The hip but relaxed atmosphere makes The Bayou a great place for a night out with friends or a date night. I've had plenty of both here. Probably half of my OpenTable reservation history is for The Bayou. The food is simply amazing, the beer and cocktail list is on point, and the staff is so friendly. Must-Haves Bayou Mac-n-cheese: I dare you to find a better mac 'n cheese in the Valley. Served piping hot in a cast iron skillet, chunks of smoked ham hock and sweet peas nestle in between gooey cheddar and macaroni, all smothered by mouth-watering melted fontina. Brussels Sprouts: Swimming in a blackstrap molasses reduction among house tasso ham, this is probably more delicious than healthy...but it's so delicious, and not even because Brussels sprouts are cool now. Jambalaya: A perfect blend of rice, crawfish tails, smoked chicken, and andouille sausage with just the right amount of heat. Fried Chicken Sandwich: Juicy fried chicken smothered with house-made pimento cheese and topped with tangy bread & butter pickles, this is my go-to if I'm really hungry. Brisket Po' Boy: The brisket is so tender. I don't normally eat beef, but this sandwich is so perfect. It's toppe with cheddar, shallot marmalade (!), cabbage slaw, and marinated tomatoes for a mouth-watering meal. Go to the Bayou, order too much, and thank yourself later when you've got the best leftovers in town. read more

Just went here after hearing all the hype. If you are at all traveled, not from pa, or southern you will find the food sub par... The pulled pork looked like it was from a can the mac and cheese was laughable and the hostess seemed very confused about the concept of a reservation. The drink and beer selection was average for the area. On the contrary, there is a fair amount of potential with The Bayou. The atmosphere was good the decor was fresh and the patio (once opened) will add much needed space to the otherwise small restaurant. read more

The Bayou - Menu - New American Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

We celebrated my son's 17th Birthday at The Bayou and had the most wonderful dinner! He asked to try some southern cooking and what better place in the Valley to experience that type of cuisine, enjoy an amazing ambiance and be greeted with the nicest staff. Kate made our night just so wonderful with her suggestions and sweetness! We're looking forward to our next dinner there. read more

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The Bayou always has amazing food, service, and drinks! I especially love their max and cheese, cornbread, and beignets!

I've been here twice..... First time we ate here the food came a little slow but the place was packed. So it's expected. The food was extremely good and very filling. We had the Fried Cauliflower and Beignets just for a try. We had ti come back and try the full meals. My 2nd time I ordered the Mac & Cheese skillet and my girlfriend ordered Fried Chicken Sandwich. The place was not as packed and the food came super quick. All the food was hot and REALLY tasty. This is a definite go to for me and will be back a 3rd time. read more

The Bayou - Bayou Mac-n-Cheese - New American Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

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Had a great experience here tonite. The johnny cakes with duck confit are amazing (though a little salty). I would come back just for those. The shrimp po-boy was equally delicious. Our hostess and waitress were friendly and helpful. We have been here before but this was the best by far! Enjoyed tonite as well but really?! What self-respecting cajun restaurant does not have bread pudding for dessert?! Update the online menu and bring back the duck! Maple chicken is to die for-chicken that tastes like french toast?-wierdly awesome. This is a great restaurant-highly recommend. season eggnog was delicious!! read more

I'm going to be honest, I made a mistake of trying to get take out on Valentine's Day without ordering ahead, but it was 100000000% worth the wait. Everything was delicious and paired super well with sauces and seasoned well. The chicken sandwich was out of this world, the crab beignets were fresh tasting and so well fried. Definitely future date night spot! read more

I came with big expectations and was a bit underwhelmed by the food and the service. I had Gumbo (tasty and super salty) and Po Boy (tasty and very greasy). My waitress was maybe pulled in too many directions and was nowhere to be seen when ai needed to get the check and be on my way. I visit this area often for work and I love Louisiana food, so I will give Bayou another try! read more

Luckily our first choice ended up closed and we came here. Didn't get to see the inside as we didn't have a reservation and it was full inside. I had the brisket po'boy and the wife had the fried chicken sandwich. Both came with French fries which were perfectly cooked and crispy. If we are in this area again I would definitely stop again. The brisket was very tender and the rolls were slightly grilled. Just to let you know I would have to get a lot free food to give 5 stars. read more

The Bayou - Brisket and chicken in back - New American Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Cool spot overall. Had the brisket Mac--very little cheese. Collard greens had too much salt and vinegar & the beignets were doughy. With that being said there are other things on the menu that you can order that are good--fried green tomatoes, steak, or the salad. They don't really have the cuisine they are imitating down pat but the standard things are good. read more

It's been a while since I have looked forward to trying a new restaurant and then be so let down. I had the shrimp and grits-and if you can tell by my picture-the grits were a pasty mess. They were so cooked down that the consistency was that of paste. The shrimp were swimming in an odd gravy that was neither southern OR tasty. My companion had fried chicken which was overlooked on the outside but tasty on the inside. The Mac and cheese-had pieces of Ham and green peas....and was the best part of the meal. read more

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Love this place! It is locally owned and managed so avoid rice and beans and their covid fears...

Busy and packed - I HIGHLY RECOMMEND MAKING A RESERVATION (and in advance if possible). We tried making a reservation last minute the night before online, and the times were all booked so we only had one time option (granted, it was a Friday night). Great service. Our waitress was super friendly, nice, and helpful. It's really loud, so it might be difficult to hear people in your party depending on where you're seated. We were seated in a corner, so it was a bit quieter, which was nice. All of our dishes were great. I'd definitely go back again. Overall, I had a great experience. We ordered: - the blue bayou cocktail: sweet and not very strong (which I liked) - the Mac and cheese: very cheesy! layer of melted cheese on top - pork belly: ever so slightly dry on the inside but otherwise really great - pairs superbly well with the Chinese vinaigrette cucumber tomato! - gumbo: hot and maybe a but too spicy (good but could've been better) - fried chicken sandwich: the fried chicken was very savory and greasy (which I liked!) and the fried were great too, though they were a LITTLE on the cold side read more

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This was our second visit.... We were seeing a show at the PPL Center in Allentown, but chose to UBER back and forth, just to have some incredible libations and eats! The drinks are that good, and we didn't want to have to stop drinking to drive back to the arena. Incredible Craft Beer Selection and even better cocktails! Try the New Fashioned. Food wise, we started with the Mac 'n Cheese as an appetizer. This is just ridiculous...you gotta get this. For our entree, my wife and I split the Chicken and Waffles. So much food! SO DANG GOOD! We were sitting at the bar, and for a packed house, it was so chill and calm. A great sign to a well run restaurant. Kudos to the staff! Just a great place all around. read more

Unexpected find. What a gem! So we ordered the crab beignet, chicken and waffles, maple chicken, short ribs and brisket Mac and cheese. It is very rare to have a restaurant with over 4.7 stars for every dish. Slight room for improvement include a touch salty on the short ribs, fries and maple chicken. I do think that in general Cajun cooking from New Orleans is saltier than other cuisine. Short ribs were well paired with squash casserole. We The crab beignet were light and fluffy, like crab meat floating in a cloud!!! Our service was awesome. read more

I will start off by saying the waitress I had was fantastic she was kind and never lost that smile.. I loved the way the place was run from top to m Bottom... I had a problem with my dinner and when I said something my waitress took it back and ordered more for me ... then the head chef brought out the makeup order and made me feel like I was not a Jerk about it ... then when I had the same problem on the second plate the manager came over and we discussed why it was not up to my satisfaction... he never lost his smile as well and took the meal off my check with out me asking ... so I will give them 4 stars just because how great the staff was .. plus my girlfriends food was delicious lol... so it was just the way this one meal was cooked... I will be going back in the future because of the whole staff.. Thank you for your treatment . read more

Someone needs to inform their chef that Cajun food is supposed to have flavor- as in spicy. Gumbo had just a mild kick and had globs of what had the texture of fat mixed in. It did taste decent and had a good amount of meat, and it was filling. However, the Jambalaya was a major disappointment. It was quite bland- no spice at all. Besides the four large Crawfish there was hardly any meat--basically just rice and roux. My wife ordered the Brisket Mac and Cheese - she tried to enjoy it but it had onions that caused a mild allergic reaction (NOT listed in the ingredients shown on the menu). Server was decent but food did take a while to come out of the kitchen. . Definitely will not return. read more

Prices ratcheted up, service very slow. Food was good but thinking their signature dish of fried chicken has been overcooked.

Excellent! If you've eaten here before, there's no way you're not coming back for more. If you haven't tried them as yet, then you're missing out on a good time! read more

I ordered catering for a party 50+ people. Gary was so responsive, helpful and everything was perfect. Everyone loved the food especially the chicken and cornbread! Thanks Bayou- bangin. read more

The Bayou is such a great idea for the Lehigh Valley. I travel down South frequently for work and the food is a delicious cultural experience that should definitely be available in more places. But, they took on an "upscale southern food" approach.. which sort of contradicts southern food in itself. The food is pretty good, just a bit pricey.. especially when the same items are sold for much less down there. The restaurant is extremely small (even more so when the outside area is closed), and it is ALWAYS packed, so dont ever plan on just walking in. Call ahead a day before for a couple, and for groups.. I'd call at least a week ahead. read more

This is the way a restaurant should be run. Generous portions, delicious Cajun cuisine and the friendliest staff. The manager took time to check on us personally and helped his staff with cleaning etc. Very, very impressed. read more

We went to the Easton restaurant for Valentine's Day and it was awesome! The food was awesome and our server (Zachery) was the best!! Much more sitting room, too! Highly recommend! read more

Made a stop here on my way to the Poconos...So glad I did! Great service, Great food, Great vibes! What a TREAT!

Went for lunch to try them out - food was exceptional and fresh ! We had the shared plates of steamed clams ( AMAZING ) and the Fried green tomatoes ! Great portion size and freshly made ! Also had the Pear & Arugula salad which was crisp and light with a very nice helping of fresh mozzarella! Dressing was delicious as well! Wife ordered the Bayou Beef burger and it was served with a gorgeous heaping side of fries! Will definitely be back! Food and ambience was great!! read more

I finally went here after hearing so much about it. I got a brisket po boy and my friend ordered the shrimp Po boy. We also orders the blue bayou cocktail. The sandwiches were delicious! Also they were really big . We each only ate half of it and took the other half home. They come with steak fries nothing special about the fries just a good side for sandwiches. The drinks also tasted so good ! As soon as we sat down we were served water in a mason jar and utensils were also brought in a mason jar(which I thought was cute). We went to the Bethlehem location and the service was great and friendly. Nice place to go for a date or when hanging with friends. Not really a place I Would bring my young kids, but that's not the atmosphere this place is for. read more

The food is great, despite having limited options. The servers were pretty rude and gossiping a ton. It took our food over an hour to get to us. As a table of two on a Thursday, with a reservation, it took us 40 minutes for an appetizer and another 55 minutes for our meals. The decor is great and i love the over restaurant aesthetic. I don't think I'd go again, but definitely worth a try! read more

Very good food. Tasty. We walked out from Crayola Factory, which was very nearby and bumped into the place by chance. What a pleasant surprise!! we have been just driving back for the food since then, without even going to Crayola Factor! I liked the oxtail very much. read more

Just a hop skip & jump down the street and you're in the Big Easy of flavor town.. The drinks make you wanna dance for beads, the fired chicken will have you saying "y'all" by the final bite. My love of corn bread went head over heels when they introduced jalapeños to the mix!!! read more

The bayou is a spectacular place! The warmest & friendliest place around! The food is out of this world. I ordered the collard greens & cornbread which is heaven . The collar greens are spicy & cornbread warm with melted butter!! My girlfriend ordered gumbo & was floored by the great taste of it. We ate n a outside platform n which u could see outside & big huge fans way above u . It was well ventilated, due 2 covid-19!!!! To sum it all up! This is my 2 go PLACE!!!! Happy customer Chi Moon read more

My girlfriend and I arrived here at 5:30pm on a Friday and where seated promptly after calling earlier and saying they did not have any reservation until 9pm We started off with ordering drinks. She ordered Bourbon and Berries, I had Voodoo Juice. Both were excellent choices and we ended up sharing them with each other. Our waitress Juliana recommended ordering Tys Mac N Cheese and sharing the same name we did just that. For dinner I ordered the Oyster Po Boy and it was great! The oysters were breaded perfectly and not greasy at all. It also came with hand cut fries, which were the best I have had in all of Lehigh Valley. My girlfriend ordered Pulled Pork sandwhich and she said it was very moist pork and came with apple slaw that was surprisingly good. She also agreed with me regarding the franc fries. Overall the atmosphere at Bayou was great for a date night. And if this is what your looking for then look no further!!! Highly recommended and will come back when visiting the Lehigh Valley. read more

The Bayou - Ty's Mac and Bourbon&berry drink also Voodoo Juice - New American Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

I'm not sure why these guys have a high rating. the Mac and cheese would be so much better without peas. The ribs were not that great. Chicken.. they def overcooked it. Meat was good but the skin was burnt to a crisp. The purée it came with was fantastic, but that was it. The waitress only came to our table once making it hard to ask for anything including the bill. Service was slow. I will not be coming back. read more

Food was a 4. Service a 2. Went on Father's Day. The restaurant was crowded, but not packed. Very comfortable and appealing lauout and decor. Several of us had the fried chicken. It was crispy, but not greasy and it was perfectly seasoned. The collard greens were also top-notch. The service, on the other hand, was poor. Our server was slow to great us and rarely came by to check on us. We skipped the desert because we didn't want to wait any longer. Despite the delicious food, I don't go back until I know the service is fixed. Note... This review is for the Easton location. read more

Pretty nice place. The bar is really nice. The drinks are good. The food- I had the Nashville fried chicken. Just a hint of spice with the sweet mashed potatoes and tried the app of fried cauliflower, while my other half had the salmon. It was ok. Cauliflower was excellent. Have no idea why they gave me 2 thighs, 1 drumstick and 1 wing. Who gives 2-thighs? No breast? Felt jipped that way. Probably a mix up at the customer's expense, as usual with To-Go orders. Anyways. I would go there again but only to eat in. You just can't count on anyone these days to get it 100% right. But everyone wants top $ though. read more

I feel comfortable rating the Bayou a solid 4 stars due to the delicious food, attentive servers, and abundant parking. It's nice that the Lehigh Valley is garnering some themed upscale restaurants. This wasn't overly pricey ($100 with tip for a table of 4), but it's certainly not something I would eat every night either. The food itself is traditional Southern fare, complete with grits, collared greens, and hush puppies. The cocktails run about $10 each, and are served in mason jars. Thankfully, they don't get cheap on the alcohol, and I had a nice buzz going after only one drink. Our server checked in on us regularly, and was pleasant enough, but the food took a solid 40 minutes to come out after ordering. Now I don't expect fast food at a place like this, and it was cooked well, but it was a Wednesday night (I'd hate to see how long it takes on a Saturday night). My main complaint was the noise. The restaurant isn't large, and has hardwood floors and no drop ceiling. Thus, it was about as loud as an airport terminal, to the point where I had trouble hearing the conversation across the table (don't bother sitting inside if you have a hearing aid). The outside area appeared much quieter, but I'd imagine that would be uncomfortable on a particularly balmy evening. The Southern theme really worked, though, and it's quite unlike anything else in the area. The Mac and Cheese was to die for, as were the ribs. And the parking lot was easily accessible, with plenty of offstreet parking. I'd recommend to get reservations, especially on a weekend. I'll be returning for the potent drinks and well seasoned, Southern cooking. read more

The Bayou - New American Near Me - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Great food, always tasty and the folks are always so nice. We love it here. The cocktails are great and they provide a real taste of New Orleans. read more

All the apps and drinks and desserts were excellent. Highly recommend the Bayou mac and cheese and the cornbread both very good. The beignets were amazing! The only miss was the fried chicken was bland, no seasoning. Hate to say it, but Popeye's chicken is better. read more

Go here and support them now!!! The Jumbalaya is absolutely amazing! It's one of those "wanna lick the plate" dishes! BUT - there's something BETTER!!! OMG... The cast iron pierogies may be the best appetizer I have ever tasted in my life! Seared pierogies - lump crab and congnac butter! read more

for the cost of the chicken with sweet potatoes wasn't good at all. The sweet potatoes taste funny and the fried chicken didn't taste like there was any seasoning at all read more

Visiting from nj and came here last night for dinner - this is hands down the best meal I have had in a restaurant since I can remember. Hush puppies, Mac and cheese, and Nashville hot chicken were all flavorful and well prepared. The mashed sweet potatoes with the chicken were the best sweet potatoes I have ever had. I will drove back from Bethlehem just to come here. Support this local business! read more