It’s perfectly dim. The kind of dim where everything looks romantic and everyone looks attractive, but not so dark that you’ll go home with the wrong person or eat the wrong thing. It has beautiful exposed brick walls, butcher block bar-top and tables and a gas fireplace in the wall. Walking in, it smelled like bacon. Fresh, delicious bacon smell just to pull you in and whet your appetite.
The menu is full of handcrafted burgers (meat and veggie), charcuterie, homemade pickled things, a more luxe version of traditional bar food. We ordered the charcuterie board (meats from Crested Duck) and it was very nice. The pickles made me understand why “Pickled Stuff” is an option as a snack.
The space is small and cozy, just a few tables and a mid-sized bar. Up the stairs a half-level there is a pool table surrounded by sofas (that have yet to be destroyed). They had only been open six weeks on our visit, so we’ll see how that plush furniture holds up.
Given all of this, it’s not a cheap place. It’s working on the upscale hipster model. There are no draft beers, which is surprising, but a large selection of cans and bottles. Also, a nicer selection of wines and liquors than you find in most non-specialty bars. Still, the prices are, in no way, outrageous. Their Happy Hour specials are definitely super affordable: $1 off beer special, $4 wine special, $3 mixed drinks. If you can, go check this place out.
Address:
|
900 Western Ave, 15233
http://www.benjaminspgh.com/ |
Games:
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Pool Table
|
Façade:
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Not Scary
|
Scene:
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Rich Hipster
|
Parking:
|
Patio/Outdoor:
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Yes
| |
Kitchen:
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Come Hungry
|
Cleanliness:
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Nice
|
Smoking:
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No
|
Jukebox:
|
Internet Crap
|
Hours:
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-midnight
|
Cig Machine:
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No
|
Drink Prices:
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Richie Rich
|
# taps:
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0
|
Bathrooms:
|
Sit
|
Specials:
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Nightly
|
Live music:
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Never
|
$12
| |
ATM:
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No
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Cash Only
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No
|
TVs:
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4
|
Size:
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Friggin Huge
|
Because of the way the space is divided up into smaller rooms, it seems intimate despite its size. I've only been there once, for lunch, and the staff at the time was very friendly. Despite obviously being very much about the meat, they do have a very good veggie burger.
ReplyDeleteWe have since been back for a full meal and it did not disappoint! Those home fries (cooked in delicious bacony grease, I believe) are enough to go back for, but the sandwiches were also delicious.
ReplyDeletesince you've posted this there ARE draft beers. Installed a few weeks ago :-)
ReplyDeleteFantastic!
ReplyDeletei was just there last night and it was as good as every other time. love benjamin's!
ReplyDeletetheir bloody mary bar on sundays makes me happy. as does the half off wine bottles special some days.
but what really gets me in the fact that there are only two burgers in the country that i will order in a restaurant and benjamin's is one! (the ohter is in reno, nv.)
Glad to hear! It really is a special bar and was the thrid best bar in our year end review we just put up. Where is this other burger? Just in case we ever go to Reno.
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