The Pretzel Bell, an Ann Arbor icon, blends historic charm with a vibrant atmosphere, celebrating Michigan pride and community spirit. Located in the heart of Ann Arbor, The Pretzel Bell offers a unique dining experience featuring classic American dishes, local beers, and handcrafted cocktails. From game day gatherings to family dinners, it’s the place where friends and alumni reconnect, students celebrate, and locals feel at home. With signature favorites like hearty burgers, comfort classics, and a rotating menu of seasonal specials, there’s something for everyone. Join us for happy hours, U of M celebrations, or simply to enjoy the inviting ambiance of this beloved Ann Arbor institution.
Spacious, bi-level haunt offering updated American comfort food & drinks amid Michigan memorabilia.
Pretzel Bell
Pretzel Bell is a place for Ann Arbor to unite, to share meals, memories, and Maize & Blue pride! Enjoy live music and trivia at our Down Bar.
Amber Thompson
I grabbed an early dinner before the Michigan basketball game and had a solid experience. The blonde bartender (I think her name was Allison) made an absolutely delicious peach margarita. Even though it’s a basic cocktail, it’s hard to find a really great tasting one. I would come back just for her margs.
I had the French onion soup to start and asked for the bread/crouton on the side. The soup came out with the bread in the soup which is not how I ordered it. I don’t like soggy bread but I do like dipping the bread/crouton in my soup. The soup itself was just okay…not a ton of depth of flavor. It’s needs a little sherry or something. Not awful but nothing to get excited about either.
My entree was one of the specials…lobster ravioli. While the lobster flavor wasn’t very strong it was still a yummy dish. I was missing the sweetness and richness that I’ve experienced with other lobster ravioli. The sauce was yummy but could have used more cherry tomatoes for brightness. The tomatoes really brought a balance to the bite that truly enjoyed. Overall, I really enjoyed the dish.
The bartender was attentive, kind, and checked on me plenty. Service was decent but it took a LONG time to get my soup and it still came out wrong. The pasta came out pretty quickly after my soup so the pace between courses was a bit off. Even with the issues here and there I had a lovely visit at the Pretzel Bell. The atmosphere is always warm and inviting with cozy decor.
… moreJan (Jan)
The service was excellent. The food was good. The Pretzel we had as an appetizer was very soft and light and little salt like how I like it.
… moreNina Wang
If i can, i would give a 0 star review. The service was absolutely horrible.
1. We didn’t know how to seat ourselves and waited by the stairs in the downstairs bar. the bartenders can clearly see a group of 4 waiting to be seated. They didn’t acknowledge us at all until we decided to seat ourselves then they proceeded to say “oh you guys can sit in the back”
2. They did not provide water for us but the other table directly next to us did. we waited so long for the waitress to even come over to hand us the menus and when she did she had a horrible attitude.
3. We were trying to ask for some water but when trying to flag the waitress down, she was only helping the table next to us, completely ignoring or not seeing us? we were signaling too for her to come over.
4. we were trying to get the check but again she was extremely hard to flag down. we asked for the check when she came over and she said she’ll bring it in a second, but that never happened. we wait for 30 minutes before I went up to the bar to ask for the check. Again she said give her a second. again that took another 10 minutes. she finally gave us our checks and we went up to the bar to pay. she had the audacity to call us rude for not giving her a good tip! i am a tipper but when the service isn’t up to standard, i don’t think they deserve the standard tip.
most of dinner was just us waiting for the check, horrible experience and will never go back to pretzel bell. drinks were also TERRIBLE and inconsistent in portion sizes. If they were busy it’s understandable, but there was literally like 3 tables
… moreBegona Cowan
I really love their happy hour special. $10 for a smashburger, fries, and a Pilsner. Unfortunately they were out of several items that we ordered. I would stop here again for the happy hour special, other than that a standard really nice bar.
… moreK R
The hamburger is one of the best around. It was made to perfection with bacon, sauce and an egg. I added the sweet potato fries which were amazing. However the staff needs to get it together. Our waiter took a long time before even greeting us. Actually he took way longer to get around to doing anything. We had to ask for ketchup for our fries after to walked away.
The menu is limited, I would like to see more options.
… moreyerim yeo
went to the down bar. had the worst service from the blonde waitress/bartender there. service was incredibly slow and rude despite the place being empty with barely any customers. ladies night deal was good but unfortunately will not be returning due to the incredibly poor service that soured our entire experience. my table was all people of color, and the table next to us (who were not) were given obvious preferential treatment by the same waitress. i would hope this establishment isn’t racist at this time and age, but the stark difference in service is greatly disappointing and makes me apprehensive of how progressive ann arbor really is.
… morePhilip Badour
Loved this restaurant. We tried to get in during Sunday football, long wait. We came back the next day for supper. We were seated in a private booth for 4 people, very rustic lined with many old photographs showing the place has been around a while. Food was tasty, I liked the French Dip Roast beef sandwich. This was our 2nd time here and we will return. We are from Canada and enjoyed Ann Arbor and this restaurant along with many others in the area.
… moreJoshua Lee
I ordered a smash burger and potato skins during happy hour, and it was the best burger I’ve had. The lady recommended onions and it made it so good thank you. Bun was amazing, slightly buttery and grilled on the bottom ends perfectly. Multiple layers of lettuce, green and firmish is such a relief yall have no idea. Fries were good seasoned well and still a little crispy despite the consendation. Potato skins could use less sour cream and more cheese as it was too much overpowering everything even after requesting light on the sour cream. Shaved onions was a very nice touch. Shall be back to review again for update for consistency sake of course
… moreTobias Ortega
We had dinner here with our dad before the Michigan football game!! I cant say we could have had a better time, it was an all around excellent experience! We sowed up at 3:45 pm not realizing that they dont open until 4pm. no problem hit, Hit the old town tavern just a few doors down for a drink. Ten back to Pretzel Bell for their happy hour at 4pm-6. Starters and Big Ten cocktails half off, what a great surprise. The Woodford Reserve Old Fashion for $7 Large pour aged Cheries and orange slice was exceptional. I am a craft cocktail snob and this met everything! The berry margarita my dad had was suprisngly well balanced, they use a Grand Marnier and Altos , a real house berry puree and fresh good lime. My cosmo perfect. the pretzel starter the best I ever had, Ever!! please go here. atmosphere is sophisticated without being stuffy. really great feel. families, date night, or just some good times. I highly recommend. So, happy we went
… moreAshley Bommer
Our server recommended amazing options. Cajun chicken pasta was amazing, the honey mustard pretzel croutons on the Cesar salad were a great touch, on the Totchose the tots were nice and crispy and the flavors popped! I tried the fruit punch which also was very good. Had went during happy hour so my drink was 50% off and I noticed they had theme nights on most days.
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