The Benjamin

Behind an unassuming windowless facade on Melrose Avenue lies The Benjamin, a moody Hollywood hideaway that channels the glamour of old Tinseltown without veering into kitschy territory. The dimly lit space welcomes you with oversized leather booths, Art Deco lighting, and carpet that wouldn’t look out of place in a classic film noir. It’s the kind of room where you half expect to see silver screen legends nursing cocktails in the corner.

The menu reads like a love letter to American bistro cooking, with dishes designed to pair perfectly with the extensive martini list. Start with the crab beignets—pillowy fried morsels stuffed with sweet crab meat and served with a zippy lemon aioli. The deviled eggs and shrimp cocktail are crowd-pleasers, but the real star is the burger. This isn’t some overwrought gastropub creation; it’s a beautifully simple bar burger with a juicy patty, gooey cheese, tangy pickles, and a smoky-sweet hickory sauce that keeps you coming back bite after bite. For something lighter, the whole branzino arrives perfectly charred with a vibrant cilantro salad and punchy chimichurri.

The vibe here walks a perfect line between sophisticated and approachable. Despite the doorman and the tough-to-score reservations, there’s no pretension once you’re inside. The staff keeps things warm and unpretentious, and the crowd is an eclectic mix of date-nighters, industry types, and locals who’ve discovered that the bar seats offer one of the best solo dining experiences in the city.

Whether you’re sliding into a booth for a celebratory dinner or perching at the sprawling wooden bar with a smoky Manhattan, The Benjamin delivers on atmosphere and substance in equal measure. Don’t skip dessert—Kate’s carrot cake with its tangy mascarpone frosting is a fitting finale to an evening spent in Hollywood’s most charming throwback.