LUNCH AND A MOVIE

Back in the early 50’s when I was a kid, my aunt would take me to a popular restaurant on Hamilton Street in Allentown, called Betz’s.

Aunt Ree and I would go there for lunch and then we would catch a movie at the Rialto movie theater. It was her special treat for me that began when I was about eight and continued for many years. 

Although Betz’s was known for its Pennsylvania Dutch dishes, the restaurant also made the best hamburgers.

How would I know this? Because that’s all I ever ordered.

A hamburger, french fries and a chocolate milk. My standard order. Never hesitated.  My childish reasoning being, I don’t get this at home so why should I order anything different.

Plus, it was a homey kind of place. The waitresses knew us by name and we almost always were seated in the same booth, like visiting dignitaries. I may only have been eight-years-old, but that was old enough to be suitably impressed by their attention.

In those days, there were quite a few restaurants along Hamilton Street. Eateries like Rube’s, the Marble Bar (in the Dime Savings Bank and Trust), The Brass Rail, Look Lunch (about a half block off Hamilton) and The Superior among others. But Betz’s was always my favorite. 

Located at 726 Hamilton Street, not far off the square, it had a storied history. Established in the 1890’s as a saloon owned by Neuweiler’s Brewery, it had numerous names over the years.

But in 1924, it was purchased by Chester Betz and became quite popular for its Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. During the early fifties, my aunt and I visited it often until 1957, when it had yet another incarnation as the Kopper Kettle Restaurant. 

The Kopper Kettle had a unique façade done in the Early American style and was, as I recall, charmingly decorated with maple furniture and, of course, shiny copper kettles. With a warm and inviting ambiance, the tradition of fine food was upheld, just like its predecessor.

Now, when I remember the downtown Allentown of my youth, so many institutions have either evolved or disappeared into history.  Maybe that’s what they call progress, because nothing ever stays the same. 

But in my child’s heart, I will always remember Betz’s with a special fondness. 

I see myself as I was then.

A little girl on a special outing with her aunt. We walk into Betz’s and the waitress rushes over to say hello and seat us. I slide into the booth and pretend to peruse the large menu.

And then, like magic, my order appears before me and I am in hamburger heaven. 

A plate of crisp French fries, a savory hamburger, and a cold glass of chocolate milk! 

Lunch has never, ever, tasted so good!