- Attraction: Betty’s Parkway Restaurant
- Location: 912 Riverside Dr, Columbia, TN 38401
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.bettysparkway.com
Family recipes worth fighting over aren’t just holiday folklore at Betty’s Parkway Restaurant—they’re the beating heart of Maury County’s oldest continuously family-owned eatery.
Since 1987, this riverside gem has been marinating ribeyes in a secret recipe that locals swear by and outsiders drive miles to taste.
Perched above the Duck River on historic Riverside Drive, Betty’s combines old-school hospitality with award-winning steaks that have earned the restaurant its title as Best Steak in Maury County for an astonishing 13 consecutive years.
What started as founder Betty’s kitchen experiment became the stuff of legend when she created her signature marinade, now known as Betty’s Best.
After her passing in 1989, her son Tim Duncan left his construction career behind to carry on the family legacy, proving that some traditions are worth preserving.
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Keep Exploring →Today, you’ll find the same secret marinade tenderizing everything from their famous ribeyes to their killer burgers, creating flavors that keep regulars coming back week after week.
The Star Attractions: Steaks & Burgers
The Ribeye Experience: Your steak journey begins 48 to 72 hours before you even walk through the door, when each hand-cut ribeye gets bathed in Betty’s Best marinade. Available in 12oz or 16oz cuts, these steaks come with the fatty tail trimmed off for a cleaner eating experience.
The marinade works its magic, transforming the meat into something remarkably tender with a flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else. Many regulars insist on ordering it cooked medium to get the full effect of that signature taste.
Betty’s Best Marinade as a Side: Here’s an insider tip that locals have perfected—order an extra side of the famous marinade for dipping. Your fries will thank you, and your steak gets an additional flavor boost that elevates every bite. The marinade has such a cult following that people have reportedly used it on everything from deer to rattlesnakes with equally delicious results.
Friday & Saturday Night Specials: The dining room fills up fast when the weekend specials roll around. From 4PM until close, you can snag two complete dinners starting at just $30, $38, or $50 depending on your protein choice.
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Discover MoreOptions include the 12oz ribeye, beef tips, hamburger steak, pork chops, shrimp, fish, and various chicken preparations. Each dinner comes with two sides, making it one of the best values in town for a satisfying meal.
The Killer Burger: Don’t let the steak reputation fool you—Betty’s has won Best Burger in Maury County eight times for good reason. These burgers get the same marinade treatment as the steaks, creating a depth of flavor that sets them apart from typical burger joints.
Available in 8oz or 12oz patties, each burger is hand-patted fresh and topped with sautéed mushrooms and grilled onions that add layers of savory goodness.
Bourbon Chicken Sandwich: When you need a break from beef, the bourbon chicken sandwich proves this kitchen has range.
The sauce delivers a sweet-savory punch that rivals the famous beef marinade, and the chicken comes perfectly cooked and layered with bacon, mushrooms, and melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that makes ordering decisions tough for your next visit.
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Keep Exploring →Grilled Pork Chops: While the ribeye gets most of the glory, the pork chops have quietly built their own fan base.
The chops are bacon-wrapped and basted with Betty’s Best while they’re grilling, creating a caramelized exterior that gives way to juicy, flavorful meat. Side dishes arrive fresh and generous, rounding out a satisfying plate.
Steak Sandwich: For a lunchtime favorite, the steak sandwich delivers ribeye meat on a hoagie bun with grilled onions, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and au jus for dipping. It’s hearty enough to split or take home leftovers, and the marinade shines through even in sandwich form.
Riverside Charm & Racing Heritage
The Duck River View: Location means everything at Betty’s, and being perched high above the Duck River provides diners with scenic water views that enhance any meal.
Window seats are prime real estate, offering a peaceful backdrop whether you’re enjoying a weekday lunch or a busy Saturday dinner. The river setting adds a relaxed, almost vacation-like quality to your dining experience.
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Discover MoreRacing Memorabilia: The walls tell the story of the Duncan family’s racing heritage, with memorabilia from Tim Duncan and his sons proudly displayed throughout the restaurant.
You’ll spot trophies, photos, and racing gear that give the space personality and local flavor. It’s clear this family takes pride in their accomplishments both on the track and in the kitchen.
No-Frills Comfort: The interior won’t win design awards, and that’s exactly the point. Betty’s keeps things simple with well-worn seating and straightforward décor that puts all the focus on the food and the company you’re with.
The space recently underwent some updates, but maintains its unpretentious, hometown feel. It’s the kind of place where comfort trumps flash every time.
Moderate Noise & Family-Friendly: The dining room maintains a moderate noise level that works for both lively family gatherings and quieter date nights. Kids are welcome, and the casual atmosphere means no one feels out of place whether they’re dressed up or coming straight from work.
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Keep Exploring →Practical Considerations
Pricing & Value: Most entrées fall in the $20-30 range per person, putting Betty’s squarely in the mid-tier pricing category for the area. The quality of the hand-cut steaks and fresh ingredients justifies the cost, especially when you factor in the generous portions.
Those Friday and Saturday specials offer exceptional value—two complete ribeye dinners for $30 is hard to beat anywhere.
The Parking Situation: You’ll find ample parking in the restaurant’s lot, so finding a spot is rarely an issue even during peak dinner hours. The lot is also wheelchair accessible with plenty of room to maneuver.
No Reservations Policy: Betty’s operates on a first-come, first-served basis, though they’ll do their best to accommodate larger parties if you call ahead.
Expect a wait during prime weekend dinner hours, especially when those popular specials are running. Arriving just before or after the dinner rush often works in your favor.
Best Times to Visit: Weekday lunches tend to be more relaxed, while Friday and Saturday evenings from 4PM onward draw the biggest crowds thanks to those special deals.
Sunday service runs 11AM to 4PM, offering a shorter window but typically with less congestion. Monday is the only day they’re closed.
Takeout Available: When you can’t stay for the full experience, Betty’s offers takeout for most menu items. Just call ahead at (931) 388-5570 to place your order. The portions travel well, making it a solid option for bringing that marinade magic home.
Betty’s Parkway Restaurant
📍 912 Riverside Dr, Columbia, TN 38401
