This is my favourite place in Lambertville. They have been around since 1938 for a reason! We normally come here for pasta on Tuesdays, where there is a special. The environment is kinda small but that's one of the things I like about it. The place is always busy and the food is delicious. If you come for pasta on Tuesdays, you can also get a bottle of wine for a really low price, and their meat sauce is heavenly! Our usual waiter, Tracey, is really kind and always smiles so I would say service is also a highlight. They have an ATM machine but just be mindful to bring cash in case the ATM machine does not work, as they do not take credit cards. The environment is always clean and they keep it well maintained. I can't recommend this place enough. read more

If u don't feel like cooking, or don't want to sit alone, bells is for you..a very local kind of place, the bar area is the way to go.. I am there frequently..if u want a fabulous meal, choose one of the specials.. if you see any of theses on the specials board, get them! The paella is excellent, shrimp and grits, any of the salmon dishes, chicken Milanese, anything with bolognese sauce, and this week they had a half chicken, baked and it came with summer vegetables..it smelled delicious, and tasted homemade.. my sig/other ate the leftovers and said it was "grandmother worthy"! I agree! If you are on a budget, plenty of ways to eat for less money..(half orders, salads, etc..). read more

Great place. Very laid back and cool crowd. Good beer selection. Great pastas, many available in a half portion. Great specials too. I got the short rib special and it was fabulous. My only complaint was the dessert I got: banana cream pie. It wasn't very creamy but cheesecake like. It tasted fine, but just not what I was expecting. read more

This is where the locals that don't know how to cook go. If you also do not know how to cook and can put up the local crowd, you might enjoy it. Big plus for having a full bar and packaged goods. read more

Small and unassuming. I decided upon this place based on the Yelp reviews and was very pleasantly surprised. It lived up to the great ratings. I arrived 15 minutes right after they opened and the dining room was empty which is a major red flag for me (at 6:15pm on a Wed.). I did see that the bar was 3/4 full with half of the patrons eating the food. So I figured why not. They had a great beer selection, wish it was more localized. The food had great variety but not an overwhelming amount to select from. The food on their menus and specials are all very well made. No complaints at all from me. read more

Our local place to be on a cold and icy night. Everything about Bell's ooozes warmth and coziness. Most folks like to eat at the bar where you are visited by Chef Paul and his impeccable staff. Family owned, family friendly. read more

Bell's Tavern - Warm and cosy.... Bell's is the place to be on a cold, icy night in Winter - Italian Near Me - Lambertville, New Jersey

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Bell's Tavern is something of a local secret - off the well worn path of Bridge Street, and far enough down Union to be away from the typical tourist hub of activity and boutiques, going to Bell's is like taking a little vacation away from typical Lambertville pricing and atmosphere. We went yesterday and ordered a half plate of the Ravioli Rosa (with prosciutto and peas in a creamy tomato sauce), and a cheeseburger. Shockingly, the cheeseburger was the bigger hit of the two - Bell's must have some secret spices in their recipe as this is one of the few times my partner had the remainder of his burger wrapped to go. The skinny fries they serve here are likewise some of the best fries I've ever had. The ravioli itself was delicious, but the prosciutto was a bit stiff and the peas seemed more blanched than cooked. Don't get me wrong - I still ate the entire half plate (which, btw is more than enough - I would only order a full plate if I were planning to split it with someone or take half of it home). It was good, I just believe it could have been better. Just make sure you bring cash as this place does not take credit or debit cards, and you're bound for a pleasant experience! read more

Food was amazing. Loved that it's a local friendly bar. During COVID it's difficult to be friendly but the servers made me feel at home. The outdoor seating now gives a great ambiance yet they are are booked up for outdoor seating so inside is fine too. Prices are on point, food wine & company made my night. COVID has not changed this place. They upped their game with outdoor seating & menu & it's beautiful Well done read more

This is my favorite restaurant in Lambertville! The food is always good - the weekly specials, and the regular menu items. Friendly atmosphere, quick service, great food, what more could you ask for. read more

Definitely our local favorite watering hole and dinner spot! Service is fantastic and everyone is super friendly. Great selection of cocktails and ice cold beer. Tuesday night they have an all you can eat $10 pasta night which is amazing! Always great specials my favorites are the salmon and the chicken Milanese salad. Cash only atm on-site! read more

I have been going to Bell's once a month for the past 15 years. It has always been consistent, good quality food. The atmosphere around the bar is entertaining, with great beers on tap and a good bottle beer selection. I've read a few bad reviews recently, and frankly it reads like a disgruntled ex employee, or an angry neighbor. I would not hesitate to give Bell's Tavern a great rating and would suggest anyone looking for a good, fun night out check out this hidden gem in NOLA. read more

I brought 5 out of town guest to this local restaurant. I live in town and knew they don't take reservations but my friend called not knowing this and she was told - "it's the summer and they are busy." That was clearly baloney. When we got there, we were told by an elder hostess that it would take a few minutes. 35 minutes later we left. This woman wouldn't make eye contact with us after 20 minutes we asked where would we be sitting, she said she would have to check. Since I worked in restaurants a good 6 years of my young life and saw 5 empty tables - my blood was boiling. It wouldn't have taken but a few minutes to put two of them together to create a table for us. The hostess sat a couple who came much later than us continuing to avoid eye contact. Lambertville Station got our business. We were so taken care of - from being greeted to beingi served - we were beaming. The waitress got our $50 tip. Shame shame shame Bells Tavern. I live down the street from you and I will never bring any guest through your doors. read more

Went here last night for the first time with my husband. Dinner was OKAY. I was not blown away by the chicken parm at all, tasted like it was frozen chicken cutlet from a bag, and there was hardly any sauce on it to accompany the cheese. My husband got an over cooked steak, mid rare is not meant to be cooked all the way through. Prices are reasonable for what you get, and drink prices are very reasonable. This place is CASH ONLY and does not take reservations. read more

My wife and I both had "The Burger" if you want to call it that. Both the roll and the burger tasted like burnt ash or like it was cooked on a grille that had not been cleaned in months. Not only was the food bad, but the service was just as poor. Take our advice and check this place off your list and save your CASH, since they don't take credit cards here. read more

What used to be good value ordering from the regular menu has become an odyssey of despair. The food quality and the preparation almost make it uneatable. I used to rely on the pasta dishes and the chicken parm as a substitute for cooking at home. But no more! Also, the chef/part owner has gotten seriously outrageous with the pricing of the nightly specials ($25-$30 range) with no appetizer, salad or sides. The locals nights at places like the Inn at Phillip's Mill are much better value with much higher quality food. It is a shame that nothing stays the same. Bell's is on a downward trajectory! read more

Found this place one summer night looking for a different place to eat. Revisit Lambertville frequently and usually go to the Inn Of The Hawke, but wanted to try something different on the other side of town. What a nice surprise! Great, fresh pasta dishes. Good atmosphere too- small and cozy and off the beaten path. Cash only, so bring your wallet! read more

Flashback to CHEERS ..... Stopped in for drinks and early dinner on a Bitterly Cold day after an INDIVISIBLE Group meeting nearby. Bell's servers are very friendly and efficient. Many of the customers are locals who simply walk over from their homes. Menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees. Chicken breast with eggplant and french fries was very good and served piping hot. A really pleasant Sunday experience! read more

Unfortunately I have to report that Bell's had some of the worst Italian food I've ever had. The only thing good about our dinner was the Caesar salad and our calamari. Although we appreciate that they offer "half plates" (great for the wallet or waistline conscious), but would love this place even more if the food was actually good. The pasta was overcooked on both of our meals and the sauces were just not good. As much as I love local joints and I really wished that this one was going to knock my socks off...I probably won't be returning. read more

Love everything about Bell's Tavern... the cozy atmosphere, friendly fellow diners, the tremendous service from the staff.... and of course the amazing food! Chef Paul's creativity in the kitchen produces beautiful food that never lets my taste buds get bored! His attention to detail and flavor is incredible. Definitely our favorite!!! read more

I tried this restaurant based on Yelp, and i was very very disappointed, if you want great pasta I would go to Deanna's , the service was the worst Ive ever had, they were nice but after your order ,you'll have better luck waving a taxi in NY then getting there attention, i think waitressing is a lost art there, read more

If its a holiday, expect a long wait. Very long. The bartender was gruff borderline rude. Food is always pretty good though and I guess they figure that makes up for their rude service. Our server at the table was lovely. Just that bartender.... eww. read more

Bell's is a neighborhood tavern/ restaurant. Walk in to the bar area (certified Guinness taps) and then to the dining area in the back. Good blue cheese salad, and it's great they offer half portions of pasta. I enjoyed my tortellini. A bit loud, but a good dinner with two friends! read more

After wanting to check out Bell's for a while now, finally was able to go with a group of 4. Went to the hostess to see about a table and had our name added to a list of one name - ours, which was odd since there were open tables for 4 ppl and no one waiting. The hostess didn't let us know how long the wait would be and then disappeared for about 10 minutes. We finally ended up sitting at the bar after giving up on her. The bartender was great, food was good. Everyone in the group liked their meals for the most part with a few complaints- the Amatriciana pasta dish was way overly spicy, the tortellini dish came out last and was cold - had to be sent back to the kitchen to be warmed up, and the pesto dish had huge chunks of raw garlic in it. One person in our party got a burger and enjoyed it. Biggest complaint with Bell's is that this bar advertises itself on their website as having a 'wide selection' of beer and calls itself a 'beer-lover's haven'. Being a beer lover, I was excited to see what they had to offer. There were maybe 7 or 8 beers on tap, only 2 of which were craft beer. And their bottle selection consisted of 25 types of run of the mill coors, miller, budweister, etc. you get the point. Things have changed in the world when it comes to beer - there are a lot more options out there and it would take way more for a bar to be considered something of a beer-lover's haven. Might be a good idea to make some updates to those options. I'm not sure I'll be returning with many other better options nearby. read more

Awesome tavern with a lot of character. Took advantage of a NY steak strip special for $13 and enjoyed some good beer on tap. It's a small dining room which can lead to some waits, but it's worth it. read more

Went on a coworker's recommendation and was glad I did. Just went for the burgers, they were nice burgers. I had their crab cakes at the Shad Fest. So I may be coming back for crab cake night. Service was great and the food was good, after seeing some of the other dishes, I will be coming back to sample them as well. My friend says the short ribs are amazing, so I think I may be coming back a few more times. read more

Bell's kills it every time. Everything on the menu is worth eating time and time again. The restaurant is small enough to feel intimate but large enough to have a happening feel. The wait staff is great and the chef is as friendly as he is talented. Couldn't recommend it more. read more

Have been here many times over the years but not lately. Arrived at 6:30 and only one or two tables occupied in the dining room, though tons of people eating in the bar area. Service was nice and efficient. I got the chicken dicorsi and it was...ready?: grilled chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, served with mashed potatoes. No spices, sauces, marinade - nothing. I ate 2 of the 5 pieces of chicken. Found a hair in the mashed potatoes. Husband got the bow tie pasta with beef & veal. I would describe this meal as home cooking if you can't cook for yourself. Nothing special, adventurous or sophisticated. I could cook better myself so no real reason to go back. Kind of explains the empty dining room. read more

My husband and I have eaten here several times and really enjoyed it. We even brought our son who lives in NYC and he loved the Calamari and the Hamburger (said it was as good as any he would get in the city but 1/2 the price!!!). My favorite meal was a special they had of chanterelles in a sherry/veal cream sauce over tagliatelle (the Chef is great). My husband loves the local pub feeling and the cozy restaurant. The prices are spot on and the food is very good. Friendly helpful staff too. read more

I husband and I find ourselves at Bell's Tavern probably two times a week, finding there a rare combination of great food and a warm community feeling. It is packed even on a weeknight and the lively patrons' affection for the place is palpable. The 4 specials every night are ambitious and varied.... and we have never been disappointed. We do agree with some disgruntled reviewers that the bread is surprisingly sub-standard. But this just serves to keep our carb intake down. When we need a comforting and yummy night out, Bell's is always the answer for us. read more

So very glad we decided to try this place a few months back and have been there 3 times. We have been going there through the years and it really was not that good. Apparently there must be a new chef and the service is outstanding. They were warm and receptive the last three times we've gone. They're smaller portions ,which they call half size , is enough to feed you for 2 meals. read more

Terrible food. Out of a jar appetizer, stale bread and the rest was done without much flavor or cuqmif-kuwze0-Tykcazthought. Felt bad for the waitress although her service lacked in attention. We spend $75 on food that want worth $30. May be a local place but I am one local that won't be going back. read more

What I really liked was the half size option, cheap and filling, not the most incredible pasta, but for 7$ it was decent. The only cons ate no credit card and a very sub par tap list, but will be coming for the pasta often read more

I have been here several times and can make the same dishes better at home. The appetizer menu is sad in its brevity. Their famous crab cakes are greasy. Plus, acoustics are bad and tables are too close together. read more

Very reasonable prices for the amount of food you get in an entree. I got a half plate of pasta and still had enough for lunch the next day! You'll have leftovers most likely with a full plate of pasta. Appetizer was small. Got the red peppers, mozzarella, and olive plate. It was ok, but all the seasoning was the same on each of them so that appetizer became bland quickly. Service was nice and they give you free bread. read more

My wife and I really enjoyed the walk from downtown to this place... as others have said, it's off the beaten path. On our walk, we really enjoyed checking out the houses and getting the 'real' small town feel of Lambertville. Typical bar food with extra focus on Italian dishes, the food met our expectations without a wow factor, and we were fully satisfied. We came on steak night, which is a GREAT deal. Decent beer selection but won't blow you away if you're looking for multiple craft options. I can see why this place is a local fave. read more

casual italian joint with a friendly staff and lively atmosphere. the night we were there they had general tsao's chicken as a special - when we inquired about the odd choice, our waitress informed us that the italian chef enjoys cooking asian cuisine from time to time. we split the general tsao's & the pesto pasta. surprisingly, the chicken was the highlight of the meal. all in all the food was decent, if not particularly memorable. read more

Good service, drinks, food. Had calamari appetizer at the bar with mixed drink. Drinks were like I'd want to make at home. Calamari was good. No problem getting a table in dining room as it appeared a very slow night. Staff was friendly and helpful. I had Chicken parm that came with spaghetti and salad. All was very good and plenty. I took home half of the parm/spaghetti. Date had salad and lobster-mac & cheese which also was good and plenty. Half brought home for leftovers. I'll go back for sure. Street parking wasn't a problem even with it a weeknight. read more

Decent food and a solid selection of beers. Very accommodating mom-ish service. Head north on Union and just keeeep going- it really is down there! read more

Bells has excellent pastas, calamari, and specials that really are special. The portions are large, the prices are reasonable (they only take cash - but there is an ATM in the back), the people are terrific, and the meals are memorable. They have the best bread pudding EVER. read more

Awesome little bar/restaurant. Very classy environment. Beautiful barkeepers with lovely personalities. With great food and great ambiance it's a little town favorite. read more