Today, my wife and I decided to visit Bell the Cat, as we often do almost every week. It has become one of our favorite spots, thanks to its consistently fantastic food, creative drink offerings, and cozy atmosphere. Each visit brings a sense of comfort and familiarity, and this time was no different when it came to the quality of the food and beverages. We were especially impressed by the drinks prepared by Hope, the talented barista who never fails to deliver beverages that are not only delicious but also beautifully presented. It's clear she takes pride in her craft, and her attention to detail adds an extra layer of enjoyment to our visits. The food was also exceptional, living up to the high standards that keep us coming back. However, as much as we enjoyed our meal, there was one aspect of our experience that gave us pause. When we first arrived, we were greeted by a wonderful hostess who has been working at the restaurant since the summer. Her warm and friendly demeanor immediately made us feel welcome, setting a positive tone for the rest of our visit. After placing our order, we found a comfortable spot to sit, and it wasn't long before that same hostess brought our drinks to the table. At first, this seemed like a small but thoughtful gesture. However, as we observed her throughout the evening, it became increasingly apparent that she was taking on far more responsibilities than any one person should reasonably be expected to handle. Not only was she serving drinks, but she also took the time to wipe down the table next to ours, ensuring the area was clean and ready for the next guests. She even bused our plates when we were finished eating, all while maintaining a cheerful and professional attitude. What stood out most was that she was performing these tasks seemingly on her own. Another staff member, who appeared to be a busser, was behind the counter making drinks instead of assisting with these responsibilities. This imbalance in workload was hard to ignore. It highlighted what seems to be a larger issue with staffing or task delegation at the restaurant. While the hostess handled her duties admirably, it was clear that she was being stretched thin, taking on multiple roles simultaneously--greeting customers, serving drinks, cleaning tables, and more. This level of multitasking, while impressive, felt unfair and unsustainable for any one employee. It was difficult to watch her work so tirelessly without adequate support from her colleagues. Her dedication and work ethic were undeniable, but it was also disheartening to see her taking on so much while others seemed less engaged. I considered addressing the situation directly with her but ultimately decided against it, as she was already working incredibly hard and didn't need the added pressure of a conversation about the obvious staffing challenges. What struck me most was her kindness and attentiveness, even amid the chaos. As we were leaving, she went out of her way to hold the door open for us, a gesture that perfectly encapsulated her commitment to providing excellent service despite the less-than-ideal circumstances. While we will undoubtedly continue to visit Bell the Cat for its great food and drinks, this experience has left us hoping that the management takes a closer look at how their staff is supported. A hardworking employee like this hostess deserves to work in an environment where responsibilities are more evenly distributed and where her contributions are not only recognized but also appreciated. Restaurants thrive on the strength of their team, and ensuring that every member feels valued and supported is crucial for maintaining the high standards that customers like us have come to expect. I hope Bell the Cat addresses these concerns so that all of their employees, especially ones as dedicated as this hostess, can continue to shine without being overburdened. read more

Bell the Cat is hands down one of the most delightful restaurant experiences I've ever had! From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, but what truly sets this place apart are the amazing employees. They are incredibly kind, attentive, and maintain such a positive attitude, even during the busiest hours when the place is packed to the brim. It's rare to find a team that works so seamlessly together under pressure, but at Bell the Cat, they make it look effortless. Their dedication to service shines through in everything they do, and it elevates the entire dining experience. Now, let's talk about the food, starting with my absolute favorite: the sweet tea. As someone who loves Southern-style sweet tea, I can confidently say that Bell the Cat's sweet tea is the closest thing to the real deal that I've ever tasted. It's perfectly brewed with just the right amount of sweetness, not too overpowering, but still satisfying in every sip. In fact, I'm so hooked on it that I order one to-go almost every day--it's that good! It's become a staple in my daily routine, and I can't imagine going anywhere else for my sweet tea fix. The cinnamon rolls, though--wow. These aren't your average pastries. They are house-made, and you can taste the love and craftsmanship that goes into every single roll. The dough is soft and pillowy, the cinnamon filling is rich and perfectly spiced, and the icing drizzled on top is just the right balance of sweet without being too heavy. Every bite feels like a hug from the kitchen, and I wouldn't dream of leaving Bell the Cat without indulging in one. They're a treat you simply can't miss. Overall, Bell the Cat is more than just a restaurant--it's an experience. Whether you're stopping in for a quick meal, ordering to-go, or sitting down to enjoy a leisurely bite with friends, the exceptional service and incredible food make every visit special. The fact that they keep their cool and deliver top-notch service even when the place is packed speaks volumes about the team's dedication. I can't recommend Bell the Cat enough. It's a gem, and I'm so glad it's part of my community! read more

I visited Bell the Cat on Tuesday around lunchtime, and I was immediately greeted by the sweetest, most kind-hearted hostess. She went above and beyond to answer all my questions and brightened my day with her bubbly and cheerful personality. Her welcoming demeanor set a positive tone for my entire visit. At the register, I was helped by another incredibly kind staff member named Summer. She patiently guided me through using the tablet to place my order, making the process smooth and stress-free. Her friendly and helpful attitude stood out, and I truly appreciated her assistance. As for the food and coffee--absolutely fantastic, as always! Bell the Cat consistently delivers delicious meals and great coffee, which keeps me coming back. However, I did encounter a bit of an issue with cleanliness. There was scrambled egg on the floor left by a previous customer, and when I tried to flag down the busser to address it, she informed me that she couldn't clean it due to sensory issues. While I understand that sensory challenges can be difficult, I found it confusing since she was still able to wipe down tables with cleaning spray and handle dishes. Additionally, I found her response a bit dismissive. She mentioned having hearing issues, yet she appeared to have no problem hearing conversations at the table next to mine. I'm not sure of her name, but she was very thin and, unfortunately, came across as disrespectful in the way she handled the situation. Overall, my experience was a mix of highs and lows. The warm and attentive service from the hostess and Summer at the register was a highlight, and the food was excellent. However, the interaction with the busser left me feeling a bit disappointed, especially when it comes to customer service and cleanliness. I hope Bell the Cat addresses this, as it would make the overall experience even better. read more

I had a really disappointing experience at Bell the Cat. The food was downright awful--the eggs were so bad they made me want to throw up, and the fruit had a slimy texture that was super off-putting. When I tried to bring this up with my server, it was like talking to a brick wall. He was completely unresponsive, wouldn't even look me in the eyes, and seemed totally out of it, like a zombie. Frustrated, I went to the ladies at the register, but they were equally unhelpful. They kept telling me "one second" or "give me a minute," even though no one else was in line! It felt like they were more interested in chatting among themselves than helping a customer. At that point, I decided to go to the hostess to try ordering something new since the staff at the register were still clearly preoccupied. The hostess explained that she didn't have access to a handheld device to take my order, but she was incredibly sweet. Despite being busy hosting and doing what seemed like a million things at once, she took the time to listen to my complaints, making me feel as comfortable and calm as possible under the circumstances. She even managed to greet other customers walking in and getting in line, which was impressive given how understaffed the place seemed. After the hostess did all she could to help, I sat back down to wait for service. But it wasn't until 20 minutes later that the women at the register finally paid attention to me. Honestly, they really need more help up front. Either hire more staff or give the hostess a handheld device to assist when the line gets long because the line was still long even after I waited 20 minutes. Overall, it was a frustrating and disappointing experience that could have been avoided with better staffing and communication. read more

Disappointing Experience I had the worst experience at Bell the Cat recently. First off, the food was absolutely disgusting. It tasted stale and like it had been sitting out for way too long. I could barely eat any of it, and it made the entire visit feel like a waste of time and money. To make things worse, the servers barely acknowledged us. Not one of them came over to check on us or even say a word throughout the entire meal. It felt like they didn't care at all about the customers. The ladies at the counter were incredibly rude, acting like it was a hassle to take our order. I was honestly shocked at how unprofessional they were. The only saving grace was the hostess. It seemed like she was the only one doing anything around there. She was running all over the place, helping out where she could, and doing her best to make sure everything went smoothly. She was super sweet and helpful, which is more than I can say for the rest of the staff. Unfortunately, despite the hostess' efforts, this experience was a disaster. I won't be coming back. Bell the Cat really needs to step up their game if they want to keep customers. read more

I can't say enough great things about Bell the Cat--this place is always amazing! Every time I visit, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the staff goes above and beyond to make sure you have a great experience. The friendly smiles start as soon as you walk in, especially from their fantastic hostess. She greets everyone with a big smile, making you feel right at home from the moment you step through the door. Today, I had the pleasure of meeting Meagen, an incredible barista who really took her time crafting the perfect latte for me. You can tell she puts love and care into every drink she makes--it was absolutely delicious! I also want to give a shout-out to Hope, who made my sister's Bloody Mary with such attention to detail. It was one of the best we've ever had, and her warm personality made it even better. If you haven't been to Bell the Cat yet, you're missing out. From the amazing food and drinks to the wonderful people who work here, it's truly a special place. Highly recommend! read more

Wonderful Food, Amazing Hostess, but Front Desk Needs Improvement I visited Bell the Cat today, as I do almost every Sunday, and as always, the food was absolutely delicious. I was warmly greeted by the sweetest hostess, who went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable. She noticed I had difficulty walking and kindly found me a table, wiping it down for me right away. Her attentiveness and kindness really made my day. Unfortunately, my experience at the front desk wasn't as pleasant. When I went to place my order, both of the women behind the counter were laughing and didn't seem to notice me at first. When I finally got their attention, one of them was quite rude, which was disappointing. Overall, I love the food and the warm environment, but I hope the front desk team improves their customer service in the future. read more

Bell the Cat opened in its new location, just across from their former location on Rt 3. They are at 18 Hatley Road. The cafe is bright and cheerful. My husband and I had breakfast. The basic breakfast plate has a delicious variety and the scones and muffins (all the baked goods) are homemade and delicious.Staff is friendly and everything is clean and fresh. We highly recommend a stop at Bell the Cat (named from an Aesop fable). They are open from 7:30am to 3pm. read more

Very good atmosphere, fun quiet little place. Love their Caesar salad. It's an excellent choice no matter what your looking for. Good for meetings, get togethers with friends, lunch with the family, coffee breaks, quick take out lunches you can bring back to the office, etc. Absolutely love the vibe you get from this place. read more

This is a great little business and local meeting place for brunch or lunch. For dinner, the portion sizes are a bit small. But I value this place for good food, poetry readings, music now and then. A great addition to the community. I hope they continue to thrive! read more

The have vegan and vegeterian options. The panini with pesto is very delicious. 1point less because smoothies are too icy and cant really taste the fruits but other than that the employees are very nice. Really love the outdoor seating! read more

Love this place. Their fish chowder is delicious. Add a home made sandwich and you're all set for lunch or dinner. The new décor inside is fresh and welcoming. With very reasonable prices you won't be disappointed if you stop in. read more

Got the chicken cutlet sandwich on ciabatta bread excellent . Fresh baked bread's.. Clean atmosphere. Fast . Good service good desserts large portions I'll be back again read more

Delicious food, awesome atmosphere, and yummy drinks. Any time I'm inBelfast I make sure I stop here. They also have big comfy couches, movie nights and open mic. read more

Decent food, many choices. Make sure you know what you want before you go in to order otherwise you will find yourself gawking like a fool at the menu. read more

Best lattés and shakes around, and wonderful made-to-order sandwiches and salads. Friendly staff, fresh ingredients - always good!

The place is overpriced and the food is nothing to brag about. The staff is not that helpful either.

My go to! Excellent coffee, breakfast and lunch! Lovely staff. I eat there at least 3 times a week.

It's a great place for moon bats to hang out. Perfect for Belfast, not so great for normal people.