Benjamins Western Avenue Burger Bar

This place is charming and has a great selection with uniquely wonderful offerings. It is not very large. I had the soft pretzels, green apple and goat cheese burger, and broccoli salad. My spouse had the cheese burger and bacon fat home fries. The waitress was friendly and attentive. The pretzels were perfect. Warm and soft with mustard and jalapeño butter, yum. The broccoli salad was good, but needed to be cut smaller and seasoned more. In fact ever part of our meal was woefully under seasoned. The burgers especially under seasoned. They were cooked perfectly and piled very high with our preferred topping, but the buns were cold. Also the bacon fat home fries were just bland and no crispy bits, salt, pepper, or onions. The tested like greasy baked potatoes. I’ll probably go again I’ll just ask for a salt shaker.

The candied jalepeño bacon burger I ordered here was solid. The burger itself was cooked perfectly at medium, and the toppings provided great contrast. To me, the burger was superior to what’s offered at a lot of other Pittsburgh burger joints, including BRGR, Burgatory and Tessaro’s.
I also ordered the pretzel appetizer, which also comes with the candied jalepeño cream cheese and mustard as dipping items. So tasty.
Unfortunately, the service left something to be desired. Service was sluggish, and seemed a bit short staffed. I was waiting for a friend for a little while. I was given a glass of water, but had to go to the bar to order my appetizer. Perhaps service issues were a fluke.
My hubby, a self-​proclaimed food snob, devoured my leftovers when I got home. I’ll definitely be back.

A strong burger with a great meat blend. The brisket plays well through the burger and every bite is very fresh. Don’t be afraid to get the burger a little less done, it’s good fresh meats and the flavors compliment better somewhere between med-​rare and medium.
I’ve been here a couple of times and have had a couple different menu burgers, but a standout burger for me is the Candied Jalapeño Burger. Love the idea of creating my own with the unique options available.

If you’re going here for dinner, great choice. The burgers are amazing here; the Candied Jalapeño burger is my absolute favorite. It has a layer of their candied jalapeño cream cheese which is sweet, spicy and creamy. Amazing. They also serve this cream cheese with their pretzels, if you want to give it a try without committing to having a whole burger with it. If you’re feeling extra hungry, get the My Morning Burger because it’s huge. It has a whole breakfast on top of a burger: an egg, bacon and home fries. There really hasn’t been a burger that I haven’t liked here. As a side, the home fries are a great accompaniment to go with the burgers. The home fries are the way to go because the other sides I’ve tried (broccoli and cole slaw) aren’t that great.
Although dinner is great here, I’m not sure I can recommend going here for breakfast or early brunch. The brunch menu hasn’t disappointed. However, when I came here for brunch, they sat us in the lounge area and the music was blaring which doesn’t quite set the mood for enjoying my delicate quiche. I think for brunch, try to get a seat outside or in the bar side. Perhaps music is less loud in those areas.
Overall, great burgers and drinks. Awesome daily specials that make you want to return each day of the week. Loud music at all times, including brunch service.

After having tried a couple of their burgers at a Unilocal event, I was eager to come back with a couple of friends and working colleagues. I called ahead and reserved a table and because we were 10 people, they put us in a room in the back. Now, although it was bit off and out the way, it was not a problem at all for us. Our waitress was one of a kind and really friendly and always made sure we had everything. The reason I give them 3 stars is, because their burgers tasted nothing like the ones I had at the Unilocal event. I craved their Candied Jalapeño Bacon Burger, but unfortunately it was dry. The meat, the bread, everything. We had so many different kinds of burgers and one person at the table had a chicken Cesar salad. She did enjoy her salad, but the rest was really underwhelmed with what they got in front of them. Their beer selection is okay and also the food is okay, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit again.

I went there on a beautiful Sunday. We visited the Warhol and were hungry. We were seated promptly but the server did not give us menus while people coming after us already got them. We waited for water and finally got the water ten minutes after. We asked them to clean the table because the table was not cleaned as well. The burgers arrived very long after other people arriving (and ordering) after us placed their orders. There was a mistake in the order (issue with the type of cheese and side) — we kept the burger (we did not want to wait again). The server did not charge us for this burger.
During all our meal, the server came very rarely to refill our water or drinks. So, the service was really not great.
For the food, the burgers were really good. The choice of side (broccoli salad, home fries, potato salad) change from the usual french fries.
Obviously, the servers were busy and the place seems packed on a Sunday. But in that case, why there is no more server?
So, very good for the food but horrible for the service. Might be a place to go when it is not packed/​crowded.

Great burger joint! Perfect for pre and post football game!
Make sure you ask about the pour on the wines! We asked about a specific wine and was only told it had been replaced by a different region, but we decided to try it anyway. What we weren’t told was about the size of the pour… yes, it is on the menu, but I expected to be asked if we wanted the 4 oz or 8 oz, or even the entire bottle. Instead, I was just poured the 8 oz. After 3 glasses, I basically bought the entire bottle for $ 40! Way too much on this type of wine. I’m not a wine snob, but I know when a wine is worth that amount of money and this wine was good, but definitely not $ 40 worth! Kinda felt like we were duped. If the waitress had been SPECIFIC about the pour, I would not have ordered three glasses of wine… the fact that it gave me a good buzz is probably what helped them sell me a $ 40 bottle of wine. Seriously!!! Way overpriced. Good thing the food was good… that’s what got this place the 3 stars.

I ordered one of the burgers that you can pick the kind of cheese you would like to have on it. I chose bree. I got a side of home fries and a bloody maria as a drink. I had to explanation what that (my drink) was to the waitress which was slightly difficult conciderring the high volume of the music. It was 2 pm they already had the music up almost to club/​bar volume. The drink was like 9 dollars and my burger was around 10 pretty expensive for a greasy lunch for one person. I had a craving for a greasy burger and that’s what I got. If your into that kind of thing go for it. I like that they have a pool table as well.

Very nice place! It’s a small neighborhood joint that has a lot of warmth and ambience. The waiter was very friendly, and even made me a martini based off of what my taste buds wanted at the time. Very strong too by the way :-) For appetizers, we enjoyed the cheese board, smoked salmon and Cured meats. All three were amazing! So many amazing flavors. The Cured meats came with a few slices of homemade pickle slices, and spicy brown mustard. The smoked salmon came with capers and horseradish sauce. The cheese board included salted almonds and pure honey. I didn’t have a burger but they have many selections and options. My father in law had one and he described it as amazing! I will definitely return.

I have put this off too long and for no good reason. I. Absolutely. Love. Benjamin’s! Yes I love a burger restaurant that really doesn’t have a kitchen and that operates without a deep fryer. Why? Probably because they have the best burger in Pittsburgh. I am sure that statement can be met with disapproval, and I don’t care. These bar side made burgers are so good! I have yet to have a burger cooked there that wasn’t cooked incredible perfect and to my requested standards, seasoned wonderfully and was so full of flavor. Their candied jalapeño burger served medium rare is my favorite and I get it every time I come. I also really enjoy their shrimp and grits, actually the BEST shrimp and grits I have ever had. Perfectly cooked grits, not hard or gritty, with a habanera cheese sauce, topped with broiled shrimp. So delicious.
I need to point out that my first visit to Benjamin’s was for a Unilocal event last year. I am so happy they had that event and I got to attend, because otherwise I don’t think I would have ever tried this place.
Now since they lack any fryers and the kitchen is literally on the corner of the bar (IE the oven, prep, plates) their side dishes are all raw minus the bacon home fries. I don’t mind this at all, I prefer something a little healthier to go with my most likely 800 calorie burger, but I wish the sides were a little more inventive, and I wish they offered a salad as well. Last time I tried the broccoli salad as my side. Eh it was ok. The broccoli was nice, crunchy, and vibrant but the sauce and other components lacked flavor. I also had their pasta salad and potato salad. The pasta salad was my favorite of the three but still wish there were some other options for sides.
I must also mention, they have a Brunch with a Bloody Mary Bar on Saturday and Sundays, and offer daily drink specials, on top of their Monday through Friday Happy Hour specials which you can get $ 2.00 off your draft choice. Just a couple more reasons I love this place.

Eff this place all day long. Stopped in for a bite on a Sunday afternoon. Much to my surprise, they were serving brunch. I was on board. they stopped serving it at 3, which was fine as we were there about 20 minutes before then. We were seated and watered and promptly ignored until 3:05 or so. We were then told they may not be able to do brunch for us, as it ended at 3. Great. They asked the cooks who obliged us, but then proceeded to burn/​forget half of our order. Then we waited another half an hour for the check.
I wish this was an isolated incident, but every time I’ve come in it’s the same story. Pretty good food prepared with 0 care and absolutely miserable service. You’d be better off going literally ANYWHERE else. Go to the Monterey Pub just a few blocks away. You’ll be much happier with the experience.

Excited to try Benjamin’s Western Avenue Burger Bar. I ventured out in the steady downpour today. It was about 11:45 so there was plenty of parking. What a cool little place! The bartender was friendly and took my to-​go order. The menu has a lot to choose from. it was tough to choose. I love burgers~! I went with the «Buffalo Blue» Burger (Buffalo Sauce, Blue Cheese, Romaine Lettuce) well I must say «it was a mighty tasty burger». You can tell it was good beef and real blue cheese crumbles. The burger was juicy and quite delicious. I was surprised that «French fries» weren’t on the menu. They are just such a great accompaniment to a burger (American girl always).
Sides include: Bacon Fat Home Fries, Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad, Curried Cabbage Cole Slaw, Potato Salad or Broccoli Salad.
Bunch on Sunday 10:30 — a.m. — 9:00 p.m. brunch menu & build your own Bloody Mary bar available until 3pm. Theres a small dining room area — bar and a jukebox! ! I love that! There is outside seating (weather permitting). I bet they have a great happy hour. I cant wait to go back!
Nice draft beer selection. always rotating. that’s cool. My meal was $ 10.95 — burger plus a side — a little above average. but was it worth it? YES

I’m happy to say that Benjamin’s has grown into an awesome place for gourmet burgers and more! I think they had a rough time with all the changes and transitions years back, but they’ve finally found a groove and I’m happy to indulge in!
Their burgers not only have quality meat, but also have amazing gourmet toppings like cream cheese (HELLO!), candied jalapeño and truffle mustard (MY FAVE!). I can gladly say they accommodate vegetarians with a fantastic tasting veggie burger (I can confirm) and also offer gluten free buns.
I also love their sides too, because c’mon, you can’t’ have a good burger without a grand offering of sides. Honestly there’s not one I don’t like, with their broccoli salad, interesting take on potato salad (with mustard and blue cheese) and curried cabbage slaw.
I also have been to brunch, where they have a great bloody mary bar. And I can’t leave without saying they have a healthy selection of portobello offerings, which is one of my fave items to have in anything I eat!
The atmosphere is fantastic and it always amazes me knowing that they’re literally working from that tiny grill you see by the bar. Seriously, take a look over there, because it will impress you number one, and number two, you know it’s going to be hot off the grill good!

I stopped in here on my visit to Pittsburgh because I love a good burger & the place I stayed recommended this place.
The city I’m from has a ton of great burger places so I’m slightly spoiled. It was a great place to hang out, have a few drinks, eat, & shoot some pool.
Upon entering, I noticed the music immediately. Great music was playing that night. It made me want to dance while eating my burger. We were greeted & it smelled delicious. It’s nice that this spot is next to a road to where you can watch people, dogs, & cars go by while you eat. Most burger places in my city don’t have that.
For the appetizer we decided to have the Baked Brie (Brie, Granny Smith Apple Slices, Roasted Almonds, Wildflower Honey, Crostini). If I lived in the neighborhood, I could probably go here all the time to drink & eat baked brie the night away!
Looking at the burger menu, I was slightly overwhelmed. In my city, there are gourmet burger places, but most of them have 2 or 3 go-​to burgers. This menu… Every single one of them sounded tasty! I decided to go with the Candied Jalapeño Burger (Candied Jalapeño cream cheese & apple wood smoked bacon). The burger was great. My only complaint is that it was a little dry. I normally order my burger medium so that it has pink & plenty of juice. It was still great… it just came out a little more on the medium-​well to well side.
This place doesn’t serve fries. Instead they have other sides along with Bacon Fat Home Fries (Onions & Poblano peppers). I wish places here in Louisville had that side!
Dessert choice… Brownie Sundae! We weren’t able to finish it because we were so stuffed!
The last thing to mention with this place is the beer. Options on tap as well as plenty of cans, bottle, wines, & cocktails to choose from. After eating, we decided to play pool while I had a few more drinks. The staff there was great! I invited them to my city… yeah… when I drink a lot I tend to want everyone drinking & to have a good time with me. I hope I wasn’t obnoxious. :-)
I’ll definitely be back.

We came here on St. Paddy’s Day for dinner before a dessert-​only wedding. It was fairly busy but we got a table right away. We started off ordering some beers. They’ve got about 8 – 10 craft taps.
Unfortunately I’d just had a burger at home the night before, so to eat I ordered the crab cake sandwich. My food was good. The crab cake was big and very moist. I really enjoyed the pasta salad I had as my side.
My husband and friend we were also with both got burgers. My friend looooves their burgers. My husband liked his as well but he did say he’s had better. My friend disagrees, but I didn’t have one so I cannot settle the debate!
When we got the check at the end of our meal we did get charged for the wrong more expensive beers. But I understand that the staff was probably going a little crazy with St. Patty’s day! I’d really like to go back and try the burgers for myself.

Stopped in with a bunch of clients on their recommendation.
Very good burger bar with great décor and charm.
Ordered the candied jalepeno burger with bacon. Asked for it rare and it came out perfectly cooked and topped with spicy, jalepeno cream cheese and crispy applewood smoked bacon.
Bun was fresh and did not get soggy while eating the burger. As a side I opted for the curried slaw which was also very good and cut the unctousness of the burger.
Everyone else reported thier burger and sides were excellent, particularly the bacon fat home fries.
Service was very good and prices were reasonable.

After attending Unilocal’s Burger Bonanza @ Benjamin’s I had to go back for an encore.
Being that it was my daughter’s birthday and that she loves burgers as much as I do I figured that, that was as good a time as any to make a return visit.
Upon entering we were greeted and quickly seated in a booth next to the bar.
The wife and daughter both got a cream soda and I got a Coke. We started off with the Shrimp and Grits for our appetizer. (Byrd’s Mill organic corn grits, habanero cheddar cheese, brown sugar and butter.) My daughter doesn’t even like grits but, she loved these.
My wife and I both went with the Candied Jalapeño burger with pickles and lettuce and tomato and the birthday girl ordered a bbq, bacon cheese burger with lettuce and tomato. We patiently sat and watched in excitement as our Bacon Fat Home Fries (onions & poblano peppers) were being cooked next to the bar.
It was like Christmas morning as our burgers were brought all at once to our table. I am so glad I went with the Candied Jalapeño Burger! I ordered it medium and that’s just how it came to me. It was super juicy and cooked perfectly! The freshly ground blend of Sirloin, Brisket & Short Rib was amazing and by adding the jalapeño cream cheese really makes the burger. It was so good! The Bacon Fat Home Fries were really good as well and complemented the burger to a tee.
My other complaint was the bun as it missing something. it could have been buttered or something. The house made pickles were great also.
Our waitress was perfect the whole night and never left my Coke or water glass get empty for long.

I was disappointed that I didn’t love my experience here as much as I did when I came to the elite event earlier this month. After coming the first week of October and sampling a lot of Benjamin’s signature items (shrimp and grits, candied jalapeño burger and the crab cake), I couldn’t wait to return! My boyfriend is a huge burger fan so I knew I wanted him to experience this place as well.
We came on a Thursday night around 830. It was kind of busy and the bartenders were very busy, considering they were not only covering the bar but the table service as well. Our service was awesome, our server was super friendly and attentive to us despite how busy he was.
I ordered the candied jalapeño burger with a side of broccoli with wasabi sauce, a side salad and the curried coleslaw. My boyfriend ordered a traditional burger with fries and a side salad.
He liked his burger and fries but didn’t feel as if it was anything out of the ordinary as far as your average burger goes. We both felt the side salad wasn’t worth nearly $ 4. It was decent in size but the only toppings were soggy tomatoes, white onions and croutons. Nothing special. The curried coleslaw was disappointing– barely any curry flavor and the vinegar taste was overwhelming. The wasabi broccoli was alright, but I didn’t finish it because the sauce was a little over powering. I’m giving this place three stars primarily because the candied jalapeño burger itself is that good. The sauce is amazing.
I don’t think I’ll be returning, unless I have an intense craving for the candied jalapeño burger.

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a good burger, and my goodness, based on the meal I had here Benjamin’s knows exactly how to make a good burger!
I stopped in with a family member because we had a discount card for Benjamin’s, but after our meal we’d come back whether we were getting the discount or not. I ordered a top shelf cheeseburger minus the onions and with a couple extra of my favorite toppings. And the burger I got was, well, really darn good! It was definitely not undercooked, but the dripping of juicy beef goodness that had me carefully eating over my plate the entire meal was a clear indication that it wasn’t overcooked, either — and given my history of getting overcooked burgers, this was fantastic. My dining partner enjoyed one of their fall ales in addition to their burger, and the two things went together really well. I was admittedly way more focused on the yummy burger than the booze at that point.
I guess my only tiny complaint was that I had a little confusion with the menu, which led to me getting a spicy side dish with my food. So much of the menu includes a list of ingredients that you can choose from, that I didn’t realize that ordering a side of broccoli would include all of the listed ingredients (which included wasabi) mixed together as a dressing. So I ended up eating a pretty spicy side of broccoli with my burger. It tasted just fine and now I know better for next time, but it wouldn’t hurt if they clarified which parts of the menu were «pick your ingredients» and which ones weren’t.
But overall, Benjamin’s is definitely somewhere I’d eat again, and now it’s on my top five places to grab a great burger in this city. My dining partner and I left feeling full and content. Can’t wait to stop by again!

This is definitely a 4-​star burger joint!
Ordered the soft pretzels, just to try out two dips that intrigued us — the candied jalapeño cream cheese and the truffle mustard. I was not a fan of the cream cheese because I don’t like the heat, but my husband took it down! The truffle mustard was good, more of a finely-​ground, stone-​ground mustard that had a smooth finish. Smacked the sour and bitter taste buds all around!
Our meal was a split burger and side — the BBQ burger and the broccoli salad.
My thoughts on the burger:
The first thing I noticed was the doneness; as I cut the burger in twain, the juices flowed into the lower bun and onto the plate. YES. This is a medium rare burger! Probably the first correct one I’ve had all summer!
Next, the bacon.
Thick strips of bacon, not too over-​peppered, and still with a bit of chewiness. Tasty.
The BBQ suave was on the savory side, most notably from the pepper, then what I think is a smidge of onion powder. All mingling together nicely on this fine burger.
The bun: surprised it wasn’t toasted, but that is all.
Broccoli Salad:
Boasting a soy-​wasabi dressing, this chilled salad rocks the salty buds. It is truly covered with this sauce, assumably, it’s been brining/​marinating in it. Mostly soy sauce flavored, it didn’t have the wasabi punch I was expecting. Good, nonetheless.
I suggest giving this place a try. My hubby and I are taking the afternoon to compare this and Bubba’s in Bridgeville (both new to us). We’ll let you know the winner later!