Bell’s Tavern (Lambertville, NJ)

As I am over here working on catching up, here is the last highlight to share from Lambertville (for now lol). Bell’s Tavern was stumbled upon looking up places to get oysters. Ironically enough, they didn’t have them on the menu once we arrived. However, this place was bomb and something you should add to your list and I would definitely go back.

Ambiance/Atmosphere: It is tucked back off the main drive of Lambertville but worth the short walk. You can tell this tavern has rehabbed a historical/older building. I love that they had brick walls on the side as well! The vibe they created with dim lighting, great dining areas and a big wrap around bar just makes you feel so welcome and at home. You could tell that there were several regulars at the bar, but it created the “one big happy family” environment.

Drinks: The first drink listed on the seasonal specials was a strawberry margarita. I can honestly say I didn’t look past that and that is what I ordered. It was strong, but delicious and used fresh strawberries! Later in the evening an espresso martini was ordered. It was not as delicious as The Hawke’s. I’d give it a 6. I still drank it, though, can’t let it go to waste LOL. Bartenders were great and make a strong cocktail – I don’t think you can go wrong with whatever you decide to order!

Menu: The menu has a good amount of options. But they also always have specials. We also asked the bartender for recommendations to help the decision making. They give you bread and olive oil, which was such a delicious start. The bread was warm and so good (I asked for more once it was finished lol). Pasta entrees also came with a house salad, so appetizers were not necessary.

Farfalle Francesca and the pasta special at the time was ordered. The Farfalle was a red sauce with a blend of beef, pork and veal as well as mushrooms. Bowtie pasta was perfect as it created pockets for the delicious sauce to sit in so you have a flavorful punch in every bite. The pasta special was a linguini with shrimp, crab, zucchini and tomatoes. It was a light olive oil sauce that was light, and super refreshing. The seafood was cooked perfectly and not over done at all. Both dished get a 9/10! They were not finished and left overs were saved so dessert could be ordered. The chocolate lava cake with a berry compote was ordered (with the espresso martinis). It was rich, chocolatey but not over sweet. It was the perfect end to a wonderful meal. It was definitely worth saying leftovers and ordering dessert!

Tips/Recommendations: They were very busy on a Saturday night. We did not have reservations but were able to sit at the bar after a short wait. So if you can, I would make a reservation. Definitely try their pasta entrees, but check the specials first! Get them before they are no longer an option. Don’t be afraid to ask for more bread, especially if you are taking leftovers homes. Bread is bombbbb! And as always, try something new every time you go!

Rating: 9/10
🤤🤤🤤🤤
Recommend: HIGHLY

Live to Eat,
Tiv