speakeasy that we'll be talking more about in this article.
In the building to the right is Conjure Bar, a second beautiful bar space designed for live music and performances in particular (although we were told burlesque shows will remain in The Storyville Lounge space), as well as Inspired by Spirits distillery.
We, admittedly, didn't quite understand the breakdown of all these businesses until seeing the space firsthand.
During our visit, right after The Storyville Lounge opened for public hours, Conjure Bar was primarily used as an overflow space for guests when events were not scheduled. During conventional business hours, we were able to see the space, but they did not have a separate cocktail menu or dedicated bar service.
This was quite fine for us, because the menu at The Storyville Lounge was enough for us to enjoy several rounds (and sample our way around the distillery's products), and made for a good excuse to spend more time in the stunning speakeasy space. So as long as you aren't going in expecting two fully unique bars because of the separate names, you're good to go.
The on-site distillery, Inspired by Spirits, has a strong focus on flavored eaux de vie and brandies at the time of our visit (plus a few rums), which are found prominently in many of the cocktails. If you're up for it, be sure to try some of the spirits on their own to get a better appreciation of their offering, too!
So, how about the drinks?
As much of the menu felt like riffs off of classic cocktails, we leaned into it. I started with the Brandy Manhattan- using house brandy, house vermouth, and bitters. This all came together for a boozy punch with slightly brighter notes due to having a bit of house brandy in the batch.
Angie went with the house Sazerac (aptly named the Storyville Sazerac), which also uses the distillery's brandy as a base with rye whisky, demerara, bitters, and an absinthe spray which really came together for a complex and flavor Sazerac- so much so that we'd put it in the running as one of the best we've had in the city. Much like the Manhattan, the addition of brandy really helps add complexity to the flavor!
For the second round, I went with the Walter & Warrington Old Fashioned which, while not using their spirits, was made with a mix of bourbon, Turner's Tea demerara, and bitters and was a flavorful beverage with a nod to the local tea that we appreciated. Although I could not really pull out Turner's Tea specifically, it was fun to see that being added into the syrup base for a twist.
Angie opted to try a mocktail, the Mediterranean Tonic, with thyme, rosemary, black pepper, tonic, and olive. The tonic reminded us of a gin & tonic, minus the gin of course, with a bright and vibrant flavor profile that should be on your radar if you're looking for a good mocktail.
Overall, we're really excited to see where The Storyville Lounge, Conjure Bar, and Inspired by Spirits goes in the future. The speakeasy space is one of the most stunning in the city, and they are really hitting the classics right- with their own house twists thrown in.
Where they go from here will be very interesting to see indeed. Now we just need to return for a show!
The Storyville Lounge is located inside Dr. Tumblety's at 753 E Warrington Ave in Allentown.
