I'm surprised I've never written a review for Bell's as I've been there several times over the years. Nate and I were in town for the weekend recently and we actually went to Bell's twice in two days. The first visit we shared a couple of flights and a snack, and then we did the brewery tour the next day. It seems that Bell's is pretty much always busy but it's a big space, and they have a nice outdoor beer garden for warmer months. We found a table right away and ordered their two options of flights. One featured sours and darker beers, and one was more of their mainstays. It was nice to be able to try some options this way, but I prefer being able to build my own flight. Not sure if that's an option here, but it was pretty busy so we just went with it. The menu has lots of tasty options! We went with the popcorn (brown butter, garlic, salt, and pepper) and a featured item, the brat. That came with fries or a salad which was nice - we went with the salad. I always love options. The beers were all tasty and I think you can find something for everyone there. The food was really good! I LOVED the popcorn. It's one of my favorite snacks and theirs is delicious. The brat was fine, it definitely needed a bit of a char on a flat top/grill. The next day we arrived for the tour right on time but the group had already started. That's okay as we caught up with them quickly. You can reserve online ahead of time but our group was only four people. (I'd still make a reservation. The tour is free.) The tour guide was knowledgeable and funny, and you get three beer samples throughout the tour. There's a store where you can get to-go beer and lots of merch - it has its own Yelp page! Bell's is a great stop for any beer lover.
Annette J.
I've been to Bell's several times in the past but hadn't yet been able to enjoy a show there. However, this past summer my husband and I caught that The Baseball Project was there and, being huge R.E.M. nerds, we obviously had to go. The venue isn't huge and we got there quite a bit before the show started so we were able to be in the front of the stage. It was a bit surreal seeing all the amps and gear that I had only previously ever seen set up in huge arenas right in front of me in this smallish club in Kalamazoo. The space is lovely and felt cozy and warm with all the exposed brick and wood details. There's a bar in the back for concert goers and the stage space is blocked off from the rest of the bar and restaurant so there wasn't a lot of outside noise from people just hanging out at the bar or grabbing a bite to eat. The show started and it was wonderful. The crowd was great, the band sounded amazing, and we just had the best time. After the show the band also stayed to sign so we were able to exchange pleasantries and get our vinyl autographed (thought I was far too intimidated to say much more than a squeaked out "thank you!"). Everyone we encountered here, from bartenders, staff, security (my husband was given an OK by the band to photograph the show), and even the band themselves were very friendly. The phrase "good vibes" gets thrown around a lot but this place truly has "good vibes." My only wish was that they kept the kitchen open after the show. Because we got their early, dinner wasn't in the cards and I would have loved to stay and enjoy a meal after.
Diane J V.
The best brew in town, and lots of choices. Eclectic environment and interesting artwork. A fun Music BACKROOM and fantastic garden with open stage for the best summer entertainment.
John Addy V
Came out here for Oberon day and had a great experience trying all of the variants, that being said after coming out here for the last 3 years, I really think they need to find a better way to keep the lines moving. I'd check with Chick Fil A for ideas on how to do that.When it's not Oberon day this place is perfect for a road trip to drink good beer and have a good burger.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paloma Garcia Sanchez
Honestly the food was dry, expected more ??. The bands playing ateee down tho??
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Guy Smiles
Food was marginal at best. Had one meal taken off bill it was so bad. The mead was terrible. Server was only bright spot. Need Larry back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Savannah Wirth
Kristina was amazing!! Wonderful service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delaney Schelb
Kristina is awesome and had the best rec for an Official substitute (1st Friday). Checked in on satisfaction with all dishes and even took off an item without extra questions?
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Craft Beer, Fries
Paige Batka
Kristina was top tier, quick and efficient service. We will be back to see her :)
KRISTINA WAS AMAZING! so kind and accommodating! We had a fantastic birthday celebration with my
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fumei Jackson
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe delivers on both exceptional beer and great vibes. With a diverse selection of brews and a welcoming atmosphere, definitely give it a visit. Looking forward to trying their food offerings next time we’re in Kalamazoo.
John Schneider
Kalamazoo Stout on tap was fantastic! Onion rings were too oily. Beef in signature sandwich was poor quality. Good flavor, but, too much fat and grizzle. Would not recommend!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Craft Beer
Jr Roe
I was driving through Kzoo heading to Chicago and decided to get off the freeway to check out this cafe. I got all the way there just to find out there are no bar stools or bar seating; only tables. I just went over to Hopcat for lunch instead and continued on with my journey.
Eric Nelson
We just drank beers. The blueberry cobbler was meh, but the pomegranate sour was very tasty. I really wanted a bourbon cocktail. Disappointed they don't have a full bar.
I'm surprised I've never written a review for Bell's as I've been there several times over the years. Nate and I were in town for the weekend recently and we actually went to Bell's twice in two days. The first visit we shared a couple of flights and a snack, and then we did the brewery tour the next day. It seems that Bell's is pretty much always busy but it's a big space, and they have a nice outdoor beer garden for warmer months. We found a table right away and ordered their two options of flights. One featured sours and darker beers, and one was more of their mainstays. It was nice to be able to try some options this way, but I prefer being able to build my own flight. Not sure if that's an option here, but it was pretty busy so we just went with it. The menu has lots of tasty options! We went with the popcorn (brown butter, garlic, salt, and pepper) and a featured item, the brat. That came with fries or a salad which was nice - we went with the salad. I always love options. The beers were all tasty and I think you can find something for everyone there. The food was really good! I LOVED the popcorn. It's one of my favorite snacks and theirs is delicious. The brat was fine, it definitely needed a bit of a char on a flat top/grill. The next day we arrived for the tour right on time but the group had already started. That's okay as we caught up with them quickly. You can reserve online ahead of time but our group was only four people. (I'd still make a reservation. The tour is free.) The tour guide was knowledgeable and funny, and you get three beer samples throughout the tour. There's a store where you can get to-go beer and lots of merch - it has its own Yelp page! Bell's is a great stop for any beer lover.
I've been to Bell's several times in the past but hadn't yet been able to enjoy a show there. However, this past summer my husband and I caught that The Baseball Project was there and, being huge R.E.M. nerds, we obviously had to go. The venue isn't huge and we got there quite a bit before the show started so we were able to be in the front of the stage. It was a bit surreal seeing all the amps and gear that I had only previously ever seen set up in huge arenas right in front of me in this smallish club in Kalamazoo. The space is lovely and felt cozy and warm with all the exposed brick and wood details. There's a bar in the back for concert goers and the stage space is blocked off from the rest of the bar and restaurant so there wasn't a lot of outside noise from people just hanging out at the bar or grabbing a bite to eat. The show started and it was wonderful. The crowd was great, the band sounded amazing, and we just had the best time. After the show the band also stayed to sign so we were able to exchange pleasantries and get our vinyl autographed (thought I was far too intimidated to say much more than a squeaked out "thank you!"). Everyone we encountered here, from bartenders, staff, security (my husband was given an OK by the band to photograph the show), and even the band themselves were very friendly. The phrase "good vibes" gets thrown around a lot but this place truly has "good vibes." My only wish was that they kept the kitchen open after the show. Because we got their early, dinner wasn't in the cards and I would have loved to stay and enjoy a meal after.
The best brew in town, and lots of choices. Eclectic environment and interesting artwork. A fun Music BACKROOM and fantastic garden with open stage for the best summer entertainment.
Came out here for Oberon day and had a great experience trying all of the variants, that being said after coming out here for the last 3 years, I really think they need to find a better way to keep the lines moving. I'd check with Chick Fil A for ideas on how to do that.When it's not Oberon day this place is perfect for a road trip to drink good beer and have a good burger.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Honestly the food was dry, expected more ??. The bands playing ateee down tho??
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Food was marginal at best. Had one meal taken off bill it was so bad. The mead was terrible. Server was only bright spot. Need Larry back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Kristina was amazing!! Wonderful service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kristina is awesome and had the best rec for an Official substitute (1st Friday). Checked in on satisfaction with all dishes and even took off an item without extra questions?
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Craft Beer, Fries
Kristina was top tier, quick and efficient service. We will be back to see her :)
Great place to be! Kristina is amazing ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
KRISTINA WAS AMAZING! so kind and accommodating! We had a fantastic birthday celebration with my
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe delivers on both exceptional beer and great vibes. With a diverse selection of brews and a welcoming atmosphere, definitely give it a visit. Looking forward to trying their food offerings next time we’re in Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo Stout on tap was fantastic! Onion rings were too oily. Beef in signature sandwich was poor quality. Good flavor, but, too much fat and grizzle. Would not recommend!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Craft Beer
I was driving through Kzoo heading to Chicago and decided to get off the freeway to check out this cafe. I got all the way there just to find out there are no bar stools or bar seating; only tables. I just went over to Hopcat for lunch instead and continued on with my journey.
We just drank beers. The blueberry cobbler was meh, but the pomegranate sour was very tasty. I really wanted a bourbon cocktail. Disappointed they don't have a full bar.