Earlier this month, Betty Lou’s – a southern-style restaurant focused on flavorful comfort food – opened its doors in Magothy Bridge Plaza at the former location of Mutiny Pirate Bar. The restaurant, which has been in the works since earlier this year, is owned and operated by local resident Meredeth Harvey, who named the establishment after her mother, Betty Lou.
As longtime patrons of Mutiny Pirate Bar (my husband and I had frequented the restaurant’s Glen Burnie location, before Pasadena had even opened), we were intrigued by its new replacement, and curious about how all the pirate- and nautical-decor had been made-over. We’d also heard about the interesting menu and its unique twist on New Orleans-style fare meets locally-sourced ingredients.
Typically, I like to look up a restaurant’s menu before visiting for the first time. I went to Betty Lou’s website but found that they do not currently provide one. However, after scrolling their Facebook page, I was able to find a photo that had been posted of some of their menu offerings. Fried Catfish, Chicken Pot Pie, Shrimp Po Boy, New Orleans-style Boudin Balls, Jerk Cauliflower – where else in Pasadena would you find a single menu offering all these dishes? Excited over the idea that this restaurant truly may very well be different from all the others in Pasadena, I made a dinner reservation for Saturday evening and kept my fingers crossed that this would be a delightful and delicious addition to our local restaurant scene.
Pulling into the parking lot, we found that there’s only a single banner hanging up outside to identify the restaurant. We thought that perhaps this is temporary while the restaurant awaits more prominent, permanent signage. Other than the banner, there is nothing else to bring attention to the restaurant, other than a small generic “open” sign glowing in the window.
With this being only the second weekend the restaurant had been open to the public, and after also seeing Facebook posts from the restaurant stating that reservations were strongly encouraged, we expected a packed dining room. To our surprise, however, there were many open tables. Not necessarily a bad thing, my husband and I agreed – maybe folks in Pasadena simply aren’t aware yet that Betty Lou’s had officially opened their doors.
The next thing we noticed was that the overall layout was pretty much the same as it was with Mutiny Pirate Bar. However, even with the layout being the same, there was definitely a different vibe – one that was brighter and more cheerful than its predecessor.
The walls are adorned with southern, farmhouse-style decor – ornamental plates, framed art, antiques. Each table offered a votive candle and small fresh floral arrangement. A few larger tables provided wooden benches that were styled with throw pillows, which gave way to the whole vision of a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Even the restaurant staff – both servers and hostesses – were dressed in blue jeans and white button-down shirts. The bar area, which we were seated in front of, had been completely re-decorated to include a large floral display hanging from the ceiling. The walls behind the bar featured two flat-screen televisions and several decorative gold mirrors.
Once seated, our server, who did not introduce herself by name, was quick to appear and go over drink specials. Featured cocktails for that evening included “The Smokey Lopes”, which is a mix of scotch, ginger, lemon and cantaloupe juice, a Strawberry Spritzer – a mix of strawberry puree, vodka and prosecco, and an Espresso Martini. I opted for the Espresso Martini ($13), which was delivered back to me within minutes in a cute martini glass and topped with a few espresso beans.
Next up it was time to go over the menu – one page with appetizers, entrees and desserts on one side, and drinks on the other. What I first noticed about the menu was that it didn’t offer any kind of description about each dish – it was simply a list of choices. Again, as someone who likes to be prepared, I like to know exactly what I’m ordering before ordering it. How many Boudin Balls come with the appetizer – is it enough to share? What precisely is a Shrimp Po Boy and what all is in it? What sides come with the Fried Catfish (..and, what are the sides, as they’re not listed on the menu)? The titles of the menu items certainly seemed enticing, but I was left with some questions and wanting to know more.
Our server soon came back and was able to immediately answer all of our menu questions. Turns out, the “sides” that are offered are macaroni & cheese, dirty rice and french fries. For appetizers, we started with Pork Belly Rillons ($14) and Jerk Cauliflower with West African Peanut Sauce ($12).
One area Betty Lou’s succeeds at, I thought to myself during our dining experience, is the details. The ornamental appetizer dishes and doilies that were brought out prior to our appetizer were so fun and really fit the restaurant’s vibe perfectly. It really almost felt like we were having dinner in Grandma’s kitchen.
Once the appetizers were placed in front of us, we were impressed by their presentation. Both dishes looked delicious and picture perfect.
From the very first bite down to the last, the Jerk Cauliflower with West African Peanut Sauce was packed with heat and flavor. I am not normally one who enjoys jerk seasoning or anything overly spicy, but this was the perfect marriage of just the right amount of spice and heat. The Pork Belly Rillons, which came in a bowl with more than enough to share between two people, were bite-size chunks of glazed pork goodness. Both of these appetizer dishes were a thumbs-up from my husband and me.
Moving on to our main courses, we selected the – of course – Chicken Pot Pie ($24) and then the Acorn Squash Gnocchi in Brown Butter ($16). What good is a southern-style restaurant if you’re not going to order a southern staple like Chicken Pot Pie? After the delicious appetizers, we had increasingly high expectations as we awaited both entrees.
Soon enough, both main courses were delivered to us and the presentation of both looked wonderful. The chicken pot pie seemed large enough to share between two people, while the Acorn Squash Gnocchi at first glance seemed like a small portion. However, after just a few bites, I remembered how intensely filling gnocchi is and immediately understood why the serving size does not look so large. The gnocchi – an Italian pasta made of soft, chewy dumplings – was delicious. Made from a flavorful medley of fall flavors such as butternut squash, acorn and cinnamon, the gnocchi was presented in a bowl of brown butter.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the Chicken Pot Pie. This is the dish you’ll come back to Betty Lou’s for time and again. Super tender chicken, lots of gravy, and the crust – oh that perfectly light, crispy, flaky, buttery crust. It was like the best croissant of your life, but in a pie. This is certainly not anything close to that grocery store-bought Stouffer’s chicken pot pie. It came out at the perfect temperature, and offered up a harmonious balance of tender chicken, vegetables and gravy. After polishing off the entire dish, we agreed that this menu item would be the one folks in and around Pasadena would be talking about whenever Betty Lou’s was brought to conversation.
Completely full from the two hearty appetizers and main courses, we decided to skip out on dessert. There were only two options – Betty’s Biscuit with Bourbon Peaches, and White Chocolate Mousse, however, the server noted that Banana Pudding and Carrot Cake were coming soon. Our total check for one cocktail, two appetizers and two entrees was $84.13.
Will we be back? I’m almost certain. But, it’s important to note (especially as a parent to three young children) that while it does not advertise itself as an adults-only restaurant, it’s not exactly a place you would bring a crew of kids. For one, the size of the restaurant is on the smaller side. Two, there is no official children’s menu, but they do offer chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and fried shrimp upon request. I would recommend saving this restaurant for date night or a girls’/guys night out. Currently, Betty Lou’s is only open for dinner beginning at 3:00pm each weeknight. They are currently closed on Mondays.
What I would absolutely love to see come from Betty Lou’s is a brunch and/or lunch offering. Pasadena falls short when it comes to the variety of breakfast and lunch options that our neighboring Severna Park has in places like The Breakfast Shoppe and Garry’s Grill. A spot to meet up with friends for Mimosas and brunch would be a welcomed addition on the Lake Shore side of Pasadena, and Betty Lou’s has that clear window of opportunity that they should take full advantage of.
To find out more about Betty Lou’s and to stay updated on all their menu offerings and hours of operation, visit their Facebook page. They can be reached by phone at (443) 305-2173. Betty Lou’s is located at 33 Magothy Beach Rd Suite 100 in Pasadena, Maryland.
