Cliff Bell's image

Cliff Bell's

Restaurant Bar Fine dining restaurant Jazz club

One of the Top rated Fine dining restaurants in Detroit


Address

2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

Website

www.cliffbells.com

Contact

(313) 961-2543

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 5 to 11 PM
  • Friday: 5 PM to 12 AM
  • Saturday: 5 PM to 12 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 4 to 9 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 5 to 11 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (44) music (27) jazz (19) time (17) good (17) Detroit (15) night (12) experience (12) Cliff (12) drinks (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Darnella H. 2 years ago on Google
    I had the most awesome birthday here last night! The food was great but the best part was the live entertainment. We also had a great hostess. I believe her name was Gloria who works at the front hostess desk as you enter. Servers were pretty prompt and courteous. Everyone had great attitudes, were full of laughter and the ambiance was superb. They have seating at the bar and tables to sit between 2 and about 6 people. There was no specific dress code as I seen people with t-shirts and jeans to business casual and dressy. It was definitely a fancy night for me! I highly recommend this place. Make sure you know what time the entertainment starts before you reserve your seats. There is a $10 cover charge automatically added to your bill for entertainment which is worth the experience.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Briana S. 2 years ago on Google
    Food was better than expected and the music was the cherry on top! Nice mix of old school and new School Jazz 10/10 recommend.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike S. 2 years ago on Google
    I have been wanting to visit Cliff bells for years. I was finally able to take my family there for a birthday dinner and a show. The service was excellent, the food was outstanding and so was the jazz. I highly recommend this place when you are in downtown detroit. Definitely get reservations in advance. At 7:30 on a Sunday night this place was packed. Menu items are a little pricey so your tab can add up quickly. But everything was worth the price paid. The folks here couldn't have been any nicer and the music was among the best I've heard in the D.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David M. 2 years ago on Google
    Another amazing evening here. Read the stories and look at the history of this place and the man responsible. The bar staff mix like it’s art and serve with a smile and great story. The music and artists are like no other. To sit, relax, enjoy a drink and watch their artistry live right in front of you is simply the best. If in Detroit, find time to visit Cliff Bell’s.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Felicia 11 months ago on Google
    I had a wonderful time here. The food was excellent, I had fried shrimp & the dipping sauce was amazing! The live jazz was very good! Our waitress was very attentive to us! It was a bit pricey, but the experience was well worth it.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mr. B. 2 years ago on Google
    Old speak easy made into a new age bar with old world feel. Try the Majin buu or Belle's Blossom. Food is spectacular.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert W. 2 years ago on Google
    I brought my parents and girlfriend here for dinner and to watch Gayelynn McKinney and McKinney Zone. It was a magical night! They greatly enjoyed both the entertainment and the food. Additionally, the venue has a really nice Art Deco wood interior. The owner volunteered himself to take a picture for our family. My girlfriend who's a professional violinist said that while Gayelynn McKinney was superb, they should not have charged a cover charge for each person since she felt other musicians were not as professional. I could not hear the difference. Total evening for 4 people was about $191 + tips. What to get: 1. Angus burger with Fries - great! 2. Kale Salad - great! 3. Chicken Pot Pie - great! 4. Loch Durat Salmon - great! 5. Roast Chicken, baby carrot & Mashed Potatoes - skip
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 HiGHAnMlGhTY 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing. Great food, great drinks, great service and a wonderful show. Stumbled upon this place by accident and we absolutely loved it. It was so amazing. Felt like I was in the 1930s downtown Detroit. If you ever get a chance check out cliffs bell. Get yourself a reservation for a table upfront, grab a bottle of wine and get yourself something delicious from their menu.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luis S. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a cool experience to see live music again after the pandemic. Simply amazing. Cool place, easy to get to, great staff and reasonably priced. Highly recommended
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicholas L. 3 years ago on Google
    Incredible experience. Very cool people working there, fun vibes. A dimly lit Jazz bar, what more could you as for? :) Only thing was that they brought the check and cleared the table a little early. That's a compliment tho, in a way.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashley M. 3 years ago on Google
    LOVE Cliff Bells! Always have to swing in there any evening I’m in Detroit! They made me this great drink with some sort of blueberry and rosemary that I requested to be non alcoholic and it was GREAT, and our server was very friendly. Also, great jazz music of course! Foods great, a little pricey but - worth it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hard Money G. 3 years ago on Google
    Iconic, Jazz Club, Cliff Bell's is a Gem when it comes to "Pure"Jazz in Detroit. It's Classic, Comfortable and Elegant atmosphere place you in the Mood for Jazz. And, Classic Jazz... is what you Get! Don't Sleep on CLIFF BELL'S! It playing the Jazz that makes Detroit, JAZZY! Reserve a Seat! Hard Money Guye
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pim K. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely must-visit place. Historical jazz bar that was recently renovated to its former glory. The food is delicious. They have an extensive menu with a few vegetables selections. The music is always great. Every single details of the decoration is absolutely gorgeous and historically accurate. The service was so slow the night we last visited but very understandable because of the labor shortage. We enjoyed everything here!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jessica “Jade” M. 8 months ago on Google
    The ambiance and music were great. Our waitress was very friendly. The lobster mushrooms were really good. The lamb chops were small, and the taste was average. The strawberry cheesecake was a standard tasting cheesecake. There is a cover charge.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kisha F. 4 years ago on Google
    This was my first experience here, l went for Sunday brunch and I absolutely loved it the environment, staff,and food wonderful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 regular ol D. 3 years ago on Google
    I called for a reservation for me and my wife and they seat us at the bar. But I wasn't even tripping bout that, just lil weird. Ok so we at the bar and sat there for 20 mins and not a waiter, waitress, or bartender said ONE WORD to us. The bartender kept telling us to wait a minute and I counted, the waitress walk by 34 times and aint say NOTHING. Seriously I felt invisible. Not sure if it was because I'm black and my wife is Indian, I really hope it wasn't. Well we left and trust will never be back. Hope everyone else has better luck there then we did.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miles T. F. 10 months ago on Google
    Very cool vibe… Jazz Club in Downtown Detroit. Okay, you’re gonna spend some money here but it’s well worth it!! Dinner was very tasty. My wife and I had the shrimp appetizers and then had a couple of drinks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael N. 4 years ago on Google
    dining atmosphere second to none in the city of Detroit! The entertainment was classy and skilled which makes for a great time while enjoying a top notch dinner, the steak was magical I highly recommend

  • 4/5 TheBatman1933 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome place great crowd and and very good music great place to visit

  • 4/5 Ray M. 2 years ago on Google
    Music is great and so is the food. My steak was probably the best I've ever had. Portions and menu selections is surprisingly small.

  • 4/5 Ki H. 2 years ago on Google
    It's absolutely gorgeous and the staff is very attentive. The menu is pricey and your drinks are automatically upsold. The entertainment stage has a great view from entire floor. Brought back great memories from my aunt being a chef when this was LaCav French Creole or JB's on the Park!

  • 5/5 Kari L. 2 years ago on Google
    The music was amazing and so were the food and drinks! Our waitress was very attentive. We had shrimp and grits, and the salmon. Portions are small but delicious. We had a great time!

  • 5/5 Joshua F. 4 years ago on Google
    Always a great spot!

  • 1/5 Willie L. 4 years ago on Google
    Too high

  • 4/5 Nate Slappey I. 2 years ago on Google
    Great environment, good food and great music. I really didn’t know what to expect coming here for the first time but it definitely exceeded my expectations. I would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a night out with live music but in a more chill and not club like environment.

  • 5/5 Kelly A. 4 years ago on Google
    it was so cozy, and very friendly. layed back. great cocktails.

  • 5/5 Tim S. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely phenomenal experience. Food was excellent, drinks were excellent, and the music was superb. Next time I'm visiting Detroit I'll be sure to pop in

  • 5/5 Quinton Reynolds (D-BOY O. 2 years ago on Google
    I most definitely have enjoyed the experience and food. 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole P. 2 years ago on Google
    The ambience is like no other...the food and drinks are reasonably priced and delicious, the service is first class, and the entertainment is A1! I've seen various jazz groups perform and they ALL deliver a spectacular performance! As a Detroit native I suggest that everyone experience the legendary Cliff Bells for an unforgettable night of enjoyment and fun!

  • 5/5 Constance L. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice service, amazing music. We got a great table front and center and enjoyed a couple of appetizers and an entree. The oysters were a little small so not sure we would get those again and I was a little disappointed that a $50 fish had 6 pin bones in it, but the risotto was really good. The lobster Mac takes work, but our server made sure to tell us that so we were prepared. Looking forward to bringing people back with us in the future.

  • 5/5 Paige C. 1 year ago on Google
    Stopped here for a drink before a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert. Such an awesome atmosphere! This place really is a must-see if you’re spending any time in Detroit. You’ll really feel like you’re being transported back to 1945–but sexier!

  • 4/5 Theo H. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was a little pricy for the taste (it was just ok/good). The drinks were awesome, the venue was amazing and authentic. The live band that played that night was absolutely splendid and I wish I remembered their name. Our waitress was delightful, helpful and extremely patient. Overall a great spot and somewhere I recommend for a breath of fresh air. The best part, everyone that dined there, seemed to be in sync with one another!

  • 5/5 Thaer A. 1 year ago on Google
    There are not a lot of Jazz spots left, and I'm glad I was able to visit the only Jazz spot left in the downtown area of Detroit! Great food and music!!

  • 5/5 Kelly C. 1 year ago on Google
    Like being transported back in time... such a fun environment. Good jazz, good drinks. Inhave yet to try tolhe food, but it looked and smelled delicious.

  • 5/5 Reem M. 1 year ago on Google
    WOW WOW WOW!! Immaculate vibes and amazing food. Went their for a birthday celebration and it was a great place to spend this special events. Their food was great too we loved it. The music made the whole experience worth it.

  • 5/5 Michael T. 1 year ago on Google
    Ben Sharkey was live and AWESOME! We went with some 1st timers. Service (Jen) was great! She was so personable and knowledgeable about the menu. We ate and and ate! Good food! The cover charge was worth every penny. Parking is a challenge. Just park and walk! Cliff Bells opened in 1935 … closed in the late 80s then reopened in early 2000. Live music every night! Go! Go! Live music in downtown Detroit!

  • 5/5 Kayshe's K. 1 year ago on Google
    This is such a beautiful little place. Service was great, food was phenomenal, drinks are pricey but that's expected. My filet was prepared perfectly. They were able to accommodate our party of 7 comfortably. The acoustics for the performance were done so well, we saw a saxophone quintet and they can often be abrasive in a small space, so kudos to the sound team. The bathrooms were clean, although the ladies room was up a flight of stairs, they do have one on the main floor as well. There was a parking lot kiddy corner charging just $10 which was more than reasonable on a Friday night. I thought it was a cute touch that they give out post cards with the bill.

  • 5/5 Michelle A. 5 months ago on Google
    We showed up for dinner and the live show. They were able to accommodate us despite not having a reservation. The food was delicious. I really appreciated that they had a list of mocktails. It does get a bit pricey but it’s worth the splurge.

  • 1/5 Haris K. 4 months ago on Google
    Friends made reservations 2 weeks in advance, we were extremely excited to go. We walked in and let them know that we had made reservations to view the jazz show. She let us know they had overbooked and they accepted more reservations than they had available. How does this happen? She told us we could sit at the bar where there was a view of the show. This view had a big pillar blocking the middle of the stage. The show was good but we noticed very soon that the door right behind us kept opening with people walking in and we would feel the cold draft every time. So not only did we not get a table where we could view the show unobstructed but we were at the bar with a cold breeze behind us. Was really expecting better. Food was decent. But the experience kind of soured our tastes Probably would have wrote a slightly better review if the hostess was at all apologetic. But she was very matter of fact with the situation so I’m being very matter of fact with this review.

  • 5/5 Amanda K. 5 months ago on Google
    What a spot! Stepped out of the comedy house and into this gem. The vibe is sexy and the feel is genuine. Can’t speak on the food but I can’t wait to come for dinner and a drink.

  • 5/5 Tim L. 7 months ago on Google
    Reserved a table at Cliff Bell's when my wife and I were on our honeymoon. Very authentic early 20th C vibe in this beautiful bar. Our server was very professional and knowledgeable, and our cocktails were perfect (I think Detroit is experiencing a cocktail-culture renaissance). Susan Tobocman was the performer during our visit, and she and her band sounded amazing. Very memorable night out. Next time we come we will order a full meal!

  • 5/5 Miss F. 4 years ago on Google
    They did a FANTASTIC job hosting my boyfriend’s birthday. The band was decent. The food..AMAZING! I had salmon and he had prime rib. They even gave him a cake with a candle since I didn’t get to pick mine up. I’m behind impressed at how great our waitress was. I don’t remember her name unfortunately but I’ll be back again!

  • 5/5 Dawn M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place, talented people, great food!

  • 5/5 leon j. 3 years ago on Google
    Love it

  • 4/5 Keeth H. 3 years ago on Google
    Friendly environment, Straight Ahead jazz group was playing and they were great. Ladies restroom was clean, social distancing was in place, nice ambiance, low lighting with candles on the table, great wait staff. Only drawback was the kitchen was closed, and it's was just a few minutes after 11pm.

  • 5/5 Sean O. 3 years ago on Google
    A M A Z I N G .

  • 5/5 Ms. P. 3 years ago on Google
    Fantastic!!!!!

  • 3/5 Fast E. 3 years ago on Google
    Eh..... food wasn't great and prices were way too high. You'd think the prices were more to make up for the entertainment, but cover for entertainment is $15 more during shows. Entertainment was good, but WAY too loud where we couldn't even yell at each other during dinner. Not so sure we'll be going back...

  • 5/5 Tom W. 3 years ago on Google
    Cool old school jazz lounge

  • 2/5 Gator Film P. 3 years ago on Google
    Pro's : The place was very nice looking and romantic for couples, music was good, The waiters was very nice, I was able to find a free parking spot which was great! Con's: It was last Sunday me my wife my brother n law his wife and his friend and wife all went to Cliff Bells this was everyones first time there, I ordered the steak that was the 2nd meal on the special, after waiting about 40min the waiter came to me and said they ran out of the steak that I ordered and suggested that I get the third kind of steak they had on the special with the same sides as the first meal so I agreed because the waiter convinced me that it was very good and I would be happy. Once they brought the food I look at the steak and veggies and potatoes the meal look like a kiddy meal and the steak was not tender at all I could not cut it. The manager said that medium well done steak will tast like that. They gave me half off on my meal but I was very disappointed!! I then bought desert that they said was home made sweet potato pie we waited a long time for that and it was very cold and tasted like a store bought. I sorry but my first experience was terrible!!! I don't think I would go back.

  • 5/5 Calvin M. 3 years ago on Google
    Elegant! Great atmosphere! Live jazz music, can't go wrong there!!

  • 5/5 Robert O. 4 years ago on Google
    I've always wanted to go to this jazz club and I'm so glad we finally did! I always imagined a larger interior, but it's actually quite reasonably sized and I think that's a good thing. The Aral Sea Divers were playing and they were very cool. Service was nice but a tad slow, but then again our group wasn't ordering that much. I can't recommend Cliff Bells enough for some jazz appreciation or a super cool spot for a date night! The wife and I plan to go back soon to try their yummy looking food.

  • 5/5 LOParadise 4 years ago on Google
    Fascinating jazz bar with a long history in Detroit. The owner came over and gave us the background on the bar, the different owners, and the long effort to restore it to its former glory. Beautiful inside, with the atmosphere of the long-ago elegant supper clubs. Their food is wonderful and the jazz bands are fun to listen to.

  • 3/5 stand1975 3 years ago on Google
    The atmosphere is the only reason to visit, live jazz and soft lighting make for a good place for friends to hang. Food is pricey for small portions and drinks are better at sports bars.

  • 5/5 David R. 4 years ago on Google
    First time guest at Cliff Bell’s and we were beyond satisfied with the entire experience. The Jeff Cuny Trio was outstanding, food & cocktails were delicious and service prompt and friendly. We will be back often.

  • 5/5 Tonia C. 4 years ago on Google
    We went out for a Detroit Prohibition Tour, which started out at Cliff Bell’s. I’d never been there, so it made sense to all meet for dinner before our tour began. Loved the music, the “feel” of the place, and the food. Mac n cheese was very good, but the duck wings were my favorite! Will definitely be back!

  • 3/5 Sandra M. 3 years ago on Google
    Very expensive food for small portions. $68 per person for a four-course meal. If you decide to choose a la carte the portion sizes are kids portions, only go for the entertainment. Entertainment is good. Sorry Cliff bills couldn't give you a higher score

  • 5/5 SFN P. 3 years ago on Google
    This place has a nice romantic tone and the live band was awesome. Our food was delicious!!

  • 5/5 Scott B. 4 years ago on Google
    Really nice happy hour that runs from 5-7pm weekdays. 1/2 drafts and Wells, discounted bar menu. Staff was great! Place is beautiful with rich history. Looking forward to visiting again for happy hour and jazz entertainment.

  • 5/5 Nicki M. 3 years ago on Google
    Had a great time sitting at the bar. The bartenders were a joy to talk to and the drinks were refreshing and delicious. The music just added to the fun!

  • 5/5 Gi K. 4 years ago on Google
    Great ambiance, good food, awesome wait staff (Jamal, Al, and cutie pie

  • 5/5 Erin R. 4 years ago on Google
    Always a great time. Amazing food, bar, atmosphere and music.

  • 5/5 Rebecca S. 4 years ago on Google
    Timeless place. Great music.

  • 5/5 Byzantine K. 3 years ago on Google
    Superb

  • 5/5 Ase W. 3 years ago on Google
    Great music and atmosphere, and nice drinks at a decent price! High recommendations.

  • 4/5 Fatoumata C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great music & ambience

  • 4/5 Colby K. 3 years ago on Google
    visited on a wednesday i think. the service was very friendly and attentive. it has a cool interior.

  • 5/5 Michael B. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place for dinner! Excellent food, service and atmosphere.

  • 4/5 ktj349 4 years ago on Google
    The atmosphere was to die for😉

  • 5/5 Nicole F. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite jazz clubs.

  • 4/5 Terry Banks I. 3 years ago on Google
    My 1st time there will definitely not be the last great food GREAT!!!!! and friendly staff.

  • 5/5 Gregory B. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice lay back place 3 on the food five on the atmosphere and four on the drink size.

  • 2/5 Dwayne M. 3 years ago on Google
    Overrated. Food portions very small for the price.

  • 5/5 Gavin C H. 3 years ago on Google
    Cocktails are great and the music is always good.

  • 5/5 Hai S. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice little cozy place to mingle during covid.

  • 5/5 Allan L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent jazz come. (Original) Excellent jazz venue.

  • 5/5 French cafe - outdoor weddings L. 3 years ago on Google
    great place, music


Call (313) 961-2543 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Happy hour food
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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