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Betty Lou's Seafood and Grill
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Betty Lou's Seafood and Grill
7.7
Casual seafood-and-steak spot with generous portions and friendly pricing. Grill plates, pastas, and surf-and-turf make it a flexible pick near the Columbus/Grant crossroads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ribeye Surf & Turf, Grilled New York Steak, Garlic Butter Prawns
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Approachable steaks and seafood with hearty portions for the price.
Who should go: Casual steak night on a budget
When to visit: Early evening for quickest seating
What to order: Ribeye surf & turf, NY steak, garlic prawns
Insider tip: Portions run large—split sides to save room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Columbus and nearby side streets; spots open up more easily before 6pm, but fill fast during dinner rush. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, polos, or relaxed button-downs are fine; locals often come straight from sightseeing or nearby offices.
Noise level: Moderate—steady conversation hum from families and groups, but still easy to chat across the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, especially Fridays after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated right away or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pasta and salad options, though the menu leans meat and seafood heavy.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for customizations like vegetable pasta without butter or cream.
Gluten-free options: Partial—grilled proteins and salads are safe picks, but cross-contact likely in pasta and fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for relaxed, no-pressure meetups than formal dates—friendly service and comfortable booths create an easygoing atmosphere, but it’s not especially romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Come before 6:30pm for dinner or mid-afternoon for lunch to avoid the peak rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—very much so. High chairs available, staff are welcoming, and portion sizes make sharing easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions and wallet-friendly surf-and-turf plates compared to pricier North Beach steakhouses.
Skip if: You’re after a fine-dining steak experience or a quiet, romantic setting—try North Beach Restaurant or Roka Akor instead.
Betty Lou's Seafood and Grill
7.9
Lively North Beach spot blending seafood platters, steaks, and garlic-butter shellfish with late-evening energy. It’s a flexible pick for groups who want crab one way and ribeye the other.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Dungeness Crab, Seafood Platter, Ribeye with Prawns
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Seafood-meets-steakhouse menu that suits mixed cravings.
Who should go: Groups wanting surf-and-turf options
When to visit: Prime time 7–9 for the full scene
What to order: Garlic crab; seafood platter; ribeye + prawns
Insider tip: Call ahead for Dungeness availability in off-season.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking nearby; the North Beach Garage on Vallejo & Columbus is the best bet for evening visits.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or blouses fit in; jeans are fine if neat.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; easy for group conversation but not quiet-dining territory.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—pasta, salads, and veggie starters available.
Vegan options: Limited—grilled vegetables or custom salad options upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several seafood and steak items can be prepared gluten-free; alert your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual or second dates—the lively energy and hearty portions make it fun but not overly intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes if you arrive early or after 8:30 pm; groups should reserve ahead on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle seafood and noise; no dedicated kids’ menu but flexible portions available.
Best For
Better for: Groups who want both hearty steakhouse fare and solid seafood under one roof—rare in North Beach.
Skip if: You’re after quiet, upscale seafood or tasting-menu precision—this is more about energy and variety than refinement.