Checking In at Benjamin’s in Newport, Rhode Island

Let’s dive into Benjamin’s—a standout spot in Newport that’s worth seeking out, even if parking’s a bit of a hassle! 📍 Location & Parking Heads-Up It’s right in Newport’s downtown area at 254 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840—super convenient for post-meal exploring… but fair warning: parking is really tough here! We ended up parking at a nearby shopping plaza, so leave a little extra time to hunt for a spot 🅿️. 🏠 Ambiance The restaurant has two floors: The first floor has a bar and small tables—cozy for quick bites or drinks. The second floor is way roomier, with a unique ship cabin-style design—it feels warm and themed, adding a fun twist to the meal (perfect for photos!). 👍 Service Perks The service was top-notch! Our server checked in on us almost every 10 minutes to make sure we had everything we needed—super attentive. And a big plus: cash payment gets you a discount! Save a little extra if you’re happy to pay with cash. 🦞 Must-Try Dishes (5-Star Picks!) Every bite here was delicious, but these stood out the most: ⭐ Fried Oysters: Incredibly fresh and plump! The frying was perfectly timed—crispy outside, tender inside. The cocktail sauce was way more flavorful and rich than what you get at most places—total game-changer. ⭐ Coconut Shrimp: Hands down the best I’ve ever had! The shrimp were huge, and they weren’t over-fried (no dryness here!). Bite into them, and you get that satisfying crunch outside, juicy shrimp inside, and a subtle coconut flavor that gets better the more you chew 🥥. ⭐ Seafood Mac & Cheese: Loaded with toppings—big shrimp, lobster, and scallops! The taste is rich and briny from the seafood, mixed with super creamy cheese. It’s so satisfying… but fair warning: it’s heavy! Eating it alone might feel a little greasy (share it with friends!). ⭐ Lobster Grilled Cheese: At $30, the portion feels a bit small, but the flavor makes up for it. The bread is crispy, and the lobster filling is creamy—pair it with the pickles on the side to cut through the richness (genius touch!). ⭐ Benjamin’s Lobster Fra Diablo (Today’s Special): A huge bowl—total value for money! It’s like a spicy tomato pasta with seafood: half a lobster, squid, mussels, shrimp, and linguini. The seasoning is bold and flavorful—spicy enough to kick things up, but not overpowering. Final Verdict Overall, highly recommended! Don’t skip Benjamin’s if you’re in Newport—it’s a delicious, welcoming spot that lives up to the hype. #TiredOfWorking #BostonLife #Boston #BostonFood #DailyFood #RhodeIsland #BostonFoodExploration #RestaurantCheckIn #FoodieAdventure