The Bench

Go get the cauliflower during happy hour. For $10. It was really good. The drinks were good too. Food looked good but lacked flavor. The mushroom pasta did not have salt and the salt shaker spits out salt one grain at a time which was sad. The dessert options were limited too and the chocolate cake was dry. Staff was short on resources (one server and one at the bar) at times when there may be too many people. But they were very helpful, understanding and provided good service.

My daughter chose The Bench to celebrate her 20th birthday after searching for a place and making a reservation. Nothing about a deposit was mentioned when she booked. When she and her five friends (all young women) arrived, they were told they had to provide a $100 deposit to eat, which would be returned in 3–5 days. This was not presented as a standard reservation policy. It was not communicated in advance. It was not applied toward the bill. It was simply required when they walked in. It’s hard not to view this as profiling. Six young Black women arrived to celebrate a birthday and were immediately treated with suspicion. If there is a deposit policy, it should be clearly stated upfront and applied consistently to everyone. Springing it on them at the door feels discriminatory and u

We had a very enjoyable and nice dinner yesterday. I feel bad that the previous reviews are quite negative on this wonderful restaurant. We’ve been to Bench so many times and we were always very happy with the food and service . This is a hidden gem in Rio. While other restaurants are crowded and noisy, this one has a classy and quiet atmosphere. The food’s delicious and flavorful. We appreciate the chef and the hosts- they get busy with a small staff but they are still very hospitable and attentive. Our server last night was Alie and I’m sorry I didn’t get the other lady’s name . Keep up the excellent work . We will surely be back .

So you come up to the counter and order breakfast, but nobody tells you this. The young lady struggles to understand you so English is not her language. The menu is bland and so was the food. Pre-pandemic it was the best breakfast now one of the worse. Small fruit cups overcooked eggs and tasteless sausage. Some lady was yelling NO MILk because the help doesn't understand. No avocado. No egg whites. Heck might as well say no service and go home.

Food is dangerously bad. Eggs Benedicte was the worst I have ever had any where. McDonald's egg mc Muffin is better. The ham is on the verge of rancidity and no holidadsise sauce. They served hash brown patty as home fries