Ben & Nick's Bar & Grill

(510) 923-0327

5612 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618 37.8435 -122.2515

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhood: Rockridge

What People Are Saying About Ben & Nick's Bar & Grill

The Editor

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene – During the day, sunlight from the wall of windows illuminates a slightly shabby interior. At night, dim lighting, the dark wood bar and tables, and tall walls covered in vintage beer promotions create a friendly atmosphere for friends to meet for drinks. Bartenders and staff are casual but competent. – – The Draw – Stumbling distance from the Rockridge BART station, the bar is a regular rendezvous for young, single East Bay commuters looking for a place to unwind. Though mixed drinks are served, draft beer is the specialty. There's a wide range of…

4 Star Rating: Recommended

02/05/08

tues pub night

by thisnametkaen

Actually, they do offer wireless internet. Cheese fries, Maybe next time order something not typically found at Smokehouse and you might like what you are eating. tues pub quiz night, not too crowded on saturdays. food till ten pm. great micro brews.

2 Star Rating: Below Average

05/02/07

The telecommuter's report - updated

by sleeplessj

UPDATE: the afternoon weekday barmaid (little girl with dark hair) had too much attitude for me, after I asked her to send back the cheese fries for the third time we sort of had a falling out. After I discovered Barclays down the street, I'm probably never going back to Ben-n-Nicks. Ciao....

------

I'm a regular during the off-hours, that is to say when my "dr.'s appointment" in Rockridge is done, I head straight to Ben'n'Nicks to drown my sorrows during the working hours, with my laptop plugged into the nearest outlet and my wireless internet card fully loaded. That is, they do not offer wireless internet here to my knowledge, so you road warriors are advised to bring your own internet connectivity. Anyhow, if you do happen to have that handy, you can park here and work in relative peace and quiet while partaking of some of the better-quality draught beers. The beer selection on tap changes daily, sometimes hourly, but there are standards that are almost always available (Pabst Blue Ribbon, Pliny the Elder, Drakes etc). The music ambience depends on the bartender on duty, they sometimes tend to the more moroser sh*t but occasionally the sour mood lifts and you'll hear some good 80's-90's vintage rock. Popular place for late lunch crowd, not uncommon to see your local high priest dining here with "friends." (People of the Frock are always welcome at Ben 'n' Nicks.) Anyway the bar is very quiet during the work day and it's an ideal place to telecommute from, as long as you bring your own internet. Standard pub grub food, nothing to write home about. If you order cheese fries make sure you order them not to skimp on the cheese. - SleeplessJ

  • Pros: good draught beer, clean restroom
  • Cons: no wireless internet, barmaid with extreme attitude problem
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/15/05

Awesome spot!

by barbeedoo

When I get off the Rockridge BART, I often head for Ben & Nick's (it's less than a block away). I also meet with my friends there on Friday night. The food is generally pretty good. They serve the usual bar food , like burgers and fish & chips. But also great salads and specials. They have a full bar as well as wine and a great selection of draft beer. I don't like beer (gasp!) so it's great that I have other options. Bartenders are friendly and fun--I like Tom & Ben especially. It seems each bartender picks his or her own CDs to play, so there's a lot of diversity. Ben & Nick's rocks!

The Details on Ben & Nick's Bar & Grill

Where to Sit:

If you're with a group of three or more, snag a big wooden booth along the wall opposite the bar.

Cheap Drinks:

Stop by for happy hour (Mon-Fri, 3:30pm-5:30pm) and get 50-cents-off pints and 75-cents-off well drinks. Some of the food is discounted, as well.

Parking:

Street parking on this stretch of College Avenue is a challenge. Try side streets south of Ocean View Drive, further from the BART station.

Lists In Oakland

Advertisement

Things To Do Nearby Ben & Nick's Bar & Grill

Ben & Nick's Bar & Grill

5612 College Ave
Oakland, CA 94618

Recent Reviews In Oakland

Lake Chalet

1520 Lakeside Dr, Oakland, CA

Marzano

5356 College Ave, Oakland, CA

Bocanova

55 Webster St, Oakland, CA

Chop Bar

247 4th St, Oakland, CA

Advertisement