The Benton Club — Restaurant in Saint Joseph

The Benton Club is a members-only club, and one must be nominated and supported by 2 club sponsors in order to join. It is also available for rent on special ocassions to certain other clubs, and to those celebrating special private events like weddings, anniversaries, etc..

While the atmosphere is always Old World and comforting, some members have expressed frustration at being hit up with automatically applied financial assessments during their membership to pay for ongoing maintenance issues for the 1887 building, which is actually a modification of three 1880's era homes which have been strung together into the present entity.

The Club, whose original focus was on networking among downtown businessmen and medical/legal professionals, is open to members and guests for lunch and dinner several days per week. It offers drinks at the legendary bar both before, and after, the main meal. Tablecloths, flowers, and centerpieces add to the luxurious ambience of the overall dining experience.

The quality of the food has varied over the years---ranging from merely mediocre to excellent---and can be unpredictable at times, having prompted some (mostly younger) members to resign and look elsewhere for an upscale Club experience with fewer obligatory assessments and more easily predictable food outcomes.

For those members who choose to stay, however, the benefits of membership in a homelike environment far outweigh the drawbacks, and they continue to enjoy relaxed and unhurried dining in a cozy downtown atmosphere of elegance with their friends of like mind.

Being a member or an invited guest to the club is an absolutely unique and unforgettable experience, as there is no place else in town to absorb as much history, camaraderie, and pleasure as at The...

This is an older & more historic club in downtown St Joe. Recent changes include an excellent Chef and staff. They even remember my menu preference; the service is prompt and with a smile. Strongly recommend it to host your family or business function. I'm not sure if non-members can stop...

We had the most incredible dinner experience for our anniversary celebration. Our server, Shelly was a wonderful delight. Our food was perfect in every way, and the dessert was very delicious. Chef Brian stopped by our table to check on us, too! If you have the opportunity to eat...