How is Cliff Bell's restaurant rated?

Name: Cliff Bell's
Address: 2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI, United States, 48226
Telephone: (313) 961-2543
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.1

Cliff Bell's

4.1

1128 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Welcome to Cliff Bell's, where a truly unique dining and entertainment experience await you. As soon as you step through our doors, you'll take a step back in time. The 1930's charm of the lavish, art-deco interior will have your friends talking for hours.

The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere sets the mood for a night not to be forgotten. Signature cocktails and dinner are ordered as the Jazz trio begins to play on stage. The quiet bustle of the club begins to come to life!

Cliff Bell's is once again alive with spirit and song. But don't take our word for it…. Discover this cultural gem for yourself during an evening of jazz and dinner, Sunday brunch, daily lunch, or our popular happy hour.

"The place to be in Detroit."
- The New York Times

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Dinner: Sunday: 11:00am - 10pm Monday: Closed (Open for various events - check monthly calendar) Tuesday-Thursday: 5:00pm - midnight Friday: 5:00pm - 12:30am Saturday: 5:00pm - 12:30am Kitchen Hours: Sunday closes at 9:00pm Tuesday-Thursday closes at 11:00pm Fri & Sat closes at midnight
Phone number
(313) 961-2543
Website
http://www.cliffbells.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
From weddings to company parties and networking events, Cliff Bell's is Detroit's premier destination for private events.With the ability to seat up to 150 guests (including 30 at the bar), Cliff Bell's can accommodate private events – large and small. And with a nationally recognized kitchen and award-winning cocktails, we offer numerous meal and bar packages.
Private party contact
Carolyn Pullen: (313) 961-2543

Location
2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Neighborhood
Windsor
Cross street
between Adams & Elizabeth
Parking details
Parking options include nearby street parking (city meters enforced until 10 p.m. and is free on Sundays) as well as nearby surface lots and parking garages. Cliff Bell's does not own a private parking lot.
Public transit
For quick access from other areas of downtown Detroit, the Detroit People Mover is available. Please use the Grand Circus Park station stop to visit Cliff Bell's.<br />From the QLine, we are steps away from the Elizabeth stop.
Entertainment
Cliff Bell's hosts nightly entertainment featuring a variety of performances including local and national musicians. Weeknight performances at Cliff Bell's are typically free of charge. For weekend performances and special events, there is usually a cover charge collected at the door.
Additional
Bar Dining, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

48 Detroit Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Caesar Salad$8.00
Romaine Hearts, Parmesan, Anchovy Tempura & Brioche
Cliff Salad$11.00
Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Artichoke, Red Onion, Olives, Grilled Vegetables, Mozzarella, Egg & Red Wine Vinaigrette
Kale and Beet Salad$10.00
Roasted Red and Yellow Beets, Dried Cherries, Blood Orange, Kale, Caramelized Hazelnuts, Cypress Grove Goat Cheese, Honey Champagne Vinaigrette
House Cured Beef Carpaccio$15.00
House Cured Beef Tenderloin, Asparagus, Arugula, Parmesan, Lemon Vinaigrette

Entrees

Chicken and Waffle$17.00
Butter Milk Fried Chicken, Waffle, Chipotle Honey or Mango Relish
Smoked Salmon Bagel$15.00
Smoked Salmon, Red Onion, Tomato, Capers, Dill Cream Cheese, Plain or Everything Bagel (Provided by Detroit Institute of Bagels)
Vanilla French Toast$15.00
French Toast with Fresh Fruit & Caramelized Apple
Eggs Benedict$16.00
Poached Eggs with Rosemary Ham or Bacon on Traditional English Muffin with Hollandaise Sauce
Cliff's Classic$13.00
Three Eggs Scrambled, Tomatoes, Onions, Bell Peppers, Spinach & Cheddar Cheese
- Add Rosemary Ham$16.00
Steak & Eggs$21.00
6 oz. Hand Cut Filet, 2 Eggs of Your Choice, Potatoes & Hollandaise
Mussels Provencal$14.00
Mussels, White Wine, Provencale Sauce, Onions, Garlic, Basil, Tomatoes & Baguette
Organic Irish Salmon$25.00
Served over Sautéed Broccolini, Mushrooms, Onion, White & Red Pepper Flakes
Truffle Gnocchi$23.00
Homemade Potato Gnocchi with Caramelized Shallot Cream, Parmesan, Spinach, Grilled Tricolor Carrots & Broccolini
Chicken Paillard$22.00
Pounded Chicken Breast, Arugula Salad, Almonds, Parmesan & White Truffle Oil
Fresh Diver Scallops$29.00
Wild Mushroom Risotto, Green Peas, White Wine, Parsley & Truffle Oil
Chophouse Burger$15.00
Cheddar, Pickled Red Onion, Lemon Aioli, Brioche Bun with Parmesan & Truffle Fries
Shrimp & Grits$19.00
Sauteed Shrimp, Masa Grits & House Hot Sauce

Omelettes

Shrimp Omelette$16.00
Shrimp, Asparagus, Tomatoes, Spinach, Hollandaise Sauce & Potatoes
Chorizo Omelette$15.00
Chorizo with Parmesan & Potatoes
Vegetarian Omelette$15.00
Egg Whites with Vegetable Ragu & Tomato Sauce with Potatoes

Sides

Breakfast Sausage$4.00
2 Pork Links
Smoked Bacon$4.00
Breakfast Potatoes$4.00
Truffle Fries$9.00

What 1,128 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.1

4.1 based on all time ratings

4Food
3.9Service
4.5Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

1,128 Reviews

MH
MichealHawk
Detroit
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 10, 2018
overall5food4service4ambience5
When you walk inside this joint you are immediately transported back to the 1940's/1950's. You feel like you are in the heart of the golden era in Detroit, you can picture the all the classic cars parked on the street around the surrounding blocks. The atmosphere keeps the feel alive and the live music drives it home. Absolute must visit for anyone who enjoys jazz or live music.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 10, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect anniversary dinner and music with my husband! Food, staff and music were amazing! Will definitely return!
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B
Borisgoodenough
Detroit
38 reviews
4.0
38 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience5
I've reviewed Cliff Bell's before, but wanted to update because the food has improved significantly since our last visit. But start with this: no one goes to Cliff Bell's specifically for dinner. You go for the amazing (and completely authentic) art-deco ambience and the equally-wonderful jazz on the stage. The bistro-style food, while not incidental, has always been the least of the reasons to walk in the door. And I'm guessing that's why, over the years, the owners have let the food been hit or miss. Sometimes it's on target, as when former chef Matt Baldridge ran the kitchen. Other times -- well, we came for the music, anyway. This time, we ordered mussels, grilled swordfish, and braised short ribs. And everything worked. Especially the ribs, slathered with a savory mustard sauce that contradicted everything Provencal I normally prefer in braised ribs, but were fall-apart tender and wonderfully flavorful. The swordfish, a dish that's far too easy to dry out, was spot-on moist. And the mussels were decent, although I prefer real bread alongside, as opposed to the few stingy slices of toasted baguette they supplied to sop up the broth. A couple of quibbles about prices, because they're up significantly. Few entrees are under $30, and $43 for lamb chops is highway robbery. This isn't a chop house, and shouldn't have prices like one. Like so many music venues, wine bottles are also overpriced, which may be OK if you're just having beverages during the music, but less-good for dinner. Cliff Bell's continues as a first-order "place to go" in downtown Detroit -- especially if you're a jazz fan. But note that you can only reserve a table if you're having dinner; otherwise, it's first-come, first-seated, which means you may find yourself standing at the bar on a busy weekend night.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2018
overall4food4service5ambience5
First off. The ambiance is second to none. Unfortunately they have changed the menu from-the last time we were there. Bring back the Chicken & waffles with the jalapeño syrup & let people enjoy both your mimosas & Bloody Marys. Simple. Did Sunday brunch. Food was very good just miss the little things.
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CO
CourtneyO
Detroit
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always love coming to Cliff Bells! Great service, great food, great music, great everything!
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LF
LaurieF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 7, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went to hear Ari Teitel. He was fantastic!! Enjoyed the whole evening
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BL
BobL
Detroit
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 6, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was incredible. Live music sets the atmosphere. This is a mainstay
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m
martym
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 5, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Music, service, cocktails and atmosphere was terrific!
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DP
DeniseP
Detroit
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2018
overall4food4service3ambience4
Food and ambience was good. Our waiter was also good, but the restaurant appeared to be a little understaffed not allowing our waiter to pay more attention to his tables.
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S
Sarah
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2018
overall2food2service1ambience5
I would absolutely go back for the music. Bravo to the musicians! The ambiance was beautiful. The food was mediocre at best.. There was absolutely no seasoning on the vegetables and the broccoli was really undercooked. It took 25 minutes to get a glass of water and another 10 to get a cocktail. It looked like the waitresses didn’t have sections which made it very difficult to wave her to our table when needed. I feel bad for leaving this kind of review for such a historical establishment, especially being someone who truly appreciates jazz music.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 29, 2018
overall3food3service4ambience5
Did not care for the fact that our 6:30pm dinner was over at 9:45pm and my husband and I was just enjoying the band. And all of sudden the hostess states that we had to pay $10 covercharge if we wish to hear the rest of the band. We left because we all ready spended $125 for dinner and now you trying charge us more.. that's tacky. Next time let your reservation customers know you in advance.
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L
Laneam
Detroit
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on June 28, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience4
Cliff bell's was an awesome experience. Be prepared for a relaxed pace that is set up specifically so you can enjoy each course along with the live music.
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S
Shar
New York Area
40 reviews
4.0
40 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2018
overall4food3service3ambience4
Originally our table was up front by the stage. We asked to be moved further back cause the band was extremely loud. Our calamari app was very good, different, with shrimp, zucchini and carrots. We’d order again. The mushroom rage was just OK. Our filet was tasty but we asked for medium rare and had to send back since was too overdone. Our beet and kale salad was mostly kale hardly any beets. Wouldn’t order that again. The service was very good even dealing with the steak etc. We enjoyed the entertainment and would return. It was great seeing a nice mix of people young and old listening to the jazz!
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JL
JamesL
Detroit
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2018
overall3food3service3ambience3
A little overpriced for the portion and quality. They didn’t serve bread before dinner was served.
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LW
LeonW
Detroit
47 reviews
vip
4.0
47 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2018
overall4food3service4ambience4
Cliff Bell's was nice. I had the Scallops with risotto. The risotto was excellent. The scallops were just OK. My guest ordered the truffle fries. These were also outstanding. I thought the music was a little to loud. It is a jazz club and the trio playing was good but not anything special. I would go again just for the risotto and the truffle fries. They also served Detroit's Faygo soft drinks!!! I haven't had those since I was a kid. Nice club in Detroit!!
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DP
DavidP
Dallas
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Was amazing food and amazing music 10/10 would go again.
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SF
SavangaF
Detroit
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2018
overall4food5service2ambience5
Great food Great music. Love the place. Our waitress seemed a bit rushed and impatient. She even asked if she could cash us out because it was the end of her shift and she wanted to leave. Awkward situation but we made the best of it
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P
Ppenney2
Detroit
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2018
overall4food4service2ambience4
We go to Cliff Bells often - so took some out of town guests Friday night! The first round of music was really poor and extreme loud. The second session was awesome and one of the best we have heard. The service - worst we have ever had. Food got you through Friday evening. Might rethink coming down!
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LT
LindaT
Detroit
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2018
overall5food5service3ambience5
Ambiance is always great! Jazz Music is wonderful. Nothing like eating a spectacular meal in an old Detroit Speakeasy. Took our kids ages 14-22 and they loved it, 18 year old's choice for her Birthday Brunch. We have been in the late evening on a date also and loved it.
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DB
DevinB
Detroit
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 8, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Have been to Cliff Bells for brunch and dinner and it has been amazing every time! Great place for a date and listen to live jazz!!
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M
Masterg
Detroit
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love “Cliff Bell’s”!!!!!!
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EH
ElizabethH
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 2, 2018
overall4food5service4ambience5
Great night. Love the ambience. The refurbishing of old wood is beautiful. We sat by the musicians. Seemed like a great table intil we realuzed we were in the superhighway to the restrooms.
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BC
BobC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 2, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Three of us were celebrating a birthday with tasty food, swinging music and a comfortable ambience. Other guests enjoying themselves around us enhanced the pleasurable experience. Our server took splendid care if us and even provided a brief history of the place.
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E
Eoriginal
Detroit
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2018
overall3food2service4ambience3
Incredible interior design! Live music was good! Pickle martini not as great as I remembered! Lobster risotto NOT worth money! WAY too much pepper! Couldn’t find lobster! Mascarpone cake was incredible! Need better wine list!
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MP
MichelleP
Raleigh
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2018
overall4food4service4ambience5
Awesome place for jazz! The food is good and ambiance is great. Depending on where you sit, you may not be able to see the performers. Probably close to half of the seating has an obstructed view of the stage so beware if that is important to you.
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LH
LaurenH
Detroit
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience5
Perfect Sunday brunch spot, live music and great food. I wasn’t impressed with the $10 Bloody Mary tased very watered down.
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MM
MikeM
Detroit
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great night at Cliff Bell's! The food was excellent. The Diver Scallops were incredible, and prepared just right and the Old Fashioned and Sezarac I had were mixed perfectly. I can't remember what my date had, but she loved it. The Steve Wood Quartet was amazing and a perfect accompaniment to the historic feeling at Cliff Bell's.
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J
Jenny
Chicago
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
We brought my parents to Cliff Bell's for a belated Mother's Day and it was wonderful! The music was outstanding, the service was attentive and friendly, the food and drinks were excellent! The hostess sat us promptly and even gave us a choice between further back from the music or up close which I really appreciated. The only downside is having to pay cover when you are planning on eating dinner. We spent a couple hundred on dinner and drinks for four, so the extra $10 per person felt like a money grab. BUT if that cover goes to the entertainment then well-deserved because they were excellent. Overall I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend to those looking for a special night out.
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CB
CraigB
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2018
overall4food4service3ambience5
Good Jazz Bar & Jazz groups playing. Pretty loud & very energetic. We would Go Again!
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MA
MobileAdam313
Detroit
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2018
overall4food4service3ambience5
Very expensive, but worth the experience of the beautiful Art Deco room and great live jazz that is hard to find these days!
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b
berniem
Atlanta Metro
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2018
overall4food3service4ambience4
The atmosphere was great. The history of the place is outstanding. I expected more of the food quality for the price.
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s
simplefoodie
Kansas City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mother’s Day. Great food
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KO
KateO
Detroit
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience4
I brought my Mom here for her first time and she loved the ambiance and live piano during brunch. We were put off at how long service took - I had to go the hostess stand to ask for a server after no one came to take our drink order. The food also took longer than normal and the restaurant was at half-capacity, max. We will be back for brunch or happy hour because this place is a gem in the city and was worth the waiting.
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C
Citygal
Naples
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous dinning. My son took me to Brunch for Mother Days and it was perfect
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KL
KLH3
Detroit
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2018
overall4food3service3ambience4
The apps and dessert were very good but the main courses were disappointing. The waitress didn't seem to happy to be there so she made the experience less appealing.
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J
John
Detroit
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2018
overall5food4service4ambience5
Friendly service, Good Food & Spirits, Excellent Live Jazz - all perfect for pre-theatre dinner and entertainment.
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DB
DBlair2230
Detroit
43 reviews
vip
4.0
43 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2018
overall4food5service3ambience3
I don't know if the front door staff are new or what, but we had a reservation but it still took about ten minutes for them to figure out where to seat us, and when they did they put us on the stage in a table with not enough room to even sit at, ridiculous. I had to ask the waitress to move us to another table in the bar area, which was much more comfortable and then we got excellent service too. Also, there were kids trying to sell candy bars and playing with the grand piano while we were there, which I thought was bizarre for a fancy restaurant, this place is not cheap! Look at the menu prices, then decide if the diner should expect a fine dining experience or a coney island experience. Mine was closer to one and not the other.
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J
Jeff
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 12, 2018
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great food, service was right on point and was a very enjoyable evening.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2018
overall5food4service5ambience5
Entertaining a guest from Moscow, Russia
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2018
overall5food5service4ambience4
Awesome food
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FAQs

Cliff Bell's is rated 4.1 stars by 1128 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Additional information

Cross street
between Adams & Elizabeth
Neighborhood
Windsor
Hours of operation
Dinner: Sunday: 11:00am - 10pm Monday: Closed (Open for various events - check monthly calendar) Tuesday-Thursday: 5:00pm - midnight Friday: 5:00pm - 12:30am Saturday: 5:00pm - 12:30am Kitchen Hours: Sunday closes at 9:00pm Tuesday-Thursday closes at 11:00pm Fri & Sat closes at midnight
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Parking options include nearby street parking (city meters enforced until 10 p.m. and is free on Sundays) as well as nearby surface lots and parking garages. Cliff Bell's does not own a private parking lot.
Public transit
For quick access from other areas of downtown Detroit, the Detroit People Mover is available. Please use the Grand Circus Park station stop to visit Cliff Bell's.From the QLine, we are steps away from the Elizabeth stop.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Entertainment
Cliff Bell's hosts nightly entertainment featuring a variety of performances including local and national musicians. Weeknight performances at Cliff Bell's are typically free of charge. For weekend performances and special events, there is usually a cover charge collected at the door.
Additional
Bar Dining, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.cliffbells.com/
Phone number
(313) 961-2543
Private party facilities
From weddings to company parties and networking events, Cliff Bell's is Detroit's premier destination for private events.With the ability to seat up to 150 guests (including 30 at the bar), Cliff Bell's can accommodate private events – large and small. And with a nationally recognized kitchen and award-winning cocktails, we offer numerous meal and bar packages.
Private party contact
Carolyn Pullen: (313) 961-2543

Featured in

48 Detroit Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Cliff Bell's

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

48 Detroit Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Salads

Caesar Salad$8.00

Cliff Salad$11.00

Kale and Beet Salad$10.00

House Cured Beef Carpaccio$15.00

Entrees

Chicken and Waffle$17.00

Smoked Salmon Bagel$15.00

Vanilla French Toast$15.00

Eggs Benedict$16.00

Cliff's Classic$13.00

Steak & Eggs$21.00

Mussels Provencal$14.00

Organic Irish Salmon$25.00

Truffle Gnocchi$23.00

Chicken Paillard$22.00

Fresh Diver Scallops$29.00

Chophouse Burger$15.00

Shrimp & Grits$19.00

Omelettes

Shrimp Omelette$16.00

Chorizo Omelette$15.00

Vegetarian Omelette$15.00

Sides

Breakfast Sausage$4.00

Smoked Bacon$4.00

Breakfast Potatoes$4.00

Truffle Fries$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Cliff Bell's restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Featured in

48 Detroit Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day