Bella's Bakery & Cafe
1 / 10

Bella's Bakery & Cafe

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A casual Southern-inspired cafe within Ameristar Casino, offering cafe classics, pizzas, and delicious bakery items.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Bella's Bakery & Cafe

Bella's Bakery & Cafe

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A casual Southern-inspired cafe within Ameristar Casino, offering cafe classics, pizzas, and delicious bakery items.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Amazing service. Friendly staff and amazing food."

TIP

Inquire about removed items

Ask if off-menu favorites like The Fitness Salad can still be prepared.

Check prices carefully

Be aware of pricing to avoid unexpected costs on your bill.

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Quick Facts

Cuisine

American Cafe

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(712) 328-8888

Address

2200 River Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Heartland Pot Roast

Heartland Pot Roast

A delicious cafe classic, perfect when you can't decide what to order. Savory and satisfying.

The 13 Best Restaurants in Council Bluffs - The Dodge Voice
Delicious Bakery Pastries

Delicious Bakery Pastries

Indulge in rich, generously sized scones and amazing croissants like the banana nutella.

Google Review+1
Casual Casino Dining

Casual Casino Dining

A laid-back atmosphere within Ameristar Casino, ideal for meeting friends or enjoying a meal.

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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Inquire about removed items

Ask if off-menu favorites like The Fitness Salad can still be prepared.

Check prices carefully

Be aware of pricing to avoid unexpected costs on your bill.

Communicate cooking level

Clearly state your desired cooking temperature for burgers and other dishes.

Avoid peak times

Consider visiting during off-peak hours for potentially quicker service.

Tips

from all over the internet

Inquire about removed items

Ask if off-menu favorites like The Fitness Salad can still be prepared.

Check prices carefully

Be aware of pricing to avoid unexpected costs on your bill.

Communicate cooking level

Clearly state your desired cooking temperature for burgers and other dishes.

Avoid peak times

Consider visiting during off-peak hours for potentially quicker service.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners praise Bella's Bakery & Cafe for its friendly service and tasty food, with generous portions and delicious bakery items. However, some reviews mention inconsistent cooking, particularly with burgers, and a significant price increase post-pandemic. The atmosphere is generally liked, though some lament menu changes that removed popular healthy options.

"Amazing service. Friendly staff and amazing food"

Heather Bowen

"Bella’s is now 1853 restaurant additional menu added. It was fantastic."

Sammy foo

"Always had a great experience at this restaurant. Went for breakfast by myself and ordered my meal with an iced tea and a small glass of tomato juice. Should’ve paid more attention to the prices, but I had been there many times before for breakfast, so I didn’t expect the shock of seeing the total on my receipt. Over $30 for one person for breakfast?!?! Glad I didn’t order the steak and eggs!! Probably would’ve cost me $100!! Almost $5 for a tiny glass of tomato juice?!?! Come on!! This place has really gone downhill since the pandemic! Don’t bother with this place unless you like overpriced food! I thought casinos offer reasonably priced food?? Not anymore! Won’t be going back!! Save your money!"

THOMAS J STESSMAN

What People Like

Amazing service and friendly staff
Hot and tasty food
Generous portions and delicious bakery items

What People Dislike

Overpriced food
Inconsistent burger cooking
Menu changes removing healthy options

Frequently Asked Questions

Signature dishes include the Heartland Pot Roast, Mac and Cheese with parmesan bread crumb toppings, and various cafe classics. Their bakery items, like scones and croissants, are also highly recommended.

The 13 Best Restaurants in Council Bluffs - The Dodge VoiceGoogle Review+1

Yes, the cafe offers breakfast classics and omelets. However, be mindful of prices, as one reviewer noted a high cost for breakfast.

Google Review

It's recommended to inquire beforehand if specific dishes that were previously removed, like The Fitness Salad, can still be prepared upon request.

The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, located within the Ameristar Casino, making it a good spot to meet friends or catch a game.

Google Review

Service can sometimes be slow, especially during busy times. Visiting during less busy hours is advised for potentially quicker service.

Google Review

While one reviewer mentioned a dish that could easily become vegetarian or vegan, the current menu seems to lean heavily towards meat options. It's best to inquire directly about specific dietary needs.

Google Review

When ordering burgers, clearly communicate your desired cooking level (e.g., medium) to ensure it's prepared to your liking, as some diners have received well-done burgers.

Google Review

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

The Dodge Voice - Omaha

The 13 Best Restaurants in Council Bluffs - The Dodge Voice

Bella’s is a small cafe located inside the Council Bluffs Ameristar. The menu is packed with cafe classics, including Mac and Cheese with parmesan bread crumb toppings, a Bacon Cheeseburger and a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. If you can’t make a decision, the Heartland Pot Roast is always delicious!.

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npdodge.com

The 13 Best Restaurants in Council Bluffs

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