Cliff Bell's - Detroit's Jazz Heartbeat
There's a spot in Detroit that many folks call a true gem, a place where the atmosphere feels just right, like stepping into a classic movie scene. The New York Times, for instance, once called Cliff Bell’s, "the place to be in Detroit!" It's a statement that, you know, really captures the feeling of the place, making it sound like somewhere everyone wants to experience for themselves.
This special location brings together so much that makes an evening memorable: live jazz that truly moves you, really good food and drinks, and a general vibe that reminds you of, well, a Fred Astaire film. It’s a place that, in some respects, stands out as Detroit's top club for a night out, offering something quite different from other spots around.
So, whether you're hoping to catch a truly impressive live performance, scouting out places for a special gathering you're planning, or just trying to secure a table for a unique evening with someone dear, this spot has pretty much everything you might be looking for. It's a versatile place, offering different experiences depending on what you're in the mood for, which is actually quite neat.
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Table of Contents
- Who Was John Clifford Bell?
- What Makes Cliff Bell's a Unique Spot?
- What Kind of Music and Shows Can You Find at Cliff Bell's?
- Beyond the Music - Dining at Cliff Bell's
- Can Cliff Bell's Host Your Special Occasion?
- A Look Inside Cliff Bell's - The Ambiance
- What Do People Say About Cliff Bell's?
- The Living History of Cliff Bell's
Who Was John Clifford Bell?
The name "Cliff Bell's" isn't just some random choice; it actually comes from a person, a local business person from Detroit back in the 1930s named John Clifford Bell. He was, you know, quite a character, born in Cincinnati in 1886. His path to becoming a saloon keeper is pretty interesting, starting when he was quite young, with just a basic education, which is, well, something to think about.
He moved to Detroit when he was still in his early teenage years, around 16 years old, actually. His father put him to work as a porter at his own pub on John R Street, which, you know, sounds like a very hands-on way to learn a business. This early start was the beginning of what would be a really long career for Cliff, basically, running places where people could gather and enjoy themselves.
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Clifford Bell |
| Born | 1886, Cincinnati |
| Education | Fourth grade education |
| Moved to Detroit | Early teens (around 16 years old) |
| First Job | Porter at father's pub on John R Street |
| Career Start | Began long career as a saloon keeper |
What Makes Cliff Bell's a Unique Spot?
So, what really sets Cliff Bell's apart, making it a place many people talk about? Well, it's more than just a place; it's an experience. It’s a spot where the past seems to meet the present, creating an atmosphere that feels truly special. The New York Times, as we mentioned, called it "the place to be in Detroit," which is a pretty high compliment, really, and speaks volumes about its appeal.
This historic jazz club, located in Detroit, Michigan, has been around for a good while, opening its doors way back in 1935. It’s a place that has seen a lot of history, and you can almost feel it when you walk in. The way it’s set up, with candlelit tables and art deco decorations, makes it feel, you know, quite swanky and inviting. It’s like stepping into a different era, which is part of its charm, honestly.
The atmosphere inside is something people often talk about; it’s reminiscent of those classic Fred Astaire films, where everything just seems a little more glamorous and, well, sophisticated. This feeling, combined with the live music and good company, is what helps make Cliff Bell's a truly unique spot for a night out, a place where memories are made, in a way.
What Kind of Music and Shows Can You Find at Cliff Bell's?
If you're wondering what kind of entertainment you can expect, Cliff Bell's is, basically, all about live jazz. This place is known for bringing in a wide range of musical talent, featuring not just local Detroit musicians, who are, you know, incredibly skilled, but also artists from all over the country and even from other parts of the world. It’s a really diverse lineup, which is great for music lovers.
The stage here is, apparently, one of the busiest in the country, which means there’s almost always something happening. You can check their show schedule to see who’s playing, and you’ll find performances by talented artists in a setting that’s both elegant and, well, full of life. It’s a place where the music is definitely a main attraction, drawing people in for a memorable evening.
For example, you might catch someone like Ben Sharkey, who has been one of Detroit’s top live entertainers for over ten years. He brings a really cool and smooth energy to his performances, mixing old-school vibes with his own artistic flair. Showtimes are usually at 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM for most performances, with doors opening earlier for dinner, so you can, you know, make a whole evening of it. Seating for the "dinner & a show" option usually begins around 6 PM for the first performance and 9 PM for the second, so it’s good to plan a little.
Beyond the Music - Dining at Cliff Bell's
While the music is a huge draw, the food and drinks at Cliff Bell's are, you know, just as much a part of the experience. They offer what you might call casual, elegant contemporary American cuisine. It's not just background noise; the culinary and beverage programs here are, really, top-level, shining right alongside the great music.
You can enjoy a sophisticated menu, which includes things like a salt-crusted, 21-day aged prime New York strip steak, served with natural jus and horseradish crema. That sounds pretty special, doesn't it? And for drinks, they have craft cocktails, like one with Patron Silver, Cointreau, fresh strawberry puree, orange juice, and sour mix. It’s worth noting that the Patron Silver they use is, apparently, additive-free, which some people really appreciate.
Whether you're just popping in for a quick bite after work or settling down for a full meal before staying for three sets of jazz, the dining experience at Cliff Bell's is designed to be a part of the overall enjoyment. It’s a place where you can, basically, treat your taste buds while your ears are enjoying the tunes.
Can Cliff Bell's Host Your Special Occasion?
Many people wonder if Cliff Bell's is just for a night out, but it's actually a pretty good spot for private events too. They are, you know, quite happy to show off their unique venue and the different packages they offer for all sorts of special gatherings. So, if you're planning something, it’s definitely worth considering.
They have a good amount of space, with over 3,000 square feet of floor area. This means they can fit quite a few people, whether you're looking for a sit-down plated dinner for up to 150 guests or a more casual strolling dinner or cocktail reception for up to 250 people. That’s a pretty good capacity for a lot of different types of events, honestly.
And if you're thinking of a smaller get-together, their large bar area can, you know, comfortably accommodate up to 75 people. So, whether it’s a big party or a more intimate gathering, Cliff Bell's seems to have the space and the setup to make your private event a memorable one. It’s a versatile place, in a way, which is a real plus.
A Look Inside Cliff Bell's - The Ambiance
Stepping into Cliff Bell's is, basically, like taking a trip back in time. The glowing marquee outside sort of invites you to leave the everyday behind and step into Detroit’s most jazzy hotspot. You might, you know, almost walk past it if you're not looking closely on Park Avenue in downtown Detroit, but then you spot that golden marquee, and it really calls out to you, like a siren’s song.
Once inside, the place is dressed up with shiny brass and rich mahogany, which gives it a truly luxurious feel. The tables are lit by candles, and the art deco decorations outfit the whole place, making it feel, well, very swanky. It’s an atmosphere that’s been carefully put together to make you feel like you’re somewhere truly special, somewhere with a bit of history and a lot of class.
This attention to detail in the setting is part of what makes the experience at Cliff Bell's so immersive. It’s not just about the music or the food; it’s about the whole environment, which is, you know, quite a treat for the senses. It really feels like you're stepping into a time warp, leaving the 21st century behind for a little while, which is a neat trick, actually.
What Do People Say About Cliff Bell's?
When you look at what people are saying about Cliff Bell's, you get a good sense of its popularity and how much people enjoy it. On TripAdvisor, for instance, it has received 294 unbiased reviews and holds a rating of 4.3 out of 5, which is, you know, pretty good. It’s even ranked as number 24 out of 682 restaurants in Detroit, which puts it in a strong position.
Beyond the formal reviews, the numbers on social media also tell a story. The venue has gathered 35,765 likes, with 84 people currently talking about it, and a rather impressive 73,951 people have, apparently, been there. These numbers suggest a place that’s not just liked, but truly experienced by a lot of folks, which is, well, something to consider.
And, of course, there’s that quote from the New York Times, calling Cliff Bell’s "the place to be in Detroit!" It’s a phrase that, you know, really sums up the general feeling people have about this spot, highlighting its appeal as a top destination for a good time. It seems to have really taken its place among some of the best jazz clubs, drawing in people from near and far, which is quite an achievement, actually.
The Living History of Cliff Bell's
Cliff Bell's isn't just a place for a night out; it's a piece of Detroit's living history. It first opened its doors in 1935, and it was, you know, founded by someone who used to own a speakeasy, which adds a bit of intrigue to its past. This club has, basically, seen a lot over the years, becoming a sort of landmark in the city.
Rarely are two nights the same here, which is, you know, part of what makes it so interesting. Some evenings, you might find a smaller group at the bar, with a few diners enjoying a quiet meal. Other nights, the place is packed, standing room only for a sold-out show, which really shows its popularity. People come for different reasons too; some just grab a quick snack after work, while others settle in for a full meal and stay for three sets of jazz, which is pretty common.
Over the years, Cliff Bell's has hosted a lot of famous artists, like Marcus Miller, and it's also a regular spot for The Moth storytelling events, which happen every month. It’s even been used as a location in films, which is, you know, pretty cool. This continuous activity and its rich past make Cliff Bell's not just a club, but a sort of ongoing story in Detroit, a place where history and good times blend together, in a way.
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