Philadelphia, PA
- The family behind Allentown's iconic Brass Rail restaurant says it is closing after 91 years due to "personal reasons." The Sorrentino family, which has been in the business for more than nine decades, filed sketch plans with the city last summer. but sadly the family decided to hang it up, after close to a century of service.
The Iconic Brass Rail Restaurant Closes After Nearly a Century
The closure marks the end of the iconic Brass Railway restaurant in Allentown's history. Its owner, Phillip Sorrentino, was committed to the philosophy of good food, courteous service, and a reasonable price. They had hoped to move the restaurant to a different location but decided against it.
The Brass Rail was founded with just $80 as a hamburger stand by Philip Sorrentino in 1931. Sorrentino had initially planned to call it Phils Lunch but was convinced to name it Brass Rail after a friend recommended it.
In 1937, Brassrail moved to a larger building on Hamilton Street, complete with a dining room, bar, and doggie shop. That was also the year the steak sandwich was introduced in Allentown. In 1961, Sorrentino opened a second Brass Railroad in downtown Allentown at 3015 Lehigh Street.
This change is sad news for residents of Allentown, and many in the community have fond memories of growing up and visiting the Brass Rail.
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