"Bennigan's Grill & Tavern" Offers Good Food and Service

In January of this year, the Virginia Peninsula's oldest remaining mall - - Coliseum Mall - - closed down to make room on the site for independent structures in a new town center. Three restaurants located on the same property were left behind. It's not difficult to imagine how this businesses have suffered in recent months as construction goes on around them; cutting off direct access to these establishments.

On such restaurant is "Bennigan's Grill & Tavern." Bennigan's has been a part of the Virginia Peninsula community for over 20 years. During that time it has, like any eating establishments, gone through the normal ebbs and flow typical of business. It is, however, a pity that during a time of substantial improvement in service and menu choice, its customer base cannot easily access the restaurant.

Bennigan's in the early days was definitely a hangout for the Yuppie crowd. I should know, I spent enough time there. It was the perfect place to meet friends after work, have a few drinks, and unwind. The restaurant is still a good place for that. However, its focus these days is much more family oriented.

With its comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, Bennigan's offers the perfect place to relax and have a good meal. With its comfortable tables and booths, it has something suitable for just about anyone. Parties are welcomed and can easily be partitioned off in one of the restaurant's sunroom areas. Booths come in both small, intimate settings for two as well as larger sizes for parties of four or six.

We were inordinately lucky during our visit to be seated by none less than the manager himself. He took time to welcome us to the establishment and to outline several of the changes in the menu as well as the current specials.

No sooner had he left us than our waitress arrived to take our drink orders. She also inquired if we had any questions about the menu, which I found both refreshing and helpful. As we perused the menu, she set off to retrieve our ice tea.