Have you heard? There’s a new lounge in town and it’s absolutely worth checking out.

What was once home to the college bar, Element, on Adams Street near Fourth in South Side Bethlehem, is now a fantastically cool and vintage-y 1920s speakeasy called The Bookstore. Don’t be alarmed by the unusual, obscure entrance (like I was); go ahead and walk right through those luscious velvet curtains and step back in time as you listen to roaring 20s tunes played on a Victrola and drink or dine by candlelight.

It feels every bit the era from the copper bar to the aged books both for reading or purchasing (if you’d like) and the finely dressed wait staff to the delish menu cleverly pasted into some of those aged novels.

I tried the Adams Street Shuffle concoction, one of their signature drinks, and a daiquiri, which I ended up not liking as much as the Shuffle. The Bookstore has quite an extensive beer list, too—something for every taste bud. If you’re hungry, choose from their light menu of small plates ranging from gourmet soups and salads, or pick a cheese platter, instead, embellished with fruits, spreads, and crackers.

You have to visit The Bookstore to truly experience its ambiance. No doubt, it’s unlike any establishment in our area. I can honestly say that I’m not a regular at any area bar, but this place may just become my new favorite hang out.