Everything was over salted. Collard recipe has changed, its way too sweet for my taste. Nice atmosphere and good cocktails!

Fired chicken is the best!! I LOVE their mac and cheese and have to get it every time I am there! Yum! It is small and quaint. Don't expect a whole lot of privacy there but it is a nice atmosphere!! Always a great dining experience! read more

The Bayou has always been an absolute favorite place of mine. I have gone multiple times and ALWAYS had an amazing experience. However, my last visit was the complete opposite... first of all, I made a reservation online (using their apparently new reservation system - Resy, different from the original Open Table). The reservation made was for 7:45pm. I walk in at 7:45 pm and we are told by the hostess that "people haven't gotten up yet so you can wait at the bar"... ok... that's a first. We brushed it off and had a drink. We get called to sit down at 8:30!!! Then, it took our cornbread appetizer 25 minutes to come out of the kitchen. That has NEVER happened to us. Once it came out, we were thinking that the rest of the evening would be smooth sailing. Boy, were we wrong. I ordered the Catfish and it came out completely RAW in the center. I had to send it back and wait, yet another 10 minutes. I have never had a terrible experience at The Bayou before until today. It was absolutely ridiculous and it made an incredible place seem like an unorganized establishment. read more

Gumbo was watery and nothing like the best gumbo down south; no okra, rice, or seafood of any kind. Chicken was tasty but dangerously undercooked. Shrimp Etoufee lacked flavor. Place was very clean and comfortable. Lunch service for two took over two hours. I love this type of food so I'll give them one more chance; I hope things improve. read more

Upon my first visit I would have easily given this restaurant 5 stars. I went specifically for the fried chicken since it had been recommended by my coworkers at the time.The service was phenomenal, the waiter we had took good care of us, and everything went smoothly. Ever since that visit though I have become more and more disappointed. The second time we went we brought friends who had been visiting town . The person I went with previously and myself had been speaking extremely highly of it hyping it up. The chicken just tasted super dry and flavorless, and giving it another chance before swapping to a different dish it tasted even worse. The mac and cheese was super salty making it hard to enjoy & the smoked pork po' boy let me down as well. I don't know what happened but I hope The Bayou can return to the quality I have previously experienced. read more

Went here for my mom's birthday and it did not disappoint! The buttermilk fried chicken was one of their well-known dishes and it was crispy and delicious. The ambiance was friendly, cozy, yet still sophisticated for a semi-formal meal. Would definitely go here again. read more

Been here dozens of times, and have never had a bad meal. One of my favorites is the shrimp po boy sandwich!!

One of the best restaurants in the area & great ambiance. I will recommend to everyone

Really good! Love the food! The fries are fresh and delicious! Emily was my server and she couldn't have been better! She was welcoming and really knew the menu! Cant wait to go back! read more

The second time we came to this restaurant. It continues to amaze. We met the owner upon arriving. So friendly. Set a positive tone. the staff were also friendly, attentive and professional. Last time we were here we completely ate too much. This time we consciously tried to control our ordering. everything looked to good. Ultimately we ordered the following for the 3 of us. Chicken sandwich - Huge. Juicy. Crunchy. Awesome. Shrimp and Grits - Best I have ever tasted. Very creamy and could have a pound of butter in it, not sure but so good. shrimp were well cooked. Sauce has a tiny kick , maybe a 3 or 4 on a 10 point scale. Jambalaya - You have to and it was awesome once again. Full of seafood and sausage. Really good. Beignets - Finally got to taste these because last time too full. You get 4 large hot french doughnuts. Very crispy and tasty. A bit too much in the powdered sugar department but really worth the money. Only one suggestion is with the sweet tea. I believe that they have sliced lemon sitting in the sweet tea and the bitterness of the pith comes through. Ruis the taste of the tea and the balance in the sweetness. Other than that a definite winning dining experience. BTW - If you are going for dinner reservations are a must. We went at lunch and still called ahead. You have been warned. read more

Quaint place with good food. We've been here a few times now, with no major complaints. The menu is unique, but is a bit limited for a cajun place. Not many shrimp or crawfish options, if any. Excellent drink menu and good service. We'll go back. read more

Excellent gumbo, etouffee, and desserts!! Food and staff were wonderful. Great value for the money. Both times I ate here it was lunch time, however their dinner specials sounded fantastic so my next trip to Bethlehem will have to include dinner here. read more

Stopped in this joint after winning hella money at the Sands because of the reviews.. they told me the kitchen was closed 45 but then I told them I'm from out of town and they decided that it reopened lawl the staff was friendly and I got the shrimp and grits and the Brussel sprouts.. I was high af while eating but this food was so good I actually took my leftovers home which never happens.. will be back for the chicken waffles trust mi daddy read more

The drinks were good, the food was great, and the service was AMAZING! The fried chicken melted in my mouth! The sweet mashed potatoes were so good, and the pickles topped it off. The Shrimp and Grits were sooo good. Anytime I go to PA I will be there! The food was affordable. It was a great night and a good atmosphere. read more

Went to the Bayou based on the four-star reviews and Received Four star service and food. Enjoyed a meal recommended by Melinda of an appetizer of jalapeño hush puppies followed by a very tasty chicken sandwich with yes Brussels sprouts. Everything was as advertised. Service was friendly and timely, enjoyed a nice meal. Will visit again when I'm in town. Cold beer in mason jars, with a nice selection of tap beers. read more

Great food! Great service! Very cozy, warm atmosphere-food was innovative and delicious!

Was there on June 14. Food was excellent. Atmosphere was casual. Service was top notch. Highly recommend will not be disappointed.

My husband and I went for lunch today. There wasn't a wait, and we sat at a high top in the bar area. The restaurant is really nice looking, inside and out. The staff was really nice. Their beer selection was fantastic and their drinks were amazing! We started with the gumbo (pretty good) and corn bread (amazing). I had the Bayou Burger - it was huge - I only ate half. We will definitely be back! read more

My husband and I have eaten here 4 or 5 times now, and ordered different items each time. All good. Especially loved the grits, Po Boy sandwiches and gumbo. Lunch is our favorite time to go, as the restaurant gets overwhelmed for dinner some nights. The food is fabulous and worth the wait and the crowds. read more

Ok so The Bayou has a pretty website with awesome pics of the food and a great theme and menu which looks authentic. Naturally, I was VERY excited to test it out. My neighbor even said I had to go just for their drinks. So I made plans to go. I ordered the corn bread as the appetizer and mac and cheese for my meal. Oh and the jalapeno margarita. The corn bread was good. Could I make it at home? Yes. The mac and cheese was horrible. It wasn't even creamy or cheesy. The sauce was watery and basic. Like I'd rather have the box kind of mac and cheese. Seriously. And DO NOT order the jalapeno margarita. It was disgusting. I like spicy but that shit was like hot sauce with a shot of tequila and a squeeze of lime. It burned my throat as it went down. I thought I was gonna die at this faux southern restaurant with plastic furniture. Worst part is they charged me $9 for my drink. And the prices aren't on the menu so they trick you. Fuck that shit. #Scam The service was ok. The manager was staring at everyone awkwardly though. Like dude let me eat in peace. The restaurant is tiny so it feels intimate but it's super hard to just walk in there and be seated on a weekend. My friends also left unsatisfied. And the bill was a slap in the face for what we ate. Like they're trying to have NY prices for PA food. I'll never be back. read more

What a gorgeous courtyard! Great ambiance. Service was great except for the young man who delivered my sweet potato soup to the wrong person -- I got mine as everyone else at my table finished their entrees. Food here is delicious but spicy. I had the soup plus spiced roasted cauliflower with pine nuts -- delicious! My husband had shrimp and cheese grits -- great! Great times, great food! read more

A bit of history here. This site has changed over many times. It could never seem to get the WOW factor and always seemed to be another local watering hole. Well now, The Bayou is what nothing else in the Lehigh Valley can seem to accomplish - amazing service, fabulous food, and beyond affordable. There is nothing in the area with food this good. Nothing. There are plenty of restaurants around and many are outstanding. But when you combine the originality with the prices, I am not quite sure how they do it. The chef must be EXTREMELY well educated and dedicated to his craft. Like seafood? The catfish is great. Ever have shrimp relish? Me either until this place. I honestly did not know Southern Fried chicken could taste so good. And if you are looking for innovative and original cocktails with plenty of microbrew sidekicks, you have found your home. As they continue to grow and succeed, I think they will be ultimately forced to expand some kind of waiting area where they can try to accommodate the numerous people that wind up waiting very long times for tables. You MUST call ahead for a reservation. and when you have, I would call 15 minutes before you are leaving and make sure they are running on schedule as they get EXTREMELY busy and do get behind. They are exciting and new and will hopefully nail down the best reservation and waiting room processes soon. I can only hope I get to go there as often as possible. They are worth every dollar you spend there. read more

Unusually stylish restaurant for the Lehigh Valley with sophisticated sauces and presentations. The Curried Sweet Potato Soup and the Smoked Pork Ribs were both excellent. The ribs were perfectly cooked and set off with a richly textured slaw of purple cabbage. The soup was a tasty marriage of Thai spices and a Southern staple. Our entrees were the braised oxtail and the hangar steak. The steak was ordered rare and came exactly the way it should accompanied by a rich sauce apparently derived from pigs feet (trotters). The oxtail was fall off the bone tender with a rich flavor accompanied by a mushroom based sauce. The plate was truly a mountain of umami. I asked the waitress how long they were open since it was a Sunday evening and the place was packed. Obviously, they are doing something right because they haven't advertised and are doing a slam dunk business after only having opened March 2014. The only negative is the noise level (which has been mentioned many times before) and the central crowded bar. This is definitely a restaurant that you should visit if you're looking for something a little different. The food is excellent and set apart from most Lehigh Valley spots. We will be back sooner rather than later. Use your GPS if you are not familiar with area. It is set off the main street. Convenient free parking in large lot across the street. read more

Much needed addition to Bethlehem! Atmosphere, service, and food a great. Had a hard time deciding what to order, everything we order at the tablet was outstanding. read more

First of all, make sure you have a reservation. Otherwise, prepare to wait. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The food was well prepared and attractively displayed on the plate. Loved the grilled shrimp with pesto. Also enjoyed the ribs. The menu includes "small plates" which is probably the best way to enjoy this place. That way, you can try a couple of things. The beignets were incredible. 4 of them for 6 bucks. A bargain. Don't leave without ordering them. The only downside is the noise. The crowd is mostly 25 to 30 year olds with a smattering of other age groups. The brick walls and rustic wood floors are attractive but amplify the noise. Not a restaurant for a quiet romantic dinner. Choose somewhere else for that. read more

Bayou always satisfies. Try the Mac n Cheese along with the Oxtails. You can't go wrong. One of Lehigh Valleys best kept secrets

Came here last night on recommendation from a friend and I was not disappointed. I had Serena for a waitress and she was great. The marinated cucumbers were excellent. reminded me of old school cucumber salad from summer picnics but dressed up and a bit fancier. The cornbread with tomato butter was perfect. I had the brisket po buy which I'm still drooling over now. My friend had the Mac and cheese which was great, just watch out because it comes out on a hot cast iron skillet. And the duck on their Jake cakes was probably the most succulent duck I've had. I will definitely be going back. read more

I have been to the Bayou 3 times the first time with my niece. The food was great, but the seevice lacking. The waitress took forevever and was short with us when she took our order then dissapeared for 20 min when I asked for water. My second visit at lunch time was wonderful waitress, food atmospher delightful. My husband had not yet been so when he asked me where I wanted to go for my birthday I said how about the Bayou. He made reservations (a Wednesday night) telling them it was my birthday. We waited 10 min and discovered they wanted to seat us at a high top table (i cannot sit at a high top because i wear a brace) my husband explained this and the Hostess was so rude we left. We won't return. The oweners may want to rethink some of their staff! read more

The food was delicious!! Reminded me of New Orleans and the Southern Cajun food!! Mac and Cheese was just perfect! Best I've had in forever!! Steak was cooked to perfection! Drinks, apps, and entrees were reasonable priced as well!!! Sad that this place isn't closer to Bmore!! read more

We made reservations for a week night. Cute place and our waitress was pleasant. There was quite a bit of time waiting for our drinks after ordering them. Found that odd since it wasn't crowded. However, we felt there was a longer than normal wait time also with the appetizers and dinners. I ordered the catfish however, the food is put on top of each other and I had a soggy side of fish. I just happen to not like all my food lumped together but that's just me. If I returned I most likely would try something different or ask that it not be served like that. This restaurant wouldn't be my go-to place but I would return if somebody else wanted to try their food. read more

Pretty average meal. Gritz was dry and shrimp was beyond burnt. Pulled pork was dry and no flavor. Pork belly was ok. can't believe the hype around this place. Service was good that's about it.... read more

The food is delicious and the atmosphere is amazing. I can't wait to eat there again. If you like southern food you should definitely try this place. The Mac and cheese is amazing. read more

Possibly the best food I have ever eaten. Atmosphere is great, service was timely and friendly and the corn bread is to die for! I just relocated to Lehigh valley from the Midwest and was concerned I wouldn't find a restaurant in the area I liked as much as ones from back home. This place is Amazing! Will definitely be back again and again. read more

I have been here a couple of times over the last year and I cannot say enough about this place! The food is phenomenal. The staff amazing and accommodating! Just a great place to enjoy a lively evening! read more

Ordered the gumbo. The broth and flavor was good. A bit on the hot side which was fine. The shrimp were chewy and could have been better. Dessert was the guinness cake which was a huge disappointment. It looked like a tastycake cupcake and tasted like one too. The only saving grace for this dessert the was berry syrup surrounding the cake. I would go back, but definitely will try something else. The server was excellent. read more

I've been tot he Bayou 3 times now and have had great experiences and mediocre ones so that's what I'm rating it a 4/5 instead of a 5. My first time was close to when it opened and the food was unwhelming but the ambiance, especially the back outdoor porch made it a 5/5 in my book. The next time I went it was winter so I had to sit inside but the food again was mediocre, not as flavorful and rich as you'd expect southern cooking food to be. But the last time I went there, a few months ago, the food really blew me away. They finally had the kick in their food that made it taste like real southern, homecooked food. Their beer selection is amazing and the service has always be great. I'd suggest you make a reservation because it's usually pretty busy. read more

Fried Chicken was very good. Waitress were friendly and very professional and on top of things. Food got out pretty quickly all things considered on a busy night. Definitely worth a visit. Just make sure to get a reservation ahead of time as the place gets packed easily read more

Very good drinks and food - we had the deep fried black eyed peas- highly recommended! The chicken thighs were very good, but the slaw that came with it was just eh. Overall, it was reasonably priced and tasty- I would return. read more

Very good food! One of my favorites is the Mac and Cheese. It's gourmet and so delicious. My husbands favorite is the Fried Chicken. It is so crispy and flavorful and comes with mashed sweet potatoes and home make pickles. Good place and good food! read more

No need to write a page or two about this place. Is just down right good food. Been here a bunch of times and always was very impressed. Try it! read more