Bellflower — Restaurant in Ypsilanti

The Bellflower has a cafeteria like setup. As soon as you walk in the menu presents itself displayed across the ceiling and wall, while the grill, various preparing stations take up the large counter upon entry. My family and I went just after the lunch rush, if there was one. The staff was very pleasant. Everyone working seemed to have multiple tasks, as we approached the restaurant, and mind you, you need the address on historic Pearl street, you could walk right by and miss it! Which we did. Rustic, gritty, grungy exterior and back patio that is partitioned off from the parking lot. Parking is easy enough, you can even watch your car outside while you eat. Anyway, the food. . . Post pandemic, some people are still cautious and we know the Covid beast hasn’t gone away. My daughter thoroughly sprayed down table and chairs and yes, it was clean already as we went to sit in the outdoor patio. The cashier, server was sweet and polite, even after the rejection of the fried clam sandwich 🥪 I tasted it, it was very good, but Cheah wasn’t feeling it. She proceeded to order the fried shrimp sandwich, which was equally delicious. The sandwich bun was the fresh bread Bellflower prides itself on, the shrimp sandwich; shrimp buttered and cooked to perfection was very scrumptious. I like my food hot, both in temperature and spices. The Chef’s gumbo selection, which my other daughter and I ordered was equally flavorful. The gumbo used lamb meat, which was cooked with the correct consistency to pull apart just right. Fresh collard greens were in the gumbo with other veggies. Cienna said it was more a stew than gumbo served with a side of rice, maybe that added to the gumbo-y part? I was looking for all things gumbo in the dish: seafood, sausages, even okra. Okra is a staple. This Michigan Chef’s gumbo was tasty. The individual ingredients had been prepared correctly, the gumbo had a little kick, maybe cayenne pepper, but. . . I don’t claim to be a gourmet but as a child living in NYC, my dear mother would take my sister and I around trying out all of the flavors, textures and food from the wonderfully diverse world cultures. Thus, like a food connoisseur, I pick up flavors. I did like the Bellflower restaurant, it is efficient, casual with tasty food. Coffee was average. The young men were pleasant and hard working as evidenced by their buzzing around and conversations and as we were leaving, the manager (I assume) could pass for Harry Dean Stanton, was asking another young man about his transportation, etc. I mention this, aside from my nosiness, to say there was not one female employee in sight. Maybe they were in the back kitchen? We notice all things and as my two beauties and I left, the workers all...

As someone who enjoys dining out, I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Bellflower, a culinary gem that left a lasting impression. From the moment I stepped inside, the warm and inviting ambiance set the stage for an exceptional dining experience.

To kick off the evening, I decided to try their signature cocktail, the Momento Mora. This exquisite concoction was a perfect blend of flavors, expertly crafted with a delicate balance of Mezcal and fresh ingredients. It tantalized my taste buds and set the tone for the culinary journey ahead.

Accompanying the cocktail was a side of milk bread, which was made in-house. The bread arrived fresh with a soft and pillowy texture that melted in my mouth. It was truly a delightful start to the meal, showcasing the restaurant’s dedication to quality and attention to detail.

For the main course, I opted for the cornmeal trout with local greens. The trout was flawlessly cooked, offering a delicate and flaky texture that was enhanced by the subtle crunch of the cornmeal coating. The dish showcased the freshness of the locally sourced greens, providing a vibrant and well-rounded flavor profile. Each bite was a harmonious symphony of tastes that showcased the chef’s expertise.

To complement the trout, I opted for the suggested glass of Enmity Chardonnay. This wine proved to be a remarkable choice, with its crisp acidity and subtle oak undertones. It effortlessly elevated the flavors of the trout, creating a delightful marriage of food and drink.

Throughout the evening, the service from Kalynn at The Bellflower was impeccable. The attentive and knowledgeable staff were always on hand to provide recommendations and answer any questions. Their passion for culinary excellence and commitment to exceptional service was evident in every interaction, enhancing the overall dining experience.

In conclusion, The Bellflower is a restaurant that truly stands out from the crowd. From the meticulously crafted cocktails to the delectable dishes, every element of the dining experience was thoughtfully curated. With its warm ambiance, exceptional service, and a menu that celebrates local ingredients, The Bellflower is a culinary destination that should not be missed. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any discerning food lover seeking a memorable...

I haven't been to the restaurant in over 2 years because I think it's absolutely over priced for what it is and have expressed this to my local friend group. They kept saying to go at lunch, it's better, the sandwiches were good. So I decided to finally do it. Well we came at noon and ordered two sandwiches. The woman behind the counter honestly appeared she couldn't care less to be there. Not welcoming, not upbeat, etc. Anyway, we paid and of course there was a tip screen. I'm not sure what I'm tipping. You get your own drinks. Is the tip to walk the food to my table that takes 30 seconds? But I digress. 15 mins go by And I went to double check on the food, met with that unenthusiastic woman who also seemed to not care about the delay, it was stated it was due to the to-go orders. It's seriously two sandwiches. There is no reason to take that long, but if you're that backed up for sandwiches; let people know. Finally after 22 mins my partner got up to check on the food and he brought it back with him (I should have given him my tip instead)

I ordered an egg and cheese sandwich. A) it was so salty I almost sent it back and B) it was a scrambled egg on toast that had a smear of cream cheese. No herbs or anything mixed with the eggs, no sprouts on top, nothing special. Egg, cream cheese, toast.... And it was $14. Granted it was huge, but I seriously could make this at home. Where's the chef inspired sandwiches I heard rave comments about, definitely not here. Now this isn't technically the restaurants fault but I wasn't prepared for that much of a long delay that my meter expired and got a $25 ticket. (3 mins earlier and I wouldn't have gotten it) so now the awful meal cost $65. As an ypsi local.... Go to one of the other amazing restaurants in town. I will probably not be back and will discourage anyone who is thinking about going. No reason to recommend an overpriced, salty place that you have to dodge the bus station ex-prisoner drop off and the strip...