Betty Lou's — Restaurant in Pasadena

I don’t have the words—delicious, smokey boudin balls that remind me of Lafayette, pork rillions that are like little exquisite jewels of pork belly with the best sauce ever, really out of this world (tip: ask for a spoon to get all that delicious sauce!).

The blue catfish was sooo good, the best I’ve ever had: crispy on the outside and moist and flavorful inside. We ordered collard greens (packed with turkey!) and dirty rice (nice and spicy and addictive). And oh my goodness, the chicken pot pie! So creamy inside, well-seasoned, and packed with chicken and veggies—but that crust! Both top and bottom, I don’t ever remember getting a bottom crust in a restaurant! So many layers, crispy and soft—the top reminded me of the most delicate roti! Yum!!!

We also stopped by for Sunday brunch—cannot say enough about the chicken biscuit (the bacon jam felt so decadent on top of all that perfectly crispy chicken!) and the quiche—today’s was the French onion quiche, topped with crispy gruyere…to die for! The breakfast potatoes were decadent: super crispy on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside. Eye-rollingly good. I need to go back to get the classic breakfast, need to try that scrapple!!

The cocktails were unique and delicious, I really, really liked “Moonlight in the Garden.” The pistachio espresso martini is solidly addictive, and the apple pie old-fashioned is not just complex and delicious—it even comes with a mini apple pie!! The classics are pretty good, too: I appreciate being able to get a top-notch Sazerac and a Hemingway daiquiri!!

The beer and wine list is expansive and supporting local brewers is +++! We really appreciated there that there’s a low ABV craft beer option, too.

Parting advice: Bring a few friends so that you can...

Betty Lou’s McClintock Cocktail Dinner was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we walked in, the warm and intimate atmosphere set the stage for an evening of exceptional dining and perfectly curated cocktails.

Each course was a masterpiece, thoughtfully crafted with fresh, vibrant ingredients. The seared scallop with blood orange bacon jam was a bold and delicious opener, followed by the rich and flaky salmon Wellington that melted in my mouth. The lamb sausage dish was beautifully complemented by the pistachio pesto tagliatelle, and the seared duck breast with maitake mushrooms was absolutely divine. To end on a high note, the pavlova paired with the Forager Gin gimlet was a refreshing and elegant finale.

The cocktails were just as impressive as the food, each expertly mixed to enhance the flavors of the dishes. The Blood Orange Eclipse and Bourbon on Broadway were standout favorites, perfectly balanced and packed with depth.

Service was flawless—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the menu. Every detail, from the presentation to the perfectly paired drinks, showed the care and creativity behind this event. The added touch of supporting tree planting made the night even more special.

If you have the chance to attend one of these dinners, don’t hesitate—this was a five-star experience through and through!

#McClintockDistilling...

I've spent a lot of time dining along the Gulf Coast, and Betty Lou’s is the real deal, an unassuming little kitchen with quality coastal cuisine. It’s a cozy, quiet place that makes you feel right at home.

First, let’s talk about the sides, which in Southern cooking are as important as the main dish. The dirty rice is soft, savory, and has the correct rice-to-meat ratio, which is why their boudin balls are also so good. The greens are tender and full of smoky turkey. The mac and cheese is creamy and served casserole-style. The Brussel sprouts are crispy and delicious.

Now on to the mains. The gumbo is deeply flavored with shrimp, chicken, and smoked sausage. The braised short ribs are tender and have a delicious brown gravy. And the fried blue catfish is a super-sized filet with a crispy thin batter. If you get here on a Wednesday, the fried chicken is moist and crispy.

All of the appetizers were unique and executed with the same care and quality ingredients as the main dishes. I also had a chance to sip a few cocktails, all excellent, and the beer selection is inspired and locally-sourced.

I’m looking forward to my next few visits so I can try everything...