The Benton
Bar · Alameda
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About The Benton
The Benton stands as a cherished local gathering spot in Alameda, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a classic hole-in-the-wall bar. This super old establishment features hand-carved details and pool tables tucked in the back, creating an instant sense of good vibes for everyone...
The Benton stands as a cherished local gathering spot in Alameda, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a classic hole-in-the-wall bar. This super old establishment features hand-carved details and pool tables tucked in the back, creating an instant sense of good vibes for everyone who walks through the door. Guests consistently praise the incredibly attentive and friendly bartenders, who ensure every visit is comfortable and enjoyable. The menu highlights include a vast selection of cold beers, expertly crafted cocktails, and highly recommended pizza options that serve as a perfect companion to any drink. With fast service and an inclusive environment that even allows bringing outside food for celebrations, The Benton remains a favorite where fine locals relax, play games, and enjoy reasonable prices without sacrificing quality.
What Customers Say About The Benton
The Benton is a popular, low-key local bar known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and reasonable prices. Customers enjoy the pool tables, dart boards, and pizza. Some negative reviews mention issues with specific bartenders and service.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Try the pizza! It's a customer favorite. Be aware that it's a bar that serves pizza, not a restaurant.
Features
What to see nearby
Data from Wikidata
Explore the area around The Benton
The Benton is located in Alameda, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Parks & Gardens
- Franklin Park (A 200m) — park in Alameda County, California, United States of America
- Buena Vista Park (A 671m) — park in Alameda County, California, United States of America; geonames ID = 5331622
- Rittler Park (A 905m) — park in the United States of America
Data from Wikidata
Frequently asked questions about The Benton
The Benton Alameda Reviews
Love this bar. The bartenders are always really nice. You have to try their pizza. It’s so good. I get it every time I come here.
We were allowed to bring our own food in for a birthday party. Great place!
I miss it as the previous names it’s held but still nice nonetheless.
Love this bar. The bartenders are always really nice. You have to try their pizza. It’s so good. I get it every time I come here.
We were allowed to bring our own food in for a birthday party. Great place!
I miss it as the previous names it’s held but still nice nonetheless.
One of the best low key bars in Alameda!!!
first time last Friday nite... had fun... great service
I wanted to write a review, but I'm too busy chatting and drinking
Not sure if they had food. I was on a liquid diet that day. Great bartender and atmosphere
Your typical local joint. Cheap pool, darts, cold beer and good mix drinks. The bartenders are always incredibly attentive and nice, variety of stuff on the TVs... Music is at the perfect level where you can have a conversation :)
Fun "hole in the wall" local bar with a pool table and dart boards. Immediately felt good vibes when i walked in. Drinks were reasonably priced and they even have a couple pizza options to get, but not to mislead anyone. It's definitely a bar that serves pizza, not a restaurant that serves drinks. You'll find people of all ages here,
I've only been here a couple times, but it is always full of Alameda fine folk. The bar tender was very attentive and caring when I had over indulged before arrival and needed water. They have a great dart board and pool table. All inclusive restrooms. And even though it's usually pretty crowded when I go, they always have room for everyone! This is a hidden Alameda treasure.
Me and my other bartender friends love this place because when you need a decent drink at a reasonable price. This is the place. I like to tell people.It's like lucky thirteen, but it's turned down to a six.
Order the pizza. “The Benton” is the best. I get it most of the time. Otherwise, nice chill bar. Nice people. Nice staff.
Great cozy atmosphere, diverse patrons, pool tables available. Great drinks
Very nice super old bar hand carved with a bunch of pool tables in the back.
Cool spot to chill and hang out with friends. Darts and pool. Cant beat it.
Order the pizza. “The Benton” is the best. I get it most of the time. Otherwise, nice chill bar. Nice people. Nice staff.
One of the best low key bars in Alameda!!!
Your typical local joint. Cheap pool, darts, cold beer and good mix drinks. The bartenders are always incredibly attentive and nice, variety of stuff on the TVs... Music is at the perfect level where you can have a conversation :)
Me and my other bartender friends love this place because when you need a decent drink at a reasonable price. This is the place. I like to tell people.It's like lucky thirteen, but it's turned down to a six.
I've only been here a couple times, but it is always full of Alameda fine folk. The bar tender was very attentive and caring when I had over indulged before arrival and needed water. They have a great dart board and pool table. All inclusive restrooms. And even though it's usually pretty crowded when I go, they always have room for everyone! This is a hidden Alameda treasure.
Great cozy atmosphere, diverse patrons, pool tables available. Great drinks
I wanted to write a review, but I'm too busy chatting and drinking
Fun "hole in the wall" local bar with a pool table and dart boards. Immediately felt good vibes when i walked in. Drinks were reasonably priced and they even have a couple pizza options to get, but not to mislead anyone. It's definitely a bar that serves pizza, not a restaurant that serves drinks. You'll find people of all ages here,
first time last Friday nite... had fun... great service
First time here had a great time shout out to my friend Fred vaca
Cool spot to chill and hang out with friends. Darts and pool. Cant beat it.
Very nice super old bar hand carved with a bunch of pool tables in the back.
Quiet enough to talk easily, quick pours, relaxing.
Fine neighborhood bar. TVs for sportball, a pool table, functional restrooms and most importantly friendly bartenders and a long bar. Its a smaller place, limited seating for large groups. They offer food and allow outside food
Quiet enough to talk easily, quick pours, relaxing.
Fine neighborhood bar. TVs for sportball, a pool table, functional restrooms and most importantly friendly bartenders and a long bar. Its a smaller place, limited seating for large groups. They offer food and allow outside food
The service is terrible. We came on a weeknight and we’re actively walking out of the bar and the bartender told us we had 10 seconds to leave as if we weren’t already half way out the door and it was 30 minutes before closing. We closed out at last call but it seems like the bartender favored the regulars and let them stay past 30 minutes prior to closing but we had to leave despite us obeying all instructions. I just don’t get why if it’s open until 1 the bartender kicks us out (as we’re leaving) 30 minutes before closing while letting 6 other people stay. The overall vibe was really uncomfortable, sure cheap drinks and pool but also the bartender won’t let you play darts 1 hour before closing. Overall not a great experience and won’t be coming again. It seems like if you’re a regular they favor if you if you’re not a regular you shouldn’t even walk through the door.
Bartender was horrible. She kept putting drinks on my tab for the for the group I was with instead of asking each person individually when they ordered their drink. When I complained to her, she said they is what Venmo is for. Not her place to be making decisions on my behalf.
The lady behind the bar told me I should learn how to tip when I was very respectful and all she did was grab me a couple beers and than as I’m walking away she was talking behind my back and I was gonna leave a tip when I left I do not recommend
Bartender was horrible. She kept putting drinks on my tab for the for the group I was with instead of asking each person individually when they ordered their drink. When I complained to her, she said they is what Venmo is for. Not her place to be making decisions on my behalf.
The service is terrible. We came on a weeknight and we’re actively walking out of the bar and the bartender told us we had 10 seconds to leave as if we weren’t already half way out the door and it was 30 minutes before closing. We closed out at last call but it seems like the bartender favored the regulars and let them stay past 30 minutes prior to closing but we had to leave despite us obeying all instructions. I just don’t get why if it’s open until 1 the bartender kicks us out (as we’re leaving) 30 minutes before closing while letting 6 other people stay. The overall vibe was really uncomfortable, sure cheap drinks and pool but also the bartender won’t let you play darts 1 hour before closing. Overall not a great experience and won’t be coming again. It seems like if you’re a regular they favor if you if you’re not a regular you shouldn’t even walk through the door.
The lady behind the bar told me I should learn how to tip when I was very respectful and all she did was grab me a couple beers and than as I’m walking away she was talking behind my back and I was gonna leave a tip when I left I do not recommend
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About The Benton
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1403 Encinal Ave, Alameda, CA 94501
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1403 Encinal Ave, Alameda, CA 94501
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park in Alameda County, California, United States of America
park in Alameda County, California, United States of America; geonames ID = 5331622
park in the United States of America
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