Betty's Pies

1633 HIghway 61, Two Harbors, MN - (218) 834-3367

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Posted By Michael Stern on June 19, 2008 4:05 PM

Betty's Pies serves things other than pies – a whole menu of meals including walleye sandwiches, hamburgers of all kinds, wraps, and salads – but the few non-pie items we've tasted haven't been compelling. We do very much appreciate Betty's pasty (or, as spelled here, pastie), an authentic combo of beef chunks, rutabaga, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a pastry crust. While not an exciting dish, its values -- hearty trumping spice -- seems right for this old north country dish.

But it's the pies that have made Betty's reputation, and they are indeed treats to remember: gorgeous fruit pies with lightweight crusts, really creamy cream pies that are thick and pure and satisfying, and a sensational chocolate creation that is dark chocolate cream, cinnamon meringue, whipped cream and chocolate whipped cream on a flaky crust. Oh, and there is one non-pie item I can highly recommend: Betty's pie shake. That is an entire piece of pie – your choice – blended with ice cream and milk! My waitress dissuaded me from getting one made with fruit pie, as it would have too grainy a texture, so I chose banana cream. It is a delight: pie a la mode in a tall glass. Pieces of banana and bits of crust inevitably clog the straw, so this is a drink that must be gulped or spooned.

Betty's is famous and gets crowded in the summer when travelers come to enjoy the beauty of Lake Superior's North Shore. Although rebuilt and remodeled since its opening in 1956, and now under new management with Betty retired, it remains a charming place with blue-and-white kitchenette décor and waitresses who are outspoken in the best diner tradition.

Note: Betty's has limited hours in winter month: be sure to call ahead.

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