Have to say I am seeing an increasing trend in lower ratings as time goes by and have to agree. The place is not bad but it certainly isn't close to getting value for the money. Especially the drinks. Advice for the owners is you are starting to stretch your profit margins too far and your pat answer to peoples complaints is not a good look. You couldn't even sell out a 25 bucks gets you 50 dollars to spend on sweetdeals today. Place is ok, just far from worth it read more

My wife and I had a really great meal at The Bayou. The entire concept is very impressive and well done. The menu is modern and fun without being pretentious. I had a few small issues with the meal, but over all we really loved this restaurant. We arrived a little early for our 730 reservation and had to wait a bit to be seated. I imagine with the food show in town they were a little busier than normal for a Monday. It was pretty full, so we didn't mind waiting. We stared at the menu trying to decide what to get. Everything sounded really good. We ended up getting 2 "snacks", 2 small plates, 2 entrees and we split a dessert. Everything took a little too long to come out. We got the hush puppies and cornbread to start. It was 15 minutes before those came out. Both were very good. The chimichurri on the hush puppies was delicious as was the butter on the cornbread. Next we got Mac and cheese and a crab cake. Again, quite a while between the first and second courses. Probably 20 minutes. Mac and cheese was very good. The bites with the ham hock were perfect, but the rest would have been great with a touch of salt. The crab cake was served over some corn maque choux. This dish was perfect. Corn was really delicious and the crab cake was really good. Perfectly seasoned and very well balanced. Those dishes were followed by another long wait. Another 15 minutes or so. We weren't in a hurry, but the pacing was just a little too slow. My fried chicken looked amazing, but it was very bland. It really tasted like it was dredged in plain flour with no seasoning. It was cooked perfectly, dripping with juice, just very bland. I sat for a long time not eating it waiting for someone to check back in with us to see how everything was. Our server eventually made it back over and I asked her for some salt. It helped. My wife's shrimp and grits was very good. We finished the meal with a not so hot cup of coffee and the beignets. Beignets were great. Over all, the food was well presented and delicious. For 2 people to have 3 plates each, a cocktail and a beer for under $100 was great. I expected a much higher check. I hate to say anything negative about such a fun and inventive restaurant, but the service left a little to be desired. I understand kitchens get backed up and everyone is busy, but I feel my server should have checked in on us more often and said something about the wait between courses. It's those little things that make those long gaps more tolerable. 2 hours is a little long for a meal in my opinion. read more

Food was very good! Definitely come back if we're in the area again! Jambolaya is worth the trip!

Maybe THE best place to eat in the Valley. Brussel sprouts are a must! Have been here more than a dozen times and everything has been perfect. read more

My second favorite restaurant in Bethlehem. The first time I went it was sooo good I came back the next day!!! Best soul food in The Valley.

Warm welcoming and delicious just like Momma's box full o' cookies! yahhooo! #favorite #ewilliamsstrikes #alwaysnexttime read more

The food was absolutely amazing, I can't wait to go again. The drinks were also awesome. We had such a great time the atmosphere was that cool hip vibe really can't wait to go again... read more

Wonderful service. Bright smiling people, happy staff. Always a good sign. Got the BBQ shrimp with grits and hush puppy appetizer and blue bayou drink. Food was amazing and well priced. Quite the hidden gem read more

What a wonderful gem in Bethlehem. This southern style restaurant has fabulous oyster Po boys, delectable shrimp and grits, a beautiful smoky Jambolaya, and many other great dishes. The service is terrific, with the wait staff is very informed on each of the dishes. Good cocktails selection, and decent selection of beer on tap. Definitely worth repeating again and again and again. read more

Amazing food! The curried cauliflower and cornbread were wonderful. Our waitress was great. The atmosphere is sophisticated but fun at the same time. It was really loud but we had a loud group so it worked out. Drinks are pricy and they don't have the prices listed on the drink menu but the drinks were great. Highly recommend. read more

Don't miss this little GEM!! We so enjoy trying new places in the Lehigh Valley and the Bayou is fantastic. Don't let its small size fool you because the food is GREAT! We have now been to Bayou twice and will make it a regular hangout when we want to go out on the town. The beer selection, 24 beers on tap, was a nice surprise. The specialty mixed drinks should not be missed. The Bourbon & Berries is a favorite of mine for sure as is the Jalapeño Margarita. We have now tried several of the appetizers and a few of the small plates. The unique flavors were a real treat and we recommend that you try several. The "CHEF", yes they have a real CHEF, is great. He took the time to visit with us and offer us a unique tasting of their handmade ice cream and sorbet! What a great treat! The owner, Christian, is fully involved and takes the time to check with each guest during their visit. Open your mind and palate when you are checking out the menu. Be willing to try something new and I guarantee you will not be disappointed. The Jalapeño Grits, Scallion Hushpuppies, and Sweet Potato Confit were delightful. The Pork Belly Confit, Smoked Pork Ribs, and Fried Catfish were fantastic and don't skip anything that accompanies each plate as this is what makes each plate so unique and the flavors meld together so well. Oh and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken reminded me of dining in the south. Lisa and I would like to personally thank Christian and Chef Tyler for their hospitality. Don't miss this new "GEM" of the Lehigh Valley!! Superb, Fantastic, Unique, Delicious, Delightful and a welcome change to the mundane. Lisa & John read more

Good atmosphere, great food! I highly recommend The Bayou. Everything we ordered was wonderful.

Fantastic. Make your reservations early and enjoy. Everything was perfect. Christian one of the owners took time to talk with out table and just chat. I find that extremely appealing and personal. Wish more owners did that. Our server Christine was again Top Notch. This place is a home run. Good job guys - keep it up. read more

First off, the food was absolutely fantastic. Some of the best I've had in the Lehigh Valley, and definitely some unique offerings. Service - We made a reservation for 4 at 7:15pm a couple days before. It was busy, so we gave them some leeway. We arrived at 7:10, and were told "a couple minutes". There is no waiting area, so we waited outside in frigid, 50 degree weather. 15 minutes passed, no check up from the hostess, nothing. After heading in, frustrated, we were again told "just a couple more minutes, they're setting up the tables now." When it was finally ready(7:30pm), we got "oh sorry, that table was for someone else." We waited another 10 minutes, and were finally seated around 7:40pm, almost a half an hour wait. Needless to say, I was pretty pissed off to start the meal, not exactly what you want from patrons. With winter coming up, they need to figure something out, and fast. Within the next 10 minutes, another couple at the bar stormed out after a brief scene, as they had been waiting half an hour with a reservation as well. This is my only experience, but the reservation system seems to be a complete joke. Food - Once seated, the service was about average wait times, very friendly waitress. The food was simply fantastic. One item "Flash Fried B.E.P" was great, however that was all the menu said, B.E.P. It stands for Black Eyed Peas, which I wish they would've put on the menu as an explanation as it doesn't stand out as just abbreviations. The salad with smoked pecans and honey lemon vingerette was amazing, hush puppies with tomato butter were fantastic, the adouille with egg and fried grits had some great core flavors as well. The Flash Fried B.E.P. make the perfect snack while waiting for larger portions, and a single bowl will feed ~3 people. The cauliflower was excellent. I ordered the Hanger Steak as an entree, and it was cooked just right(medium rare), great flavor, nice flavorful crust wrapped around soft, flavorful steak that melts in your mouth, sweet potatoes were whipped perfectly. Although we didn't drink much, all of the drinks on the menu seemed quite appealing at a glance. Price - Nicely priced, the steak was $17 and most appetizers are $5-10. The food quality certainly exceeds expectations for the price. Overall, simply diverse, unique, and excellent food. If they could fix the wait times for reservations, this would have easily, easily been a 5 star review. read more

Great overall experience. It is a loud atmosphere but that really doesn't bother me. Be sure to make reservations as the dining area is quite small. Staff is friendly and specialty drinks are quite good. I also ordered a blue moon draft which came in a mason jar... Why? A chilled glass would of been preferred. I started with the fried green tomato and eggplant appetizer and also had the brisket poboy which were both delicious. Oh and the fries, perfect, fresh and crispy. All items reasonably priced. If you like southern comfort food, this place is for you! read more

The Bayou - Brisket Po Boy - New American Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Amazing food, service, and atmosphere! Po boys were incredible, drink and beer menu really unique. Can't believe we have such a great place serving authentic southern food right here in Bethlehem. Definitely will return read more

Service was good and the food was tasty. We had to reschedule our reservation twice (ridiculous, I know!) and the staff was very polite and accommodating. We had the brisket po boy and Mac n cheese. Very tasty and very fattening! This is not the place for health food! Only negatives were the table size and the dessert. The tables by the bar were a bit small and we had a hard time fitting our two plates and shared small plate on the table with our drinks. Also, the dessert (chess pie) was ok, but not great. Our server was very friendly and attentive and the hostess (I think the owner) was also very welcoming and friendly. Atmosphere was casual and there were some cute touches - mason jar glasses, etc. Overall, it was a good dining experience. We would definitely go back again. read more

place is great, went here for a family event and it was packed. staff was very accomodating and friendly. Don't have many southern places where we live in NJ but I thought the food and beer selection was excellent. would come back again if we're out this way. read more

The service was great the owner is a really nice guy gave me and my brother in law birthday shots. Very friendly staff, the hanger steak was absolutely the best steak I have ever had. Keep up the good work. read more

This place is great. Been there a few times, having a hard time not going there all the time. It is very popular, so making a reservation or going on non peek hours is a good idea read more

I loved this place! My friends and I decided to try it out and now can't wait to go back. The service was friendly and the place was really nice with a casual but upscale feel. We sampled each other's dishes which were all thoroughly enjoyable (Ty's Mac n cheese, gumbo, pulled pork burger, and ribs). YUM! read more

Just a wonderful spot! The fried chicken, Mac and cheese, bourbon and berries, and blue bayou are to die for. I loved the initial flavor of the collared greens. Didn't know they were spicy. I couldn't have them but my family was more than willing to help me. Can't wait to go back! read more

I've been here four times now and the Bayou doesn't disappoint! It has become my favorite spot in Lehigh Valley. I usually get a combination of small plates to share. My favorite so far are black eye peas and corn bread. The cocktails are plentiful and served in cute mason jars with fruit slices. Service is excellent. it tends to be busy so make reservations. This place gives me a taste of New Orleans vibe that I miss! read more

Great place! Great ambience! Great outdoor seating! Try the Mac n' Chz!

Amazing food & cocktails. Went for a night out with the girls - had a great time. I'd love to come back with my husband & kids - though the small space might be tough with the little ones. read more

I just left this restaurant it will be the one and only time i come. I gave it three stars because parking was convenient and it has an appropriate atmosphere with a nice little bar. However the food was not as pleasing; they have a very interesting idea on basic foods. My sweet potatoes were way too spicy... That's right, spicy sweet potatoes! Not for me. I was also very dissappointed with the tasteless fried chicken, I could have made a better dish at home. I would not reccommend this restaurant. read more

After rave reviews, my fiancé and I decided to give the bayou a try. He got the buttermilk fried chicken and I got the catfish and we split the corn bread and peanut butter mousse. My meal came with sweet potatoes and they had a strange spice to them. It kind of threw me off a bit and I couldn't really finish them. The catfish was excellent as was the chicken. I got the drink 'blue bayou' and it was WAY too sweet, almost sour.. Peanut butter mousse was AMAZING. Cornbread was great as well with a tomato butter. Overall good food, but service was definitely a little lacking. Would ask waitress for something and wouldn't see her again for literally 15 minutes. Would go back, definitely wouldn't sit right next to the bar. read more

We are from TN and visiting family...decided to try the bayou because of all the good reviews on yelp. The BBQ shrimp and grits were so yummy and the hush puppies were absolutely awesome! Fantastic food! Hubby loved the gumbo! Definately recommend this place. Open one up in TN!!! read more

I went there last Spring. We had the mac and cheese as well as the shrimp as grits. Overall the food was good. Leaving out one star because the service was not that great and we were seated in an obnoxiously small table read more

This was the first time my wife and I had been to the Bayou. The noise level was probably the worst I've ever experienced in a restaurant. For that reason alone, I would never go back. Most of the food was very good, but my wife thought the brisket was greasy and I was disappointed with the fried chicken. My wife also complained that her second drink tasted as though there wasn't much alcohol in it. If you've never been there and you have a hankering for southern food, try it. It just isn't my kind of restaurant. I prefer quiet and a more fine dining style menu. read more

Hands down, without a doubt THE best food in the Lehigh Valley! And it doesn't hurt that Christian and Mo are usually onsite saying "hello" to customers and setting the tone for the friendly atmosphere! But look out....Grain is slowly closing in as my new favorite!!! read more

I had the hanger steak, I loved it!!! I mean this place it's awesome, really neat and I just simply love the area, if you're around please come have a drink and order something from the menu, you will be happy, I guarantee you. read more

Favorite restaurant in the Lehigh valley. Best food, drinks, & service! Mac n Cheese is amazing!!

If you're looking for a cool place with great food go to the bayou! Everything is good

The Bayou is delicious. Their food is consistently fantastic, service is friendly and fast, drinks/beer selection is also solid. The only issue here is that they are so busy it can be hard to get a table. Their outdoor patio area is spacious. Some of my favorites are friend chicken, collard greens, rice and beans and the pork rib small plate (which is actually huge) So delicious. read more

Came here for lunch on a Saturday. Excellent food and service. I highly recommend the Mac and Cheese and Brussel Sprouts.

Good food and drinks. I got a cocktail that had cucumber in it (don't remember what it's called) it was very refreshing. I think next time we will try to get outdoor seating- may be less noisy. Anyway we had a great time! read more

Amazing food. Got the Mac and cheese and it was amazing! All the drinks are served in a mason jars which brings a great vibe to be establishment along side great southern food. Simply put you just have to go and enjoy. Love their food. read more

Staff was very friendly but the food was a huge disappointment. The only thing from the bayou was the music playing.

I had cornbread as the appetizer, and it was the BEST cornbread I have ever had. Truly phenomenal. Then I continued with the fried chicken sandwich for my main course, and it was also the GREATEST chicken sandwich I've ever had. The crispiness and juiciness made my mouth explode with flavor and texture. This restaurant should be rated number one in the area without a doubt. Don't even get me started on the french fries. Everything was mouthwatering and left me speechless. HIGHLY recommend. Get your butt out of the house and go to this restaurant today!!! read more