The Benjamin Hollywood
Restaurant · Fairfax District
7174 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Highlights
Burger and martini hotspot with Old Hollywood ambiance
Burger and martini hotspot with Old Hollywood ambiance
"Ben Shenassafar’s Melrose restaurant the Benjamin, which he operates with partners Kate Burr and Jared Meisler, serves a signature burger that harkens back to upscale New York bistros and thick bar burgers. A loosely formed patty is cooked to medium-rare, with the inside still pink and juicy. A thick slice of seared onion sits on top, resting on melted American cheese. Pickles and hickory sauce round out the burger, adding a touch of smoke and acidity. Herb and salt-tossed fries come in a silver cone with garlic aioli and ketchup for dipping. It’s a hulking burger, large enough to split between two if ordering any other dishes. Always pair it with a martini, a glass of wine, or a Manhattan from the drinks menu. Know before you go: While the tables and booths are both great, the best seats at the house here are at the bar" - Eater Staff
"When Ben Shenassafar was in the process of opening his art deco den, the Benjamin, he had a vision of patrons coming in, sipping on a cocktail or two at the bar, devouring a burger, and finishing with warm chocolate chip cookies. Part of that vision was offering an experience that solo diners could enjoy, just as much as those who come with a group. Grab a seat at the bar and start with the signature Ben’s Martini, which stands out from the pack with a careful balance of floral Monkey 47 Gin and dry vermouth accented with lemon oil. On the side, a small stack of Ruffles-style chips made in-house offers the ideal salty accompaniment." - Rebecca Roland
"This dark and moody bistro on Melrose doesn’t shy away from Old Hollywood touches. There’s a long bar where Manhattans flow, booths the size of jacuzzis, and a wedge salad buried under a metric ton of bacon. But don’t mistake The Benjamin for a living museum. By 6pm most nights, the place packs in a crowd dressed like they’re auditioning for a Stüssy print campaign. Huddle with your personal Brat Pack in the corner over strip steaks and caviar baked potatoes, or join the neighborhood scene at the bar that sneaks in for martinis and burgers. There are many ways to do a meal right at The Benjamin and none of them are snoozy. Reservations are released at 9am a week in advance, but they're usually snapped up in minutes. The bar area is first-come, first-serve, though and if you arrive by 6pm, there are usually stools available." - brant cox, sylvio martins, cathy park
"When Ben Shenassafar was in the process of opening his art deco den, the Benjamin, he had a vision of patrons coming in, sipping on a cocktail or two at the bar, devouring a burger, and finishing with warm chocolate chip cookies. While there are plenty of other outstanding cocktails on the menu, along with wine and beer, the signature Ben’s Martini stands out from the back with a careful balance of floral Monkey 47 Gin and dry vermouth accented with lemon oil. On the side, a small stack of Ruffles-style chips made in-house offers the ideal salty accompaniment. For something saltier, opt for the Dirtier Martini; espresso fans will love the Be Bright Martini." - Rebecca Roland
"When Ben Shenassafar was in the process of opening his art deco den, the Benjamin, he had a vision of patrons coming in, sipping on a cocktail or two at the bar, devouring a burger, and finishing with warm chocolate chip cookies. While there are plenty of other outstanding cocktails on the menu, along with wine and beer, the signature Ben’s Martini stands out from the back with a careful balance of floral Monkey 47 Gin and dry vermouth accented with lemon oil. On the side, a small stack of Ruffles-style chips made in-house offers the ideal salty accompaniment. For something saltier, opt for the Dirtier Martini; espresso fans will love the Be Bright Martini." - Rebecca Roland
