Bell City Diner, located at 782 Pine St, Bristol, CT, is a casual and family-friendly restaurant known for its comfort food, generous portions, and legendary milkshakes. Once the Oasis Restaurant, it now blends a classic diner vibe with a trendy, modern touch. The diner is a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and celebrations like birthdays.
At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 782 Pine St, Bristol, CT |
| Phone | +1 860-585-9393 |
| Hours | Daily: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Rating | 4.4 Stars |
| Parking | Free street & lot parking |
| Owner/Manager | Ms. Zudi Elezovski |
| Links | Facebook • Instagram • Tripadvisor • Google Maps |
Dining Experience
- Cuisine: Classic American diner comfort food.
- Meals Served: Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
- Specialties: Legendary milkshakes, large portion sizes, and homestyle meals.
- Beverages: Coffee, beer, wine, cocktails, and boozy milkshake options.
- Desserts: Homemade cream pies and sweet diner classics.
- Service Options: Dine-in, takeout, and reservations.
Bell City Diner – Menu
Breakfast
Eggs
- 1 Egg – $5.99
- 2 Eggs – $6.99
- 3 Eggs – $8.50
Omelets (3 eggs, American cheese, toast, homefries)
- Cheese Omelet – $9.99
- Irish Omelet (Corned Beef Hash) – $13.99
- Italian Omelet (Italian Sausage, Peppers, Onions) – $12.99
- Mexican Omelet (Salsa, Onions, Peppers, Ground Beef) – $13.99
- Philly Omelet (Sirloin Steak, Peppers, Onions) – $13.99
- Vegetable Omelet (Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Onions) – $12.99
- Western Omelet (Ham, Peppers, Onions) – $12.99
- Chef’s Omelet (Bacon, Ham, Sausage) – $13.99
Omelet Extras – Ham, Bacon, Sirloin Steak, Turkey Sausage, Hot Italian Sausage, Ground Beef, Kielbasa, Peppers, Broccoli, Spinach, Onions, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, American, Cheddar, Feta, Swiss, Mozzarella.
Eggs Benedict (served with homefries)
- Eggs Benedict (Canadian Bacon) – $12.99
- Crab Cake Benedict – $14.99
- Irish Eggs Benedict (Corned Beef Hash) – $14.99
- Royal Eggs Benedict (Canadian Bacon, Spinach) – $13.99
- Kielbasa Benedict – $13.99
Complete Breakfast
- Combo One – $12.99 (2 Eggs, 2 Meats, Pancakes/French Toast/Waffle)
- Combo Two – $10.99 (2 Eggs, Homefries, Toast)
- Combo Three – $10.99 (Corned Beef Hash, 2 Eggs, Homefries, Toast)
- Combo Four – $17.99 (Steak, 2 Eggs, Homefries, Toast)
Breakfast Sandwiches
- 1 Egg & Cheese – $5.99
- 2 Egg & Cheese – $6.99
Pancakes
- 1 – $4.99 | 2 – $6.99 | 3 – $7.99
(Add toppings: $1.99 each)
Waffles
- 1 – $7.99 | 2 – $11.99 | 3 – $15.99
(Add toppings: $1.99 each)
French Toast
- 1 – $4.99 | 2 – $6.99 | 3 – $7.99
(Add toppings: $1.99 each)
Sides & Extras
- Homefries – $3.99
- Ham – $3.99
- Bacon – $3.99
- Sausage – $3.99
- Turkey Sausage – $4.99
- Kielbasa – $4.99
- Corned Beef Hash – $6.99
- Biscuits & Gravy – $5.99
- Oatmeal – $5.99
- Toast & Muffins – $1.99–$3.50
Breakfast Drinks
- Coffee (Free Refills) – $2.75
- Tea – $2.50
- Hot Chocolate – $2.99
- Milk – $1.99(S) / $2.99(L)
- Chocolate Milk – $1.99(S) / $2.99(L)
- Juice – $1.99(S) / $2.99(L)
Lunch & Dinner
Fresh Salads
- Chef Salad – $15.99
- Cobb Salad – $14.99
- House Salad – $10.99
- Tuscan Grilled Chicken Bruschetta – $14.99
- Tuna Salad – $13.99
- Grilled Chicken Over Greek Salad – $14.99
- Blackened Salmon Ranch Salad – $17.99
- Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad – $14.99
- Apple Walnut Salad – $13.99
Gourmet Burgers (served with fries/curly fries/potato salad/coleslaw)
- Classic Cheeseburger – $12.99
- Bell City Banger – $13.99
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger – $13.99
- Rodeo Burger – $14.99
- Bell City Stacker – $14.99
- Texas Burger – $14.99
- Portobello Gorgonzola Burger – $14.99
- Angry Bell Burger – $14.99
Panini (served with fries/curly fries/potato salad/coleslaw)
- Grilled Chicken Caprese – $13.99
- Grilled Chicken Portobello – $13.99
- Pastrami Melt – $13.99
- Tuna Melt – $13.99
Wraps (served with fries/curly fries/potato salad/coleslaw)
- Turkey – $12.99
- Grilled Chicken – $12.99
- Buffalo Chicken – $12.99
- Ham – $12.99
- Tuna – $12.99
Club Sandwiches (served with fries/curly fries/potato salad/coleslaw)
- Turkey Club – $13.99
- Cheeseburger Club – $13.99
- Ham Club – $13.99
- Tuna Club – $13.99
Lunch Favorites
- Footlong Hot Dog – $9.99
- Steak & Cheese – $9.99
- Grilled Chicken Pita – $9.99
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich – $9.99
- Tuna – $8.99
- BLT – $9.99
- Turkey Sandwich – $9.99
- Grilled Cheese – $8.99
Lunch Combos (served with fries/curly fries/potato salad/coleslaw)
- Fried Clam Roll – $14.99
- Gyro – $13.99
- Corned Beef Reuben – $13.99
- Pastrami Reuben – $13.99
- Chicken Tenders (6 pc) – $12.99
Appetizers
- Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas – $11.99
- Chicken Fingers – $10.99
- Fried Calamari – $12.99
- Mozzarella Sticks – $10.99
- Buffalo Wings – $11.99
- Fresh Fried Clam Strips – $11.99
- Fried Dough – $9.99
- Loaded Nachos – $10.99 (+ Beef $1.99 / + Chicken $1.99)
Kids’ Menu (Under 10 years old) – $7.95 each
- Chicken Tenders (3 pieces)
- Hamburger or Cheeseburger
- Hot Dog
- Pasta
Sides
- Onion Rings – $4.99
- Sweet Potato Fries – $4.99
- French Fries – $3.99
- Potato Salad – $3.99
- Coleslaw – $3.99
- Curly Fries – $4.99
- Soup – $3.99 (cup) / $5.99 (bowl)
Fountain Beverages
- Large – $2.99 (Free Refills)
- Small – $1.99
Customer Reviews at a Glance
Overall Vibe
A modern twist on a classic diner — clean, stylish, and family-friendly with a wholesome, welcoming atmosphere.
Food Highlights
- Highly praised dishes: Harvest Hash, Chorizo Xtreme Omelet, Rodeo Burger, French toast, 1/2 chicken with stuffing
- Portions are large and generous, often enough to take home leftovers
- Breakfast and brunch are popular, with dinner also well-reviewed
- Some inconsistency noted: dry bagel sandwich, overcooked eggs, one report of turkey tasting “funny”
- Menu offers hearty, diner-style comfort food with strong presentation
Drinks & Shakes
- Milkshakes are a standout: huge, creatively topped with candies and sprinkles, and frequently described as “incredible”
- Popular flavors: Oreo, Cinnamon Bun, Mint Chocolate Chip, Butter Pecan
- Boozy shakes and cocktails available
- Strawberry Glitter Drink and mimosas also enjoyed
Service
- Most staff described as friendly, attentive, and professional
- Named favorites: Elizabeth, Donna, Tony, Samera (hostess)
- Some complaints about slow service, inattentive staff, or difficulty getting drink refills
- Automatic gratuity added for parties of 8+ — viewed negatively by some
- One major complaint involved manager rudeness and being forced to leave early
Ambiance
- Decor is trendy, beautiful, and well-maintained — “cute but stunning” with neon signs and chandeliers
- Music is often loud (rap/hip-hop), which some find distracting; others prefer oldies
- Generally clean, though concerns raised about dirty menus, dessert case, and worn booth cushions
- Indoor and outdoor patio seating available
Value & Pricing
- Most common price range: $10–20 per person; some spend $20–30 or $30–50
- Large portions contribute to good value
- A few items seen as overpriced (e.g., $11 baked potato)
Wait Time & Seating
- Wait time usually minimal — often no wait or under 10 minutes
- Accommodates small and large groups (3–4+ people)
- Free parking available; some mention difficulty parking, others note plenty of space
Family Friendly
- Highly recommended for families and children
- Positive experience reported with autistic daughter — staff praised for going above and beyond
- Not ideal for date nights — more suited for casual, fun outings
Cleanliness & Safety
- Generally clean, but isolated incidents reported: dirty lettuce, hair in food, cockroach sighting
- One reviewer reported being overcharged and receiving an incomplete refund — raises concerns about billing practices
- Outdated website on Google Maps; menu there is not current
Overall Rating
- Potential for higher-end experience, but minor flaws (service lapses, maintenance, cleanliness) hold it back
- Most reviews are 4–5 stars
- Strongly recommended for milkshakes, generous portions, and solid diner fare
Atmosphere
Bell City Diner combines retro diner nostalgia with modern style. The decor is cozy and inviting, making it ideal for:
- Families – with children’s options and a safe, welcoming space.
- Groups – plenty of seating and a social vibe.
- Solo Diners – quick service and friendly staff make it comfortable to dine alone.
Accessibility & Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating, and restroom.
- High chairs available for young children.
- Free on-site and street parking.
- Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Trend Over Time
| TIME PERIOD | KEY TRENDS & CUSTOMER FEEDBACK |
|---|---|
| 2021 (4 years ago) | First positive reviews highlight it as a “hidden gem” with great food, large portions, and stylish decor. One major negative: a 2-hour wait time reported. |
| 2022 (3–2.5 years ago) | Continued praise for food and service. Milkshakes gain popularity. Family-friendly reputation grows. No major complaints. |
| 2023 (2–1.5 years ago) | Peak satisfaction: 5-star reviews surge. Milkshakes, plating, and ambiance highly praised. Fast service, short waits (0–10 min). Staff like Elizabeth and Donna are named favorites. |
| 2024 (1–6 months ago) | Popularity remains high, but early concerns emerge: loud music (rap), outdated website/menu on Google, automatic gratuity for 8+ criticized as a “scam”. Some note inconsistent service. |
| Early 2025 (Past 3 months) | Cleanliness issues arise: roach sighting, hair in food, dirty lettuce. Service declines: staff described as tired, rude when correcting orders. Booths show wear (rips, dirt). POS system outdated (handing over cards). Still loved for milkshakes and family dining, but trust eroding. |
| Recent (Past 1–2 weeks) | Mixed experiences: some still rate 5 stars for food and service; others report poor customer service, billing errors, and unfriendly staff. Recommendation frequency drops slightly. |
This table captures the evolution of customer sentiment — from strong, consistent praise to growing operational and service concerns — while highlighting key events and feedback over time.
Bell City Diner is more than just a place to eat—it’s a community favorite where comfort food meets creative flair. Whether you come for the legendary milkshakes, hearty breakfasts, or friendly atmosphere, you’ll likely leave full and happy.