I have been a regular at Ben's since it opened at the beginning of 2007. Don't get me wrong the food is always good, especially the quesidillias, steak, and just about everything else. One of my complaints is that the service has gone downhill since two of their head waiters have either left or been fired. These guys knew our names and treated us like one of the guys. The wait staff now is very inexperienced and impersonal. On top of that, there is no ventilation system whatsoever. You would think for a smoking restaurant they would at least prepare for this problem. I am a smoker myself and find the smoking situation appalling, especially on Tuesday night trivia. The owner's girlfriend/wife/whatever needs to stay home and never return. She's always in a bad mood and does nothing but stand around with a disingenuous look on her face smoking ciggies and looking over everyone's shoulder like were about to steal something. If Ben's not careful his girlfriend/wife will run this place into the ground by the end of 2008. I hope this isn't the case because the FOOD is DELICIOUS!! Oh by the way, Why do you keep on booking Bobby ""clear 'em out"" Hinton on weekends. Have you not noticed before he starts to play there is a full house of people in the restaurant....fast foward to an hour later and the place is empty!! He is probably the worst musical act on the face of the planet. Everytime we go out for a couple of drinks we have to leave immediately because his music is unbearable. Even the wait staff gets PO'd when he's set to perform because all of their tables leave. It's time to put Bobby ""clear 'em out"" Hinton to bed! Wise up BEN.
Pros: food, outside patio
Cons: owner's girlfriend/wife, smoking-no ventilation
more