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
"We went to this place for brunch on a Sunday and were not disappointed. The service was excellent, the food delicious, and the bottomless drinks truly bottomless. The decor in this place is stunning. Not to be missed if you are in Detroit."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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"Great place great food One of those hidden places that once you find you will never ever leave.. Food and drinks were awesome, butttt youuu haddddd to shoooooot to have a conversation after msu if starts I wih they get that settles and lower it Overall a great place to go"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, late-night find, hot spot, special occasion
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"This place has character, its retro feel, the look, the music all contribute to the dinning experience. Throw in food that is prepared very well, with thought placed behind the menu and you have Cliff Bell's. I highly recommend this place and will be back again!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"I enjoyed for dinner and a very kind environment. Unfortunately I couldn't appreciate a lot music because many people loudly talked during exhibition and some of there were standing up in front of stage. I use to go at jazz club, usually there is more attention for musicians and customers want appreciate live music.
best regards, corrado orlando"
Dined on 5/10/2013
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"Liked the decor of the place especially the table tops at the bar. The place was busy but not overly crowded. We sat at our table for 30 minutes without any service other than water. Our waiter ran around our table the entire time and never said a word. After we complained he showed up and was hardly apologetic saying there was a miscommunication. He did later offer and bought us a free drink. During our wait I also approached the bar for drinks and got very similar service waiting a very long time for the seemingly busy bar staff to acknowledge me and take my order. The food that we finally got was good. There are, however, many good food restaurants in Detroit with MUCH better service. We won't be going back to Cliff Bells any time soon."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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"I LOVE the atmosphere at Cliff Bell's, from the art deco decor to the live jazz band, I loved everything about this place! Not to mention the food was amazing! Since we went during Detroit Restaurant Week and on a game night, the place was packed and service was a little slow but that didn't deter from the experience. We'll be going back soon!"
Dined on 04/28/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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"Cliff Bell's quickly became a must go when it reopened several years ago with a huge nod to it's glorious and colorful past. Love this place and send out of towners there all the time."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"What an amazing experience me and my now fiance has had at Cliff Bell's. The atomosphere was great and the seating couldn't have been more perfect. I booked my reservation months in advance for a romantic dinner for my then boyfriend's birthday who is a very talented drummer, so I knew Cliff Bell's was a good fit for him. Upon arrival, we got seated right on stage and right next to the band where we could hear every note and see everything! Throughout the night the wait staff was very attentive and cheery (maybe because my boyfriend told them he was going to propose to me). In tasting the food, the duck and chocolate cheesecake absolutely amazing! A wonderful experience all the way around."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"Usually a great place to go, but was disappointed last Saturday during restaurant week. Service was painfully slow and waiter unattentive. One of the main reasons we went was to the the dark chocolate cheesecake for dessert. We ordered it up front along with our other food. About 2 hours later when we were finally going to be able to get dessert - we had finished our main course at least 45 min. earlier - our waiter finally came back to our table to tell us they had run out of the cheesecake and now have sweet potato pie instead which neither of us like. I did end up getting the bread pudding which was good, but really wanted chocolate. My husband doesn't like either of the other dessert choices, so he didn't get any, but was still charged."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Really enjoy Cliff Bell's. The food was excellent, my waiter was excellent, the wine was excellent, overall I give this a 5 star. Can't wait to go again."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"The ambience was great but I had been warned the portions were small and not to there very hungry and that was true. The waiter was slow and not very friendly. However I would return there."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
Special Features: late-night find, hot spot
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"We came for Detroit restaurant week and had a great time! The service was a little Slow in the beginning and the my boyfriends short rib was cold but everything was delicious and the jazz band was amazing!"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, romantic
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"Reservations at 9:45pm. $10 cover charge. Didn't get seated until 10:35pm. We was served soup and had no utensils for about 5mins until we were able to track someone who wasn't our server down. Short rib was slightly tough. Dessert and jazz band was excellent. Personally I wouldn't go for food. I would go just for band, drinks, and dessert."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2011
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"Food was good but not great. Service a little too slow and uninterested. Also very noisy and that was bf the music started. Worth trying once but there wasn't anything special enough to make me want to go back again"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Cons: Cover charge. As soon as we walked in the door, there was some guy trying to hussle us for a $10 cover charge per person. I don't expect to go to a nice restaurant and pay a cover charge as though I'm at a sleezy bar. The entertainment wasn't even going to start until after we would have left. We refused to pay it.
Horrible service. We were served two courses without silverware, and it took a long time to find someone to bring it to us. The table next to us had the same issue. Our waiter took our order, and we never saw him again until the check came. We had to ration our water so we didn't run out, as we knew we weren't going to get a refill. Our server was nice but incompetent."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
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"Selections on the special menu for Detroit Week were exceptional. Loved the trout dusted with Chorizo and bread crumbs. Will come back to sample the regular menu soon."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, special occasion
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"loved the decor. table was very small, no salt or pepper at the table. Some of the items ordered were missing some of the ingredients. Salad did not have the dressing on it and the dessert was missing the fresh berries."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"We were promptly greeted with a gentleman collecting a $10 cover charge. I thought that perhaps I missed that tad bit of information when I made the reservation, but did not see any mention of the cover charge.
The waiter waited at our table to take our payment, this was a little uncomfortable. Not sure if he thought we were going to leave without paying, he (Kyle) was anxious to get off work or in a hurry."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, special occasion, hot spot
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"There was a $5 per person charge at the door for "entertainment". This was not specified in the restraunt week ads. I declined as my plans did not allow me to stay for the performance. My wife and I had the very tasty Super Lump Crab Salad followed by the Tomato-braised Bison Short Rib, ending with the Vanilla-Maple Waffle Bread Pudding. The Short ribs were tender and well seasoned. Though wife's ribs were piping hot, mine were lukewarm. The replacement dish took about 7 minutes. The bread pudding dessert was a slightly stingy portion with a tablespoon sized dolop of icecream. The pudding was warm, not too sweet, and flavorfull. The atmosphere was chatty but also warm and intimate."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, romantic, special occasion
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"This was our first time at Cliff Bell's it may or may not be our last. Service was terrible as the waitress forgot to bring my husbands drink. We had to ask for the cashews and olives after being there for 40 minutes.
Food was hit and miss. My spouse loved his Trout my shortribs were shall we say short on tenderness.
The couple that sat across from us did recommend us coming back when the Jazz groups, are there to get a real feel for how great the place could be."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Cliff Bell's was just wonderful. The cocktails are perfectly mixed and quite strong. We were there for restaurant week, so it was incredibly busy. We had reservations for 8:15 through open table which somehow they lost and couldn't find our reservation. After a bit of confusion they sat us and from there out it was an amazing experience."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"My wife and I went there for Detroit Restaurant Week, and we thought the food was great. I had the duck, which was very tender and delicious. She had the trout, and it was very good and surprisingly, not dry. For dessert, I had the bread pudding with ice cream and it was amazing. She had the cheesecake, which was a little too sweet, but still good."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"The Restaurant Week menu offered some very different selections. The vegetarian leek dinner was very good. My sister and mother-in-law were not pleased with their selections-Duck and the Bison Ribs. They said they were very greasy and fatty. Overall, I'll be back but just for drinks and appetizers. The interior is amazing and they have done a great job restoring this 75 year old plus gem in Detroit."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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"I could believe such a beautiful place with such good food was right here in the D. The decor was one of a kind and the food was excellent. I will definitely be back! Service was excellent as well. Sovwasvthe entertainment. This suits a older and younger crowd."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Cliff Bell's is a great location for dining, relaxing or creating a special memory in the city of Detroit. The food is outstanding and I would recommend you try their rib of bison and roasted trout."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"This place definitely has a distinct jazz club feel. Dark and cozy, but vibrant. The service wasn't great, but the dishes that our party had were savory and well balanced. It is Detroit Restaurant Week and all the dishes we had were wonderful. My husband had the bison short ribs and I had the duck. Our friends had the duck and rainbow trout. The rainbow trout looked great and the flavor was robust with a chorizo cornbread stuffing. The bison was tender and melt in your mouth good. The duck,curry cali-mash and golden raisin was well balanced. We will definitely comeback for more. Reminder, if you go there during showtime there will be a cover charge for the jazz band. It will be automatically added to the bill."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Everything was great The Band was terrific, Food was excellent (need more variety on menu). I had a beautiful Birthday celebration, Thanks again !!!!!!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"A wonderful Jazz club with excellent food. You definitely need reservations if you are bringing guests. While walking in can be tough its worth the risk. The music is an eclectic mix than covers the entire spectrum of the genre. A true Detroit gem."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"We had a great evening of music, food and of course libations. Arrived at 6:30 and stayed til 11!!!!! We were disappointed however to see that they added $40 in cover charge even though we had spent over $375 that evening. Left a bad taste in our mouth. I suppose we were misinformed of their policy."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
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"Not a great place for dinner. The service isn't good for the price you are paying, items come out of the kitchen poorly timed. The lamb ribs and duck were under seasoned and very greasy. My water was filled once. We didn't get an opportunity to place a second drink order. The waiter was overwhelmed, we had no silverware or napkins for a while once the apps were dropped. I ended up tipping way more than the waiter deserved and tipped on the cover just to get out of there, because the thought of waiting for change was horrific. We were not even offered a dessert menu. Pretty awful.
If you're looking for a loud place for a drink this is it. I wouldn't eat here, I feel like they owe me $120"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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"I really enjoyed Cliff Bells ambiance. However the food was cold and my waiter did a poor job. I wasn't happy with the service. I receives my bill before I was done eating. And it took almost an hour for my party to receive our food. Also the music was so loud that it was hard to communicate with friends. I would recommend it because of the diversity if the crowd. And the atmosphere was great. Maybe I came on a bad night so I'll give it a try again.
Sincerely, Brandy"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, romantic, special occasion
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"Lively and fun evening.. Beet salad and oysters were delicious appetizers. Everyone enjoyed their entrees- salmon, duck, tuna, and filet. Ordered a side of roasted vegetables which was tasty too. Timed dinner well to hear the entertainment right as we were finishing and ready for after dinner drinks and dessert. Was a vibrant atmosphere,"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, hot spot
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"Went for brunch, my food came cold, sent it back. Ordered the chicken and waffles. Chicken was like nuggets, cold, overcooked and almost burnt. Waffles reminded me of something you would put in a toaster. My friend did not like what he ordered either but is not one to complain. I wish he would have. The mimosa and bloody Mary's are watered down. Service uneven, in a rush to get you to order, then disappear. I will not go back and was very disappointed. Read other reviews about the food not being that great. I didn't think brunch would be hard to mess up. Oh well, live and learn."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2013
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