When I was eight years old, my parents took me along to the grand opening of a new park in our neighborhood. It was nestled on a street corner, where families crossed to and fro and young saplings were admired by passers-by, all under a blue sky on Earth Day, 2017. Although I don’t remember much from that day, the memories I have made since remain clear to me.
Evelyn’s Park and its adjoined restaurant, Betsy’s, are more than just places hanging in the air. I’ve spent countless afternoons and evenings eating delicious meals with my family, attending local artisan fairs on the park lawn, scaling the climbing wall on the playground and listening to live music as the sun sets behind the oak trees. Beyond the incredible food, Evelyn’s Park and Betsy’s create a warm and comforting atmosphere to all visitors.
Food –
To those primarily interested in the food that Betsy’s serves, one of the appetizers, the Crispy Brussels, remain my all-time favorite. To those afraid of greens, I ask you to not fear! The delicious soy, togarashi and lime sauce makes you forget that you’re eating brussels sprouts at all. Sweet, sour and crispy all at once, I’ve never had a dish so flavorful but comforting at the same time.
As for the main dish, you can never go wrong with a good burger. Betsy’s Park Burger has all the right toppings, creating a delicious blend of flavors: American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and mustard.
Lastly, as a dessert, the popsicles from All We Need Farms are another personal favorite. Opposed to your standard popsicle, these are made of goat milk and come in an array of flavors, from vanilla to blood orange. They’re a healthier alternative with a more subdued flavor but are perfect on a hot summer day.
Other features –
Aside from the food, Evelyn’s Park and Betsy’s have plenty of other features for visitors to enjoy. Over the years, they have renovated their space repeatedly to introduce new activities, events and spaces.
Fairs and events –
Every year, Evelyn’s Park hosts an artisan fair, where local artists and aspiring chefs are free to set up booths with products on the park lawn. This year, I was able to visit the fair with a friend, and encountered small businesses selling homemade pasta and marinara sauce, soaps, ceramics and even dog treats. All the business owners were so kind and happy to see customers, and it was a wonderful way to connect with my community. I highly recommend visiting with family or friends for a calm afternoon out.
Besides larger local artisan fairs, Evelyn’s Park periodically hosts smaller events. You can spend an evening in the park this month doing tai chi, yoga or making art, hosted by different local initiative communities. These activities cater to children, adults and families.
Finally, while enjoying a Friday dinner at Betsy’s, you can enjoy a live music performance. Every Friday from 6 to 9 pm, Betsy’s hosts local musicians whose works span a range of genres, from rock to jazz. It’s a perfect way to end your week!
Connecting with local students –
Besides being a welcoming third space for families, Evelyn’s Park and Betsy’s also host initiatives to support Houston high schoolers. Betsy’s has a program which allows student initiatives or clubs to partner with the restaurant for several days and half of the profits made go to the student organization. Additionally, to any student musicians out there, Betsy’s has a small stage near their outdoor seating area where local musicians participate on Fridays. With permission, student bands and quartets can perform for an audience in the park. Several of my own friends have done so in the past, and have found the sign-up process to be smooth and felt welcomed by the Evelyn’s Park and Betsy’s community.
Conclusion –
Evelyn’s Park and Betsy’s are more than just average places to gather. From their selection of delicious food, activities catered to friends and families alike and initiatives to connect with the local community, it’s no wonder visitors and locals come back time and time again to this vibrant corner of Bellaire.
