Bento's Bar & Grill
555 Pleasant St, New Bedford, MA 02740
About Bento's Bar & Grill - steak house in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Customer Review Summary
Bento's Bar & Grill has received mixed reviews since its opening. Many patrons praised the friendly and attentive service, particularly highlighting server Ana Lisa and bartender Kendell. The atmosphere is deemed trendy but can be loud for some. Food experiences vary, with some dishes like chowder and seafood being recognized for their potential but ultimately falling short in flavor. Several reviewers found meals too cold or poorly executed, leading to dissatisfaction. A common theme is the inconsistency in food quality and portion sizes, with some guests reporting bland or overcooked items. Despite the criticism, a few customers express willingness to give the restaurant another chance as they work out initial kinks. Overall, the restaurant has potential but requires improvements in food preparation and consistency.
Key Features
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Live music
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Customer Reviews
Rating Distribution
Matt Guertin
I don't know what all the bad reviews are about. We came 01/11/25 and were seated immediately by our server Ana Lisa. She was friendly, attentive and human. Ordered onion rings, steak tips and fish and chips. Steak was cooked perfectly, the fish was fresh and portions large. Beers were only $6. Chairs were comfortable but my only complaint would be the music. Not my type and a little too loud for a normal sit down dinner. We'll definitely be back.
Tim Gago
Visited Bento's for the first time. They've been open for 2 weeks. Still very early in the process and working out the kinks. With that said here's my experience. Sat at the bar for some lunch. Started with their chowder and stuffed quahog. Crackers for soup and butter for stuffie offered after they came out. Thought both were okay. Had their Portuguese burger. Asked for a medium cook, came out well done. Thought it was a little bland. Was supposed to come with a sauce and had to ask for it. Sauce does add some flavor. Asked for sweet potatoe fries and got regular fries without a heads up. Thought it was okay as well. Friendly staff. Had to seek them out at times. Place wasn't that busy. Had high hopes. Will eventually give them another try. Running a business is tough, trying to be nice here. 🤦🏻♂️
Lynn Mosio
The food is extremely mediocre for what you’re paying. The seafood was meh. Dry and no flavor. Portuguese steak was fatty. Also, the menu says Jazmine rice and that’s definitely not Jazmine rice that was served. Cute place and atmosphere but the food could use a lot of work for what you’re paying. It was also extremely cold in the lower level. Like freezing.
ROLAND HOPWOOD
Had chowder and quahog.to start. The quahog was on the small side and not as tasty as I'd hoped. The chowder was very tasty but served warm. They did warm it with no problem. I had lobster Mac and cheese. Not cheesy enough for me and a not too generous amount of lobster, not bad by any means but far from.the best I've had. My bloody mary was excellent with every garnish you could think of. Service was prompt and courteous and food came quickly. It was not busy. It came to 64. 00 for 1 person and a $15. Tip brought it to $79..on the high side I'd say. Glad I was alone.
Melissa Cardoso
. Nothing was good from the soup to the meal which was inedible. Our waitress which was the bartender tried her best but it wasn’t her fault. Soup came out cold had to send it back. Meal came out cold sent it back not once but twice and still cold and just couldn’t eat it at this point lost our appetite. They did take the meal off the bill so I’ll give them that. Not a good experience at all
TheWaitfornever
We went there the day after their grand opening, so it was to be expected that some things might not buy running smoothly, however, we enjoyed the food and although the drinks menu was limited, we weren't disappointed. The service was friendly and we could tell they were trying their best. The atmosphere is on the trendy side, which can be a hit or miss depending on your taste, but nevertheless original. We'll definitely be back, and wish they'll be here to stay.
Kathleen Santos
I stopped in to check this new restaurant out. I tried the clam chowder with the stuffed quahog. It was very good. The Bartender Kendell was excellent. Very personable and made your experience there very pleasing and welcoming. I will definitely go back.
Edgar Flores
Had Lunch at Bento's was disappointed with their California burrito, it did not have shaved steak rather steak chunks that was unseasoned and tasted like liver from not being cleaned and cooked with excess blood. Friends equally were not thrilled with their food. i wish better food experience for all who come, i will not return.
Location
Contact Information
Hours of Operation
Price Range
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