Benny's Tavern — Restaurant in Colonial Heights

UPDATE 11/21/23

Benny and I had the most fantastic text exchange today. Apparently, there have been individuals who received customer service, but do NOT know how to appreciate their servers by tipping. Benny made clear this is why the “20% auto gratuity fee” is in place - to ensure his servers are taken care of…makes sense. Benny is definitely looking out for his staff.

As I said before, the food was fantastic! In addition, Benny has assured me he will speak with his staff regarding this topic. So, that’s the beauty of speaking with a small business owner - they care about your experience and input.

Thanks again Benny.

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11/5/23 REVIEW

20% Surcharge WARNING They sneak in another 20% surcharge on your bill (for what? I don't know) and the surcharge is NOT listed on their menu NOR online. And "NO"...this is NOT considered a tip. YUP...you find out about the 20% surcharge once the bartender rings you up. And when you ask the bartender "what's the surcharge for?" they will say, with shoulder's raised and a hint of ignorance, "I dunno...it's just a surcharge." Oh, before I forget, there's still that sticky thing called a "tip" which is added to the overall bill - seriously. So a simple burger and fries for one person runs ~$20 = $12.95 burger + $2.59 (20% Surcharge) + $1.01 (6.5% Meals, Food, & Beverage Tax for Colonial Heights) + $3.31 (20% tip). On a good note, the Benny's Tavern Burger was delicious and onion wrings cooked perfectly. On a so-so note, don't go in there expecting a Buffalo Wild Wings experience. Even with no one smoking the nicotine residue in the air caused me to quickly go from eating "in" to "carry out."

Remember if you walk in that this is a "Bar" which happens to serve food - good food by the way. If you're aiming to have drinks, smoke your favorite cigarette inside, play poker (seriously), shoot darts and pool, and sip your favorite beverage while chowing down on some Nachos and Wings, then this...

I don't know bout you all but I LOVE a good dive bar. This place is exactly what you expect but better. The food is hearty and tasty and cheap. The drinks are strong and cheap. When I say cheap, I'm not downplaying the quality. They just don't beat you over the head and up charge you. If you come 2 days in a row you feel like family. The bartenders remember you along with your favorite drink. The people who come here are some of the nicest coolest down to earth people you will meet. They have a several pool tables and offer poker night a few times a week. They don't care if you are white, black, Spanish or whatever they treat you very well. So never be afraid to try this place out. I travel for work. Once I found this place I came back everyday for happy hour. If you are looking for a place where you can relax without feeling that ppl are pretentious, come here. If you want to be somewhere that the drinks aren't 15-20 dollars a pop, look no further. If you are away from family and want to feel like home, come here. There's a certain time and place for expensive fine dining restaurants, but there's ALWAYS time to come to Benny's Tavern. Ten out of Ten...

My wife and I were looking for karaoke, and she found this place on Google. We arrived and were instantly welcomed. The staff was phenomenal and friendly. There were multiple events going on at the same time. There was a poker tournament, pool league, darts, and Karaoke! No set of tournament players had any issues with the other. Everyone was having a great time. Benny was also very friendly. We sat outside with our drinks and he just started chatting with us like we all knew each other for ages, and it seemed as if we did. An owner who interacts and hangs out with the customers as if he was one himself. The ladies behind the bar were always accessible for food or drink orders as busy as they were. And the food was great also. The bar was a beautiful example of the melting pot of America as everyone was welcomed and friendly to one another. I think the unwritten rule to enter is be friendly! We had such a great time, we have to thank Benny, his staff, and all the great people we met there! Highly recommend coming here only if you bring your smile! Thank you Benny and see you next time we...