Great local bar & restaurant! Service is 5 stars, food is even higher!! This is a gem

The hours suck. They open at 5pm and not one minute before, so hopefully you don't want to wait for your reservation or other members in the dining party at the bar for a drink. It was also super dark inside and very hard to see any words on the menu. There were 3 people in our party, we ordered 3 drinks, 3 apps and 3 entrees. Calamari was crisp, seasonal salad great...but don't waste your money on the mozzarella, olive and red pepper app - it was good but nothing that you can't get anywhere else. Between the 3 of us we had the mushroom risotto with chicken - great, the Bell's Gambretti was fresh but not unique and the hamburger was fresh. The staff was friendly but rushed us the entire time, constantly asking if we were ready to order, anything else, dropped the check the second we were finished eating. And then we were just chatting for about 20 minutes after we paid for the check, another staff member came over and told us that people were waiting for our table. Literally the first time I've ever experienced this. The food was good, but not unique in any way so I won't be back. Also, most people who are out to eat are spending their hard earned money to enjoy their time out and the business should be appreciated. read more

Loved this restaurant!! A group of six of us came for dinner to say farewell to a good friend (she's moving). This was a great place for a group to have a great meal and spend some time without feeling rushed. A cozy atmosphere. Service was wonderful. My meal was delicious!!! I had the Chicken Diconzo. It was really delicious. I normally don't like chicken breast but this dish the chicken was very moist and very flavorful with the rosemary. The garlic mashed potatoes were amazing!!! It comes with a side salad that was also good. Portions were very generous!!! 3 of the ladies had a pasta dish and took left overs home. Everyone loved their meals!! They have a very nice beer and wine selection. They serve homemade bread to the table. They also leave a pitcher of ice water on the table so I never had to wait for a refill. I loved this!!! read more

Bell's Tavern - The Chicken Diconzo - Italian Near Me - Lambertville, New Jersey

My first time eating at BELLS TAVERN was a "surprise" dinner. I had no idea where we were going and I am sitting in the restaurant writing this restaurant because I am BLOWN AWAY! The food is (and this is extremely important during Covid) THE FOOD IS fresh, NOT "overdone" with too many ingredients and the owner/chef is more than accommodating "I do not know Tom" is the secret code word if you go in and want the owner to know you read this review;) I really want to only go to my friends and family about this place, but I cannot hide this GEM OF A RESTAURANT!!! Delicious. Spectacular service. The menu is EVERYTHING !!!!! And I need you to try for yourself. read more

Neighborhood place, cozy, friendly. Diverse menu and interesting specials with a full bar -both wine and beer specials. Gets crowded early, option for tables or stalking hi-chairs around the bar. Ordered the salmon special- grilled, swapped out their veggie prep for sautéed green beans. Good dish. My wife enjoyed a half order of farfalali pasta with ground tri-meat mix in a plum tomato sauce. A good fias well. read more

Tried this place for the first time not expecting much. I actually really enjoyed it. The antipasto appetizer was perfect to share and meats and cheeses were quite tasty. We then had the carbonara which, although there was a bit too much sauce, was good and made with pancetta (the correct way). The atmosphere isn't much but staff is very friendly and bar seemed lively. read more

Bell's Tavern - Italian Near Me - Lambertville, New Jersey

Still consistently good food and good service. Prices are fair. Good selection of specials. If you like fried oysters they are not to be missed here. Call a day ahead for weekend reservations. The locals all know about this place and it fills up. Really not ot be missed if you are in the area. read more

When I'm craving a comforting pasta dish, this is my go to place in Lambertville. My favorite dishes include the chicken parm and the tortellini rosa. The portions are huge so I typically get the small size or split a meal with my husband. My parents love going to locals night, mainly as a chance to see and chat with others in the community. Locals night offers endless bowls of pasta with marinara or meat sauce and half priced bottle of wine. read more

This place is hit or miss. We've had great meals from Bell's, and others that missed the mark. Tonight's was unfortunately the latter, my husband's pork was burnt as was my son's burger, my pasta special was just average. My other son and daughter were fine with their dishes. read more

I Wish I lived closer to lambertville, this would be our local go to spot. Very casual there's bar when you first walk in and tables in the back. You'd have no idea they serve delicious Italian. The pasta is homemade and so tasty. We had the chicken parm, pesto pasta, calamari and salad. I loved that they put the sauce on the plate then calamari on top. Prices were reasonable and the drinks were strong. read more

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My family and I just moved to New Hope, because I'm building a whisky distillery in downtown Lambertville. We have been searching for our local go to place. We finally found it. I had the rib-eye special which was fantastic. (Hopefully it's a special often) my wife and daughters had 3 pasta dishes that they loved. We are excited to come back often. read more

Bell's is off the beaten path away from most of the shops and restaurants in L'ville, tucked in a residential area. The front room is a large, circular bar and the restaurant is the back room. I have eaten here several times and love it. The menu features several apps and salads, an extensive selection of pasta dishes, steaks and burgers and a few chicken dishes. I ALWAYS get the same dish, so I can only give my opinion on that - their pesto pasta - fresh basil, olive oil, cheese, garlic & pignoli nuts with sauteed new potatoes & green beans. It's deeeelish! I also love the sesame house dressing on the salad. Staff is always friendly and accomodating. You can eat at the bar, or just stop by for a drink. Note - they do not take credit cards! read more

Bell's Tavern - Italian Near Me - Lambertville, New Jersey

Good dinner. Big round bar. Seems super popular with long lines. Make a reservation next time. Service friendly but slow. Would return soon

As usual, we sat in the bar area on our last visit and scored the bistro table by the front window. We ordered the antipasto appetizer and the salad with mandarin oranges and spring mix. Both good. The only thing that would've made the experience better would have been a gluten free option for crackers or something to accompany the antipasto (but that's just me wishing....) Looking forward to another visit. Thanks for the reply, Sally. I'm new to gluten free and eating at my favorite places is difficult. Time to get creative with my choices. I'd love to try your new items as long as they're able to be made gluten free. My husband, on the other hand, will try all of them. read more

Nice and quaint bar/restaurant in lovely Lambertville,NJ! Great ambiance great food and drinks! From appetizers to specials to the yummy bread pudding dessert, this place is a gem! Worth the travel time! I'll be coming back! read more

The food is of course is great and a very good assortment of specials. but the lively small town feel is also a draw. The hosts are always curteous and accommodating. We go there often. read more

We ordered about 2 months ago and were very underwhelmed. Decided to give them another chance this past weekend and what major difference! We will definitely be ordering from them again read more

Terrible experience If your not familiar with this place, they don't take reservations. That being said, we waited over an hour for our table, with virtually no communication on when we could expect our seating. We had to constantly check in with the "hostess " to see when we might be seated. Once we were seated, a few of the appetizers weren't available. We indicated to our server that we were in no hurry as ahe wanted to take our entree orders with our app order. So, when the apps cane , so did the salad order as well. Once the entrees came, our server NEVER, checked on us . The topper on the evening was that they couldn't take credit cards , and it become a cash only situation. Great time fir taking out clients, with a business expense. This place is way too busy for good customer service. Definitely wont go back, or recommend this place. Dont waste your time. read more

The food is middling. The wait staff is very rude and unprofessional. It's very hard to get their attention and they treat you like you are being pushy when making simple requests after waiting far too long to get their attention. Fortunately, Lambertville has many far better options with accommodating and professional service. Won't be back. read more

Great service! Serving staff were welcoming, kind and polite. However, the atmosphere was and cuisine left me wanting. Years ago, the cuisine was exquisite. Perhaps it was an off night, but the bread was cold, the Decaf coffee had clearly been sitting on the burner for hours before it was served, and the Pesto Pasta was undercooked. If not for the rude customers around my table, and the indifference of the manager when I addressed this issue, I would consider giving Bell's Tavern another shot. I will not be eating here again.* *This review was submitted on behalf of a colleague read more

Food was great and service was even better. We went on a Tuesday and it was 1/2 price wine bottles. We had the Pinot Grigio which was so good!! Portions big enough for two meals. read more

First time here. Heard about it from some folks in Newtown, PA. Off the beaten path from the touristy sections of Lambertville. We ate at the bar. Good service. Very friendly and welcoming patrons next to us. We had the fried oysters and the fillet mignon sandwich for our entries. Both were good. Did the Brussel sprout and buratta app. It was okay. Preferred grilled brussels. Enjoyed our time here- nice "local" atmosphere. read more

Close your eyes and try to imagine the first time you had one of your favorite things. Do you remember the time you fell in love with mac 'n cheese, the first time you really enjoyed an ice cold beer, or discovered bacon? Well I had one of these moments last night at Bell's in Lambertville. For the first time in my life I had pasta (your choice of type) with pesto, extra pine nuts, new potatoes and green beans! I've never heard of this combo and a day later I can't stop thinking about it. This place is off the beaten path, but is certainly a favorite of locals. You may have a slightly easier time getting a table here when the city is filled with tourists, but I doubt it! read more

Walked in on a Friday evening and the dining room was a third full. We were seated at a cramped table among other diners when there were plenty of available tables that weren't so on top of each other. Additionally we waited ten minutes before a waitress passed by and we asked if we could order drinks...it was a sign of things to come. Our waitress did not make it to our table for another few minutes and even then was distracted. We must've asked questions about all the menu and drink items she didn't like so we went on our own accord. Our drinks took another ten minutes to be served from the bar...while a healthy pour I'd say we needed it after waiting for so long. Not only was it not busy, the chef was out of the kitchen socializing with patrons. I was concerned that it would take a while to get our food once ordered... oh wait at that point we hadn't even ordered yet! I had signaled to the waitress that we were ready to order and not only did she pass right by us, but she helped all her other tables, went back into the kitchen and then after another five minutes graced us with her presence. I ordered the zesty meat sauce over farfalle and my my boyfriend ordered the soft shell crab special. The meat sauce was anything but zesty, it lacked seasoning and any memorable qualities. I thought the soft shell crabs were good, but nothing outstanding. The bread pudding, a brick of melted, buttery goodness was excellent, but not something I can indulge in often enough to warrant a trip back to Bell's. I've had better food and better service. read more

Bell's is a "best value" in the area. A family friendly atmosphere plus a bar, so a little something for everybody. The food is all flavorful and well prepared. My wife and I go when we want something casual and inexpensive but a step up from the diner. With many top dollar gourmet restaurants around, Bell's is a standout for great food at a reasonable price. Their desert selection is also quite extensive. Wait staff is also friendly, making you feel like they actually like what they're doing. It has a very unassuming feel - just a great neighborhood joint. Trivia - Zora, from the show "Joe Millionaire" lived above Bell's. Update: 10/21/2010 Been there several more times and have to admit it's growing on me, so I'm raising my rating to 4-stars. Food is very solid and the value is excellent. Definitely worth the visit if you're tired of overpriced tourist food. read more

Every time I go here it is either good or below average. Last time was below average. Burger seamed a little small and bun was much bigger than meat. Subbed green beans for the fries and literally got 12 beans, and just plain steamed beans. Wife got pesto, which has been consistently good but she got add shrimp and was 6 dollars for 5 tiny shrimp, these are the 32 per pound size. Will stick with chicken parm as that has been the most consistent item but not planning on returning anytime soon. read more

Saturday evening dinner. Pre and post rounds at the bar. Apps were Calimari and Bruchetta. Calimari was enjoyed by all, Bruchetta was passable but nothing to crow about. Main courses were the Guiness Braised beef and Amatriciana pasta. Both were pretty good, but they didn't elicit any wows. Strength of this rating is more for the bar in front. Liked the space, very good beer/wine selection and just an excellent vibe about it. Will definitely come back for a few. Food was better than most in a pinch, but I wouldn't go out of my way based on what I ordered read more

Very good pub food, good value, and friendly atmosphere. We three had only standard pasta and a steak. In my judgment not a "destination" restaurant for special events. Off the beaten path in a residential neighborhood, parking maybe scarce. Would go again with revised expectations to suit. read more

Great joint in the wonderful little town of Lambertville. Had the pasta puttanesca -- very flavorful l, HUGE portions, good wine at very reasonable prices. All around great vibe. We'll be back. read more

Very impressed with this low key old style Italian American restaurant. In a quite neighborhood surrounded by houses and small antique shops. Had the same feel as going to the old style Italian restaurants in Clifton, NJ with my parents when I was a small kid. Bar in the front and a dining room in the back. It is decorated the same as a 60's restaurant. Not trying to be noir, just have not updated since it was opened in 1938. Clean and well kept. Food, outstanding. We had the sausage and broccoli rabe with orrichette. Also had the Salmon special, served with potatoes. Friends had the brochette as an appetizer, they loved it, huge plate. We had the heirloom tomatoes with burrata. Very good, a little more cheese would have been nice. Dessert was a huge slice of banana cream pie and bread pudding. Large servings and very good. Service was great. Looks like mostly a place for locals. The bread was not very good, but who cares when the real food is this good. Best, are the prices. Premium vodka, was $8. Glass of wine $4.50. The appetizers were under $10 and the main dishes under $20. No reservations and credit cards are not accepted. read more

The good: This is a nice little "hole in the wall" kind of place. The chicken parm was really good and you get a lot of it for your money. Service is great, they check on you frequently, but not too much that it's annoying. The okay: It's street parking and it's not always easy to find a parking spot. We did find something around the corner by the lumber yard. If it wasn't drizzling, I wouldn't have minded walking though. When we got into the place, it wasn't really clear where we should go to be seated. We eventually figured it out, you just need to walk around the bar to the podium. The bad: They don't take credit cards. This is the primary reason I will never go here again, and why I didn't give the place more stars. I hate using cash, it's dirty. If you ever change credit card policy, please reply to this and I'll be sure to revisit. Wrap up: Good food, good value, quaint environment... but unfortunately doesn't accept credit cards. read more

First time eating out in Lambertville. Picked Bell's Tavern after going through reviews on Yelp. The restaurant is located several blocks north of the downtown Lambertville area and is situated in the middle of a residential neighborhood. We loved this place. From the friendly / attentive staff. To the amazing Italian meal. For appetizers we had the calamari which was light and crispy and the fresh tomato and mozzarella salad. The tomatoes were the best I have had. For dinner I got spaghetti al dente with meat sauce. The sauce was great and the pasta was cooked perfectly. My wife had the mushroom ravioli with cream sauce special. Can't recommend this place enough. It's going to be hard to try other restaurants in Lambertville before going back to Bell's. read more

The fiance and I went there for a late dinner on the recommendation of the employees of Buck's Coffeehouse. I'm very glad as asked for their recommendation as the atmosphere was just what we were looking for, small but not too small and about as classic of a neighborhood bar as you could get. Service was friendly but not over the top and the food was excellent. I picked the special sweet italian sausage with cheesy risotto and roasted peppers and it tasted even better than it sounded. All in all a great little place in a cool little town, we will be back. read more

This place is so good. The food is delicious and the service is great. It is a great way to spend time with your loved ones.

I know of Bells due to the Crab cakes they sell at the Shad fest (awesome!!!!), and must say it has taken me a while to stop in to eat. I'm so glad i finally made it in for dinner. First thing to keep in mind is that it's cash only!!! I small price to pay considering how good the food is, and the prices are very nice!! First off, they have great specials, very fresh and extremely creative, ussually 20 to 30 dollars. Then they have the standards. I love the Chicken Parm, it's really awesome and 13 bucks for a huge peice of chicken with really great pasta in gravy. Great Beer list too. I really enjoyed Bells So much, it's the sort of friendly place that i could eat in every week....maybe every day. They also do an outstanding job of having many wine options available. read more

Decent Italian food in a family atmosphere. The front room is a big bar with tables and can get pretty loud. The backroom is more like a family dining hall. Good value but loud. You can check out the town color here tho. read more

Had an impromptu dinner here over the weekend after visiting the ever-impressive Halloween decorations out on Union. We were seated pretty quickly despite there being a wait, and were waited on right away. The place is dark, but nice-- you enter into a bar area, with more seating in the back. We were at a makeshift table (I get they're trying to squeeze in as many as possible) sort-of connect to two other two-tops... I would imagine people might not like this, but we didn't mind at all. Ordered the baked ziti, which was fantastic, as was the bruchetta. Service was wonderful! I would definitely come back here and know that it will become a staple of mine in Lambertville/New Hope area. Tips: Set further down on Union, away from the tourist bustle. Don't miss it! Expect a wait unless you come at an off hour. read more

I have to agree with other reviews that Bell's is hit or miss. Pasta carbonara is great, Chicken Diconzo Was nothing special and my filet mignon steak sandwich not only tasted burnt but barely had any toppings on it. I would have sent it back if we ate in house but we did a take out order. The chicken also tasted burnt (but was not) so maybe the grill needs cleaning. read more

Bell's has been my main stay for about 8 years now. I have never had a bad meal there . It has got'ton to the point that I rarely venture any place else. The service is always personal and pleasant and the quality of food is outstanding. I usually order one of the great specials that always have a great explosion of taste and diversity. The regular menu is always a great back up which you can eat on the cheap. The portions on both menus are always substantially comforting . Don't forget to try the fried calamari it's the best around and made simple like it's supposed too be. An added bonus is it's a "locals" stop , "so what does that tell you". read more

You really wouldn't know about Bell's unless someone told you! It is a "neighborhood" restaurant that serves really good food and drinks. They only take cash and no reservations (why the 4 stars). But, knowing that, plan accordingly! Get there early and sit (if you can) at the bar. It's a good one! If the wait is too long, eat at the bar! I have never had a bad meal in 20+ years! The pasta dishes are each amazing. The house salad dressing is a secret! The best! The specials are truly that! They are menu additions that are put on the board and once they are erased, they are gone! The staff really knows how to work the room. Whether you go alone, with a group or on a date you can't go wrong with Bells! read more