Betsy's Pancake House
Backstory
After over two decades as an ordinary breakfast and lunch joint in Lower Mid-City, Betsy's became one of many businesses that got a new lease on life after Hurricane Katrina. The worn-out greasy spoon was forced by the storm's flood to renovate. When it reopened, there was rejoicing in the streets. Both the staff and customers had a much brighter attitude. Three years later, disaster struck again, when owner Betsy McDaniel was murdered in her home. Anyone who had ever eaten there--plus many more--reacted by coming in even more often. All this has made Betsy's a better restaurant, and an example of how we overcome misfortune.
Dining Room
The dining room is one long space with as many tables as will fit, with big windows and a bright, clean aspect. Most of the servers have been on this floor for a long time, and know most of the customers by name.
Why It's Essential
Betsy's is a neighborhood cafe specializing in breakfast, but with a substantial lunch menu, too. It's a diner in the Southern style, serving the basic breakfast combos. The pancakes (as long as you stick with the standards) are well-made, and the eggs are prepared to order. The main appeal for a lot of people is inexpensiveness. A breakfast combo begins at just under $6 for eggs, bacon, grits and toast.
Why It's Good
You get what you pay for. This is a decent breakfast most of the time, served hot and reasonably well cooked. But this kind of breakfast, which would have been just fine thirty years ago, has been superseded by rising standards. This is not a place for those who must have their eggs done just so. You come here more to hang with the other people who come here and the waitresses. It's a community.
Most Interesting Dishes
<em><strong>Breakfast</strong></em> <em>Eggs any style, with grits and toast (biscuits, hash browns, and cheese extra) and choice of:</em> Smoked sausage Hot sausage Corned beef hash Chicken fried steak Ribeye steak Liver and onions »Pork chops Ham »Bacon »Waffle, Belgian or regular »Pecan waffle Strawberry waffle Blueberry waffle Banana nut waffle Apple waffle »Pancakes »Buckwheat pancakes Chocolate chip pancakes »Pecan pancakes Blueberry pancakes Strawberry pancakes Apple pancakes Short stack pancakes »Banana nut pancakes Silver dollar pancakes Pig in a blanket <em><strong>Omelettes:</strong></em> Mushroom Western (ham, onion, bell pepper, Creole sauce) Spinach and green onion Shrimp and green onion Potato and onion Ham and cheese Cheese Bacon Ham <em><strong>LUNCH</strong></em> <em><strong>Platters:</strong></em> Liver and onions Chicken fried steak »Hamburger steak Pork chops »Spaghetti and meatballs »Red beans and rice, smoked sausage »Daily lunch specials <em><strong>Sandwiches</strong></em> In sliced, bun, or poor-boy bread) »Hot sausage Smoked sausage Ham Plain or grilled cheese Club Bacon, lettuce and tomato Egg Tuna Hamburger Fried shrimp or oysters Roast beef Meatball <em><strong>Sides</strong></em> Pork chop Dinner salad Grilled chicken breast Macaroni and cheese Corned beef hash
Deficiencies
The coffee needs much work. So do the hash browns--look at them before you order.
For Best Results
Stay within the limitations of a low-end diner, and you should do all right. Don't come in a big hurry. And for goodness sake, don't sit down until the table has been cleaned!
Bonus Ratings
1
Attitude
3
Local Color
1
Service