At YMI Insurance, we’re always looking for fun ways to connect with our community—and there’s nothing the Lehigh Valley loves more than great local food. This March, we brought the madness off the court and into your kitchens with a restaurant bracket tournament that featured some of the most beloved local spots in Easton, Allentown, Bethlehem, and beyond.
From March 21st through April 7th, our Instagram followers voted daily on head-to-head matchups in a March Madness-style bracket. But instead of basketball teams, it was all about local flavor.
The Bracket Breakdown
We divided the Lehigh Valley into four regions, each packed with top-tier eateries:
Easton
- Amans: Modern Indian cuisine known for bold flavors and upscale vibes
- The Bayou: Southern comfort food and craft cocktails in a lively setting
- Two Rivers Brewing Company: Brewpub with historic charm and hearty pub fare
- Easton Wine Project: Urban winery with local pours and eclectic eats
Allentown
- Notch Modern Kitchen & Bar: Trendy spot with Asian-fusion dishes and creative drinks
- The Shelby: Industrial-chic eatery with upscale American comfort food
- Union and Finch: Cozy neighborhood bistro serving brunch, burgers, and more
- McCall Collective Brewing Company: Family-owned brewery with pub-style eats and house-made beers
Bethlehem
- Bolete: Farm-to-table fine dining with seasonal ingredients and a rustic setting
- Wishful Thinking: Small-batch craft brewery with creative beers and a chill, welcoming vibe
- Zekraft: Café and kitchen offering locally sourced meals and coffee
- Roasted: Popular brunch and coffee spot with creative breakfast and lunch plates
Other (Lehigh Valley Favorites Outside the Big Three)
- Aloha Jay’s: Beloved for their fresh, made-to-order malasadas and Hawaiian-inspired sweets
- Cellar Beast: Winery offering unique blends and relaxed tasting room ambiance
- White Orchids: Elevated Thai cuisine with a chic, modern flair
- La Maya: Hidden gem with authentic Latin American flavors and homemade spirits
Each day brought fierce foodie matchups and passionate voting, with hundreds of our followers weighing in to support their hometown heroes.
Meet the Final Four
After two weeks of delicious competition, the crowd favorites emerged from each region:
- Easton: Amans
- Allentown: McCall Collective Brewing Co.
- Bethlehem: Wishful Thinking
- Other: White Orchids
These four restaurants earned major bragging rights, proving they’ve got the taste and community love to rise above the competition.
The Championship: Amans vs. Wishful Thinking
In the final round, it all came down to Amans of Easton and Wishful Thinking of Bethlehem. Voting was open for 24 hours, and the competition couldn’t have been tighter. With every vote counting, our Instagram community showed up in full force—and when the final buzzer rang?
Amans won by just ONE vote.
That’s right—after hundreds of responses, the final decision was as close as it gets. To celebrate, we awarded Amans with a large custom trophy they can proudly display at their location. A huge congrats to them on the big win!
But Let’s Be Honest… We’re All Winners Here
While Amans may have taken home the trophy, the real victory belongs to all the amazing restaurants, breweries, and food-lovers across the Lehigh Valley. We’d be lucky to eat or drink at any one of the places in this bracket. The talent, hospitality, and creativity behind each of these spots is what makes our community such a vibrant place to live—and eat.
Community is Fun. Business Insurance is Serious. We’re Great at Both.
Hosting things like this bracket is just one of the ways we stay connected to our community—but when it comes to protecting local businesses, we don’t play games.
At YMI, we specialize in business insurance for all the area’s best eateries: restaurants, breweries, wineries, and more. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding to your third location, we can help you get the right coverage to protect your investment and keep things running smoothly.
Need a review of your current policy? Wondering if you’re covered for everything you should be? We’re happy to help—no pressure, no jargon, just straight answers and smart protection. Click here to request a quote!
Hungry yet? Go show some love to your favorites—and maybe try something new from the bracket!
Check out one of the Final Four Contenders!
