Benjamin Restaurant & Bar

I've lived in the MH area for a dozen years now and used to enjoy frequenting this local establishment. After two years of banning them from my list, I decided to give them another shot. Sorely disappointing, what makes Benjamins' owners think they don't owe the neighborhood more is beyond me. The same staff as five years ago, the same menu, the same attitude. Love it or leave it.....makes no difference to us. To enter a place that one frequented for five years straight and not get as much as an acknowlegement of 'welcome back' says it all. Why bother? Food is mediocre, staff is unfriendly (unless pressed for something more), wine couldn't be fed to a cow on a good day. I would suggest finding another establishment that welcomes its patrons, respects the neighborhood and wants to contribute to supporting what is otherwise a lovely place to live.

My husband and I decided to try this 'neighborhood favorite' and were sorely disappointed. We know we are a pretty tough audience, but we are generally willing to be satisfied by covering the essentials. That didn't happen here, unfortunately. He had the meatloaf, and I tried a special: the blackened catfish, which was easily where things first went wrong. It was not only flavorless but surprisingly gelatinous. I have never thought of it before, but I do appreciate my food to provide some form of resistance and density. The meatloaf, sadly, was grainy and mushy as well. The only positive was that the 'supporting cast' of sauces and rice/risotto were definitely edible, and in contrast, even tasty. The interior is charming, though, and the waitress was not intrusive. We were sadly seated next to three of the loudest, most obnoxious people who might, just might, have been the parents to the people on Jersey Shore. The shore kids must have learnt their behavior somewhere. With one drink each and a shared appetizer, the tab came to $72 including tip. We won't be returning.

Friendly staff, good wine but mediocre pasta with sausage that left me with a stomach ache in the middle of the night. Not sure if it was the pasta but the dish was a bit cold and not very flavorable. The wait staff was very nice and the wine was good but eat somewhere else if you want good food.

We waited forever for food, for the waiter to take our drink order, for our plates to be cleared. The people behind us were complaining loudly that they'd been waiting for so long. We walked out 66.OO later wishing that we'd just ordered take out and stayed home. I've been there before and had better food, but forgot how slow and inept the service is. We won't go there again.

The specials here are a real value and the quality of the food is fantastic. Not just run of the mill bar fare, but delicious and interesting entrees. And did I mention the great specials? There always seems to be one and its such a great value.

I went there for mothers day brunch with a group of 6. It was great! Some got omelets, there was an order of french toast, a fritatta, breakfast burrito and eggs florentine. Everyone was happy with their food. French toast was great. Coffee was included and service was attentive. Price was very reasonable for NYC. The only negative is the space is a little cramped for larger parties, but I think its worth it.

I agree with Stan. Bar is friendly with good service and crowd. Food is tasty- good location.