Mare Island Brewing Co. – First Street Taphouse — Restaurant in Benicia

For starters I still don't understand why you can't enjoy a Nuclear Sandwich in house. It's one of my favorite brews and I can easily find some to take home at many local stores so I can't imagine buying some to go from here. For this reason you lose a star.

We had a great server. I don't recall her name but she said she was new. The ambiance is standard for this type of establishment. I've only been here a couple of times but have frequented the one at the Vallejo Ferry building dozens of times. This weekend I had the pulled pork sandwich and the butter lettuce salad (sans mint) and they were both exceptional.

Friend of mine ordered the burger sliders but they wouldn't serve them medium rare. He asked for the beet salad and they were out. Then he wanted the grilled cheese but they said you had to be 12 and under to order off the kids menu. I believe that is not legal but I might be wrong. He eventually ordered the potato wedges but they were dry.

Nutshell: Food was hit and miss. No Nuclear Sandwich. Ambiance was decent. Service was great. I'll probably come back just because I'm local but would never go out of my...

Had my wedding rehearsal lunch at Benicia location on 10/30/22. Kate answered my emails and helped with all the planning. This location went above and beyond by allowing me to reserve their bottom floor for my private party instead of the second floor due to a few disabled guests I have. Not only did the staff make every guest feel welcomed, but they worked with seating the public upstairs to not disturb our event on ground level. I choose the BBQ package and it was EVERYTHING. Everyone was impressed and loved the food. Personally I was a little weary of Mare Island only offering wine/beer because my guests are usually mixed drink drinkers, but it all worked out. The men loved the beer on tap and football, and all my ladies enjoyed their "Vampire Mimosa" they had for Halloween Weekend. The food, the beverages, and staff were amazing and gave all my guests a taste of Benicia and amazing...

Sorry. Had the worst hamburger I’ve had in years at the Mare Island Brewery First Street Taphouse today.

Taphouse seriously needs to drop the very sweet “Fig Jam” topping for their house hamburger (and other sandwiches, as attested to by my lunch companion.). Sweetness completely overtook any taste of the meat and/or garnishments. Yuck.

This is an example of a “trendy restaurant” trying too hard at something different for what should be a classic offering, and ending up ruining the product.

I left with literally a bad taste in my mouth. My companion (who is a long-time Benicia resident) and I (from Sacramento) will not return. Too many other options to get top quality, tasty beef presented in a classic...