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    The Bench

    4.2 (727 reviews)
    PriceyNew American, Bars
    Open 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    The Bench Photos

    THE BENCH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - The Bench

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    Amazing view facing ocean and golf course in outdoor seating with fire
    Siddhi A.

    Recommended by a friend and worth it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Love the view facing ocean n golf course in outdoor setting with fire.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered Margheritta flatbread, falafel platter and carrot cake with gelato. Everything tasted awesome love the vibe. Server was prompt and courteseous as well

    Amy V.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Beautiful view of the beach with great food - definitely a nice place for lunch (or even romantic spot for dinner to see the sunset!)[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] From the wine to balloon bread appetizer, mushroom fries and entrees, and even dessert, everything was delightful. Restaurant was a bit difficult to find since there are other neighboring restaurants inside, but that was no issue. Server was attentive and we were frequently checked in on. I would definitely come again.

    View from our outside table
    Florence A.

    We had the best time at The Bench! We sat at the bar while waiting for an outdoor table - about 45 minutes on a Thursday, early evening. Service at the bar and tableside was great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outside, they offered blankets had we had a fire at our table.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We all enjoyed Lemon Drops and the Roasted Shrimp appetizer. My Beet Salad and steak were delicious, and they were so nice to comp our desserts, as 3 of the 4 of us were celebrating birthdays.

    Joyce Z.

    With the entry fee only $12.25, why did it take me over 20 years to go on the 17 mile drive again. [[HIGHLIGHT]]November is perfectly pleasant as it is quiet, the weather is mild (was high 60s in early November) and there is a good chance of sunny days, even if it is the beginning of rainy season.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] If you do want your entry fee reimbursed, just spend $35 at a Pebble Beach Resort restaurant like this lunch of Lasagna Rotolo and Korean Style Brisket Sandwich at the Bench inside the Lodge at Pebble Beach. It is a popular spot even during slow season that the wait time for outdoor seating was an hour even mid-afternoon. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We ended up eating at the bar which still had a beautiful view, just from a distance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Kevin D.

    The Bench restaurant is located inside of the Lodge at Pebble Beach. There is three parts of the restaurant you can eat in, near the bar, canopy room, or outside. We were in the canopy room, a very well lit open space with natural light and a cool breeze. The service was excellent, no issues and we didn't expect to run into any to be honest. The food was also very good with the mussels and shrimp shining. The Korean brisket was also excellent, and just the right amount of salt in the daily soup. This place is a winner all the way around.

    A simple roasted chicken done exceptionally well.
    Ken M.

    I kept trying to find a reason to just give our evening 4 stars... but I couldn't. Everything was great! We were early for our reservation and we spent some time at the bar. Our server was fun, knowledgeable and attentive. Drinks and reorders came quickly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]A seamless transfer to our table, overlooking the 18th green at Pebble Beach.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our server spent time greeting us and reviewing the menu. I ordered the Schnitzel snd he even took a moment to explain how it was presented, in case I was expecting something more traditional, which I understood and appreciated. Food came promptly and we all enjoyed our meals. [[HIGHLIGHT]]An upscale restaurant with great views, food and a knowledgeable staff.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I couldn't have asked for a better evening!

    Steak chopped salad, spicy pepperoni flatbread, espresso martini
    Jessica D.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]What a venue!! If you haven't done the 17 Mile Drive yet, make sure to stop by here and plan for a couple hours to walk the grounds, browse the shops, take in the golf course overlooking the water, and end it with a meal at The Bench.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Pro tip: spend $35+ at any Pebble Beach restaurant and they'll deduct the 17 Mile Drive entrance fee from your bill. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We came to celebrate my birthday and reserved an outdoor fire pit table, and the views were absolutely breathtaking.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Just be warned -- we were told we had a private table reserved outside and ended up at a communal fire pit instead, which was a bit of a letdown. Our waitress was sweet and apologetic about it, which helped. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The other thing nobody warns you about -- if it's a sunny day, that outdoor seating is in direct sun with zero umbrellas. We were all getting burned at 78 degrees by the end of the meal![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I actually had to escape inside to the bar to enjoy my complimentary birthday dessert, which was a lovely gesture from the staff. With the unexpected warm weather, I wish we came for a dinner instead. Despite the hiccups, the overall experience is amaaazing and one we'll absolutely return for. The best: - Bread Balloon: A must-order. A GIANT Middle Eastern-style inflated bread heavily covered with za'atar (one of my favorite spices) served with hummus and tahini was incredible. Only note for the kitchen... ease up on the olive oil as it made the bottom soggy. - Carrot Cake -- One of the best desserts I've had in a while. Four generous bites of nut-heavy carrot cake with a big scoop of rich, perfectly sweet cream cheese frosting, topped with candied walnuts and served with salted caramel ice cream. Absolutely crazy good. Do not skip this. The good: - Brussels Sprouts: We love crispy brussels and these weren't that -- more boiled and sautéed. The sauce and pork belly were delicious but the texture was a slight miss for me. - Pepperoni Flatbread -- My fiancée loved it, I thought it was just okay. The bottom was quite soggy from the excess oil. But I was impressed with how charred the bottom was. - Chopped Salad with Steak: A light, delicate, oil-based dressing, and the steak was perfectly medium rare and literally melted in your mouth. Maybe one of the best bites of steak I've had.... Now I need to come back just to try more of their steak dishes. I do wish the dressing was more flavorful because I really just tasted oil. Skip: - Espresso Martini -- Didn't love this one. Way too boozy -- the alcohol bite was overwhelming and made it really hard to drink. Skip.

    Bar/ Communal table seating area
    Annie K.

    We were sat at the communal table in the back like a peasant bc we didnt have a reservation but i think we could have easily waited for a table while sitting in the back. We just didn't know. Even while sitting in the back with barely any view, it felt very calm, luxurious, and enjoyable for some reason. Maybe just the environment being so close to the ocean on a golf course. The food was pretty good. The chickpea soup, shishito peppers i saw also cooked in the big wood fire oven they have (had alot of coarse salt on top), the shrimp was probably the most tasty. I liked my mocktail. The bolognese was solid. It was tastier reheated the next day for some reason. I liked the brownie ice cream dessert. Next time we will def wait for a table outside or inside as the views are spectacular and the ambiance was calming/rejuvenating.

    Tareq B.

    One of the most beautiful views in the world sitting on the 18th hole of the Palm Beach golf course. The foods are Mediterranean inspired. The falafel Panzanella is amazing. Service is excellent. Although the hostesses can be a bit rough. Absolutely asked for the outdoor seating when the weather is nice. Some of the best conversations happen around the communal seating area where you can strike a conversation and make new friends.. the fire pits provide a great ambience and some warmth plus it is always romantic

    Mandana B.

    The Bench at Pebble Beach is an unforgettable spot for both the scenery and the food. From the moment you arrive, the views of the golf course and coastline take your breath away--it's the perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal. The food is equally impressive. Every dish we tried was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, from creative starters to satisfying entrées. The menu strikes a nice balance between approachable comfort food and refined flavors that feel special. Drinks are thoughtfully prepared, and the service is attentive, friendly, and professional. Whether you're stopping by after a round of golf, enjoying a sunset meal, or celebrating a special occasion, The Bench delivers a top-notch experience. Excellent food, impeccable service, and views that can't be beat--definitely a must-visit in Pebble Beach.

    Emilyn A.

    It was our first time visiting The Bench, and overall, the experience was decent. Our server, Eric, was excellent--very attentive and helpful throughout our meal. The food was delicious, which we really enjoyed. Unfortunately, the check-in experience wasn't great. The hostess was not helpful and came across as quite rude to my family, even though we had a reservation. It definitely set a negative tone at the start, and management may want to address this. That said, we didn't let it ruin our visit and still enjoyed our food and time shopping afterward. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I would also recommend avoiding outdoor seating, as it gets very hot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall, The Bench was okay, but we might consider trying somewhere else next time.

    Do not order the Lasagna Rotolo.  It does not taste like lasagna at all.  The table next to us sent back their order too.

    DO NOT ORDER THE LASAGNA ROTOLO. The table next to us sent back their order too. It did not taste like lasagna at all. 60% cheese in the middle that hardened into a glob after 10 mins of slicing thru it. Minimal pasta. The sauce did not taste like marinara, it was mostly minced herbs with a sour paste. Our other items like mussels with fries, charred avocado, duck fat potatoes, brussel sprouts, carrot cake with ice cream were all delicious! Service was amazing! But do not order the "lasagna"

    Justin M.

    Loved it here!! Food is standard American food, but the views are gorgeous. Having a reservation here also allows you to waive the 17 mile drive entrance fee. It's on hole 18 so you can walk straight to the course right after your meal! FOOD: Korean Brisket Sandwich (7/10) - Solid all-together, but the bread gets really really crusty and hard really quickly. Huge portions of fries too Grilled Cauliflower (9/10) - Our favorite dish here! Definitely get this as an appetizer Bench Burger (5/10) - This one honestly was not that good. Fries are the best part of the meal.

    Steak and mash potatoes

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    10 months ago

    Overlooking the 18th green at Pebble Beach, ambience was first class. Rey was our server, excellent! Food was excellent.

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    it was pretty good. Good service and great view. I got the balloon bread, it was ok. Next time I will stick with the fries. =)

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    9 months ago

    Love everything about this place. Must sit outside. Best time to go is around 4 pm. The drinks and the flat bread are good. Nice staff.

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    8 months ago

    Always impeccable! Gorgeous views and top notch service. We will be back every time we visit the area.

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    Page 3 of 19

    The Bench Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Bench

    Is it acceptable to bring kids?

    Yes. I've always seen many children there.

    Do I need to make reservation or do they allow walk in?

    They allow walk ins but this place can get busy so it's better to make a reservation ahead of time or call in on your way to make sure there's available tables.

    Are dogs allowed?

    Yes, dogs are allowed in all outdoor areas in Pebble Beach. The Bench has wonderful outdoor seating.

    How's the wait / openness for walkins? Since there's a gate fee, didn't want to try if they'll turn walkins away. Thanks!

    Whenever we have done a walk-in at The Bench, they usually seat us right away. You can also call Reservations to put your name down just in case.

    Are they dog friendly?

    Yes, the outside patio is dog friendly.

    Do they take reservations for lunch?

    Yes they take reservations for lunch but outdoor tables are not reservable

    Do I need reservations for lunch on a Sunday?

    Yes

    What about wearing regular blue jeans for dinner?

    It is super casual so that should be fine! Our dog even came and she wasn't wearing any pants :)

    Can you wear white jeans to dinner?

    Yes. It's very casual. Rattan furniture. Not Club 19 anymore.... too bad. But nice atmosphere for a casual meal. Not fancy.

    View All 11 Questions

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    Tap Room

    Tap Room

    4.2
    (253 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$

    We went to The Taproom for my birthday and it was such a treat it's easily one of my favorite…read morerestaurants and never disappoints. We ordered the New York steak and the Kobe Gold (which comes with the salt board). The Kobe Gold is my absolute favorite, it's $135, but it's 100% worth it and we order it every time. So flavorful and perfectly cooked. The brisket queso was delicious, and you can't go wrong with the Caesar salad. I love that they put anchovies on top. We also had the mac and cheese and a baked potato that was HUGE. Everything was spot on. For drinks, we had wine and an Old Fashioned it was good, but I do wish it came with one large square ice cube instead of the smaller ice. Just a small touch that would make it even better! We shared a half Taproom sundae for dessert and it was the perfect amount for four people. Nick was our server (we've had him before) and he always does an excellent job. He's attentive, friendly, and professional. We'll definitely be back. It's always a great experience here!

    My BIL had eaten at the Tap Room previously and wanted to return. Six of us went for my birthday…read moredinner. The restaurant was dimly lit. The tables were crowded together so it presented challenges to exit from many tables. The waiter was friendly and talkative. He made suggestions for the men in our party but seemed to dismiss the women. He missed one of our side dishes entirely. The food was nothing special. The potato skins were dry and the prime rib reminded me of bacon. The lettuce wedge salad was the best food item. I like the Point Reyes blue cheese made it stand out. I had a half order of baby back ribs. They were crispy. We shared 2 desserts. Bread pudding and coconut cake. The pudding was good. The cake was just cake. Because it was my birthday they brought a 2 inch square of gluten free raspberry cake. We did not order it. I requested a scoop of ice cream which came on the pudding. The raspberry cake was dry. We were charged $6 for the cake. Just because a restruantit is exclusive does not make it worth the cost.

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    The "new" Tap Room "The Champions Room" - October 28, 2025
    The "new" Tap Room "The Champions Room" - October 28, 2025
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    Kobe filet
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    Sur at The Barnyard

    Sur at The Barnyard

    4.4
    (2.1k reviews)
    3.0 mi
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    We have been here twice now, and this time brought some friends who absolutely loved it. Between…read morethe group, the seafood pasta (one with each type of sauce) was a huge hit. I had the rice bowl with tempura tofu and it was amazing. The sauce was perfect and the vegetables were flavorful and it was a great vegetarian option. Our friend had jambalaya and loved it, and my oldest had a burger and fries which was perfect, good size and great quality. They have a really fun (and delicious) dessert with chocolate dipped ice cream scoops with toppings on the side that are served with a dry ice effect that everyone loved. The restaurant has a family friendly feel and great service with some fun drink options as well. We'll definitely be back next time we're in town.

    After multiple failed attempts to find somewhere to eat with our dogs in tow, we arrived at Sur at…read morethe Barnyard hungry, tired, and a little defeated. What a wonderful surprise. It was just me, my two girls, and our two dogs, and from the moment we arrived, we were met with genuinely excellent service. The staff was kind, attentive, and welcoming. The food was absolutely fantastic, fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. Sometimes a meal is more than just a meal. After a long day of searching for a place that would work for our little crew, Sur felt like exactly where we were meant to end up. We left happy, full, and already looking forward to coming back. Highly recommend.

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    Inside
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    Signature Beet Salad and Fried Artichokes
    Signature Beet Salad and Fried Artichokes
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    Foray

    Foray

    4.6
    (165 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$$$

    Foray completely delivered, the food felt thoughtful and intentional without trying too hard. Each…read moredish was balanced and beautifully executed. You can tell the chef is pushing to become the best. Nothing was over complicated, just clean flavors done at a very high level. It's rare to leave a restaurant feeling genuinely impressed by the cooking itself, but that was the case here. Major credit to the chef, the ambition and attention to detail are obvious. We are excited to dine at Foray again!

    We were part of a 20-person wedding dinner, and Foray handled it like pros. Group dinners can get…read morechaotic fast, but the timing, pacing, and service were flawless from start to finish. Every dish arrived at temp, plated beautifully, and with the same attention to detail you'd expect at a two-top. Between my partner and me, we shared the Wagyu tartare, seared scallops, 30-day aged bluefin tuna, and the foraged mushroom risotto. Every bite felt intentional. The tartare was silky and perfectly seasoned, the scallops were caramelized and tender, and the bluefin was rich and clean with that perfect melt. The risotto hit all the comfort notes without being heavy, layered with truffle and deep umami. Cocktails were another standout. The Coastal Bloom was bright, crisp, and herbal, while the Foray Old Fashioned brought rich coffee and cacao flavors that tied perfectly into dessert. We ended with the candy cap bread pudding and dark chocolate tres leches, both elegant and balanced, the kind of desserts you remember days later. Foray delivered a wedding dinner that felt personal and polished all at once. Exceptional food, kind staff, and one of the best group dining experiences we've ever had in Carmel.

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    Inside the venue
    Inside the venue
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    Brophy's Tavern

    Brophy's Tavern

    4.3
    (825 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    Stopped in on a whim while passing through Carmel and so glad we did. The ambience is fantastic,…read moredimly lit with great music and TVs everywhere, the kind of place I'd love to come back to and watch a game. Service was excellent. Our waitress Rachel was great and took good care of us. We ordered the French dip (added Swiss, onions, and mushrooms) solid sandwich, though it could've used a touch more salt. The real star though, was the fish and chips. Genuinely some of the best I've ever had. Lightly battered, flaky, perfectly cooked. The vibe lands in that sweet spot of upscale casual without crossing into fine dining, comfortable but elevated. Highly recommend if you're passing through Carmel. We'll definitely be back.

    Lunch after a beach walk was just what we were looking for. Walk in and find a seat. Music and…read moreambiance brought a nice vibe the whole time we were here. Food is tops. The fish and chips is the ultimate meal. The burger was savory, soft and creamy just he right amount. It perfectly paired with the Talbott pinot noir they recommended. The only comment is make is the amount of French fries that were served with the burger. The plate was a lot larger looking because a sparse amount of fries was served alongside. Maybe add a little more next time just to balance it off. The servers/bartenders knew their stuff. They provided what they could in terms of what was popular and well liked. They said both items we ordered were the most popular. The fish and chips have won best fish and chips 3 years in a row. I would agree with this since I usually am not wowed with this dish. I couldn't resist ordering a dessert. The applied tart with vanilla ice cream was so satisfying. Overall service, food quality and experience was very good. If return over and over again for this same food and experience. If I could give 10 stars I would. Carmel and Brody's is a new destination.

    Photos
    Brophy's Tavern
    Brophy's Tavern
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    @feedmeimei

    The Bench - newamerican - Updated August 2026

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