Bell's Eccentric Cafe and Beer Garden

"Finally made it to, IMO, the Home of the Best IPA. I’ve been drinking Bell’s IPA for over a decade and finally accomplished this bucket list. Took the train in from Milwaukee. Was an easy journey. The service was superb as well. Kind, funny and informative. They had others on tap as you would expect from this superior brewery that were excellent. One surprise was the cider. It was very yummy. 😋 🍎 One special note I need to make: I left my expense thermos behind but didn’t realize it until I was traveling back. I called them up, they found it, and mailed it back to me at no charge. I couldn’t believe it. It was part and parcel of my total experience. 🤩"

Jerry Lowrie

"I have been to Bell’s brewery now two times in the last 12 months. Both times to see a concert and grab some food and beer. Prior to these two visits, I have never been there before.

On both occasions, I felt that everything was handled professionally for the concert portion of our visit, and I felt that the food and drink both times were above average well.

Concerts were Will Wood and Bob Mould with winged wheel. In general, I’m old and don’t enjoy the concept of going to concerts anymore, but I’m actually excited for my next concert visit at this venue because the pricing is always really good and my only two experiences there have been exceptional."

Chris Freeman

"I have long enjoyed Bell's beer and the lore around Eccentric Cafe. This was my second attempt to visit, after coming years ago on a Monday when they are closed. This time, we came on a Friday at about 7pm, and they had a concert starting at 8pm. Understandably it was packed, but there were several factors that lead me to rate my experience as much less than expected. Here are some:
1. Getting a table: We were told by event staff seated near the door that the restaurant seating was "first come service". We had already called earlier and knew they don't take reservations, but there is no way to get a table other than to wander and hover and hope someone gets up. We ordered drinks and lurked around until a table opened up.
2. Ordering: Once a table was obtained, one person had to hold the table while another went up to wait in line again and order food. I was given a beacon and told it could take 45-60 minutes.
3. Getting food: The beacon went off around 35 minutes, but when I went up it had stopped buzzing. I was told sometimes there is a false alarm and to wait until it didn't stop buzzing. It started buzzing a couple more times until it didn't seem to be stopping. I went up and found the four meals I ordered on a huge tray and told I could take the tray and bring it back. I felt like they were short staffed so I had been co-opted to work there, and I already wanted to quit. I thought about how I was asked to tip every time I ordered a drink and food. People working there were treading water, and so were the customers. Every surface seemed to be sticky. The poor experience will stick with me even longer.
2. The food: I hoped for redemption with the food, but alas. I ordered "The Noli", a smash burger, which costs $15, that has "bacon jam, orange hot honey, goat cheese, chipotle mayo, brioche bun". It fit neatly on the tips of my fingers (see photo) and the toppings looked like they were scooped out of a dish and squished on top. The brioche bun looked old and I could see where someone pinched it to plop it on top. It tasted good, with some gristle on the smash patty and the blending of flavors, but at $15, it was underwhelming. In combination with the service, it was a dismal outcome.

Will I continue to drink Bell's beer? No doubt. The Cherry Oberon was excellent, and I even allowed myself to have an Oktoberfest in August. Would I come here for a concert? Probably. Will I eat elsewhere before any concert I might see here? Definitely. Would I come here for dinner on a night when there's no event to see if it's a better experience? Not a chance. There are too many better restaurants in the area to bother."

Steven