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Benny John's Bar & Grill
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Benny John's Bar & Grill
7.6
Benny John’s is a steakhouse-leaning bar and grill just off Fifth Avenue, where USDA steaks, burgers, and classic mains share space with cocktails and a full brunch and happy hour lineup. It’s less formal than the white-tablecloth icons, making it useful for groups mixing steak eaters with burger, chicken, and pasta orders.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-In Ribeye Steak, Rock Burger, Petite Filet Mignon with steak fries
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: A flexible steakhouse-bar hybrid near Fifth Avenue with USDA steaks, burgers, and a full bar.
Who should go: Groups seeking steaks, burgers, and drinks without strict formality.
When to visit: After-work happy hour or early evening before the busiest dinner wave.
What to order: Bone-in ribeye, Rock Burger, Petite Filet Mignon with fries.
Insider tip: If you’re here for steak, confirm doneness and cut preferences clearly—the menu also pulls heavy burger and pasta traffic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce near Fifth Avenue; rely on nearby paid garages along 43rd–45th Streets.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly polished after work.
Noise level: Moderate—happy hour brings a noticeable buzz, but table conversation is still manageable.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak happy-hour crossover.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal waits; walk-ins are common for smaller groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—salads, pasta, and a few sides can form a meal.
Vegan options: Very limited—expect to rely on salads and modified sides; not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items (steaks, salads) available; no dedicated prep area, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Suitable for casual or after-work dates, especially if you want a relaxed steakhouse feel without formality. Less ideal for a high-romance environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, particularly at the bar and high-tops. For groups of four or more, booking ahead avoids the happy-hour bottleneck.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly for ages 8+ thanks to burgers, fries, and approachable mains. No dedicated kids’ menu, and the after-work bar crowd may feel loud for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Casual group meetups, mixed-order dining (steaks + burgers + pasta), and affordable drinks near Fifth Avenue.
Skip if: You want premium dry-aged steakhouse execution, a quiet white-tablecloth environment, or strong vegan accommodations.
Benny John's Bar & Grill
8.2
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Happy Hour Hotspots
Benny John’s Bar & Grill is an East Midtown steakhouse where a serious burger section sits alongside chops, seafood, and a full bar program. Opened in 2023 by restaurateur Mirso Lekic, it draws office groups and theatergoers for gruyere-topped burgers, chili burgers, and patio-friendly drinks just off Fifth Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Benny John's Burger with gruyere cheese, Chili Burger with jalapeño, pepper jack, BJ’s sauce, Cheeseburger with your choice of American, cheddar, provolone or blue cheese
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Steakhouse-level burger program with gruyere-topped and chili-loaded options in a polished room.
Who should go: Office groups and steakhouse fans craving elevated burgers.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or happy hour for bar buzz and deals.
What to order: Benny John’s Burger, Chili Burger, classic Cheeseburger with fries.
Insider tip: If you’re burger-focused, sit at the bar where service is quicker and happy-hour pricing stretches your budget.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on East 48th; rely on nearby paid garages along Madison and Sixth, typically $25–$40 evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual; office attire fits in, and jeans are fine as long as they’re neat.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively during peak hours; conversational at tables but louder at the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially during theater-adjacent peaks.
Weekday lunch: Short waits or none, though office rush can briefly spike around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—salads, sides, and a few non-meat mains, though burgers are the star.
Vegan options: Very limited—expect to rely on salads and vegetable sides; no dedicated vegan entrées.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be modified (gluten-free bun availability varies); steaks and salads are safer bets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, polished setting with strong cocktails and an upscale burger focus. It’s energetic rather than intimate, so ideal for casual-but-nice dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays, especially earlier in the evening. Bar seating is usually easier and turns faster during busy periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids and teens; the menu skews adult and the bar energy can be loud, but staff is accommodating and seating is comfortable.
Best For
Better for: A more polished, steakhouse-adjacent burger experience with higher-quality toppings, a spacious dining room, and a dependable bar program.
Skip if: You want extensive vegetarian or vegan choices, ultra-casual pricing, or a quiet, intimate environment.