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Cliff Cafe
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon. 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Mon. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tue-Sat. 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tue-Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sun. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good for:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
20 reviews for Cliff Cafe
Came here for brunch on Sunday and was super excited as the menu online looked GREAT!! We were seated right away and ordered some pumpkin pecan pancakes (me) and the cranberry orange french toast (mom). I'm a sucker for pancakes, by the way... can't pass em up.
Everything was mighty tasty, although the fruit that came alongside both of our meals was cut up into pieces tiny enough for a toddler. I much prefer big chunks of fruit that I don't have to look twice at to figure out what it is. But I digress... My pancakes were delish. Pumpkin-y and sweet, served with maple butter and syrup. Mom's french toast was even better - super light and fluffy, and not TOO orange-y.
But I'm only giving 3 stars because of how insanely noisy it was! I love a good bustling brunch spot, don't get me wrong, but i was sitting 3 feet away from my mom and could barely hear her at all. The acoustics in that place are simply awful and just really poor restaurant planning, in my opinion. And when we had to ask our waitress to repeat herself twice when taking our drink order, she just seemed annoyed and practically yelled "do you want coffee or something?" Rude.
I've had Cliff Cafe's food at Bar Belmont several times and always enjoyed it (They turkey burger with brie and granny smith apples is one of the best turkey burgers I've had), so the mediocre review is really all because of the terrible ambiance. It's a cute place, but having to read the lips of my dining companion in order to carry on a conversation is just not okay in my book.
Sorry Cliff... I'll continue to enjoy your food from the Bar Belmont patio, but I don't think I'll be coming inside anymore.
If I had to describe Cliff Cafe in one phrase it would be: high-end diner.
I love the retro design of the restaurant. They do diner food in an elegant, cool, fun way. We started of with the feta artichoke dip with pita chips, which was to die for! Somehow it got left off the menus when they were printed, so be sure to ask for it if your waiter doesn't mention it.
For dinner, I choose the black bean burger topped with apples and brie. Very delicious, but so big I had trouble finishing it off! Thank god, I upgraded my side from french fries to a half salad.
So, it might not be the most gourmet food in the city, but for the price, quality, service and ambiance; it's a pretty great deal and would be happy to return for a second visit. Most likely for breakfast. Cranberry Orange French Toast and Sweet Potato Pecan Pancakes? I must investigate this!
Definitely "meh,"
I really want to love this place since the locale is great (next to the historic Belmont Hotel). But the service last time I was there was so incredibly sub-par - but it wasn't terrible. This middle-aged, stressed out woman sort of kind of served us. She must have been the manager since she was dressed differently from the waitstaff. After about 10 minutes of trying to make some serious eye contact with ANYONE who could help us, she came over and hurriedly took our drink orders. She paid such little attention to what I told her that I turned to my mom and said, "Just watch. I betcha she brings me coke with ice in it." Sure enough!
The food was so mediocre. My mom ordered the "regular" soup (chicken and brown rice). You'd think since they serve it every day it'd be good. She said it was okay. The strangest thing was that the chicken in the soup was the same chicken breast in my blackened sandwich. It's like they outsourced their chicken and just dropped it in the stock at the last minute with a, "That'll do." Strange.
Oh, and WAY too expensive for what you get.
So sad! Cliff Cafe is closing to make way for a trendier new concept. Don't try to fix what isn't broken!!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/30/2009
My family had something to attend in the OC, so we decided on an early dinner at Cliff Cafe… Read more »
Every single person in our party loved their food. That's quite an accomplishment with this crowd. I had the bean burger with green apples and brie. Yum! We all ordered something different: tilapia, salmon, shrimp, pork tenderloin and we all loved it The mashed sweet potatoes were a dessert itself. Speaking of, we had chocolate mousse pie and buttermilk pie. Yum!! Yum! We also had an artichoke and feta cheese appetizer with pita chips. It served 5 well. In fact, we had to get more pita chips which never happens.
I can't wait to go back to try their breakfast. You can just tell that it would be a fantastic place for brunch. I loved the decor and the waitstaff was very friendly and cool about splitting out the check 5 ways. I would definitely go back.
This place obviously is more of a brunch spot than a lunch spot, so because I didn't eat brunch - I'm giving them 3 stars... but I may have changed my mind had I eaten eggs and pancakes.
Their lunch menu offers quit a few sandwich options - the thing I really liked about the menu were the Burger options. Not only do you get to pick which burger you want, you can decide if you want it to be beef, turkey, bison, or bean. So I went with a turkey burger with apples and brie. I really enjoyed my sandwich - but the rest of my party was so-so about their burgers (two ordered the bison and complained it was overcooked and dry). Their french fries were great, though! They also had this chicken and rice soup that was pretty fantastic.
The atmosphere is pretty nice - I enjoy the blue and brown color scheme and the modern style decor. And apparently at night, you can get a nice view of the downtown skyline.
Anyway - I think I would have had a better brunch experience... their lunch was good but not outstanding. But I'd definitely go back and give them another chance!
Hmm, here's hoping my 4 stars will give this great little eatery the bump it needs to get a full 4 stars, as it's currently rated 3.5...
We stayed at the Belmont for Valentine's Day and had a mini vacation in Bishop Arts. LOVED IT! As we were walking down the steep hill from our room to the cafe next door, we commented that it didn't feel like Dallas at all, more like San Francisco.
The cafe is aesthetically pleasing, with lots of natural light and a minimalist design, not a lot going on but overall very cute. The tables are close together but instead of being annoyed by it, it's kind of charming and I noticed tables chatting with one another ("Yum, what's that!?" or "Do you mind if my pregnant wife props her feet up on this chair?") which I think adds to the quaint, neighborhood feel of this place.
OK, now to the food. The menu looks awesome - they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner - I perused the choices and definitely think I could eat here any time of day. We were having breakfast, so ended up getting a smorgasborg (or is it smorgasbord, I never know!) of food, including the AMAZING sweet potato pecan pancakes. They are perfect - a nice natural taste, not too sweet like you'd think.
The toast was the best I have ever had, I dont know if they make their own bread or what but it was chewy and delicious! The "scramble" was my favorite, not quite an omelet but scrambled eggs with meat & veggies...which went perfectly with the perfectly seasoned breakfast potatoes (and grilled onions, YUM!).
My only negative to report is the bloody mary was so spicey my dude couldnt drink it (dont forget we're cajun!) and our chick wasn't that interested in what was going on with us, it was kind of like being waited on by the cast of Shaun of the Dead.
Overall I'd recommend hitting it up, at least for breakfast - but I can't wait to go back and try dinner too! Oh, and don't forget to stop by the bathroom and check out the dual flusher - one button for a "BIG" flush and another button for a "mini" flush...I think it's great they're trying to be green, but unfortunately I think most people try each button, to compare the flushes. I know I did!
--Ups--
* Great atmosphere
* Great service
* Great food
--Downs--
* Some might think it a bit pricey for burgers/sandwiches
* Location probably isn't very safe at night
The Cliff is a great place for lunch. You can download the breakfast, lunch or dinner menus off the website before you go, too. (http://www.belmontdall...)
Our waitress was an Oak Cliff native, and was happy to answer our endless questions about the menu and the area.
We ordered the BLT, the Club, and a Bacon Blue burger and the soup of the day, which was a delicious butter nut squash/poblano cream.
Being the avocadaholic, I ordered my BLT with some green stuff. All of the food was delicious. Plates came out with the sandwiches, fries, and this wonderful cucumber-onion relish in a small stainless steel cup on the side of the plate, next to another cup with ketchup.
The club was average, with the horseradish mayo adding some extra flair. But the burger was HUGE and stacked. My friend couldn't get his mouth around it for a proper bite!
We finished off with a shared slice of the pecan pie. The pecans were huge, and some included both halves of the meat still joined. It was also delish.
I like the nouveau-retro look of the place and the clean lines and the upscale feel. The service was friendly and wonderful.
We'll be back.
I went here a week back and went to Jasper's (similar concept) the following night and Cliff Cafe blew it out of the water.
Get the pork shank, macaroni and cheese, the meatloaf and anything the waiter suggests. This is home-style cooking done right. The prices are great, I think the pork shank entree was $14, and you will leave full.
Have a drink on the outdoor patio and check out the great view of Dallas' skyline. Don't worry that you are in Oak Cliff and that there is a dollar store across the street. It is safe.
Corey says: "The service was good and polite. The food was lackluster and it seems like a place that doesn't get a lot of business during the week, but does for weekend brunches, This means that they are not always challenged and the food is not always up to par. The atmosphere is a good try, but they could do a lot better. The art should be consistent with that of the Belmont Bar.
Paul says:" loved what I ate. Sweet Potato pancakes rocked. Their potatoes were covered with peppers and onions, which I hate, but after picking them off, the potatoes still had a great flavor. On the downside, the drinks were weak, small, and expensive. They could draw a much better crowd with brunch drink specials.
Considering it is Dilbeck architecture, the Belmont Hotel and Cliff Cafe are a must stop in Dallas!
The Cliff Cafe is closed until October but they're moved the dining experience over into the Bar Belmont. Same menu and all that jazz. I stopped in for a quick lunch in between appointments today and was very sad. I knew going in it was hip trendy place. It seems pretty cool but slightly yuppie. I went with the Belmont Cobb salad with no chicken- mixed greens, hardboiled eggs, tough roasted corn, black beans, blue cheese, tomato, cucumbers, and a honey mustard dressing on the side. My waitress was slightly rude and seemed annoyed when I didn't order a drink with my salad. It took 20 minutes for my salad with nothing hot on it to come out and I was in a hurry. I've been a server and I'm forgiving but I have to admit, I was upset. I was even more upset when I got charged the dinner price for the salad. It's almost like because I didn't shell out $20 for a lunch, I was punished. I liked the decor and I'm sure it would be a great place to stay. Lunch was very eh and maybe breakfast would be better. I didn't bother to argue, just paid, tipped my 20%, and have vowed to not go there for lunch again. Just a one time thing, ya know?
Been here for Sunday Brunch Twice. Both times great. Pancakes are great, Eggs are great, no problems. Will be back next week, so apparently it is A-OK.
Service is always friendly and the ice tea is delicious.
Outstanding breakfast - yay for sweet potato pecan pancakes, veggie bacon, breakfast tacos. Good coffee. Attractive restaurant with real thoughtfulness to design. Will need to try dinner or lunch to see if that fifth star is out there.
Cliff Cafe - take two:
so we gave it a few months and tried again; this time for breakfast but still hoping it would be a good place. it wasn't. completely packed with the wonder bread, sweater vested dorks that order in verbatim's, "...I'll have that with a side of apple wood smoked, thick cut, peppered bacon", [which happens to taste just like "bacon"], but whatever. What a bunch of fakers! From the overly stated menu descriptions [not just eggs, but 'farm fresh' eggs], to the moby look-alike host, to the food that simply tasted average, I wasn't buying it, [the hype I mean, the food we did buy at $24 for two]. I recommend eating here if your identity is fill in the blank.
9/25/2007
Cliff Cafe- first take - 2/5 stars
man we wanted this to be such a good place. so much so that we kept saying "it wasn't that bad" afterwards. but it sort of was that bad. the menu itself was all over the place; a lot like Denny's in that they offer 'breakfast all day' but also sandwiches/ entrees/ on and on. which one might think is great for a large group of hard-to-pleasers, if only the food itself didn't suck air. our order took over an hour to arrive giving time for extra cocktails, which only fueled our growing cynicism. i noticed the lighting was unimpressive. so much so that i noticed it. BLARRRG!
I so wanted this place to be great. I love the nuveau diner cuisine that has been popping up, but this place just seemed like they were trying to hard. We came on a friday night to find the dining room completely dead. The first sign of a failing restaurant, I guess they do a good lunch business(I hope). The staff eagerly waited on us and the service was great. Except for a few problems with our drink order, I would go as far as to say service was outstanding. Definitely made up for the mediocre food. We started off with the artichoke feta dip. My buddy commented on the lack of Feta flavor and tasted more like a plain old choke dip. The bread basket did have some stars. The biscuits were moist and not to dense and the mini corn bread muffins were soooo cute. Now for the mains. My brother from another mother had the spicy shrimp pasta. Pretty standard, pasta with shrimps and cream sauce. Could have had better at Olive Garden (ooooh sick burn). I had one of the most classic fish dishes of all time: Trout Almandine. The trout itself was perfectly cooked, but the sauce, which is usually a ballet of acidic and buttery flavors, tasted as if they squeezed a whole lemon over the fish, splashed some wine on it and then sprinkled some sour dust on it. It even made me pucker!!! Now, I hate doing this and will usually push on through, but I had to send back the dish and asked if the cook even tasted it before sending it out. The waiter had no problem and said hell make a new one. The next plate came out and it was the same exact stuff. I was even told they forgot to add some wine to the sauce, more like forgot to add the butter or cream to cut the acidity. The waiter did take care of the entree on our tab.
The Cliff Cafe is slowly falling off of their own cliff....ZING!
Brought my whole family here for my mom's birthday dinner on a Sunday night, and it was perfect! I'd made arrangements in advance with the staff and they were wonderful and accommodating.
The food was home style and marvelous. We had the feta and artichoke dip and the hummus for appetizers. My dad loved the pork shank, even though it was a bit spicy for him. He just can't take it like he used to! I got the stuffed salmon, which actually wasn't stuffed, but stacked. I suspect that the tomatoes were canned rather than fresh roasted, but it was still quite good and didn't diminish the dish much.
Deserts were great and homemade, which is getting harder and hard to find. Many chef are either good at entrees or pastries but not both. My mom got pecan pie, which was the best I've ever had anywhere. I got a chocolate mousse, which was also amazing.
I was a little surprised that there were very few patrons while we were there. Many 8-10 people other than our party.
I was excited about this place finally opening but it's a big disappointing. The food is OK but it's pricey for the product and service is hit or miss. And I dislike the mishmosh decor. It's just not as good as I want it to be. Pity.
We tried this for Breakfast on Saturday and we liked it. I think it has the best coffee for a breakfast spot this side of the Trinity! We both had Vanilla Bean pancakes which were great. I really liked them by themselves without the syrup to really get that Vanilla Bean flavor. We had the plate that came with sausage and bacon and both were a higher quality of meat. The sausage reminded me of an English type of sausage not our American breakfast sausage. The bacon is an apple smoked variety and is thicker than the norm. I loved both. The other thing I was happy to see was Knotts Berry Farm Jams and Jellies- love those too. I think we would go back again- it was a little pricey for what we'd normally pay for the OC area for breakfast but I am happy to see another choice to go to in my neighborhood. We had great service the day we went and everyone there was very friendly.
Service is improving at this super-cute, long-awaited diner adjacent to north Oak Cliff's boutique Belmont Hotel. During a Sunday Dallas Cowboys game, the place was deserted and service was swift, even if my salad was a bit soggy from over-dressing.
Earlier visits were a bit bumpier. During their first weekend brunch, they were slammed with customers out the door at times, and my wait between getting a table and being served lasted more than an hour. The quartet at the booth on my left didn't mind -- they just filled the time with $5 bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys. But the trio to my right grew impatient, requesting their food be packaged in "to go" containers before one was late for work -- and that same customer ultimately left before her meal arrived. I overheard an employee telling fellow customers that he worked the first morning shift, serving 20 tables by himself. My California Scramble with egg whites was supposed to come with fruit, which my server didn't realize -- although she acted quickly to fix that oversight. To the credit of management, when I responded candidly about my first dining experience, I was offered a coupon toward a future meal -- but I'll probably wait a month before I use it in hopes that they'll get their act together in the interim.
Another weeknight visit at the dinner hour was also underwhelming. I wanted a veggie plate (choice of three sides) and they were down to only three -- two of which were mashed potatoes (regular and sweet). I ended up getting the curry lentil cakes which were tasty, and I had the sweet potatoes and "chef's choice" as my two sides (chef's choice being, I believe, the combination of other sides offered on the menu but too scarce by the end of the dinner rush to offer a full portion). I also got the golden pineapple lemonade to drink, but couldn't taste the lemon. I'll keep trying.
I thought this place was pretty good. The service was surprising...I was in worker-bee clothes, so I figured the funky pink-haired waitress would be snotty to us, but she was just fine. I think it's a refreshing change to the "dallas" places.
