Betty's Parkway — Review by Brennen Taylor

The Dishes

The star of the show is undoubtedly the 16 oz ribeye, cooked to a beautiful medium rare and infused with Betty's signature marinade that has been a house specialty since the 1980s. The steak is cut fresh in-house daily and delivers impressive flavor without being overly heavy or pretentious. The fried green tomatoes are an exceptional appetizer that arrives complimentary, featuring a hand-cut and breaded batter that crisps up beautifully like a potato chip with juice inside, paired with ranch dressing. The mushroom Swiss burger is an absolute unit, a 12 oz patty that's been marinated in the same seasoning as the ribeye, resulting in incredible juiciness and flavor consistency throughout the meat. However, it walks a fine line between tender and slightly dry, and could benefit from additional sauce or toppings. The stuffed potato is a mysterious side dish with a closely guarded secret recipe requiring an NDA, featuring whipped filling with peppers and an unfortunately heavy cheddar presence that overpowers the palate. The fried okra rounds out the sides but uses a different batter than the green tomatoes.

The Experience

Walking into Betty's Parkway, you're greeted with the aesthetic of a classic hole-in-the-wall diner, but upon stepping into the back dining area, you're treated to stunning floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beautiful Duck River. The restaurant maintains an old-school charm and comfort that makes you feel like you're stepping into a piece of local history. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, sharing the touching story of how the restaurant was founded by Betty in the 1980s and is now run by long-term employees, with two Crystal's who've been there for 12 and 20 years respectively now owning the establishment. Service is attentive and the atmosphere fills with locals and visitors alike, as evidenced by the growing line of customers waiting for dinner seating.

Value and Pricing

At approximately $35 for a 16 oz ribeye steak, Betty's Parkway offers exceptional value compared to upscale steakhouses like Bourbon and Steak in Nashville where similar steaks cost $85. The quality-to-price ratio is outstanding, delivering steakhouse-quality meat and sides at a fraction of what you'd typically pay. The generous burger portions and complimentary fried green tomatoes add further value to the dining experience.

Notable Moments

It is Betty's homemade recipe that she came up with when she opened the building way way back in the 80s. We've just been selling it since just the way she made it.

This is the type of people that come here are the same people who would go to Texas Roadhouse because usually when you're choosing a steakhouse it's either fancy or it's not.

To the comment that told us to come here, big shout out to you because I would have never known this place existed. Their steaks are actually really damn good.

The Verdict

Betty's Parkway earns a solid 8 out of 10 rating and represents the best steaks in Columbia for a good reason. This is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking quality steakhouse fare without the pretension or excessive cost. Whether you're a local or passing through, the combination of exceptional meat preparation, historic charm, and riverside views makes this the ideal spot for a memorable dinner. Come for the steak, stay for the atmosphere and the dedicated staff who have made this their family home.