Inside: Betty's Fine Food and Spirits

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Betty's Fine Food and Spirits, located in the Short North Arts District, is an eclectic bar and bistro hybrid that offers fresh, flavorful and filling food in a casual atmosphere with an antique ambiance. At Betty's you really can eat great, even late, since their kitchen is open until 2 a.m., while swilling a sassy beverage such as Framboise or a stiff shot on the rocks. Betty's friendly servers welcome in a myriad of patrons, ranging from young professionals dining during lunch to bohemian bar-hoppers. This innovative establishment is an anchor in a sea of galleries and eateries; setting itself apart with its homey décor, fast and zesty dishes and diverse selection of alcoholic concoctions.

Food: Vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike can find a dish or more of their liking at Betty's. The dishes are reasonably priced and the selection is stupendous. At Betty's, they specialize in putting a fresh spin on classic dishes, offering versions of classic combinations that perk up patrons' taste-buds with surprising seasonings and tantalizing twists.

For starters, Betty's features a daily soup ($5) that is typically a vegan or vegetarian variety. The appetizers range from hearty potato pancakes ($5) to Crabby Patties and vegetarian spring rolls (both $8). If you're feeling like going green, Betty's offers starter salads ($6) such as Betty's Green Goddess Salad tossed with avocado Caesar dressing and served with warm pita slices and the Small Surly Girl Salad.

The entreé salads range in price from $8 to $10 and include Betty's Salad Nicoise and the Warm Three Mushroom Salad. Pasta dishes are served with house focaccia bread and include succulent selections such as Chipotle Cream & Chicken Rotini and Artichoke & Gorgonzola Pasta, all ranging in price from $10 to $13.

The main meals start at $9 with Betty's Beer Brats and culminate to the Blue Corn-Tortilla Encrusted Salmon for $15. On the vegan end, the entreés include Vegan Shrooms ($10) and many other flavorful favorites for vegetarian visitors and patrons with a passion for refreshing dishes dressed with festive flavor and flare.

Wraps, pitas and burritos round-out the sandwich selections with delightful dishes such as the Veggie Burrito, Portabella Mushroom Pita and Salmon Caesar Wrap, all of which are served with a side of your choosing.

Libations: Betty's features a full-service bar brimming with tip-top liquor libations and full-bodied brews. In addition to the typical bar staples, Betty's serves wine, champagne and fruity Framboise - a beer masquerading as a bubbling champagne. During happy hour, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, PBR is $1 and specials are offered on other beverages on a daily basis.

Décor: Walking into Betty's is like taking a stroll down memory lane - the walls are adorned with post-World War II era pictures of women, many of whom are posing in pin-up positions yet they exude an empowering air. Betty-themed knick-knacks and various figurines line the shelves behind the bar. The array of wall-papered portions of this intimate bar/restaurant add to the antique ambiance. The homey décor fuels the comfortable and casual environment in this elongated establishment - it's almost as if grandma's living room was transformed into a hip and happening bar and bistro.

Service: The servers and bartenders at Betty's are friendly, accommodating and courteous, even when the place is packed. They have a seat yourself policy, so patrons can post up at one of the tall tables or grab a stool at the bar depending on what's available - either way you feel like you have the best seat in the house. The food arrives with stunning speed, considering the care and creative flare that is spent on each dish.

Crowd: Everyone and anyone with a desire to dine on delightful and fine dishes finds their way to Betty's. From the straight-laced professional to the free-spirited student to the cute couple in the corner, Betty's multi-faceted establishment inherently caters to a variety of patrons, especially those in their younger years.

Specials: In addition to happy hour, Betty's specials include a different soup prepared daily and lunch and dinner specials such as the Asian Pork Wrap. Betty's also features many original dishes, which don the establishment's namesake.

Insider's Tip: Don't be afraid to dive into different dishes - it's hard to be disappointed with Betty's explosively flavorful cuisines. If you have a question about a selection or need guidance navigating through the sea of selections, ask your server. All in all, try something new, or something old with a fresh face.

Bottom Line: Betty's Fine Food and Spirits is a comfortable, casual and cozy bar and restaurant that is bursting with personality. From the hodgepodge décor to the delectable dishes, stopping in at Betty's is a must whether you're meeting with friends, dining with that special someone or just want to grab some real and refreshing food while bar-hopping in the Short North.

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