For readers browsing the best French restaurants in Birmingham, MI, Bistro Joe’s and Bell Bistro offer two distinct bistro settings, with differences in hours, location and dining options. Bistro Joe’s, at 34244 Woodward Ave, serves globally inspired New American fare inside an organic market, with mezzanine seating. Bell Bistro, at 185 N Old Woodward Ave in downtown Birmingham, MI, focuses on modern American cooking and offers a private dining room.
Bell Bistro has the higher Google rating: 4.6 from 371 reviews, compared with Bistro Joe’s at 4.3 from 715 reviews. Bell’s supplied review excerpts repeatedly praise server Manuel’s attentiveness; a Bistro Joe’s reviewer singles out the steak frites and Brussels sprouts.
Timing offers another clear distinction. Bistro Joe’s opens at 11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday, making it the daytime option of the two. Bell Bistro opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and lists late-night food. Both close at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Both offer outdoor seating, cocktails, wine and dinner reservations. For practical planning, Bistro Joe’s has a free parking lot and a children’s menu, while Bell Bistro offers delivery, vegan options and outdoor seating where dogs are allowed.
4.3(715)· Google4.3 out of 5 from 715 reviews (Google rating)
French Restaurant · $$
Open now · closes 9:00 PM
Bistro Joe's is a bistro inside an organic market at 34244 Woodward Ave in Birmingham, MI, with mezzanine seating and outdoor seating available. Listed as a French restaurant, it is described as a New American bistro serving globally inspired fare. Its offerings include comfort food, small plates, vegetarian options and healthy choices, with breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner service. The atmosphere combines casual and cozy elements with an upscale setting.
Lunch and dinner are popular uses, and the restaurant accommodates solo diners, families and groups. A children's menu and high chairs are available. The onsite bar serves beer, wine, cocktails and liquor, and happy-hour offerings include both food and drinks. Reservations are accepted and recommended for brunch and dinner. Diners can choose table service or takeout, but delivery is not offered. Practical amenities include a free parking lot and wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and restroom.
