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Name: Bell’s Eccentric Cafe
Address: 355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007
Telephone: (269) 382-2332
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.05

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe

355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007

(269) 382-2332
Store is closed

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Menu

Soup and Salad

Baked French Onion

Seasonal Chili

House Salad

Lyonnaise

Caesar

Noodle Salad

Baked French Onion

Seasonal Chili

House Salad

Lyonnaise

Caesar

Noodle Salad
Snacks

Bacon Lollipops

Deviled Egg

Soft Pretzel

Pickled Veg

Bacon Lollipops

Deviled Egg

Soft Pretzel

Pickled Veg
Charcuterie

One And One

Cheese Trio

Salumi Plate

Ploughman's Board

One And One

Cheese Trio

Salumi Plate

Ploughman's Board
Small Plates

Brussels Sprouts

Poutine

Mac and Cheese

Guacamole

Smoked Wings

Brussels Sprouts

Poutine

Mac and Cheese

Guacamole

Smoked Wings
Sandwiches

Pulled Pork

Banh Mi

Falafel

Burger

Brisket Dip

Bean Wrap

BLT

Pulled Pork

Banh Mi

Falafel

Burger

Brisket Dip

Bean Wrap

BLT
Large Plates

Fish and Chips

Omelette

Steak Frites

Roasted Chicken

Green Curry

Beef Brisket

Alsatian Pork

Fish and Chips

Omelette

Steak Frites

Roasted Chicken

Green Curry

Beef Brisket

Alsatian Pork
Kids

Grilled Cheese

Slider

Hot Dog

Quesadilla

Grilled Cheese

Slider

Hot Dog

Quesadilla

Diabetics at Taco Bell

The biggest concern for diabetics is to find healthy food with less sugar at restaurants. The hunt for the right food becomes even more challenging for diabetics when dining at a fast food restaurant. Well, Taco Bell changes that with Fresco style. Simply ask or order an item from the Taco Bell menu in Fresco Style.

Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Taco Bell:

Crunchy Taco Supreme

Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein

Fresco Steak Soft Taco

Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 4g Fat (1.5g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 17g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 10g Protein

Fresco Soft Taco – Shredded Chicken

Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 6g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 9g Protein

Fresco Soft Taco Beef

Nutrition Fact: 160 calories, 6g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 480mg sodium, 18g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein

Veggie Power Menu Bowl

Nutrition Fact: 480 calories, 19g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 970mg sodium, 65g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 13g Fiber, 14g Protein

Bean Burrito

Nutrition Fact: 380 calories, 11g Fat (4g Sat. Fat), 1060mg sodium, 55g Carbs, 3g Sugar, 9g Fiber, 14g Protein

Mini Skillet Bowl

Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein

Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for Diabetics:

You must avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes at Taco Bell if you have diabetes. Almost every beverage offered at Taco Bell contains high sugar content.

High Cholesterol at Taco Bell

Fast food restaurants are known for serving high calorie, greasy food with lots of sugars. Taco Bell changes this trend by offering Fresco Style option where your favorite food item is prepared using pico de gallo as it will cut down 20 – 30 calories easily from the original meal.

Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:

Mini Skillet Bowl

Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein

Breakfast Soft Taco – Egg & Cheese

Nutrition Fact: 170 calories, 9g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 330mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, less than 1g Fiber, 7g Protein

Spicy Tostada

Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein

Fresco Crunchy Taco – Beef

Nutrition Fact: 140 calories, 7g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 300mg sodium, 14g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 6g Protein

Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla

Nutrition Fact: 200 calories, 10g Fat (3.5g Sat. Fat), 490mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 1g Fiber, 10g Protein

Crunchy Taco Supreme

Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein

Spicy Potato Soft Taco

Nutrition Fact: 230 calories, 12g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 27g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein

Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:

It is best to avoid Bacon or Steak dishes at Taco Bell as such dishes contain a lot of fat. Also, try to avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes which are full of sugars resulting in empty calories.

Healthy Meal suggestions for Bell’s Eccentric Cafe

Soup and Salad

Baked French Onion [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seasonal Chili [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lyonnaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Noodle Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked French Onion [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seasonal Chili [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lyonnaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Noodle Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Snacks

Bacon Lollipops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Deviled Egg [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soft Pretzel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pickled Veg [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacon Lollipops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Deviled Egg [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soft Pretzel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pickled Veg [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Charcuterie

One And One [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Trio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salumi Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ploughman's Board [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

One And One [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Trio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salumi Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ploughman's Board [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Small Plates

Brussels Sprouts [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Poutine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mac and Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guacamole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brussels Sprouts [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Poutine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mac and Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guacamole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches

Pulled Pork [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Banh Mi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Falafel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brisket Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bean Wrap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

BLT [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pulled Pork [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Banh Mi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Falafel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brisket Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bean Wrap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

BLT [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Large Plates

Fish and Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Omelette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak Frites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Green Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Brisket [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Alsatian Pork [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fish and Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Omelette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak Frites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Green Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Brisket [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Alsatian Pork [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Kids

Grilled Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Slider [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hot Dog [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Quesadilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Slider [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hot Dog [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Quesadilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

High Blood Pressure at Taco Bell

People with high blood pressure must avoid food with high sodium levels. You can either ask the people at Taco Bell to add less salt in your food or choose the food items with less sodium content or customize your order using Taco Bell's own nutrition calculator.

Food Suggestions to Control Blood Pressure at Taco Bell:

Fresco Chicken Soft Taco

Nutrition Fact: 150 calories, 6g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 9g Protein

Spicy Tostada

Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein

Grilled Breakfast Burrito - Sausage

Nutrition Fact: 340 calories, 17g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 730mg sodium, 36g Carbs, 3g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 11g Protein

Veggie Power Menu Bowl

Nutrition Fact: 480 calories, 19g Fat (5g Sat. Fat), 970mg sodium, 65g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 13g Fiber, 14g Protein

Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Blood Pressure:

Taco Bell offers a wide range of Grande Scrambler Burritos, Crunch wraps, and Quesadillas which are high in sodium. It is important to limit the sodium intake at Taco Bell and avoid any meal with over 750-800mg sodium.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

High Cholesterol at Taco Bell

Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:

Mini Skillet Bowl

Nutrition Fact: 180 calories, 11g Fat (2g Sat. Fat), 430mg sodium, 16g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein

Breakfast Soft Taco – Egg & Cheese

Nutrition Fact: 170 calories, 9g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 330mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, less than 1g Fiber, 7g Protein

Spicy Tostada

Nutrition Fact: 210 calories, 10g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 440mg sodium, 22g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 5g Fiber, 6g Protein

Fresco Crunchy Taco – Beef

Nutrition Fact: 140 calories, 7g Fat (2.5g Sat. Fat), 300mg sodium, 14g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 6g Protein

Shredded Chicken Mini Quesadilla

Nutrition Fact: 200 calories, 10g Fat (3.5g Sat. Fat), 490mg sodium, 15g Carbs, less than 1g Sugar, 1g Fiber, 10g Protein

Crunchy Taco Supreme

Nutrition Fact: 190 calories, 11g Fat (4.5g Sat. Fat), 340mg sodium, 15g Carbs, 2g Sugar, 3g Fiber, 8g Protein

Spicy Potato Soft Taco

Nutrition Fact: 230 calories, 12g Fat (3g Sat. Fat), 460mg sodium, 27g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 5g Protein

Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:

It is best to avoid Bacon or Steak dishes at Taco Bell as such dishes contain a lot of fat. Also, try to avoid all kinds of Drinks and Freezes which are full of sugars resulting in empty calories.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Judy L.

We were visiting the area and had to stop by for my husband who is a big fan of Bells. I was a little hesitant with the reviews since we have a toddler in tow but it turned out well. They have an open area with tables and table service! The servers were friendly and food was good. I had the brisket dip, my husband had the pulled pork sandwich and my daughter had a chicken quesadilla off the kids menu. Portions were decent and my husband also got to enjoy a beer sampler. Afterwards we hung out in the garden where he was able to relax and have another beer while my daughter walked around. I definitely recommend stopping by but come early if possible since parking fills up fast. We got there at 5:30pm on Friday and there wasn't a lot of spots left.
(4)
Lauren L.

Always make it a point to stop here when I drive near. Yummy beers! Friendly staff! And they put shows on in the back. Keep up the good work!
(4)
Moira G.

the new restaurant is even better than imaginable! the food offers fresh ingredients with array of dish sizes! and even better than the food is the beer! keep eyes peeled for music in the back room and garden makes the bells experience a full rounded Kalamazoo experience!
(5)
Bryan L.

I love Bells, not much more to say about it than that. If you like beer, this is your Mecca.
(5)
Alyssa C.

Excellent beer and you can get six-taster flights! The food is pretty solid (I had the brisket dip while I was here on a conference) and the outdoor space is nice. It has a tendency to get very loud and crowded though, so come early if you want a table. [Edit: I was here with a vegetarian friend and she was pleased to have more options than just "veggie burger." I think there were four things she could eat on the regular menu, not including salads!]
(4)
Leslie V.

Beer is fantastic. Service is a little erratic. Love the environment & really like what they're doing for the neighborhood!
(4)
Hack P.

My wife and I LOVE Bell's beer. We loved the old food menu, specially the Pork Tacos and the Jambalaya. We are very disappointed with the new menu. It is very overpriced and nothing seems to call our attention. What a disappointment... Shame on you Larry Bell for only thinking on the wealthy class!
(1)
Nancy K.

I was underwhelmed. Food was just okay. Service is non-applicable as you serve yourself (drinks and food). We went as a group (hive mind). I wouldn't go back.
(1)
Rob B.

This brewery is awesome! They have 24 beers on tap and some experimental too. I'm trying Kalamazoo IPA. DELISH! My brother has the Larry's latest bock. Decent. They have outdoor seating and today is a fantastic day! This place is popping! The line is out the door. Come early and drink some of Michigan's finest brew!
(5)
Tim W.

Excellent beer. Clean entrance,tables,restrooms. Nice outside areas. Service and food was better before the recent changes. Hostess working Friday 17 of July struggled with seating. The food quality and prices where off balance. Maybe they are still in training with kitchen help and food service? I think it's a good place for a beer and snacks.
(4)
Christos K.

its really as good as it gets. the new garden is perfect for relaxing. the food was delicious and the service very friendly. we're counting down the perfect days, but we'll be back before harsh times in midwest high.
(5)
Priscilla H.

It's Bell's, which equals Two Hearted, so that's good. Sound is always good at shows. It's a Kalamazoo staple.
(4)
Beth C.

I'd rate Bells a pretty great little brew pub. The food is fantastic, and most of the beers are as well. They get some cool entertainment coming through there. I don't love the set-up of the place, but I DO love the rustic look. The bottles in the windows!? Awesome. A must-visit place to an out of towner for sure..
(4)
Tim K.

If you are a fan of craft beers then I can almost guarantee you Bells is one of the first places that pops to mind when you think of Michigan Craft Beer. Their Two Hearted is probably what they are known for best and if you like IPAs it will not disappoint. My only gripe is that the place is very pricey. The wifey and I each got a flight and a Turkey Avocado Sandwich and it came to almost $60 when it was all said and done. That is CRAZY! Yes, a flight is six beers, but they are rather small pours meant to be samples. Our food was like $16 which made our flights roughly $22 each. That's double than what you'd normally pay for anywhere else. Everything was great though. I really enjoyed my sammie and all of the beer selections I chose were very good. I am an equal opportunity beer drinker and will drink pretty much anything, even the fruity ones. With that being said I would highly recommend the Sparkleberry if you are looking for something on the sweeter side. If you are looking for something with a punch go for their Bourbon Barrel Stout. If you like Bourbon then you will love this. It's quite strong so the sample in the flight was just the right amount for me. All in all we had a good time especially my wife who used the word "really" six times regarding her new found fondness for dark beers which I knew at that point it was time to take away the keys from her. Go home Rachael, you're drunk!
(4)
Melissa M.

Anyone from Michigan would probably tell you that Bell's is THE brewery of Michigan. It's what put craft beer on the map for Michigan. And although there are SO many other amazing breweries popping up all over this great state, I still have to say that Bell's still just sets the bar. High. The Eccentric Cafe is just that...eccentric. You can tell that it was created by individuals who liked to be just a little off center, and had some real talent with hops and barley. The inside of the cafe is so incredibly fun and quirky - you could spend a good amount of time just walking around looking at all of the cool stuff on the walls. You can even hop over to the store to stock up on your home brewing supplies, or other random Bell's paraphernalia. If you have never had a Bell's beer, well, first of all, I'm sorry. But second of all, you really need to make a trip here. The cafe serves beer that's not distributed, that's seasonal, and that you won't be able to find anywhere else. I won't go into detail on the beer, because you could easily google Bell's and find hundreds of blogs or people who make a living off of reviewing beer. But the cafe, it's just so fun. SO awesome. And so worth a trip to Kalamazoo.
(5)
Lynn B.

Great music, excellent beer, must try the mixed nuts. The music room is incredible. food is sparce - you must check out the retail - good beer to go.
(4)
Candice G.

OoooOOOOooooh... shiny new things! I've been to Bell's probably around a dozen or so times and one of my favorite things is that they're always adding, changing, improving and more. Now with a brewery, bar, cafe, general store, beer garden, actual garden (perfect for a picnic-style lunch and has a huge stage in back for bands/shows), ping-pong, large-scale projector screen for movie screenings and more. Appealing to the masses is obvi Bell's specialty in both beer and atmosphere. On this past visit, they were showing a move marathon in the ping-pong bar room starting with A League of Their Own, the original (Bad News Bears), and Major League. SupaChill. My dining (drankin') pard'ner and I decided to soak up some of our $3.25 pints with an order of their poblano pepper dip and torilla chips that were delightful. Next time, I'm getting those soft pretzel with spicy feta dip, fo sho. The beer, as always, was a cut above the rest and the prices, despite all the changes, remodels, etc are still cheap as dirt, especially considering the quality and craftsmanship of what you get. Onward and upward, Bell's! I'll see you again in a few weeks.
(4)
Matt W.

Cool open vibe, diverse crowd on a Tues evening. Great beer selection, from stouts to IPA's to wheat beers. Friendly waitstaff. Smaller menu but solid.
(4)
Kyle D.

The space and outdoor seating is absolutely one of the coolest breweries and tap rooms I've ever been to. I will say though the food itself was nothing really impressive which is why I'd say the cafe itself is nothing to rave about but come and stay for the beer and the vibe for sure.
(4)
Tom K.

This place is a real treat if you like quality brews on tap. The decor in the place is pretty cool too! A recent sampling from a cold winter's night on 1.28.14. Food: Jambalaya was good and spicy but not crazy hot. All the beers below were fantastic with my favorite being the Smoked Stout. These are also only available (Flying Larry's) at their cafe. Enjoy. This place is worth the stop! Smoked stout 6.4 Rye stout 6.8 Bear hug 9.5 imperial stout Baltic porter unk ABV
(5)
Leslee B.

The atmosphere is very different, as the name implies. The combo brewery and music venue is very cool. However, the beers don't thrill me. Haven't had much success finding a beer I really like despite a lot of unique choices. I've been twice and don't think I'll be back any time soon.
(3)
May A.

Great garden area for kids to run around and play except when they have a concert. Known for their great beer, have wide selection of types. They had the $6 deal for wings which was about 8 pieces includes ranch and celery.
(5)
Nichole C.

On my way from Ypsi back home to Chicago, I HAD to stop by Bell's. We get several of their beers distributed to Chicago, but I wanted to try some Michigan exclusives and pick up a sixer of Hopslam (my absolute FAVE Bell's beer). The place is pretty impressive. It's got a small store, a cafe, and a couple of other areas that I didn't check out (back room, brewery, patio). The place is beautiful. All lodge-y and comfy but still cool. I sat at the bar and wanted a flight (especially because it comes on a sweet U.P. board), but opted for two sample beers instead since I was trying to be all responsible and whatnot. The samples (and the 6 flight beers) are 5-ounce pours. I ended up getting the two highest IBU beers on the menu since that's how I roll- the Dagger Imperial Stout and the Expedition Stout. Both boasted a heavy handed ABV at 10% and 10.5%, both were AWESOME, but both tasted the same. I couldn't really figure out the difference except for a touch more espresso flavor in the the Dagger. I also got some fancy grilled cheese off their specials board which was too veggified for me...I should've stuck with the kids grilled cheese. Oh well. The chips were really good though, and the whole bill was pretty cheap. Last, I checked out the general store. Had to get my pint glass and Hopslam to-go but *GASP* Hopslam was GONE! NOOOOOOOOOOO! I still got the pint glass and checked out the local goods- honey, candy, homebrew supplies, gear, etc. If I'm ever back in Kalamazoo, I'll be sure to stop in again (but this time, with a DD!).
(4)
Alley I.

Amazing food and all the Bell's beer you could want! Their BBQ'd anything is amazing... Brisket, chicken you name it! The chips they serve are even fantastic. As for drinks... if you aren't sure, ask for samples they are more than willing to let you try anything. I love this place, I can't wait to go back for a 3rd time!!!
(5)
Vladimir R.

Atmosphere and beer Can't beat it. Imperial Ale is something to be afraid of and yet it's yammiest thing I've tried
(5)
Jeff T.

5 Star Brewery!! Beers are great, something for everyone. You can sit in the bar area, patio, or garden section. Each gives off a little different vibe. Food is served in their 'Cafe' and is good to very good. We didn't eat much while we were there but I did overhear other bar goers and overall it seemed positive.....looked damn good! The only bad thing, but expected, is that the gift shop is expensive. Cool swag / gear but I'll keep wearing my Oberon shirt from 2002.
(5)
Jan S.

Went to bells as our last stop, beer was good of course. Winter so I didn't see the beer garden :(
(4)
John F.

Great atmosphere. Wonderful beer. The kind of place you can go to and hang for the day.
(5)
Dj C.

Chaos at the door. People in line to put their name in, people pushing past us bewildered types, to seat themselves in areas that don't require a check in. Empty tables in dining room and outdoor seating - when I inquired about that, I was told it was not to overwhelm the kitchen. Wouldn't it be better to seat people, serve drinks and explain it then? As opposed to being in a cattle pen? Ok, for the food...the deviled eggs were kind of tasteless and required salt and pepper to be more palatable. The Ploughman's charcuterie board was a huge disappointment. It was served with about 4-5 thick slices of bread (not enough), whereas crostini would've been a much better accompaniment. The "pickles" turned out to be a mix of sliced, brined, tasteless veggies. Gherkins or cornichons should be served. The meats were plenty, but unremarkable, as were the 3 cheeses (blue, goat, and ??). Basically, a very boring and overpriced $25 charcuterie board. We arrived before 6pm on a Thursday (a band was ramping up to play at 8 or 9), so they were pretty busy, but it took us well over 2 hours to get in and out. Probably won't go back, unless it's for lunch.
(2)
David C.

Bell's Cafe= Mecca. Beer lovers from all corners come to roost here cuz here it's done right: best and most creative beers in the country; beers you'll never be able to drink anywhere once you walk out the door (most are made just for the Eccentric Cafe's customer consumption ONLY); a biergarten that was created one little piece at a time and would make the town of Munich raise an envious eyebrow; and an eclectic yet beautiful interior. Yes, the ever-present human lineup at the bar and "order while standing" is downright stupid these days. I've been coming here since the mid 90's and it's an outdated process. Having said that, Bell's is still: Beer Mecca. Stop bitching and drink that lovely liquid only Bell's can make. Brewing Alchemy rules at the Eccentric Cafe. (Try coming in the daytime before people get crunk and the staff patience wears thin, which it definitely can. Bell's does get loud and can be a bit unruly in the beer garden late at night.)
(5)
Jacques M.

Bell's has an excellent selection of beers, even the pickiest beer drinkers should be able to find something. The restaurant is spacious, as is the outdoor area. The food is pretty average pub grub. Also, I wasn't crazy about having walk up to the bar every time I ordered food or a beer. I think adding table service would enhance the experience greatly. That being said you should still drop by and a have a couple beers if your in the neighborhood.
(3)
Ken H.

Something for everyone! First of all, the beer is awesome. You can try many Bell's brews here that you can't get anywhere else. They always have some experimental beers on tap. Try a beer flight to sample 5 different beers. The beer garden is a great place to hang out. This place is suitable for families and children. There is plenty of seating and a big lawn to run around on or sit down on and enjoy a drink. The food is great. Lots of local foods. Some vegetarian options. Check out the calendar on their website for special events. There are great live music options. Don't miss Brews and Views! Once a month, Bell's shows movies on a big screen in their back room or in the beer garden. The movies are free. Drink a beer, eat some complimentary popcorn, play some ping pong and watch a movie. This is a great, cheap night out. Check out Eccentric Day in early December each year! You can't get in unless you are dressed up in some type of costume. In addition to these events, Bell's hosts trivia on Sunday nights and square dancing once a month.
(5)
Paul W.

I've drank Bell's beer since the days when you brought in gallon milk jugs to get filled from the tap. Don't live in K'zoo anymore, but get here once or twice a year, and a stop at Bell's is usually part of the itinerary. The beer is great, of course. The problem is deciding from the many draft choices, but it's hard to choose badly. We never tried the food until today, and while our sandwiches were quite good (turkey/avocado and salami panini), we waited nearly an hour for them. The place was busy, but far from overflowing. Several times, busssers poked their heads into our cluster of tables looking for dirty dishes, but found only hungry people staring at their pagers, waiting for them o signal their meals were ready. I wanted to shout, "You have to actually give people food before you can take their plates!" Maybe the bussers should have been pressed into sandwich duty. While we'll certainly come back, I get the impression that if you come for lunch on a Saturday, be prepared to make an afternoon of it.
(3)
Karen D.

I visited Bell's Eccentric Cafe on my way home back to Cincinnati from a wedding on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Their outside patio is huge with a few sections so if you can't find a table right outside the door, keep walking you will find a place to sit. You visit for the beer, Bell's is one of the best craft brewers in the country. The food from the cafe was okay. They only had one line at the bar to order drinks & your food. The line was almost out the door. You should have more than one line and it took about an hour to receive our food. I went with a chicken wrap, it was okay, but not worth the hour wait. Earlier that day was a marathon in town, so all of the runners were coming to the cafe after the race. Just visit for the beer, you can pass on the food.
(3)
Chris M.

This place is definitely on the list of places to drink in Kalamazoo, partly because it's a short list to begin with. The beer is good, but the layout of the Cafe leaves a few things to be desired. First of all, there is no wait service. Everything (food & beer) is ordered at the bar, creating a logjam of people looking to acquire calories. This isn't helped by the fact that there are also bar stools at the bar, adding to the mess. The building itself is very interesting. Seating in the primary area is good yet hard to come by. Upstairs can get hot. The main hallway acts as an overflow, but seemed underutilized as far as seating options. In general it was pretty loud inside. Unfortunately it wasn't patio weather when I was in town, as they do have a nice large patio. I'd say check it out at least once. And if you do go by, be sure to check out the neighboring gift shop/store.
(3)
Angela W.

Bell's Cafe is great and I just heard news that they are expanding, yay! It is hard to get a table inside when the weather isn't great, but that should get easier with the remodel. Bell's beer is great and a local gem.
(4)
Rachael G.

Classic brewery with one exception- the pretzel app. Seriously? It had rold gold pretzel sticks yikes! I wouldn't even make that with my own Bar cheese at home. A good brew house knows the value of brewing roots- mainly Germany- a country famous for Bavarian pretzels. Let's not forget about the basics. The beer was tasty but could have been better enhanced with the proper cheese and pretzel pairing.
(3)
Asa D.

Surprisingly, this is a good place for families, at least when the weather is good. The beer garden is a fun spot to bring a picnic blanket and grab some beer and snacks and hang out. The kids can run around and be loud while the parents relax. The music area is beautiful, as it was just built within the last couple of years. I like that it is now separate from the rest of the bar, so you can actually have a conversation while a band is playing. Of course the beer is great and the food is okay, but somehow I feel like I am not cool enough to hang out here. I don't build bikes from scratch, take part in steam punk parties, or brew my own beer, so I feel a bit out of place at a place like this. This is my issue with bars in general, though. Bell's itself doesn't seem to take itself to seriously, even if the patrons sometimes do.
(4)
Jennifer D.

Stopped by during work travel to try a few beers not generally found in my area. I was blown away with the beer selection. Living in Virginia, I didn't realize that Bell's was much more than Oberon and the Two Hearted Ale. It was a pleasant surprise! I encourage anyone visiting to sit at the bar if there is space available. You're able to easily sample the beers from there. The bartenders were very knowledgable and eager to talk about their favorites. They were also able to recommend different beers for me based off of my likes. I never felt rushed to leave even though the place was packed. Best bar/brewery experience I've had to date.
(5)
Jen K.

This place has charm and character. They've done a great job with the interior, making it their own and doing what they can with the space. However, I do find the inside to be a bit cramped. We went there for lunch on Good Friday at around 2:00pm, and the only seating available was outside. The sun was warm at least, so with a good jacket, we were comfortable. But that still stinks. It also stinks that the seating is a free for all. With the place being that popular, they should have a hostess seating people, instead of letting random people walk in and take a table in front of someone who may have been waiting for a half hour. Whining aside...the food was great. I had the smoked chicken sandwich, and it was so much better than I anticipated. It was juicy, tender pulled chicken with a smoky sauce and beer relish (basically relish with beer and bacon in it). It was really freaking good. The chips that came with it were just ok, I could take or leave them...but they don't make them there, so who cares. LASTLY...the beer cheese soup was top notch. It had the consistency of pureed broccoli cheese soup, but the flavor was very cheddary and rich. I bet this place is happening in the evening, I do love the outdoor area...it's spacious with ample seating. On a warm day or comfortable night, I could definitely see myself getting rip-roaring drunk here.
(4)
Michele G.

I'd give it 5 stars if they organize how they take orders at the bar. The atmosphere is fun, beer is cold and delicious and bartenders are hoppin'!
(4)
Ashley H.

I will preface by stating that I'm a WMU grad, "grew up" on Bell's, and may be a bit biased. I love their widely-distributed beers (Two Hearted, Hopslam, Pale Ale, Amber, Best Brown, Oberon, etc) but at the cafe you have the opportunity to try those that you can't have anywhere else. Of course they'll have all your favorites, too. I usually have drinks here and eat somewhere else when I'm in town, but this last time my husband and I chose to have lunch. I really liked my pulled pork sandwich and appreciated the option to have fresh veggies instead of chips. They served a large portion making the $2.50 upcharge well worth it. The vibe here is just so cool. I wish I lived closer so we could enjoy some of the bands that play here. They've got a great space for shows in the Back Room as well as the beer garden. Oh how I miss those summer nights outside there.
(5)
Randy R.

Lines are long but moves fast and the beer selection is awesome. More seating outside in proper weather.
(5)
Dan N.

I was driving from DTW to Grand Rapids, and my sole purpose in stopping here was to pick up as much Hopslam as I could get my hands on. It was sold out. I had heard great things about the cafe, so I decided to give it a try....and grab some Hopslam while in their neighborhood. For newbie's like myself, here's a tip: You order everything at the bar, including food, they give you a pager, and when it buzzes you pick it up from the window. I was thoroughly confused walking in, and felt pretty dumb anyways for being at a restaurant by myself, so that tip might have saved me some embarrassment. Anyways...to the point, I would come here for the beer. I ordered a Reuben, which was OK, but just not very good. The rest of the menu looked like it had potential, so I'm sure I'd give it another shot, but I'll go out of my way to stop here for the beer...not the food.
(3)
Che A.

Great service, great selection, great beer, nice porch. NO GROWLER FILLS. Otherwise this place gets thumbs up. Just felt like I was in a police state trying to buy beer to share with out of state friends...
(1)
Terese B.

I have loved going to Bell's for years, but my love grew exponentially when I attended square dance night last Monday. They hold it on the 2nd Monday of each month and It is mystifying to me why this was my first time! Where else could you go in Kalamazoo to get amazing beer (I had a Larry's Lager and a Two Hearted), listen to live music, square dance, and eat yummy black bean wraps and spinach feta burgers ???? If you have never been to Bell's you are missing out.
(5)
James S.

Best damn Cobb salad ever!!! Bells is ground zero for microbreweries. They don't even have to make good food...but they do!
(5)
Jacqui S.

Absolute favorite brewery!! I am fortunate enough to be able to visit Kalamazoo often and almost every time I do I make sure I come to Bells (for food and brews). The atmosphere is neat and I enjoy sitting outdoors when possible. For the food, I especially enjoy their pulled pork and my boyfriend enjoys several of their sandwiches. The buzzer and pick up system goes smoothly, but make sure to grab a table before ordering when it's crowded because they work fast. Now on to the beer... There's only been 1 that I haven't enjoyed, and yes I might sound crazy. Personally, I do not enjoy many stouts or porters but continue to be surprised by their variety. Every time we go there is always something new to try and the bartenders are quick and helpful when it comes to making a decision. I suggest getting a flight if you've never been but if you're lucky enough to live close be sure to stay up to date with their planet series they have because several have been some of their best (Mars and Jupiter specifically).
(5)
Tim D.

I really love beer. Maybe too much. But Bell's does things beyond great beer. They have good food and a perfect atmosphere. Since the first time I went there, when it was just one room and a tiny outside space, it has exploded into a big outdoor music venue, outdoor biergarten, big inside music venue, and the tap room. Wow! But the reason you're there is for the beer. Bells is one of the few breweries that I've been to where everything they brew is good. Most every time I'm there, I would drink a pint of anything on tap.
(5)
Renee E.

On our way back from Detroit to Chicago, we decided to pitstop at the Bell's store to pick up any interesting small batch brews as a present for my brother who was pug-sitting for us. And, while we were there we decided to stop into the cafe to grab some lunch. The space was interesting and open, but the ordering system felt pretty disjointed. It's one of those places that you order at a window, get a buzzer and then retrieve your food when it's ready. I suppose this is totally fine, but the more crowded it got, the more it felt a little chaotic. Something about the layout made the flow seem pretty off. But maybe it's just me. All in all, the food was decent, but really, it's the beer that stands out.
(4)
Allison J.

Always a great place to unwind and grab a beer. Especially cool is the fact that many beers featured here at the brewery are not available for sale at the grocery store. Makes coming to the actual place more interesting and cool each time! Every few months when we travel into town, we make a point to come by at least once to see what they're featuring. This place is a favorite!
(4)
Kinsey C.

Review is just for the cafe in the back of the brewery: No table service! I saw people sitting waiting for a server, but there are none. First of all, go straight to the bar and ask for a menu. They have a few special listed on a chalkboard by the door, but their regular menus has a few more items. The menu is not that extensive, but there is most likely something for everyone. Place your order with the bartender, and they'll give you a buzzer for when your food is ready. There is another window by the door where you will go pick up your food. Food was okay, nothing special. Soft pretzels tasted frozen and microwaved. My pulled pork sandwich was okay, but the bun was cold which was pretty odd. Rest of the food seemed decent. I wouldn't come back here for the food, but if I was looking to drink the beers and have something alongside, this would be a good place.
(4)
Robyn J.

I had one Oberon, hoping it would taste like the good old days when it was Sol Sun. It didn't. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich...good flavor a but not much to it. The building is beautiful and I loved the artwork and the stain glass windows. Glad I went would probably sit at the bar next time and do some beer tasting!
(3)
Allison B.

I was so excited to go to Kalamazoo and that was in large part because of the chance to check out Bell's. I was not disappointed. They had a great selection of special and seasonal beers that I don't ordinarily have access to as well as the old favorites. I was there on a particularly pleasant summer day and the back lawn area was perfect for taking in a few brews as well as the beautiful weather. I also noticed that they had an impressive lineup of musical acts playing over the course of the season, but unfortunately, my trip did not align with those shows. The group I was with had a selection of appetizers so I grazed several plates and was not disappointed. A great pick for a light bite along with some beers. While Bell's Eccentric Cafe definitely falls into the category of "Beer Lover's Paradise" I did have a few gripes about my experience. First, if you're going to be outside, you have to have your beer in a plastic cup. I get it, I really do -- lawn+broken glass=eek! But it's such a shame to have to drink great beer out of a disposable plastic cup. Secondly, the only way I could see to get beer was to stand in line at the bar -- an actual 15-person or so line. I was there at what I felt was an off time, but the line to get beer was quite long. They did an efficient job with the line (they have several bartenders who would just get beers and help whoever was next in line), but I really prefer a less regimented system. What happened to the ol' mosey up to the bar and catch a bartender's eye -- it rewards those who are paying attention and ready to order. The line made things feel a little rule-heavy. We also went back around 9 on a Sunday and the kitchen was closed. This seems to be the norm for Kalamazoo, so I can't really fault them, but a girl's got to eat, even if it's late. I'm all for a limited menu, but please leave give the late-night crowd something on which to nosh! Definitely a great place to check out, minor gripes aside. It's a Kalamazoo gem!
(4)
Micki G.

Excellent atmosphere - huge variety of beers and the tour was free! Only disappointment is limited choice of growlers to take home. Great beers and we wanted to take them all home!
(4)
Jason B.

BEER BEER BEER! Being from Indiana, I only have the pleasure of enjoying about 6 of the Bell's brews. Coming to the brewery was like finding a whole new world. There are so many beers that they brew that never make it to Indiana. This brewery isn't their huge one where all the bottles come from, but rumor has it, it might be opened to tours in 2012. This brewery has all the equipment for the beer brewed on site, including several beers that are only available if you are sitting in the cafe. They are not distributed anywhere. The tour was informative, but short. The shortness of the tour and the lack of explanation of the fermentation tanks and such was what cost it the 5th star. That is not to say that the tour guide wasn't informative or good at giving tours. It just would have been nice if the tour included that information without the guests having to ask. While there, I recommend hitting up the general store and cafe. Tip: older reviews said they are cash only. This is no longer the case.
(4)
Krista K.

If there weren't Bell's, Crow's Nest, and Sawall's I seriously wouldn't feel as home as I do in Kalamazoo! Bell's is a great time, offers sublime bands, variety of styles, something for everyone. And in the summer, the outside garden is a fun place to be. Bless for Bell's!
(5)
Jaime G.

I'm telling you right now...take a trip to Kalamazoo, MI. The Bell's Eccentric Cafe is a special place in the Midwest that deserves a visit. Some of the best beer in the country paired with a simple yet well thought thru menu. Beer garden is also amazing and the place to be on a nice day. The craft beer here is second to none. Really can't go wrong with any of the flavors that they offer. What ever your taste, they have it. You might just know them for their Oberon wheat ale (very much like a blue moon but a little more citricy) but they also offer a wide array of other brews from their mild ale to the bold Kalamazoo stout. You can buy the beer by the case or even keg at the general store next door - or enjoy a pint or three at the beer garden. All good. One of my favorites is the porter - probably the best porter I've ever had, or the Oberon which is always a nice stand by. On this last trip, I tried a glass of the Cherry stout - a dark, sweet and chocolaty beer that more like a port; the Two Hearted Ale which is a bit of a twist on a wheat ale, and the Hole-In-The-Wall which was a pale ale with a crisp finish. And did I mention that each glass is less that $4? Pair it with some of their food offering. Start w/the red bean and poblano bean dip topped with cheese...or the hummus w/warm pita bread...or soft pretzel with porter mustard and spicy feta cheese (this cheese is the bomb!). For entrees, try the bbq pork sandwich or black bean burger. If you're taking a rode trip this summer, head to Michigan and stop by for a good time at Bell's cafe and brewery. 5 stars baby!
(5)
Joe Y.

Our last stop on this short beer day was Bell's Eccentric Cafe of course serving Bell's beers but I don't believe this is the actual brewery. I have had plenty of Bell's in the past, Expedition Stout has always stood out and Two Hearted IPA has been a constant favorite (although to me it hasn't been as good last year or so). So going to this brewery was really exciting...it rounded out the big 4 on the trip of Founders, Three Floyds, Surly and now Bell's. Getting there, I realized Kalamazoo is NOT a very good city. I didn't see much of anything I liked, and Bell's is in kind of a dead area. They have private parking but not a lot but there's plenty of parking all around. Inside there's a nice enclosed patio, plenty of seating inside with a big bar. The bartender was very good and knew her stuff to help us decide what we wanted in our samplers since their menu is outrageous for beer. -As for the drinks we had so many I'm just going to list them.. Mead - champagne taste, smooth -Wild One Intense Sour Brown - real good sour -Wedding Ale Spiced Honey Wheat - tasted like Trix..not sure if that's good or bad -Smoked Stout - typical but good -Midwestern Pale - typical pale but not bad -Sparkle Berry - nice after taste -Exp Hop #2 Black IPA - hoppy nice -Exp Hop #3 - not bad -Le Pianiste French Farmhouse Amber - decent -Debs Red - nice -Roundhouse - very nice and hoppy -Two Hearted - disappointed it was just okay -Larry's Latest Lager - decent -Dagger Stout - tasty real nice -All in all I was disappointed..there was like 3-4 I enjoyed but the rest just weren't that great and I expected more from them. I brought home a bottle of Kalamazoo IPA they just made and it wasn't good either. So out of my the BIG 4 breweries I went to I would say this is dead last. They have a great gift shop but it was closed when we got there, we went the next morning since it was close by. I still think it's always worth checking out, but I would plan on stopping here and driving right thru Kalamazoo I don't think it's worth a day trip but maybe I just didn't see the good part of this city...but check out Bell's
(3)
Elaine L.

Really not eccentric at all. Actually, very typical. Arrived midweek at around 2pm. Large crowds of local (Michigan) people drinking and having a grand olde time. Atmosphere was jovial; we ordered a beer flight. Our tender was superb, bringing a beer from the back after hearing about my preferences for beer. 3 stars because it's not Eccentric. The only thing eccentric about it was the name, which leads me to think it's a bait and switch, which it was, except they baited me with low expectations and over-delivered. Shame on you. \ Also, at this time of year, Bell's argueably has the best beer in Western Michigan (tried Founders, Vivant, New Holland).
(3)
Chef Bradford S.

The beer choices and pricing are outstanding. The Midwestern Pale Ale and Rye Stout were both top notch. I question the House Cured Corned Beef on the Reuben as it looked to be sliced off of a lunch meat roll but was good quality and had flavor. Overall a great experience flying solo in a crowded bar.
(4)
Dawn C.

Bells is one of my go to Craft Brewery's everytime we visit the Grand Rapids area. The pub fair is delish and beers on tap are always refreshing. They have and outside area with live music during the warmer months. A must visit for any beer brewer or enthusiast.
(5)
Michael H.

At first, we were confused because the brewery is actually located in Comstock, MI. So it turns out there is an abbreviated tour in K-Zoo too. This is at the cafe which is a hot mess as far as service. No hostess - no waitresses, it's a free for all with a "line" to order drinks and food. You get a buzzer and can wander the property while waiting. For an order of buffalo strips, we waited a good 30 minutes before giving up. Sign up for the free tour, order a beer and save your appetite for Food Dance Cafe.
(3)
Lazer P.

Kalamazoo's flagship brewery and premiere music venue. The eccentric cafe boasts an epic rotation of experimental beers you can only find there along with the outstanding regular lineup. They also host a variety of great musicians/bands and in addition fun events like Beer tastings/Parings, trivia nights, movie nights, etc. If you're only visiting Kalamazoo, this is THE destination to go to. Did I mention the food is great too?!?
(5)
Matt D.

I loved my experience at Bell's Eccentric Cafe. In the past, I had indulged in many of Bell's tasty craft brews, but never from the source! So many different types of beer to choose from at their multi-tapped bar. The layout of the Cafe is a very unique atmosphere...very high, gabled ceilings, plenty of tables, lots of room when waiting in line at the bar. Just a comfortable place to spend a night out with friends. It is fairly loud, but that, I feel, is to be expected. My favorite thing about Bell's Eccentric Cafe was the uniqueness of many of the brews. Since you are at the source of the famous Bell's beer, many times there are Cafe exclusive "tester" beers...maybe one that they are testing and tweaking. It's fun to try them out and get a taste for a beer that might become the next big hit before they hit storefronts!
(5)
Stefanie N.

Pretty good pub food but really...their beers are the stars here! Love it all!
(5)
Chelsea W.

OKay to start out, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Bells beer! I live in Florida now and I order it wherever i can find it here but I grew up in the Portage/Kalamazoo area and I always start my trip with a stop at Bells for a beer...or three..or four... The reason I give 4 stars is because the eccentric cafe itself has been hit or miss. The bartenders more often than not seem to be more annoyed than welcoming when i try to order, especially if i order food. I love the beer garden and now that its all redone theres a lot more seating which is great. The concerts are always fun and its a great social spot to meet up with people.
(4)
Jessica B.

Ah, Bell's. How it makes me feel at home to drink from one of the many taps that you feature, with all those special microbrewed delicacies that are only available at the one and only Eccentric Cafe, in addition to plenty of other varieties that I am thankfully able to find now in my current city of Atlanta. My bf grew up in Michigan and he likes to tell stories about how he'd sneak sips of his dad's Bell's beers when he was little. As most microbrews go, we all know it used to be par for the course that those beers would remain where they were created and you could almost never find them on liquor store shelves in other states. But thank goodness that's no longer the case and Bell's has made it big on the beer scene! And every time we are in Michigan, if there is any small possibility that we can fit Kalamazoo into our itinerary, we do. Earlier this month, after arriving in Michigan, we stopped here for lunch on our way through. I love that they offer special Bell's brews that you can only taste then and there at the Eccentric Cafe. Since I just recently became engaged, it was fun to try the Wedding Ale and I also had the delish Le Batteur. We had the pretzels as a starter -- mini soft pretzels with an amazing homemade dijon mustard and a spicy feta cheese dip. Um, for $2.50, you can't really beat it. We split sandwiches -- the reuben and the turkey, and both were good. There is a small menu, so you really can't expect a huge variety of options when you go there to eat, but the food is solid bar fare and it's all really inexpensive. Go for the beer! You'll never be disappointed. I saw they have live music sometimes, so check before you plan to go.
(5)
Kendall J.

While the drinks may be magnificent, the food leaves a lot to be desired. My reused was more like a lukewarm corned beef sandwich and the pretzel plate was something I'd consider to be sub-par for a movie theater. Won't be returning.
(2)
Pierre D.

The renovation is great but I must say I liked it better with the outdoor stage for live music versus indoors, while I suppose this is because every visit it's been great outside... Food is just your basic serve yourself and the place really relies on that approach for the beer also. However the bartenders and all are really friendly I'd like to see more a FFF or 2 Brothers approach on service versus having to take turns with your friends to walk to a bar and stand in a line that really varies in size. I think this is largely a management decision so don't take it out on this good folks working there, they're good peeps! If you're in the area it's a good place to check out.
(4)
J B.

Everything about this place is great! I always visit when I am in town. I wish they had one of these in Chicago. Your management in Comstock should look into that! It would be a HUGE hit.
(5)
Kristina W.

Generally very good beers and decent music scene, though maybe a better place to bring a group of people rather than planning on mixing/mingling with strangers.
(4)
Bullwinkle J.

There are really only three places one must go in Kalamazoo and this is one of them. This review is divided into two parts: Part 1 - The Beer It's good. Go here and drink. Part 2 - Everything Else Ambiance/Decor: 5/5 They recently remodeled this place. The main tap room is big but not huge: a bunch of tables downstairs and more upstairs, all sorts of tap room type stuff on the walls, TVs with sports. There's also a meeting hall type thing for larger events, And there's a beer garden. The beer garden is where you want to drink unless it's winter. Kitchen: 2/5 It's A-OK. Classic pub stuff to be had, nothing amazing. The appetizers are far too expensive. The plates are a better deal (try the Brisket). But in truth, you aren't really here for the food. You're here for the beer and to hang out. So you can let it slide but I'm docking it a star because it's too expensive. There are, however, several vegetarian options so non-meat eaters don't be shy. Service: N/A You get a little buzzer thing to pick up your food. But everyone who works here is really nice and cool so that counts for something. All in all, I'm giving it five stars because the beer is awesome, the people are groovy, and it's a damn fine spot to kick it.
(5)
Lydia R.

Bell's definitely lives up to its eccentricity. If you are a beer person, this is the place for you! The food menu leaves something to be desired in terms of selection, but what I did try (pretzel plate appetizer and jambalaya) was delicious and very filling. The decor is very interesting and raises conversation if you are looking for a topic to discuss! The General Store on the other side of the cafe is quite legitimate - it has all the ingredients necessary to make your own beer and a bunch of other fun souvenirs!
(4)
Kay A.

Obviously this place has a great selection of beers, and is a must-experience place to see and taste some local culture. The atmosphere? A little too eccentric for me perhaps, as the decor feels rather incoherent. I gave it 3 stars because of unremarkable food and an awkward wait in line to place our orders, but I'm sure I will go here again.
(3)
Amber T.

This place felt very average. Their menu was average, and the food itself wasn't particularly amazing. I got the brisket sandwich which comes with some kind of dill mayo, and even after scraping the dill mayo off of the brisket itself everything tasted like dill. I didn't really enjoy that. The brisket itself was tender and the BBQ sauce on it was quite good - not too sweet or too smokey. I do wish that the sandwich ($10) came with fries or something more substantial than just potato chips. But alas. The decor here is very nice. I like the stained glass windows and all of the hardwoods. It's also very casual in that your order food and drinks at the bar and then pick it up at a window. I would probably try Bell's again but opt for a burger or something I know they can't screw up.
(3)
Anonymous P.

I have lived in Kalamazoo now for approx. 4 years, and have never been to Bell's Eccentric Cafe..always wanted to go, but have always strayed away due to the fact that from the outside, it appears to be quite lacking on space. As part of a Bell's Brewery tour I was able to attend thanks to my place of employment, part of our tour was the Cafe downtown, to be able to go through and see the whole process from start to finish was amazing, but then to be treated to lunch/dinner and drinks at the Cafe put the icing on the cake...I was very upset that I had not given it a chance before!! Man have I been missing out!! It's a very welcoming atmosphere and while the many choices of beer on tap can be somewhat overwhelming, the staff appeared to have very extensive knowledge of each of them and was not disappointed by any of the beers that I tasted. They also have like a sample flute that you can get the is a sampler of 7 beers if I remember right. I encourage everyone to go down and try all of them!! Bell's beer is amazing and am so privileged to be living in the town it originated in...each is so different from the others, the only thing that would have kept me from giving it all 5 stars is the fact that there is no table service, it's a self yourself which being a server I can imagine how chaotic that could get at times!! Especially when it's really busy, the whole 3 hrs we were there, I would say 85% if not more of the seats were occupied, but as I was informed of during our tour, full table service is coming!!! Therefore, 5 stars it is!!!
(5)
Tom B.

I have been going to Bells for quite a long time and I remember them selling plastic refillable quarts out of the brewery. I loved it when they used to have free experimental beer and occasionally some wild small batches (I had a Carmel beer their once.) In the beginning it was a very local, personal, pleasant watering hole where they did everything they could to please the clientele. I moved away for my job and although I come back at least twice a year to visit friends and family and pick up a case or two, I am no longer a frequent visiter to the bar. I decided to meet up with some friends I hadn't seen in over a decade and I asked if they wanted to go to Bells. They seemed hesitant but said yes eventually. Now I know why they didn't want to meet at Bells. When I walked in the place had changed but not for the better. Gone was the small charming place I remember (yes that was a long time ago) and in its place looked like a Walmart of beer. I am extremely sad to see Bells become a tourist trap but I could handle it because I still loved their beer. So I ordered three and my beer tasted like dish soap. I walked up to the bartender and he was such a pompous ass to so many people before me I almost didn't say anything. When I told him my beer didn't taste good he gave me the snotty response "our beer is different than your regular beer". I told him I had been coming to Bells since 91 (probably before he was out of high school) and his response was "oh well". Bells used to have a hip vibe, filled with interesting people but that weekend it looked like a gathering of Cubs fans from Schaumburg, a bank shareholder's meeting, or a boat and RV show at Wings Stadium. I decided to order an Amber (used to be a trusty choice) and it too tasted watered down and flat. None of the beers had a head....just amazing. I hope I just had a bad experience and perhaps someone didn't wash the dishes and I just happened to be there when the biggest douche in the world just happened to be serving beer that day. I went from loving this place and having fond memories to thinking this place is probably just another yuppie hole that forgot their roots. I guess I will move on to the thousands of other micro breweries that taste better than the swill I had.
(1)
Michael R.

A good place to see a show but never really like it for much else. I know it is almost sacrilegious to say but I actually think Bell's is one of the worst breweries in Kalamazoo. I've lived here for about five years now and I think just about every other brewery here has more beers that I like. That's not to say that their beer is bad, it just isn't as good as most of the others that you can find in the area. I'm happy to go there any time that Greensky Bluegrass is playing but otherwise I'll get my craft beer addiction fed elsewhere. I haven't tried their food since they've expanded their menu so I can't comment on that other than to say that I've heard it is good. We tried to order once but they told us it would be over an hour wait so we just had a couple beers and left. The atmosphere is okay but they do get a lot of the hipster crowd and a lot of pot head types. You're almost guaranteed to see a white guy with dreads wearing a Che Guevera shirt.
(3)
Oliver H.

#HopSlam 4 lyfe
(5)
Alexander I.

Had a wonderful time here. Great to taste beers that aren't bottled and are fresh from the brewery down the road. Staff was helpful and jovial, and seemed friendly throughout. I liked their style of food delivery, in that you order at the bar and pick it up when your remote sensor goes off. Had the turkey avacado and enjoyed every bite. Clean, tasteful and worth another visit!
(5)
Laura H.

I've had GREAT experiences here, and some just good-never bad. The food is always great. We love the pulled pork tacos. Fatastic and unusual combination of flavors. We love them so much, we haven't tried anything else. The first few times we found great beer that we really liked. The last time, the selection was fairly limited to beer with strong hops or undesirable sour beer. I know many people like those, but we're not hop lovers. You can get IPAs everywhere, but if you're looking for a good German-type hefe or a good porter, you might be disappointed. Worth a try for sure. Overall, it's our favorite place in town.
(4)
C W.

For beer and an unpretentious good time, this is the place. The menu could use a little bit of an upgrade.
(4)
Joe S.

Umm. Yes. Bells. Enough said. Beer is world class, the atmosphere is great, and their snack/small meal type food is as high quality as their beer. Love the beer garden.
(4)
Rachel R.

You can't go wrong with Bell's beer. Their "cafe" is a pleasant spot to go drink with friends or take in a show on the weekend. There's a lot of open space, and not enough tables, but that's the worst I have to say. There's a decidedly 'rustic' feel, and the crowd is always upbeat.
(4)
Jenny K.

It's been years since Bell's staff kicked me out for being 'too drunk,' and I found I can finally hear their name dropped without screaming "SCREW THAT PLACE!!" and going on a long rant about how badly I was treated at a bar on a Saturday night with live music because I was visibly intoxicated, yet causing no trouble. But I digress. That being said, I decided to give it another go. My problem with Bell's has nothing to do with the quality of the beer. Clearly, that is not the issue. I love me some Winter White and Two Hearted. This time, my problem is with the food quality in the cafe. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich on special last night. Here's a quick description: 2 pieces of grocery store white bread, lightly grilled in a panini press, and on the inside - cream cheese, a couple slices of processed cheddar cheese that had not melted, broken up tortilla chips and about 5 jalapeno slices. WAT? Come on, that is just lazy! I'm sorry Bell's, I feel like we could have made this work. I mean, we like the same things, we live so close to each other, and on paper we are perfect together. But there's just something missing and I just can't do it anymore.
(2)
Adam C.

A beer drinkers paradise!! So many original craft beers that are unique and amazingly delicious! Beautiful venue as well! I had such a great time tasting they're ridiculously long draft list. The food is fantastic as well. I had the smoked meat trio, and as a southerner I was pleasantly surprised to find such a high quality of smoked meat this far north. It was my first impression of Kalamazoo and it was an amazing one. It's a MUST stop!
(5)
Craig M.

As Kalamazoo's pride and joy, Bell's Brewing Company and their local bar, the Eccentric Cafe, offer one of the best nights out in town. If you like Bell's beer, you'll be in heaven, from well-known varieties like Oberon and Two-Hearted Ale to newer, exclusive local beers that Bell's is "testing" for wider distribution. If you like to sample a wider array of breweries, the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange (right down the street) is the more ideal venue to do so, but it's hard to go wrong here as a beer drinker. In addition, the Eccentric Cafe plays host to a brand new concert venue that hosts a range of interesting acts each month. For music fans, it's one of the best places in town to see a show, and I have hopes that Bell's will continue to attract bigger names as the venue becomes a more well-known entity.
(4)
Mike M.

A mecca of Michigan beer. There are always limited release beers in the tap room that you can't get anywhere else. Simple, but delicious food (mostly sandwiches). If you like beer and are driving through town, you'd be a fool not to go here. Amazing.
(5)
Chris M.

Not a bad place to visit if you're in the area and if you are really into microbreweries and IPA's.
(4)
Greg A.

Great beers and excellent pub food. I agree that this would be an awesome add to the Chicago scene. In the mean time, I'll keep visiting when I am in town.
(5)
Kathy O.

The food and beer are very good, personally though I don't like the changes made in the last several years. Used to frequent Bell's in the late 90s and liked it better back then.
(2)
Dan H.

Made a trip to Bell's while visiting my in-laws in Paw-Paw. This cafe is attached to a small, experimental brewery, which you can tour but isn't their main production facility. There were a lot of good beers on tap, lots of stuff that was unique to this location or at least doesn't make it into distribution back east. I came away much more impressed by Bell's than I had been in the past. In Philadelphia we get a lot of Two Hearted, Best Brown, etc, which are good beers, but there was a lot more variety here at the source. Food was good. More of a lunch place than a dinner one. Beer is of course the main attraction.
(4)
Brittany G.

Review based solely based on food, it's just okay. I recently moved to Kzoo from Grand Rapids, and I can't help but compare Bell's to Founders. Had the pulled pork sandwich & pretzel app. The spicy mustard & feta dips served with the pretzels were the highlight of the meal. Pulled pork was so-so, and obnoxiously sauced.
(3)
Jesse C.

They only had 10 or so of their beers on tap here. You could literally go to the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange a few minutes away and get more Bells beers on tap on certain nights. About half of their beers were Stouts, and maybe one IPA. This may be good for some, but for someone such as myself who loves IPAs and dislikes Stouts it was a bad experience. The sampler tray was nice, but overall I found the establishment to be disheveled with poor service. Go to Founders in Grand Rapids and you'll have a far better experience.
(2)
Stephanie M.

We made a point to stop at Bell's during our midwest tour. The beer was good and the food was tasty but the venue was really the show stopper. The staff wasn't as welcoming or friendly as other stops on our tour but it didn't make it not enjoyable. Overall it was a good experience. I did like their attached store which had everything from bottles, t-shirts, to home brewing ingredients.
(4)
James R.

If you love beer you need to go here. It is a beer only bar that serves only beer by Bell's Brewery. And I will admit I may be biased as Bell's is my all time favorite Craft Beer Brewery. I stop in here just to get the items that they don't bottle and are only available at this location. I will admit that the five stars is based almost solely on the quality of the beer and the atmosphere. I've never been here during a band, so I don't know what it's like then, but when I have been it's been quiet and fun. Their are very few tables and it's hard to find a place to sit, especially if you have more than 5 people. There is little to no wait staff, and if it's busy on a Saturday afternoon, you have to wait for long lines to get your own beer. If you are a fan of Bell's, if you like good beer... this place is a must.
(5)
Patrick B.

I'm a big fan of Bell's, making one of my favorite beers of all-time (Two Hearted) but I haven't been to the Eccentric Cafe since I was in college at WMU about 8 years ago. The building is much improved since I was here last. The beer garden is awesome, and there was a second, larger room of the bar holding trivia when I stopped in. My girlfriend and I split the BBQ briscuit and pulled pork sandwiches, both were pretty good. The rest of my group got various other sandwiches, but nobody was super impressed by the food here. There was also an hour wait for the food, but the second room with the trivia in it was busy and I'm sure they were all ordering food at the same time. The beers were great, with a nice variety on tap. It also looked like they frequently hold events at the bar for the public. I was a little shocked and disappointed when the bartender told me they don't fill growlers of their beer. I made stops off at Shorts Brewery and Founders during this trip back to Michigan and have some wonderful beers from the tap to share and enjoy later, but wasn't able to get anything from Bell's that I can't already find in Chicago. Bell's Eccentric Cafe is not really worth making a trip to Kalamazoo for, but if you're in town anyway it's a nice place to check out.
(4)
Julie H.

I really enjoyed the decor, the crowd, the staff here. I just wish we had come early enough to try some of the grub. We tried all the beers that never get distributed past the tasting room. All were quite good. Some far exceeding others but that could just be a personal preference. We sat at the bar and chatted the bartenders then moved to the patio where there is a station for switching your beer to a plastic cup. We took cases of this beer home hoping the rumors that they will distribute to CO soon are true
(4)
Rodger W.

Real simple. The best beer in the nation, and right here in Michigan. As a bonus, the cafe has a great vibe, excellent creative menu items, and excellent music. The outdoor beer garden in the summer is wonderful, and now being upgraded for 2011. Probably one of the best places of any type in Michigan. If you love beer are are withing 100 miles, point your chariot toward this place.
(5)
Todd L.

Wow!!!! This place is awesome. I definitely love to visit here and try a lot of different brews offered by Bells Brewing Company. Bells offers many selections that are not available for purchase at retail stores. My in-laws live in K-Zoo, so I frequent this establishment several times a year. The atmosphere is very laid back and always crowded with people from all age ranges. I highly recommend for anyone who likes beer, just remember there are no servers. You order from the bar and then have a seat at a table. They do offer some food too, however just go for the beer.
(4)
Christina G.

We visited Bell's Brewery as a place to meet a friend coming from Lansing (we came from Saugatuck) so we could meet somewhere in the middle. This place has a chill atmosphere. We ordered our food and beer at about 12:30 for lunch, and we ended up staying until almost dinner time! No one bothered us, rushed us, or made us feel like we needed to order more. The food was pretty mediocre. I shared a warm pretzel (it came with some sort of spicy cheese sauce and whole grain mustard sauce) and a roast beef Reuben with my husband. Nothing about the food was exceptional, just pretty standard bar fare. The beer was pretty good though. I stuck with Pale Ale and the husband tried a few different kinds. He liked them all. You could get a flight too and try small samples of six different types of their beer. My husband went on the mini-tour too and was a little disappointed. He said most of the brewing is done at another location, so there wasn't a whole lot to see there. Still, it was a nice place to catch up with an old friend where we weren't hurried due to the ample seating. Check this place out.
(4)
Adam H.

This place does have food. Fun sounding food with ingredients like jalapeno mayo and bacon leek relish, but sadly the BBQ Brisket open faced sandwich I had was medicore in flavor and actually was kind of cold to touch. My wife's grilled cheese was average. So, I'm not going to write about the food and concentrate on the good. The best thing about this place is the beer. Not only do they have several of their nationally distrubrited brews on tap, they have several beers that are made only for the brew pub. Just look for the golden bell symbol next to the name and you'll be enjoying something that can't be had anywhere else. And every beer I tried was pretty great. The next best thing about Bells Eccentric cafe were the employees that we interacted with. All were very nice and even though they were busy when we were there, they didn't mind answering beer questions and making us feel welcome. The best employee though was Sarah. Sarah was our tour guide and she was awesome. Not only was she informative, knowledgable, and friendly, she really seemed sincere in her passion for craft brewing. Even though the tour is really just seeing two rooms of the small brewery, Sarah filled the space with fun facts and genuine excitement. After the tour she was open to answer questions and even went on a quest to find my non beer drinking wife one she would enjoy. After several free samples later it was a lost cause for my wife but I had fun experiencing the majority of the ales this brew pub has to offer. The one down side of this place was the long line one has to wait in to get more of their tasty beers. Not a deal breaker for the staff is efficient in serving their customers and doing so with a smile, but I suggest not opening a tab and instead buying several beers from the start. This will prevent you from having to wait in the long line again for refills or to close your bill. But really this place is great and don't let the long line or forgetable food keep you away. Grab a free tour, talk to Sarah, and drink delicious beer.
(4)
Lindsey P.

I have always been a lover of Bells, so going to their cafe was a treat! The outdoor patio is wonderful on a nice sunny day. The black bean wrap was delicious and I wish I could have ate more of it. The food and flight of amazing beer will have me coming back for more. I highly recommend their java stout if you are a beer and coffee fan, but beware, it is very filling.
(4)
GAD C.

Of course the beer is great - It's Bell's. Unfortunately, the rest of the experience is average at best. We visited on a Friday afternoon and were surprised there was no table service. We had to bus our own table and then get a bar rag to wipe it down. We were ordering small beers so we could try more varieties. That meant a 5-10 minute wait each time in the line at the bar. We also ordered food that was at the low end of pub grub. It's worth going once as they have some interesting beers on tap you can't get other places. However, going forward, we'll continue to enjoy their beer in our regular establishments with table service.
(3)
Bill S.

Of course the beers were great, as this is a world-class brewery. The cafe left much to be desired. It had nostalgic decor, but nobody seemed to be on staff to keep the place tidy. Chairs and tables in disarray remind me of a college dance bar and not what I would expect from an institution such as this. The rail seemed very small for the fact that this is a brewery - therefore, not very inviting. The garden seemed nice but I just briefly checked it out. I was disappointed that there were no TVs (at least from what I noticed). It would have been nice to check out a score while enjoying a beer. I didn't eat here sans a large bowl of cashews which were very tasty and cheap!
(3)
Amy H.

Whenever I visit my brother in Kalamazoo, we make it a point to go here. I get excited the moment I walk in the door. I love the atmosphere, the furniture, the crowd, and the beer and food selection. I love that you wait in line to order beers, it gives you time to really read over the selection written on the chalkboard (awesome idea as well). Breweries are my favorite places to be. I could sit here all day! They have games you can bring to the table, and they also have a general store next door with a lot of unique items.
(5)
Jon F.

Frankly, this place is awesome. Right now it is under a little construction out back, but there is still plenty of room to chill and it is for a good reason. Great bands every time I have been there, and super relaxed atmosphere. Great beers that are hard to find in bottles in chicagoland are plentiful on tap and very affordable. Food isn't too crazy, but it is good. Plenty of good Kalamazoo attitude around. Be aware, they will NOT serve without a state ID. Passport, ticket, FOID, and matching other photo ID / credit cards were not accepted as ID. Also it is CASH ONLY!
(5)
Jen J.

I am torn about this place.... The beers on tap = fantastic! (9% Sparkling Ale anyone?) The restaurant is beautiful in that "eccentric" way, with exposed bricks, high ceilings, and random aboriginal mask wall decorations. There is also a lovely little garden in the back (currently under construction but there are some park benches in the shades back there) that is perfect for having a drink or two in the breezy end of August Michigan weather. Now what I am not sure about....the food. The menu isn't huge. My mango chicken salad on a bagle bread was hard, difficult to eat, and quite bland. In addition, the restaurant is cash only, which is really inconvenient. The tab adds up quick when you have a couple of drinks on top of getting food. There is a nice glowing ATM inside the entrance but hey, I would rather spend the $5 transaction fees on my next drink.
(3)
Kiki T.

We were visiting from GA and doing a self- guided brewery tour through Western Michigan. Bell's was near the top of the list of places that we wanted to visit. We arrived at 8:02 on a Sunday evening. I had looked at their hours ahead of time and knew that they were still opened. What I didn't realize (because I didn't think that check it, totally my fault) was that the kitchen closed earlier. As we walked in we were NOT greeted by the staff member near the door. We asked if we seat ourselves and he said "yeah, wherever you want but we don't do table service so you have to order at the bar" (pretty snippy and irritable). I asked about food and he replied "the kitchen is CLOSED!". While it was my fault for not checking ahead, my traveling companions and I were taken aback by his rude tone. The bartender had a similar abruptness to her when we ordered. It was NOT busy so I'm not sure why she couldn't have been a little bit more patient and cordial. It was lovely evening and we decided to take our beer outside. Bell's outdoor seating/ garden is beautiful! If we had more time to spend there I could have sat out there for hours. There are tables, benches, green space- a variety of places to choose to sit, just depending on your mood. Unfortunately, Bell's did not seem to be very well run that evening. The trashcans were overflowing, there was no toilet paper in the men's room and no paper towels in the women's room. The building and grounds are lovely and well maintained so obviously the owner/ manager is engaged. But this seems to be a case of not hiring great employees. My companions each had another not- so- great interaction with staff before we left. It was really disappointing that our experience ended up the way it did, because we had very high hopes, being HUGE Bell's fans!! I'm still giving it 4 tars because (a) the beer is great (b) the vibe of the place is awesome and (c) it is very well taken care of so I feel like we MUST have just hit it on a bad night... I hope so. If this place was in GA I would go here A LOT! It was very comfortable and Bell's beer is amazing!
(4)
Sherri T.

I love Bell's. I love Bell's. I love Bell's. Several years ago at an Oberon release event in Chicago, my husband met the Bell's marketing guy who invited us to come to Kalamazoo for a private tour of the brewery. We got to hang out and drink in the tap room in Comstock, and the marketing guy took us over to Bell's General Store in Kalamazoo where he gave my husband an entire case of Bell's Double Cream Stout. Later, we ate in the Eccentric Cafe and drank several lovely beers before we took a Bell's-paid-for cab back to our hotel room. Happy happy memories! We visited Bell's Eccentric Cafe again over the weekend. More happy memories! The atmosphere was just outstanding. I doubt anyone wants to read about the amazing people I met or the great conversations I had, but just know that I had an awesome time! As I'm sure you know, Bell's has fan-tab-u-lous beers, and the Cafe offers a few that aren't bottled. The Cafe also serves food; and though we did not eat during this particular visit, the food was excellent during our last blissful Bell's day! In my own personal heaven, Bell's will be in my backyard.
(5)
Mark S.

Wanted to give this place 3 stars, but the beer is too darn good. But the prices are so unrealistic, it would be hard for me to be a regular here if I lived in K-Zoo. 6 tasters for $12?? That's about $3-5 more expensive than almost everywhere else in the country, and the tasters are small. The food is good, but again, a tiny sandwich and chips for $9-12? Just too much. But the vibe is cool and yes, eccentric, which I loved. The bartender was nice, and the beer was fantastic. They've got a ton on tap, and they tell you which ones are brewed right there on site. And I LOVE the fact that they do a sour beer, which is great and mixes well with the cherry stout. I would absolutely love this place with more realistic prices.
(4)
Kevin H.

Awesome beer and tour
(4)
Dan G.

I like beer, and I like people who pour great beer. Bell's is just one of those places. Bell's beer has been a fascination of mine since I sipped my first amber ale and became a love affair when I tasted my first Oberon. The cafe here has all of their bests on tap and a bunch you can't find anywhere else. When we went this Summer, they had a some French style beers on tap that were phenomenal. Aside from the beer being majorly awesome, the food isn't half bad. The pretzels with the Bell's Porter mustard and horseradish cheese is a perfect companion to some libations. The sandwiches are all good no home-runs but they are all tasty. The real star here besides the amazing beer, is the beer garden. One of my favorite places to drink in the world. Open, beautiful landscaping, and just relaxing. Plenty of seating and standing. Plus, a little running around room. I have always had a fun time here, have yet to see music, but the stage looks great. If you are happening through Kalamazoo or even the Mitten State you should stop by.
(5)
Nick R.

Bells beer is as good as it gets! If you are a fan of Bells...check this place out! The best part of it is that they have a rotating selection of limited, only-get-at-the-cafe beers that they don't bottle and are only on tap here. Even though I didn't eat I peeked at the dishes coming out of the kitchen. They looked pretty good from what I could see and the menu was slightly above average as far as bar/cafe selections. Another perk was that we got there just in time for a brewery tour. I wasn't expecting this since the main brew facility is off site. I knew this going in and when I saw the tour sign up I was pleasantly surprised. The tour was maybe 30-45 min long and was fairly informative. You can check out the original area where Bell himself started his brewing. Another perk was that there was lots of staff behind the bar ready to take orders and explain beer descriptions. We wen ton a Sunday and when we got there it was pretty busy and we couldn't find a 4 top for us, but it opened up shortly. There was room for standing room near the bar while you wait for a table and have a pint. The beer chalkboard was updated and was easy to read. Coming from Colorado and BACK to Michigan where I'm originally from, I've become a beer connoissuer. Beels has always been a favorite and at the top of my list for my MI brewery visits. They did not disappoint.
(4)
Kara B.

Bell's was the main reason for my trip to KZoo. I've been a fan ever since I discovered Oberon so getting a chance to check out the source has long been on my list of roadtrips. There is a general store, a concert hall and the Eclectic Cafe. The general store carries beer, Bell's merchadise and home brewing supplies. They said the mini-kegs come out in the Spring, so be sure to come back for those! No growlers though, which was kind of a disappointment since so many of their beers are not available anywhere except at the tap at the brewery! The concert hall is large, with a killer bar. There is seating above the bar and limited seating on the main floor. I was surprised by the quality of the sound and lighting in the venue. They do have some great acts come through though, just this weekend was Railroad Earth and other acts this fall have included EOTO, Digital Tape Machine, Papadosio, Henhouse Prowlers, and more. Tickets seem to top out at about $25. They offer Brewery Tours every weekend free to the public of the old Brewery (their new brewery is in Comstock, MI). On Saturday they start at 10:30 and are every hour until 2:30 and on Sunday they are at 1:30 and 2:30. The only catch is you need to call ahead if you are a large group so they can accomodate you. We did hear from our bartender the exciting news that they are in the process of installing a new canning machine at the brewery so we may be able to get some exciting new cans of Bell's soon!
(4)
Michael M.

Why not 5 stars? Cause I like bourbon with my beer! I wish they'd offer more than just beer and local wines. How about local whiskey's and vodkas.
(3)
Taylor M.

Great beer, cool and relaxed atmosphere. Being a brewery I didn't expect the food to be so good, but it really is great. Great place to come for lunch.
(4)
Glenn O.

The beer is great, the scene is not. It's usually packed with a so reheat touristy crowd. Also we got there it was like 9:01 and they told us the grill was closed.
(1)
Van L.

i love bells. and i'm so glad i got to finally go to the eccentric cafe! i love the concept of hands-off, no waiter service. just head up to the bar and order your beer and food. since we live in chicago and can find a lot of bells on tap at our local bars, we tried the specialty ones. i liked them all - and even the sangria, which was different but tasty. tons of events and things going on - we were there the day of bells prom which sounded awesome. stopped by the general store on the way home to bring home some big ol bottles. i love the tap cam on the site, so you can see whats actually on tap before you go. it's pretty busy and parking can kind of suck. id love to drink on the patio out here!
(4)
John A.

Bell's is a Kalamazoo institution which happens to also make world class beers. If you enjoy any of their beers (Oberon, Two Hearted etc.) you might as well go to the source and enjoy it. Bell's Eccentric Cafe is awesome in that you could hangout there and have a few of their brews on tap, then also have dinner, then also happy to stumble into a live event they are hosting. It's definitely a beer lovers dream.
(5)
Bob S.

Food was good. Service was slow. Staff was very nice. But they have a new set up and seemed very confused. They were part of the Kalamazoo Craft Brew passport but said they ran out of swag? How is that possible when they have a swag store next-door? Overall it's just OK. We will give it another try once they get their new system down. We have heard plenty of good things, it must be better...
(3)
Jimmy H.

I'm embarrassed to say this was my first visit to Bells... While I've only lived here for 6 months, I had lived here for close to 4 years previously. This is unacceptable and I'm ashamed... Anyway... Looks like I'm going to have to make up for lost time! Great beer, great selection. I'm not going to try and list all of the beers I've had from Bells but I have a soft spot in my heart for any of their IPA's. Don't fall for the Habanero Mango Oberon. It's more of a gimmick than anything. Get someone else to order it so that you can try it. You'll thank me later. It's not bad but with a beer lineup as deep as Uranus (quite a delicious beer by the way) it's not worth wasting your time. My only suggestion is to have a more efficient way to order beer. Every time I've been there there is an extremely long line leading up to the bar. I'm not sure what needs to be done but I'm sure something can be done to optimize the process. Great outdoor area to sit and mingle with friends and family while enjoying a few brews.
(5)
Rachel F.

Kalamazoo, MI is basically synonymous with Bell's Brewing in the minds of many Americans. True fact. Bell's beer is KZoo's most popular domestic export and for good reason... it's delightful! Some of my favorite Bell's brews include their Two Hearted Ale and their Porter as well as seasonals/specialities the Sparkling Ale, the Black Note, and Hopslam. So when going to visit the lovely Alicia S in KZoo I obviously had to/wanted to check out Bell's. And I wasn't disappointed. While the cafÃ©/kitchen/menu itself is about to undergo an overhaul, it was still hoppin' busy on a Tuesday evening. We planned to eat, but ended up not doing so (because of the overhaul they were out of a lot of menu items at the time, but no big!) I ordered the sour beer with a super fancy name that I can't remember, and it was THE SHIT, you guys. The cafÃ© space itself is fun and funky and all brick and high ceilings and cool decor, and the two outdoor spaces - the beer garden and the more sparsely populated "garden-y" area with a stage - were really relaxed and cool. The special events room was the biznass, too - Bell's, you should host a Yelp event in there! The retail area sells a pretty vast selection of merch, a rotating selection of growlers, a select selection of their brews, and supplies for homebrewers and local startup craft breweries in the area. Totally dug it and would def return if I happen to find myself in Kalamazoo again any time soon. Cheers!
(4)
Rachael Z.

Oh how I hate to rate this as "A-Ok"! And can't believe I'm doing so! I'd certainly give Bell's another try, but we didn't have the greatest experience here. We walked in on a Friday around 6pm, and we knew we were asking for trouble. Long wait times, crowded bar, etc. We knew it was bound to happen. But to our surprise, the hostess said it'd be five minutes and she'd have a table. While we waited, we saw others walk up for reservations and the hostess would take their name, phone number, etc. We didn't have that, so were worried we wouldn't get in. A few minutes later, we were told the table she thought she had, she didn't, but she'd put us at a high top table by the bar. It was in the farthest corner, but that was okay with us. When we were seated, the table was still a sticky mess. About 10 minutes later, our server came over, and with not so much of a hello asked what we wanted. Afterwards, hubby very nicely asked if we could have the table cleaned, and she begrudgingly said yes. I felt like an idiot asking for recommendations for what to drink - or at least that is how I felt when I was asking based on her response. My first and second beers were far too much for me. Too hoppy/malty/strong. I can't explain it exactly other than it wasn't enjoyable - I left nearly two full drinks and I never do that. We were planning on eating there, but we were so turned off by the service (and never receiving the water we ordered) that we decided on apps only. The bacon lollipops were fantastic, and the poutine was incredible - the entrees were tempting, but for the price (again, and service) we decided against it. Now, I don't know what happened - but in between the time that we first saw our server and then ordered our food, her demeanor completely changed. She smiled, looked us in the eye, and even said hello when our food was delivered. It almost made us change our mind - because clearly something had happened previously with this server that she was upset about - but our moods had already been altered. So, we left and went to the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange instead. I sure hope I have the opportunity to give Bell's another try.
(3)
Chelsea C.

Bell's just keeps getting better. Since our last visit in 2013 they have expanded and added an incredible looking menu and extended seating area. We stopped in twice on this trip- once for a Marshall Crenshaw concert in the back room behind the main bar, and a second time for a liquid lunch on our last day in town. There's probably not anything I can add that hasn't already been said, but the Beer Garden on a summer evening can't be beat- and their beers far surpass any other brews in both quality and creativity. I tried the Habanero Mango Oberon which while maybe not a beer you would get over and over again was an incredible beer to try- flavors were insane. My new favorite is the Downtowner Pale Ale - a must try. We didn't get the opportunity to try the food this time around but everything looks absolutely amazing- we were drooling over the plates that were being served to the tables near us. We also noticed that most of the food is locally sourced- and they list the different farms and sources of their food which is always cool in my book. Love the place, love the people, love the beer!
(5)
Byron B.

1st time coming to Bell's in the 3 years we've lived in downtown Kzoo. The food and atmosphere were great, but best of all was our waitress Whitney. She provided recommendations like the "Bacon Lollipops" that were amazing. We will absolutely be back soon!
(4)
Nam K.

We stopped by on our way to Chicago from Traverse City. I've had their beers (bottles, of course) and I liked them. I wanted to check out the brewery. I like the decors. The stained glass windows are really unique for a bar. The beers were great. I had 2 beers, i just don't remember what they were. We had the pulled pork sandwich. it was big enough for 2 of us. Between Founders and Bells I would choose Founders for their uniqueness in their offerings. Good food, good beers. What are u waiting for? Go there, spend time in their beer garden.
(4)
O. R.

Wow, Bell's has done it again! First, and easiest to review, is the beer. The standards are great but was I glad to see their Roundhouse IRA on the menu. OMG, it's the beer you never want to finish. I usually try a flight or some different ones but I had two Roundhouses with dinner and that was heaven. The appetizers we had were all good but the wings were noteworthy. These were not the bargain wings at BWW where they slop sauce on. These were a wonderful serving of dry-rub wings that were perfectly savory, sweet, spicy...and just delicious. We also enjoyed the Brussel sprouts that, although tasty and perfectly cooked, were a bit on the oily side. Still good, though. The entrees, too, all were good - surprisingly good for 'bar food', really. The Brisket (French) Dip was perhaps the best I ever had. Don't miss the extra treat of dipping your fries into the glorious au jus that accompanies the sandwich. The Banh Mi (duck confit, pickled daikon & carrot, cucumber, jalapeÃ±os, sambal aioli) also is not to be missed. What a treat. I'm not sure if they even offer dessert but if I was still hungering for something more I sweat I would just order another Roundhouse IRA. Well done, Bell's. We look forward to many more visits. You are a welcome addition to a growing culinary scene in Kalamazoo that includes the outstanding Food Dance, Rustica, and others.
(5)
Joe J.

Just visited for the first time since they reopened--definitely worth the trip! They finally have table service and sat outside on a beautiful evening. The food was delicious, and beer is always good of course. The menu here used to be really limited and not good, imho. Now they expanded menu and everything looks good. I had the bean wrap. Normally I like some meat in my wrap, but this was awesome. Lightly toasted and large portion, I couldn't finish the whole thing, but our waitress cheerfully brought us boxes to take home. Had a mango habanero Oberon, it was good, but spicy! Oracle is always good here, if you haven't been in awhile, you gotta check it out.
(5)
Karen B.

Bell's recently expanded and went to a full service model. My husband has always raved about the eccentric cafe, so we had to stop when we were in town for the afternoon. Good service and the beer was great, even though our server wasn't very knowledgeable about the beer menu. It seems Like something that could be ironed out over time. As for the food, the menu is "foodie" friendly. Probably not a good spot if you're looking for run of the mill burgers and beers. With that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed my burger. If I remember correctly, it was topped with a choice of cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and Russian dressing. It was cooked to order and seasoned well. The fries were crisp and hot.
(4)
May B.

I always make it a point to check this place out when I'm in town. They've expanded in the last five or so years, offering more areas to sit and enjoy a brew - which has helped, but on a busy day, it can still be hard to find a place to sit or stand with a drink. They always have beers to try out that you may not find around in the store which I always enjoy. I don't think I've had any food here before, but I always leave satisfied with a couple of beers. Sometimes I make it over to the store to pick up a 6 pack or other Bells gear to take home and represent MI and the brew community!
(5)
Erin R.

First time here in a few years. It's Bells beer so what's not to like there?!? The beer selection is always plentiful and delicious. There is something for every palate. My hubs got the smoked wings and they were the BOMB!! SO GOOD! Highly recommend those. I got the brisket dip sandwich and it was really tasty!! I would totally recommend it also. I got a side salad with the house dressing and it was really tasty too. Our server was kinda a quirky dude, almost creeper-ish but he was still a good server, we got great service. Can't wait to go back again next time we're in town.
(5)
Nicole B.

Being that it is the 30th anniversary and there are hundreds of people in town , they are still very accommodating and have a awesome patio to sit in . The beer flights are very nice option , and the appetizers are on point ! Definitely coming back !
(4)
Brooke K.

Bells brewery stop number... (by this time I can't remember) on our Michigan brewery adventure vacation. There are over 300 reviews so obviously the word is out, when in Kalamazoo this is a must! Who wouldn't want to "stumble" into this brewery that is continuously ranked as one of the top craft breweries in the US. The good stuff! *Excellent beer! Get a flight. I recommend trying the beers with the (flying monkey?) next to them as those are options you won't typically be able to try anywhere else. *Huge selection of choices, it's practically overwhelming, have the staff make recommendations if you can't decide. *You can order pints in 3 different sizes, which is great for sampling *Beautiful grounds. Love the large outdoor common areas. Great place in the summer! Would love to visit when a band is playing in their outdoor space. *The inside isn't too shabby either, lots of high ceilings, dark wood, natural light. *Stop in their general store (next door) for beer to-go, Bells merch, and home-brewing supplies. The bad stuff! The food.... I ordered a grilled cheese and tomato soup. My husband ordered a pretzel plate. What could go wrong with those options? Well, the grilled cheese was burnt (actually crunchy). The best part was we were expecting fresh baked pretzels for our "pretzel plate" instead we received bagged pretzel rods with dipping sauces. Hey, I may have had a few beers but I still want something more from my pretzel stick then a crunchy rod. Just saying. It made for a good laugh & they were only $3. We definitely won't forget that part of our experience!
(4)
Phillip K.

What a cool, unique, inspirational bar! Starting off with the atmosphere and feel. First when you walk in, you are in a beautiful cobble store and brick hallway, on your right is a "beer garden" and left a large wide open room with plenty of room to mingle and drink. The kind of people that come here are pretty cool too! You definitely get connected to the community. Second, the selection: WOW delicious wide selection of IPA, ciders, and meads YUM. I highly recommend their mead. A crisp sweet refreshing honey wine. I'm a major fan. Drink prices are adorable, and to be hones I had 2 drinks and had a decent buzz! I hadn't ordered a meal but their menu reflects their personality. It's not the largest menu but the things they have they sure do well! I can definitely say that this is a place that I will be coming back too.
(4)
Sarah C.

Kalamazoo is home to Bell's?! What wonderful news! I was in town for a business trip and we had a free evening - so of course we wanted to check out the local brewery. I had never had so many Bell's options in front of my face. Bell's heaven? I was very pleased with the options and because we visited during the fall, I had to go with their Oktoberfest option. So good. The food was legit as well. I had their pork tacos -- and the portion was crazy big. So tasty, though. If I'm ever back in the area, I'll definitely be returning.
(5)
Lauren D.

I love the brewery; it's been one of my favorite spots for years. I'm conflicted on the new restaurant though.... I tried it last night, and honestly the food was pretty bad and with all of the hype surrounding the menu, I would classify this as a major let-down. We ordered the burger. Base price $14, which to me says that it should be amazing if it's going to be that expensive. Added bacon for $2. Requested medium rare and the burger came out dried out and well done. Ordered the smoked wings, which 3 weeks ago at the old restaurant were a Sunday special, 8 wings for $6 with three different sauce options. Now a permanent fixture on the menu, 8 wings for $10, no sauce options at all (dry rub), and again they were dried out. Poutine, AKA Canadian junk food. Should be comprised of crispy fries, rich brown gravy, and white cheese curds, not melted. (The hot fries amd gravy warm the cheese, which should be distinct and 'squeeky'.) This turned out to be a mess of soggy fries, sawmill gravy (ok...), and melted cheddar. Could not detect any duck confit, 'cracklins', or parsely. For $12, I expect a well composed dish, not a side of geasy cheese fries that frankly, I could have gotten at a minor league ball game in a paper sleeve. I'm incredibly dissappointed Bells. The food you produced in the old kitchen always exceeded expectations and was fairly priced. Now I feel like I'm paying an arm and a leg for something sub-par. Topping it off, and I don't know if this is a permanent change or not, but I find it frustrating that you can no longer order your food and sit anywhere... you have to be in the restaurant section or you won't be served. Kind of feel like I need to find a new beer garden, which is sad... I will miss the atmosphere, but what's the point of enjoying patio beers on a Saturday if you don't want to have lunch there too? Dissappointed to say the least.
(2)
Allison F.

Jacob enjoyed Bell's so much on our Beercation that it was the lone brewery we visited twice during our three days in the area. The cafe was hopping on a Friday night, but service wasn't too hard to get. Jake did a flight. Samples (5oz) are priced individually at anywhere between $2 and $5 depending on gravity. They had a huge selection of beers to choose from, but no gateway beers for non-beer drinkers like myself, a la' Soft Parade. That would have been nice. I tried their cider but it was laughably bad. We ordered a couple apps while hanging out and got whammied with what we thought were soft pretzels... but ended up being a bag of pretzel rods with dipping sauces... $6 for that seemed like a rip-off. So now you know. Don't order the pretzel app unless you want some pretzel rods and Schuler's cheese. The buffalo chicken and naan bread was excellent, though. The space is open and interesting. There are tchotchkes on the walls to look at, and lots of seats and standing space for groups. Parking is limited, so carpool if you can. Overall, we enjoyed our visits to Bell's! If you love beer, this is the spot for you. If you don't drink beer, you're limited to white or red wine, or lackluster cider.
(4)
Angelica S.

I absolutely love this place. Such a cool vibe with a great mixture of people in one setting. I enjoy Bell's beer. A LOT. I'm still a novice when it comes to craft beer, but I sure do love trying it out. I ordered an Amber Ale and Zach got Oberon since he isn't as adventurous as me. I'd say we got the pretty "safe" choices for beginning since I love Oberon myself. If you are interested in trying different beers, get a flank. It's self service so you have to order the food, pick up the food and drinks at the bar. We went around 10:30ish and it was hoppin'. I love the openness outside if you're a smoker or just wanna go outside to talk. It wasn't the nicest of nights. Rain played a factor. I did enjoy difference between the rooms. I definitely want to go back again!
(5)
Arthur L.

Wow, great beer and service
(5)
Steve W.

Wow! Amazing brewery doing it all right! I wanted to start with that to make sure you got what you needed to know if you were skimming. Now, lets dig deeper. For the longest time I've been a fan of Bell's. I mean, who doesn't love an Oberon on a hot summer day? In March, I start to seek it out at restaurants and enjoyed the switch to cans this year. As such a fan of Bell's, I've wanted to go to the brewery for a long time but didn't think I would ever find myself in or passing through Kalamazoo. Last week a colleague asked if I could support a weekend business trip to Western Michigan University. A quick google of the university revealed its location: Kalamazoo, MI. Say no more, I'm in. We arrived at Bell's Eccentric Cafe at 6:30pm on a frigid Friday night in November. It was snowing, and it was brutal outside. Inside was warm, full of people, and inviting. Upon walking in it looked like there would be an atrocious wait to get any service. The counter space is small at the bar and there isn't table service...but within 5 minutes we actually had a spot at the bar and before we could order a few seats opened up at the bar. We ordered the pretzel appetizer and decided to do a flight each. Making a selection of 6 beers was nearly impossible. They had about 25 beers on the draft list, and about half of them were brewed at that (the original) location so they were only available there and when they are gone they are gone. The beers were of course delicious, and I managed to get a pint of their Christmas ale after, which wasn't even on the menu yet. The appetizer was a big let down with just a butch of bagged pretzel rods and some cold dipping sauces, but not enough of letdown to bring them down from 5 stars. I came for the beer. The beer was magnificent. The bar service was some of the best i've ever had. I highly recommend making a stop if you are at all close to Kalamazoo.
(5)
Randy S.

Came in here on a Wed night and was surprised at the crowd. Everyone knows Bells and it's cafe so I will skip all the reviews about the great atmosphere/ambience etc and go straight to the beer. Two Hearted is really good, Oberon is good but overrated in my opinion. Also tried the Russian Imperial Stout. EXCELLENT beer. I have to say my favorite was however, the Uranus. Awesome Black IPA!! I have to say the food was great. Exceeded my expectations. A little pricey but the sampler was worth every penny. The staff was great, friendly and very beer smart. Great experience and recommend a visit to Bells.
(4)
Kylie S.

This cafe is great! I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in. I had been to the general store a few times, but had never visited the cafe (right next door). I was disappointed that it wasn't restaurant seating and it was a little hard to find a spot to sit down. It was also very chaotic because there was a bar crawl going on. It made ordering beer and food a little difficult. All together I was impressed with the food, and of course the beer. I enjoyed all of the different beers that I have never had from Bell's.
(4)
Elle N.

The eccentric cafe has a strange vibe almost as if it has an identify crisis. Its not sure if it wants to be a brew pub, cafeteria, college hangout, place for children, or a place to get rowdy drunk. It seemed all of these things were happening simultaneously and in my opinion they were clashing. There was a whole mix of people in here too complete with college kids drinking water doing homework, a screaming toddler, and borderline wasted women. You order at the bar and are given a pager which rings like 7 minutes later, then you pick it up from a separate take-out cafeteria style window. Then they have bus boys running up and down the stairs to collect empty glasses and plates. Why not just have those guys bring beer to people too? Then people wouldn't have to leave their table and fight the bar crowd for another drink. The food was nothing exceptional. The beers I dig and will of course continue to buy at home! I will come back and I expect to probably enjoy it better, something was just not working for me this time.
(3)
Rosie D.

Went here in a quick weekend trip with my boyfriend. We had so much fun. This is definitely a trip any self respecting beer geek needs to make! So after taking my obligatory social media pictures outside we walked into this super electric brewery. We went right into a bar that kind of reminded me of a caribu coffee shop. Lots of wood everywhere. But also lots of random cukoo koo clocks. Pretty cool I thought. But the main attraction was the beer! The choices were amazing! Lots of yummy Bells products I'd never seen before. We must've looked like star struck tourists because the bar tender was like "you all need a flight right?" YES!!!! So we got tastings of 6 beers. My favorite being their oarsman ale and the boo's being their mango habenero. Afterwards we got a couple of beers and enjoyed them on their patio out back. I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Ross M.

We took our Michigan family for a birthday moral for My wifes cousin. Granted we went on a saturday Night so wait was 60 mins, we decided it was worth staying so we took the family to the bar area to wait. Ordered beers and the plough mans plate. Waitstaff service on beers was great BUT had to wait quite a while for the food. The selection range of beers is great from the famous Oberon To the really good Downtowner Pale Ale. Managed to get to the table early . Food is Ok , I guess I expected the Fish ( perch) to have slightly larger less crispy, crunchy curled fillets but I guess that's the normal size for perch. the service was extremely slow, I think they could have had 2 parties through our table in any other restaurant .. To be fair the Restuarant has only been open a couple of week so I really hope this is teething troubles as there's great potential if they get it right
(3)
L R.

I'm really disappointed with Bells recent addition and new menu. My experience was full of waiting for a waitress, terrible service, eating a $14 cold burger (really!!), and overpriced beer. I feel like Bells has sold out and it is no longer the cool European like self service, great food and beer at reasonable prices. You really shouldn't change a good thing and become something opposite of what people go to bells for!
(2)
Amanda R.

Stopped at this place after a fun-filled day of skiing in Michigan! I would highly recommend you visit this place. The Good News: - Food is very good - I tried the black bean wrap. I could eat this everyday. - Lots of beers to choose from. I'm not much for beer (the group is so that's why this was a must stop) but they offer a few wines for those like me :] - The atmosphere is cozy and love the vaulted wooden space. They have an outdoor section, but it was 10 degrees. Now the not-so-good News: - Totally self-serve place. You have to wait in line to order, they give you a pager, and they you retrieve your food once it's ready. - It seems to be a popular place so this may take some time. - Parking is minimal. We were there on a busy night and even though they have additional parking, even that was all full. - Same thing with seating - you may have to scout out for a while. Luckily, we were able to grab a spot quickly.
(4)
Kensey W.

great beer! but skip the snacks. came here with my friend after we got off the train and we were starving. got two flights of beer and the pretzels and the thing that was like a deconstructed nachos. both were super meh and the pretzels were awful because they were those hard pretzel rods that come from costco. the dips were good, but nothing could redeem those. my friend was super disappointed because she thought they'd be soft pretzels and loves those and she mentioned that to the guy clearing our table as he took away the pretty full plate and he was like, everyone says that. sorry guy, but maybe they should change it on the menu then! beer was great. we got two flights which seemed like a normal amount but we couldn't finish them between us. it was a lot of beer haha. anyway, everything about this place is pretty cute and the people working are nice. also a lot of cute boys work here. that's important.
(3)
Breina F.

I ordered the omelette and it did not offer much taste. The food ordered by everyone else at the table did look amazing. I would definitely suggest another choice. I had a bite of the brussel sprouts and the Mac n cheese and both were delicious. The ploughmans board was very impressive although I didn't try it, comes with tons of food. I don't really care for bell's beer but they do have a great selection you can't de anywhere else.
(4)
Mike M.

If you are a Bell's fan, and you find yourself in Kalamazoo, you MUST visit. If you choose not to visit, you must punish yourself by drinking the cheapest, crappiest, beer you can find in your hometown for the next month. Seriously. Didn't try the food, so can't give them a fifth star just yet. After attending Oktobeerfest with some friends, we came here for some more beers and I really wish I could have just stayed there in order to try everything I can't get in Iowa, and make my friends back in Austin really really jealous since they can't get Bell's at all. Suckers. Anyway, back to the beers. The amount of beers they have on tap is amazing. They of course have all the standards that you can find in the stores, but also have seasonals, rare stuff, and one-offs that were simply amazing. Gotta get back soon.
(4)
Kathleen C.

Loved this spot! We were driving through Michigan for what seemed like FOREVER and decided we were hungry. Thankfully, Bell's came to the rescue! If we would have had more time, I would have loved to take a tour, but really wanted to get home.... We visited mostly for lunch, but did try out two of the beers. I am totally blanking on the name of my beer, but it was citrusy and light and not very hoppy - very delicious! For lunch, I had the chicken wrap and also got a taste of the brisket dip. Definitely skip the chicken and have the brisket - I thought the chicken was a tad off on texture - it may be that it was just the end pieces from a nice chicken, but it was a bit off...the flavor of the sandwich itself was good, with nice dressing and really fresh vegetables. The brisket however - WOW! Flavor explosion - I wish I could have snuck a few more bites. The bun was a perfect consistency to pick up the au jus, the meat was delicious and the cheese/dressing was just a perfect mixture of flavor. Chips on the side were ok, the pickle was quite sour, but a good pickle showing. The outdoor patio was adorable - I think they must do concerts there and other events and it's really a perfect space for it. Indoors is also quite pleasing and it's warm and comfortable. The store has a great mix of clothes and beer brewing (and wine making) equipment. Definitely worth a stop in, though we didn't buy anything. Growlers are good for two weeks (prior to opening) and have approx 10 beers...a bit too much for me, but would be a great idea for a party! Worth a visit to this great brewery and cafe!
(4)
Marek W.

The brisket sandwich is really good, well worth the price. My Dad had the Cobb salad with the (Beer vinaigrette) house dressing, which he said was delicious. the dressing is really good on some of the bread that comes on the salad! very nice environment!
(5)
William B.

I've always been a big Bell's fan. I've been going there for years and will continue to frequent the bar and beer garden, but I am not going to eat at the new "restaurant" again any time soon. I ordered the fish and chips which sounded great but were absolutely mediocre. The batter was greasy, the fish was dried out and the whole thing tasted like it sat under a heat lamp for several hours prior it being served. The fries were OK but were a little cold. Oh did I mention that this was a $16 dollar meal at 1 in the afternoon; so not worth the money. I've had better fish from fast food chains. My wife ordered the black bean wrap salsa wrap which has been good in the past but seemed much more bland this time around. She ordered it with a side of "German" potato salad which was basically undercooked diced red potatoes, chia seeds, bacon bits (that somehow lacked the flavor I associate with bacon), and a splash of vinegar. Now I've had German potato salad at HofbrÃ¤uhaus which is fantastic but this concoction at Bells should not be referred to as potato salad as it give it a very bad rap. The beers were great as always even though we sat at the table a whole 15 min before anyone came by to take a drink order.
(3)
Daryl M.

Awesome food and beer. The service is also great! Take a tour with Luke and really get to know the beers!
(5)
Jarred D.

There is only one place to order your beer from and you have to throw elbows to get to it. Love the atmosphere, but ordering a drink or something to eat is a chore (prepare to awkwardly queue up to squeeze between one of the patrons sitting at the bar).
(3)
Ryan R.

I really do like Bells a ton. There is no bigger destination for a beer lover arguably in the whole state of Michigan. The reason I give it 4 stars is that it is always crowded and sometimes tough to get what you came for... Beer. They are expanding which will help eventually!
(4)
Alicia S.

Bell's Brewery basically pioneered the craft-beer culture in Kalamazoo. Today, it is a place where friends can meet & have a quality craft beverage. They provide an excellent atmosphere, great food, and plenty of options on the drink menu. Not to mention, they're expanding! If you live in Kalamazoo or you're just visiting definitely give this place a try!
(5)
Katie R.

If you go in a busy night expect a bit of craziness! If you check in and there is a line you are stuck awkwardly between people coming in the front door, people waiting to be seated, and servers going out to the patio. Everything is right in the same area which is a bit overwhelming. This is not the place to eat if you don't have a very decadent pallet. Went with my boyfriend who loves all types of food and he really enjoyed the green curry but I decided to not eat because all of to options were a bit to eccentric for me and pricey. Nice atmosphere and beer choices though.
(2)
Hale L.

Absolutely a must if you visit Kzoo! Love the atmosphere, beer and food. Be prepared to wait for parking and seating. It's worth it!
(4)
Sheila F.

My husband and I had dinner here while visiting South Haven. We loved the food and the beer selection. The bacon lollipops and the mac and cheese with brisket were delicious. We each had a beer that was only available at the cafe, and then split a flight of four to sample even more. I really enjoyed the Mango Habanero Oberon. Our server was fun and helpful. Highly recommend.
(5)
Bill B.

Stopped in for lunch at Bells had the eccentric grilled cheese buffalo dip and potato chips was absolutely delicious place was jam packed people were friendly the service was fast it was very clean enjoyed it sitting out in the sun it was 80Â° out.
(5)
Chris M.

Gorgeous space, beautiful dark wood walls with vaulted ceilings. This is a brewpub you can come in and spend some time in. The beer is outstanding. They offer a plethora of brews on tap at the brewpub and for sale at the kiosk that you can't find anywhere else. Some pretty darn strong ones as well. We sampled the Bull in a China Shop and the Qunice barleywine beer, both excellent and packed a punch full of big flavors. I love that they offer 2, 3 and sometimes four different sizes of beer. So you can sample a bunch of them in 5 oz portions that come secured in a giant paddle for easy carrying, and then order your favorite in a 12 oz glass when you pick your winner. I've been twice now, and the second time was last weekend for a show. I didn't even know they had a concert venue the first time I visited. Man, the venue is just as incredible as the brewpub. I will make it a point to drive out of my way to see shows here just as an excuse to come out here and enjoy the fabulous beer. The beer is ridiculously cheep for how high the quality of beer that Bells offers. Definitely allows you to save some of the money and then spend it all on to go beer :-) Can't wait to come back, I just wish Kalamazoo was closer!
(5)
Stef M.

They get 4 stars for serving up approximately 40 different beers. ' They are completely a self serve establishment (which is why its not a 5 star): 1. Seat yourself. This is a busy place with limited seating, and they really need tables that seat 2 people (and not a minimum of 4). If you don't get there before the crowd you may be waiting. There are less than 10 bar stools. 2. Serve yourself. Get in line to order beverages and food items. No table service and no food delivery service. 3. Clean up after yourself. I'm pretty sure there is no bus service here. Bring sanitizing wipes. 4. The food is very good but not great and is served on a styrofoam plate. Their Reuben sandwich needs more meat and more dressing if they are going to charge it at $8.50.
(4)
Jim M.

(7/16/15) Bell's is Kalamazoo's 800lbs gorilla, and again, with good reason. I arrived by bicycle, and there is lots of parking for bikes! I was dressed for riding - and had serious helmet hair - but I was seated in the courtyard with the lunch crowd by the courteous, professional staff. The atmosphere is upscale, but not stuffy, and the crowd varied from families to working professionals. I immediately asked for something I could only get at the brewery, and was rewarded with a Kalamazoo IPA: nice balance, good hops, clean finish. I was really hungry at this point, and started with the Cheese Trio (Charcuterie), very nicely done, especially the local bleu cheese. I haven't tried the other dishes on the menu, but I don't care, get the Brisket Dip: do it now! The bread was perfect for a dip sandwich, so was the brisket, but the au ju was some of the best I have ever had! Outstanding sandwich! The service was great, staff was professional. This place is everything I would expect of Bell's, and I expected a lot.
(5)
Sarah F.

I was in Kalamazoo for a wedding and this place was my one mandatory stop. I wanted to take the free brewery tour so showed up early to have lunch first. You place your order at the bar and they give you a buzzer to come pick up your food from the window when it's ready. I waited a really long time and apparently my order got lost somehow, but when I asked, they made it very quickly. The menu is limited but the star items are those that feature the house-smoked meats. I got the turkey avocado sandwich which was very messy to eat, but tasted great. Ideally, it would have had larger pieces of the smoked turkey instead of being almost shredded. Sandwiches all come with chips, which were a nice kettle style. The free tour is informative and fun, but important to know--the main commercial operation is actually in Comstock, MI (about 15 min away, also offers tours) so if you've gone on brewery tours before this is more of a "roots of Bell's" tour vs. their current manufacturing facility. Still fun and hey, it's free! If you want to bring home Bell's merchandise, home brewing supplies, and/or beer, the General Store is right there too.
(4)
Mark K.

Great beer. Very mediocre food. No waitress service. Wait in line at the bar for food and drink. Poor set up. No tv's.
(3)
David C.

Bell's has always been a favorite hang-out for friends and I, especially to see bands in the expansive beer garden. I moved to Chicago about four years ago and usually try to stop by when I am in town to see what special brews they have on tap. A few months back when I was there I was excited to see they were almost finished building out an actual restaurant which has been desperately needed for many years. This past weekend and old friend and I were able to go for dinner and were relatively happy with the experience. The wait wasn't too bad, around 20 minutes or so which is better than what I would expect on a Saturday night. During the wait we hung out in the beer garden which was almost empty, another surprise. Once we were seated we immediately realized how loud it is in the dining area. There are very high exposed wood ceilings and brick walls without anything to absorb the sound. This was rather annoying but unfortunately seems to be a trend, especially in breweries. The menu is pretty limited but they did just open. The wait staff also did not seem terribly knowledgeable, but again they are new. My friend originally ordered the fish and chips, however, we were later told they were sold out so he ordered the burger. He said it was good, nothing special but a solid burger. I ordered the brisket dinner which comes with quite a bit of meat, mediocre slaw and fries. My biggest disappointment were the fries, there was nothing special about them. No seasoning, no parmesan and herbs, nothing. Maybe this is a Chicago thing but very rarely do I see plain fries anymore. The brisket was good and the serving size was great, you do receive one BBQ sauce to add if you like. I would like to have more than one BBQ sauce option, hopefully this is something they can add in the future. Overall not a bad first experience, I hope to see improvement once they have been open for awhile.
(3)
Ashley R.

Our first time here from MN. Definitely a cool place and serves food! They had some great beers on tap that you can't get in bottles!
(4)
Al S.

Great place. Whitney is the best server on the face of the planet. Come. See her. You won't regret it.
(5)
Gary S.

What's not to like at the epicenter of craft beer in West Michigan? Beautiful facility indoors and out. Some of the best beers in the world. A creative bar food menu. Voila!
(5)
Carrie H.

Great place for beer, of course. Chips and guacamole was excellent and our waiter, Andrew was very pleasant and helpful describing the menu choices. Cheese plate was delicious too. Fun place!
(4)
Matt H.

I'm always a fan of Bell's beer and I'm even more a fan of heading down to the Eccentric Cafe for some libations. The atmosphere is always light, except when it's shoulder to shoulder on a busy evening! Every time we've been there we thoroughly enjoy the knowledge of the folks behind the bar...and with so many beers to choose from, that is quite an undertaking. The beer is second to none around here and we always find our way to taking home not a growler...but a 1/4 barrel for the home kegerator (3 tap might I add :) ) Whether it is a staple beer like Oberon or Winter White or a one-off, the quality is always on the mark. If you're in the mood for some cool food; they have that too and it is always nice and flavorful.
(5)
Erin L.

Went to grand opening last night. Beer is good and timely. There was no hostess stand or anyone to seat people, so we weren't sure if we sat ourselves or wait. We were greeted by our server who didn't know the market prices for the menu items. Took forever to get ice waters we asked for twice. We ordered cheese plate (market price) and the food delivery person didn't tell us what the cheeses were and there were only four slices of french bread to go with our assortment of cheeses for $12. Needs more crackers, pretzels, something to crunch on with the cheese. The pickled veg was OK, but not much for presentation. We ordered fish and chips for $16.00. It was great lakes perch and portions of fish were small compared to other restaurants in the area. Lots of fresh-cut fries. Red cabbage slaw that had a lot of watery-mayo in it. Needs work - took ONE HOUR to receive our fish and chips. We got several apologies from the server. She was polite, but not very knowledgeable of menu yet. Probably wait a few weeks before re-visiting. My suggestion for Bell's would be to limit the dining room full service and anyone who wants to order food and sit elsewhere should order at the bar and pick up like they used to do it. The servers and kitchen were extremely backed up due to it being full service throughout the bar, beer garden and dining area.
(2)
William N.

At one point in time this was a place that I directed all of my out of town friends too. The relaxed environment, good food, good prices, and beautiful garden made this a must see for any beer fans. Alas it seems that the popularity of Bell's has gotten the better of them. I was excited at first when I heard that they were going to open a full on restaurant. With food and beer as good as it was how could they go wrong? For a start, the prices are Chicago prices in Kalamazoo. The burger that I got was 15$ and was ok at best. I asked for medium and it was well done. Some friends and I used to go there every sunday for trivia and eat and drink, that's gone too. Food is only served where there is wait staff when you could before grab a buzzer and pick your food up when it was ready. Gone are the days of enjoying a great sandwich and chips in a beautiful beer garden. You lost your way Bell's. I hope you find it again. Call me when you do.
(1)
Rhiannon Z.

Obviously the beer is good: I love that you can try unique Bells beer options that aren't available anywhere else. They're notated on the board so I recommend trying those first! The food is excellent as well. Make sure to check out the specials board; there is always a new great vegetarian option available. And on their main menu, the Asian tempeh sandwich and black bean wrap are two of my favorites. They're currently expanding so they will soon have a more normal restaurant feel, with servers and a larger kitchen, so I'm excited to see what that will be like.
(5)
Christine H.

Bell's a great place to relax with friends and grab some delicious (and reasonably priced) beer and food. The beer options are extensive and the staff is always willing to give some advice. Apart from the experience, Bell's beer is well crafted. There are beer flights there (where you can pick 6 different beers from their draft list), which is always a great option. I am a vegetarian and they offer lots of great options. I had the spinach feta burger (which was good) and the spinach artichoke dip which was great for sharing with friends (good portion size). There is a general store connected to the eccentric cafe where you can pick up Bell's gear, beer, beer brewing kits and fill up beer growlers with 4 rotating beers. Overall, I'm a really big fan. I strongly suggest the beer flight. No complaints.
(5)
Jennifer X.

The food here is astonishingly bad (don't get the grilled cheese; it is disgusting) but I do love Bell's beer with a passion. This is a humongous brewery with a strange blueprint. It's certainly marketed well because there are huge billboards/posters plastered around Kalamazoo advertising the cafe.
(2)
Skylar W.

Lovely old building that Bell's is truly making the most of! Always always some rare beer on draft you will never see in a bottle or on tap anywhere. Awesome food for the carnivores and excellent vegetarian fare for me. Everytime I roll through Kzoo I stray off path to the Eccentric Cafe and anyone I take with me always feels the same. Friendly staff and a super quality product, can't really ask for anything more.
(5)
Stacy L.

This is one place I have not been to since college. Living outside of Michigan for a few years, it was so nice to be home & enjoy some AWESOME beer. We were in town celebrating our Grandmother's 100th birthday - yes, 100 years old. Family was visiting from all over, including the Netherlands. We all tried many beers - most did end up Oberon - it is Summer time, after all. :-) I had the Java Stout & it was so good. We started inside, and meandered outside after awhile. We had 12 or 13 people, and it was nice being able to hang out in the Beer Garden and chat. Next time I go home, I see a visit to Bell's in my schedule.
(5)
Chris H.

As part of a Michigan brewery tour, we stopped in to Bell's on a Monday afternoon. First off, it was a Monday afternoon (like 1pm) so the place was empty. The place is undergoing a lot of construction it seems, and we were told we were in the "new" area. There was a decent looking stage on one end, so it seems they frequently have live music. There was also a patio/garden area outside, but being winter, it wasn't open. The room in general was very open, not that many tables, and in broad daylight didn't have a very intimate "bar feeling" to it. We sat at the bar and shared two flights of their beer. You get 6 samples (maybe 5 oz?) for around $12 (you pay an extra dollar for a few of their pricier/popular offerings). There were 18 beers on tap at that time, and about 6-8 of them were "cafe only" offerings that weren't bottled. So we got to try 2/3 of the beers, and most of them were great. We knew Bell's had some good beer, and it was nice to be able to try so many in one place. As for the service, since there were only 5-10 customers there the entire time, and we didn't order any food, and we sat at the bar...no real complaints here. However, I couldn't help but get the feeling we were "just customers" to them. For how empty the place was, I thought they could have been a little more engaging. Finally, I just think it's ridiculous that they don't take credit cards. We were warned before we went that this was the case, and they did have a sign on the front door that mentioned this. But what kind of place doesn't take credit cards these days? This also means no bar tabs...you pay as you go. So I can only imagine if it was a busy night w/ a band playing and the patio open, the service is going to suffer. If you love good beer, Bell's is worth a visit. Not my favorite brewpub i've ever visited, but if I happen to be passing through again in the future, I would definitely stop in.
(4)
Seth D.

I'm a big fan of Bell's beers. At least the ones that make it down to Columbus, Ohio. I was a little disappointed by the flight that I had. They were interesting, but just not up the par with their usual brews. I would suggest coming and ordering your favorites and be happy to drink them where they are made. The food was delicious though, and the staff was nice. They have a very nice eating and drinking area outside and kind of a garden with a stage for concerts. I would definitely make a stop here on the way up north again, but I'd stick to what I know I love next time.
(4)
Laila C.

Their new backroom space is really cool. Once all the renovations are complete, they'll have a backroom with a stage where you can pay to see a show and also a front room where you can just go in to grab a drink! I hated how if you came on a weekend before, you HAD to pay cover whether or not you wanted to see the band. My BF and I made a stop on the way home to Chicago. Sat at the bar and tried basically all the beers. The bartender is super informative and she'll give you tastings of anything you'd like to try. The beers are all about $3 for 12oz and $4 for 16oz except the Expedition Stout which is a little more but it's also 10.5% alcohol. Whoo that is delicious but pretty dangerous! The chips are delicious and come in a HUUUUGE basket. They also give you a bajillion pretzel rods. The noshes are good but I wish they had sausages while I was there. I sooo wish we had a space like Bells around my house. I'd be there all the time!
(5)
Markie L.

Used to come here all the time in college. The atmosphere is great--not too loud, not too empty. The new outdoor area is pretty nice too, perfect to be outside on a summer night. They get pretty good bands here from time to time as well--if you're looking for a great spot to hang with friends and drink tasty brews, this is your spot!
(4)
Jose A.

Bell's is one of the best names in beer, and their eccentric cafe brings some new to you (cause this is the only place you can get them) beers, that were pretty kick ass. I went here twice and they seemed to be understaffed, and backed up, but if you can put up with those small issues, then this is a place that you will enjoy, and abosolutley want to come back to. They had 9 never been any where but the tasting room beers, and it was a pretty cool experience to try those and know that not very many other people have had them... Wish i lived closed to kalamazoo, so i could come here more often...
(5)
Roland C.

Excellent selection of beers (check out the live cam of the board on their website) and delicious food. It's a small selection of daily features, but they are hearty and tasty and a good accompaniment to the main attraction... the beer. They have 12 - 20 oz pours of about 20 of their beers. Some are the year round classics, some are seasonal varieties and some (the ones I always end up on) are only available on tap here. They also have bottles of all the current Bell's selecitons available. If you are into beer, this is a must stop location. The service is casual and laid back, there is no table service and you need to move on up to the bar to place your order... cash only as well (at least last time I went). I always make it here in the late afternoon on weekdays, and its just a few locals and fellow travelers hanging out and enjoying a great beer.
(5)
Joy E.

Average food. Excellent outdoor patio area and stage for live bands! Perfect place for fun with friends/family, or seeing live music. Nice folks work there, too! don't order the pretzels and dip, its literally just plain old-hard pretzels and icky-cheese sauce
(4)
Kelsey K.

Another trip to Kzoo=another trip to Bell's. This place is one of the reasons to visit Kalamazoo. Get the pulled pork sandwich, it's incredible. For veggies out there, the portabella sandwich is also great. The hummus is good as is the spinach and artichoke dip. As for beers, I can't comment as I'm not a beer drinker but the devout beer lovers in my life swear by their recipes. If you can get ahold of the Big Porch Ale, I'm told it's a total diamond in the rough, but it's hard to find. If in Kalamazoo, don't miss Bell's!!
(5)
Charles J.

There is so much to love about Bell's! Having said that, it could be so much better! Pros: The beer! I mean, isn't that why we're all here in the first place? So many varieties to choose from and all oh-so-good! I did not try the food on my initial trip but many others around me did and I saw several members of the "clean plate" club so I will assume from that the food is good. Back to the beer... I especially enjoyed the flights - a sampling of 5 or 6 different beers that you choose from their extensive beer menu. The glasses probably amounted to a double shot glass in size - enough that you could get a good sampling of some of the variety offered at Bell's. A great idea! The building itself is pretty cool. A Multi-level warehouse in the midst of expansion and remodeling. What they have done thus far looks great and I can imagine it's going to look fantastic when it's all done. Cons: While I really enjoyed the beer, I was left a bit wanting when it came to their customer service. There is no wait staff - and I can deal with that - if it weren't for the other "hurdles" experienced on my visit. If you order a flight, you do so at the bar. When they present it to you for you to take back to your table, you have to relinquish your drivers licence, which you get back when you return the wooden flight holder. Really?!? Zero trust factor with their customers apparently. Bell's also doesn't take plastic of any kind. It's a cash only business. That means, you'd better stop off at the ATM before going or you're out of luck. I can't think of many higher end pubs or restaurants that don't take credit or debit cards these days. Inconvenient in my book, especially if you're a first time guest that is unaware of the policy. Lastly, and probably temporary, the building at the present time. As I mentioned above, it's going through renovation so be prepared for that. The main entrance is closed forcing you to walk around to another door. It's a bit of a mess but I suspect it will all look great when it's done. I'd go back. It's got quality beer to choose from but don't expect them to throw the red carpet out there for you. Even if they had red carpet, they'd probably expect you to you to lay it for them.
(3)
Jef S.

Let's not sugar coat this. This restaurant / brew pub is a tourist trap. The draft beers are a bit overpriced, and the food is a bit underwhelming, but, as an admitted Bell's slappy, I love this place. When people come to visit us, this is one of my favorite places to take them. The remodel is looking great, and I don't mind paying a bit more for the beers as I know they are fresh, and they have some different offerings (mmm... Hell Hath No Fury).
(4)
paul s.

Tour was good but short. tour guide was knowledgeable. The beer was excellent. No complaints there. The buildings seemed a little disjointed and I wanted to look at the gift shop but couldn't easily find it in the time we had available. The outside patio area was nice and the food was very good, though their menu was limited.
(4)
Justin J.

What a shame I've gotta give Bell's two stars, but like a lot of reviewers have said, I love the beer, really enjoyed trying the unique flavors, but the staff left me with a bitter aftertaste. I'm a friendly dude. I enjoy chatting with the staff at restaurants in different cities and I like to leave a place happier than when I came in, but some of the bartenders treated us like we were doing them a favor spending money buying "their" beer. I walk up to the bar inside the Eccentric Cafe, which has some nice decorations on the walls, but does feel a bit like a movie set, and give the bar tender a friendly "Hi, how's it going?" He gives me a quick head nod back. Alright, that's cool, you're the quiet type, I can dig that. My friend asked the other bartender about ordering the sampler (six individual beers from their amazing selection) and he says something to the effect of, "I know my beers, I don't order samplers" as he placed a piece of paper and pencil in front of us without any instructions, advice, conversation, etc. Hey fuzzball, we're glad you're a beer connoisseur, but you work here. We are from out of town and have never heard of any of these beers, a little advice or descriptions would be real helpful. Make us feel welcomed. In their defense, the bar tenders in the back bar, inside a beautiful, spacious room with a stage were friendly and personable and had no problem engaging me a bit and the stage in the outside area was awesome and the band ruled. I'll keep drinking Two Hearted because it's fantastic, but it's doubtful I'll go back to the Eccentric Cafe when I visit Kalamazoo. Bell's...please remember how you started and embrace a little humility and make your guests feel like they matter to the existence of the business.
(2)
Justin B.

Was in town visiting from Dallas and, this is a true story, a monk we met at a local monastery said we need to check this place out. First of all, we don't have Bell's in Texas, so we got the sampler which was hit or miss. Some beers were great, some flat out gross, like the sour one. The 'wild one' tasted like mosquito spray. I ordered some spinach dip and it was alright. The guys taking orders for the kitchen were rude and would barely look at me, much less answer my questions about the food. The decor was good. African inspired. Oh...and there was an amazing rockabilly band, 'Delilah Dewylde'. The worst part about this place is if you want to go sit outside in the beer garden, you have to put your drink in a plastic cup. We just dont do that where I live, it ruins the taste. No one was protesting this and everyone seemed to be fine with this arrangement.
(3)
Allison V.

This place is fun. Food is decent. Beer is exceptional. I heart Bell's. I have been here a number of times and enjoyed myself each and every time. Story time: One summer evening I was here and ordered the portabello mushroom sandwich and a cold beer. I stepped outside to sit at the picnic table and two guys discussing the UFOs that had flown over the prior night.....fun times.
(4)
Ron R.

Love their beer and burgers. I went there last night and found out they closed the kitchen so no more Grouper sandwich or burgers...:-( The Two Hearted Ale is TOPS in HOPS!
(4)
Casey R.

Great brewery, I love their beers...food was pretty good. Staff was pretty helpful, not mind blowing. The whole lay out is kind of confusing to someone who has never been here before, just sit anywhere you kind and stand in the line that you see forming, order food at the bar is well.
(3)
Blake M.

Bell's has so many great beers, so I was quite excited to check out the Eccentric Cafe. For the most part, it does not disappoint. They always have about twelve different Bell's beers on tap, including some seasonal brews and other offerings that never see a bottle. As a beer geek, I jump at the opportunity to try these otherwise impossible to get beers. Unfortunately, last time I was in there I really wanted to try Hopslam, but they had run out the previous day and were not sure when they would get it again. They did, however, have Wedding Ale, which was a great variation on a Tripel, Consecrator Dopplebock, as well as the usual suspects like Oberon, Java Stout, and Kalamazoo Stout. The nice thing about it being in a quiet part of town is that I can go in, sit down, and just relax and enjoy my beer instead of being bumped and bothered by a huge crowd. The prices are very reasonable, There are a couple of knocks against the Eccentric Cafe though. For some reason they never know what their tap list is going to be until that day, so if you are coming in from out of town you can not plan on having a specific beer. The only thing you can do is hope and call in that morning. The layout (or lack thereof) of the bar is terrible. It is basically an eight stool bar with four tables that has much more of the abandoned railyard feel on the outside of the bar than of a progressive craft brewery. Part of this may be related to the lack of customers that are willing to hang out in industrial Kalamazoo, but it still does nothing to add to the atmosphere. Right now they are doing some construction outside, and maybe they will gradually redo the more dreary aspects of the interior as well. At this point, I cannot comment on the food, as I have exclusively gone here for the beer. Last time I went they had a band, which meant we had to pay cover and get our beer in plastic cups instead of glasses (a pet peeve of mine). Bring some good friends who are in the mood to try some good new beers, and you will not be disappointed.
(4)
Eric G.

What to say about the famous Bells Brewery. I love bells brews especially the best IPA in the world... Two Hearted Ale. They have an outdoor beer garden which is very impressive and can't be beat on a nice spring or summer night. The bar is cash only which can be a pain but just plan ahead. They always have a few brews that are a test run on tap at the bar and can't be bought in stores which is always a treat. My only complaint is that the music and some of the people aren't really my bag most of the time. It is always annoying jam band type music going on there. The food is usually just vegan crap and nothing of any substance so don't plan on having a "meal" here. All in all, Bells is a great place to hang out and have some delicious local brews.
(4)
Jon D.

I traveled all the way from DC to visit Bell's! Well, not really, but it makes a good story. I knew Bell's great beers from at home in the DC area. I couldn't be in Western Michigan without making a visit. Eccentric is right! The decor is really, really, uh... eccentric. But the patrons and staff are really a friendly, normal bunch. Apparently they have a lot of regulars who travel from quite a ways. Ate the best potato soup ever -- unbelievably good. Now, the part you're waiting for: beer. Amazing! I enjoyed four inexpensive beers which were among the best I've had anywhere. On this night I had the Experimental IPA, Best Brown Ale, and Smoked Stout. All were exceptional. Tasted the Christmas Ale and Third Coast Beer, which were nice too. I hope the Experiment becomes a standard. More in the American style of IPA than the fine Two Hearted Ale, this is hopped up. The Best Brown is just that. Reminiscent of a British brown ale, its extremely drinkable. Smoked Stout is only available on draft, and it is smokey. Probably the best of Bell's Stouts, IMHO. I look forward to my next visit and sitting in the beer garden, when all of Michigan isn't covered in snow an ice. Cash only and don't miss the Bell's General Store around front. I hope Bell's will be at the craft beer Savor event in DC this year!
(5)
Nicolas Z.

Like those other commenters, my one star shouldn't be taken as a reflection on the beer. It's great - duh - and they've got plenty of offerings exclusive to the brewpub. The decor/ambiance - yeah, it's terrible, but that's a venial sin if the food and beer are great. Unfortunately, the food just plain sucks. I got a pub dip, which - no shit - was indistinguishable from an Arby's Arby-Q sandwich...other than the price, obviously. My girlfriend got a chicken sandwich, which I didn't try but she described as "nasty." And my buddy got a pretzel platter whose soft pretzels were rubbery and undercooked. They also don't do growlers. WTF? If you're just passing through Michigan like we were, go to Greenbush instead. It's closer to the highway, and it's an infinitesimally better experience overall.
(1)
Kelly C.

I'm of course biased when it comes to Bell's after living in Kalamazoo for seven years. It's often the only reason people have heard of Kalamazoo and for good reason. The crowd is eccentric, the beers are amazing and the beer garden is a chill place to kickback with friends. Always a staple in the summer for me.
(5)
Matthew V.

I am a total fan of every Bell's beer I have ever had so this was a great place to visit. So many great beers in tap and several I had never heard of. My only gripe would be that there were more children there than I expected. Come on, it's really a bar, people. But otherwise a nice place to visit in the spring/summertime.
(3)
M G.

Very Very cool place. Came in on business and I went to bells on the recommendation of my roommate who grew up in the 'zoo. He is a micro brew fan as well and this place did not disappoint in that regard. Great atmosphere and decor as well. Only stayed inside but if i was with a large group, the outdoor areas would be awesome as well, i imagine. I am knocking a star off for the food. while it was tasty, my meat trio was cold. 2 other people at the bar had problems with their order as well (either order mix up or cold food too). But the bartenders were incredibly gracious about it, even though none of it was their fault. That shows great character. Would definitely go back again, but mostly to drink!
(4)
Aurore L.

Nerdy me have always known Kalamazoo because, believe it or not, the International Congress on Medieval Studies is held every year in Western Michigan University. Why?!? I have NO clue. I suppose Kalamazoo was some sort of hot spot between the 11th and the 14th centuries. But beer nerdy me also know Kalamazoo because of Oberon and Two Hearted, and I was super excited to stop at the Bell's Cafe for lunch on my way to Holland (so excited that I had to take a - what else? - nerdy picture of me under the Bell's sign). It's quite a big locale but only half of it is open for lunch. Nice wooden room, stained glass windows and a glorious dozen? more? beers on draft. WIN! The menu is quite limited but you are likely to find something to satisfy you. I had a very nice grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with sweet red peppers and served with peppery chips and a glass of Le Batteur Ale (French BiÃ¨re de Garde Style, 6%) followed by a Porter (5.6 %). Both were absolutely delicious, and the Porter had to be my all time favorite for this style of beer: coffee and chocolate flavors with a strong malt finish but quite light. What I loved about the bar? On top of the traditional beer samplers you can choose 3 different sizes of pours (12, 16 or 20 oz) and the prices range between $2.75 to $5.25 (a little more for the very small batches). Say whaaaaa??? I wish I could have stayed the whole afternoon sampling all their brews..... Not super easy to find but well worth the detour.
(4)
John H.

If you like beer, then it would be difficult not to be a fan of Bell's. They consistently brew very good beer in several styles. If in doubt, check out web sites for "Beer Advocate" or "Rate Beer."
(4)
Melanie B.

I enjoyed my visit to Bell's, but was by no means blown away by it. The one thing that sticks out most in my mind is that the tables are awkwardly arranged. I'm guessing this isn't a problem at night when lots of people are standing, but for our lunchtime visit to the pub... I don't know. It was slightly strange. Not bad, just... eh. First we went to the general store, which had moderately good swag - I bought a pint glass and some stickers, and was psyched about the free Bell's pins (or, buttons). Then, we ventured into the pub - cool affect with the exposed brick, stained glass and awesome posters (yay for the socialist poster!). The service really sucked, however, which was a turn off. We went to order some lunch, and the guy who took our order acted like we were interupting his hangover - he was far from pleasant, and in fact he rudely informed me that he couldn't hear me when I was speaking ("I can't HEAR you," instead of, "Sorry, what?" or suchlike). I *kinda* understand this attitude, as someone who frequents the bar scene - no need to be BFF, but come on dude. No need to be a jackass either; my friend is now referring to him as Rude Food Dude. The bartender was fine but not the friendliest dude on the planet. The food was great for bar food, though. I had the beer brats without buns (Lent!), and my friends had the chicken pot pie and the turkey and cranberry sandwich. We all Really enjoyed our food. Kudos, Bells. Also, I had a pint of Le Pianiste, which was excellent - I was glad because while I like the Bell's beers available in Ohio, I don't love them; I would definitely buy a six of this if it was available to us. Overall, I liked Bells, but Rude Food Dude and less-than-excited bartender kinda made us feel... well, not unwelcome, but certainly not welcome. I can see this being a cool place to have some drinks on a weekday evening or on the weekend, though. I'd come back and give it another go, if I was in Kalamazoo again. Bell's, I'd come back.
(3)
Roy R.

Poor parking. Drove around the block a few times, finally parked a couple of blocks away. Didn't eat here since the menu seemed rather limited. Didn't try what they had on tap either. The line waiting for service was unbelievable. I struggle with a well known brewery that can't take care of the little things. Parking? Enough wait staff, etc. On a positive they had an excellent selection of brews in their General Store (But no parking for it either)
(3)
Samir N.

The place is still as awesome as it ever was. This time I went for the KalHaven, which was really good. The winter white and harvest ales were also good. This place is always a good time.
(4)
Justin D.

Bell's is world class brewery. By itself, that's enough reason to make sure you go there at least once. Besides the great beer though, Bell's is also a great place to go for music and nightlife. I've been to see a couple local live bands and to square dance. It has always been fun at Bell's I'll be honest, I haven't tried their food, but it's worth going to Bell's even if you never eat there.
(4)
Derek S.

Probably my favorite place on earth to see a show. Beautiful beer garden and live music three times a week. Fair beer prices, and for the best beer ever...Two Hearted Ale. Their food and staff is always great, and I miss not living within walking distance!
(5)
Samuel B.

I have lived in Kalamazoo for three years now. Surprisingly, while I've enjoyed nearly all of Bell's beers available in local groceries and marts, I had never visited their cafÃ©. I finally went in during spring break to enjoy lunch and relax while checking email and finishing some work. The atmosphere- As soon as I entered Bell's cafÃ©, I was impressed. The foyer that connects the cafÃ© and their venue is well lit and warm. In the bar is an eclectic array of masks and other things along the front wall. The menus are on blackboards and while it's normally annoying to me to have to read someone else's hand writing when ordering a drink, it seemed to add to the vibe of the place. They have wi-fi available to anyone who enters which is nice, and the password is displayed plainly above the bar, so its no hassle to connect. This made it easy to enter, sit, and go on with my own business without bothering anyone or wasting my time. Once I opened my laptop and got comfortable, I started looking over the menu. The food- Now, it was not busy by any means when i attended the brewery, however I can understand why some would be put off by the ordering process in the cafÃ©. When ordering food or drink, one must go to the bar to put in an order with the bartender. I'm sure there is waitstaff put on for more busy times, but it just seemed like an unnecessary system. It was no problem to me, for I was waited on as soon as I arrived at the bar, but nonetheless it was peculiar. I ordered a Third Coast Ale with a Turkey Avocado sandwich. I took care to sip slowly so I had a good amount of my beer to accompany the sandwich, however the sandwich arrived very quickly. The bread is baked by Mackenzie's, which I've had many a good experience with in the past. The sandwich was not light on meat or avocado so that, to begin with, was satisfying. The sandwich came with a good side of kettle chips. I may be biased, considering I love kettle chips, but either way, the combo was great. I finished up my sandwich and beer, and ordered an oatmeal stout to wash it all down while doing my work. Needless to say the beer was great. I saw that they had cashews in a large jug. I ordered a side of cashews and did they pile it high. I ended up taking some of them home with me to share with some friends. When I entered Bell's, I was immediately comfortable. The atmosphere is nice and the signage is easy to read, and homey in it's own way. The food, while a little pricey, is VERY good and I didn't feel like the portions were small. Good beer, good food, nice place - Will go again, definitely.
(5)
Chuck D.

I've always been a huge fan of Bells but never made it over to their Eccentric Cafe until last weekend. The first thing I want to correct is that I saw someone claim they don't allow tabs?? OF COURSE THEY ALLOW TABS! They are a bar. I was there less then a week ago and had a few tabs open between my friends and I. Now that that is out of the way... on to the review: Most importantly - GREAT selection of beers. I was excited to see that they offer several beers that you can't find anywhere but there. All my favorites were available on tap (two hearted, oberon, etc) but then so many more to try! I was impressed with pretty much all of them (aside from the sour mash based one.. but that is just because I'm not a fan of sour mash beers - others that I was with still enjoyed it!). We were planning on just stopping here on our drive back from Detroit for a quick bite and maybe a beer or two, but found ourselves there for several hours just so we had time to down several beers and a sampler (six beers placed on a paddle shaped like Lower Michigan!). The food was surprisingly good. It isn't anything overly special, which is why I am leaving just one star off (although I could give this place 5 stars and not regret it). Its mostly just simple bar food done right. Their sandwiches were delish and you can tell they use very fresh ingredients. It was a well thought out but small menu. I'd like to see a few more options, but not at the expense of the quality of the food, so if this is all they can handle, I'm fine with that too! Definitely find some time to stop by here - good food, great beer, and a really great, comfortable atmosphere to hang out for a few hours.
(4)
Ezhil K.

Well its a brewery first, so you know what you SHOULD have when you go there. But I cannot say the same thing about the food - there weren't a lot of choices and I was kind of disappointed with the chicken buffalo dip I got. Of course, do take the tour of the original brewery if you get a chance and try the sampler to get a taste of all their brews which are on tap.
(4)
Chris C.

I love the beer garden in the summer. Nothing like having a beer on a picnic table in the summer with friends. Third Coast old ale is one of my all time favorite bottles of beer. Excellent selection at the tap. I like dark beer and they have an exciting selection of stouts. To name a few; sweet potato, java, double cream, expedition, trumpeter. smoked, and spiced. My favorite stout is either sweet potato or smoked. I can not comment on the food.
(5)
Don Z.

Arrived at Bell's Eccentric Cafe on a Tuesday afternoon. The parking lot was small and hidden, but luckily the other reviews warned me of this. The atmosphere was very casual and I liked all the wood and artsy stuff on the walls. The stained glass windows were impressive as well. We were lucky enough to find a table. Although it wasn't very busy, there simply weren't that many places to sit. I soon realized that this was a completely "self" service bar. I don't mean that you had to pour your own beer, but damn near it. In order to get a beer, everyone had to line up at one end of the bar. You order your beer and pay for it immediately. Bells does not take credit cards and they will not let you run a tab. I personally hate dealing with making change and tipping for each drink. The beer selection was impressive. There were 14 beers on tap and I worked my way through at least half of them. My favorites were the Belgian and the porter. The Christmas ale was also tasty. I liked the fact that I could get 12oz pours too. This gave me a decent sized beer, but let me try more variety. The food service was just as awkward as the beer. You have to go to a separate window and order the food. They give you a paper with the order and then you have to go and stand in line at the bar to pay. This is a good time to order a beer as well, so you don't have to do it later. Once you pay for the food, they give you a "pager" to take back to your table. It buzzes when the food is ready. The black bean burger and the bison burger were tasty once we got them. If you want some water with your food or beer, then it is self serve from a 5 gallon thermos at the back of the bar. Overall, I would recommend this place for the beer. It was just as I would expect from Bells. Unfortunately, I just didn't have a good time at this bar. If I was in town again, I would probably stop in, but I wouldn't go out of my way to travel to Kalamazoo for Bells. (If you do come to Kalamazoo, be sure to stay at the Kalamazoo House bed & breakfast. It beats any hotel I have stayed at.)
(3)
Missy C.

Three stars for the overall experience. The beer is of course good. My fiancÃ©e and I both got a flight of 6 beers...it was a tad pricey. It came to $28. We got there around 3:30 and the place was packed! The only seat we could find was in their foyer at a wobbly tall table. Better than nothing but it was drafty. Sitting out there you just felt kind of disconnected. Idk. I was happy with my beer choices and liked that. It did seam like people were friendly there though..I'd like to go back and try the food sometime.
(3)
Mike R.

Best bear in the world Thank You
(5)
Lisalynn K.

The beer menu is great of course- the food was decent. We got a pretzel plate appetizer. It was alright. The dips were pretty good but the pretzels were rod pretzels out of a bag and soft pretzels that looked like they were from a box in your local grocer's frozen foods section. Our sandwiches were very good- I got a turkey avocado sandwich and my boyfriend got pulled pork. I really liked the atmosphere there and if it were warmer, the outdoor area would have been even better. Service was excellent. Very attentive. When one bartender was getting your beer another would see you standing there and ask if you needed help.
(4)
Jenna S.

Absolutely amazing beer. My boyfriend and I try to go to Bell's every time we drive to/from Detroit. It is the best beer in the midwest; we love it. We've had: Oberon = Wheat, absolutely delicious. I am in love with wheat beers because they are most often brewed in the summer. I LOVE summer beers. Amber Ale = delicious pale amber. Very nice taste and very light. Lager beer = great lager and a genius alternative to standard lager beers. As you can see, I'm not a beer connoisseur, but I try my best to convey what I like and why. I hope you try it out sometime because it's so great. The bar has great food and in the summer there's an outdoor patio area that is really nice. I haven't actually been out for more than a few minutes (you can only use plastic cups out there) but I'll definitely try to dine there the next time we go back.
(5)
Daphne L.

Hopslam. What else needs to be said? Hopslam. Love it. Love the beer, love the cafe, love the store, love the beer garden...love it. Don't, however, love Kalamazoo; other than visiting Bell's why would anyone go there? Seriously, why? They brew some fantastic beer, which I've come to know and love due completely to my husband's undying love of Bell's. My favorites are the Oberon and Java Stout, the latter of which is hard to come by. The Two Hearted Ale, Sparkling, and, Amber Ale's are also stand-out winners. The Eccentric Cafe is a great spot to kick back and enjoy a few brews, and have a light meal if you're so inclined. They are pretty generous with taste portions of their beer as well. The garden is fantastic! They have great shows and the layout is superb. A visit to Bell's is worth the trip to Kakamalaky.
(5)
Conor M.

Every time I'm passing near Kalamazoo I try to stop here. Bell's beers are some of my favorite and getting them on tap just elevates the experience. The beer prices are very reasonable and for most styles you can choose between 12oz and 16oz servings. Some styles have a 20oz option as well. The food menu is limited but everything is quite good. The roast beef and bleu cheese sandwich is my favorite. The potato chips served with each sandwich are something else. I don't normally crave chips, but I dream about these. Much to my surprise they now accept credit cards. If I'd known that yesterday I would have saved myself some trouble as I was driving around Kalamazoo looking for an ATM that didn't charge me $3.50 to get cash.
(4)
Jon R.

OBERON!!!! One word completes Bell's Eccentric CafÃ©. The place is always packed!!! I love the selection of their draft beer. Everything comes from Bell's Brewery. I also tried the Smoked Vienna Lager; it was so crisp and refreshing. Thanks Saccharomyces sp.! The place was so crowded that we managed to stand around in a circle behind the bar. People were having fun and getting friendlier by the minute. The cafÃ© has a delectable menu and also kid's menu is available... yes, a KID's menu!!!! Ironic???? One thing I'm not used to is not having a wait staff around, but we managed.... One has to order their meal on a little peep hole beside the bar (overstatement). The cathedral ceiling made an impression to me. Even if the place is so crammed full, you can still hear your friends talk about hematology and other geeky stuff. I love the dÃ©cor, very simple yet exotic at the same time. Tribal masks and whatnot decked out the wall. The atmosphere was so immense that I felt like I was somewhere else. Another plus is that Bell's Beer actually meets the criteria to be a vegetarian friendly beer, but not gluten-free. They also don't use any preservatives, which explain the beer's short shelf life of 6 months. The locals were very helpful in helping us choose different varieties of beer and also give fun facts of the brewery. Hopefully, we get to visit the brewery next time we visit Kalamazoo. BTW, Bell's Brewery is as old as me (just a fun fact I found out for myself). =p
(4)
Cassandra L.

I loved this place. We showed up about half an hour after they opened on a Sunday to have lunch, but we ended up staying until like 3 pm because we enjoyed hanging out there so much! Bell's Oberon is one of my favorite beers so I probably had high expectations going in, and I was not disappointed. I ordered the black bean and salsa wrap. It was so delicious! I went on a 3-day road trip to MI with friends and almost all we did was go eat awesome food, and this was my favorite meal, or at least tied for favorite. My friends and I also shared a beer sampler with Mild Ale, All Four Ale, Olde Ale, Oarsman, Third Coast and Amber - I don't think there was one that no one liked, because Bell's is awesome.
(5)
Ed C.

I stop in whenever I'm in the Zoo. I love drinking some of the small batch brews that you can't find in the liquor store. Of Course, the Two Hearted and Hopslam are always amazing fresh out of the tap! I haven't really cared much for the food, so I generally just drink and order some hungry howies pizza when I get back to my hotel.
(4)
Frank K.

...on my most recent visit with my daughter to this bit of Heaven, I enjoyed Bell's Smoked Stout. I have to say that mere words cannot convey how good this stuff is ! Imagine the essence of the best BBQ you have eaten, captured in a cold bottle of stout !! Voila'......
(4)
Rachel H.

En route to Ann Arbor, my roomie and I needed to make a pit stop here. I mean, how could we not? I only wish my cousin still lived here so I'd have more excuses to come back, though who really needs an excuse for more beer? I won't lie, even after a long car ride full of snacks, albeit healthy ones, I was starving. Finding a $6 bison burger on the menu made my evening. I know I'm happy the bison aren't extinct, aren't you? Served with some super peppery chips and a delicious pickle, I devoured that thing. I washed my down my dinner with the Hopslam Ale which did not disappoint. I also like that they have a 12oz draught size so you can try more things, though I stuck with one so I could keep driving. I dreamed of the Hopslam all weekend, and was sad that I couldn't buy some in the shop, though I did manage to buy some gifts and beers for later. They have a nice beer garden, bartender was friendly and free with the Baskin Robbins style samples. Cash only.
(4)
Angela R.

Love the beer, love the crowd, love the food! That about sums it up! I was recently surprised at what their tiny kitchen can turn out! Love the turkey cranberry sandwich! Always a fun place to go - the crowd is very eclectic and friendly!
(5)
Aaron E.

Being a WMU alum, I have a little bias about Bell's being the greatest beer ever, but it is! This brewery is fantastic, the beers are top notch, the hippy atmosphere is amazing and any person that goes to Kalamazoo should definitely take a little stop by and a refreshing cold one.
(5)
Paul F.

On a stopover in Kalamazoo, a co-worker and I, decidedly dedicated brewery visitors, made a Bell's visit. This is how it ended. The bartender, Amy, cut us off for making a joke. Let me explain. We didn't get cut off because we were simply enjoying too much of their beer. In fact, neither of us were drunk. The overall attitude toward us, the visitors, was dismissive. She was too interested in carrying on conversations with her friends than pouring any beer. She had some knowledge of the beer on tap, but not what I would expect from a brewery's exclusive tap-room. If you spend as much time in various breweries around the lower 48 states as I do, you'll find a beer you like behind the doors here at Bell's. Don't let Amy the bartender turn you off from visiting this place, just watch out for her... if you make a joke, she'll bite, and you'll be done paying her for the privilege of drinking Bell's beer. After-all, she has "taken a class about how to know when to stop serving." Apparently some of the bullet points are; have been here a while, drank some beers, and made a joke. Most importantly, ALWAYS be condescending. Anyway, I give the beer 3 stars. The Java Stout was a 4. The service, however, that was a 1 star? I guess we got some beer so it's more than zero stars. Basically it left a terrible taste in my mouth. 2 stars for you! Thanks Amy. Remember, one of those stars was for the beer.
(2)
Megan M.

In Michigan bars, Bell's is as common a tap fixture as PBR. You don't really need to go to their Kalamazoo brewpub to get a pint of Two Hearted or Oberon, but you'd be missing out if you skipped it. First of all, they have beers on tap that you can't get anywhere else. Ever been to another bar with Bell's Black Rye on tap? How about the Wild One? Their blackboard is filled with over a dozen intriguing brews (as well as standards like the Winter White and Best Brown). An additional reason to visit: the food is a little better than standard brewpub offerings. I wanted to try the daily special, a grilled cheese involving cranberry cream cheese, but I can never resist a tempeh rueben and was rewarded with an excellent rendition.The soft pretzel with mustard and feta dip is mandatory. The service, as others have noted, is not particularly warm and fuzzy, but it is efficient and I'd rather have fast service than an effusive greeting. Remodeling continues apace and seems to be bringing great things; I love the new stage. Bell's is the epitome of a good company to have in your town. They brew and sell great beer, and with the profits improve a hometown hangout.
(4)
Brian G.

Went with my son and we had a good time. Tour was not exciting but the beer and the atmosphere were great. Good service, very limited menu for food (2-3 stars for this). The extension for music and entertainment looks great. Overall 4 stars - go for the beer (not the food) and ambience. Well stocked general store if you want souvenirs or beer brewing supplies!
(4)
Meghan B.

Well, the beer gets five stars. Duh. This review is for the pub space and Eccentric Cafe. I finally made it in here after all these years (you know, growing up in Battle Creek, living in Chicago, etc) and while it wasn't what I expected, it was good. Cafe menu is limited, but does what it does quite well. I wouldn't get the pretzel rods with beer cheese again (menu gives little detail --it's basically a cold cheese spread indistinguishable from grocery store varieties, not bad but not worth an appetizer splurge). But we all had good sandwiches/burgers. I had the grilled cheese, tomato, and pesto and loved it. Dad had buffalo burger, mom had roast beef (the "dip" sandwich), husband had protabello & peppers. We all really liked the spiced kettle chips that most sandwiches came with. Space is SMALL. People had told us it was a small space but we were still surprised. We came (old people) early on a Friday night and still just barely nabbed a table upstairs. But it's rustic, funky, meets all the expectations for breweries in the area. I liked it, but I do like the food, atmosphere, and space at Founder's better. Still. Totally deserving of four stars. I'll go back.
(4)
Alexandra L.

awesome beer, great beer garden to hang out and chill... rustic views when the train goes by feels like being in England....
(4)
Furry P.

This place is one hot mess. We loved the beer but the service is awful. We walked in for our first visit late afternoon on a Saturday and found no guidance as to whether we should be seated on our own or how the place worked. After being totally ignored by the staff, we elected to take a seat at a table. After being totally ignored more, we noticed food being placed on the door to the kitchen so.. ultimately figured out that we order at the bar and pick up food when ready (there is a sign hanging on the wall in the area of the kitchen as you walk in - easy to miss). OK! Now that we know the program, we opted to sit at the bar to be ignored by the staff again. We scrounged up a dirty menu from a nearby table. I really cant explain it. We dont walk around with a scowl - in order to be served we had to kind of ask them .. "hey - can we order?". Commence to ordering and drinking great beers including a beer flight which was really cool (not on menu, we saw one being poured). Of course, no one ever asked us for an order again, no matter how empty the glasses were - but we are not shy and would not be denied the tasty beverages. "Hey! Can we order a...." would result in victory and beer delivery. So - the "hey" approach worked so that we could order 2 sandwiches but they never came. At that point, the situation had become comical so after a couple of beers and a lot of time passing whilst kitchen staff stood clearly idle, we asked for the check and mentioned that they could forget the sandwiches. This comment was met by an investigation which concluded that indeed, sandwiches were ordered and bartender "didnt know what happened". There was no apology and no one seemed concerned about it. Nevermind that no one checked on us once, or followed up on the food. Bartender never produced an itemized check.. simply asked us for the total which - sounded pretty close to us and since that too was ridiculous service we rolled with it and paid that amount without asking for the actual check. Why get picky now? We left to go elsewhere to actually eat. Funny thing is the place wasnt very crowded. Im afraid that w/o the great beer I would have opted for a 1 star. I think I'd rather buy a 6 pack and enjoy the great brew at home thanks. PS - the decor of the place is lovely - with amazing stained glass windows that glow with sunlight in the afternoon. Perhaps with some service training for the staff and a sign instructing patrons of the food situation.. might be a great place to eat someday.
(2)
Jeffery S.

How do I feel about Bell's? They're assholes! They can take their fucking beer and jam it up their collective asses.... The stuff isn't that good anyway, I'd rather buy Old Milwaukee than patronize this collection of rude prima donna's.
(1)
Lou L.

Two Hearted has been one of my faves for a while so I had high expectations for Bell's brewery and the Eccentric Cafe. And boy did they deliver! The tour of the brewery was a bit boring (hence there only be 4 stars) but that was mostly due to the fact that the majority of the beer is brewed elsewhere. The brewery there consists of two large rooms. Not much to tour! Then we mosied on over to the Eccentric Cafe where I had the best panini of my life. They have experimental brews on tap that you can't get anywhere else and I had a Deb's Red (DELICIOUS). This place is a must visit if you're in the area.
(4)
Joseph M.

Guys, I gotta put this out here. I am the biggest Bell's fan. Larry and his crew throw down some of the most insanely good brew one is likely to run across. I will buy every six pack of Hop Slam from my local purveyor when it comes out despite the near $20 price per. So let's be honest, high expectations can be a killer when visiting a place for the first time. And I guess, the love and care I taste in every pint of Bell's beer queued me up for a bit of disappointment. Folks, never meet your heroes. The beer is killer. Repeat, the beer is killer. If you are in Kalamazoo and you don't go, you've missed out. I will be back, but that said, the bar is a little weak. it's worth putting up with the hurdles to have fresh Bell's on tap, but.... The service during my two nights there was dismissive and slightly rude. The food is questionable. They only take cash. The building is nice but even the kids running the merch store could care less if you wanted to spend money there. And this isn't a "you don't fit the craft brew stereotype" sort of review. If I don't immediately register as the target market to anyone working there, they either know very little about the industry or are simply self hating hippies. So it comes down like this. Go. You'll be sorry you didn't. There beer will be awesome, you'll have to pay cash and service personnel will be rude to you. Bring a friend. You don't need their approval anyways. Don't let Bell's ruin Bell's for you.
(3)
Josh M.

It is what it is. The hippie bar in Kalamazoo. When ever I travel around the country people know about it. Never had a bad beer here. Oberon has it's ups and downs year to year, but that doesn't matter cause of two hearted.
(4)
Lisa R.

Stopped in with the better half while visiting family in the area. We were able to get him some Oktoberfest, which happens to be his favorite overall. Sadly that was the only Oktoberfest he was able to have this season since it doesn't look like it was bottled and distributed.
(4)
Frank B.

Michigan folk are awesome and friendly. Maybe that's cause everyone was drinking delicious beer but wait, the bartenders were super nice too and patient despite the looooong order line. Gotta love it! I enjoyed everything about this place. The food, the beer. It is definitely one of my favorite Midwest micro so far and will bring visiting family and friends to eat/drink here! The 6 sampler is reasonably priced to and you can pretty much sample everything and get a little tipsy ;)
(5)
Jordan R.

Bell's has an amazing decor and they've clearly invested a lot of money in making their bar/beer garden/dining area up to their standards and style. As a bar, it's very cool. There's no liquor, just beers and they have a lot of experimental brews to try as well as their standards and seasonal beers. The employees are friendly and they have a variety of nuts that you can get to pair with your beer. I will say I've found the food to be consistently lackluster. The menu is small and a lot of the options don't really jump out at you. Pretty standard sandwiches and wraps. Their pulled pork sandwich is good, but I haven't been wowwed by anything else.
(4)
Kalama B.

*batman 1.0/4.0 beers After hearing so much talk about Bell's, I had high expectations of what I hoped would be a chill atmosphere with great offerings for a IPA connoisseur. The following bulleted list is what I observed: * Greeted by 2 grumpy guys about to charge a $10 cover for a mediocre band. * Overpriced, off-tasting beer served in plastic cups for $4. * Slow, almost lifeless, service with a negative attitude. * No hard alcohol. * A lot of dudes trying to impress their date by pointing out exotic locations from the world maps on the wall. Surprised it took me several beers to learn my lesson about Bell's...1 beer *captain ron 3.5/4.0 beers I have to admit, I'm bias on this one. Having Bell's in my own backyard was the first thing I got excited about when I moved to Kalamazoo. I always have to stay for at least 2 beers. The first is to try something new; maybe one of their specials or many seasonal beers. The second depends on how I enjoyed the first. If it was a welcome surprise, I might go in for another round; otherwise, I'll default to one of the many old standards such as their Kalamazoo Stout. My only gripe about Bell's is that the cover can get rather steep depending on the evening's entertainment. However, I've yet to hear a band play poorly here, so I think it's a matter of getting what you pay for. If you live in Kalamazoo and like to drink beer, you absolutely must do some experimenting at Bell's. *richard withers 3.0/4.0 beers This hometown brewpub oozes originality and style. From the fish tank and African carvings on the wall to the painting of Santa walking his mule on the beach, the decor creates a sense of wonder and amusement. This laid back atmosphere provides a good early evening starter bar. As expected they only serve their own line of unique brews. Take a gamble and order a pint based on the loose descriptions scrawled on the chalkboard menu that changes daily. Meander outside to the sprawling terrace where the live music and social diversity adds to the unique style of Belle's. If people watching is your game you'll find specimens from bikers to Boomhauer and everything in between. 3 Beers. TheKalamabooze.com
(4)
Rick S.

ok we did not have any thing to eat . looks like their sinking a ton of money intothe place. its going to look great when their done. I'm a big fan of Obrien have been for years. Its the only bottle beer I drink . So when ever I have a chance
(5)
Deborah B.

Love the great selection of beer on tap. Not in love with the level of cleanliness...go for the beer and have fun, but I would go somewhere else for the food. My s.o. and I saw several things servers were doing around food that was not very appetizing.
(3)
Jen J.

So slowly but surely my hubby and I are making the rounds to local breweries in the Midwest. We finally made it to Bell's on our last visit to my hometown of GR. The 45 min drive to K-Zoo is nothing and it was worth it to finally see where Bell's is made having been a long time fan of Two-Hearted Ale and my favorite--Hopslam. We were pleasantly surprised to see the very cozy, lodge-like interior of the brewpub and we settled in for a couple of hours of tasting. By the time we left, we had either drank before or tasted all the beers on their chalk board, which you can view live to see what's on tap from their web site. I very much enjoyed that the serving tray that they brought out the samples on was a carved wooden tray shaped like Michigan with little divots to fit the beer glasses!!! Being from the lower peninsula myself, I quite enjoyed the tray--wish they sold that in the store. I have to say that nothing that we tried really outstripped our personal favorites, but it was nice to visit the place. (In fact, we tried a sour beer that we found quite offensive!) They have a great space for live music, but we visited in the afternoon and they seem to be expanding the outdoor patio which will be great in the spring and summer. The food selection was quite limited so I wouldn't go here when super hungry, but it's nice to frequent a local microbrewery that is committed to brewing good beers and trying to innovate new ones. The bartenders were all quite young ladies, most were very friendly and honest with their beer recommendations. I can see though that they could rub people the wrong way since there is no wait staff and you must order at the bar. They also are cash only which definitely irked folks--they do have an ATM, but considering it is nearly 2011 it would be nice if they took cards. I know businesses must pay fees per each credit card swiped, but I think Bell's is doing brisk enough business to be able to afford it. Oh well. We bought some Bell's swag on the way out of town at their store right next door. Hopefully, we'll make another visit in the future. Until then, keep the Bell's coming to Chicago.
(4)
Matt T.

A great place in Kalamazoo. Charming atmosphere. They rotate through different beers not available in stores. My particular favorites change, but some of interest are the Wild One and Milk Stout. :) Food is decent, but a bit pricey for what you get. I've been here several times, and the bar staff could do to be a lot friendlier. Seems like most of them have a chip on their shoulder. No credit cards! Bring oodles of cash, or prepare to face the wrath of ATM fees. Beer ranges from $-$$$ for a glass of beer. Specialty limited release beers can be over $6 for sometimes only 8oz. When there is live music, they are kicking people out after 9PM unless you pay cover... which wasn't how it used to be. Also, if you go outside to smoke, you can't come back unless you pay cover. Again. So sad. Remodeling costs are getting pricey, I guess. They are sinking around $2M into it. Hopefully they figure some things out along with this remodeling. I like it. A few things piss me off, but I would go again.
(3)
cassie r.

The official first stop on the first annual Michigan Brew Tour 2010. And it was certainly worthwhile, though definitely not the best spot in this great state for deliciously concocted microbrews. Arriving around 7:30 p.m. on a Friday, it was full but not packed, though you couldn't tell by the ambivalent servers behind the bar/taking food orders. There was no friendly or helpful "let me tell ya about our beers," at Bells. It was pretty much a blank stare, which apparently equated to "tell me what you want." Once I figured out how they roll, I ordered a Java Stout. It was good, a bit too bitter for my taste, but standard for a coffee-flavored brew. Decent, but unmemorable. What was memorable? The pretzel with spicy tavern cheese. That tavern cheese had something red/spicy in it (though I have no clue what), but when mixed with feta made for an excellent topping to a hot, buttery pretzel. Their vinegar-rific chips were also delicious, and their sandwich selection was pretty good. We left slightly buzzed, but empty handed, saving our money for a more appealing beer selection.
(3)
Nicholas L.

Great beer and good food, my only complaint is the lack of growlers. All the beer you could want to take home is available in the store. I enjoyed the trip to Bell's and would go back.
(4)
Toni C.

The beer at the brewery is so amazing. They usually have a special brew on tap that's not normally sold in bottles. I had a specific incident after drinking too much raspberry brew out of a brandy snifter in the beer garden on eccentric night. Side note: If you've never been to or heard of Bell's Eccentric night party look into it and go. It's in December, in fact in my be coming up soon. It's wild and tons of fun. Eccentric ale is sold which is like 90% alcohol or something. :) The food is basic but good. The shows there are usually of the bluegrass jam band-ish genre but a lot of fun. The beer garden is huge and there's a big stage back there for shows in the summer.
(5)
Igloo B.

Great atmosphere, friendly crowds, and had a wonderful birthday beer there.
(5)
Mandy C.

You won't be finding a Bud Light beer in this building. The more establishments that exist like this, the better the world is. Pay attention to the descriptions below the beers before ordering. There is a beer (or two) here for everyone, you just have to know what you like. Even the Lager is delicious. I love the food too. I think I might be addicted to their burgers. They DO have very good veggie and vegan options. Always check the chalk board next to the food ordering counter for off-menu specials. Two things: I wish they had french fries and I wish they were slightly more friendly. I will be bring all of my out of town friends here. Oh yeah, AND the beer garden is amazing and huge!
(5)
Michael P.

Went back this past Monday. Raspberry Wild One on draft. Awesome.
(5)
Matt T.

I've been going back to Michigan to visit for years and always get some Bell's to drink while I'm there. I finally got to check out the brew pub on this trip and I'm glad I did. The beer was awesome. Everything we tried was great. I had a flight and got to sample 8 different beers. The tray they serve the flight on is shaped like the U.P. Nice touch, Bell's! The 2 Hearted Ale and the Oberon were the standouts. If you've never had either on draft, you're missing out. My only disappointment is in the limited food menu and lack of table service. Everyone was really friendly but you had to get up and go to the bar for a drink. Same for the food. You had to walk up to a window to order your food. Not a huge deal but wasnt expecting that. All in all, a great brewery to visit. The beer is fantastic. Just eat before you go.
(4)
Al P.

I love Bell's Beer and I am glade I stopped for a drink and a meal. However, the food was nothing too great and I didn't care for the atmosphere - the place has a strange layout and no wait staff. But as always, Bells beer is good and the Trial IPA I ordered did not disappoint. I would return for a beer but I wouldn't come hungry.
(3)
david l.

Along with my love of all that is summer, is my love for summer brews. My opinion, for what it's worth, is that summer just isn't summer without a cold pint of Bell's Oberon in hand. Chilled, delicious, honey sweet and fragrant, I crave this brew. To my dismay, this golden nugget brew is unavailable in California. Fortunately, I have Michigan friends who think highly of Batman. Yesterday, my summer care package arrived. Two mini-kegs of the golden nectar wrapped anonomously in my Oberon summer t- shirt...yeah! Smiles abound... Thanks Oberon. Let me know if you would like to distribute in Cali. I will be happy to volunteer my services. Cheers!!
(5)
John S.

Wooo! Bell's! This is THE best brewery East of the Mississippi, and sentimentally, my favorite of all time (the fact that it was my college bar helps). If you can find Bell's outside of Michigan, order all you can. It's been moving into the DC market for about a year now, although I've never seen it out west (they have no idea what they're missing). Bell's almost never misses with their dozens of varieties - Oberon, Two-Hearted and the Amber are classics, and the porter, Cherry Stout, and Java Stout are fun choices for cold weather nights (unless you drink heavy dark beers in warm weather, then these are good for that). The Eccentric Cafe always attracts a fun crowd drawn from students, professors, locals and visitors. The best (fuzziest) memories are of course to be had on December's "Eccentric" Day near the end of winter semester final exams when an exceptionally potent beer is sold. Summer nights outside, complete with live music, are also great.
(5)
mark e.

Oh-##%&*, Bell's is going though rehab! Looks great so far, keep it local. Check out the store for all your homebrew needs!
(5)
Erin S.

I can't lie. This is a biased review. No matter what happens here from now on out I will always live for the; late summer nights, outdoor concerts, eccentric night, Seth & May show, GreenSky Bluegrass, Cyser Ale, falling over kegs (and tabes, and rocks), grilled cheese, fun people, drunk hippies, cash only, walking here along the train tracks, Oberon and the official start of summer. Good music, Good beer, Good friends. Drink and be merry!
(5)
Jeremy A.

Bell's Eccentric Cafe downtown Kalamazoo has it all. Extensive tap list, unique casual food menu, relaxing beer garden, dual bars with live music lineup on one side, brewery tours, and even a general store.
(4)
Peter S.

The beer is always good, but the food is sometimes uninteresting, and seating can be a challenge
(4)
Andrea V.

I love Bell's! I highly recommend getting a flight of six beers so you can sample what is on tap. Favorite beers: Lager of the Lakes, Oberon, Pale Ale, Potter, Java Stout, and Kalamazoo Stout.
(5)
Jamie K.

Some of the best, most creative brewing in the country! Be adventurous. Ask for a sample. Two Hearted (IPA) is my staple. Love the beer garden. It's like a backyard party. These guys know beer!
(5)
Cullen S.

World-class beer, awesome beer garden, chill atmosphere. What's not to love?
(5)
Matt H.

Six stars. Yes, the urinal dividers that go at least 6 1/2 ft high deserve an extra star. Shows you some thought went into this place. Otherwise, GREAT FOOD. awesome chicken dumpling soup. great pastrami as well. Chill atmosphere, cool design. Excellent beer. I like oberon as much as the next guy, but I had a killer tripel that was 9% that was just amazing. and only 4.50. It'd have been $7 at hopcast in GR and half as big.
(5)
Julia H.

BELLS BELLS BELLS BELLS! the best beer in the world. i know i am a bit biased... but woah. larry really know's what is up with good, strong, tasty beers. my favorite beers: oberon: summer in a bottle, honey sweet and golden two hearted: bitter, dark and tangy (my personal favorite) amber: a bit lighter than the two hearted, still a bit bitter The brewery is such a fun venue... but mostly I come here in summer because the beer garden is fenced in with a tall wooden fence, and is absolutely beautiful. it's great catching a buzz under the stars with a great beer and close friends you can actually hear, while getting fresh air. very very hippy here ... bluegrass a lot and dead cover bands frequent -- i still love this from time to time... and wow, just a few years ago, you could catch me at a dark star orchestra show spinning in circles to dead covers. i'm not ashamed.
(5)
Nell R.

Great place!
(5)
Jeff P.

We arrived at 10:30 on St. Patty's Day, expecting to get in...but they don't open until 11am. When we went into the General Store, the person behind the counter said they don't open early "for any occasion". He was not friendly. When the doors opened, we got our beers and sat in the courtyard for most of the day. The beer was very good. We ordered heavy stouts and light lagers and were not disappointed. The barstaff was semi-friendly but efficient. We ordered food (everything was pick up...no waitstaff) and the cook times were good. They did a nice job on the corn beef and cabbage and we enjoyed the pretzel and chips appetizers. (the chips had a lot of pepper..which I liked..but some did not). Most of the crowd was dressed in green but it seems like St. Patty's was an afterthought for the bar, who had live Irish music starting at 4pm. Very odd. We saw a lot of people leaving when they realized that there would be no music in the courtyard most of the day (the live music was inside..not in the courtyard). We all enjoyed the beer....but for ambiance, friendliness, and event-friendly...Meh, we've had better. Buy the beer from the store.
(3)
M. K. A.

It is very noisy. The staff (and the owner) are rude. No servers, one must "find" the food window. The food is ok if you want to pay those prices. Over all I would say don't bother there is better micro brewed beer elsewhere.
(2)
Jim T.

This is a great micro brew bar. It's a very casual, easy going place that serves some of if not the best beer in the Midwest. Lately they have been brewing new beers that are only served in the Eccentric Cafe. The food is also great. The menu may be a bit small, but it includes everything from classic sandwiches to eccentric Ostrich or Buffalo burgers. I do see families there in the beer garden. The kids just run around the grassy yard while the parents enjoy a beer (this usually happens on Saturday and Sunday afternoons). I would say if I had to leave Kalamazoo, this is the one place I would miss most. They also have great live music there quite often. In the summer you can usually find great bluegrass bands (and others) playing the main stage in the beer garden. Overall I love this place.
(5)
Steve P.

I've had several of Larry's brews. I go home to Columbus, Ohio to attend a beer tasting and viewing of the film The Big Lebowski once per year. I cannot get the beer because I live in New York City. Going back to Columbus is well worth the trip. While my favorite is Java Stout, Bell's has numerous good beers including Oberon and Hop Slam. To put it simply, that's good beer.
(5)
Jeremy M.

I don't know what people really see in this beer...one question: do you use Kalamazoo River water? I've had 2 Hearted, Oberon & Best brown in other cities through what I can only conclude is through clean draft lines, because they're decent. But AT Bells it is HORRIBLE! The worst being the Raspberry Ale, which tasted like dollar store raspberry Koo-Aid with no sugar added...I heard some dude behind me comparing it a Marshall MI Raspberry Ale...REALLY!?!? There cannot possibly be a beer worse than this. Shiner Hefe-Weissen used to be my overall worst beer ever made...Bells Raspberry Ale now takes this honor! Go to Olde Peninsula instead, or Kalamazoo beer exchange! Ciao!!!
(1)
Amanda L.

I'm a longtime Two-Hearted fan. Last weekend, my husband + I were traveling to Grand Rapids to attend my brother's college graduation. I demanded we navigate a stop to Kalamazoo so that we could check out the Bell's Eccentric CafÃ©. We arrived around 4PM on a Friday and were fortunate to find a parking spot right away. As we stretched our legs, I scanned the full lot and was surprised to find that we were the only out of state license plate. There are great places within our home city of Chicago but most locals avoid them due to the amount of tourists that arrive in droves so I was impressed to see so many seemingly local patrons. After grabbing a menu, we found a table and looked around. Where the cafÃ© lacks in space, it makes up for in height. Though it appeared busy, it was hard to feel crammed due to the tall ceiling and large windows. A woman came up to us from behind the bar and told us that we needed to go up front to order. We explained that we realized this but were just taking it all in, deciding what we wanted to order. We were a bit surprised by the limited beer selection, many of which we could find at a few bars within our neighborhood. We had hoped to find a brew or two that we couldn't find at our local liquor store. I ordered my go-to Two-Hearted and though my husband would've loved a Hopslam we still had some driving to do so he opted for a Deb's Red. We were starving so we opted to order from the cafÃ©'s small menu. Granted I know it's a brewery, the real star is the beer (and true to form the beer was delicious) but we were disappointed by the menu options. I ordered the black bean burger which was just ok. Nothing to write home about. It arrived with stale corn chips that had that "fresh from the bag" smell. My husband ordered a smoked turkey sandwich. Again, underwhelming but hit the spot after 3 hrs. of driving. At $7.50 each, the food wasn't truly worth it but again, we were starving so it served it's purpose in a pinch. We finished our beers, shared a few nods and smiles with those nearby. I'm glad we were able to stop at Bell's and I will continue to support their company but I don't think I'd ever visit again.
(2)
Christine J.

The BF and I were a little nervous driving to Bells. The neighborhood seemed a little sketchy. However, we really liked the brewery. We shared a sampler and I cannot for the life of me remember all of the beers that were on the paddle. All I can recall was that I liked their sour and the BF liked all but one of the samples. We are already planning for our next road trip with Bell's as a definite stop.
(4)
Ben H.

As other people have stated my wife and I were incredibly disappointed with the service at bells. We didn't even get in to taste the beer before they had us fuming and walking out the door. After driving for an hour or so to enjoy the evening, we arrive at the door and deny my wife entrance due to a foreign ID which had a changed name on it. Understandably you need a valid ID to enter, but someone with any common sense can see and understand that it IS a valid ID, only clipped so she can't go into the country with her old last name. They made a lot of sense until the manager came out with the brilliant and understanding line of "this is America, not Estonia" to which we said we would never come back. Not too good for business if you ask me. As the conversation went on, they became more and more rude making the situation worse. I might add that we came in only to listen to our friend play live music and to eat a meal. Never again will we go back. Thanks for ruining a night out Bells.
(1)
Jason W.

This is a hard review to compose - the beer is spectacular, but the food is boring, a bit overpriced for what you get, and has very little variety. Alright, so really, that sums it up right there. However, 3 stars just doesn't seem right when the beer should really be the centerpiece of a brewery, so 4 stars it is. Bell's is a wonderful place to hang out, have a few drinks, and listen to some great live music. So if you're looking for those things in Kalamazoo, then this will fit the bill. Just make sure you eat before you arrive.
(4)
Ash M.

Cheap beer, and lots of delicious Bell's varieties to try! I loved the Rye Stout, so I had a couple of those. The bartenders were quick and polite, and their beer garden was great... lots of tables in the garden to hang out at while you chug. I didn't try the food, but I look forward to visiting again next time I'm in KZoo.
(5)
o m.

Great Kalamazoo brewery! Tastes so much much much better than bottled! Trust me it is intoxicating. Some of beer has 10% or more alcohol. Like aah........ "Hop slam" an Imperial/Double IPA. I have to wait almost 10 month to taste amazingly hoppy Hop slam. or refreshing "Cherry Ale" has beautiful ruby color. The Bell's beer is not the cheapest, no happy HR, no service but it is one of the great beer in The United States. I can not go to any other brewery that serves a $3 pint with this depth of flavor. Since Bell's is a large Microbrewery, often they change the long brew list. It is such a joy to try different flavors every time I visit. If you appreciate Bells and craft beer, try Dark House Brewery in Historic town of Marshall, MI, much smaller but very similar to Bell's quality with a lot of character. It is expanded in 2010 fall, I changed to 4 from 5 stars, it is getting bit expensive and it dose not taste good drinking with Eco Fabri-Kal plastic cups instead of pint of glass. Dec 2012 First time went the eccentric night, must dress up with some costume, was fun with eccentric special one day beer and eccentric food. (5stars for the night)
(4)
Jessica W.

Recently went back to Bell's and heard an awesome band (kind of blue-grass/blues style) play...neglected to include the fact that this place has live music that rocks!
(5)
Tina K.

Love the outdoor garden, nice to enjoy a good cold beer on a hot summer day!! Make sure to order the soup of the day, if you are interested in the healthy choices. Always excellent service!!
(4)
Ela G.

I do love Oberon, as most others do. But- I'd have to say, their other beer selections wern't nearly as awesome. And, I was shocked to learn that they don't do growler fill ups. Sadface.
(4)
Tiffany H.

I went to Bell's Eccentric for lunch today. I had the Black Bean Burger and the Doppelbock. AMAZING! The atmosphere is delightful, I found the stained glass windows complete with beer bottles to be interesting. Great place for food and beer and I will return often. My only complaint was the crying child at the table next to me, but occasionally you have to deal with that at lunch. Please don't bring your children to brewpubs if you can't control them.
(5)
Brynna P.

Come for the beer, don't worry about the food. It's fine, but not the star here. The staff are quite friendly, but perhaps, how do I put this...a little fuzzy, toasty maybe? Getting a side of chips and guac with my soup was apparently terribly complicated. The giggling and consternation that ensued after I made this request was, um, amusing. I mean, I'm not one to judge. Whatever, food was decent, but we're here for the beer right? Well, you've come to the right place -- a full board of original brews on tap, oh yeah. The cafe has character, board games for the taking, no TVs, big open space and warehouse feel. Try the cafe beers you can't buy in the store, bring cash, and relax on the patio. Great place to while away.
(4)
Catherine Y.

We go to Bell's on Eccentric Day every year. It is the first Friday of December where people has to dress up eccentrically to go in there and taste its famous Eccentric ale. You can see many crazy outfits and it was one hell of a party for sure! Girls, try their cherry stout. Boys, you can get crazy with Eccentric Ale. Caution: they are pretty deadly after several jugs. I love you Bell!!!
(4)
Allison Y.

Beer garden, live music and Eccentric Day tops them all.
(5)
Jake V.

Possibly the nicest place to get a beer in Kalamazoo. Wonderful atmosphere and the best beer around. Secret little nooks and great customers and bartenders. You can not do any better than the Beer Garden in the summer time. The only problem is the deluge of hippy bands that play afro-disco-funk fusion three nights out of the week and thus have to pay cover for. Such a shame. Highly recommended Sunday through Wednesday or during Bonnaroo weekend when there are no hippy bands in town to play there.
(5)
Rachel L.

Love the beer garden. The veg*n food options look great but I didn't try any since it's cash only and I preferred to charge my meal(s) onto my business expense card.
(4)
Marcy D.

i had already been a bell's drinker for over a decade before i stepped foot into the cafe a few months ago. for this visit bell's gets two stars, giving them one star each for the two wonderful amber ales i drank. we arrived at dinner time ready to eat and immediately forked over a sizable cover for a band outside that we never had any intention of seeing. our bartender was rude with absolutely no explanation whatsoever-- we were all familiar with the beers but had a question about size and were treated like we were martians. with no seats available in or outside except for the extremely stuffy attic, we camped out upstairs alone, downed two delicious beers and left. my entire group was comprised of big bell's fans from across the state and we were all sorely disappointed. the night was saved when we ended up at old peninsula for awesome food and drink a few minutes later thanks to a quick phone call with a friend and western alumni. save yourself the trouble and pick up a six pack instead-- they're really cheap locally.
(2)
Jason R.

Great brewery, the two hearted is a really good IPA. What's cool is the beer brewed in Kalamazoo is strictly for the Eccentric Cafe, where they do experimental beers as well.
(4)
Chuck N.

I finally ate here. We've been going to Bell's since we got to Kalamazoo over a year ago, but have only ordered drinks. The food was quite good. We had some spinach and artichoke dip that was nice and chunky. Then I had the tempeh rueben and my wife had their turkey and cranberry sandwich. We both enjoyed our sandwiches alot. I would talk about the beers, but mentioning two-hearted or hopslam makes me want to raid the fridge. Done and done. Seriously, I can't remember all the different beers I've tried here individually, but all shared a common quality. They met or exceeded the expectations I had for the style across the board. Two-hearted and Hopslam though, those beers are unequaled.
(5)
Ross F.

Bells has awesome beer and now since they don't have a distributor they can get along with in Illinois I have to head outta state to satisfy my Bells Amber Ale Addiction. The Eccentric Cafe has pretty good food and a great beer garden that is actually a garden (instead of an uneven and cracked concrete pad). I considered docking these guys since they can't get over themselves and come to some compromise with their IL distributor but damn their beer is good enough to drive across state lines. FYI if you heard that Bells is offering a 15% discount to thirsty Illinoisans that rumor is FALSE. (damn)
(5)
Ande H.

Yah, yah the beer is tasty but their pub dip was scrum scrum scrum. Ok, back to the beer. The AC 000000 is probably in my top 10 of fave beers. (so far) Stopping off at Bell's on the way back from our trip to the Holland/Saugatuck, MI area was perfect. Service was good, atmosphere was nice ... still can't get over the stained glass windows that they had = B-E-A utiful! One of the cool things to was it kind of reminded me of being at an establishment in Berkeley, CA. A big mix of different people. You rock Bell's!
(5)
Mike R.

Came in here with a friend of mine to get some fresh hopslam on tap before going to the general store for beer making supplies. Also had some '07 cherry stout and some two hearted for good measure! Love this place for the atmosphere and the great beers on tap. Two things that need improvement here are the parking situation and the lack of staff. It would be nice if there were actually people to come to your table instead of waiting in line for 10 minutes for a beer! Not a deal breaker for sure but i could show these people how to turn this place around and really cash in with a few minor changes. World class beers that i have enjoyed for years in a town of this size should be offered in a more user friendly format. Still gets 4 stars because i love it and am in no particular hurry anyway! I did notice quite a few people getting antsy waiting around for someone to acknowledge them and pour some beer. I guess why they call this the "eccentric" cafe. Can't comment on the food or the music but the beer and the atmosphere are very nice! Go from self serve to some wait staff and not only will you double your business but everybody will be happy and coming back more often. Get a better parking layout and get some of the piles of snow removed in a timely manner. Keep the great beer coming!
(4)
Pam P.

I've been back since my original review. The food was much better. I probably just ordered the wrong thing off the menu during my first visit. Best of all, Bell's is distributed in the Chicago area once again! I can now get my hands on their awesome stouts much closer to home. Also, be sure to check their beer coolers in the merchandise store. Sometimes there are limited release beers available there. On 1 visit I found bottles of the Barrel Aged Cherry Stout, which was excellent.
(4)
Sarah L.

Okay, I've never actually eaten the food here, but dang, I swear this is the best beer in the world!!!! Two Hearted Ale, Oberon, and Third Coast are my favs, but any will do. It makes me sad that sad that the most western place you can get Bell's is North Dakota. Oh well. Small batches equal excellent and consistent quality. Watch out for the noodle dance and lots of white dreads in the cafe. At least that was the vibe the last time I was there. I like the pretzel sticks offered as a good bar food option. Also, thanks for offering half pints!
(5)
Drew S.

Local high quality brews, cheap cheap prices and an outdoor seating area that is basically a giant backyard. The food ordering system might be a little goofy but it works and I suppose not keeping a ton of waiters keeps costs down even if it's a long way to trek from the upstairs loft or some far corner of the yard. You can also stop by the next door brewery gift shop if you are or are interested in becoming a brewer yourself.
(4)
Tom D.

Bell's has the best beer in Michigan, the best beer in the Midwest and some of the best beer in the country. If you're coming for the food or the service, you're missing the point and most of the patrons there will direct you to the nearest Chile's or Applebee's with a smile. The rest of us don't miss a chance to stop by and will go out of our way to see what might be posted on the chalkboard. I've been coming here since I've been drinking beer; not a bad place to learn. The space has evolved but the beer has only gotten better. The food, the music, the great outdoor space, the store are all just ancillary to the experience that is Bell's. They don't call it the Eccentric Cafe for nothing. The beer has been great from the first and the quality and variety have never disappointed. I run into people all the time when wearing my cap who want to share their favorite story about the beer.
(5)
J. W.

Travelling in Kalamazoo and wanted to try a top notch brew pub. This was a neat venue, but certainly had some drawbacks. Like a few other reviewers mentioned, the service setup is not user friendly. I sat at the bar and had dinner. It wasn't a big deal to order my meal in a separate window vs. from the bartender, but I didn't anticipate the fact that everyone that wanted to order a beer (100% of the patrons) would do so over my shoulder. The bartender is the only person handling money and beer, they have no table service. Due to all the distractions, the experience suffered. The meal wasn't bad, I had a roast beef sandwich that was fine, the homemade beans soup was quite tasty. The bartender was very helpful in letting me sample 3 beers before I found the one I wanted, but it wasn't busy at that moment either. By the time I left, I could hear people, still standing over my shoulder, grumbling about having to wait for service. All in all, I would go back but I'd prefer to visit with a group of friends and with proper expectations about where to sit. The outside tables looked very nice for future reference.
(3)
Jennifer C.

I heart bells, two-heartedly. The cafe is cool, a bit hard to find. Really neat stained glass and woodwork in there. The food is pretty decent too. Great place to hang out.
(5)
Jim B.

Eccentric Cafe is the right name. From the scattering of organically arranged furniture, the the beer "garden", through the food ordering process...what's not to love. Comfortable environment with an excellent sound track playing overhead. So many Bell's varieties on tap and in a bottle. The food is more than adequate, but bring friends. This place is set up as a hang out.
(5)
Justin O.

Bellls is just okay. You can expect five star quality Beer with no hospitality or comfort. The place is a cold garage like factory facility you get to drink really good beer and hear really good music but at a cost. The cover is usually 10-20 bucks and usually it is cramped for how many employees they have. Every time I leave, i leave disappointed only because I love Bells, I love Kalamazoo, and it has so much promise ---but non-the less...its about the beer, and nothing else.....mine as well find your own local hangout or another cool place in town that offers Bells on tap, even cheaper then the brewery.... Oakwood, Shakes, Old Dog, Etc.....
(3)
Stephanie B.

I LOVE BELL's! Not only one of my favorite places to go to in Kalamazoo, but their brew's are amazing. Their food menu is delicious as well. They recently remodeled the interior and expanded the venue. If you're in Kalamazoo, this place is a must.
(5)
Jon W.

Incredible beers on tap and edible food (nothing too fancy, but definitely tastier than not). Nice atmosphere. Cash-only.
(4)
Ayon J. R.

I really like the decor and the loooong list of beers. the food was better than average. Deducting one star for unclean tables.
(3)
L.J. P.

I tried the Eccentric cafe earlier this summer and found it to be a good place with great beer. I liked the atmosphere. I went to the cafe to see a show that was coming in and the outdoor area did leave a little to be desired, but some of this is due to renovation that is in progress. I woul definitely recommend this establishment for a relaxing evening out.
(3)
Tim S.

Was in town on business and it was Sunday night. Beer was a 4 star food was adequate. The atmosphere was kind of like their name says: Eccentric and Eclectic with a upper midwest flare. If you want great beer and kick back and talk with some decent food check it out. If you are looking to watch Sunday night football then do not go as there aren't any TV's in the place.
(3)
Mick B.

Bell's is becoming one of my favorite Midwest micro-breweries. The Two Hearted Ale and Kalamazoo IPA make me quite "hoppy" (sorry, that was bad). Coming from Chicago, I was excited to finally visit the brewery. The cafe itself was cute. Not s huge menu, but the food was good and reasonably priced. It is cash only and the seating is limited, but it appears that is all changing. The place is getting a complete makeover and is going to be huge compared to what it is now. I'll Definitely be coming back to see what it looks like when it's complete.
(4)
Barton C.

Bell's Eccentric Cafe has become a stopover staple when I take Amtrak from Chicago to East Lansing. A quick walk from the train station finds me sipping an amazing selection of beers that are brewed on-site and never bottled. Tasty food from the kitchen too!
(5)
Kristi M.

Stop # 4 on our brew-tour thru Michigan in sept '11. Stopped here for lunch on our way thru town and had a GREAT time! The Bartender was fast and friendly and even helped out with some ideas of where to go next trip. We loved the beers and the food from the cafe was excellent. We really loved finding a 'who' on the wall of the bar! Their Merch was in a separate building but it not only had clothes but brewing equipment too! Big ups for that. We would/will absolutely come back here eventually!
(5)
alejandro p.

Larry Bell brews some fantastic beers. I, for my part, try my best to drink as many of them as I possibly can.
(5)
Evan M.

I have made it a point to make at least one pilgrimage a summer to Bells for fantastic beer and good music. Now however, after seeing the remodeling that has been done it is going to be worth a trip to see an indoor show. The variety of beers that are offered are great! I am always impressed to see and taste the creativity of the brew masters here. I have never been disappointed when visiting Bells and will continue to make the yearly pilgrimage regardless of my location it is that good. I highly recommend making the trip if good beer is you're idea of a good time.
(5)
Drew M.

Bells is probably tied with O'Duffys for my favorite drinking establishment in Kalamazoo. The Bells brewery produces my favorite brews in the country in Two-Hearted Ale, Oberon, and the limited edition Hopslam. If you get a chance to go in the summer grab an Oberon and sit out in the Beer garden. If you go in the winter see if they have Hopslam, which is a 10% alcohol brew that is simply amazing. Bells is near the east part of downtown K-zoo, and is very cool on the inside. they have the most unique antiques and assorted pieces adorning the walls, and the staff and regulars are good people. The food is also great too if you stop in during lunchtime, or just want some pub grub during an evening drink. When you come here though, its for the beer. Bells Eccentric Cafe is awesome because they have only bells brews on tap, and will often have rare and small batch beers that they have never bottled. Check out the poolside beer if you go in soon.
(5)
Sarah K.

This place has a great atmosphere due to a large open space and friendly staff. The menu includes a varied selection of items, several of which were heaven for a vegetarian. We had a tempeh sandwich special, a vegetarian burger, and the pita pizza. They were all delicious! The beer selection was extensive and we enjoyed the experimental IPA and the imperial stout. Don't forget about the store around the corner!
(5)
Arturo Z.

Let me preface by saying this review is not just of the "cafe," but of the beer as well. That being said: Bell's is the. best. EVER. Every beer is incredible, from the pale, to the infamous Oberon, to the Expedition Stout (which looks roughly like week-old coffee when poured). I cannot get enough. At the brewery, the beer is offered for a fantastic price, and one can enjoy it outside in the beer garden in the summer. The only negative thing I have ever been able to say about the brewery is that it can be a bit loud. Honestly, I couldn't care less with a fresh pint of Bell's in my hand. My favorite thing about the brewery cafe is that one can find so many of their specialty and seasonal brews on draft. There are many beers I have had there that I have never seen anywhere else. If I miss anything about Michigan...it's Bell's. p.s. Bring cash...
(5)
P W.

I don't really like winter time. January is usually the worst. One of the only good things that happens in January is the release of Hop Slam. It helps me get through tough times.
(5)
Emma L.

Great atmosphere, great beer. No liquor, no credit cards, no false pretenses. Interesting, diverse crowd, beautiful oasis of a beergarden.
(5)
Renee S.

What a great place! The atmosphere is fun. The beer is awesome. The service is great. Next time I'm in town, I'll make this one of my first stops. It's pretty cool!
(4)
Jon S.

I was recently back in Kzoo and visited Bell's often (every day I was home). This past trip was the first time I have eaten at Bell's and I ordered a rueben sandwhich. I don't head to Bell's in search of a meal, but I do have to say the rueben was quite delicious. I love the beer garden and wish we had something like this near our home...
(5)
Mark T.

When we're driving from Chicago to Detroit (and back) we always find an excuse to detour to the Eccentric Cafe for a meal. The food here is really truly outstanding and gastro-pub-liscious. I have been here probably 4 times now and try to order something different each time. I'm always very happy with my selection, and as long as there's a designated driver, happy with the beer too!
(4)
Brian E.

Eccentric is the perfect name for this place. We came in on a Sunday evening to what appeared to be a bluegrass-hoe down. Thinking we had stepped into someone else's party, we were tentative to move the rest of the way in, but as it turns out, this is normal business for the cafe. excellent live music, a hippie dirtmall thing going on with patrons peddling their wares to other patrons. Pretty much the happiest group of people I've ever seen. Didn't get a chance to try the food, but the beer was fantastic and fresh. I've been a Bells fan for a long time and it was nice to finally make it to the source. Awesome!
(5)
Jennifer R.

Their patio/garten area is a nice spot to sit when the weather is right. The inside is kind of small. They have live music often, but then charge cover whether you are there to listen or not. The beer is specialty and sold by the pint. Little place, little pricey, only takes cash. I love Two Hearted Ale. They do sampling flights to try all their concoctions at a reasonable price, so can't give them less than a 4.
(4)
Whitney A.

I've been a fan of Bells beer for almost 15 years and the cafe and beer garden are a must-visit with every trip to Kzoo. Luckily Oberon makes it to the east coast now, so I can enjoy without the travel, too.
(5)
Miles D.

mmmm...two hearted ale. Some of the best beer in the country comes from this brewery. Spent many o' night here back in the college days. Larry...can you ship some two hearted out here to the west coast?
(5)
Benjamin C.

Good cheap food. Even better beer, obviously. Loved my ginger beer.
(5)
Nicole G.

It's a fun place. I've never heard anyone say they didn't love the beer. The food is pretty good and cheap. Vegetarian options and options for kids are available. Kids are allowed till 8 pm I think. The outdoor area is great.
(5)
Mike S.

this place was just okay, didn't blow my socks off. my group came on a sunday night around 7pm, and it was pretty dead. we all ordered black bean and veggie burgers. the black bean burgers came with tortilla chips (not that great) and salsa (pretty good). the veggie burger came with interestingly spiced potato chips (much better than the tortilla chips). the beer was cheap and good, because HEY, it was bells on tap. i'd be interested to come back again on a friday or saturday night when it's a little more hopping.
(3)
K M.

I was the Designated Driver on this trip to Bell's so I'm taking a star away for inconvenience for a drinking person from Chicago. Other than that, I'm a big fan. My husband is a bigger fan. He got to drink. Located on the main road in from 94, Bell's is easy to find, easy to park, easy to order, easy to like. We found out why it had the moniker "Eccentric" when I got my change back in $1 gold coins and $2 bills. Maybe they'll take it one step further in the future and sprinkle gold dust on my meal. We walked in (entrance is in the back off the parking lot) and went up to the ordering hole - a hole in wall where you order your food. They had plenty of specials - sandwiches, soups, you know stuff... I got the nachos and he got the pastrami sandwich. The nachos don't compare to my Chicagoan Mexican friends, but the pastrami sandwich was apparently pleasing. And I quote "usually I get sick after I order them, but this one feels really good." He also drank enough for two with the Bell's Two Hearted Ale. I enjoyed their Diet Coke with ice. And a straw. Meal was cheap, food was good to great, and the atmosphere was relaxed. It was chilly for the garden seating, so we opted for indoors. Lots of disc golfers and locals here. Guessing the debacle between Bell's and Illinois is unknown to Kalamazoo - no one knew about their Kalamazoo brand beer in Chicago we've been enjoying. Oh well, I guess it's our little secret. Last but not least, there's a store next door for you to buy clothes, accessories, discs, brewing supplies, and beer. Another easy way to drop $100 on sweatshirts. Good for all, except recovering alcs.
(4)
kb j.

The place is large, but the decor is spartan. The actual bar is smallish, but the room around the bar is large. There is an upstairs area as well. The place is an outlet for Bell's beers. Beer choices are posted on a board behind the bar. Nice, well-crafted beers. Limited food menu of "bar-food" choices.
(4)
Mary P.

Cool brewery with awesome food. Don't let the word eccentric scare you... Even picky eaters can find good food too. My group tried almost every beer on the menu and we weren't disappointed. Yes, they had sours and an English beer but I wasn't overwhelmed with the IPAs like we are in Cincinnati. Guacamole was salty (delicious in my opinion), Brussels were awesome, wings are a dry rub which is great, and the Mac and cheese was amazing with breadcrumbs on top. The beer is super cheap too. You can't go wrong here.
(5)
Jen I.

Very awesome atmosphere! I could see myself hanging out here a lot - if I lived here! Unfortunately I had a drive ahead of me so couldn't sample the beverages :( I arrived at 1pm and there was no one in line - when I was eating the line ended up out the door! I got the special - house made corn beef with jalepeno cream cheese, caramelized onions and cheddar cheese. Normally I order a normal Reuben - this was NOtHING like a normal Reuben! It was a tasty alternative for sure! But I'm still loyal to the Rueben. Fast service and I will visit again to try the beer!
(4)
Kori Y.

I'm not sure If I go for the Beer or the Food. Both are great! The Cafe is good and offers some nice menu options. The food is well prepared and always good. There are some creative items (Bacon Lollipop) on the menu that are sure to please. The Beers are always good, if you go with some of their "traditional" ones like Oberon, Two Hearted, Or have had the pleasure of enjoying their Planet Series" beers. You wont be disappointed .
(4)
Robert C.

The food was a little pricey, but worth the money. They have a great selection of craft beers that are very reasonably priced. The service is good and the atmosphere was nice.
(4)
David D.

$7 for a half-full bowl of French Onion soup? At least serve it with a little loaf of fresh bread with herb butter. Nope. Just a SMALL bowl of soup for $7. Not my idea of value, no matter how tasty.
(2)
Brian F.

Ordering the flight of beers was a bit chaotic on a Saturday night, but they were poured efficiently and all excellent. The food was pretty good, though overpriced for what it is. The space itself is interesting; it's huge, with lots of places indoors and out to hang out. Unfortunately there were smokers outside in one area.
(4)
Esther C.

I always go for the Mead beer
(5)
Erica T.

Our upstairs neighbors have been telling us about Bell's and Oberon for ages, and finally, when we travelled to Michigan we were able to try both! Bell's has a great set up, with an outdoor area as well. We sat inside at a big picnic table right by the bar. There were so many beers to choose from! My boyfriend and I shared a sampler and we loved everything, except the red ale (I think?) which was just a bit too hoppy for our tastes. The menu was also full of delicious things to choose from as well, we split the pulled pork and the buffalo chicken dip. The pulled pork was SO good. I wish we hadn't decided to share that one. The next time I'm there, I'll definitely be ordering it again. The buffalo chicken dip was good too, heavier on the blue cheese than I would have liked, but still good. Bell's seems like a great place to get together with friends, spacious so there's room for larger than average groups and you can actually hear the people you are sitting with which is always a plus.
(5)
Hayley G.

One of my favorite restaurants in Kalamazoo! It's a little tight on space, which can be a bit of a pain when you're hungry, but the food and beer is worth the wait. If you're looking for an appetizer, the buffalo chicken dip is delicious! I've tried a couple of different sandwiches off of the regular menu, but I usually choose their 'eccentric grilled cheese' off of their specialty menu board. It's always something new, and is always delicious! If you've never been to Bells', get the beer flight! It gives you a chance to try some of their beers without a huge commitment if you're not sure what you like! In the summer, make sure you sit outside in their garden patio, it's wonderful!
(4)
Todd L.

I checked out this place while on a work trip and it was awesome! The selection is massive and the bar snacks are tasty. Definitely check this place out if you're in the area.
(4)
Tom H.

Bell's is definitely Kalamazoo's hometown brand. Other breweries have weighed in next to it but for now everyone pretty much plays second fiddle to their market presence. If you're from out of town you almost have to go here to say you've truly been in Kalamazoo. It's not just a notch in your Tour of Kazoo belt but also a really cool place. Oberon is my favorite. It's a seasonal summer beer that throws it's own party each year when it's reintroduced. In the off season I have the Pale or Amber Ale. All are definitely worth trying. The rest of the beer is a mixed bag depending upon what you enjoy. I recommend trying a set of samplers if you're feeling adventurous. Some of the flavors have more of a bite than others and you'll see the alcohol content displayed on the list next to each name. If you're not sure the bartenders are well versed in describing each brew. There is a limited food menu and when you order at the bar they'll prepare and serve it to you about 15 feet to the right of the bar. The kitchen closes a lot earlier than the rest of the bar so don't forget to order up if you haven't eaten. This place comes alive in the summer with a huge outdoor seating area (aka the beer garden or lawn area)and lots of live bands. They even pull a somewhat recognizable name upon occasion. It's definitely the place to go on a summer night when you want to enjoy beer, music, friends and a great outdoor environment. You'll see some of the college campus folks there but they by no means flock there. The demographic is more mainstream Kalamazoo folks which is another reason to have a good time and hang with the locals.
(4)
William B.

Disappointing. The recent restaurant upgrade is exciting but the reality is not. Impressive new menu is undermined by overpriced average fare. It goes without saying that the beer is great.
(3)
Chris B.

The new Cafe is AMAZING!!! Great atmosphere, fun menu and fresh ingredients. Couldn't ask for anything better.
(5)
Kayu T.

This place is awesome! We stopped by on a rode trip and we're officially making this the pitstop every time! Atmosphere, quality and price were all spot on :-) our 'snack break' turned into a full on meal in a heartbeat.
(5)
Julie B.

First let me preface this review by saying Bell's beer is really, really good. Nobody can argue with that at all. However, in my opinion, everything else is mediocre (at best!) The food is so overly priced - it's crazy! This is supposed to be a brew pub...and it used to have a brew pub feel to it. With the new renovation, all the eccentric chemistry is gone. By turning the place into a fine dining establishment complete with cloth napkins, the old ambiance has disappeared. I have eaten here twice this summer and have been 100% disappointed both times. They've tried to make it WAY too upscale. True, Bell's has plenty of wait staff now, but what good are they if they stand around talking to each other instead of servicing their customers? On our most recent visit we had a grouchy waitress who acted like it was an imposition to wait on us. Shouldn't there at least be a smile??? All in all, of course we will go back...but we will sit at the bar and pretend we're at the "old" Bell's. We will not be ordering food, that's for sure! And, it's obvious that I am not the only one who feels this way because the garden was empty and remained so for much of the evening. It used to always be packed and the crowded atmosphere was what made it fun to be there. All that positive energy is nowhere to be found. What a disappointment.
(2)
John M.

Excellent craft beer selections and smoked meats! Highly recommend for lunch pint hour.
(4)
Kami F.

Didn't know quite what to do when we arrived....no wait staff so we were informed to get in line for the bar. Ordered 2 appetizers and after 30 minutes, went to check on the order at a random window and they said it would be another 45 minutes! Se we cancelled our order and left after finishing our beer. Advice for Bells: Don't offer a menu if you cannot run your kitchen efficiently. Advice for patrons: Don't go hungry!
(2)
Jacquelynn A.

WARNING kitchen closes at 9 pm!! This important information is obvious on Bells website(as I was told when I asked why it isn't posted in the restaurant) but who is looking at the website when you're at the actual location!!! The beer was delicious... no surprise there. The spinach artichoke dip appetizer was good but nothing special. We had intentions of ordering dinner but it took my husband 10 min to get the bar tenders attention and by that time it was 9:05 and he was informed that the kitchen was closed. Bull shit. Disappointing to say the least!
(3)
Giles C.

I used to love Bells, but then they started suing tiny breweries 1000 miles away for completely bogus trademark infringement. No amount of good beer will have me spending my money with a bully. Stop being nasty and put your lawyers back in their cage.
(1)
Jessica I.

I've been here several times, most recently on a boisterous Saturday night. I can't say I'm a fan when it's wall-to-wall college kids and wedding parties in here, but there's a reason it's crowded. They offer a wide selection of standard and unusual Bell's beer, which is mostly why this place gets five stars from me. The staff is good -- fast when it's busy and friendly and knowledgeable when they have more time.
(5)
Hillary M.

I felt like I was back home in Seattle - closest thing to a brewpub that we found on our 5 day road trip in the Midwest. Service was great - lots of interesting spaces and art. Food was delicious (try the Kitchen Krack!) and the beer selection was impressive. The Kalamazoo Stout was perfect. I wish we had to stay longer in Kalamazoo - we would have come here more often (General Store next door was great too - and there's plenty of parking nearby).
(5)
ryan h.

Oh Bells, I hope things improve. Last night I was so excited to try the new menu and enjoy a more refined dinner dish. What I received was an overpriced, over cooked fish and chips. The batter used was probably a little to old, and completely overcooked. The staff seemed overwhelmed and not engaged in transferring from a deli to the newly adopted menu. In years past, Bells relied on its beer and provided basic sandwiches that tasted good but nothing over the top. The new menu has much higher priced menu items, and so far the food did not deliver on the price point. In addition to a new lay-out, food is no longer permitted in the beer garden and is reserved for beer drinkers. Gone our the days of sitting in the grass with friends and enjoying a picnic vibe....Please continue to do what you do best, make the best beer around. And good luck getting the food and staff on point, as of right now it was not worth the nearly $60 tab we paid for two dinners and chips for an app. At one point, I saw nearly every table with empty beer glasses and no one eating, and clear sign of being under staffed and poorly trained.
(1)
Meghann B.

New restaurant is awesome! Food will not disappoint. Service was okay, nothing to rave about but it was super busy. Good to check out if your a bells fan. Green curry tofu dinner plate was great. Brussels sprouts are amazing!!!!!
(4)
Robert K.

A Kalamazoo icon and watering hole. Once a local hangout for beer geeks, college bohos, and people who just liked great beer. After several reviews from international beer gurus in the early 1990s things took off. Solsun / Oberon marketing was a stroke of genius. Now gentrified, Bell's still has the best beer in the USA, yet the eccentric cafe retains some the Kazoo funk and charm from back in the day. The old locals may sneer at Larry Bell's successes and excesses, but it's still the best beer in the land -- and they know it.
(5)
Amy X.

I love the beer here (duh) but the food is lackluster. Do not order both the black bean wrap and the Kitchen Crack because they are literally the same thing, just served with different carbs to scoop the mixture of rice/beans/avocado/pico/cheese into your chomper. DUMB mistake on my part, but you'd think the bartender would have warned me. There are nuts at the bar, but you have to pay for them. I know, bummer huh? Outdoor seating is really nice.
(3)
Mallory O.

I love Bell's and I'm so proud it's a part of my hometown! Great beer, great food, great place.
(5)
Alex K.

I was torn between a four and a five for the Eccentric Cafe. Eh... I guess take this as a 4.75/5, if that shit matters at all. I got here at about noon or so on a Friday (July 5th to be exact) and I still had to wait about 10-15 minutes in line. Considering it was lunch time, I'm actually kind of surprised I didn't have to wait longer. Got to the front of the line (which is at the bar, oddly enough), ordered a paddle, and the reuben sandwich. I was given one of those -- for the lack of a better word -- vibrators, and sat down at an open table with my beer. All six that I had sampled were average or better. My personal favorite was the Quinannan Falls Lager... holy hell that stuff is great. I know. "Lager". Just trust me, it's fantastic. To my surprise, the Eccentric Cafe is *somewhat* small... there are probably a few less than two dozen tables. For those that want to, there's the option to sit outside. Well, during Spring until maybe Fall... who the hell would want to sit in the snow and drink. Alright, okay, the reuben. The price of the sandwich escapes me, but it was between $8-$10... which turned out to be a super fair price. There was about an inch of meat on the sandwich, which is A-OK with me. The sandwich also came with some really tasty chips... I'm not sure if they make them at the cafe, or if they're store bought, but the seasoning on it was pre' good. I also had a taste of the sausage from the jambalaya and thought that was well above average. I should also add that the $10 (?) jambalaya comes in a pretty big bowl. Just sayin'. Bell's Eccentric Cafe is a great place. I had the option of going here or to Arcadia in Battle Creek on my way to Chicago... is there really a comparison (as far as beer is concerned)? No. No there isn't. I only have one minor gripe with the Eccentric Cafe, if you can really call it that. Is there no waitressing? The way this place is run is somewhat unusual to me. Order drinks *and* food at the bar. Get your drink(s). Wait awhile. Get buzzed in for your food. Pick up your food... nobody comes to your table. If you want a refill, you have to go up and get one yourself. Oh yeah, and that wait can take quite a little while. Despite that, this is a must visit for a beer fan. I came here with a couple other people that have zero interest in craft beer (SHAME ON THEM!), but they really liked their food as well. I'd definitely come back if I'm in Kalamazoo again.
(5)
Andrew D.

This was probably the most fun brewery attached bar I have been to. Normally I like either a tasting room or a brew pub, and not the places that walk the line between the two, but this place does so very well. You just walk up to the bar and stare at the huge board of the available draft options. They all have good descriptions on them, and if you want a taste of one to help make up your mind, just ask. The beers were mostly all available in 12 or 16 oz sizes, which is nice if you want to try a few without getting too far gone. I think I counted about 32 beers available while I was there, so you will probably want to try a bunch of them. The beer is all good. I've never had a bad Bell's. The only recommendation I would make is to have some better non beer options for the loved one's who get dragged along to the bar. They have some wine and a house made wine cooler (which tasted like kool-aid) but I didn't see any high end ciders. I think they should reach out to a MI cider producer and get one or two taps of that just to give another option. That won't stop me from coming back every time I'm in the area though, as I love beer, and Bell's is great.
(5)
Timothy B.

Went here for brews and was not disappointed. They had an immense selection of beers so it only seemed natural to get a flight. The flights are served on a paddle, which may look cool but is difficult to transport. Furthermore, it makes for a disturbing moment when you set it down because the cups that hold the beer extend well below the paddle. Navigation through the crowded bar area with a giant paddle is also exciting. Anyways... I would say I liked 3/6 beers I tried, another 1 was average. They had a really good Bear Hug Imperial Stout that was smooth and delicious. I also liked their harvest ale. The disappointing beers were the Venus (Planets release series) which, I suspect, was equally as acidic as the gases on Venus, and the Boon Companion which tasted like tree bark which I have tried as a kid and recall it was not pleasant. The outdoor seating area was excellent - filled with many picnic tables as well as an extensive lawn without seating which is probably used frequently for concerts and events. The general store is also worth a gander and has some great beer-making supplies and many of the bottles they offer as well as growler fills for select beers.
(4)
Christine O.

Always my go-to place when I'm in town. Great food, great service, AMAZING beer! It can get pretty crowded on the weekends, but it's worth pushing through people for some amazing beer!
(5)
Chuck S.

This was our favorite stop on our Michigan Beercation in September of 2014. There is nothing like going straight to the source for fresh beer. Bell's is one of the top brewery's in the country and they didn't disappoint. I always try to drink beers that are hard to find at home. I started with a flight which included the following: Mars: the bringer of war (planet series) Roundhouse IRA which was a Double Red Ale Octoberfest which was a Marzen The Oracle which was a IIPA Everyone of these beers were amazing and made me wish I lived next door to this place. My favorite was clearly the Mars which I couldn't find anywhere near my home. IIPA's are my jam and this has to be one of my favorites of all time. I love that this place has food. Not just any food but amazing food. You order the food at the counter and pick up the food yourself as well. This seemed to be a Michigan thing because we did the same thing at Founders. I was very impressed with the atmosphere of this place. They had some old railroad memorabilia of a local train station that used to be nearby I believe. The windows had custom stained glass which was a nice touch.
(5)
Liza V.

I have a little love affair with Bell's beer. I know, I know, I am not the only one. So, naturally, on our trip Up North, we went out of our way to make it to Bell's Brewery. We were here on a Saturday around 2:30 and they were BUSY!! I'm sure the weekdays are a bit less packed, but I'd say leave yourself some time on your stop in. There is no table service, so you need to figure out what you want, and order at the bar. Then, you get a buzzer and wait at your table, then pick up your food at the window. So that also means when you need a refill, or a new beer, you have to wait in line again. Our food was a-ok. We had the BBQ sampler, the blackened chicken wrap, and the pulled pork. We also started with the pretzel appetizer-the biggest disappointment. The sauces were sub-par, and the four small pretzel rolls were hard on the outside, and cold. Then you also get a big ol' pile of pretzel rods. Woop-dee-doo. But I was happy with the three BBQ sauces served with the sampler, and all of the meats weren't bad, but I've had better for sure. The thing that made this a 4-star review was, of course, the BEER! We 6 kinds. The one that sticks out is the Wedding Ale. Whoa momma! It was fantastic. We weren't disappointed by any of the beers we tried. There had to be at least 30 different brews on tap. So awesome. But, sadly, no growlers! C'mon Larry, do the growler thing!
(4)
Bethany S.

Made the hour trip just to get some good beers, a growler and a meal. Had the grilled cheese on special with munster cheese (my fav)on house made bread. Very good. Chips were plain old kettle but good. Pickle was, I hope, house made because it was limp and lost all flesh to it so I hope they didn't buy them. Was a little annoyed that I couldn't fill my growler at the pub but was willing to go to the gift shop ( which I had to drive to) to get some. Was REALLY annoyed that I was not told by the bartender that I wouldn't be able to fill the growlers I had because they weren't Bell's growlers. Gift shop only had four beers to choose from to fill and I was told immediately that I wouldn't be able to us my own growlers. When I asked why, he stated some mumbo-jumbo about labeling laws and how special their beer was with their own growlers. Walked out empty handed. I would have given 4 stars if I hadn't gone to Pawpaw Brewing and they had no problem filling my growlers and put their sticker on so it was within Michigan law. Smh.
(3)
Laure M.

Trivia and good beers! On sunday nights they organize the trivia competition which is really fun. The room is freezing cold and the food is not that great (snacking food) but they have to beers to compensate.
(3)
Melissa V.

Bell's is great spot for several reasons. First of all, there is the obvious draw for the beer lover. I was not previously a beer lover, but some of Bell's brews are bringing me around. The beer menu is ever changing and includes both the distributed favorites but also small batch and experimental batch beers that you won't find anywhere else. The musical talent that performs in the Eccentric Cafe is wonderful and ever growing. This year especially I have been impressed by the line up. The Beer Garden Opener in June is not to missed, and has thus far always been headlined by Greensky Bluegrass. Great show. In December they host their annual Eccentric Day. People come dressed, well.. eccentrically! Costumes, make up, fake biker gangs, you never know what you might see. For the event Bell's has two free food buffets stocked with eccentric food. Great stinky cheeses, wild game dishes and unusual ingredients are the focus and are so much fun to explore. And did I mention that it is FREE? The staff and food are also wonderful. The service has always been great and everything I've tried from the menu has been delicious. They are currently building a restaurant in an adjacent building and I believe it is set to open in the spring.
(5)
Lyndsay L.

So many beers and so much stuff to stare at while you are eating. We got the plate that has three smoked meats (brisket, pork and chicken) and three BBQ sauces and it was delicious. I'm VERY VERY picky about BBQ (only 'cause we have the best right here in Rock Island) so I was wary to try it...but I was pleasantly suprised. I had a Deb's Red Ale and I forgot the other beer, both were yummers. If we lived in Kalamazoo, we'd be here way too often!
(5)
Chad B.

The mothership of great Michigan beer! Some of the older craft breweries show their age. However, Bell's continue's to sell their classic beers from years age--and they still taste great. At the same time they are creating new, edgy beers that hold up to all the new breweries. The selection onsite is always amazing, including experimental beer. The eccentric cafe is a wonderfully low-key place to bring yourself and even your family. The food rises above default bar food into something fun and interesting. However, it is all about the beer. True, parking around Bell's is always requires a walk across the railroad tracks, and the pretzel's are just dried pretzel sticks. But come for the beer and enjoy the laid back attitude.
(5)
Ron L.

There is only one thing the waitstaff needs,EFFORT!! Are you kidding me? I can understand the place is busy, but come on people, can we speed it up a bit?
(3)
Sarah S.

My very favorite brewery in the area! I do not live in Michigan but visit here very often so every time I come to the Kzoo area I always stop at the Eccentric Cafe and General store. Beautiful space and the patio is awesome! Service is always great and friendly.
(5)
Stina N.

Bell's was the second stop on an improptu Michigan beer tour I embarked on with my brother, sister in law and boyfriend. We did the brewery tour and stuck around for a while to taste some beers. We'd already eaten lunch at Arcadia so we didn't have any of the food. The tour was okay. I felt like the tour guide was just talking at us, and while she was giving us quite a bit of information, I don't feel like I got much out of it. I've done other mircro/ craft-brewery tour as well as tours at major breweries, and the Bell's tour was near the bottom of my list. It was free though so really I can't complain much. The space itself is awesome though. I love that they have a garden area (though it was cold and rainy so we didn't actually get to experience it), and the loft area in the bar was fun. It's just got a great vibe to it. I could see myself hanging out here pretty regularly if I lived in the area. We hung out and shared a flight of beer. $12 for 6 tasters. It was plenty for us, and the price wasn't terrible. I've done some pay by the glass beer tasting events in Chicago and 2oz tasting glasses generally go for $1 - $2 each. I actually hate Oberon and Two Hearted which are probably the two most popular Bell's beers out there so I was really excited to try some other beers that aren't as widely distributed. I really love that there are several beers here that are exclusively served on location. These are, in my opinion, some of their best beers.
(4)
Bill J.

Very cool and funky offshoot of Bell's Brewery, it's located in downtown Kalamazoo next to the Bell's Brewery General Store. I like the casual and laid back vibe here. Also enjoyed the beer, I had a couple of Third Coast Ales that were light and crisp. I'd give them 4 stars if the food was better. I had a pulled pork sandwich, the menu boasted that the pork was smoked in-house. Evidently it had been smoked and then put in the refrigerator because my sandwich was barely warm and had a couple of cold spots. The barbecue sauce was way too sweet for my taste. The chips were decent, but it seemed like I got the last serving out of the bag, lots of small broken pieces. The Asian coleslaw wasn't fresh, probably should have been thrown out a day or two earlier. I took one small bite and pushed it aside. Service was okay but could definitely improve and could be friendlier as well. I'd come here again, but I'd eat somewhere else first, then enjoy a couple of beers on their patio.
(3)
C C.

Bell's Cafe is an excellent chance to explore their diverse beer menu. They've literally got their entire available selection on-tap, ranging from the staples of Oberon and Two-Hearted to seasonal and small-batch brews. The cafe has a limited, albeit very good menu of high-quality barfood. There are two seating areas: An inside tasting room and an outdoor biergarten. The tasting room is beautifully done in wood, although it seems tables can be a problem to get even though they're spread out over two floors. The biergarten is gorgeous, with ample seating options and an outdoor stage--it's got just a hit of European feel to it. The four- rather than five-star review is due to two things. First, that there isn't table service for such expansive seating. You order at the bar (which often has a line) and pickup your food at a window when the buzzer they provide you is paged. Serving staff may ease the process and cut down on the wait at the bar for beer. Second, flights (which come on awesome UP-shaped boards) are only available inside as they're in glasses, which aren't allowed in the garden. This is a real bummer on nice days, as the garden is so divine. Ultimately, the beer is some of Michigan (and indeed the world's, cf. businessinsider.com/expeâ€¦ ) best, and the food is good. Absolutely worth a stop in KZoo and a core part of it's redevelopment.
(4)
Ashwin M.

Probably one of the best beer bars in the country. Great choice of beers. And interesting ones too. Vegetarians have enough choices to feel loved. Come here first when you move here.
(5)
Kurtis W.

If you love craft beer and you have not experienced Bell's, you do not love craft beer. This is my all time favorite brewery. Not just the incredible beer, the atmosphere feels just like home. I often went with beer money in hand, but find it hard to resist buying delicious food. If you make only one stop in Kalamazoo, make it Bell's. This is a place of legend. More people are realizing this- Bell's gets busier and busier all the time. But, for good reason. They are rapidly expanding in distribution, canning, etc. The Bell's logo is now recognized by bartenders and beer enthusiasts all across the country. I will go to Bell's whenever I can for the rest of my life. Larry Bell has created something magical. I am incredibly lucky to have grown up in Kalamazoo. Bell's will forever be my home.
(5)
Ed R.

What's to say, a Kalamazoo landmark brewery and local hang. Beer garden is lovely in the summer.
(4)
Romeo R.

Good beer, good food, and a good environment. I know they have live music from time to time but I think have some background music to help set the ambience at least in one of their venues. (Since they have the cafe, patio, back room, and the garden.)
(4)
Kaman T.

You can't really beat great beer and food at great prices! Love the atmosphere.
(5)
Tim M.

Bell's arguably makes the best brews in the country. And I'll argue that point with anyone. If I was shackled with one brewery for the rest of my life I'd rather drink Bells than all the "Pliny the Elder" in production. My last trip to Bell's featured a FANTASTIC "French Farmhouse Brown Ale". It had a perfect cream-colored head and the beer appeared murky; I loved it. The beer was slightly better than traditional pub fare but the beer is so mind-numbingly good I couldn't care less. I like the bar's atmosphere. I usually hate it when a bar/restraunt calls itself a cafe without being a coffee shop but to be honest the bar actually felt a lot like a nice cafe. It had the same cozy feeling. The bar was featuring the Irish Band "Gaelic Storm" who are one of the best Irish bands around. We got in for free by sheer luck as we got their before the band did and skipped the cover charge.
(5)
Caleb Y.

Bell's. I am forever in the debt of Bell's because they make the beer that started my deep passion for hating the "macro-breweries" of the world and LOVING the "micro-breweries". Thank you Oberon! I have been to a Bell's brewery tour before - but I have never eaten at the eccentric cafe! I am glad I have. The beer on tap is as you expect - inventive, fun, excellent, and not-short-on-hops! The food - it is typical bar food...Go for the beer, but be a little hungry and you will have a superb experience. Have a DD ready. My only complaint...the ordering, retrieving, and cleaning system they have for the patrons is appalling...hire at least a few wait staff! Especially when it is busy, the line to order back out of the restaurant. It is dumb...they can do better. I love Bell's beer - I am biased - I also love other great beer! You shoulde definitely give this place a try for the beer alone! They had a great belgian-inspired black IPA call Manden Medleen and a smoked vienna lager - they were pretty awesome!!
(4)
Andrew H.

If I'm in Kalamazoo I'm stopping at Bell's Eccentric Cafe. It's like a beer pilgrimage every time I stop by. The beer is obviously amazing and the food, while not fancy, is delicious. If you like beer, especially Bell's beer, this is a must try.
(5)
Edith A.

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Went to Bell's Eccentric Cafe for the first time last time with family. No waiters so you have to wait at the bar to order drinks and food. Beers are listed on chalk boards which is kind of cute, at least the ones you can read. When I asked for a sample of one of the beers the bartender with NO smile or greeting barely gave me a teaspoon to taste. He had no interest if I like it or wanted to try anything else so I bought one. Typically I will have two beers with dinner but was not so inclined. I had the pork tacos which was just ok. My son and his fiancee each had the jambayla which they loved. My husband ordered the turkey sandwich. Again it was only ok. Plain white bread not toasted. My biggest issue was the way we were treated. As the evening wore on it was getting late and the kitchen closed, a lady comes up and asks if she could take our dishes. I still had silverware in my hand, my husband had a half sandwich and neither my son or fiancee were done. ??? It was like have you no sense? Again, no smile, no common courtesy. A little while late a guy comes to our table reaches over my husband and daughter to grab the flight board. He does say excuse me. I will not be in any hurry to go back. Common courtesy goes along way and especially if you are in the restaurant business. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees.
(2)
Thomas C.

Over 21 Bell's beers on tap including a long list of lab beers that can't be had elsewhere. Absolutely a beer lovers paradise. Seating inside and out, cool feel both places. Full food menu - jambalaya is really terrific. No table service, so don't wait to make an order.
(5)
James B.

I love this beer here absolutely the best and I am a home brewer who knows good beer. Try the Expedition Stout
(5)
Andy E.

Fantastic beer in both quality and selection. Probably 20 beers on tap spanning from pale to stout to wheat and everything in between. The biggest surprise is the food - it's great! Not the typical bar food that you get at most micro pubs. Only drawback to the place is that it's not super fun if you are by yourself. No TVs. Much more fun if you are with a group.
(4)
Rachel L.

I've been here on 2 occasions. Once early on a Thursday and again on a Saturday afternoon. Totally different experience. Thursday was laid back, empty. Easy to get service. Enjoyed the beer, food and service. Saturday was a free for all. Had no idea what to do. No one was seating people. It was just chaos. I had to leave. A little overwhelming. If I come back it will be during the week
(3)
William L.

While I was a major fan of The Kalamazoo Beer Exchange, unfortunately, Bell's is on the opposite side of the spectrum! While they have a good variety of beers to choose from and decent prices, I was very much let down by the over all service (or lack there of). Our group stayed for 1 round and after being treated like kids, we decided to leave. We gave them a shot - but bailed. I do not see us returning any time soon. :(
(2)
Eric L.

I love everything about this place. Cool atmosphere inside, but the Biergarten out back is the real spot. So beautiful. Beers were flavorful and varied, ad the tempeh was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had.
(5)
Lea B.

my go to for some good food. amazing music. and beautiful outdoor space. and dont get me started on the beer!! i love bells!
(5)
Doug B.

Bell's is always a treat. Excellent customer service and their back room shows that they book are the best!
(5)
Robert L.

This is an awesome bar. They have concerts every few weeks. The food is awesome. You can tour the brewery anytime you want. The beer and wine is awesome. The wifi password is ECCENTRIC1. The bar is in an awesome location, right in the center of town. The bar is also right off the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail.
(5)
Doug B.

Bell's is always a treat. Excellent customer service and their back room shows that they book are the best!
(5)
Robert L.

This is an awesome bar. They have concerts every few weeks. The food is awesome. You can tour the brewery anytime you want. The beer and wine is awesome. The wifi password is ECCENTRIC1. The bar is in an awesome location, right in the center of town. The bar is also right off the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail.
(5)
Jennifer D.

Stopped by during work travel to try a few beers not generally found in my area. I was blown away with the beer selection. Living in Virginia, I didn't realize that Bell's was much more than Oberon and the Two Hearted Ale. It was a pleasant surprise! I encourage anyone visiting to sit at the bar if there is space available. You're able to easily sample the beers from there. The bartenders were very knowledgable and eager to talk about their favorites. They were also able to recommend different beers for me based off of my likes. I never felt rushed to leave even though the place was packed. Best bar/brewery experience I've had to date.
(5)
Rachel R.

You can't go wrong with Bell's beer. Their "cafe" is a pleasant spot to go drink with friends or take in a show on the weekend. There's a lot of open space, and not enough tables, but that's the worst I have to say. There's a decidedly 'rustic' feel, and the crowd is always upbeat.
(4)
Greg A.

Great beers and excellent pub food. I agree that this would be an awesome add to the Chicago scene. In the mean time, I'll keep visiting when I am in town.
(5)
Nicolas Z.

Like those other commenters, my one star shouldn't be taken as a reflection on the beer. It's great - duh - and they've got plenty of offerings exclusive to the brewpub. The decor/ambiance - yeah, it's terrible, but that's a venial sin if the food and beer are great. Unfortunately, the food just plain sucks. I got a pub dip, which - no shit - was indistinguishable from an Arby's Arby-Q sandwich...other than the price, obviously. My girlfriend got a chicken sandwich, which I didn't try but she described as "nasty." And my buddy got a pretzel platter whose soft pretzels were rubbery and undercooked. They also don't do growlers. WTF? If you're just passing through Michigan like we were, go to Greenbush instead. It's closer to the highway, and it's an infinitesimally better experience overall.
(1)
Kelly C.

I'm of course biased when it comes to Bell's after living in Kalamazoo for seven years. It's often the only reason people have heard of Kalamazoo and for good reason. The crowd is eccentric, the beers are amazing and the beer garden is a chill place to kickback with friends. Always a staple in the summer for me.
(5)
Matthew V.

I am a total fan of every Bell's beer I have ever had so this was a great place to visit. So many great beers in tap and several I had never heard of. My only gripe would be that there were more children there than I expected. Come on, it's really a bar, people. But otherwise a nice place to visit in the spring/summertime.
(3)
M G.

Very Very cool place. Came in on business and I went to bells on the recommendation of my roommate who grew up in the 'zoo. He is a micro brew fan as well and this place did not disappoint in that regard. Great atmosphere and decor as well. Only stayed inside but if i was with a large group, the outdoor areas would be awesome as well, i imagine. I am knocking a star off for the food. while it was tasty, my meat trio was cold. 2 other people at the bar had problems with their order as well (either order mix up or cold food too). But the bartenders were incredibly gracious about it, even though none of it was their fault. That shows great character. Would definitely go back again, but mostly to drink!
(4)
Aurore L.

Nerdy me have always known Kalamazoo because, believe it or not, the International Congress on Medieval Studies is held every year in Western Michigan University. Why?!? I have NO clue. I suppose Kalamazoo was some sort of hot spot between the 11th and the 14th centuries. But beer nerdy me also know Kalamazoo because of Oberon and Two Hearted, and I was super excited to stop at the Bell's Cafe for lunch on my way to Holland (so excited that I had to take a - what else? - nerdy picture of me under the Bell's sign). It's quite a big locale but only half of it is open for lunch. Nice wooden room, stained glass windows and a glorious dozen? more? beers on draft. WIN! The menu is quite limited but you are likely to find something to satisfy you. I had a very nice grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with sweet red peppers and served with peppery chips and a glass of Le Batteur Ale (French BiÃ¨re de Garde Style, 6%) followed by a Porter (5.6 %). Both were absolutely delicious, and the Porter had to be my all time favorite for this style of beer: coffee and chocolate flavors with a strong malt finish but quite light. What I loved about the bar? On top of the traditional beer samplers you can choose 3 different sizes of pours (12, 16 or 20 oz) and the prices range between $2.75 to $5.25 (a little more for the very small batches). Say whaaaaa??? I wish I could have stayed the whole afternoon sampling all their brews..... Not super easy to find but well worth the detour.
(4)
Melanie B.

I enjoyed my visit to Bell's, but was by no means blown away by it. The one thing that sticks out most in my mind is that the tables are awkwardly arranged. I'm guessing this isn't a problem at night when lots of people are standing, but for our lunchtime visit to the pub... I don't know. It was slightly strange. Not bad, just... eh. First we went to the general store, which had moderately good swag - I bought a pint glass and some stickers, and was psyched about the free Bell's pins (or, buttons). Then, we ventured into the pub - cool affect with the exposed brick, stained glass and awesome posters (yay for the socialist poster!). The service really sucked, however, which was a turn off. We went to order some lunch, and the guy who took our order acted like we were interupting his hangover - he was far from pleasant, and in fact he rudely informed me that he couldn't hear me when I was speaking ("I can't HEAR you," instead of, "Sorry, what?" or suchlike). I *kinda* understand this attitude, as someone who frequents the bar scene - no need to be BFF, but come on dude. No need to be a jackass either; my friend is now referring to him as Rude Food Dude. The bartender was fine but not the friendliest dude on the planet. The food was great for bar food, though. I had the beer brats without buns (Lent!), and my friends had the chicken pot pie and the turkey and cranberry sandwich. We all Really enjoyed our food. Kudos, Bells. Also, I had a pint of Le Pianiste, which was excellent - I was glad because while I like the Bell's beers available in Ohio, I don't love them; I would definitely buy a six of this if it was available to us. Overall, I liked Bells, but Rude Food Dude and less-than-excited bartender kinda made us feel... well, not unwelcome, but certainly not welcome. I can see this being a cool place to have some drinks on a weekday evening or on the weekend, though. I'd come back and give it another go, if I was in Kalamazoo again. Bell's, I'd come back.
(3)
Roy R.

Poor parking. Drove around the block a few times, finally parked a couple of blocks away. Didn't eat here since the menu seemed rather limited. Didn't try what they had on tap either. The line waiting for service was unbelievable. I struggle with a well known brewery that can't take care of the little things. Parking? Enough wait staff, etc. On a positive they had an excellent selection of brews in their General Store (But no parking for it either)
(3)
Samir N.

The place is still as awesome as it ever was. This time I went for the KalHaven, which was really good. The winter white and harvest ales were also good. This place is always a good time.
(4)
Justin D.

Bell's is world class brewery. By itself, that's enough reason to make sure you go there at least once. Besides the great beer though, Bell's is also a great place to go for music and nightlife. I've been to see a couple local live bands and to square dance. It has always been fun at Bell's I'll be honest, I haven't tried their food, but it's worth going to Bell's even if you never eat there.
(4)
Derek S.

Probably my favorite place on earth to see a show. Beautiful beer garden and live music three times a week. Fair beer prices, and for the best beer ever...Two Hearted Ale. Their food and staff is always great, and I miss not living within walking distance!
(5)
John H.

If you like beer, then it would be difficult not to be a fan of Bell's. They consistently brew very good beer in several styles. If in doubt, check out web sites for "Beer Advocate" or "Rate Beer."
(4)
Todd L.

Wow!!!! This place is awesome. I definitely love to visit here and try a lot of different brews offered by Bells Brewing Company. Bells offers many selections that are not available for purchase at retail stores. My in-laws live in K-Zoo, so I frequent this establishment several times a year. The atmosphere is very laid back and always crowded with people from all age ranges. I highly recommend for anyone who likes beer, just remember there are no servers. You order from the bar and then have a seat at a table. They do offer some food too, however just go for the beer.
(4)
Samuel B.

I have lived in Kalamazoo for three years now. Surprisingly, while I've enjoyed nearly all of Bell's beers available in local groceries and marts, I had never visited their cafÃ©. I finally went in during spring break to enjoy lunch and relax while checking email and finishing some work. The atmosphere- As soon as I entered Bell's cafÃ©, I was impressed. The foyer that connects the cafÃ© and their venue is well lit and warm. In the bar is an eclectic array of masks and other things along the front wall. The menus are on blackboards and while it's normally annoying to me to have to read someone else's hand writing when ordering a drink, it seemed to add to the vibe of the place. They have wi-fi available to anyone who enters which is nice, and the password is displayed plainly above the bar, so its no hassle to connect. This made it easy to enter, sit, and go on with my own business without bothering anyone or wasting my time. Once I opened my laptop and got comfortable, I started looking over the menu. The food- Now, it was not busy by any means when i attended the brewery, however I can understand why some would be put off by the ordering process in the cafÃ©. When ordering food or drink, one must go to the bar to put in an order with the bartender. I'm sure there is waitstaff put on for more busy times, but it just seemed like an unnecessary system. It was no problem to me, for I was waited on as soon as I arrived at the bar, but nonetheless it was peculiar. I ordered a Third Coast Ale with a Turkey Avocado sandwich. I took care to sip slowly so I had a good amount of my beer to accompany the sandwich, however the sandwich arrived very quickly. The bread is baked by Mackenzie's, which I've had many a good experience with in the past. The sandwich was not light on meat or avocado so that, to begin with, was satisfying. The sandwich came with a good side of kettle chips. I may be biased, considering I love kettle chips, but either way, the combo was great. I finished up my sandwich and beer, and ordered an oatmeal stout to wash it all down while doing my work. Needless to say the beer was great. I saw that they had cashews in a large jug. I ordered a side of cashews and did they pile it high. I ended up taking some of them home with me to share with some friends. When I entered Bell's, I was immediately comfortable. The atmosphere is nice and the signage is easy to read, and homey in it's own way. The food, while a little pricey, is VERY good and I didn't feel like the portions were small. Good beer, good food, nice place - Will go again, definitely.
(5)
Chuck D.

I've always been a huge fan of Bells but never made it over to their Eccentric Cafe until last weekend. The first thing I want to correct is that I saw someone claim they don't allow tabs?? OF COURSE THEY ALLOW TABS! They are a bar. I was there less then a week ago and had a few tabs open between my friends and I. Now that that is out of the way... on to the review: Most importantly - GREAT selection of beers. I was excited to see that they offer several beers that you can't find anywhere but there. All my favorites were available on tap (two hearted, oberon, etc) but then so many more to try! I was impressed with pretty much all of them (aside from the sour mash based one.. but that is just because I'm not a fan of sour mash beers - others that I was with still enjoyed it!). We were planning on just stopping here on our drive back from Detroit for a quick bite and maybe a beer or two, but found ourselves there for several hours just so we had time to down several beers and a sampler (six beers placed on a paddle shaped like Lower Michigan!). The food was surprisingly good. It isn't anything overly special, which is why I am leaving just one star off (although I could give this place 5 stars and not regret it). Its mostly just simple bar food done right. Their sandwiches were delish and you can tell they use very fresh ingredients. It was a well thought out but small menu. I'd like to see a few more options, but not at the expense of the quality of the food, so if this is all they can handle, I'm fine with that too! Definitely find some time to stop by here - good food, great beer, and a really great, comfortable atmosphere to hang out for a few hours.
(4)
Ezhil K.

Well its a brewery first, so you know what you SHOULD have when you go there. But I cannot say the same thing about the food - there weren't a lot of choices and I was kind of disappointed with the chicken buffalo dip I got. Of course, do take the tour of the original brewery if you get a chance and try the sampler to get a taste of all their brews which are on tap.
(4)
Chris C.

I love the beer garden in the summer. Nothing like having a beer on a picnic table in the summer with friends. Third Coast old ale is one of my all time favorite bottles of beer. Excellent selection at the tap. I like dark beer and they have an exciting selection of stouts. To name a few; sweet potato, java, double cream, expedition, trumpeter. smoked, and spiced. My favorite stout is either sweet potato or smoked. I can not comment on the food.
(5)
Don Z.

Arrived at Bell's Eccentric Cafe on a Tuesday afternoon. The parking lot was small and hidden, but luckily the other reviews warned me of this. The atmosphere was very casual and I liked all the wood and artsy stuff on the walls. The stained glass windows were impressive as well. We were lucky enough to find a table. Although it wasn't very busy, there simply weren't that many places to sit. I soon realized that this was a completely "self" service bar. I don't mean that you had to pour your own beer, but damn near it. In order to get a beer, everyone had to line up at one end of the bar. You order your beer and pay for it immediately. Bells does not take credit cards and they will not let you run a tab. I personally hate dealing with making change and tipping for each drink. The beer selection was impressive. There were 14 beers on tap and I worked my way through at least half of them. My favorites were the Belgian and the porter. The Christmas ale was also tasty. I liked the fact that I could get 12oz pours too. This gave me a decent sized beer, but let me try more variety. The food service was just as awkward as the beer. You have to go to a separate window and order the food. They give you a paper with the order and then you have to go and stand in line at the bar to pay. This is a good time to order a beer as well, so you don't have to do it later. Once you pay for the food, they give you a "pager" to take back to your table. It buzzes when the food is ready. The black bean burger and the bison burger were tasty once we got them. If you want some water with your food or beer, then it is self serve from a 5 gallon thermos at the back of the bar. Overall, I would recommend this place for the beer. It was just as I would expect from Bells. Unfortunately, I just didn't have a good time at this bar. If I was in town again, I would probably stop in, but I wouldn't go out of my way to travel to Kalamazoo for Bells. (If you do come to Kalamazoo, be sure to stay at the Kalamazoo House bed & breakfast. It beats any hotel I have stayed at.)
(3)
Missy C.

Three stars for the overall experience. The beer is of course good. My fiancÃ©e and I both got a flight of 6 beers...it was a tad pricey. It came to $28. We got there around 3:30 and the place was packed! The only seat we could find was in their foyer at a wobbly tall table. Better than nothing but it was drafty. Sitting out there you just felt kind of disconnected. Idk. I was happy with my beer choices and liked that. It did seam like people were friendly there though..I'd like to go back and try the food sometime.
(3)
Mike R.

Best bear in the world Thank You
(5)
Lisalynn K.

The beer menu is great of course- the food was decent. We got a pretzel plate appetizer. It was alright. The dips were pretty good but the pretzels were rod pretzels out of a bag and soft pretzels that looked like they were from a box in your local grocer's frozen foods section. Our sandwiches were very good- I got a turkey avocado sandwich and my boyfriend got pulled pork. I really liked the atmosphere there and if it were warmer, the outdoor area would have been even better. Service was excellent. Very attentive. When one bartender was getting your beer another would see you standing there and ask if you needed help.
(4)
Jenna S.

Absolutely amazing beer. My boyfriend and I try to go to Bell's every time we drive to/from Detroit. It is the best beer in the midwest; we love it. We've had: Oberon = Wheat, absolutely delicious. I am in love with wheat beers because they are most often brewed in the summer. I LOVE summer beers. Amber Ale = delicious pale amber. Very nice taste and very light. Lager beer = great lager and a genius alternative to standard lager beers. As you can see, I'm not a beer connoisseur, but I try my best to convey what I like and why. I hope you try it out sometime because it's so great. The bar has great food and in the summer there's an outdoor patio area that is really nice. I haven't actually been out for more than a few minutes (you can only use plastic cups out there) but I'll definitely try to dine there the next time we go back.
(5)
Daphne L.

Hopslam. What else needs to be said? Hopslam. Love it. Love the beer, love the cafe, love the store, love the beer garden...love it. Don't, however, love Kalamazoo; other than visiting Bell's why would anyone go there? Seriously, why? They brew some fantastic beer, which I've come to know and love due completely to my husband's undying love of Bell's. My favorites are the Oberon and Java Stout, the latter of which is hard to come by. The Two Hearted Ale, Sparkling, and, Amber Ale's are also stand-out winners. The Eccentric Cafe is a great spot to kick back and enjoy a few brews, and have a light meal if you're so inclined. They are pretty generous with taste portions of their beer as well. The garden is fantastic! They have great shows and the layout is superb. A visit to Bell's is worth the trip to Kakamalaky.
(5)
Conor M.

Every time I'm passing near Kalamazoo I try to stop here. Bell's beers are some of my favorite and getting them on tap just elevates the experience. The beer prices are very reasonable and for most styles you can choose between 12oz and 16oz servings. Some styles have a 20oz option as well. The food menu is limited but everything is quite good. The roast beef and bleu cheese sandwich is my favorite. The potato chips served with each sandwich are something else. I don't normally crave chips, but I dream about these. Much to my surprise they now accept credit cards. If I'd known that yesterday I would have saved myself some trouble as I was driving around Kalamazoo looking for an ATM that didn't charge me $3.50 to get cash.
(4)
Stephanie M.

We made a point to stop at Bell's during our midwest tour. The beer was good and the food was tasty but the venue was really the show stopper. The staff wasn't as welcoming or friendly as other stops on our tour but it didn't make it not enjoyable. Overall it was a good experience. I did like their attached store which had everything from bottles, t-shirts, to home brewing ingredients.
(4)
Jon R.

OBERON!!!! One word completes Bell's Eccentric CafÃ©. The place is always packed!!! I love the selection of their draft beer. Everything comes from Bell's Brewery. I also tried the Smoked Vienna Lager; it was so crisp and refreshing. Thanks Saccharomyces sp.! The place was so crowded that we managed to stand around in a circle behind the bar. People were having fun and getting friendlier by the minute. The cafÃ© has a delectable menu and also kid's menu is available... yes, a KID's menu!!!! Ironic???? One thing I'm not used to is not having a wait staff around, but we managed.... One has to order their meal on a little peep hole beside the bar (overstatement). The cathedral ceiling made an impression to me. Even if the place is so crammed full, you can still hear your friends talk about hematology and other geeky stuff. I love the dÃ©cor, very simple yet exotic at the same time. Tribal masks and whatnot decked out the wall. The atmosphere was so immense that I felt like I was somewhere else. Another plus is that Bell's Beer actually meets the criteria to be a vegetarian friendly beer, but not gluten-free. They also don't use any preservatives, which explain the beer's short shelf life of 6 months. The locals were very helpful in helping us choose different varieties of beer and also give fun facts of the brewery. Hopefully, we get to visit the brewery next time we visit Kalamazoo. BTW, Bell's Brewery is as old as me (just a fun fact I found out for myself). =p
(4)
Cassandra L.

I loved this place. We showed up about half an hour after they opened on a Sunday to have lunch, but we ended up staying until like 3 pm because we enjoyed hanging out there so much! Bell's Oberon is one of my favorite beers so I probably had high expectations going in, and I was not disappointed. I ordered the black bean and salsa wrap. It was so delicious! I went on a 3-day road trip to MI with friends and almost all we did was go eat awesome food, and this was my favorite meal, or at least tied for favorite. My friends and I also shared a beer sampler with Mild Ale, All Four Ale, Olde Ale, Oarsman, Third Coast and Amber - I don't think there was one that no one liked, because Bell's is awesome.
(5)
Ed C.

I stop in whenever I'm in the Zoo. I love drinking some of the small batch brews that you can't find in the liquor store. Of Course, the Two Hearted and Hopslam are always amazing fresh out of the tap! I haven't really cared much for the food, so I generally just drink and order some hungry howies pizza when I get back to my hotel.
(4)
Frank K.

...on my most recent visit with my daughter to this bit of Heaven, I enjoyed Bell's Smoked Stout. I have to say that mere words cannot convey how good this stuff is ! Imagine the essence of the best BBQ you have eaten, captured in a cold bottle of stout !! Voila'......
(4)
Rachel H.

En route to Ann Arbor, my roomie and I needed to make a pit stop here. I mean, how could we not? I only wish my cousin still lived here so I'd have more excuses to come back, though who really needs an excuse for more beer? I won't lie, even after a long car ride full of snacks, albeit healthy ones, I was starving. Finding a $6 bison burger on the menu made my evening. I know I'm happy the bison aren't extinct, aren't you? Served with some super peppery chips and a delicious pickle, I devoured that thing. I washed my down my dinner with the Hopslam Ale which did not disappoint. I also like that they have a 12oz draught size so you can try more things, though I stuck with one so I could keep driving. I dreamed of the Hopslam all weekend, and was sad that I couldn't buy some in the shop, though I did manage to buy some gifts and beers for later. They have a nice beer garden, bartender was friendly and free with the Baskin Robbins style samples. Cash only.
(4)
Angela R.

Love the beer, love the crowd, love the food! That about sums it up! I was recently surprised at what their tiny kitchen can turn out! Love the turkey cranberry sandwich! Always a fun place to go - the crowd is very eclectic and friendly!
(5)
Aaron E.

Being a WMU alum, I have a little bias about Bell's being the greatest beer ever, but it is! This brewery is fantastic, the beers are top notch, the hippy atmosphere is amazing and any person that goes to Kalamazoo should definitely take a little stop by and a refreshing cold one.
(5)
Paul F.

On a stopover in Kalamazoo, a co-worker and I, decidedly dedicated brewery visitors, made a Bell's visit. This is how it ended. The bartender, Amy, cut us off for making a joke. Let me explain. We didn't get cut off because we were simply enjoying too much of their beer. In fact, neither of us were drunk. The overall attitude toward us, the visitors, was dismissive. She was too interested in carrying on conversations with her friends than pouring any beer. She had some knowledge of the beer on tap, but not what I would expect from a brewery's exclusive tap-room. If you spend as much time in various breweries around the lower 48 states as I do, you'll find a beer you like behind the doors here at Bell's. Don't let Amy the bartender turn you off from visiting this place, just watch out for her... if you make a joke, she'll bite, and you'll be done paying her for the privilege of drinking Bell's beer. After-all, she has "taken a class about how to know when to stop serving." Apparently some of the bullet points are; have been here a while, drank some beers, and made a joke. Most importantly, ALWAYS be condescending. Anyway, I give the beer 3 stars. The Java Stout was a 4. The service, however, that was a 1 star? I guess we got some beer so it's more than zero stars. Basically it left a terrible taste in my mouth. 2 stars for you! Thanks Amy. Remember, one of those stars was for the beer.
(2)
Megan M.

In Michigan bars, Bell's is as common a tap fixture as PBR. You don't really need to go to their Kalamazoo brewpub to get a pint of Two Hearted or Oberon, but you'd be missing out if you skipped it. First of all, they have beers on tap that you can't get anywhere else. Ever been to another bar with Bell's Black Rye on tap? How about the Wild One? Their blackboard is filled with over a dozen intriguing brews (as well as standards like the Winter White and Best Brown). An additional reason to visit: the food is a little better than standard brewpub offerings. I wanted to try the daily special, a grilled cheese involving cranberry cream cheese, but I can never resist a tempeh rueben and was rewarded with an excellent rendition.The soft pretzel with mustard and feta dip is mandatory. The service, as others have noted, is not particularly warm and fuzzy, but it is efficient and I'd rather have fast service than an effusive greeting. Remodeling continues apace and seems to be bringing great things; I love the new stage. Bell's is the epitome of a good company to have in your town. They brew and sell great beer, and with the profits improve a hometown hangout.
(4)
Kathy O.

The food and beer are very good, personally though I don't like the changes made in the last several years. Used to frequent Bell's in the late 90s and liked it better back then.
(2)
Dan H.

Made a trip to Bell's while visiting my in-laws in Paw-Paw. This cafe is attached to a small, experimental brewery, which you can tour but isn't their main production facility. There were a lot of good beers on tap, lots of stuff that was unique to this location or at least doesn't make it into distribution back east. I came away much more impressed by Bell's than I had been in the past. In Philadelphia we get a lot of Two Hearted, Best Brown, etc, which are good beers, but there was a lot more variety here at the source. Food was good. More of a lunch place than a dinner one. Beer is of course the main attraction.
(4)
Brittany G.

Review based solely based on food, it's just okay. I recently moved to Kzoo from Grand Rapids, and I can't help but compare Bell's to Founders. Had the pulled pork sandwich & pretzel app. The spicy mustard & feta dips served with the pretzels were the highlight of the meal. Pulled pork was so-so, and obnoxiously sauced.
(3)
Jesse C.

They only had 10 or so of their beers on tap here. You could literally go to the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange a few minutes away and get more Bells beers on tap on certain nights. About half of their beers were Stouts, and maybe one IPA. This may be good for some, but for someone such as myself who loves IPAs and dislikes Stouts it was a bad experience. The sampler tray was nice, but overall I found the establishment to be disheveled with poor service. Go to Founders in Grand Rapids and you'll have a far better experience.
(2)
James R.

If you love beer you need to go here. It is a beer only bar that serves only beer by Bell's Brewery. And I will admit I may be biased as Bell's is my all time favorite Craft Beer Brewery. I stop in here just to get the items that they don't bottle and are only available at this location. I will admit that the five stars is based almost solely on the quality of the beer and the atmosphere. I've never been here during a band, so I don't know what it's like then, but when I have been it's been quiet and fun. Their are very few tables and it's hard to find a place to sit, especially if you have more than 5 people. There is little to no wait staff, and if it's busy on a Saturday afternoon, you have to wait for long lines to get your own beer. If you are a fan of Bell's, if you like good beer... this place is a must.
(5)
Patrick B.

I'm a big fan of Bell's, making one of my favorite beers of all-time (Two Hearted) but I haven't been to the Eccentric Cafe since I was in college at WMU about 8 years ago. The building is much improved since I was here last. The beer garden is awesome, and there was a second, larger room of the bar holding trivia when I stopped in. My girlfriend and I split the BBQ briscuit and pulled pork sandwiches, both were pretty good. The rest of my group got various other sandwiches, but nobody was super impressed by the food here. There was also an hour wait for the food, but the second room with the trivia in it was busy and I'm sure they were all ordering food at the same time. The beers were great, with a nice variety on tap. It also looked like they frequently hold events at the bar for the public. I was a little shocked and disappointed when the bartender told me they don't fill growlers of their beer. I made stops off at Shorts Brewery and Founders during this trip back to Michigan and have some wonderful beers from the tap to share and enjoy later, but wasn't able to get anything from Bell's that I can't already find in Chicago. Bell's Eccentric Cafe is not really worth making a trip to Kalamazoo for, but if you're in town anyway it's a nice place to check out.
(4)
Julie H.

I really enjoyed the decor, the crowd, the staff here. I just wish we had come early enough to try some of the grub. We tried all the beers that never get distributed past the tasting room. All were quite good. Some far exceeding others but that could just be a personal preference. We sat at the bar and chatted the bartenders then moved to the patio where there is a station for switching your beer to a plastic cup. We took cases of this beer home hoping the rumors that they will distribute to CO soon are true
(4)
Rodger W.

Real simple. The best beer in the nation, and right here in Michigan. As a bonus, the cafe has a great vibe, excellent creative menu items, and excellent music. The outdoor beer garden in the summer is wonderful, and now being upgraded for 2011. Probably one of the best places of any type in Michigan. If you love beer are are withing 100 miles, point your chariot toward this place.
(5)
Stacy L.

This is one place I have not been to since college. Living outside of Michigan for a few years, it was so nice to be home & enjoy some AWESOME beer. We were in town celebrating our Grandmother's 100th birthday - yes, 100 years old. Family was visiting from all over, including the Netherlands. We all tried many beers - most did end up Oberon - it is Summer time, after all. :-) I had the Java Stout & it was so good. We started inside, and meandered outside after awhile. We had 12 or 13 people, and it was nice being able to hang out in the Beer Garden and chat. Next time I go home, I see a visit to Bell's in my schedule.
(5)
Markie L.

Used to come here all the time in college. The atmosphere is great--not too loud, not too empty. The new outdoor area is pretty nice too, perfect to be outside on a summer night. They get pretty good bands here from time to time as well--if you're looking for a great spot to hang with friends and drink tasty brews, this is your spot!
(4)
Chris H.

As part of a Michigan brewery tour, we stopped in to Bell's on a Monday afternoon. First off, it was a Monday afternoon (like 1pm) so the place was empty. The place is undergoing a lot of construction it seems, and we were told we were in the "new" area. There was a decent looking stage on one end, so it seems they frequently have live music. There was also a patio/garden area outside, but being winter, it wasn't open. The room in general was very open, not that many tables, and in broad daylight didn't have a very intimate "bar feeling" to it. We sat at the bar and shared two flights of their beer. You get 6 samples (maybe 5 oz?) for around $12 (you pay an extra dollar for a few of their pricier/popular offerings). There were 18 beers on tap at that time, and about 6-8 of them were "cafe only" offerings that weren't bottled. So we got to try 2/3 of the beers, and most of them were great. We knew Bell's had some good beer, and it was nice to be able to try so many in one place. As for the service, since there were only 5-10 customers there the entire time, and we didn't order any food, and we sat at the bar...no real complaints here. However, I couldn't help but get the feeling we were "just customers" to them. For how empty the place was, I thought they could have been a little more engaging. Finally, I just think it's ridiculous that they don't take credit cards. We were warned before we went that this was the case, and they did have a sign on the front door that mentioned this. But what kind of place doesn't take credit cards these days? This also means no bar tabs...you pay as you go. So I can only imagine if it was a busy night w/ a band playing and the patio open, the service is going to suffer. If you love good beer, Bell's is worth a visit. Not my favorite brewpub i've ever visited, but if I happen to be passing through again in the future, I would definitely stop in.
(4)
Seth D.

I'm a big fan of Bell's beers. At least the ones that make it down to Columbus, Ohio. I was a little disappointed by the flight that I had. They were interesting, but just not up the par with their usual brews. I would suggest coming and ordering your favorites and be happy to drink them where they are made. The food was delicious though, and the staff was nice. They have a very nice eating and drinking area outside and kind of a garden with a stage for concerts. I would definitely make a stop here on the way up north again, but I'd stick to what I know I love next time.
(4)
Laila C.

Their new backroom space is really cool. Once all the renovations are complete, they'll have a backroom with a stage where you can pay to see a show and also a front room where you can just go in to grab a drink! I hated how if you came on a weekend before, you HAD to pay cover whether or not you wanted to see the band. My BF and I made a stop on the way home to Chicago. Sat at the bar and tried basically all the beers. The bartender is super informative and she'll give you tastings of anything you'd like to try. The beers are all about $3 for 12oz and $4 for 16oz except the Expedition Stout which is a little more but it's also 10.5% alcohol. Whoo that is delicious but pretty dangerous! The chips are delicious and come in a HUUUUGE basket. They also give you a bajillion pretzel rods. The noshes are good but I wish they had sausages while I was there. I sooo wish we had a space like Bells around my house. I'd be there all the time!
(5)
Jose A.

Bell's is one of the best names in beer, and their eccentric cafe brings some new to you (cause this is the only place you can get them) beers, that were pretty kick ass. I went here twice and they seemed to be understaffed, and backed up, but if you can put up with those small issues, then this is a place that you will enjoy, and abosolutley want to come back to. They had 9 never been any where but the tasting room beers, and it was a pretty cool experience to try those and know that not very many other people have had them... Wish i lived closed to kalamazoo, so i could come here more often...
(5)
Roland C.

Excellent selection of beers (check out the live cam of the board on their website) and delicious food. It's a small selection of daily features, but they are hearty and tasty and a good accompaniment to the main attraction... the beer. They have 12 - 20 oz pours of about 20 of their beers. Some are the year round classics, some are seasonal varieties and some (the ones I always end up on) are only available on tap here. They also have bottles of all the current Bell's selecitons available. If you are into beer, this is a must stop location. The service is casual and laid back, there is no table service and you need to move on up to the bar to place your order... cash only as well (at least last time I went). I always make it here in the late afternoon on weekdays, and its just a few locals and fellow travelers hanging out and enjoying a great beer.
(5)
Joy E.

Average food. Excellent outdoor patio area and stage for live bands! Perfect place for fun with friends/family, or seeing live music. Nice folks work there, too! don't order the pretzels and dip, its literally just plain old-hard pretzels and icky-cheese sauce
(4)
Kelsey K.

Another trip to Kzoo=another trip to Bell's. This place is one of the reasons to visit Kalamazoo. Get the pulled pork sandwich, it's incredible. For veggies out there, the portabella sandwich is also great. The hummus is good as is the spinach and artichoke dip. As for beers, I can't comment as I'm not a beer drinker but the devout beer lovers in my life swear by their recipes. If you can get ahold of the Big Porch Ale, I'm told it's a total diamond in the rough, but it's hard to find. If in Kalamazoo, don't miss Bell's!!
(5)
Casey R.

Great brewery, I love their beers...food was pretty good. Staff was pretty helpful, not mind blowing. The whole lay out is kind of confusing to someone who has never been here before, just sit anywhere you kind and stand in the line that you see forming, order food at the bar is well.
(3)
Charles J.

There is so much to love about Bell's! Having said that, it could be so much better! Pros: The beer! I mean, isn't that why we're all here in the first place? So many varieties to choose from and all oh-so-good! I did not try the food on my initial trip but many others around me did and I saw several members of the "clean plate" club so I will assume from that the food is good. Back to the beer... I especially enjoyed the flights - a sampling of 5 or 6 different beers that you choose from their extensive beer menu. The glasses probably amounted to a double shot glass in size - enough that you could get a good sampling of some of the variety offered at Bell's. A great idea! The building itself is pretty cool. A Multi-level warehouse in the midst of expansion and remodeling. What they have done thus far looks great and I can imagine it's going to look fantastic when it's all done. Cons: While I really enjoyed the beer, I was left a bit wanting when it came to their customer service. There is no wait staff - and I can deal with that - if it weren't for the other "hurdles" experienced on my visit. If you order a flight, you do so at the bar. When they present it to you for you to take back to your table, you have to relinquish your drivers licence, which you get back when you return the wooden flight holder. Really?!? Zero trust factor with their customers apparently. Bell's also doesn't take plastic of any kind. It's a cash only business. That means, you'd better stop off at the ATM before going or you're out of luck. I can't think of many higher end pubs or restaurants that don't take credit or debit cards these days. Inconvenient in my book, especially if you're a first time guest that is unaware of the policy. Lastly, and probably temporary, the building at the present time. As I mentioned above, it's going through renovation so be prepared for that. The main entrance is closed forcing you to walk around to another door. It's a bit of a mess but I suspect it will all look great when it's done. I'd go back. It's got quality beer to choose from but don't expect them to throw the red carpet out there for you. Even if they had red carpet, they'd probably expect you to you to lay it for them.
(3)
Jef S.

Let's not sugar coat this. This restaurant / brew pub is a tourist trap. The draft beers are a bit overpriced, and the food is a bit underwhelming, but, as an admitted Bell's slappy, I love this place. When people come to visit us, this is one of my favorite places to take them. The remodel is looking great, and I don't mind paying a bit more for the beers as I know they are fresh, and they have some different offerings (mmm... Hell Hath No Fury).
(4)
paul s.

Tour was good but short. tour guide was knowledgeable. The beer was excellent. No complaints there. The buildings seemed a little disjointed and I wanted to look at the gift shop but couldn't easily find it in the time we had available. The outside patio area was nice and the food was very good, though their menu was limited.
(4)
Justin J.

What a shame I've gotta give Bell's two stars, but like a lot of reviewers have said, I love the beer, really enjoyed trying the unique flavors, but the staff left me with a bitter aftertaste. I'm a friendly dude. I enjoy chatting with the staff at restaurants in different cities and I like to leave a place happier than when I came in, but some of the bartenders treated us like we were doing them a favor spending money buying "their" beer. I walk up to the bar inside the Eccentric Cafe, which has some nice decorations on the walls, but does feel a bit like a movie set, and give the bar tender a friendly "Hi, how's it going?" He gives me a quick head nod back. Alright, that's cool, you're the quiet type, I can dig that. My friend asked the other bartender about ordering the sampler (six individual beers from their amazing selection) and he says something to the effect of, "I know my beers, I don't order samplers" as he placed a piece of paper and pencil in front of us without any instructions, advice, conversation, etc. Hey fuzzball, we're glad you're a beer connoisseur, but you work here. We are from out of town and have never heard of any of these beers, a little advice or descriptions would be real helpful. Make us feel welcomed. In their defense, the bar tenders in the back bar, inside a beautiful, spacious room with a stage were friendly and personable and had no problem engaging me a bit and the stage in the outside area was awesome and the band ruled. I'll keep drinking Two Hearted because it's fantastic, but it's doubtful I'll go back to the Eccentric Cafe when I visit Kalamazoo. Bell's...please remember how you started and embrace a little humility and make your guests feel like they matter to the existence of the business.
(2)
Justin B.

Was in town visiting from Dallas and, this is a true story, a monk we met at a local monastery said we need to check this place out. First of all, we don't have Bell's in Texas, so we got the sampler which was hit or miss. Some beers were great, some flat out gross, like the sour one. The 'wild one' tasted like mosquito spray. I ordered some spinach dip and it was alright. The guys taking orders for the kitchen were rude and would barely look at me, much less answer my questions about the food. The decor was good. African inspired. Oh...and there was an amazing rockabilly band, 'Delilah Dewylde'. The worst part about this place is if you want to go sit outside in the beer garden, you have to put your drink in a plastic cup. We just dont do that where I live, it ruins the taste. No one was protesting this and everyone seemed to be fine with this arrangement.
(3)
Allison V.

This place is fun. Food is decent. Beer is exceptional. I heart Bell's. I have been here a number of times and enjoyed myself each and every time. Story time: One summer evening I was here and ordered the portabello mushroom sandwich and a cold beer. I stepped outside to sit at the picnic table and two guys discussing the UFOs that had flown over the prior night.....fun times.
(4)
Ron R.

Love their beer and burgers. I went there last night and found out they closed the kitchen so no more Grouper sandwich or burgers...:-( The Two Hearted Ale is TOPS in HOPS!
(4)
Blake M.

Bell's has so many great beers, so I was quite excited to check out the Eccentric Cafe. For the most part, it does not disappoint. They always have about twelve different Bell's beers on tap, including some seasonal brews and other offerings that never see a bottle. As a beer geek, I jump at the opportunity to try these otherwise impossible to get beers. Unfortunately, last time I was in there I really wanted to try Hopslam, but they had run out the previous day and were not sure when they would get it again. They did, however, have Wedding Ale, which was a great variation on a Tripel, Consecrator Dopplebock, as well as the usual suspects like Oberon, Java Stout, and Kalamazoo Stout. The nice thing about it being in a quiet part of town is that I can go in, sit down, and just relax and enjoy my beer instead of being bumped and bothered by a huge crowd. The prices are very reasonable, There are a couple of knocks against the Eccentric Cafe though. For some reason they never know what their tap list is going to be until that day, so if you are coming in from out of town you can not plan on having a specific beer. The only thing you can do is hope and call in that morning. The layout (or lack thereof) of the bar is terrible. It is basically an eight stool bar with four tables that has much more of the abandoned railyard feel on the outside of the bar than of a progressive craft brewery. Part of this may be related to the lack of customers that are willing to hang out in industrial Kalamazoo, but it still does nothing to add to the atmosphere. Right now they are doing some construction outside, and maybe they will gradually redo the more dreary aspects of the interior as well. At this point, I cannot comment on the food, as I have exclusively gone here for the beer. Last time I went they had a band, which meant we had to pay cover and get our beer in plastic cups instead of glasses (a pet peeve of mine). Bring some good friends who are in the mood to try some good new beers, and you will not be disappointed.
(4)
Eric G.

What to say about the famous Bells Brewery. I love bells brews especially the best IPA in the world... Two Hearted Ale. They have an outdoor beer garden which is very impressive and can't be beat on a nice spring or summer night. The bar is cash only which can be a pain but just plan ahead. They always have a few brews that are a test run on tap at the bar and can't be bought in stores which is always a treat. My only complaint is that the music and some of the people aren't really my bag most of the time. It is always annoying jam band type music going on there. The food is usually just vegan crap and nothing of any substance so don't plan on having a "meal" here. All in all, Bells is a great place to hang out and have some delicious local brews.
(4)
Erin S.

I can't lie. This is a biased review. No matter what happens here from now on out I will always live for the; late summer nights, outdoor concerts, eccentric night, Seth & May show, GreenSky Bluegrass, Cyser Ale, falling over kegs (and tabes, and rocks), grilled cheese, fun people, drunk hippies, cash only, walking here along the train tracks, Oberon and the official start of summer. Good music, Good beer, Good friends. Drink and be merry!
(5)
Jeremy A.

Bell's Eccentric Cafe downtown Kalamazoo has it all. Extensive tap list, unique casual food menu, relaxing beer garden, dual bars with live music lineup on one side, brewery tours, and even a general store.
(4)
Jon D.

I traveled all the way from DC to visit Bell's! Well, not really, but it makes a good story. I knew Bell's great beers from at home in the DC area. I couldn't be in Western Michigan without making a visit. Eccentric is right! The decor is really, really, uh... eccentric. But the patrons and staff are really a friendly, normal bunch. Apparently they have a lot of regulars who travel from quite a ways. Ate the best potato soup ever -- unbelievably good. Now, the part you're waiting for: beer. Amazing! I enjoyed four inexpensive beers which were among the best I've had anywhere. On this night I had the Experimental IPA, Best Brown Ale, and Smoked Stout. All were exceptional. Tasted the Christmas Ale and Third Coast Beer, which were nice too. I hope the Experiment becomes a standard. More in the American style of IPA than the fine Two Hearted Ale, this is hopped up. The Best Brown is just that. Reminiscent of a British brown ale, its extremely drinkable. Smoked Stout is only available on draft, and it is smokey. Probably the best of Bell's Stouts, IMHO. I look forward to my next visit and sitting in the beer garden, when all of Michigan isn't covered in snow an ice. Cash only and don't miss the Bell's General Store around front. I hope Bell's will be at the craft beer Savor event in DC this year!
(5)
Renee S.

What a great place! The atmosphere is fun. The beer is awesome. The service is great. Next time I'm in town, I'll make this one of my first stops. It's pretty cool!
(4)
Jon S.

I was recently back in Kzoo and visited Bell's often (every day I was home). This past trip was the first time I have eaten at Bell's and I ordered a rueben sandwhich. I don't head to Bell's in search of a meal, but I do have to say the rueben was quite delicious. I love the beer garden and wish we had something like this near our home...
(5)
Jordan R.

Bell's has an amazing decor and they've clearly invested a lot of money in making their bar/beer garden/dining area up to their standards and style. As a bar, it's very cool. There's no liquor, just beers and they have a lot of experimental brews to try as well as their standards and seasonal beers. The employees are friendly and they have a variety of nuts that you can get to pair with your beer. I will say I've found the food to be consistently lackluster. The menu is small and a lot of the options don't really jump out at you. Pretty standard sandwiches and wraps. Their pulled pork sandwich is good, but I haven't been wowwed by anything else.
(4)
Brian G.

Went with my son and we had a good time. Tour was not exciting but the beer and the atmosphere were great. Good service, very limited menu for food (2-3 stars for this). The extension for music and entertainment looks great. Overall 4 stars - go for the beer (not the food) and ambience. Well stocked general store if you want souvenirs or beer brewing supplies!
(4)
Kalama B.

*batman 1.0/4.0 beers After hearing so much talk about Bell's, I had high expectations of what I hoped would be a chill atmosphere with great offerings for a IPA connoisseur. The following bulleted list is what I observed: * Greeted by 2 grumpy guys about to charge a $10 cover for a mediocre band. * Overpriced, off-tasting beer served in plastic cups for $4. * Slow, almost lifeless, service with a negative attitude. * No hard alcohol. * A lot of dudes trying to impress their date by pointing out exotic locations from the world maps on the wall. Surprised it took me several beers to learn my lesson about Bell's...1 beer *captain ron 3.5/4.0 beers I have to admit, I'm bias on this one. Having Bell's in my own backyard was the first thing I got excited about when I moved to Kalamazoo. I always have to stay for at least 2 beers. The first is to try something new; maybe one of their specials or many seasonal beers. The second depends on how I enjoyed the first. If it was a welcome surprise, I might go in for another round; otherwise, I'll default to one of the many old standards such as their Kalamazoo Stout. My only gripe about Bell's is that the cover can get rather steep depending on the evening's entertainment. However, I've yet to hear a band play poorly here, so I think it's a matter of getting what you pay for. If you live in Kalamazoo and like to drink beer, you absolutely must do some experimenting at Bell's. *richard withers 3.0/4.0 beers This hometown brewpub oozes originality and style. From the fish tank and African carvings on the wall to the painting of Santa walking his mule on the beach, the decor creates a sense of wonder and amusement. This laid back atmosphere provides a good early evening starter bar. As expected they only serve their own line of unique brews. Take a gamble and order a pint based on the loose descriptions scrawled on the chalkboard menu that changes daily. Meander outside to the sprawling terrace where the live music and social diversity adds to the unique style of Belle's. If people watching is your game you'll find specimens from bikers to Boomhauer and everything in between. 3 Beers. TheKalamabooze.com
(4)
Rick S.

ok we did not have any thing to eat . looks like their sinking a ton of money intothe place. its going to look great when their done. I'm a big fan of Obrien have been for years. Its the only bottle beer I drink . So when ever I have a chance
(5)
Deborah B.

Love the great selection of beer on tap. Not in love with the level of cleanliness...go for the beer and have fun, but I would go somewhere else for the food. My s.o. and I saw several things servers were doing around food that was not very appetizing.
(3)
Frank B.

Michigan folk are awesome and friendly. Maybe that's cause everyone was drinking delicious beer but wait, the bartenders were super nice too and patient despite the looooong order line. Gotta love it! I enjoyed everything about this place. The food, the beer. It is definitely one of my favorite Midwest micro so far and will bring visiting family and friends to eat/drink here! The 6 sampler is reasonably priced to and you can pretty much sample everything and get a little tipsy ;)
(5)
Jen J.

So slowly but surely my hubby and I are making the rounds to local breweries in the Midwest. We finally made it to Bell's on our last visit to my hometown of GR. The 45 min drive to K-Zoo is nothing and it was worth it to finally see where Bell's is made having been a long time fan of Two-Hearted Ale and my favorite--Hopslam. We were pleasantly surprised to see the very cozy, lodge-like interior of the brewpub and we settled in for a couple of hours of tasting. By the time we left, we had either drank before or tasted all the beers on their chalk board, which you can view live to see what's on tap from their web site. I very much enjoyed that the serving tray that they brought out the samples on was a carved wooden tray shaped like Michigan with little divots to fit the beer glasses!!! Being from the lower peninsula myself, I quite enjoyed the tray--wish they sold that in the store. I have to say that nothing that we tried really outstripped our personal favorites, but it was nice to visit the place. (In fact, we tried a sour beer that we found quite offensive!) They have a great space for live music, but we visited in the afternoon and they seem to be expanding the outdoor patio which will be great in the spring and summer. The food selection was quite limited so I wouldn't go here when super hungry, but it's nice to frequent a local microbrewery that is committed to brewing good beers and trying to innovate new ones. The bartenders were all quite young ladies, most were very friendly and honest with their beer recommendations. I can see though that they could rub people the wrong way since there is no wait staff and you must order at the bar. They also are cash only which definitely irked folks--they do have an ATM, but considering it is nearly 2011 it would be nice if they took cards. I know businesses must pay fees per each credit card swiped, but I think Bell's is doing brisk enough business to be able to afford it. Oh well. We bought some Bell's swag on the way out of town at their store right next door. Hopefully, we'll make another visit in the future. Until then, keep the Bell's coming to Chicago.
(4)
Matt T.

A great place in Kalamazoo. Charming atmosphere. They rotate through different beers not available in stores. My particular favorites change, but some of interest are the Wild One and Milk Stout. :) Food is decent, but a bit pricey for what you get. I've been here several times, and the bar staff could do to be a lot friendlier. Seems like most of them have a chip on their shoulder. No credit cards! Bring oodles of cash, or prepare to face the wrath of ATM fees. Beer ranges from $-$$$ for a glass of beer. Specialty limited release beers can be over $6 for sometimes only 8oz. When there is live music, they are kicking people out after 9PM unless you pay cover... which wasn't how it used to be. Also, if you go outside to smoke, you can't come back unless you pay cover. Again. So sad. Remodeling costs are getting pricey, I guess. They are sinking around $2M into it. Hopefully they figure some things out along with this remodeling. I like it. A few things piss me off, but I would go again.
(3)
cassie r.

The official first stop on the first annual Michigan Brew Tour 2010. And it was certainly worthwhile, though definitely not the best spot in this great state for deliciously concocted microbrews. Arriving around 7:30 p.m. on a Friday, it was full but not packed, though you couldn't tell by the ambivalent servers behind the bar/taking food orders. There was no friendly or helpful "let me tell ya about our beers," at Bells. It was pretty much a blank stare, which apparently equated to "tell me what you want." Once I figured out how they roll, I ordered a Java Stout. It was good, a bit too bitter for my taste, but standard for a coffee-flavored brew. Decent, but unmemorable. What was memorable? The pretzel with spicy tavern cheese. That tavern cheese had something red/spicy in it (though I have no clue what), but when mixed with feta made for an excellent topping to a hot, buttery pretzel. Their vinegar-rific chips were also delicious, and their sandwich selection was pretty good. We left slightly buzzed, but empty handed, saving our money for a more appealing beer selection.
(3)
Nicholas L.

Great beer and good food, my only complaint is the lack of growlers. All the beer you could want to take home is available in the store. I enjoyed the trip to Bell's and would go back.
(4)
Toni C.

The beer at the brewery is so amazing. They usually have a special brew on tap that's not normally sold in bottles. I had a specific incident after drinking too much raspberry brew out of a brandy snifter in the beer garden on eccentric night. Side note: If you've never been to or heard of Bell's Eccentric night party look into it and go. It's in December, in fact in my be coming up soon. It's wild and tons of fun. Eccentric ale is sold which is like 90% alcohol or something. :) The food is basic but good. The shows there are usually of the bluegrass jam band-ish genre but a lot of fun. The beer garden is huge and there's a big stage back there for shows in the summer.
(5)
Igloo B.

Great atmosphere, friendly crowds, and had a wonderful birthday beer there.
(5)
Mandy C.

You won't be finding a Bud Light beer in this building. The more establishments that exist like this, the better the world is. Pay attention to the descriptions below the beers before ordering. There is a beer (or two) here for everyone, you just have to know what you like. Even the Lager is delicious. I love the food too. I think I might be addicted to their burgers. They DO have very good veggie and vegan options. Always check the chalk board next to the food ordering counter for off-menu specials. Two things: I wish they had french fries and I wish they were slightly more friendly. I will be bring all of my out of town friends here. Oh yeah, AND the beer garden is amazing and huge!
(5)
Michael P.

Went back this past Monday. Raspberry Wild One on draft. Awesome.
(5)
Matt T.

I've been going back to Michigan to visit for years and always get some Bell's to drink while I'm there. I finally got to check out the brew pub on this trip and I'm glad I did. The beer was awesome. Everything we tried was great. I had a flight and got to sample 8 different beers. The tray they serve the flight on is shaped like the U.P. Nice touch, Bell's! The 2 Hearted Ale and the Oberon were the standouts. If you've never had either on draft, you're missing out. My only disappointment is in the limited food menu and lack of table service. Everyone was really friendly but you had to get up and go to the bar for a drink. Same for the food. You had to walk up to a window to order your food. Not a huge deal but wasnt expecting that. All in all, a great brewery to visit. The beer is fantastic. Just eat before you go.
(4)
Al P.

I love Bell's Beer and I am glade I stopped for a drink and a meal. However, the food was nothing too great and I didn't care for the atmosphere - the place has a strange layout and no wait staff. But as always, Bells beer is good and the Trial IPA I ordered did not disappoint. I would return for a beer but I wouldn't come hungry.
(3)
david l.

Along with my love of all that is summer, is my love for summer brews. My opinion, for what it's worth, is that summer just isn't summer without a cold pint of Bell's Oberon in hand. Chilled, delicious, honey sweet and fragrant, I crave this brew. To my dismay, this golden nugget brew is unavailable in California. Fortunately, I have Michigan friends who think highly of Batman. Yesterday, my summer care package arrived. Two mini-kegs of the golden nectar wrapped anonomously in my Oberon summer t- shirt...yeah! Smiles abound... Thanks Oberon. Let me know if you would like to distribute in Cali. I will be happy to volunteer my services. Cheers!!
(5)
John S.

Wooo! Bell's! This is THE best brewery East of the Mississippi, and sentimentally, my favorite of all time (the fact that it was my college bar helps). If you can find Bell's outside of Michigan, order all you can. It's been moving into the DC market for about a year now, although I've never seen it out west (they have no idea what they're missing). Bell's almost never misses with their dozens of varieties - Oberon, Two-Hearted and the Amber are classics, and the porter, Cherry Stout, and Java Stout are fun choices for cold weather nights (unless you drink heavy dark beers in warm weather, then these are good for that). The Eccentric Cafe always attracts a fun crowd drawn from students, professors, locals and visitors. The best (fuzziest) memories are of course to be had on December's "Eccentric" Day near the end of winter semester final exams when an exceptionally potent beer is sold. Summer nights outside, complete with live music, are also great.
(5)
mark e.

Oh-##%&*, Bell's is going though rehab! Looks great so far, keep it local. Check out the store for all your homebrew needs!
(5)
Furry P.

This place is one hot mess. We loved the beer but the service is awful. We walked in for our first visit late afternoon on a Saturday and found no guidance as to whether we should be seated on our own or how the place worked. After being totally ignored by the staff, we elected to take a seat at a table. After being totally ignored more, we noticed food being placed on the door to the kitchen so.. ultimately figured out that we order at the bar and pick up food when ready (there is a sign hanging on the wall in the area of the kitchen as you walk in - easy to miss). OK! Now that we know the program, we opted to sit at the bar to be ignored by the staff again. We scrounged up a dirty menu from a nearby table. I really cant explain it. We dont walk around with a scowl - in order to be served we had to kind of ask them .. "hey - can we order?". Commence to ordering and drinking great beers including a beer flight which was really cool (not on menu, we saw one being poured). Of course, no one ever asked us for an order again, no matter how empty the glasses were - but we are not shy and would not be denied the tasty beverages. "Hey! Can we order a...." would result in victory and beer delivery. So - the "hey" approach worked so that we could order 2 sandwiches but they never came. At that point, the situation had become comical so after a couple of beers and a lot of time passing whilst kitchen staff stood clearly idle, we asked for the check and mentioned that they could forget the sandwiches. This comment was met by an investigation which concluded that indeed, sandwiches were ordered and bartender "didnt know what happened". There was no apology and no one seemed concerned about it. Nevermind that no one checked on us once, or followed up on the food. Bartender never produced an itemized check.. simply asked us for the total which - sounded pretty close to us and since that too was ridiculous service we rolled with it and paid that amount without asking for the actual check. Why get picky now? We left to go elsewhere to actually eat. Funny thing is the place wasnt very crowded. Im afraid that w/o the great beer I would have opted for a 1 star. I think I'd rather buy a 6 pack and enjoy the great brew at home thanks. PS - the decor of the place is lovely - with amazing stained glass windows that glow with sunlight in the afternoon. Perhaps with some service training for the staff and a sign instructing patrons of the food situation.. might be a great place to eat someday.
(2)
Jeffery S.

How do I feel about Bell's? They're assholes! They can take their fucking beer and jam it up their collective asses.... The stuff isn't that good anyway, I'd rather buy Old Milwaukee than patronize this collection of rude prima donna's.
(1)
Josh M.

It is what it is. The hippie bar in Kalamazoo. When ever I travel around the country people know about it. Never had a bad beer here. Oberon has it's ups and downs year to year, but that doesn't matter cause of two hearted.
(4)
Lisa R.

Stopped in with the better half while visiting family in the area. We were able to get him some Oktoberfest, which happens to be his favorite overall. Sadly that was the only Oktoberfest he was able to have this season since it doesn't look like it was bottled and distributed.
(4)
Meghan B.

Well, the beer gets five stars. Duh. This review is for the pub space and Eccentric Cafe. I finally made it in here after all these years (you know, growing up in Battle Creek, living in Chicago, etc) and while it wasn't what I expected, it was good. Cafe menu is limited, but does what it does quite well. I wouldn't get the pretzel rods with beer cheese again (menu gives little detail --it's basically a cold cheese spread indistinguishable from grocery store varieties, not bad but not worth an appetizer splurge). But we all had good sandwiches/burgers. I had the grilled cheese, tomato, and pesto and loved it. Dad had buffalo burger, mom had roast beef (the "dip" sandwich), husband had protabello & peppers. We all really liked the spiced kettle chips that most sandwiches came with. Space is SMALL. People had told us it was a small space but we were still surprised. We came (old people) early on a Friday night and still just barely nabbed a table upstairs. But it's rustic, funky, meets all the expectations for breweries in the area. I liked it, but I do like the food, atmosphere, and space at Founder's better. Still. Totally deserving of four stars. I'll go back.
(4)
Alexandra L.

awesome beer, great beer garden to hang out and chill... rustic views when the train goes by feels like being in England....
(4)
Lou L.

Two Hearted has been one of my faves for a while so I had high expectations for Bell's brewery and the Eccentric Cafe. And boy did they deliver! The tour of the brewery was a bit boring (hence there only be 4 stars) but that was mostly due to the fact that the majority of the beer is brewed elsewhere. The brewery there consists of two large rooms. Not much to tour! Then we mosied on over to the Eccentric Cafe where I had the best panini of my life. They have experimental brews on tap that you can't get anywhere else and I had a Deb's Red (DELICIOUS). This place is a must visit if you're in the area.
(4)
Joseph M.

Guys, I gotta put this out here. I am the biggest Bell's fan. Larry and his crew throw down some of the most insanely good brew one is likely to run across. I will buy every six pack of Hop Slam from my local purveyor when it comes out despite the near $20 price per. So let's be honest, high expectations can be a killer when visiting a place for the first time. And I guess, the love and care I taste in every pint of Bell's beer queued me up for a bit of disappointment. Folks, never meet your heroes. The beer is killer. Repeat, the beer is killer. If you are in Kalamazoo and you don't go, you've missed out. I will be back, but that said, the bar is a little weak. it's worth putting up with the hurdles to have fresh Bell's on tap, but.... The service during my two nights there was dismissive and slightly rude. The food is questionable. They only take cash. The building is nice but even the kids running the merch store could care less if you wanted to spend money there. And this isn't a "you don't fit the craft brew stereotype" sort of review. If I don't immediately register as the target market to anyone working there, they either know very little about the industry or are simply self hating hippies. So it comes down like this. Go. You'll be sorry you didn't. There beer will be awesome, you'll have to pay cash and service personnel will be rude to you. Bring a friend. You don't need their approval anyways. Don't let Bell's ruin Bell's for you.
(3)
Peter S.

The beer is always good, but the food is sometimes uninteresting, and seating can be a challenge
(4)
Andrea V.

I love Bell's! I highly recommend getting a flight of six beers so you can sample what is on tap. Favorite beers: Lager of the Lakes, Oberon, Pale Ale, Potter, Java Stout, and Kalamazoo Stout.
(5)
Jamie K.

Some of the best, most creative brewing in the country! Be adventurous. Ask for a sample. Two Hearted (IPA) is my staple. Love the beer garden. It's like a backyard party. These guys know beer!
(5)
Cullen S.

World-class beer, awesome beer garden, chill atmosphere. What's not to love?
(5)
Matt H.

Six stars. Yes, the urinal dividers that go at least 6 1/2 ft high deserve an extra star. Shows you some thought went into this place. Otherwise, GREAT FOOD. awesome chicken dumpling soup. great pastrami as well. Chill atmosphere, cool design. Excellent beer. I like oberon as much as the next guy, but I had a killer tripel that was 9% that was just amazing. and only 4.50. It'd have been $7 at hopcast in GR and half as big.
(5)
Julia H.

BELLS BELLS BELLS BELLS! the best beer in the world. i know i am a bit biased... but woah. larry really know's what is up with good, strong, tasty beers. my favorite beers: oberon: summer in a bottle, honey sweet and golden two hearted: bitter, dark and tangy (my personal favorite) amber: a bit lighter than the two hearted, still a bit bitter The brewery is such a fun venue... but mostly I come here in summer because the beer garden is fenced in with a tall wooden fence, and is absolutely beautiful. it's great catching a buzz under the stars with a great beer and close friends you can actually hear, while getting fresh air. very very hippy here ... bluegrass a lot and dead cover bands frequent -- i still love this from time to time... and wow, just a few years ago, you could catch me at a dark star orchestra show spinning in circles to dead covers. i'm not ashamed.
(5)
Nell R.

Great place!
(5)
Jeff P.

We arrived at 10:30 on St. Patty's Day, expecting to get in...but they don't open until 11am. When we went into the General Store, the person behind the counter said they don't open early "for any occasion". He was not friendly. When the doors opened, we got our beers and sat in the courtyard for most of the day. The beer was very good. We ordered heavy stouts and light lagers and were not disappointed. The barstaff was semi-friendly but efficient. We ordered food (everything was pick up...no waitstaff) and the cook times were good. They did a nice job on the corn beef and cabbage and we enjoyed the pretzel and chips appetizers. (the chips had a lot of pepper..which I liked..but some did not). Most of the crowd was dressed in green but it seems like St. Patty's was an afterthought for the bar, who had live Irish music starting at 4pm. Very odd. We saw a lot of people leaving when they realized that there would be no music in the courtyard most of the day (the live music was inside..not in the courtyard). We all enjoyed the beer....but for ambiance, friendliness, and event-friendly...Meh, we've had better. Buy the beer from the store.
(3)
M. K. A.

It is very noisy. The staff (and the owner) are rude. No servers, one must "find" the food window. The food is ok if you want to pay those prices. Over all I would say don't bother there is better micro brewed beer elsewhere.
(2)
Jim T.

This is a great micro brew bar. It's a very casual, easy going place that serves some of if not the best beer in the Midwest. Lately they have been brewing new beers that are only served in the Eccentric Cafe. The food is also great. The menu may be a bit small, but it includes everything from classic sandwiches to eccentric Ostrich or Buffalo burgers. I do see families there in the beer garden. The kids just run around the grassy yard while the parents enjoy a beer (this usually happens on Saturday and Sunday afternoons). I would say if I had to leave Kalamazoo, this is the one place I would miss most. They also have great live music there quite often. In the summer you can usually find great bluegrass bands (and others) playing the main stage in the beer garden. Overall I love this place.
(5)
Steve P.

I've had several of Larry's brews. I go home to Columbus, Ohio to attend a beer tasting and viewing of the film The Big Lebowski once per year. I cannot get the beer because I live in New York City. Going back to Columbus is well worth the trip. While my favorite is Java Stout, Bell's has numerous good beers including Oberon and Hop Slam. To put it simply, that's good beer.
(5)
Jeremy M.

I don't know what people really see in this beer...one question: do you use Kalamazoo River water? I've had 2 Hearted, Oberon & Best brown in other cities through what I can only conclude is through clean draft lines, because they're decent. But AT Bells it is HORRIBLE! The worst being the Raspberry Ale, which tasted like dollar store raspberry Koo-Aid with no sugar added...I heard some dude behind me comparing it a Marshall MI Raspberry Ale...REALLY!?!? There cannot possibly be a beer worse than this. Shiner Hefe-Weissen used to be my overall worst beer ever made...Bells Raspberry Ale now takes this honor! Go to Olde Peninsula instead, or Kalamazoo beer exchange! Ciao!!!
(1)
Amanda L.

I'm a longtime Two-Hearted fan. Last weekend, my husband + I were traveling to Grand Rapids to attend my brother's college graduation. I demanded we navigate a stop to Kalamazoo so that we could check out the Bell's Eccentric CafÃ©. We arrived around 4PM on a Friday and were fortunate to find a parking spot right away. As we stretched our legs, I scanned the full lot and was surprised to find that we were the only out of state license plate. There are great places within our home city of Chicago but most locals avoid them due to the amount of tourists that arrive in droves so I was impressed to see so many seemingly local patrons. After grabbing a menu, we found a table and looked around. Where the cafÃ© lacks in space, it makes up for in height. Though it appeared busy, it was hard to feel crammed due to the tall ceiling and large windows. A woman came up to us from behind the bar and told us that we needed to go up front to order. We explained that we realized this but were just taking it all in, deciding what we wanted to order. We were a bit surprised by the limited beer selection, many of which we could find at a few bars within our neighborhood. We had hoped to find a brew or two that we couldn't find at our local liquor store. I ordered my go-to Two-Hearted and though my husband would've loved a Hopslam we still had some driving to do so he opted for a Deb's Red. We were starving so we opted to order from the cafÃ©'s small menu. Granted I know it's a brewery, the real star is the beer (and true to form the beer was delicious) but we were disappointed by the menu options. I ordered the black bean burger which was just ok. Nothing to write home about. It arrived with stale corn chips that had that "fresh from the bag" smell. My husband ordered a smoked turkey sandwich. Again, underwhelming but hit the spot after 3 hrs. of driving. At $7.50 each, the food wasn't truly worth it but again, we were starving so it served it's purpose in a pinch. We finished our beers, shared a few nods and smiles with those nearby. I'm glad we were able to stop at Bell's and I will continue to support their company but I don't think I'd ever visit again.
(2)
Justin O.

Bellls is just okay. You can expect five star quality Beer with no hospitality or comfort. The place is a cold garage like factory facility you get to drink really good beer and hear really good music but at a cost. The cover is usually 10-20 bucks and usually it is cramped for how many employees they have. Every time I leave, i leave disappointed only because I love Bells, I love Kalamazoo, and it has so much promise ---but non-the less...its about the beer, and nothing else.....mine as well find your own local hangout or another cool place in town that offers Bells on tap, even cheaper then the brewery.... Oakwood, Shakes, Old Dog, Etc.....
(3)
Stephanie B.

I LOVE BELL's! Not only one of my favorite places to go to in Kalamazoo, but their brew's are amazing. Their food menu is delicious as well. They recently remodeled the interior and expanded the venue. If you're in Kalamazoo, this place is a must.
(5)
Jon W.

Incredible beers on tap and edible food (nothing too fancy, but definitely tastier than not). Nice atmosphere. Cash-only.
(4)
Ayon J. R.

I really like the decor and the loooong list of beers. the food was better than average. Deducting one star for unclean tables.
(3)
L.J. P.

I tried the Eccentric cafe earlier this summer and found it to be a good place with great beer. I liked the atmosphere. I went to the cafe to see a show that was coming in and the outdoor area did leave a little to be desired, but some of this is due to renovation that is in progress. I woul definitely recommend this establishment for a relaxing evening out.
(3)
Tim S.

Was in town on business and it was Sunday night. Beer was a 4 star food was adequate. The atmosphere was kind of like their name says: Eccentric and Eclectic with a upper midwest flare. If you want great beer and kick back and talk with some decent food check it out. If you are looking to watch Sunday night football then do not go as there aren't any TV's in the place.
(3)
Mick B.

Bell's is becoming one of my favorite Midwest micro-breweries. The Two Hearted Ale and Kalamazoo IPA make me quite "hoppy" (sorry, that was bad). Coming from Chicago, I was excited to finally visit the brewery. The cafe itself was cute. Not s huge menu, but the food was good and reasonably priced. It is cash only and the seating is limited, but it appears that is all changing. The place is getting a complete makeover and is going to be huge compared to what it is now. I'll Definitely be coming back to see what it looks like when it's complete.
(4)
Barton C.

Bell's Eccentric Cafe has become a stopover staple when I take Amtrak from Chicago to East Lansing. A quick walk from the train station finds me sipping an amazing selection of beers that are brewed on-site and never bottled. Tasty food from the kitchen too!
(5)
Kristi M.

Stop # 4 on our brew-tour thru Michigan in sept '11. Stopped here for lunch on our way thru town and had a GREAT time! The Bartender was fast and friendly and even helped out with some ideas of where to go next trip. We loved the beers and the food from the cafe was excellent. We really loved finding a 'who' on the wall of the bar! Their Merch was in a separate building but it not only had clothes but brewing equipment too! Big ups for that. We would/will absolutely come back here eventually!
(5)
alejandro p.

Larry Bell brews some fantastic beers. I, for my part, try my best to drink as many of them as I possibly can.
(5)
Evan M.

I have made it a point to make at least one pilgrimage a summer to Bells for fantastic beer and good music. Now however, after seeing the remodeling that has been done it is going to be worth a trip to see an indoor show. The variety of beers that are offered are great! I am always impressed to see and taste the creativity of the brew masters here. I have never been disappointed when visiting Bells and will continue to make the yearly pilgrimage regardless of my location it is that good. I highly recommend making the trip if good beer is you're idea of a good time.
(5)
Drew M.

Bells is probably tied with O'Duffys for my favorite drinking establishment in Kalamazoo. The Bells brewery produces my favorite brews in the country in Two-Hearted Ale, Oberon, and the limited edition Hopslam. If you get a chance to go in the summer grab an Oberon and sit out in the Beer garden. If you go in the winter see if they have Hopslam, which is a 10% alcohol brew that is simply amazing. Bells is near the east part of downtown K-zoo, and is very cool on the inside. they have the most unique antiques and assorted pieces adorning the walls, and the staff and regulars are good people. The food is also great too if you stop in during lunchtime, or just want some pub grub during an evening drink. When you come here though, its for the beer. Bells Eccentric Cafe is awesome because they have only bells brews on tap, and will often have rare and small batch beers that they have never bottled. Check out the poolside beer if you go in soon.
(5)
Sarah K.

This place has a great atmosphere due to a large open space and friendly staff. The menu includes a varied selection of items, several of which were heaven for a vegetarian. We had a tempeh sandwich special, a vegetarian burger, and the pita pizza. They were all delicious! The beer selection was extensive and we enjoyed the experimental IPA and the imperial stout. Don't forget about the store around the corner!
(5)
Arturo Z.

Let me preface by saying this review is not just of the "cafe," but of the beer as well. That being said: Bell's is the. best. EVER. Every beer is incredible, from the pale, to the infamous Oberon, to the Expedition Stout (which looks roughly like week-old coffee when poured). I cannot get enough. At the brewery, the beer is offered for a fantastic price, and one can enjoy it outside in the beer garden in the summer. The only negative thing I have ever been able to say about the brewery is that it can be a bit loud. Honestly, I couldn't care less with a fresh pint of Bell's in my hand. My favorite thing about the brewery cafe is that one can find so many of their specialty and seasonal brews on draft. There are many beers I have had there that I have never seen anywhere else. If I miss anything about Michigan...it's Bell's. p.s. Bring cash...
(5)
P W.

I don't really like winter time. January is usually the worst. One of the only good things that happens in January is the release of Hop Slam. It helps me get through tough times.
(5)
Emma L.

Great atmosphere, great beer. No liquor, no credit cards, no false pretenses. Interesting, diverse crowd, beautiful oasis of a beergarden.
(5)
Christine J.

The BF and I were a little nervous driving to Bells. The neighborhood seemed a little sketchy. However, we really liked the brewery. We shared a sampler and I cannot for the life of me remember all of the beers that were on the paddle. All I can recall was that I liked their sour and the BF liked all but one of the samples. We are already planning for our next road trip with Bell's as a definite stop.
(4)
Ben H.

As other people have stated my wife and I were incredibly disappointed with the service at bells. We didn't even get in to taste the beer before they had us fuming and walking out the door. After driving for an hour or so to enjoy the evening, we arrive at the door and deny my wife entrance due to a foreign ID which had a changed name on it. Understandably you need a valid ID to enter, but someone with any common sense can see and understand that it IS a valid ID, only clipped so she can't go into the country with her old last name. They made a lot of sense until the manager came out with the brilliant and understanding line of "this is America, not Estonia" to which we said we would never come back. Not too good for business if you ask me. As the conversation went on, they became more and more rude making the situation worse. I might add that we came in only to listen to our friend play live music and to eat a meal. Never again will we go back. Thanks for ruining a night out Bells.
(1)
Jason W.

This is a hard review to compose - the beer is spectacular, but the food is boring, a bit overpriced for what you get, and has very little variety. Alright, so really, that sums it up right there. However, 3 stars just doesn't seem right when the beer should really be the centerpiece of a brewery, so 4 stars it is. Bell's is a wonderful place to hang out, have a few drinks, and listen to some great live music. So if you're looking for those things in Kalamazoo, then this will fit the bill. Just make sure you eat before you arrive.
(4)
Ash M.

Cheap beer, and lots of delicious Bell's varieties to try! I loved the Rye Stout, so I had a couple of those. The bartenders were quick and polite, and their beer garden was great... lots of tables in the garden to hang out at while you chug. I didn't try the food, but I look forward to visiting again next time I'm in KZoo.
(5)
o m.

Great Kalamazoo brewery! Tastes so much much much better than bottled! Trust me it is intoxicating. Some of beer has 10% or more alcohol. Like aah........ "Hop slam" an Imperial/Double IPA. I have to wait almost 10 month to taste amazingly hoppy Hop slam. or refreshing "Cherry Ale" has beautiful ruby color. The Bell's beer is not the cheapest, no happy HR, no service but it is one of the great beer in The United States. I can not go to any other brewery that serves a $3 pint with this depth of flavor. Since Bell's is a large Microbrewery, often they change the long brew list. It is such a joy to try different flavors every time I visit. If you appreciate Bells and craft beer, try Dark House Brewery in Historic town of Marshall, MI, much smaller but very similar to Bell's quality with a lot of character. It is expanded in 2010 fall, I changed to 4 from 5 stars, it is getting bit expensive and it dose not taste good drinking with Eco Fabri-Kal plastic cups instead of pint of glass. Dec 2012 First time went the eccentric night, must dress up with some costume, was fun with eccentric special one day beer and eccentric food. (5stars for the night)
(4)
Jessica W.

Recently went back to Bell's and heard an awesome band (kind of blue-grass/blues style) play...neglected to include the fact that this place has live music that rocks!
(5)
Tina K.

Love the outdoor garden, nice to enjoy a good cold beer on a hot summer day!! Make sure to order the soup of the day, if you are interested in the healthy choices. Always excellent service!!
(4)
Ela G.

I do love Oberon, as most others do. But- I'd have to say, their other beer selections wern't nearly as awesome. And, I was shocked to learn that they don't do growler fill ups. Sadface.
(4)
Tiffany H.

I went to Bell's Eccentric for lunch today. I had the Black Bean Burger and the Doppelbock. AMAZING! The atmosphere is delightful, I found the stained glass windows complete with beer bottles to be interesting. Great place for food and beer and I will return often. My only complaint was the crying child at the table next to me, but occasionally you have to deal with that at lunch. Please don't bring your children to brewpubs if you can't control them.
(5)
Brynna P.

Come for the beer, don't worry about the food. It's fine, but not the star here. The staff are quite friendly, but perhaps, how do I put this...a little fuzzy, toasty maybe? Getting a side of chips and guac with my soup was apparently terribly complicated. The giggling and consternation that ensued after I made this request was, um, amusing. I mean, I'm not one to judge. Whatever, food was decent, but we're here for the beer right? Well, you've come to the right place -- a full board of original brews on tap, oh yeah. The cafe has character, board games for the taking, no TVs, big open space and warehouse feel. Try the cafe beers you can't buy in the store, bring cash, and relax on the patio. Great place to while away.
(4)
Catherine Y.

We go to Bell's on Eccentric Day every year. It is the first Friday of December where people has to dress up eccentrically to go in there and taste its famous Eccentric ale. You can see many crazy outfits and it was one hell of a party for sure! Girls, try their cherry stout. Boys, you can get crazy with Eccentric Ale. Caution: they are pretty deadly after several jugs. I love you Bell!!!
(4)
Allison Y.

Beer garden, live music and Eccentric Day tops them all.
(5)
Ande H.

Yah, yah the beer is tasty but their pub dip was scrum scrum scrum. Ok, back to the beer. The AC 000000 is probably in my top 10 of fave beers. (so far) Stopping off at Bell's on the way back from our trip to the Holland/Saugatuck, MI area was perfect. Service was good, atmosphere was nice ... still can't get over the stained glass windows that they had = B-E-A utiful! One of the cool things to was it kind of reminded me of being at an establishment in Berkeley, CA. A big mix of different people. You rock Bell's!
(5)
Tom D.

Bell's has the best beer in Michigan, the best beer in the Midwest and some of the best beer in the country. If you're coming for the food or the service, you're missing the point and most of the patrons there will direct you to the nearest Chile's or Applebee's with a smile. The rest of us don't miss a chance to stop by and will go out of our way to see what might be posted on the chalkboard. I've been coming here since I've been drinking beer; not a bad place to learn. The space has evolved but the beer has only gotten better. The food, the music, the great outdoor space, the store are all just ancillary to the experience that is Bell's. They don't call it the Eccentric Cafe for nothing. The beer has been great from the first and the quality and variety have never disappointed. I run into people all the time when wearing my cap who want to share their favorite story about the beer.
(5)
J. W.

Travelling in Kalamazoo and wanted to try a top notch brew pub. This was a neat venue, but certainly had some drawbacks. Like a few other reviewers mentioned, the service setup is not user friendly. I sat at the bar and had dinner. It wasn't a big deal to order my meal in a separate window vs. from the bartender, but I didn't anticipate the fact that everyone that wanted to order a beer (100% of the patrons) would do so over my shoulder. The bartender is the only person handling money and beer, they have no table service. Due to all the distractions, the experience suffered. The meal wasn't bad, I had a roast beef sandwich that was fine, the homemade beans soup was quite tasty. The bartender was very helpful in letting me sample 3 beers before I found the one I wanted, but it wasn't busy at that moment either. By the time I left, I could hear people, still standing over my shoulder, grumbling about having to wait for service. All in all, I would go back but I'd prefer to visit with a group of friends and with proper expectations about where to sit. The outside tables looked very nice for future reference.
(3)
Jennifer C.

I heart bells, two-heartedly. The cafe is cool, a bit hard to find. Really neat stained glass and woodwork in there. The food is pretty decent too. Great place to hang out.
(5)
Jim B.

Eccentric Cafe is the right name. From the scattering of organically arranged furniture, the the beer "garden", through the food ordering process...what's not to love. Comfortable environment with an excellent sound track playing overhead. So many Bell's varieties on tap and in a bottle. The food is more than adequate, but bring friends. This place is set up as a hang out.
(5)
Mark T.

When we're driving from Chicago to Detroit (and back) we always find an excuse to detour to the Eccentric Cafe for a meal. The food here is really truly outstanding and gastro-pub-liscious. I have been here probably 4 times now and try to order something different each time. I'm always very happy with my selection, and as long as there's a designated driver, happy with the beer too!
(4)
Brian E.

Eccentric is the perfect name for this place. We came in on a Sunday evening to what appeared to be a bluegrass-hoe down. Thinking we had stepped into someone else's party, we were tentative to move the rest of the way in, but as it turns out, this is normal business for the cafe. excellent live music, a hippie dirtmall thing going on with patrons peddling their wares to other patrons. Pretty much the happiest group of people I've ever seen. Didn't get a chance to try the food, but the beer was fantastic and fresh. I've been a Bells fan for a long time and it was nice to finally make it to the source. Awesome!
(5)
Jennifer R.

Their patio/garten area is a nice spot to sit when the weather is right. The inside is kind of small. They have live music often, but then charge cover whether you are there to listen or not. The beer is specialty and sold by the pint. Little place, little pricey, only takes cash. I love Two Hearted Ale. They do sampling flights to try all their concoctions at a reasonable price, so can't give them less than a 4.
(4)
Whitney A.

I've been a fan of Bells beer for almost 15 years and the cafe and beer garden are a must-visit with every trip to Kzoo. Luckily Oberon makes it to the east coast now, so I can enjoy without the travel, too.
(5)
Miles D.

mmmm...two hearted ale. Some of the best beer in the country comes from this brewery. Spent many o' night here back in the college days. Larry...can you ship some two hearted out here to the west coast?
(5)
Benjamin C.

Good cheap food. Even better beer, obviously. Loved my ginger beer.
(5)
Nicole G.

It's a fun place. I've never heard anyone say they didn't love the beer. The food is pretty good and cheap. Vegetarian options and options for kids are available. Kids are allowed till 8 pm I think. The outdoor area is great.
(5)
Mike S.

this place was just okay, didn't blow my socks off. my group came on a sunday night around 7pm, and it was pretty dead. we all ordered black bean and veggie burgers. the black bean burgers came with tortilla chips (not that great) and salsa (pretty good). the veggie burger came with interestingly spiced potato chips (much better than the tortilla chips). the beer was cheap and good, because HEY, it was bells on tap. i'd be interested to come back again on a friday or saturday night when it's a little more hopping.
(3)
K M.

I was the Designated Driver on this trip to Bell's so I'm taking a star away for inconvenience for a drinking person from Chicago. Other than that, I'm a big fan. My husband is a bigger fan. He got to drink. Located on the main road in from 94, Bell's is easy to find, easy to park, easy to order, easy to like. We found out why it had the moniker "Eccentric" when I got my change back in $1 gold coins and $2 bills. Maybe they'll take it one step further in the future and sprinkle gold dust on my meal. We walked in (entrance is in the back off the parking lot) and went up to the ordering hole - a hole in wall where you order your food. They had plenty of specials - sandwiches, soups, you know stuff... I got the nachos and he got the pastrami sandwich. The nachos don't compare to my Chicagoan Mexican friends, but the pastrami sandwich was apparently pleasing. And I quote "usually I get sick after I order them, but this one feels really good." He also drank enough for two with the Bell's Two Hearted Ale. I enjoyed their Diet Coke with ice. And a straw. Meal was cheap, food was good to great, and the atmosphere was relaxed. It was chilly for the garden seating, so we opted for indoors. Lots of disc golfers and locals here. Guessing the debacle between Bell's and Illinois is unknown to Kalamazoo - no one knew about their Kalamazoo brand beer in Chicago we've been enjoying. Oh well, I guess it's our little secret. Last but not least, there's a store next door for you to buy clothes, accessories, discs, brewing supplies, and beer. Another easy way to drop $100 on sweatshirts. Good for all, except recovering alcs.
(4)
kb j.

The place is large, but the decor is spartan. The actual bar is smallish, but the room around the bar is large. There is an upstairs area as well. The place is an outlet for Bell's beers. Beer choices are posted on a board behind the bar. Nice, well-crafted beers. Limited food menu of "bar-food" choices.
(4)
Jake V.

Possibly the nicest place to get a beer in Kalamazoo. Wonderful atmosphere and the best beer around. Secret little nooks and great customers and bartenders. You can not do any better than the Beer Garden in the summer time. The only problem is the deluge of hippy bands that play afro-disco-funk fusion three nights out of the week and thus have to pay cover for. Such a shame. Highly recommended Sunday through Wednesday or during Bonnaroo weekend when there are no hippy bands in town to play there.
(5)
Rachel L.

Love the beer garden. The veg*n food options look great but I didn't try any since it's cash only and I preferred to charge my meal(s) onto my business expense card.
(4)
Pam P.

I've been back since my original review. The food was much better. I probably just ordered the wrong thing off the menu during my first visit. Best of all, Bell's is distributed in the Chicago area once again! I can now get my hands on their awesome stouts much closer to home. Also, be sure to check their beer coolers in the merchandise store. Sometimes there are limited release beers available there. On 1 visit I found bottles of the Barrel Aged Cherry Stout, which was excellent.
(4)
Marcy D.

i had already been a bell's drinker for over a decade before i stepped foot into the cafe a few months ago. for this visit bell's gets two stars, giving them one star each for the two wonderful amber ales i drank. we arrived at dinner time ready to eat and immediately forked over a sizable cover for a band outside that we never had any intention of seeing. our bartender was rude with absolutely no explanation whatsoever-- we were all familiar with the beers but had a question about size and were treated like we were martians. with no seats available in or outside except for the extremely stuffy attic, we camped out upstairs alone, downed two delicious beers and left. my entire group was comprised of big bell's fans from across the state and we were all sorely disappointed. the night was saved when we ended up at old peninsula for awesome food and drink a few minutes later thanks to a quick phone call with a friend and western alumni. save yourself the trouble and pick up a six pack instead-- they're really cheap locally.
(2)
Jason R.

Great brewery, the two hearted is a really good IPA. What's cool is the beer brewed in Kalamazoo is strictly for the Eccentric Cafe, where they do experimental beers as well.
(4)
Chuck N.

I finally ate here. We've been going to Bell's since we got to Kalamazoo over a year ago, but have only ordered drinks. The food was quite good. We had some spinach and artichoke dip that was nice and chunky. Then I had the tempeh rueben and my wife had their turkey and cranberry sandwich. We both enjoyed our sandwiches alot. I would talk about the beers, but mentioning two-hearted or hopslam makes me want to raid the fridge. Done and done. Seriously, I can't remember all the different beers I've tried here individually, but all shared a common quality. They met or exceeded the expectations I had for the style across the board. Two-hearted and Hopslam though, those beers are unequaled.
(5)
Mike R.

Came in here with a friend of mine to get some fresh hopslam on tap before going to the general store for beer making supplies. Also had some '07 cherry stout and some two hearted for good measure! Love this place for the atmosphere and the great beers on tap. Two things that need improvement here are the parking situation and the lack of staff. It would be nice if there were actually people to come to your table instead of waiting in line for 10 minutes for a beer! Not a deal breaker for sure but i could show these people how to turn this place around and really cash in with a few minor changes. World class beers that i have enjoyed for years in a town of this size should be offered in a more user friendly format. Still gets 4 stars because i love it and am in no particular hurry anyway! I did notice quite a few people getting antsy waiting around for someone to acknowledge them and pour some beer. I guess why they call this the "eccentric" cafe. Can't comment on the food or the music but the beer and the atmosphere are very nice! Go from self serve to some wait staff and not only will you double your business but everybody will be happy and coming back more often. Get a better parking layout and get some of the piles of snow removed in a timely manner. Keep the great beer coming!
(4)
Sarah L.

Okay, I've never actually eaten the food here, but dang, I swear this is the best beer in the world!!!! Two Hearted Ale, Oberon, and Third Coast are my favs, but any will do. It makes me sad that sad that the most western place you can get Bell's is North Dakota. Oh well. Small batches equal excellent and consistent quality. Watch out for the noodle dance and lots of white dreads in the cafe. At least that was the vibe the last time I was there. I like the pretzel sticks offered as a good bar food option. Also, thanks for offering half pints!
(5)
Drew S.

Local high quality brews, cheap cheap prices and an outdoor seating area that is basically a giant backyard. The food ordering system might be a little goofy but it works and I suppose not keeping a ton of waiters keeps costs down even if it's a long way to trek from the upstairs loft or some far corner of the yard. You can also stop by the next door brewery gift shop if you are or are interested in becoming a brewer yourself.
(4)
Ross F.

Bells has awesome beer and now since they don't have a distributor they can get along with in Illinois I have to head outta state to satisfy my Bells Amber Ale Addiction. The Eccentric Cafe has pretty good food and a great beer garden that is actually a garden (instead of an uneven and cracked concrete pad). I considered docking these guys since they can't get over themselves and come to some compromise with their IL distributor but damn their beer is good enough to drive across state lines. FYI if you heard that Bells is offering a 15% discount to thirsty Illinoisans that rumor is FALSE. (damn)
(5)
C C.

Bell's Cafe is an excellent chance to explore their diverse beer menu. They've literally got their entire available selection on-tap, ranging from the staples of Oberon and Two-Hearted to seasonal and small-batch brews. The cafe has a limited, albeit very good menu of high-quality barfood. There are two seating areas: An inside tasting room and an outdoor biergarten. The tasting room is beautifully done in wood, although it seems tables can be a problem to get even though they're spread out over two floors. The biergarten is gorgeous, with ample seating options and an outdoor stage--it's got just a hit of European feel to it. The four- rather than five-star review is due to two things. First, that there isn't table service for such expansive seating. You order at the bar (which often has a line) and pickup your food at a window when the buzzer they provide you is paged. Serving staff may ease the process and cut down on the wait at the bar for beer. Second, flights (which come on awesome UP-shaped boards) are only available inside as they're in glasses, which aren't allowed in the garden. This is a real bummer on nice days, as the garden is so divine. Ultimately, the beer is some of Michigan (and indeed the world's, cf. businessinsider.com/expeâ€¦ ) best, and the food is good. Absolutely worth a stop in KZoo and a core part of it's redevelopment.
(4)
Ashwin M.

Probably one of the best beer bars in the country. Great choice of beers. And interesting ones too. Vegetarians have enough choices to feel loved. Come here first when you move here.
(5)
Kurtis W.

If you love craft beer and you have not experienced Bell's, you do not love craft beer. This is my all time favorite brewery. Not just the incredible beer, the atmosphere feels just like home. I often went with beer money in hand, but find it hard to resist buying delicious food. If you make only one stop in Kalamazoo, make it Bell's. This is a place of legend. More people are realizing this- Bell's gets busier and busier all the time. But, for good reason. They are rapidly expanding in distribution, canning, etc. The Bell's logo is now recognized by bartenders and beer enthusiasts all across the country. I will go to Bell's whenever I can for the rest of my life. Larry Bell has created something magical. I am incredibly lucky to have grown up in Kalamazoo. Bell's will forever be my home.
(5)
Tim K.

If you are a fan of craft beers then I can almost guarantee you Bells is one of the first places that pops to mind when you think of Michigan Craft Beer. Their Two Hearted is probably what they are known for best and if you like IPAs it will not disappoint. My only gripe is that the place is very pricey. The wifey and I each got a flight and a Turkey Avocado Sandwich and it came to almost $60 when it was all said and done. That is CRAZY! Yes, a flight is six beers, but they are rather small pours meant to be samples. Our food was like $16 which made our flights roughly $22 each. That's double than what you'd normally pay for anywhere else. Everything was great though. I really enjoyed my sammie and all of the beer selections I chose were very good. I am an equal opportunity beer drinker and will drink pretty much anything, even the fruity ones. With that being said I would highly recommend the Sparkleberry if you are looking for something on the sweeter side. If you are looking for something with a punch go for their Bourbon Barrel Stout. If you like Bourbon then you will love this. It's quite strong so the sample in the flight was just the right amount for me. All in all we had a good time especially my wife who used the word "really" six times regarding her new found fondness for dark beers which I knew at that point it was time to take away the keys from her. Go home Rachael, you're drunk!
(4)
Melissa M.

Anyone from Michigan would probably tell you that Bell's is THE brewery of Michigan. It's what put craft beer on the map for Michigan. And although there are SO many other amazing breweries popping up all over this great state, I still have to say that Bell's still just sets the bar. High. The Eccentric Cafe is just that...eccentric. You can tell that it was created by individuals who liked to be just a little off center, and had some real talent with hops and barley. The inside of the cafe is so incredibly fun and quirky - you could spend a good amount of time just walking around looking at all of the cool stuff on the walls. You can even hop over to the store to stock up on your home brewing supplies, or other random Bell's paraphernalia. If you have never had a Bell's beer, well, first of all, I'm sorry. But second of all, you really need to make a trip here. The cafe serves beer that's not distributed, that's seasonal, and that you won't be able to find anywhere else. I won't go into detail on the beer, because you could easily google Bell's and find hundreds of blogs or people who make a living off of reviewing beer. But the cafe, it's just so fun. SO awesome. And so worth a trip to Kalamazoo.
(5)
Lynn B.

Great music, excellent beer, must try the mixed nuts. The music room is incredible. food is sparce - you must check out the retail - good beer to go.
(4)
Kaman T.

You can't really beat great beer and food at great prices! Love the atmosphere.
(5)
William N.

At one point in time this was a place that I directed all of my out of town friends too. The relaxed environment, good food, good prices, and beautiful garden made this a must see for any beer fans. Alas it seems that the popularity of Bell's has gotten the better of them. I was excited at first when I heard that they were going to open a full on restaurant. With food and beer as good as it was how could they go wrong? For a start, the prices are Chicago prices in Kalamazoo. The burger that I got was 15$ and was ok at best. I asked for medium and it was well done. Some friends and I used to go there every sunday for trivia and eat and drink, that's gone too. Food is only served where there is wait staff when you could before grab a buzzer and pick your food up when it was ready. Gone are the days of enjoying a great sandwich and chips in a beautiful beer garden. You lost your way Bell's. I hope you find it again. Call me when you do.
(1)
Rhiannon Z.

Obviously the beer is good: I love that you can try unique Bells beer options that aren't available anywhere else. They're notated on the board so I recommend trying those first! The food is excellent as well. Make sure to check out the specials board; there is always a new great vegetarian option available. And on their main menu, the Asian tempeh sandwich and black bean wrap are two of my favorites. They're currently expanding so they will soon have a more normal restaurant feel, with servers and a larger kitchen, so I'm excited to see what that will be like.
(5)
Christine H.

Bell's a great place to relax with friends and grab some delicious (and reasonably priced) beer and food. The beer options are extensive and the staff is always willing to give some advice. Apart from the experience, Bell's beer is well crafted. There are beer flights there (where you can pick 6 different beers from their draft list), which is always a great option. I am a vegetarian and they offer lots of great options. I had the spinach feta burger (which was good) and the spinach artichoke dip which was great for sharing with friends (good portion size). There is a general store connected to the eccentric cafe where you can pick up Bell's gear, beer, beer brewing kits and fill up beer growlers with 4 rotating beers. Overall, I'm a really big fan. I strongly suggest the beer flight. No complaints.
(5)
Jennifer X.

The food here is astonishingly bad (don't get the grilled cheese; it is disgusting) but I do love Bell's beer with a passion. This is a humongous brewery with a strange blueprint. It's certainly marketed well because there are huge billboards/posters plastered around Kalamazoo advertising the cafe.
(2)
Skylar W.

Lovely old building that Bell's is truly making the most of! Always always some rare beer on draft you will never see in a bottle or on tap anywhere. Awesome food for the carnivores and excellent vegetarian fare for me. Everytime I roll through Kzoo I stray off path to the Eccentric Cafe and anyone I take with me always feels the same. Friendly staff and a super quality product, can't really ask for anything more.
(5)
Renee E.

On our way back from Detroit to Chicago, we decided to pitstop at the Bell's store to pick up any interesting small batch brews as a present for my brother who was pug-sitting for us. And, while we were there we decided to stop into the cafe to grab some lunch. The space was interesting and open, but the ordering system felt pretty disjointed. It's one of those places that you order at a window, get a buzzer and then retrieve your food when it's ready. I suppose this is totally fine, but the more crowded it got, the more it felt a little chaotic. Something about the layout made the flow seem pretty off. But maybe it's just me. All in all, the food was decent, but really, it's the beer that stands out.
(4)
Ed R.

What's to say, a Kalamazoo landmark brewery and local hang. Beer garden is lovely in the summer.
(4)
Romeo R.

Good beer, good food, and a good environment. I know they have live music from time to time but I think have some background music to help set the ambience at least in one of their venues. (Since they have the cafe, patio, back room, and the garden.)
(4)
Tim M.

Bell's arguably makes the best brews in the country. And I'll argue that point with anyone. If I was shackled with one brewery for the rest of my life I'd rather drink Bells than all the "Pliny the Elder" in production. My last trip to Bell's featured a FANTASTIC "French Farmhouse Brown Ale". It had a perfect cream-colored head and the beer appeared murky; I loved it. The beer was slightly better than traditional pub fare but the beer is so mind-numbingly good I couldn't care less. I like the bar's atmosphere. I usually hate it when a bar/restraunt calls itself a cafe without being a coffee shop but to be honest the bar actually felt a lot like a nice cafe. It had the same cozy feeling. The bar was featuring the Irish Band "Gaelic Storm" who are one of the best Irish bands around. We got in for free by sheer luck as we got their before the band did and skipped the cover charge.
(5)
Caleb Y.

Bell's. I am forever in the debt of Bell's because they make the beer that started my deep passion for hating the "macro-breweries" of the world and LOVING the "micro-breweries". Thank you Oberon! I have been to a Bell's brewery tour before - but I have never eaten at the eccentric cafe! I am glad I have. The beer on tap is as you expect - inventive, fun, excellent, and not-short-on-hops! The food - it is typical bar food...Go for the beer, but be a little hungry and you will have a superb experience. Have a DD ready. My only complaint...the ordering, retrieving, and cleaning system they have for the patrons is appalling...hire at least a few wait staff! Especially when it is busy, the line to order back out of the restaurant. It is dumb...they can do better. I love Bell's beer - I am biased - I also love other great beer! You shoulde definitely give this place a try for the beer alone! They had a great belgian-inspired black IPA call Manden Medleen and a smoked vienna lager - they were pretty awesome!!
(4)
Andrew H.

If I'm in Kalamazoo I'm stopping at Bell's Eccentric Cafe. It's like a beer pilgrimage every time I stop by. The beer is obviously amazing and the food, while not fancy, is delicious. If you like beer, especially Bell's beer, this is a must try.
(5)
Leslee B.

The atmosphere is very different, as the name implies. The combo brewery and music venue is very cool. However, the beers don't thrill me. Haven't had much success finding a beer I really like despite a lot of unique choices. I've been twice and don't think I'll be back any time soon.
(3)
May A.

Great garden area for kids to run around and play except when they have a concert. Known for their great beer, have wide selection of types. They had the $6 deal for wings which was about 8 pieces includes ranch and celery.
(5)
Edith A.

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Went to Bell's Eccentric Cafe for the first time last time with family. No waiters so you have to wait at the bar to order drinks and food. Beers are listed on chalk boards which is kind of cute, at least the ones you can read. When I asked for a sample of one of the beers the bartender with NO smile or greeting barely gave me a teaspoon to taste. He had no interest if I like it or wanted to try anything else so I bought one. Typically I will have two beers with dinner but was not so inclined. I had the pork tacos which was just ok. My son and his fiancee each had the jambayla which they loved. My husband ordered the turkey sandwich. Again it was only ok. Plain white bread not toasted. My biggest issue was the way we were treated. As the evening wore on it was getting late and the kitchen closed, a lady comes up and asks if she could take our dishes. I still had silverware in my hand, my husband had a half sandwich and neither my son or fiancee were done. ??? It was like have you no sense? Again, no smile, no common courtesy. A little while late a guy comes to our table reaches over my husband and daughter to grab the flight board. He does say excuse me. I will not be in any hurry to go back. Common courtesy goes along way and especially if you are in the restaurant business. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees.
(2)
Thomas C.

Over 21 Bell's beers on tap including a long list of lab beers that can't be had elsewhere. Absolutely a beer lovers paradise. Seating inside and out, cool feel both places. Full food menu - jambalaya is really terrific. No table service, so don't wait to make an order.
(5)
James B.

I love this beer here absolutely the best and I am a home brewer who knows good beer. Try the Expedition Stout
(5)
Andy E.

Fantastic beer in both quality and selection. Probably 20 beers on tap spanning from pale to stout to wheat and everything in between. The biggest surprise is the food - it's great! Not the typical bar food that you get at most micro pubs. Only drawback to the place is that it's not super fun if you are by yourself. No TVs. Much more fun if you are with a group.
(4)
Rachel L.

I've been here on 2 occasions. Once early on a Thursday and again on a Saturday afternoon. Totally different experience. Thursday was laid back, empty. Easy to get service. Enjoyed the beer, food and service. Saturday was a free for all. Had no idea what to do. No one was seating people. It was just chaos. I had to leave. A little overwhelming. If I come back it will be during the week
(3)
Candice G.

OoooOOOOooooh... shiny new things! I've been to Bell's probably around a dozen or so times and one of my favorite things is that they're always adding, changing, improving and more. Now with a brewery, bar, cafe, general store, beer garden, actual garden (perfect for a picnic-style lunch and has a huge stage in back for bands/shows), ping-pong, large-scale projector screen for movie screenings and more. Appealing to the masses is obvi Bell's specialty in both beer and atmosphere. On this past visit, they were showing a move marathon in the ping-pong bar room starting with A League of Their Own, the original (Bad News Bears), and Major League. SupaChill. My dining (drankin') pard'ner and I decided to soak up some of our $3.25 pints with an order of their poblano pepper dip and torilla chips that were delightful. Next time, I'm getting those soft pretzel with spicy feta dip, fo sho. The beer, as always, was a cut above the rest and the prices, despite all the changes, remodels, etc are still cheap as dirt, especially considering the quality and craftsmanship of what you get. Onward and upward, Bell's! I'll see you again in a few weeks.
(4)
Matt W.

Cool open vibe, diverse crowd on a Tues evening. Great beer selection, from stouts to IPA's to wheat beers. Friendly waitstaff. Smaller menu but solid.
(4)
Kyle D.

The space and outdoor seating is absolutely one of the coolest breweries and tap rooms I've ever been to. I will say though the food itself was nothing really impressive which is why I'd say the cafe itself is nothing to rave about but come and stay for the beer and the vibe for sure.
(4)
Tom K.

This place is a real treat if you like quality brews on tap. The decor in the place is pretty cool too! A recent sampling from a cold winter's night on 1.28.14. Food: Jambalaya was good and spicy but not crazy hot. All the beers below were fantastic with my favorite being the Smoked Stout. These are also only available (Flying Larry's) at their cafe. Enjoy. This place is worth the stop! Smoked stout 6.4 Rye stout 6.8 Bear hug 9.5 imperial stout Baltic porter unk ABV
(5)
Nichole C.

On my way from Ypsi back home to Chicago, I HAD to stop by Bell's. We get several of their beers distributed to Chicago, but I wanted to try some Michigan exclusives and pick up a sixer of Hopslam (my absolute FAVE Bell's beer). The place is pretty impressive. It's got a small store, a cafe, and a couple of other areas that I didn't check out (back room, brewery, patio). The place is beautiful. All lodge-y and comfy but still cool. I sat at the bar and wanted a flight (especially because it comes on a sweet U.P. board), but opted for two sample beers instead since I was trying to be all responsible and whatnot. The samples (and the 6 flight beers) are 5-ounce pours. I ended up getting the two highest IBU beers on the menu since that's how I roll- the Dagger Imperial Stout and the Expedition Stout. Both boasted a heavy handed ABV at 10% and 10.5%, both were AWESOME, but both tasted the same. I couldn't really figure out the difference except for a touch more espresso flavor in the the Dagger. I also got some fancy grilled cheese off their specials board which was too veggified for me...I should've stuck with the kids grilled cheese. Oh well. The chips were really good though, and the whole bill was pretty cheap. Last, I checked out the general store. Had to get my pint glass and Hopslam to-go but *GASP* Hopslam was GONE! NOOOOOOOOOOO! I still got the pint glass and checked out the local goods- honey, candy, homebrew supplies, gear, etc. If I'm ever back in Kalamazoo, I'll be sure to stop in again (but this time, with a DD!).
(4)
Alley I.

Amazing food and all the Bell's beer you could want! Their BBQ'd anything is amazing... Brisket, chicken you name it! The chips they serve are even fantastic. As for drinks... if you aren't sure, ask for samples they are more than willing to let you try anything. I love this place, I can't wait to go back for a 3rd time!!!
(5)
Vladimir R.

Atmosphere and beer Can't beat it. Imperial Ale is something to be afraid of and yet it's yammiest thing I've tried
(5)
Jeff T.

5 Star Brewery!! Beers are great, something for everyone. You can sit in the bar area, patio, or garden section. Each gives off a little different vibe. Food is served in their 'Cafe' and is good to very good. We didn't eat much while we were there but I did overhear other bar goers and overall it seemed positive.....looked damn good! The only bad thing, but expected, is that the gift shop is expensive. Cool swag / gear but I'll keep wearing my Oberon shirt from 2002.
(5)
Jan S.

Went to bells as our last stop, beer was good of course. Winter so I didn't see the beer garden :(
(4)
John F.

Great atmosphere. Wonderful beer. The kind of place you can go to and hang for the day.
(5)
Dj C.

Chaos at the door. People in line to put their name in, people pushing past us bewildered types, to seat themselves in areas that don't require a check in. Empty tables in dining room and outdoor seating - when I inquired about that, I was told it was not to overwhelm the kitchen. Wouldn't it be better to seat people, serve drinks and explain it then? As opposed to being in a cattle pen? Ok, for the food...the deviled eggs were kind of tasteless and required salt and pepper to be more palatable. The Ploughman's charcuterie board was a huge disappointment. It was served with about 4-5 thick slices of bread (not enough), whereas crostini would've been a much better accompaniment. The "pickles" turned out to be a mix of sliced, brined, tasteless veggies. Gherkins or cornichons should be served. The meats were plenty, but unremarkable, as were the 3 cheeses (blue, goat, and ??). Basically, a very boring and overpriced $25 charcuterie board. We arrived before 6pm on a Thursday (a band was ramping up to play at 8 or 9), so they were pretty busy, but it took us well over 2 hours to get in and out. Probably won't go back, unless it's for lunch.
(2)
David C.

Bell's Cafe= Mecca. Beer lovers from all corners come to roost here cuz here it's done right: best and most creative beers in the country; beers you'll never be able to drink anywhere once you walk out the door (most are made just for the Eccentric Cafe's customer consumption ONLY); a biergarten that was created one little piece at a time and would make the town of Munich raise an envious eyebrow; and an eclectic yet beautiful interior. Yes, the ever-present human lineup at the bar and "order while standing" is downright stupid these days. I've been coming here since the mid 90's and it's an outdated process. Having said that, Bell's is still: Beer Mecca. Stop bitching and drink that lovely liquid only Bell's can make. Brewing Alchemy rules at the Eccentric Cafe. (Try coming in the daytime before people get crunk and the staff patience wears thin, which it definitely can. Bell's does get loud and can be a bit unruly in the beer garden late at night.)
(5)
Jacques M.

Bell's has an excellent selection of beers, even the pickiest beer drinkers should be able to find something. The restaurant is spacious, as is the outdoor area. The food is pretty average pub grub. Also, I wasn't crazy about having walk up to the bar every time I ordered food or a beer. I think adding table service would enhance the experience greatly. That being said you should still drop by and a have a couple beers if your in the neighborhood.
(3)
Ken H.

Something for everyone! First of all, the beer is awesome. You can try many Bell's brews here that you can't get anywhere else. They always have some experimental beers on tap. Try a beer flight to sample 5 different beers. The beer garden is a great place to hang out. This place is suitable for families and children. There is plenty of seating and a big lawn to run around on or sit down on and enjoy a drink. The food is great. Lots of local foods. Some vegetarian options. Check out the calendar on their website for special events. There are great live music options. Don't miss Brews and Views! Once a month, Bell's shows movies on a big screen in their back room or in the beer garden. The movies are free. Drink a beer, eat some complimentary popcorn, play some ping pong and watch a movie. This is a great, cheap night out. Check out Eccentric Day in early December each year! You can't get in unless you are dressed up in some type of costume. In addition to these events, Bell's hosts trivia on Sunday nights and square dancing once a month.
(5)
Paul W.

I've drank Bell's beer since the days when you brought in gallon milk jugs to get filled from the tap. Don't live in K'zoo anymore, but get here once or twice a year, and a stop at Bell's is usually part of the itinerary. The beer is great, of course. The problem is deciding from the many draft choices, but it's hard to choose badly. We never tried the food until today, and while our sandwiches were quite good (turkey/avocado and salami panini), we waited nearly an hour for them. The place was busy, but far from overflowing. Several times, busssers poked their heads into our cluster of tables looking for dirty dishes, but found only hungry people staring at their pagers, waiting for them o signal their meals were ready. I wanted to shout, "You have to actually give people food before you can take their plates!" Maybe the bussers should have been pressed into sandwich duty. While we'll certainly come back, I get the impression that if you come for lunch on a Saturday, be prepared to make an afternoon of it.
(3)
Karen D.

I visited Bell's Eccentric Cafe on my way home back to Cincinnati from a wedding on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Their outside patio is huge with a few sections so if you can't find a table right outside the door, keep walking you will find a place to sit. You visit for the beer, Bell's is one of the best craft brewers in the country. The food from the cafe was okay. They only had one line at the bar to order drinks & your food. The line was almost out the door. You should have more than one line and it took about an hour to receive our food. I went with a chicken wrap, it was okay, but not worth the hour wait. Earlier that day was a marathon in town, so all of the runners were coming to the cafe after the race. Just visit for the beer, you can pass on the food.
(3)
Chris M.

This place is definitely on the list of places to drink in Kalamazoo, partly because it's a short list to begin with. The beer is good, but the layout of the Cafe leaves a few things to be desired. First of all, there is no wait service. Everything (food & beer) is ordered at the bar, creating a logjam of people looking to acquire calories. This isn't helped by the fact that there are also bar stools at the bar, adding to the mess. The building itself is very interesting. Seating in the primary area is good yet hard to come by. Upstairs can get hot. The main hallway acts as an overflow, but seemed underutilized as far as seating options. In general it was pretty loud inside. Unfortunately it wasn't patio weather when I was in town, as they do have a nice large patio. I'd say check it out at least once. And if you do go by, be sure to check out the neighboring gift shop/store.
(3)
Angela W.

Bell's Cafe is great and I just heard news that they are expanding, yay! It is hard to get a table inside when the weather isn't great, but that should get easier with the remodel. Bell's beer is great and a local gem.
(4)
Rachael G.

Classic brewery with one exception- the pretzel app. Seriously? It had rold gold pretzel sticks yikes! I wouldn't even make that with my own Bar cheese at home. A good brew house knows the value of brewing roots- mainly Germany- a country famous for Bavarian pretzels. Let's not forget about the basics. The beer was tasty but could have been better enhanced with the proper cheese and pretzel pairing.
(3)
Asa D.

Surprisingly, this is a good place for families, at least when the weather is good. The beer garden is a fun spot to bring a picnic blanket and grab some beer and snacks and hang out. The kids can run around and be loud while the parents relax. The music area is beautiful, as it was just built within the last couple of years. I like that it is now separate from the rest of the bar, so you can actually have a conversation while a band is playing. Of course the beer is great and the food is okay, but somehow I feel like I am not cool enough to hang out here. I don't build bikes from scratch, take part in steam punk parties, or brew my own beer, so I feel a bit out of place at a place like this. This is my issue with bars in general, though. Bell's itself doesn't seem to take itself to seriously, even if the patrons sometimes do.
(4)
Lea B.

my go to for some good food. amazing music. and beautiful outdoor space. and dont get me started on the beer!! i love bells!
(5)
Tim D.

I really love beer. Maybe too much. But Bell's does things beyond great beer. They have good food and a perfect atmosphere. Since the first time I went there, when it was just one room and a tiny outside space, it has exploded into a big outdoor music venue, outdoor biergarten, big inside music venue, and the tap room. Wow! But the reason you're there is for the beer. Bells is one of the few breweries that I've been to where everything they brew is good. Most every time I'm there, I would drink a pint of anything on tap.
(5)
Jen K.

This place has charm and character. They've done a great job with the interior, making it their own and doing what they can with the space. However, I do find the inside to be a bit cramped. We went there for lunch on Good Friday at around 2:00pm, and the only seating available was outside. The sun was warm at least, so with a good jacket, we were comfortable. But that still stinks. It also stinks that the seating is a free for all. With the place being that popular, they should have a hostess seating people, instead of letting random people walk in and take a table in front of someone who may have been waiting for a half hour. Whining aside...the food was great. I had the smoked chicken sandwich, and it was so much better than I anticipated. It was juicy, tender pulled chicken with a smoky sauce and beer relish (basically relish with beer and bacon in it). It was really freaking good. The chips that came with it were just ok, I could take or leave them...but they don't make them there, so who cares. LASTLY...the beer cheese soup was top notch. It had the consistency of pureed broccoli cheese soup, but the flavor was very cheddary and rich. I bet this place is happening in the evening, I do love the outdoor area...it's spacious with ample seating. On a warm day or comfortable night, I could definitely see myself getting rip-roaring drunk here.
(4)
Michele G.

I'd give it 5 stars if they organize how they take orders at the bar. The atmosphere is fun, beer is cold and delicious and bartenders are hoppin'!
(4)
Ashley H.

I will preface by stating that I'm a WMU grad, "grew up" on Bell's, and may be a bit biased. I love their widely-distributed beers (Two Hearted, Hopslam, Pale Ale, Amber, Best Brown, Oberon, etc) but at the cafe you have the opportunity to try those that you can't have anywhere else. Of course they'll have all your favorites, too. I usually have drinks here and eat somewhere else when I'm in town, but this last time my husband and I chose to have lunch. I really liked my pulled pork sandwich and appreciated the option to have fresh veggies instead of chips. They served a large portion making the $2.50 upcharge well worth it. The vibe here is just so cool. I wish I lived closer so we could enjoy some of the bands that play here. They've got a great space for shows in the Back Room as well as the beer garden. Oh how I miss those summer nights outside there.
(5)
Randy R.

Lines are long but moves fast and the beer selection is awesome. More seating outside in proper weather.
(5)
Dan N.

I was driving from DTW to Grand Rapids, and my sole purpose in stopping here was to pick up as much Hopslam as I could get my hands on. It was sold out. I had heard great things about the cafe, so I decided to give it a try....and grab some Hopslam while in their neighborhood. For newbie's like myself, here's a tip: You order everything at the bar, including food, they give you a pager, and when it buzzes you pick it up from the window. I was thoroughly confused walking in, and felt pretty dumb anyways for being at a restaurant by myself, so that tip might have saved me some embarrassment. Anyways...to the point, I would come here for the beer. I ordered a Reuben, which was OK, but just not very good. The rest of the menu looked like it had potential, so I'm sure I'd give it another shot, but I'll go out of my way to stop here for the beer...not the food.
(3)
Che A.

Great service, great selection, great beer, nice porch. NO GROWLER FILLS. Otherwise this place gets thumbs up. Just felt like I was in a police state trying to buy beer to share with out of state friends...
(1)
Terese B.

I have loved going to Bell's for years, but my love grew exponentially when I attended square dance night last Monday. They hold it on the 2nd Monday of each month and It is mystifying to me why this was my first time! Where else could you go in Kalamazoo to get amazing beer (I had a Larry's Lager and a Two Hearted), listen to live music, square dance, and eat yummy black bean wraps and spinach feta burgers ???? If you have never been to Bell's you are missing out.
(5)
James S.

Best damn Cobb salad ever!!! Bells is ground zero for microbreweries. They don't even have to make good food...but they do!
(5)
Jacqui S.

Absolute favorite brewery!! I am fortunate enough to be able to visit Kalamazoo often and almost every time I do I make sure I come to Bells (for food and brews). The atmosphere is neat and I enjoy sitting outdoors when possible. For the food, I especially enjoy their pulled pork and my boyfriend enjoys several of their sandwiches. The buzzer and pick up system goes smoothly, but make sure to grab a table before ordering when it's crowded because they work fast. Now on to the beer... There's only been 1 that I haven't enjoyed, and yes I might sound crazy. Personally, I do not enjoy many stouts or porters but continue to be surprised by their variety. Every time we go there is always something new to try and the bartenders are quick and helpful when it comes to making a decision. I suggest getting a flight if you've never been but if you're lucky enough to live close be sure to stay up to date with their planet series they have because several have been some of their best (Mars and Jupiter specifically).
(5)
William L.

While I was a major fan of The Kalamazoo Beer Exchange, unfortunately, Bell's is on the opposite side of the spectrum! While they have a good variety of beers to choose from and decent prices, I was very much let down by the over all service (or lack there of). Our group stayed for 1 round and after being treated like kids, we decided to leave. We gave them a shot - but bailed. I do not see us returning any time soon. :(
(2)
Eric L.

I love everything about this place. Cool atmosphere inside, but the Biergarten out back is the real spot. So beautiful. Beers were flavorful and varied, ad the tempeh was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had.
(5)
Allison J.

Always a great place to unwind and grab a beer. Especially cool is the fact that many beers featured here at the brewery are not available for sale at the grocery store. Makes coming to the actual place more interesting and cool each time! Every few months when we travel into town, we make a point to come by at least once to see what they're featuring. This place is a favorite!
(4)
Kinsey C.

Review is just for the cafe in the back of the brewery: No table service! I saw people sitting waiting for a server, but there are none. First of all, go straight to the bar and ask for a menu. They have a few special listed on a chalkboard by the door, but their regular menus has a few more items. The menu is not that extensive, but there is most likely something for everyone. Place your order with the bartender, and they'll give you a buzzer for when your food is ready. There is another window by the door where you will go pick up your food. Food was okay, nothing special. Soft pretzels tasted frozen and microwaved. My pulled pork sandwich was okay, but the bun was cold which was pretty odd. Rest of the food seemed decent. I wouldn't come back here for the food, but if I was looking to drink the beers and have something alongside, this would be a good place.
(4)
Robyn J.

I had one Oberon, hoping it would taste like the good old days when it was Sol Sun. It didn't. I ordered the pulled pork sandwich...good flavor a but not much to it. The building is beautiful and I loved the artwork and the stain glass windows. Glad I went would probably sit at the bar next time and do some beer tasting!
(3)
Allison B.

I was so excited to go to Kalamazoo and that was in large part because of the chance to check out Bell's. I was not disappointed. They had a great selection of special and seasonal beers that I don't ordinarily have access to as well as the old favorites. I was there on a particularly pleasant summer day and the back lawn area was perfect for taking in a few brews as well as the beautiful weather. I also noticed that they had an impressive lineup of musical acts playing over the course of the season, but unfortunately, my trip did not align with those shows. The group I was with had a selection of appetizers so I grazed several plates and was not disappointed. A great pick for a light bite along with some beers. While Bell's Eccentric Cafe definitely falls into the category of "Beer Lover's Paradise" I did have a few gripes about my experience. First, if you're going to be outside, you have to have your beer in a plastic cup. I get it, I really do -- lawn+broken glass=eek! But it's such a shame to have to drink great beer out of a disposable plastic cup. Secondly, the only way I could see to get beer was to stand in line at the bar -- an actual 15-person or so line. I was there at what I felt was an off time, but the line to get beer was quite long. They did an efficient job with the line (they have several bartenders who would just get beers and help whoever was next in line), but I really prefer a less regimented system. What happened to the ol' mosey up to the bar and catch a bartender's eye -- it rewards those who are paying attention and ready to order. The line made things feel a little rule-heavy. We also went back around 9 on a Sunday and the kitchen was closed. This seems to be the norm for Kalamazoo, so I can't really fault them, but a girl's got to eat, even if it's late. I'm all for a limited menu, but please leave give the late-night crowd something on which to nosh! Definitely a great place to check out, minor gripes aside. It's a Kalamazoo gem!
(4)
Micki G.

Excellent atmosphere - huge variety of beers and the tour was free! Only disappointment is limited choice of growlers to take home. Great beers and we wanted to take them all home!
(4)
Jason B.

BEER BEER BEER! Being from Indiana, I only have the pleasure of enjoying about 6 of the Bell's brews. Coming to the brewery was like finding a whole new world. There are so many beers that they brew that never make it to Indiana. This brewery isn't their huge one where all the bottles come from, but rumor has it, it might be opened to tours in 2012. This brewery has all the equipment for the beer brewed on site, including several beers that are only available if you are sitting in the cafe. They are not distributed anywhere. The tour was informative, but short. The shortness of the tour and the lack of explanation of the fermentation tanks and such was what cost it the 5th star. That is not to say that the tour guide wasn't informative or good at giving tours. It just would have been nice if the tour included that information without the guests having to ask. While there, I recommend hitting up the general store and cafe. Tip: older reviews said they are cash only. This is no longer the case.
(4)
Krista K.

If there weren't Bell's, Crow's Nest, and Sawall's I seriously wouldn't feel as home as I do in Kalamazoo! Bell's is a great time, offers sublime bands, variety of styles, something for everyone. And in the summer, the outside garden is a fun place to be. Bless for Bell's!
(5)
Jaime G.

I'm telling you right now...take a trip to Kalamazoo, MI. The Bell's Eccentric Cafe is a special place in the Midwest that deserves a visit. Some of the best beer in the country paired with a simple yet well thought thru menu. Beer garden is also amazing and the place to be on a nice day. The craft beer here is second to none. Really can't go wrong with any of the flavors that they offer. What ever your taste, they have it. You might just know them for their Oberon wheat ale (very much like a blue moon but a little more citricy) but they also offer a wide array of other brews from their mild ale to the bold Kalamazoo stout. You can buy the beer by the case or even keg at the general store next door - or enjoy a pint or three at the beer garden. All good. One of my favorites is the porter - probably the best porter I've ever had, or the Oberon which is always a nice stand by. On this last trip, I tried a glass of the Cherry stout - a dark, sweet and chocolaty beer that more like a port; the Two Hearted Ale which is a bit of a twist on a wheat ale, and the Hole-In-The-Wall which was a pale ale with a crisp finish. And did I mention that each glass is less that $4? Pair it with some of their food offering. Start w/the red bean and poblano bean dip topped with cheese...or the hummus w/warm pita bread...or soft pretzel with porter mustard and spicy feta cheese (this cheese is the bomb!). For entrees, try the bbq pork sandwich or black bean burger. If you're taking a rode trip this summer, head to Michigan and stop by for a good time at Bell's cafe and brewery. 5 stars baby!
(5)
Joe Y.

Our last stop on this short beer day was Bell's Eccentric Cafe of course serving Bell's beers but I don't believe this is the actual brewery. I have had plenty of Bell's in the past, Expedition Stout has always stood out and Two Hearted IPA has been a constant favorite (although to me it hasn't been as good last year or so). So going to this brewery was really exciting...it rounded out the big 4 on the trip of Founders, Three Floyds, Surly and now Bell's. Getting there, I realized Kalamazoo is NOT a very good city. I didn't see much of anything I liked, and Bell's is in kind of a dead area. They have private parking but not a lot but there's plenty of parking all around. Inside there's a nice enclosed patio, plenty of seating inside with a big bar. The bartender was very good and knew her stuff to help us decide what we wanted in our samplers since their menu is outrageous for beer. -As for the drinks we had so many I'm just going to list them.. Mead - champagne taste, smooth -Wild One Intense Sour Brown - real good sour -Wedding Ale Spiced Honey Wheat - tasted like Trix..not sure if that's good or bad -Smoked Stout - typical but good -Midwestern Pale - typical pale but not bad -Sparkle Berry - nice after taste -Exp Hop #2 Black IPA - hoppy nice -Exp Hop #3 - not bad -Le Pianiste French Farmhouse Amber - decent -Debs Red - nice -Roundhouse - very nice and hoppy -Two Hearted - disappointed it was just okay -Larry's Latest Lager - decent -Dagger Stout - tasty real nice -All in all I was disappointed..there was like 3-4 I enjoyed but the rest just weren't that great and I expected more from them. I brought home a bottle of Kalamazoo IPA they just made and it wasn't good either. So out of my the BIG 4 breweries I went to I would say this is dead last. They have a great gift shop but it was closed when we got there, we went the next morning since it was close by. I still think it's always worth checking out, but I would plan on stopping here and driving right thru Kalamazoo I don't think it's worth a day trip but maybe I just didn't see the good part of this city...but check out Bell's
(3)
Elaine L.

Really not eccentric at all. Actually, very typical. Arrived midweek at around 2pm. Large crowds of local (Michigan) people drinking and having a grand olde time. Atmosphere was jovial; we ordered a beer flight. Our tender was superb, bringing a beer from the back after hearing about my preferences for beer. 3 stars because it's not Eccentric. The only thing eccentric about it was the name, which leads me to think it's a bait and switch, which it was, except they baited me with low expectations and over-delivered. Shame on you. \ Also, at this time of year, Bell's argueably has the best beer in Western Michigan (tried Founders, Vivant, New Holland).
(3)
Chef Bradford S.

The beer choices and pricing are outstanding. The Midwestern Pale Ale and Rye Stout were both top notch. I question the House Cured Corned Beef on the Reuben as it looked to be sliced off of a lunch meat roll but was good quality and had flavor. Overall a great experience flying solo in a crowded bar.
(4)
Matt D.

I loved my experience at Bell's Eccentric Cafe. In the past, I had indulged in many of Bell's tasty craft brews, but never from the source! So many different types of beer to choose from at their multi-tapped bar. The layout of the Cafe is a very unique atmosphere...very high, gabled ceilings, plenty of tables, lots of room when waiting in line at the bar. Just a comfortable place to spend a night out with friends. It is fairly loud, but that, I feel, is to be expected. My favorite thing about Bell's Eccentric Cafe was the uniqueness of many of the brews. Since you are at the source of the famous Bell's beer, many times there are Cafe exclusive "tester" beers...maybe one that they are testing and tweaking. It's fun to try them out and get a taste for a beer that might become the next big hit before they hit storefronts!
(5)
Stefanie N.

Pretty good pub food but really...their beers are the stars here! Love it all!
(5)
Jessica B.

Ah, Bell's. How it makes me feel at home to drink from one of the many taps that you feature, with all those special microbrewed delicacies that are only available at the one and only Eccentric Cafe, in addition to plenty of other varieties that I am thankfully able to find now in my current city of Atlanta. My bf grew up in Michigan and he likes to tell stories about how he'd sneak sips of his dad's Bell's beers when he was little. As most microbrews go, we all know it used to be par for the course that those beers would remain where they were created and you could almost never find them on liquor store shelves in other states. But thank goodness that's no longer the case and Bell's has made it big on the beer scene! And every time we are in Michigan, if there is any small possibility that we can fit Kalamazoo into our itinerary, we do. Earlier this month, after arriving in Michigan, we stopped here for lunch on our way through. I love that they offer special Bell's brews that you can only taste then and there at the Eccentric Cafe. Since I just recently became engaged, it was fun to try the Wedding Ale and I also had the delish Le Batteur. We had the pretzels as a starter -- mini soft pretzels with an amazing homemade dijon mustard and a spicy feta cheese dip. Um, for $2.50, you can't really beat it. We split sandwiches -- the reuben and the turkey, and both were good. There is a small menu, so you really can't expect a huge variety of options when you go there to eat, but the food is solid bar fare and it's all really inexpensive. Go for the beer! You'll never be disappointed. I saw they have live music sometimes, so check before you plan to go.
(5)
Kendall J.

While the drinks may be magnificent, the food leaves a lot to be desired. My reused was more like a lukewarm corned beef sandwich and the pretzel plate was something I'd consider to be sub-par for a movie theater. Won't be returning.
(2)
Pierre D.

The renovation is great but I must say I liked it better with the outdoor stage for live music versus indoors, while I suppose this is because every visit it's been great outside... Food is just your basic serve yourself and the place really relies on that approach for the beer also. However the bartenders and all are really friendly I'd like to see more a FFF or 2 Brothers approach on service versus having to take turns with your friends to walk to a bar and stand in a line that really varies in size. I think this is largely a management decision so don't take it out on this good folks working there, they're good peeps! If you're in the area it's a good place to check out.
(4)
J B.

Everything about this place is great! I always visit when I am in town. I wish they had one of these in Chicago. Your management in Comstock should look into that! It would be a HUGE hit.
(5)
Kristina W.

Generally very good beers and decent music scene, though maybe a better place to bring a group of people rather than planning on mixing/mingling with strangers.
(4)
Bullwinkle J.

There are really only three places one must go in Kalamazoo and this is one of them. This review is divided into two parts: Part 1 - The Beer It's good. Go here and drink. Part 2 - Everything Else Ambiance/Decor: 5/5 They recently remodeled this place. The main tap room is big but not huge: a bunch of tables downstairs and more upstairs, all sorts of tap room type stuff on the walls, TVs with sports. There's also a meeting hall type thing for larger events, And there's a beer garden. The beer garden is where you want to drink unless it's winter. Kitchen: 2/5 It's A-OK. Classic pub stuff to be had, nothing amazing. The appetizers are far too expensive. The plates are a better deal (try the Brisket). But in truth, you aren't really here for the food. You're here for the beer and to hang out. So you can let it slide but I'm docking it a star because it's too expensive. There are, however, several vegetarian options so non-meat eaters don't be shy. Service: N/A You get a little buzzer thing to pick up your food. But everyone who works here is really nice and cool so that counts for something. All in all, I'm giving it five stars because the beer is awesome, the people are groovy, and it's a damn fine spot to kick it.
(5)
Lydia R.

Bell's definitely lives up to its eccentricity. If you are a beer person, this is the place for you! The food menu leaves something to be desired in terms of selection, but what I did try (pretzel plate appetizer and jambalaya) was delicious and very filling. The decor is very interesting and raises conversation if you are looking for a topic to discuss! The General Store on the other side of the cafe is quite legitimate - it has all the ingredients necessary to make your own beer and a bunch of other fun souvenirs!
(4)
Kay A.

Obviously this place has a great selection of beers, and is a must-experience place to see and taste some local culture. The atmosphere? A little too eccentric for me perhaps, as the decor feels rather incoherent. I gave it 3 stars because of unremarkable food and an awkward wait in line to place our orders, but I'm sure I will go here again.
(3)
Amber T.

This place felt very average. Their menu was average, and the food itself wasn't particularly amazing. I got the brisket sandwich which comes with some kind of dill mayo, and even after scraping the dill mayo off of the brisket itself everything tasted like dill. I didn't really enjoy that. The brisket itself was tender and the BBQ sauce on it was quite good - not too sweet or too smokey. I do wish that the sandwich ($10) came with fries or something more substantial than just potato chips. But alas. The decor here is very nice. I like the stained glass windows and all of the hardwoods. It's also very casual in that your order food and drinks at the bar and then pick it up at a window. I would probably try Bell's again but opt for a burger or something I know they can't screw up.
(3)
Chelsea W.

OKay to start out, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Bells beer! I live in Florida now and I order it wherever i can find it here but I grew up in the Portage/Kalamazoo area and I always start my trip with a stop at Bells for a beer...or three..or four... The reason I give 4 stars is because the eccentric cafe itself has been hit or miss. The bartenders more often than not seem to be more annoyed than welcoming when i try to order, especially if i order food. I love the beer garden and now that its all redone theres a lot more seating which is great. The concerts are always fun and its a great social spot to meet up with people.
(4)
Anonymous P.

I have lived in Kalamazoo now for approx. 4 years, and have never been to Bell's Eccentric Cafe..always wanted to go, but have always strayed away due to the fact that from the outside, it appears to be quite lacking on space. As part of a Bell's Brewery tour I was able to attend thanks to my place of employment, part of our tour was the Cafe downtown, to be able to go through and see the whole process from start to finish was amazing, but then to be treated to lunch/dinner and drinks at the Cafe put the icing on the cake...I was very upset that I had not given it a chance before!! Man have I been missing out!! It's a very welcoming atmosphere and while the many choices of beer on tap can be somewhat overwhelming, the staff appeared to have very extensive knowledge of each of them and was not disappointed by any of the beers that I tasted. They also have like a sample flute that you can get the is a sampler of 7 beers if I remember right. I encourage everyone to go down and try all of them!! Bell's beer is amazing and am so privileged to be living in the town it originated in...each is so different from the others, the only thing that would have kept me from giving it all 5 stars is the fact that there is no table service, it's a self yourself which being a server I can imagine how chaotic that could get at times!! Especially when it's really busy, the whole 3 hrs we were there, I would say 85% if not more of the seats were occupied, but as I was informed of during our tour, full table service is coming!!! Therefore, 5 stars it is!!!
(5)
Tom B.

I have been going to Bells for quite a long time and I remember them selling plastic refillable quarts out of the brewery. I loved it when they used to have free experimental beer and occasionally some wild small batches (I had a Carmel beer their once.) In the beginning it was a very local, personal, pleasant watering hole where they did everything they could to please the clientele. I moved away for my job and although I come back at least twice a year to visit friends and family and pick up a case or two, I am no longer a frequent visiter to the bar. I decided to meet up with some friends I hadn't seen in over a decade and I asked if they wanted to go to Bells. They seemed hesitant but said yes eventually. Now I know why they didn't want to meet at Bells. When I walked in the place had changed but not for the better. Gone was the small charming place I remember (yes that was a long time ago) and in its place looked like a Walmart of beer. I am extremely sad to see Bells become a tourist trap but I could handle it because I still loved their beer. So I ordered three and my beer tasted like dish soap. I walked up to the bartender and he was such a pompous ass to so many people before me I almost didn't say anything. When I told him my beer didn't taste good he gave me the snotty response "our beer is different than your regular beer". I told him I had been coming to Bells since 91 (probably before he was out of high school) and his response was "oh well". Bells used to have a hip vibe, filled with interesting people but that weekend it looked like a gathering of Cubs fans from Schaumburg, a bank shareholder's meeting, or a boat and RV show at Wings Stadium. I decided to order an Amber (used to be a trusty choice) and it too tasted watered down and flat. None of the beers had a head....just amazing. I hope I just had a bad experience and perhaps someone didn't wash the dishes and I just happened to be there when the biggest douche in the world just happened to be serving beer that day. I went from loving this place and having fond memories to thinking this place is probably just another yuppie hole that forgot their roots. I guess I will move on to the thousands of other micro breweries that taste better than the swill I had.
(1)
Michael R.

A good place to see a show but never really like it for much else. I know it is almost sacrilegious to say but I actually think Bell's is one of the worst breweries in Kalamazoo. I've lived here for about five years now and I think just about every other brewery here has more beers that I like. That's not to say that their beer is bad, it just isn't as good as most of the others that you can find in the area. I'm happy to go there any time that Greensky Bluegrass is playing but otherwise I'll get my craft beer addiction fed elsewhere. I haven't tried their food since they've expanded their menu so I can't comment on that other than to say that I've heard it is good. We tried to order once but they told us it would be over an hour wait so we just had a couple beers and left. The atmosphere is okay but they do get a lot of the hipster crowd and a lot of pot head types. You're almost guaranteed to see a white guy with dreads wearing a Che Guevera shirt.
(3)
Oliver H.

#HopSlam 4 lyfe
(5)
Alexander I.

Had a wonderful time here. Great to taste beers that aren't bottled and are fresh from the brewery down the road. Staff was helpful and jovial, and seemed friendly throughout. I liked their style of food delivery, in that you order at the bar and pick it up when your remote sensor goes off. Had the turkey avacado and enjoyed every bite. Clean, tasteful and worth another visit!
(5)
Laura H.

I've had GREAT experiences here, and some just good-never bad. The food is always great. We love the pulled pork tacos. Fatastic and unusual combination of flavors. We love them so much, we haven't tried anything else. The first few times we found great beer that we really liked. The last time, the selection was fairly limited to beer with strong hops or undesirable sour beer. I know many people like those, but we're not hop lovers. You can get IPAs everywhere, but if you're looking for a good German-type hefe or a good porter, you might be disappointed. Worth a try for sure. Overall, it's our favorite place in town.
(4)
GAD C.

Of course the beer is great - It's Bell's. Unfortunately, the rest of the experience is average at best. We visited on a Friday afternoon and were surprised there was no table service. We had to bus our own table and then get a bar rag to wipe it down. We were ordering small beers so we could try more varieties. That meant a 5-10 minute wait each time in the line at the bar. We also ordered food that was at the low end of pub grub. It's worth going once as they have some interesting beers on tap you can't get other places. However, going forward, we'll continue to enjoy their beer in our regular establishments with table service.
(3)
C W.

For beer and an unpretentious good time, this is the place. The menu could use a little bit of an upgrade.
(4)
Joe S.

Umm. Yes. Bells. Enough said. Beer is world class, the atmosphere is great, and their snack/small meal type food is as high quality as their beer. Love the beer garden.
(4)
Jenny K.

It's been years since Bell's staff kicked me out for being 'too drunk,' and I found I can finally hear their name dropped without screaming "SCREW THAT PLACE!!" and going on a long rant about how badly I was treated at a bar on a Saturday night with live music because I was visibly intoxicated, yet causing no trouble. But I digress. That being said, I decided to give it another go. My problem with Bell's has nothing to do with the quality of the beer. Clearly, that is not the issue. I love me some Winter White and Two Hearted. This time, my problem is with the food quality in the cafe. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich on special last night. Here's a quick description: 2 pieces of grocery store white bread, lightly grilled in a panini press, and on the inside - cream cheese, a couple slices of processed cheddar cheese that had not melted, broken up tortilla chips and about 5 jalapeno slices. WAT? Come on, that is just lazy! I'm sorry Bell's, I feel like we could have made this work. I mean, we like the same things, we live so close to each other, and on paper we are perfect together. But there's just something missing and I just can't do it anymore.
(2)
Adam C.

A beer drinkers paradise!! So many original craft beers that are unique and amazingly delicious! Beautiful venue as well! I had such a great time tasting they're ridiculously long draft list. The food is fantastic as well. I had the smoked meat trio, and as a southerner I was pleasantly surprised to find such a high quality of smoked meat this far north. It was my first impression of Kalamazoo and it was an amazing one. It's a MUST stop!
(5)
Craig M.

As Kalamazoo's pride and joy, Bell's Brewing Company and their local bar, the Eccentric Cafe, offer one of the best nights out in town. If you like Bell's beer, you'll be in heaven, from well-known varieties like Oberon and Two-Hearted Ale to newer, exclusive local beers that Bell's is "testing" for wider distribution. If you like to sample a wider array of breweries, the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange (right down the street) is the more ideal venue to do so, but it's hard to go wrong here as a beer drinker. In addition, the Eccentric Cafe plays host to a brand new concert venue that hosts a range of interesting acts each month. For music fans, it's one of the best places in town to see a show, and I have hopes that Bell's will continue to attract bigger names as the venue becomes a more well-known entity.
(4)
Mike M.

A mecca of Michigan beer. There are always limited release beers in the tap room that you can't get anywhere else. Simple, but delicious food (mostly sandwiches). If you like beer and are driving through town, you'd be a fool not to go here. Amazing.
(5)
Chris M.

Not a bad place to visit if you're in the area and if you are really into microbreweries and IPA's.
(4)
Christina G.

We visited Bell's Brewery as a place to meet a friend coming from Lansing (we came from Saugatuck) so we could meet somewhere in the middle. This place has a chill atmosphere. We ordered our food and beer at about 12:30 for lunch, and we ended up staying until almost dinner time! No one bothered us, rushed us, or made us feel like we needed to order more. The food was pretty mediocre. I shared a warm pretzel (it came with some sort of spicy cheese sauce and whole grain mustard sauce) and a roast beef Reuben with my husband. Nothing about the food was exceptional, just pretty standard bar fare. The beer was pretty good though. I stuck with Pale Ale and the husband tried a few different kinds. He liked them all. You could get a flight too and try small samples of six different types of their beer. My husband went on the mini-tour too and was a little disappointed. He said most of the brewing is done at another location, so there wasn't a whole lot to see there. Still, it was a nice place to catch up with an old friend where we weren't hurried due to the ample seating. Check this place out.
(4)
Adam H.

This place does have food. Fun sounding food with ingredients like jalapeno mayo and bacon leek relish, but sadly the BBQ Brisket open faced sandwich I had was medicore in flavor and actually was kind of cold to touch. My wife's grilled cheese was average. So, I'm not going to write about the food and concentrate on the good. The best thing about this place is the beer. Not only do they have several of their nationally distrubrited brews on tap, they have several beers that are made only for the brew pub. Just look for the golden bell symbol next to the name and you'll be enjoying something that can't be had anywhere else. And every beer I tried was pretty great. The next best thing about Bells Eccentric cafe were the employees that we interacted with. All were very nice and even though they were busy when we were there, they didn't mind answering beer questions and making us feel welcome. The best employee though was Sarah. Sarah was our tour guide and she was awesome. Not only was she informative, knowledgable, and friendly, she really seemed sincere in her passion for craft brewing. Even though the tour is really just seeing two rooms of the small brewery, Sarah filled the space with fun facts and genuine excitement. After the tour she was open to answer questions and even went on a quest to find my non beer drinking wife one she would enjoy. After several free samples later it was a lost cause for my wife but I had fun experiencing the majority of the ales this brew pub has to offer. The one down side of this place was the long line one has to wait in to get more of their tasty beers. Not a deal breaker for the staff is efficient in serving their customers and doing so with a smile, but I suggest not opening a tab and instead buying several beers from the start. This will prevent you from having to wait in the long line again for refills or to close your bill. But really this place is great and don't let the long line or forgetable food keep you away. Grab a free tour, talk to Sarah, and drink delicious beer.
(4)
Lindsey P.

I have always been a lover of Bells, so going to their cafe was a treat! The outdoor patio is wonderful on a nice sunny day. The black bean wrap was delicious and I wish I could have ate more of it. The food and flight of amazing beer will have me coming back for more. I highly recommend their java stout if you are a beer and coffee fan, but beware, it is very filling.
(4)
Bill S.

Of course the beers were great, as this is a world-class brewery. The cafe left much to be desired. It had nostalgic decor, but nobody seemed to be on staff to keep the place tidy. Chairs and tables in disarray remind me of a college dance bar and not what I would expect from an institution such as this. The rail seemed very small for the fact that this is a brewery - therefore, not very inviting. The garden seemed nice but I just briefly checked it out. I was disappointed that there were no TVs (at least from what I noticed). It would have been nice to check out a score while enjoying a beer. I didn't eat here sans a large bowl of cashews which were very tasty and cheap!
(3)
Amy H.

Whenever I visit my brother in Kalamazoo, we make it a point to go here. I get excited the moment I walk in the door. I love the atmosphere, the furniture, the crowd, and the beer and food selection. I love that you wait in line to order beers, it gives you time to really read over the selection written on the chalkboard (awesome idea as well). Breweries are my favorite places to be. I could sit here all day! They have games you can bring to the table, and they also have a general store next door with a lot of unique items.
(5)
Jon F.

Frankly, this place is awesome. Right now it is under a little construction out back, but there is still plenty of room to chill and it is for a good reason. Great bands every time I have been there, and super relaxed atmosphere. Great beers that are hard to find in bottles in chicagoland are plentiful on tap and very affordable. Food isn't too crazy, but it is good. Plenty of good Kalamazoo attitude around. Be aware, they will NOT serve without a state ID. Passport, ticket, FOID, and matching other photo ID / credit cards were not accepted as ID. Also it is CASH ONLY!
(5)
Jen J.

I am torn about this place.... The beers on tap = fantastic! (9% Sparkling Ale anyone?) The restaurant is beautiful in that "eccentric" way, with exposed bricks, high ceilings, and random aboriginal mask wall decorations. There is also a lovely little garden in the back (currently under construction but there are some park benches in the shades back there) that is perfect for having a drink or two in the breezy end of August Michigan weather. Now what I am not sure about....the food. The menu isn't huge. My mango chicken salad on a bagle bread was hard, difficult to eat, and quite bland. In addition, the restaurant is cash only, which is really inconvenient. The tab adds up quick when you have a couple of drinks on top of getting food. There is a nice glowing ATM inside the entrance but hey, I would rather spend the $5 transaction fees on my next drink.
(3)
Kiki T.

We were visiting from GA and doing a self- guided brewery tour through Western Michigan. Bell's was near the top of the list of places that we wanted to visit. We arrived at 8:02 on a Sunday evening. I had looked at their hours ahead of time and knew that they were still opened. What I didn't realize (because I didn't think that check it, totally my fault) was that the kitchen closed earlier. As we walked in we were NOT greeted by the staff member near the door. We asked if we seat ourselves and he said "yeah, wherever you want but we don't do table service so you have to order at the bar" (pretty snippy and irritable). I asked about food and he replied "the kitchen is CLOSED!". While it was my fault for not checking ahead, my traveling companions and I were taken aback by his rude tone. The bartender had a similar abruptness to her when we ordered. It was NOT busy so I'm not sure why she couldn't have been a little bit more patient and cordial. It was lovely evening and we decided to take our beer outside. Bell's outdoor seating/ garden is beautiful! If we had more time to spend there I could have sat out there for hours. There are tables, benches, green space- a variety of places to choose to sit, just depending on your mood. Unfortunately, Bell's did not seem to be very well run that evening. The trashcans were overflowing, there was no toilet paper in the men's room and no paper towels in the women's room. The building and grounds are lovely and well maintained so obviously the owner/ manager is engaged. But this seems to be a case of not hiring great employees. My companions each had another not- so- great interaction with staff before we left. It was really disappointing that our experience ended up the way it did, because we had very high hopes, being HUGE Bell's fans!! I'm still giving it 4 tars because (a) the beer is great (b) the vibe of the place is awesome and (c) it is very well taken care of so I feel like we MUST have just hit it on a bad night... I hope so. If this place was in GA I would go here A LOT! It was very comfortable and Bell's beer is amazing!
(4)
Sherri T.

I love Bell's. I love Bell's. I love Bell's. Several years ago at an Oberon release event in Chicago, my husband met the Bell's marketing guy who invited us to come to Kalamazoo for a private tour of the brewery. We got to hang out and drink in the tap room in Comstock, and the marketing guy took us over to Bell's General Store in Kalamazoo where he gave my husband an entire case of Bell's Double Cream Stout. Later, we ate in the Eccentric Cafe and drank several lovely beers before we took a Bell's-paid-for cab back to our hotel room. Happy happy memories! We visited Bell's Eccentric Cafe again over the weekend. More happy memories! The atmosphere was just outstanding. I doubt anyone wants to read about the amazing people I met or the great conversations I had, but just know that I had an awesome time! As I'm sure you know, Bell's has fan-tab-u-lous beers, and the Cafe offers a few that aren't bottled. The Cafe also serves food; and though we did not eat during this particular visit, the food was excellent during our last blissful Bell's day! In my own personal heaven, Bell's will be in my backyard.
(5)
Mark S.

Wanted to give this place 3 stars, but the beer is too darn good. But the prices are so unrealistic, it would be hard for me to be a regular here if I lived in K-Zoo. 6 tasters for $12?? That's about $3-5 more expensive than almost everywhere else in the country, and the tasters are small. The food is good, but again, a tiny sandwich and chips for $9-12? Just too much. But the vibe is cool and yes, eccentric, which I loved. The bartender was nice, and the beer was fantastic. They've got a ton on tap, and they tell you which ones are brewed right there on site. And I LOVE the fact that they do a sour beer, which is great and mixes well with the cherry stout. I would absolutely love this place with more realistic prices.
(4)
Kevin H.

Awesome beer and tour
(4)
Dan G.

I like beer, and I like people who pour great beer. Bell's is just one of those places. Bell's beer has been a fascination of mine since I sipped my first amber ale and became a love affair when I tasted my first Oberon. The cafe here has all of their bests on tap and a bunch you can't find anywhere else. When we went this Summer, they had a some French style beers on tap that were phenomenal. Aside from the beer being majorly awesome, the food isn't half bad. The pretzels with the Bell's Porter mustard and horseradish cheese is a perfect companion to some libations. The sandwiches are all good no home-runs but they are all tasty. The real star here besides the amazing beer, is the beer garden. One of my favorite places to drink in the world. Open, beautiful landscaping, and just relaxing. Plenty of seating and standing. Plus, a little running around room. I have always had a fun time here, have yet to see music, but the stage looks great. If you are happening through Kalamazoo or even the Mitten State you should stop by.
(5)
Nick R.

Bells beer is as good as it gets! If you are a fan of Bells...check this place out! The best part of it is that they have a rotating selection of limited, only-get-at-the-cafe beers that they don't bottle and are only on tap here. Even though I didn't eat I peeked at the dishes coming out of the kitchen. They looked pretty good from what I could see and the menu was slightly above average as far as bar/cafe selections. Another perk was that we got there just in time for a brewery tour. I wasn't expecting this since the main brew facility is off site. I knew this going in and when I saw the tour sign up I was pleasantly surprised. The tour was maybe 30-45 min long and was fairly informative. You can check out the original area where Bell himself started his brewing. Another perk was that there was lots of staff behind the bar ready to take orders and explain beer descriptions. We wen ton a Sunday and when we got there it was pretty busy and we couldn't find a 4 top for us, but it opened up shortly. There was room for standing room near the bar while you wait for a table and have a pint. The beer chalkboard was updated and was easy to read. Coming from Colorado and BACK to Michigan where I'm originally from, I've become a beer connoissuer. Beels has always been a favorite and at the top of my list for my MI brewery visits. They did not disappoint.
(4)
Kara B.

Bell's was the main reason for my trip to KZoo. I've been a fan ever since I discovered Oberon so getting a chance to check out the source has long been on my list of roadtrips. There is a general store, a concert hall and the Eclectic Cafe. The general store carries beer, Bell's merchadise and home brewing supplies. They said the mini-kegs come out in the Spring, so be sure to come back for those! No growlers though, which was kind of a disappointment since so many of their beers are not available anywhere except at the tap at the brewery! The concert hall is large, with a killer bar. There is seating above the bar and limited seating on the main floor. I was surprised by the quality of the sound and lighting in the venue. They do have some great acts come through though, just this weekend was Railroad Earth and other acts this fall have included EOTO, Digital Tape Machine, Papadosio, Henhouse Prowlers, and more. Tickets seem to top out at about $25. They offer Brewery Tours every weekend free to the public of the old Brewery (their new brewery is in Comstock, MI). On Saturday they start at 10:30 and are every hour until 2:30 and on Sunday they are at 1:30 and 2:30. The only catch is you need to call ahead if you are a large group so they can accomodate you. We did hear from our bartender the exciting news that they are in the process of installing a new canning machine at the brewery so we may be able to get some exciting new cans of Bell's soon!
(4)
Michael M.

Why not 5 stars? Cause I like bourbon with my beer! I wish they'd offer more than just beer and local wines. How about local whiskey's and vodkas.
(3)
Taylor M.

Great beer, cool and relaxed atmosphere. Being a brewery I didn't expect the food to be so good, but it really is great. Great place to come for lunch.
(4)
Glenn O.

The beer is great, the scene is not. It's usually packed with a so reheat touristy crowd. Also we got there it was like 9:01 and they told us the grill was closed.
(1)
Van L.

i love bells. and i'm so glad i got to finally go to the eccentric cafe! i love the concept of hands-off, no waiter service. just head up to the bar and order your beer and food. since we live in chicago and can find a lot of bells on tap at our local bars, we tried the specialty ones. i liked them all - and even the sangria, which was different but tasty. tons of events and things going on - we were there the day of bells prom which sounded awesome. stopped by the general store on the way home to bring home some big ol bottles. i love the tap cam on the site, so you can see whats actually on tap before you go. it's pretty busy and parking can kind of suck. id love to drink on the patio out here!
(4)
Dawn C.

Bells is one of my go to Craft Brewery's everytime we visit the Grand Rapids area. The pub fair is delish and beers on tap are always refreshing. They have and outside area with live music during the warmer months. A must visit for any beer brewer or enthusiast.
(5)
Michael H.

At first, we were confused because the brewery is actually located in Comstock, MI. So it turns out there is an abbreviated tour in K-Zoo too. This is at the cafe which is a hot mess as far as service. No hostess - no waitresses, it's a free for all with a "line" to order drinks and food. You get a buzzer and can wander the property while waiting. For an order of buffalo strips, we waited a good 30 minutes before giving up. Sign up for the free tour, order a beer and save your appetite for Food Dance Cafe.
(3)
Kori Y.

I'm not sure If I go for the Beer or the Food. Both are great! The Cafe is good and offers some nice menu options. The food is well prepared and always good. There are some creative items (Bacon Lollipop) on the menu that are sure to please. The Beers are always good, if you go with some of their "traditional" ones like Oberon, Two Hearted, Or have had the pleasure of enjoying their Planet Series" beers. You wont be disappointed .
(4)
Bob S.

Food was good. Service was slow. Staff was very nice. But they have a new set up and seemed very confused. They were part of the Kalamazoo Craft Brew passport but said they ran out of swag? How is that possible when they have a swag store next-door? Overall it's just OK. We will give it another try once they get their new system down. We have heard plenty of good things, it must be better...
(3)
Robert C.

The food was a little pricey, but worth the money. They have a great selection of craft beers that are very reasonably priced. The service is good and the atmosphere was nice.
(4)
John A.

Bell's is a Kalamazoo institution which happens to also make world class beers. If you enjoy any of their beers (Oberon, Two Hearted etc.) you might as well go to the source and enjoy it. Bell's Eccentric Cafe is awesome in that you could hangout there and have a few of their brews on tap, then also have dinner, then also happy to stumble into a live event they are hosting. It's definitely a beer lovers dream.
(5)
Jimmy H.

I'm embarrassed to say this was my first visit to Bells... While I've only lived here for 6 months, I had lived here for close to 4 years previously. This is unacceptable and I'm ashamed... Anyway... Looks like I'm going to have to make up for lost time! Great beer, great selection. I'm not going to try and list all of the beers I've had from Bells but I have a soft spot in my heart for any of their IPA's. Don't fall for the Habanero Mango Oberon. It's more of a gimmick than anything. Get someone else to order it so that you can try it. You'll thank me later. It's not bad but with a beer lineup as deep as Uranus (quite a delicious beer by the way) it's not worth wasting your time. My only suggestion is to have a more efficient way to order beer. Every time I've been there there is an extremely long line leading up to the bar. I'm not sure what needs to be done but I'm sure something can be done to optimize the process. Great outdoor area to sit and mingle with friends and family while enjoying a few brews.
(5)
Rachel F.

Kalamazoo, MI is basically synonymous with Bell's Brewing in the minds of many Americans. True fact. Bell's beer is KZoo's most popular domestic export and for good reason... it's delightful! Some of my favorite Bell's brews include their Two Hearted Ale and their Porter as well as seasonals/specialities the Sparkling Ale, the Black Note, and Hopslam. So when going to visit the lovely Alicia S in KZoo I obviously had to/wanted to check out Bell's. And I wasn't disappointed. While the cafÃ©/kitchen/menu itself is about to undergo an overhaul, it was still hoppin' busy on a Tuesday evening. We planned to eat, but ended up not doing so (because of the overhaul they were out of a lot of menu items at the time, but no big!) I ordered the sour beer with a super fancy name that I can't remember, and it was THE SHIT, you guys. The cafÃ© space itself is fun and funky and all brick and high ceilings and cool decor, and the two outdoor spaces - the beer garden and the more sparsely populated "garden-y" area with a stage - were really relaxed and cool. The special events room was the biznass, too - Bell's, you should host a Yelp event in there! The retail area sells a pretty vast selection of merch, a rotating selection of growlers, a select selection of their brews, and supplies for homebrewers and local startup craft breweries in the area. Totally dug it and would def return if I happen to find myself in Kalamazoo again any time soon. Cheers!
(4)
Rachael Z.

Oh how I hate to rate this as "A-Ok"! And can't believe I'm doing so! I'd certainly give Bell's another try, but we didn't have the greatest experience here. We walked in on a Friday around 6pm, and we knew we were asking for trouble. Long wait times, crowded bar, etc. We knew it was bound to happen. But to our surprise, the hostess said it'd be five minutes and she'd have a table. While we waited, we saw others walk up for reservations and the hostess would take their name, phone number, etc. We didn't have that, so were worried we wouldn't get in. A few minutes later, we were told the table she thought she had, she didn't, but she'd put us at a high top table by the bar. It was in the farthest corner, but that was okay with us. When we were seated, the table was still a sticky mess. About 10 minutes later, our server came over, and with not so much of a hello asked what we wanted. Afterwards, hubby very nicely asked if we could have the table cleaned, and she begrudgingly said yes. I felt like an idiot asking for recommendations for what to drink - or at least that is how I felt when I was asking based on her response. My first and second beers were far too much for me. Too hoppy/malty/strong. I can't explain it exactly other than it wasn't enjoyable - I left nearly two full drinks and I never do that. We were planning on eating there, but we were so turned off by the service (and never receiving the water we ordered) that we decided on apps only. The bacon lollipops were fantastic, and the poutine was incredible - the entrees were tempting, but for the price (again, and service) we decided against it. Now, I don't know what happened - but in between the time that we first saw our server and then ordered our food, her demeanor completely changed. She smiled, looked us in the eye, and even said hello when our food was delivered. It almost made us change our mind - because clearly something had happened previously with this server that she was upset about - but our moods had already been altered. So, we left and went to the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange instead. I sure hope I have the opportunity to give Bell's another try.
(3)
Jen I.

Very awesome atmosphere! I could see myself hanging out here a lot - if I lived here! Unfortunately I had a drive ahead of me so couldn't sample the beverages :( I arrived at 1pm and there was no one in line - when I was eating the line ended up out the door! I got the special - house made corn beef with jalepeno cream cheese, caramelized onions and cheddar cheese. Normally I order a normal Reuben - this was NOtHING like a normal Reuben! It was a tasty alternative for sure! But I'm still loyal to the Rueben. Fast service and I will visit again to try the beer!
(4)
Mary P.

Cool brewery with awesome food. Don't let the word eccentric scare you... Even picky eaters can find good food too. My group tried almost every beer on the menu and we weren't disappointed. Yes, they had sours and an English beer but I wasn't overwhelmed with the IPAs like we are in Cincinnati. Guacamole was salty (delicious in my opinion), Brussels were awesome, wings are a dry rub which is great, and the Mac and cheese was amazing with breadcrumbs on top. The beer is super cheap too. You can't go wrong here.
(5)
Chelsea C.

Bell's just keeps getting better. Since our last visit in 2013 they have expanded and added an incredible looking menu and extended seating area. We stopped in twice on this trip- once for a Marshall Crenshaw concert in the back room behind the main bar, and a second time for a liquid lunch on our last day in town. There's probably not anything I can add that hasn't already been said, but the Beer Garden on a summer evening can't be beat- and their beers far surpass any other brews in both quality and creativity. I tried the Habanero Mango Oberon which while maybe not a beer you would get over and over again was an incredible beer to try- flavors were insane. My new favorite is the Downtowner Pale Ale - a must try. We didn't get the opportunity to try the food this time around but everything looks absolutely amazing- we were drooling over the plates that were being served to the tables near us. We also noticed that most of the food is locally sourced- and they list the different farms and sources of their food which is always cool in my book. Love the place, love the people, love the beer!
(5)
Byron B.

1st time coming to Bell's in the 3 years we've lived in downtown Kzoo. The food and atmosphere were great, but best of all was our waitress Whitney. She provided recommendations like the "Bacon Lollipops" that were amazing. We will absolutely be back soon!
(4)
Kylie S.

This cafe is great! I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in. I had been to the general store a few times, but had never visited the cafe (right next door). I was disappointed that it wasn't restaurant seating and it was a little hard to find a spot to sit down. It was also very chaotic because there was a bar crawl going on. It made ordering beer and food a little difficult. All together I was impressed with the food, and of course the beer. I enjoyed all of the different beers that I have never had from Bell's.
(4)
Allison F.

Jacob enjoyed Bell's so much on our Beercation that it was the lone brewery we visited twice during our three days in the area. The cafe was hopping on a Friday night, but service wasn't too hard to get. Jake did a flight. Samples (5oz) are priced individually at anywhere between $2 and $5 depending on gravity. They had a huge selection of beers to choose from, but no gateway beers for non-beer drinkers like myself, a la' Soft Parade. That would have been nice. I tried their cider but it was laughably bad. We ordered a couple apps while hanging out and got whammied with what we thought were soft pretzels... but ended up being a bag of pretzel rods with dipping sauces... $6 for that seemed like a rip-off. So now you know. Don't order the pretzel app unless you want some pretzel rods and Schuler's cheese. The buffalo chicken and naan bread was excellent, though. The space is open and interesting. There are tchotchkes on the walls to look at, and lots of seats and standing space for groups. Parking is limited, so carpool if you can. Overall, we enjoyed our visits to Bell's! If you love beer, this is the spot for you. If you don't drink beer, you're limited to white or red wine, or lackluster cider.
(4)
Angelica S.

I absolutely love this place. Such a cool vibe with a great mixture of people in one setting. I enjoy Bell's beer. A LOT. I'm still a novice when it comes to craft beer, but I sure do love trying it out. I ordered an Amber Ale and Zach got Oberon since he isn't as adventurous as me. I'd say we got the pretty "safe" choices for beginning since I love Oberon myself. If you are interested in trying different beers, get a flank. It's self service so you have to order the food, pick up the food and drinks at the bar. We went around 10:30ish and it was hoppin'. I love the openness outside if you're a smoker or just wanna go outside to talk. It wasn't the nicest of nights. Rain played a factor. I did enjoy difference between the rooms. I definitely want to go back again!
(5)
Arthur L.

Wow, great beer and service
(5)
Bryan L.

I love Bells, not much more to say about it than that. If you like beer, this is your Mecca.
(5)
Alyssa C.

Excellent beer and you can get six-taster flights! The food is pretty solid (I had the brisket dip while I was here on a conference) and the outdoor space is nice. It has a tendency to get very loud and crowded though, so come early if you want a table. [Edit: I was here with a vegetarian friend and she was pleased to have more options than just "veggie burger." I think there were four things she could eat on the regular menu, not including salads!]
(4)
Steve W.

Wow! Amazing brewery doing it all right! I wanted to start with that to make sure you got what you needed to know if you were skimming. Now, lets dig deeper. For the longest time I've been a fan of Bell's. I mean, who doesn't love an Oberon on a hot summer day? In March, I start to seek it out at restaurants and enjoyed the switch to cans this year. As such a fan of Bell's, I've wanted to go to the brewery for a long time but didn't think I would ever find myself in or passing through Kalamazoo. Last week a colleague asked if I could support a weekend business trip to Western Michigan University. A quick google of the university revealed its location: Kalamazoo, MI. Say no more, I'm in. We arrived at Bell's Eccentric Cafe at 6:30pm on a frigid Friday night in November. It was snowing, and it was brutal outside. Inside was warm, full of people, and inviting. Upon walking in it looked like there would be an atrocious wait to get any service. The counter space is small at the bar and there isn't table service...but within 5 minutes we actually had a spot at the bar and before we could order a few seats opened up at the bar. We ordered the pretzel appetizer and decided to do a flight each. Making a selection of 6 beers was nearly impossible. They had about 25 beers on the draft list, and about half of them were brewed at that (the original) location so they were only available there and when they are gone they are gone. The beers were of course delicious, and I managed to get a pint of their Christmas ale after, which wasn't even on the menu yet. The appetizer was a big let down with just a butch of bagged pretzel rods and some cold dipping sauces, but not enough of letdown to bring them down from 5 stars. I came for the beer. The beer was magnificent. The bar service was some of the best i've ever had. I highly recommend making a stop if you are at all close to Kalamazoo.
(5)
Randy S.

Came in here on a Wed night and was surprised at the crowd. Everyone knows Bells and it's cafe so I will skip all the reviews about the great atmosphere/ambience etc and go straight to the beer. Two Hearted is really good, Oberon is good but overrated in my opinion. Also tried the Russian Imperial Stout. EXCELLENT beer. I have to say my favorite was however, the Uranus. Awesome Black IPA!! I have to say the food was great. Exceeded my expectations. A little pricey but the sampler was worth every penny. The staff was great, friendly and very beer smart. Great experience and recommend a visit to Bells.
(4)
Sarah C.

Kalamazoo is home to Bell's?! What wonderful news! I was in town for a business trip and we had a free evening - so of course we wanted to check out the local brewery. I had never had so many Bell's options in front of my face. Bell's heaven? I was very pleased with the options and because we visited during the fall, I had to go with their Oktoberfest option. So good. The food was legit as well. I had their pork tacos -- and the portion was crazy big. So tasty, though. If I'm ever back in the area, I'll definitely be returning.
(5)
Elle N.

The eccentric cafe has a strange vibe almost as if it has an identify crisis. Its not sure if it wants to be a brew pub, cafeteria, college hangout, place for children, or a place to get rowdy drunk. It seemed all of these things were happening simultaneously and in my opinion they were clashing. There was a whole mix of people in here too complete with college kids drinking water doing homework, a screaming toddler, and borderline wasted women. You order at the bar and are given a pager which rings like 7 minutes later, then you pick it up from a separate take-out cafeteria style window. Then they have bus boys running up and down the stairs to collect empty glasses and plates. Why not just have those guys bring beer to people too? Then people wouldn't have to leave their table and fight the bar crowd for another drink. The food was nothing exceptional. The beers I dig and will of course continue to buy at home! I will come back and I expect to probably enjoy it better, something was just not working for me this time.
(3)
Rosie D.

Went here in a quick weekend trip with my boyfriend. We had so much fun. This is definitely a trip any self respecting beer geek needs to make! So after taking my obligatory social media pictures outside we walked into this super electric brewery. We went right into a bar that kind of reminded me of a caribu coffee shop. Lots of wood everywhere. But also lots of random cukoo koo clocks. Pretty cool I thought. But the main attraction was the beer! The choices were amazing! Lots of yummy Bells products I'd never seen before. We must've looked like star struck tourists because the bar tender was like "you all need a flight right?" YES!!!! So we got tastings of 6 beers. My favorite being their oarsman ale and the boo's being their mango habenero. Afterwards we got a couple of beers and enjoyed them on their patio out back. I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Ross M.

We took our Michigan family for a birthday moral for My wifes cousin. Granted we went on a saturday Night so wait was 60 mins, we decided it was worth staying so we took the family to the bar area to wait. Ordered beers and the plough mans plate. Waitstaff service on beers was great BUT had to wait quite a while for the food. The selection range of beers is great from the famous Oberon To the really good Downtowner Pale Ale. Managed to get to the table early . Food is Ok , I guess I expected the Fish ( perch) to have slightly larger less crispy, crunchy curled fillets but I guess that's the normal size for perch. the service was extremely slow, I think they could have had 2 parties through our table in any other restaurant .. To be fair the Restuarant has only been open a couple of week so I really hope this is teething troubles as there's great potential if they get it right
(3)
L R.

I'm really disappointed with Bells recent addition and new menu. My experience was full of waiting for a waitress, terrible service, eating a $14 cold burger (really!!), and overpriced beer. I feel like Bells has sold out and it is no longer the cool European like self service, great food and beer at reasonable prices. You really shouldn't change a good thing and become something opposite of what people go to bells for!
(2)
Amanda R.

Stopped at this place after a fun-filled day of skiing in Michigan! I would highly recommend you visit this place. The Good News: - Food is very good - I tried the black bean wrap. I could eat this everyday. - Lots of beers to choose from. I'm not much for beer (the group is so that's why this was a must stop) but they offer a few wines for those like me :] - The atmosphere is cozy and love the vaulted wooden space. They have an outdoor section, but it was 10 degrees. Now the not-so-good News: - Totally self-serve place. You have to wait in line to order, they give you a pager, and they you retrieve your food once it's ready. - It seems to be a popular place so this may take some time. - Parking is minimal. We were there on a busy night and even though they have additional parking, even that was all full. - Same thing with seating - you may have to scout out for a while. Luckily, we were able to grab a spot quickly.
(4)
Kensey W.

great beer! but skip the snacks. came here with my friend after we got off the train and we were starving. got two flights of beer and the pretzels and the thing that was like a deconstructed nachos. both were super meh and the pretzels were awful because they were those hard pretzel rods that come from costco. the dips were good, but nothing could redeem those. my friend was super disappointed because she thought they'd be soft pretzels and loves those and she mentioned that to the guy clearing our table as he took away the pretty full plate and he was like, everyone says that. sorry guy, but maybe they should change it on the menu then! beer was great. we got two flights which seemed like a normal amount but we couldn't finish them between us. it was a lot of beer haha. anyway, everything about this place is pretty cute and the people working are nice. also a lot of cute boys work here. that's important.
(3)
Breina F.

I ordered the omelette and it did not offer much taste. The food ordered by everyone else at the table did look amazing. I would definitely suggest another choice. I had a bite of the brussel sprouts and the Mac n cheese and both were delicious. The ploughmans board was very impressive although I didn't try it, comes with tons of food. I don't really care for bell's beer but they do have a great selection you can't de anywhere else.
(4)
Mike M.

If you are a Bell's fan, and you find yourself in Kalamazoo, you MUST visit. If you choose not to visit, you must punish yourself by drinking the cheapest, crappiest, beer you can find in your hometown for the next month. Seriously. Didn't try the food, so can't give them a fifth star just yet. After attending Oktobeerfest with some friends, we came here for some more beers and I really wish I could have just stayed there in order to try everything I can't get in Iowa, and make my friends back in Austin really really jealous since they can't get Bell's at all. Suckers. Anyway, back to the beers. The amount of beers they have on tap is amazing. They of course have all the standards that you can find in the stores, but also have seasonals, rare stuff, and one-offs that were simply amazing. Gotta get back soon.
(4)
Kathleen C.

Loved this spot! We were driving through Michigan for what seemed like FOREVER and decided we were hungry. Thankfully, Bell's came to the rescue! If we would have had more time, I would have loved to take a tour, but really wanted to get home.... We visited mostly for lunch, but did try out two of the beers. I am totally blanking on the name of my beer, but it was citrusy and light and not very hoppy - very delicious! For lunch, I had the chicken wrap and also got a taste of the brisket dip. Definitely skip the chicken and have the brisket - I thought the chicken was a tad off on texture - it may be that it was just the end pieces from a nice chicken, but it was a bit off...the flavor of the sandwich itself was good, with nice dressing and really fresh vegetables. The brisket however - WOW! Flavor explosion - I wish I could have snuck a few more bites. The bun was a perfect consistency to pick up the au jus, the meat was delicious and the cheese/dressing was just a perfect mixture of flavor. Chips on the side were ok, the pickle was quite sour, but a good pickle showing. The outdoor patio was adorable - I think they must do concerts there and other events and it's really a perfect space for it. Indoors is also quite pleasing and it's warm and comfortable. The store has a great mix of clothes and beer brewing (and wine making) equipment. Definitely worth a stop in, though we didn't buy anything. Growlers are good for two weeks (prior to opening) and have approx 10 beers...a bit too much for me, but would be a great idea for a party! Worth a visit to this great brewery and cafe!
(4)
Marek W.

The brisket sandwich is really good, well worth the price. My Dad had the Cobb salad with the (Beer vinaigrette) house dressing, which he said was delicious. the dressing is really good on some of the bread that comes on the salad! very nice environment!
(5)
William B.

I've always been a big Bell's fan. I've been going there for years and will continue to frequent the bar and beer garden, but I am not going to eat at the new "restaurant" again any time soon. I ordered the fish and chips which sounded great but were absolutely mediocre. The batter was greasy, the fish was dried out and the whole thing tasted like it sat under a heat lamp for several hours prior it being served. The fries were OK but were a little cold. Oh did I mention that this was a $16 dollar meal at 1 in the afternoon; so not worth the money. I've had better fish from fast food chains. My wife ordered the black bean wrap salsa wrap which has been good in the past but seemed much more bland this time around. She ordered it with a side of "German" potato salad which was basically undercooked diced red potatoes, chia seeds, bacon bits (that somehow lacked the flavor I associate with bacon), and a splash of vinegar. Now I've had German potato salad at HofbrÃ¤uhaus which is fantastic but this concoction at Bells should not be referred to as potato salad as it give it a very bad rap. The beers were great as always even though we sat at the table a whole 15 min before anyone came by to take a drink order.
(3)
Daryl M.

Awesome food and beer. The service is also great! Take a tour with Luke and really get to know the beers!
(5)
Ryan R.

I really do like Bells a ton. There is no bigger destination for a beer lover arguably in the whole state of Michigan. The reason I give it 4 stars is that it is always crowded and sometimes tough to get what you came for... Beer. They are expanding which will help eventually!
(4)
Alicia S.

Bell's Brewery basically pioneered the craft-beer culture in Kalamazoo. Today, it is a place where friends can meet & have a quality craft beverage. They provide an excellent atmosphere, great food, and plenty of options on the drink menu. Not to mention, they're expanding! If you live in Kalamazoo or you're just visiting definitely give this place a try!
(5)
Al S.

Great place. Whitney is the best server on the face of the planet. Come. See her. You won't regret it.
(5)
Gary S.

What's not to like at the epicenter of craft beer in West Michigan? Beautiful facility indoors and out. Some of the best beers in the world. A creative bar food menu. Voila!
(5)
Carrie H.

Great place for beer, of course. Chips and guacamole was excellent and our waiter, Andrew was very pleasant and helpful describing the menu choices. Cheese plate was delicious too. Fun place!
(4)
Katie R.

If you go in a busy night expect a bit of craziness! If you check in and there is a line you are stuck awkwardly between people coming in the front door, people waiting to be seated, and servers going out to the patio. Everything is right in the same area which is a bit overwhelming. This is not the place to eat if you don't have a very decadent pallet. Went with my boyfriend who loves all types of food and he really enjoyed the green curry but I decided to not eat because all of to options were a bit to eccentric for me and pricey. Nice atmosphere and beer choices though.
(2)
Hale L.

Absolutely a must if you visit Kzoo! Love the atmosphere, beer and food. Be prepared to wait for parking and seating. It's worth it!
(4)
Jarred D.

There is only one place to order your beer from and you have to throw elbows to get to it. Love the atmosphere, but ordering a drink or something to eat is a chore (prepare to awkwardly queue up to squeeze between one of the patrons sitting at the bar).
(3)
Sheila F.

My husband and I had dinner here while visiting South Haven. We loved the food and the beer selection. The bacon lollipops and the mac and cheese with brisket were delicious. We each had a beer that was only available at the cafe, and then split a flight of four to sample even more. I really enjoyed the Mango Habanero Oberon. Our server was fun and helpful. Highly recommend.
(5)
Bill B.

Stopped in for lunch at Bells had the eccentric grilled cheese buffalo dip and potato chips was absolutely delicious place was jam packed people were friendly the service was fast it was very clean enjoyed it sitting out in the sun it was 80Â° out.
(5)
Chris M.

Gorgeous space, beautiful dark wood walls with vaulted ceilings. This is a brewpub you can come in and spend some time in. The beer is outstanding. They offer a plethora of brews on tap at the brewpub and for sale at the kiosk that you can't find anywhere else. Some pretty darn strong ones as well. We sampled the Bull in a China Shop and the Qunice barleywine beer, both excellent and packed a punch full of big flavors. I love that they offer 2, 3 and sometimes four different sizes of beer. So you can sample a bunch of them in 5 oz portions that come secured in a giant paddle for easy carrying, and then order your favorite in a 12 oz glass when you pick your winner. I've been twice now, and the second time was last weekend for a show. I didn't even know they had a concert venue the first time I visited. Man, the venue is just as incredible as the brewpub. I will make it a point to drive out of my way to see shows here just as an excuse to come out here and enjoy the fabulous beer. The beer is ridiculously cheep for how high the quality of beer that Bells offers. Definitely allows you to save some of the money and then spend it all on to go beer :-) Can't wait to come back, I just wish Kalamazoo was closer!
(5)
Stef M.

They get 4 stars for serving up approximately 40 different beers. ' They are completely a self serve establishment (which is why its not a 5 star): 1. Seat yourself. This is a busy place with limited seating, and they really need tables that seat 2 people (and not a minimum of 4). If you don't get there before the crowd you may be waiting. There are less than 10 bar stools. 2. Serve yourself. Get in line to order beverages and food items. No table service and no food delivery service. 3. Clean up after yourself. I'm pretty sure there is no bus service here. Bring sanitizing wipes. 4. The food is very good but not great and is served on a styrofoam plate. Their Reuben sandwich needs more meat and more dressing if they are going to charge it at $8.50.
(4)
Jim M.

(7/16/15) Bell's is Kalamazoo's 800lbs gorilla, and again, with good reason. I arrived by bicycle, and there is lots of parking for bikes! I was dressed for riding - and had serious helmet hair - but I was seated in the courtyard with the lunch crowd by the courteous, professional staff. The atmosphere is upscale, but not stuffy, and the crowd varied from families to working professionals. I immediately asked for something I could only get at the brewery, and was rewarded with a Kalamazoo IPA: nice balance, good hops, clean finish. I was really hungry at this point, and started with the Cheese Trio (Charcuterie), very nicely done, especially the local bleu cheese. I haven't tried the other dishes on the menu, but I don't care, get the Brisket Dip: do it now! The bread was perfect for a dip sandwich, so was the brisket, but the au ju was some of the best I have ever had! Outstanding sandwich! The service was great, staff was professional. This place is everything I would expect of Bell's, and I expected a lot.
(5)
Sarah F.

I was in Kalamazoo for a wedding and this place was my one mandatory stop. I wanted to take the free brewery tour so showed up early to have lunch first. You place your order at the bar and they give you a buzzer to come pick up your food from the window when it's ready. I waited a really long time and apparently my order got lost somehow, but when I asked, they made it very quickly. The menu is limited but the star items are those that feature the house-smoked meats. I got the turkey avocado sandwich which was very messy to eat, but tasted great. Ideally, it would have had larger pieces of the smoked turkey instead of being almost shredded. Sandwiches all come with chips, which were a nice kettle style. The free tour is informative and fun, but important to know--the main commercial operation is actually in Comstock, MI (about 15 min away, also offers tours) so if you've gone on brewery tours before this is more of a "roots of Bell's" tour vs. their current manufacturing facility. Still fun and hey, it's free! If you want to bring home Bell's merchandise, home brewing supplies, and/or beer, the General Store is right there too.
(4)
Mark K.

Great beer. Very mediocre food. No waitress service. Wait in line at the bar for food and drink. Poor set up. No tv's.
(3)
David C.

Bell's has always been a favorite hang-out for friends and I, especially to see bands in the expansive beer garden. I moved to Chicago about four years ago and usually try to stop by when I am in town to see what special brews they have on tap. A few months back when I was there I was excited to see they were almost finished building out an actual restaurant which has been desperately needed for many years. This past weekend and old friend and I were able to go for dinner and were relatively happy with the experience. The wait wasn't too bad, around 20 minutes or so which is better than what I would expect on a Saturday night. During the wait we hung out in the beer garden which was almost empty, another surprise. Once we were seated we immediately realized how loud it is in the dining area. There are very high exposed wood ceilings and brick walls without anything to absorb the sound. This was rather annoying but unfortunately seems to be a trend, especially in breweries. The menu is pretty limited but they did just open. The wait staff also did not seem terribly knowledgeable, but again they are new. My friend originally ordered the fish and chips, however, we were later told they were sold out so he ordered the burger. He said it was good, nothing special but a solid burger. I ordered the brisket dinner which comes with quite a bit of meat, mediocre slaw and fries. My biggest disappointment were the fries, there was nothing special about them. No seasoning, no parmesan and herbs, nothing. Maybe this is a Chicago thing but very rarely do I see plain fries anymore. The brisket was good and the serving size was great, you do receive one BBQ sauce to add if you like. I would like to have more than one BBQ sauce option, hopefully this is something they can add in the future. Overall not a bad first experience, I hope to see improvement once they have been open for awhile.
(3)
Ashley R.

Our first time here from MN. Definitely a cool place and serves food! They had some great beers on tap that you can't get in bottles!
(4)
Matt H.

I'm always a fan of Bell's beer and I'm even more a fan of heading down to the Eccentric Cafe for some libations. The atmosphere is always light, except when it's shoulder to shoulder on a busy evening! Every time we've been there we thoroughly enjoy the knowledge of the folks behind the bar...and with so many beers to choose from, that is quite an undertaking. The beer is second to none around here and we always find our way to taking home not a growler...but a 1/4 barrel for the home kegerator (3 tap might I add :) ) Whether it is a staple beer like Oberon or Winter White or a one-off, the quality is always on the mark. If you're in the mood for some cool food; they have that too and it is always nice and flavorful.
(5)
Erin L.

Went to grand opening last night. Beer is good and timely. There was no hostess stand or anyone to seat people, so we weren't sure if we sat ourselves or wait. We were greeted by our server who didn't know the market prices for the menu items. Took forever to get ice waters we asked for twice. We ordered cheese plate (market price) and the food delivery person didn't tell us what the cheeses were and there were only four slices of french bread to go with our assortment of cheeses for $12. Needs more crackers, pretzels, something to crunch on with the cheese. The pickled veg was OK, but not much for presentation. We ordered fish and chips for $16.00. It was great lakes perch and portions of fish were small compared to other restaurants in the area. Lots of fresh-cut fries. Red cabbage slaw that had a lot of watery-mayo in it. Needs work - took ONE HOUR to receive our fish and chips. We got several apologies from the server. She was polite, but not very knowledgeable of menu yet. Probably wait a few weeks before re-visiting. My suggestion for Bell's would be to limit the dining room full service and anyone who wants to order food and sit elsewhere should order at the bar and pick up like they used to do it. The servers and kitchen were extremely backed up due to it being full service throughout the bar, beer garden and dining area.
(2)
Judy L.

We were visiting the area and had to stop by for my husband who is a big fan of Bells. I was a little hesitant with the reviews since we have a toddler in tow but it turned out well. They have an open area with tables and table service! The servers were friendly and food was good. I had the brisket dip, my husband had the pulled pork sandwich and my daughter had a chicken quesadilla off the kids menu. Portions were decent and my husband also got to enjoy a beer sampler. Afterwards we hung out in the garden where he was able to relax and have another beer while my daughter walked around. I definitely recommend stopping by but come early if possible since parking fills up fast. We got there at 5:30pm on Friday and there wasn't a lot of spots left.
(4)
Lauren L.

Always make it a point to stop here when I drive near. Yummy beers! Friendly staff! And they put shows on in the back. Keep up the good work!
(4)
Moira G.

the new restaurant is even better than imaginable! the food offers fresh ingredients with array of dish sizes! and even better than the food is the beer! keep eyes peeled for music in the back room and garden makes the bells experience a full rounded Kalamazoo experience!
(5)
Leslie V.

Beer is fantastic. Service is a little erratic. Love the environment & really like what they're doing for the neighborhood!
(4)
Hack P.

My wife and I LOVE Bell's beer. We loved the old food menu, specially the Pork Tacos and the Jambalaya. We are very disappointed with the new menu. It is very overpriced and nothing seems to call our attention. What a disappointment... Shame on you Larry Bell for only thinking on the wealthy class!
(1)
Nancy K.

I was underwhelmed. Food was just okay. Service is non-applicable as you serve yourself (drinks and food). We went as a group (hive mind). I wouldn't go back.
(1)
Rob B.

This brewery is awesome! They have 24 beers on tap and some experimental too. I'm trying Kalamazoo IPA. DELISH! My brother has the Larry's latest bock. Decent. They have outdoor seating and today is a fantastic day! This place is popping! The line is out the door. Come early and drink some of Michigan's finest brew!
(5)
Tim W.

Excellent beer. Clean entrance,tables,restrooms. Nice outside areas. Service and food was better before the recent changes. Hostess working Friday 17 of July struggled with seating. The food quality and prices where off balance. Maybe they are still in training with kitchen help and food service? I think it's a good place for a beer and snacks.
(4)
Christos K.

its really as good as it gets. the new garden is perfect for relaxing. the food was delicious and the service very friendly. we're counting down the perfect days, but we'll be back before harsh times in midwest high.
(5)
Priscilla H.

It's Bell's, which equals Two Hearted, so that's good. Sound is always good at shows. It's a Kalamazoo staple.
(4)
Nam K.

We stopped by on our way to Chicago from Traverse City. I've had their beers (bottles, of course) and I liked them. I wanted to check out the brewery. I like the decors. The stained glass windows are really unique for a bar. The beers were great. I had 2 beers, i just don't remember what they were. We had the pulled pork sandwich. it was big enough for 2 of us. Between Founders and Bells I would choose Founders for their uniqueness in their offerings. Good food, good beers. What are u waiting for? Go there, spend time in their beer garden.
(4)
O. R.

Wow, Bell's has done it again! First, and easiest to review, is the beer. The standards are great but was I glad to see their Roundhouse IRA on the menu. OMG, it's the beer you never want to finish. I usually try a flight or some different ones but I had two Roundhouses with dinner and that was heaven. The appetizers we had were all good but the wings were noteworthy. These were not the bargain wings at BWW where they slop sauce on. These were a wonderful serving of dry-rub wings that were perfectly savory, sweet, spicy...and just delicious. We also enjoyed the Brussel sprouts that, although tasty and perfectly cooked, were a bit on the oily side. Still good, though. The entrees, too, all were good - surprisingly good for 'bar food', really. The Brisket (French) Dip was perhaps the best I ever had. Don't miss the extra treat of dipping your fries into the glorious au jus that accompanies the sandwich. The Banh Mi (duck confit, pickled daikon & carrot, cucumber, jalapeÃ±os, sambal aioli) also is not to be missed. What a treat. I'm not sure if they even offer dessert but if I was still hungering for something more I sweat I would just order another Roundhouse IRA. Well done, Bell's. We look forward to many more visits. You are a welcome addition to a growing culinary scene in Kalamazoo that includes the outstanding Food Dance, Rustica, and others.
(5)
Joe J.

Just visited for the first time since they reopened--definitely worth the trip! They finally have table service and sat outside on a beautiful evening. The food was delicious, and beer is always good of course. The menu here used to be really limited and not good, imho. Now they expanded menu and everything looks good. I had the bean wrap. Normally I like some meat in my wrap, but this was awesome. Lightly toasted and large portion, I couldn't finish the whole thing, but our waitress cheerfully brought us boxes to take home. Had a mango habanero Oberon, it was good, but spicy! Oracle is always good here, if you haven't been in awhile, you gotta check it out.
(5)
Karen B.

Bell's recently expanded and went to a full service model. My husband has always raved about the eccentric cafe, so we had to stop when we were in town for the afternoon. Good service and the beer was great, even though our server wasn't very knowledgeable about the beer menu. It seems Like something that could be ironed out over time. As for the food, the menu is "foodie" friendly. Probably not a good spot if you're looking for run of the mill burgers and beers. With that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed my burger. If I remember correctly, it was topped with a choice of cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and Russian dressing. It was cooked to order and seasoned well. The fries were crisp and hot.
(4)
May B.

I always make it a point to check this place out when I'm in town. They've expanded in the last five or so years, offering more areas to sit and enjoy a brew - which has helped, but on a busy day, it can still be hard to find a place to sit or stand with a drink. They always have beers to try out that you may not find around in the store which I always enjoy. I don't think I've had any food here before, but I always leave satisfied with a couple of beers. Sometimes I make it over to the store to pick up a 6 pack or other Bells gear to take home and represent MI and the brew community!
(5)
Erin R.

First time here in a few years. It's Bells beer so what's not to like there?!? The beer selection is always plentiful and delicious. There is something for every palate. My hubs got the smoked wings and they were the BOMB!! SO GOOD! Highly recommend those. I got the brisket dip sandwich and it was really tasty!! I would totally recommend it also. I got a side salad with the house dressing and it was really tasty too. Our server was kinda a quirky dude, almost creeper-ish but he was still a good server, we got great service. Can't wait to go back again next time we're in town.
(5)
Nicole B.

Being that it is the 30th anniversary and there are hundreds of people in town , they are still very accommodating and have a awesome patio to sit in . The beer flights are very nice option , and the appetizers are on point ! Definitely coming back !
(4)
Brooke K.

Bells brewery stop number... (by this time I can't remember) on our Michigan brewery adventure vacation. There are over 300 reviews so obviously the word is out, when in Kalamazoo this is a must! Who wouldn't want to "stumble" into this brewery that is continuously ranked as one of the top craft breweries in the US. The good stuff! *Excellent beer! Get a flight. I recommend trying the beers with the (flying monkey?) next to them as those are options you won't typically be able to try anywhere else. *Huge selection of choices, it's practically overwhelming, have the staff make recommendations if you can't decide. *You can order pints in 3 different sizes, which is great for sampling *Beautiful grounds. Love the large outdoor common areas. Great place in the summer! Would love to visit when a band is playing in their outdoor space. *The inside isn't too shabby either, lots of high ceilings, dark wood, natural light. *Stop in their general store (next door) for beer to-go, Bells merch, and home-brewing supplies. The bad stuff! The food.... I ordered a grilled cheese and tomato soup. My husband ordered a pretzel plate. What could go wrong with those options? Well, the grilled cheese was burnt (actually crunchy). The best part was we were expecting fresh baked pretzels for our "pretzel plate" instead we received bagged pretzel rods with dipping sauces. Hey, I may have had a few beers but I still want something more from my pretzel stick then a crunchy rod. Just saying. It made for a good laugh & they were only $3. We definitely won't forget that part of our experience!
(4)
Phillip K.

What a cool, unique, inspirational bar! Starting off with the atmosphere and feel. First when you walk in, you are in a beautiful cobble store and brick hallway, on your right is a "beer garden" and left a large wide open room with plenty of room to mingle and drink. The kind of people that come here are pretty cool too! You definitely get connected to the community. Second, the selection: WOW delicious wide selection of IPA, ciders, and meads YUM. I highly recommend their mead. A crisp sweet refreshing honey wine. I'm a major fan. Drink prices are adorable, and to be hones I had 2 drinks and had a decent buzz! I hadn't ordered a meal but their menu reflects their personality. It's not the largest menu but the things they have they sure do well! I can definitely say that this is a place that I will be coming back too.
(4)
Lauren D.

I love the brewery; it's been one of my favorite spots for years. I'm conflicted on the new restaurant though.... I tried it last night, and honestly the food was pretty bad and with all of the hype surrounding the menu, I would classify this as a major let-down. We ordered the burger. Base price $14, which to me says that it should be amazing if it's going to be that expensive. Added bacon for $2. Requested medium rare and the burger came out dried out and well done. Ordered the smoked wings, which 3 weeks ago at the old restaurant were a Sunday special, 8 wings for $6 with three different sauce options. Now a permanent fixture on the menu, 8 wings for $10, no sauce options at all (dry rub), and again they were dried out. Poutine, AKA Canadian junk food. Should be comprised of crispy fries, rich brown gravy, and white cheese curds, not melted. (The hot fries amd gravy warm the cheese, which should be distinct and 'squeeky'.) This turned out to be a mess of soggy fries, sawmill gravy (ok...), and melted cheddar. Could not detect any duck confit, 'cracklins', or parsely. For $12, I expect a well composed dish, not a side of geasy cheese fries that frankly, I could have gotten at a minor league ball game in a paper sleeve. I'm incredibly dissappointed Bells. The food you produced in the old kitchen always exceeded expectations and was fairly priced. Now I feel like I'm paying an arm and a leg for something sub-par. Topping it off, and I don't know if this is a permanent change or not, but I find it frustrating that you can no longer order your food and sit anywhere... you have to be in the restaurant section or you won't be served. Kind of feel like I need to find a new beer garden, which is sad... I will miss the atmosphere, but what's the point of enjoying patio beers on a Saturday if you don't want to have lunch there too? Dissappointed to say the least.
(2)
Brian F.

Ordering the flight of beers was a bit chaotic on a Saturday night, but they were poured efficiently and all excellent. The food was pretty good, though overpriced for what it is. The space itself is interesting; it's huge, with lots of places indoors and out to hang out. Unfortunately there were smokers outside in one area.
(4)
Esther C.

I always go for the Mead beer
(5)
Erica T.

Our upstairs neighbors have been telling us about Bell's and Oberon for ages, and finally, when we travelled to Michigan we were able to try both! Bell's has a great set up, with an outdoor area as well. We sat inside at a big picnic table right by the bar. There were so many beers to choose from! My boyfriend and I shared a sampler and we loved everything, except the red ale (I think?) which was just a bit too hoppy for our tastes. The menu was also full of delicious things to choose from as well, we split the pulled pork and the buffalo chicken dip. The pulled pork was SO good. I wish we hadn't decided to share that one. The next time I'm there, I'll definitely be ordering it again. The buffalo chicken dip was good too, heavier on the blue cheese than I would have liked, but still good. Bell's seems like a great place to get together with friends, spacious so there's room for larger than average groups and you can actually hear the people you are sitting with which is always a plus.
(5)
Hayley G.

One of my favorite restaurants in Kalamazoo! It's a little tight on space, which can be a bit of a pain when you're hungry, but the food and beer is worth the wait. If you're looking for an appetizer, the buffalo chicken dip is delicious! I've tried a couple of different sandwiches off of the regular menu, but I usually choose their 'eccentric grilled cheese' off of their specialty menu board. It's always something new, and is always delicious! If you've never been to Bells', get the beer flight! It gives you a chance to try some of their beers without a huge commitment if you're not sure what you like! In the summer, make sure you sit outside in their garden patio, it's wonderful!
(4)
Todd L.

I checked out this place while on a work trip and it was awesome! The selection is massive and the bar snacks are tasty. Definitely check this place out if you're in the area.
(4)
Tom H.

Bell's is definitely Kalamazoo's hometown brand. Other breweries have weighed in next to it but for now everyone pretty much plays second fiddle to their market presence. If you're from out of town you almost have to go here to say you've truly been in Kalamazoo. It's not just a notch in your Tour of Kazoo belt but also a really cool place. Oberon is my favorite. It's a seasonal summer beer that throws it's own party each year when it's reintroduced. In the off season I have the Pale or Amber Ale. All are definitely worth trying. The rest of the beer is a mixed bag depending upon what you enjoy. I recommend trying a set of samplers if you're feeling adventurous. Some of the flavors have more of a bite than others and you'll see the alcohol content displayed on the list next to each name. If you're not sure the bartenders are well versed in describing each brew. There is a limited food menu and when you order at the bar they'll prepare and serve it to you about 15 feet to the right of the bar. The kitchen closes a lot earlier than the rest of the bar so don't forget to order up if you haven't eaten. This place comes alive in the summer with a huge outdoor seating area (aka the beer garden or lawn area)and lots of live bands. They even pull a somewhat recognizable name upon occasion. It's definitely the place to go on a summer night when you want to enjoy beer, music, friends and a great outdoor environment. You'll see some of the college campus folks there but they by no means flock there. The demographic is more mainstream Kalamazoo folks which is another reason to have a good time and hang with the locals.
(4)
William B.

Disappointing. The recent restaurant upgrade is exciting but the reality is not. Impressive new menu is undermined by overpriced average fare. It goes without saying that the beer is great.
(3)
Chris B.

The new Cafe is AMAZING!!! Great atmosphere, fun menu and fresh ingredients. Couldn't ask for anything better.
(5)
Kayu T.

This place is awesome! We stopped by on a rode trip and we're officially making this the pitstop every time! Atmosphere, quality and price were all spot on :-) our 'snack break' turned into a full on meal in a heartbeat.
(5)
David D.

$7 for a half-full bowl of French Onion soup? At least serve it with a little loaf of fresh bread with herb butter. Nope. Just a SMALL bowl of soup for $7. Not my idea of value, no matter how tasty.
(2)
Hillary M.

I felt like I was back home in Seattle - closest thing to a brewpub that we found on our 5 day road trip in the Midwest. Service was great - lots of interesting spaces and art. Food was delicious (try the Kitchen Krack!) and the beer selection was impressive. The Kalamazoo Stout was perfect. I wish we had to stay longer in Kalamazoo - we would have come here more often (General Store next door was great too - and there's plenty of parking nearby).
(5)
Julie B.

First let me preface this review by saying Bell's beer is really, really good. Nobody can argue with that at all. However, in my opinion, everything else is mediocre (at best!) The food is so overly priced - it's crazy! This is supposed to be a brew pub...and it used to have a brew pub feel to it. With the new renovation, all the eccentric chemistry is gone. By turning the place into a fine dining establishment complete with cloth napkins, the old ambiance has disappeared. I have eaten here twice this summer and have been 100% disappointed both times. They've tried to make it WAY too upscale. True, Bell's has plenty of wait staff now, but what good are they if they stand around talking to each other instead of servicing their customers? On our most recent visit we had a grouchy waitress who acted like it was an imposition to wait on us. Shouldn't there at least be a smile??? All in all, of course we will go back...but we will sit at the bar and pretend we're at the "old" Bell's. We will not be ordering food, that's for sure! And, it's obvious that I am not the only one who feels this way because the garden was empty and remained so for much of the evening. It used to always be packed and the crowded atmosphere was what made it fun to be there. All that positive energy is nowhere to be found. What a disappointment.
(2)
John M.

Excellent craft beer selections and smoked meats! Highly recommend for lunch pint hour.
(4)
Kami F.

Didn't know quite what to do when we arrived....no wait staff so we were informed to get in line for the bar. Ordered 2 appetizers and after 30 minutes, went to check on the order at a random window and they said it would be another 45 minutes! Se we cancelled our order and left after finishing our beer. Advice for Bells: Don't offer a menu if you cannot run your kitchen efficiently. Advice for patrons: Don't go hungry!
(2)
Jacquelynn A.

WARNING kitchen closes at 9 pm!! This important information is obvious on Bells website(as I was told when I asked why it isn't posted in the restaurant) but who is looking at the website when you're at the actual location!!! The beer was delicious... no surprise there. The spinach artichoke dip appetizer was good but nothing special. We had intentions of ordering dinner but it took my husband 10 min to get the bar tenders attention and by that time it was 9:05 and he was informed that the kitchen was closed. Bull shit. Disappointing to say the least!
(3)
Giles C.

I used to love Bells, but then they started suing tiny breweries 1000 miles away for completely bogus trademark infringement. No amount of good beer will have me spending my money with a bully. Stop being nasty and put your lawyers back in their cage.
(1)
Jessica I.

I've been here several times, most recently on a boisterous Saturday night. I can't say I'm a fan when it's wall-to-wall college kids and wedding parties in here, but there's a reason it's crowded. They offer a wide selection of standard and unusual Bell's beer, which is mostly why this place gets five stars from me. The staff is good -- fast when it's busy and friendly and knowledgeable when they have more time.
(5)
ryan h.

Oh Bells, I hope things improve. Last night I was so excited to try the new menu and enjoy a more refined dinner dish. What I received was an overpriced, over cooked fish and chips. The batter used was probably a little to old, and completely overcooked. The staff seemed overwhelmed and not engaged in transferring from a deli to the newly adopted menu. In years past, Bells relied on its beer and provided basic sandwiches that tasted good but nothing over the top. The new menu has much higher priced menu items, and so far the food did not deliver on the price point. In addition to a new lay-out, food is no longer permitted in the beer garden and is reserved for beer drinkers. Gone our the days of sitting in the grass with friends and enjoying a picnic vibe....Please continue to do what you do best, make the best beer around. And good luck getting the food and staff on point, as of right now it was not worth the nearly $60 tab we paid for two dinners and chips for an app. At one point, I saw nearly every table with empty beer glasses and no one eating, and clear sign of being under staffed and poorly trained.
(1)
Meghann B.

New restaurant is awesome! Food will not disappoint. Service was okay, nothing to rave about but it was super busy. Good to check out if your a bells fan. Green curry tofu dinner plate was great. Brussels sprouts are amazing!!!!!
(4)
Robert K.

A Kalamazoo icon and watering hole. Once a local hangout for beer geeks, college bohos, and people who just liked great beer. After several reviews from international beer gurus in the early 1990s things took off. Solsun / Oberon marketing was a stroke of genius. Now gentrified, Bell's still has the best beer in the USA, yet the eccentric cafe retains some the Kazoo funk and charm from back in the day. The old locals may sneer at Larry Bell's successes and excesses, but it's still the best beer in the land -- and they know it.
(5)
Amy X.

I love the beer here (duh) but the food is lackluster. Do not order both the black bean wrap and the Kitchen Crack because they are literally the same thing, just served with different carbs to scoop the mixture of rice/beans/avocado/pico/cheese into your chomper. DUMB mistake on my part, but you'd think the bartender would have warned me. There are nuts at the bar, but you have to pay for them. I know, bummer huh? Outdoor seating is really nice.
(3)
Mallory O.

I love Bell's and I'm so proud it's a part of my hometown! Great beer, great food, great place.
(5)
Beth C.

I'd rate Bells a pretty great little brew pub. The food is fantastic, and most of the beers are as well. They get some cool entertainment coming through there. I don't love the set-up of the place, but I DO love the rustic look. The bottles in the windows!? Awesome. A must-visit place to an out of towner for sure..
(4)
Alex K.

I was torn between a four and a five for the Eccentric Cafe. Eh... I guess take this as a 4.75/5, if that shit matters at all. I got here at about noon or so on a Friday (July 5th to be exact) and I still had to wait about 10-15 minutes in line. Considering it was lunch time, I'm actually kind of surprised I didn't have to wait longer. Got to the front of the line (which is at the bar, oddly enough), ordered a paddle, and the reuben sandwich. I was given one of those -- for the lack of a better word -- vibrators, and sat down at an open table with my beer. All six that I had sampled were average or better. My personal favorite was the Quinannan Falls Lager... holy hell that stuff is great. I know. "Lager". Just trust me, it's fantastic. To my surprise, the Eccentric Cafe is *somewhat* small... there are probably a few less than two dozen tables. For those that want to, there's the option to sit outside. Well, during Spring until maybe Fall... who the hell would want to sit in the snow and drink. Alright, okay, the reuben. The price of the sandwich escapes me, but it was between $8-$10... which turned out to be a super fair price. There was about an inch of meat on the sandwich, which is A-OK with me. The sandwich also came with some really tasty chips... I'm not sure if they make them at the cafe, or if they're store bought, but the seasoning on it was pre' good. I also had a taste of the sausage from the jambalaya and thought that was well above average. I should also add that the $10 (?) jambalaya comes in a pretty big bowl. Just sayin'. Bell's Eccentric Cafe is a great place. I had the option of going here or to Arcadia in Battle Creek on my way to Chicago... is there really a comparison (as far as beer is concerned)? No. No there isn't. I only have one minor gripe with the Eccentric Cafe, if you can really call it that. Is there no waitressing? The way this place is run is somewhat unusual to me. Order drinks *and* food at the bar. Get your drink(s). Wait awhile. Get buzzed in for your food. Pick up your food... nobody comes to your table. If you want a refill, you have to go up and get one yourself. Oh yeah, and that wait can take quite a little while. Despite that, this is a must visit for a beer fan. I came here with a couple other people that have zero interest in craft beer (SHAME ON THEM!), but they really liked their food as well. I'd definitely come back if I'm in Kalamazoo again.
(5)
Andrew D.

This was probably the most fun brewery attached bar I have been to. Normally I like either a tasting room or a brew pub, and not the places that walk the line between the two, but this place does so very well. You just walk up to the bar and stare at the huge board of the available draft options. They all have good descriptions on them, and if you want a taste of one to help make up your mind, just ask. The beers were mostly all available in 12 or 16 oz sizes, which is nice if you want to try a few without getting too far gone. I think I counted about 32 beers available while I was there, so you will probably want to try a bunch of them. The beer is all good. I've never had a bad Bell's. The only recommendation I would make is to have some better non beer options for the loved one's who get dragged along to the bar. They have some wine and a house made wine cooler (which tasted like kool-aid) but I didn't see any high end ciders. I think they should reach out to a MI cider producer and get one or two taps of that just to give another option. That won't stop me from coming back every time I'm in the area though, as I love beer, and Bell's is great.
(5)
Timothy B.

Went here for brews and was not disappointed. They had an immense selection of beers so it only seemed natural to get a flight. The flights are served on a paddle, which may look cool but is difficult to transport. Furthermore, it makes for a disturbing moment when you set it down because the cups that hold the beer extend well below the paddle. Navigation through the crowded bar area with a giant paddle is also exciting. Anyways... I would say I liked 3/6 beers I tried, another 1 was average. They had a really good Bear Hug Imperial Stout that was smooth and delicious. I also liked their harvest ale. The disappointing beers were the Venus (Planets release series) which, I suspect, was equally as acidic as the gases on Venus, and the Boon Companion which tasted like tree bark which I have tried as a kid and recall it was not pleasant. The outdoor seating area was excellent - filled with many picnic tables as well as an extensive lawn without seating which is probably used frequently for concerts and events. The general store is also worth a gander and has some great beer-making supplies and many of the bottles they offer as well as growler fills for select beers.
(4)
Christine O.

Always my go-to place when I'm in town. Great food, great service, AMAZING beer! It can get pretty crowded on the weekends, but it's worth pushing through people for some amazing beer!
(5)
Chuck S.

This was our favorite stop on our Michigan Beercation in September of 2014. There is nothing like going straight to the source for fresh beer. Bell's is one of the top brewery's in the country and they didn't disappoint. I always try to drink beers that are hard to find at home. I started with a flight which included the following: Mars: the bringer of war (planet series) Roundhouse IRA which was a Double Red Ale Octoberfest which was a Marzen The Oracle which was a IIPA Everyone of these beers were amazing and made me wish I lived next door to this place. My favorite was clearly the Mars which I couldn't find anywhere near my home. IIPA's are my jam and this has to be one of my favorites of all time. I love that this place has food. Not just any food but amazing food. You order the food at the counter and pick up the food yourself as well. This seemed to be a Michigan thing because we did the same thing at Founders. I was very impressed with the atmosphere of this place. They had some old railroad memorabilia of a local train station that used to be nearby I believe. The windows had custom stained glass which was a nice touch.
(5)
Liza V.

I have a little love affair with Bell's beer. I know, I know, I am not the only one. So, naturally, on our trip Up North, we went out of our way to make it to Bell's Brewery. We were here on a Saturday around 2:30 and they were BUSY!! I'm sure the weekdays are a bit less packed, but I'd say leave yourself some time on your stop in. There is no table service, so you need to figure out what you want, and order at the bar. Then, you get a buzzer and wait at your table, then pick up your food at the window. So that also means when you need a refill, or a new beer, you have to wait in line again. Our food was a-ok. We had the BBQ sampler, the blackened chicken wrap, and the pulled pork. We also started with the pretzel appetizer-the biggest disappointment. The sauces were sub-par, and the four small pretzel rolls were hard on the outside, and cold. Then you also get a big ol' pile of pretzel rods. Woop-dee-doo. But I was happy with the three BBQ sauces served with the sampler, and all of the meats weren't bad, but I've had better for sure. The thing that made this a 4-star review was, of course, the BEER! We 6 kinds. The one that sticks out is the Wedding Ale. Whoa momma! It was fantastic. We weren't disappointed by any of the beers we tried. There had to be at least 30 different brews on tap. So awesome. But, sadly, no growlers! C'mon Larry, do the growler thing!
(4)
Bethany S.

Made the hour trip just to get some good beers, a growler and a meal. Had the grilled cheese on special with munster cheese (my fav)on house made bread. Very good. Chips were plain old kettle but good. Pickle was, I hope, house made because it was limp and lost all flesh to it so I hope they didn't buy them. Was a little annoyed that I couldn't fill my growler at the pub but was willing to go to the gift shop ( which I had to drive to) to get some. Was REALLY annoyed that I was not told by the bartender that I wouldn't be able to fill the growlers I had because they weren't Bell's growlers. Gift shop only had four beers to choose from to fill and I was told immediately that I wouldn't be able to us my own growlers. When I asked why, he stated some mumbo-jumbo about labeling laws and how special their beer was with their own growlers. Walked out empty handed. I would have given 4 stars if I hadn't gone to Pawpaw Brewing and they had no problem filling my growlers and put their sticker on so it was within Michigan law. Smh.
(3)
Laure M.

Trivia and good beers! On sunday nights they organize the trivia competition which is really fun. The room is freezing cold and the food is not that great (snacking food) but they have to beers to compensate.
(3)
Lazer P.

Kalamazoo's flagship brewery and premiere music venue. The eccentric cafe boasts an epic rotation of experimental beers you can only find there along with the outstanding regular lineup. They also host a variety of great musicians/bands and in addition fun events like Beer tastings/Parings, trivia nights, movie nights, etc. If you're only visiting Kalamazoo, this is THE destination to go to. Did I mention the food is great too?!?
(5)
Melissa V.

Bell's is great spot for several reasons. First of all, there is the obvious draw for the beer lover. I was not previously a beer lover, but some of Bell's brews are bringing me around. The beer menu is ever changing and includes both the distributed favorites but also small batch and experimental batch beers that you won't find anywhere else. The musical talent that performs in the Eccentric Cafe is wonderful and ever growing. This year especially I have been impressed by the line up. The Beer Garden Opener in June is not to missed, and has thus far always been headlined by Greensky Bluegrass. Great show. In December they host their annual Eccentric Day. People come dressed, well.. eccentrically! Costumes, make up, fake biker gangs, you never know what you might see. For the event Bell's has two free food buffets stocked with eccentric food. Great stinky cheeses, wild game dishes and unusual ingredients are the focus and are so much fun to explore. And did I mention that it is FREE? The staff and food are also wonderful. The service has always been great and everything I've tried from the menu has been delicious. They are currently building a restaurant in an adjacent building and I believe it is set to open in the spring.
(5)
Lyndsay L.

So many beers and so much stuff to stare at while you are eating. We got the plate that has three smoked meats (brisket, pork and chicken) and three BBQ sauces and it was delicious. I'm VERY VERY picky about BBQ (only 'cause we have the best right here in Rock Island) so I was wary to try it...but I was pleasantly suprised. I had a Deb's Red Ale and I forgot the other beer, both were yummers. If we lived in Kalamazoo, we'd be here way too often!
(5)
Chad B.

The mothership of great Michigan beer! Some of the older craft breweries show their age. However, Bell's continue's to sell their classic beers from years age--and they still taste great. At the same time they are creating new, edgy beers that hold up to all the new breweries. The selection onsite is always amazing, including experimental beer. The eccentric cafe is a wonderfully low-key place to bring yourself and even your family. The food rises above default bar food into something fun and interesting. However, it is all about the beer. True, parking around Bell's is always requires a walk across the railroad tracks, and the pretzel's are just dried pretzel sticks. But come for the beer and enjoy the laid back attitude.
(5)
Ron L.

There is only one thing the waitstaff needs,EFFORT!! Are you kidding me? I can understand the place is busy, but come on people, can we speed it up a bit?
(3)
Sarah S.

My very favorite brewery in the area! I do not live in Michigan but visit here very often so every time I come to the Kzoo area I always stop at the Eccentric Cafe and General store. Beautiful space and the patio is awesome! Service is always great and friendly.
(5)
Stina N.

Bell's was the second stop on an improptu Michigan beer tour I embarked on with my brother, sister in law and boyfriend. We did the brewery tour and stuck around for a while to taste some beers. We'd already eaten lunch at Arcadia so we didn't have any of the food. The tour was okay. I felt like the tour guide was just talking at us, and while she was giving us quite a bit of information, I don't feel like I got much out of it. I've done other mircro/ craft-brewery tour as well as tours at major breweries, and the Bell's tour was near the bottom of my list. It was free though so really I can't complain much. The space itself is awesome though. I love that they have a garden area (though it was cold and rainy so we didn't actually get to experience it), and the loft area in the bar was fun. It's just got a great vibe to it. I could see myself hanging out here pretty regularly if I lived in the area. We hung out and shared a flight of beer. $12 for 6 tasters. It was plenty for us, and the price wasn't terrible. I've done some pay by the glass beer tasting events in Chicago and 2oz tasting glasses generally go for $1 - $2 each. I actually hate Oberon and Two Hearted which are probably the two most popular Bell's beers out there so I was really excited to try some other beers that aren't as widely distributed. I really love that there are several beers here that are exclusively served on location. These are, in my opinion, some of their best beers.
(4)
Bill J.

Very cool and funky offshoot of Bell's Brewery, it's located in downtown Kalamazoo next to the Bell's Brewery General Store. I like the casual and laid back vibe here. Also enjoyed the beer, I had a couple of Third Coast Ales that were light and crisp. I'd give them 4 stars if the food was better. I had a pulled pork sandwich, the menu boasted that the pork was smoked in-house. Evidently it had been smoked and then put in the refrigerator because my sandwich was barely warm and had a couple of cold spots. The barbecue sauce was way too sweet for my taste. The chips were decent, but it seemed like I got the last serving out of the bag, lots of small broken pieces. The Asian coleslaw wasn't fresh, probably should have been thrown out a day or two earlier. I took one small bite and pushed it aside. Service was okay but could definitely improve and could be friendlier as well. I'd come here again, but I'd eat somewhere else first, then enjoy a couple of beers on their patio.
(3)

Q&A on Taco Bell

Who owns Taco Bell?

Taco Bell is a restaurant chain subsidiary owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. which controls the restaurant division of PepsiCo.

When does Taco Bell stop serving breakfast?

Taco Bell starts serving breakfast from 6 a.m. which is one hour later than other competitors. However, the restaurant chain continues serving breakfast till 11 a.m. which is half an hour later than other competitors.

When is Taco Bell happy hour?

Happy hour at Taco Bell starts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Are Taco Bell beans healthy?

Beans are rich in protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and phosphorous. Hence, Taco Bell beans are healthy in nature. However, there are claims that Taco Bell uses a rehydrated slew of mystery ingredients instead of beans. So, simply inquire about the beans before ordering items serving Taco Bell beans.

Which Taco Bell is closest to me?

Use our Restaurant Listings directory to find Taco Bell nearby.

Which Taco Bell sauce is hottest?

Diablo is the hottest Taco Bell sauce.

Which Taco Bell sauce is best?

In terms of popularity, the Mild sauce is undoubtedly the best Taco Bell sauce favored by Americans.

Which Taco Bell sauces are vegan?

Hot and Mild sauces are certified vegan.

Which Taco Bell has nacho fries?

Taco Bell has a habit of discontinuing and relaunching Nacho Fries. You can find the Taco Bell locations nearby to see if the Taco Bell store has Nacho Fries.

Which Taco Bell is open right now?

Taco Bell opens at 6 a.m. in the morning and stays open until 3 a.m. the next day at major locations. In New York city, the Taco Bell stores stay open till 11 p.m. or 12 midnight.

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About Taco Bell

Taco Bell is a haven for Mexican delicacies such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos, and other specialty items. Owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. Taco Bell is one of the fastest growing American chains of fast food restaurants. The restaurant operates from 7,072 different locations which are mostly run by independent franchisees and licensees.

The background story of Taco Bell is interesting and inspiring for budding entrepreneurs. The fast-food brand is the brainchild of Glen Bell, who started his first food venture as a hot dog seller in San Bernardino, California. The year was 1948. After witnessing long queues outside a Mexican restaurant called Mitla Café across the street, Bell saw the opportunity and demand for hard-shelled Tacos. He reverse-engineered the recipe and later started selling Tacos and called the venture Taco-Tia.

Later, the name changed from Taco-Tia to El Taco. Eventually, Glen Bell sold the company to his partner and opened the first Taco Bell in Downey in 1962. By 1964, the restaurant also got its first franchise in Torrance. The 100^th Taco Bell restaurant was opened by 1965. PepsiCo acquired Taco Bell from Glen Bell in 1978 and the restaurant brand is currently a subsidiary of Yum! Brands which looks after the restaurant business of PepsiCo.

Healthy Food Options at Taco Bell

You may believe that a healthy lifestyle doesn't go well at a fast food restaurant. Well, that's not the case with Taco Bell. Surprisingly Taco Bell offers a variety of healthy options, thanks to the in-house registered dietician who monitors the whole menu. The dietician ensures that each item on the menu is free from additives and preservatives, colors, and artificial flavors. The dietician also ensures that the food served at Taco Bell doesn't contain high-fructose corn syrup, low sodium levels, and reduced use of partially hydrogenated oil.

More than 75% of food items served at Taco Bell falls under 500 calories. Taco Bell also features the Fresco Style option which helps the customers to maintain healthy diet plan without missing out on taste. In Fresco style option, Taco Bell switches pico de gallo with cheese, sour cream, guac, and mayo-based sauce. Taco Bell takes care of almost every health preference of its customers.

Tips for Dining at Taco Bell

Diabetics can also try other Fresco styled Taco items such as Fresco Crunchy Taco, Fresco Grilled Steak, and Fresco Soft Taco Beef. These are other healthy alternatives of Tacos for diabetics which contains an adequate amount of starch and minimum or no fat content. Switch the regular sauce or cheese with pico de gallo and you can easily reduce the sodium intake and fat content for your body. It will help maintain blood pressure levels and control high cholesterol.

Q&A on Taco Bell

Who owns Taco Bell?

Taco Bell is a restaurant chain subsidiary owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. which controls the restaurant division of PepsiCo.

When does Taco Bell stop serving breakfast?

When is Taco Bell happy hour?

Happy hour at Taco Bell starts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Are Taco Bell beans healthy?

Which Taco Bell is closest to me?

Use our Restaurant Listings directory to find Taco Bell nearby.

Which Taco Bell sauce is hottest?

Diablo is the hottest Taco Bell sauce.

Which Taco Bell sauce is best?

In terms of popularity, the Mild sauce is undoubtedly the best Taco Bell sauce favored by Americans.

Which Taco Bell sauces are vegan?

Hot and Mild sauces are certified vegan.

Which Taco Bell has nacho fries?

Taco Bell has a habit of discontinuing and relaunching Nacho Fries. You can find the Taco Bell locations nearby to see if the Taco Bell store has Nacho Fries.

Which Taco Bell is open right now?

Taco Bell opens at 6 a.m. in the morning and stays open until 3 a.m. the next day at major locations. In New York city, the Taco Bell stores stay open till 11 p.m. or 12 midnight.

Address : 355 E Kalamazoo Ave
Kalamazoo, MI, 49007
Phone (269) 382-2332
Website https://bellsbeer.com/eccentric-cafe/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 1:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No

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Bell’s Eccentric Cafe

355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Menu

Soup and Salad

Snacks

Charcuterie

Small Plates

Sandwiches

Large Plates

Kids

Diabetics at Taco Bell

Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Taco Bell:

Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for Diabetics:

Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:

Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:

Healthy Meal suggestions for Bell’s Eccentric Cafe

Soup and Salad

Snacks

Charcuterie

Small Plates

Sandwiches

Large Plates

Kids

Food Suggestions to Control Blood Pressure at Taco Bell:

Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Blood Pressure:

Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Taco Bell:

Foods to Avoid at Taco Bell for High Cholesterol:

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