Cliff Bell's

Cliff Bell's reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

1. MH

   MichealHawk

   Detroit4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on July 10, 2018

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   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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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on July 10, 2018

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Perfect anniversary dinner and music with my husband! Food, staff and music were amazing! Will definitely return!
   

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3. B

   Borisgoodenough

   Detroit40 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on July 8, 2018

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   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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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Detroit5 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on July 8, 2018

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   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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5. CO

   CourtneyO

   Detroit7 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on July 8, 2018

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We always love coming to Cliff Bells! Great service, great food, great music, great everything!
   

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6. LF

   LaurieF

   Detroit1 review

   5.0

   Dined on July 7, 2018

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Went to hear Ari Teitel. He was fantastic!! Enjoyed the whole evening
   

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7. BL

   BobL

   Detroit5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on July 6, 2018

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was incredible. Live music sets the atmosphere. This is a mainstay
   

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8. m

   martym

   Los Angeles5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on July 5, 2018

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Music, service, cocktails and atmosphere was terrific!
   

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9. DP

   DeniseP

   Detroit2 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on July 1, 2018

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   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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10. S

    Sarah

    Grand Rapids1 review

    2.0

    Dined on July 1, 2018

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5

    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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