There are taprooms, and then there are experiences. Voodoo Brewery on North Seventh Street in Allentown falls squarely into the second category, and the moment you walk through the door, you understand why this place has carved out such a devoted following in the Lehigh Valley.
Voodoo is a Pennsylvania original, born in Meadville back in 2005 and built on a philosophy that great beer should come with a little theatre. The Allentown outpost carries that spirit forward beautifully. The space itself is industrial-chic without trying too hard — exposed brick, warm Edison lighting, a long bar that invites you to pull up a stool and settle in for the afternoon. It feels lived-in in the best possible way, the kind of room where conversation flows as easily as the pints.
Now, let’s talk about the beer, because that is genuinely why you come. Voodoo’s rotating tap list is ambitious and creative, leaning into bold styles that reward the curious drinker. Their barrel-aged offerings are the stuff of local legend — rich, complex stouts and sours that have been patiently developing character in wood for months before they ever reach your glass. If you see a barrel-aged release on the board, order it without hesitation. You can always decide what to have for dinner later.
For those who prefer something a little lighter, the hop-forward IPAs are clean and well-balanced, and the seasonal selections keep things interesting no matter what time of year you wander in. The staff know their product inside and out and are genuinely enthusiastic about walking you through the options. Ask questions — they love it.
What really sets this taproom apart from the pack, though, is the atmosphere. On weekend evenings, Voodoo Allentown frequently hosts live music, trivia nights, and other events that turn a simple beer run into a proper night out. The energy is relaxed but alive, drawing a crowd that ranges from longtime craft beer devotees to curious newcomers who just wandered in from the street and are very glad they did.
The location, near the emerging arts corridor on the north side of downtown, also makes Voodoo an excellent anchor for a broader evening in Allentown. Arrive early for a pre-dinner pint, or wind down there after exploring the neighborhood galleries and restaurants nearby. Either way, it fits naturally into your plans.
Parking is straightforward along the surrounding streets, and the taproom is walkable from much of downtown if you are staying nearby. They are dog-friendly on the patio when weather permits, which earns them extra points in this writer’s book.
Allentown’s craft scene has grown considerably over the past decade, but Voodoo brings something to the table that feels genuinely distinct — a boldness of vision, a commitment to quality, and a room that makes you want to stay long after you planned to leave. Go on a Thursday evening when the crowd is building but the seats are still yours to choose. Order the barrel-aged whatever is on tap. Thank yourself later.
