My sister and our husbands celebrated our husbands' birthdays at Baxter's Restaurant on Sunday evening, and it was a wonderful experience. I ordered the sea bass, my husband had the salmon, my sister had a salad, and her husband enjoyed the filet mignon. Every dish was delicious, but the sea bass deserves special recognition. As someone who orders sea bass whenever I can, I've had it in Pismo Beach, Monterey, and San Francisco, and Baxter's has set a new standard. It was incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a perfectly crisp sear that locked in all of its delicate flavor. Every bite was moist, flaky, and cooked to perfection. It was honestly the best sea bass I've ever had. The service was warm, attentive, and made us feel truly welcome. Combined with the elegant atmosphere and classic white tablecloths, Baxter's was the perfect place to celebrate. We'll definitely be back! read more

If you're looking for the kind of dinner that makes you want to cancel your other weekend plans just so you can go back, Baxters is it. Tucked right on First Street across from the bay in downtown Benicia, this place has completely earned its reputation as the town's culinary crown jewel. From the moment you walk in, the warmth is unmistakable -- and it's not an accident. Owners Kenneth Coker and Kevin Shaw built this restaurant to feel like their own living room, and it shows in every detail, right down to the name (a sweet nod to their beloved Fox Terrier). That personal touch translates into genuinely attentive service that never feels stiff or rehearsed. Now, the food. The Beef Wellington is the stuff of legend -- perfectly rendered pastry, a filling that melts before you even chew, and clearly a labor of love from the kitchen. The scallops are seared to that impossible perfection where the outside caramelizes but the inside stays buttery-soft. And if salmon gnocchi in vodka sauce is on the menu when you go, order it without hesitation -- it's rich, comforting, and impossible to stop eating. Even the truffle burger, which almost feels like an afterthought on a menu this elevated, has become a neighborhood obsession for good reason. Cocktails are crafted with the same care as the food -- inventive, well-balanced, and clearly the product of a team that takes its bar program seriously. And if you can snag a reservation in The Speakeasy, the intimate back room, do it. It's easily one of the most romantic, memorable settings for a special occasion in the entire Bay Area. Baxters isn't just a great restaurant -- it's a genuine gathering place, the kind of spot a whole town falls in love with. Whether it's date night, a family celebration, or just a nightcap at the bar, Baxters delivers an experience that's warm, delicious, and utterly memorable every single time. Highly, highly recommended. read more

Great intimate restaurant in downtown Benicia, perfect for date night. All of the staff were so wonderful as well. Not a lot of restaurants offer beef wellington on their menu, so that was definitely a huge reason why I wanted to try Baxters out, and it did not disappoint. Perfectly cooked filet mignon at medium rare wrapped in flaky puff pastry and luscious duxelles. While I felt the quantity of roasted veggies and mashed potatoes on the side were not enough to balance out the dish. I also tried the skillet corn bread and the gnocchi with salmon. The pasta dish surprisingly had a generous quantity of salmon throughout the dish and the gnocchi were soft and fluffy. read more

Baxters Restaurant & Bar - Bars Near Me - Benicia, California

Came in for a quick cocktail but wish I had stayed for more! This place is super quaint and intimate, I loved it so much. We were seated but did have to wait almost 10 minutes until we were greeted. The bartender actually ended up leaving his area to serve us. It was incredibly nice. I looked at the strawberry punch and he recommended he can make it even better and as a martini. SOLD. I did not taste much alcohol but wow, this was the best tasting drink I've ever had! It was sweet, fruity and perfect! While seating we saw a few people get burgers delivered to the table, they looked mouthwatering. I have a gluten allergy so I wasn't sure if I would be able to eat anything here. Will come again for drinks! read more

Baxters Restaurant & Bar - Strawberry punch martini - Bars Near Me - Benicia, California

First impressions matter..... So do last impressions...... A few months ago a friend introduced me to Baxter's in beautiful downtown Benicia. She spoke highly of the restaurant,,,its food, its atmosphere, and its welcoming spirit. My first visit completely lived up to the praise. The restaurant was bustling. The aroma of delicious food filled the air. Laughter echoed throughout the room. A private celebration was taking place in the back, and although seating was limited, we were warmly welcomed and invited to relax in two comfortable lounge chairs near the entrance. It turned out to be a cozy, intimate spot. The food was excellent. The service was wonderful. One of the owners took time to chat with us, and we had a pleasant conversation. I even shared that I produce spoken word and poetry events, and we briefly talked about the possibility of bringing poetry to Baxter's someday. I walked away that evening genuinely impressed. So when I performed at an Arts Benicia poetry event on July 19, inviting five friends to dinner afterward was an easy decision. Without hesitation, I said, "Let's go to Baxter's." I had spoken so highly of my first experience that I wanted to share it with people I genuinely care about. Several members of my party are well-known, respected professionals and community members here in Solano County. They regularly support local businesses, the arts, and community events. I was excited for them to experience the same hospitality I had enjoyed just weeks before. When we arrived, we noticed a birthday celebration taking place at the bar. The birthday guest was wearing a festive crown, and, being the joyful group we are, all six of us joined everyone else in singing "Happy Birthday." For a brief moment, strangers became one happy room. It was a beautiful moment. Then the evening changed. We asked if a table was available for six. The server politely excused himself to check. When he returned, his head was lowered, and he quietly said, "I'm sorry... we can't serve you. I hope you understand." The truth is... I didn't understand. The dining room appeared mostly empty except for the birthday gathering. There were empty tables inside and several empty tables outside. Perhaps they were reserved. Perhaps another private event was about to begin. I honestly don't know. What I do know is what happened next. There was no explanation. No "We're fully booked with reservations." No "We're expecting another large party." No "If you call ahead next time, we'll be happy to accommodate your group." No offer to wait. No suggestion to come back later. Not even a simple, "Can we offer you a drink or a glass of water while you decide what you'd like to do?" Just... "I'm sorry... we can't help you." The server himself appeared genuinely uncomfortable and apologetic. I don't believe this was his decision, and I appreciated his kindness. But customer service isn't only about serving food. It's about serving people. Compassion doesn't require an available table. It only requires a little heart. Six happy guests walked in expecting to enjoy dinner together. Six disappointed guests quietly walked back out. Fortunately, Benicia had another chapter waiting for us. We found another restaurant farther down the street, enjoyed a live Steely Dan tribute band, shared laughter, conversation, and spent our money there instead. Was it the meal I had hoped for? No. But we were welcomed. Sometimes, that's the best thing on the menu. Maybe Baxter's was overwhelmed that evening. Maybe circumstances existed that I couldn't see. Maybe I simply arrived at the wrong time. I sincerely hope that's the case. This review isn't written out of anger. It's written out of disappointment. Because my first visit made me believe Baxter's was built on community. My second visit left me feeling like we were an inconvenience. As a Yelp Elite reviewer, I believe honesty should always be balanced with grace. So I'll leave you with this... The food may season every plate, But kindness is what makes us wait. A table full or standing room, Compassion helps good business bloom. Hospitality begins at the door, Not only when you're served at the table. We arrived with hungry stomachs, But left with heavier hearts. I truly wish Baxter's continued success because I know how wonderful my first experience was. Perhaps one day we'll cross paths again, and I'll have the opportunity to write a very different ending. Until then, I simply hope every guest--whether they're one person or six--leaves feeling as welcomed as they felt walking through the front door. The 2stars is for the cute and polite waitress .. read more

Baxters is an elevated dining experience located in downtown Benicia. Our service was exceptional, from the moment we walked in until the end. The ambiance is classic and intimate with the bar and restaurant in the front and a speakeasy in the back. The food was delicious. We started with sunrise mimosas and Brussels sprouts and then ordered the shrimp and grits, steak and eggs, and croissant French toast for the entrees. Even though we were full, we couldn't resist trying the banana pudding for dessert and it was truly worth the extra calories! Amour was very personable, attentive, and provided great recommendations on the menu. Kevin and Kenneth wished us a happy Mother's Day and gave us a little insight into their story. The staff made our Mother's Day brunch special and I'm looking forward to coming back to explore the dinner menu. read more

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If I could give them 10 stars I would... Food was outstanding... Not just great OUTSTANDING! Next Denzel was a phenomenal waiter, attentive, remembered everything AND it is my Birthday today and he brought out the entire staff with champagne for a happy birthday tribute. We will be back, and this place may have just checked every single box for our new favorite spot!!! Tonight they created some very special memories for my family and my wife's visiting family from England. Thank you!!! read more

Baxters Restaurant & Bar - Cocktails and the outdoor seating. - Bars Near Me - Benicia, California

Wonderful place to dine in. Went to Sunday brunch 7.12 for my God daughter's birthday. The Shrimp and grits were the BOMB! Went back on Saturday 7.18 for my husbands birthday dinner. I would have given a 5 star but had to send our lamb chops back twice due to the food being cold. Other than that, the gumbo pasta and brussel sprouts were all good. The banana pudding and bread pudding were AMAZING! Definitely will dine in again. Very friendly staff and the owners (Kenneth) are very nice as well. All very attentive Our server Michelle was WONDERFUL read more

Baxters Restaurant & Bar - Brussel sprouts, Gumbo pasta and Lamb chops with asparagus and the creamiest mashed potatoes I've ever had!!! - Bars Near Me - Benicia, California

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We were able to walk in and secure a table with no reservations. I was a bit worried not having a reservation since the place only had a few tables, thankfully they sat us no problem. The decor, aesthetic and ambiance were stellar! It felt elevated with the linen tablecloths and the velvet drapes. They had a pretty extensive cocktail menu, which was nice, though I settled for a glass of wine. We started with the cornbread and Brussels sprouts. The cornbread was a tad bit of the sweet side, but over all good. The brussel sprouts lost its crunch with the sauce they put on it. I didn't really care for the sauce it came in, but I didn't enjoy the aioli dipping sauce. My friend got the salmon and I got the scallops. Sadly, both dishes were very salty. I think the vegetables and sauce were overly seasoned rendering the dish difficult to enjoy. At least my scallops were cooked perfectly. We also got the truffle Mac and cheese. It was good, not much else to note there. In all, I would want to return again to see if their brunch would fare better since the ambiance is so fly and the customer service very welcoming. Food rating Cornbread 6/10 Brussel sprouts 3/10 Truffle Mac and cheese 7/10 Scallops 6/10 Customer service 9/10 Ambiance 10/10! read more

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We came back this time just to experience the speakeasy exclusive room. We heard that the vibe was good! I'm just going to be honest, the room was extremely small but the decor was nice and the service was great! This time we tried the taco filet mignon for an appetizer and they were excellent (I forgot to take a picture). For our main meal we had the lamb chops and they were just right they were very tender, they were severed with garlic mash potatoes (just a little bit cold) also came with seasoned vegetables. We also had their scallops and they were nice and big with a sauce on top that wasn't overwhelming, it came with garlic mash potatoes as well (again a bit cold) and season vegetable. For this being our second time here we were satisfied. We will give it a 7/10! Go support this business please it's worth a try! read more

Baxters Restaurant & Bar - Honey, butter, cornbread - Bars Near Me - Benicia, California

This was my first visit to Baxters. I only came because my cousin raves about the gumbo fettuccine. I would have to make another trip because the brunch was just OK. We ordered the French toast which was delicious and probably the best dish. We also ordered the shrimp and grits however it wasn't traditional, southern shrimp and grits. The grits were nice and creamy could use a little bit more salt in them to bolster the flavor, however, the gravy was less than desirable and very thin and lacked flavor and spice it was more like shrimp scampi on top of grits. The steak and egg platter was tough and reminded me of a steak that you would get at Denny's over cooked and flavorless. The crabcake eggs Benedict was fair. The crabcake had good flavor but was not crispy on the outside however, the hollandaise sauce was done well. The mimosas were very good. The service was lacking. It took us over an hour to get our food then another 15 minutes after we've eaten to get the check. While, there was a large party in the speakeasy, it appeared that the staff was unorganized and could not handle the volume in the restaurant. I will try it again before I consider it a waste of time and money. read more

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Baxters is an intimate spot good music playing. I ordered for drinks I had the southern sass lemonade. For appetizer we had the blueberry cornbread (ordered some to go) very good. Husband ordered the pan seared salmon, he was still hungry. I ordered the pasta gumbo w/crab. It was good (my taste buds could use a lil salt. Our server Shane was great!! read more

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Fabulous bar and speak easy in Benicia. Came here for a birthday dinner and loved every bit of it! Are party of 7 reserved the speak easy section and throughly enjoyed our drinks and meals. The blueberry cornbread was so good we had to have 2 (and 3 to go). The owners did a great job making sure our party was having a fabulous time. Definitely will come back for the cornbread alone. read more

Beauty & The Brute date night. We celebrated my birthday the entire month culminating w/dinner at Baxters, another recommendation from IG's BoozieBrunch. Service 4.5outta5 They were busy but greeted us w/a smile apologized for the wait & it was up from there. Cocktails 5outta5 Whiskey sour was sweet, tart, rich & silky. Strawberry Smash was sweet & refreshing. Death or Liberty can only be described as a liquid ending to a beautiful beginning. Lemon drop aka grownup lemonade was sweet, tart & crisp. Caesar salad 5outta5 It was delicious w/the perfect amount of dressing. The crouton chips were different but crisp and tasty. Scallops 5outta5 Nice size, seared to perfection & the lemon-saffron sauce put them over the top! Wellington 5outta5 I don't each much beef but we were destined for each other! It was outstanding. Seasoned to perfection, tender steak, umami exploding from the mushroom & prosciutto wrap w/a crisp, flaky pastry. Tuxedo cake 5outta5 Decadent deliciousness. It ended a wonderful experience we won't soon forget. Michelle was a delight. It was great to meet Kenneth one of the owners. Service w/a smile all around. #GoTaste&See read more

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What a delicious restaurant in one of my fave streets! My girls and I brunched here today and had a wonderful time. The servers and owner Kenneth were so welcoming and friendly. Interior was a bit small and pretty fancy with white tablecloths, black napkins, and wine glasses. There's a brunch menu from 11a-3p on the weekends and we ordered and shared the following: -Garlic Shrimp and grits -Skillet Cornbread -Croissant French toast, bacon and eggs -Crab Cake Benedict with potatoes -Truffle fries -Espresso martini, sunrise and limoncello mimosas Everything was decadent and delicious! I'd highly recommend the buttery honey cornbread and crab cake benedict, which has a lot of fresh crab and the potatoes are tender and flavorful. Truffle fries were very seasoned but a bit salty. I'd love to try the rest of the menu next time, the filet mignon bites and beef Wellington sound tasty! read more

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Baxters do NOT disappoint!! We started out with mimosas. I can't remember exactly what flavor we ordered, but it was absolutely refreshing and smooth. The shrimp and grits had the perfect down home New Orleans taste in every bite! Once again, the staff was knowledgeable, welcoming, and kind. read more

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I saw this spot on Instagram after one of my favorite influencers, @booziebrunch, reviewed it, and I knew we had to check it out. It was a last-minute decision, so we didn't have time to make a reservation, but luckily, we arrived right as they opened. Every staff member we passed greeted us with a smile, and we were seated almost immediately. Our waitress took the time to walk us through the menu and share her favorites, which we appreciated. We ordered cocktails, the French toast, and the burger. Everything was absolutely delicious. The menu is small, but clearly intentional. It's obvious they've perfected each item they offer. The restaurant was beautifully decorated, still styled for Valentine's Day, which added a nice touch to the atmosphere. I'm already looking forward to coming back to try their dinner service. read more

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We made a first visit on Valentines Day for brunch. We were seated in the front area that is a beautifully appointed dining room/bar. There is a dimly lit "speakeasy" area off through a curtain to the side of the restaurant. Next time! Food was wonderful and nicely presented. We had croissant French toast with syrup and lemon zest. Two fabulous strawberries as garnish. We also had the Gorgonzola steak salad, excellent. The portion sizes were very generous, especially the steak We started with a 'special' which was skillet corn bread with lots of honey and butter, a must have. No alcohol for us but the Arnold Palmer was about the best ever. Bartender said they make their own lemonade. Server Denzel was excellent, friendly, gave good suggestions and was kind enough to take a great photo of us afterward. So we had a 5 star meal. Only downside was a super long wait for the food after ordering. Waiter apologized and said it slower than usual due to the kitchen having some issues. We deducted a star but hope on a return visit the service will be better in that respect. Also suggest to get there a little early as parking on First St on a Saturday is a bit challenging. read more

Baxters Restaurant & Bar - Gorgonzola Steak Salad - Bars Near Me - Benicia, California

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Let's discuss! I had heard about Baxter's through a friend who hinted that we should give it a try, but I hadn't yet had the opportunity. The husband and I were hungry on Wednesday evening, so we decided to stop by Baxter's while heading to our destination. Upon arrival, the location was nice, quiet, clean, and had plenty of street parking. We were able to park directly in front, so we figured the visit was meant to be. As we entered, we were immediately greeted by a very pleasant staff member. He was gracious, friendly, warm, and loads of fun. After seating us, he displayed great knowledge of the menu and available specials. After selecting our bottle of wine and appetizers, we were acknowledged by the owner, Ken, who was friendly and hospitable. He offered information about the restaurant and ensured that we had everything we needed. We inquired about their group events and offerings, and he had plenty to share. Baxter's is a great place for quaint events--they are very creative and have a lot to offer. The food was great, my steak was cooked to perfection, and the mood was just right. The hubs and I were definitely pleased and truly enjoyed our time at Baxter's. We will certainly be back. If you're looking for a nice night out, this is a great choice. read more

We visited on a Sunday evening and were immediately impressed by the ambiance. After entering the main dining area, we were escorted behind velvet curtains into a more secluded room that felt dark, romantic, and intimate. Perfect for a special night out! Our server, Denzel, was incredibly attentive throughout the evening. My only wish is that I'd been warned upfront that the crème brûlée martini takes about 15 minutes to prepare. That said, it was absolutely worth the wait. Strong, sweet and delicious. As for the food, nearly everything was seasoned to perfection. The only dish that fell just a little flat was the Beef Wellington. While still very good, the pastry was slightly undercooked on the bottom and the meat was more well done than I expected. Aside from that small note, every bite was still seasoned well! Parking is street parking, but the experience is well worth the effort. I highly recommend this restaurant and already can't wait to return. read more

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Baxters did not disappoint for Saturday brunch. Small and cozy speakeasy on the Main Street. Loved every dish and service was 5 star. Thank you. read more

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Consider this my official second stamp of approval, because one visit simply wasn't enough. We returned to celebrate a special occasion and were seated in the "Speakeasy," and let me tell you... it's not just a section, it's an experience. Absolute vibe. Pro tip: make a reservation--you don't want to miss this. From the moment we arrived, the tone was set. The host welcomed us warmly, confirmed our reservation, and asked for just a brief moment while our table was prepared. Within minutes, he returned and guided us behind dramatic black velvet curtains... and just like that, we stepped into what felt like an entirely different world. The space is lush, intimate, and dripping in old-school glamour. Think plush textures, dim lighting, striking artwork, and an atmosphere that whispers romance and exclusivity. Whether it's date night or a chic gathering with a small circle of friends (there's even a private bar), it delivers. It honestly felt like we had slipped back in time--so much so, you half expect Billie Holiday to stroll in and take the mic. And then there was Michelle--our server and, quite frankly, a star in her own right. She struck that rare, perfect balance: warm, engaging, and effortlessly professional. She walked us through the specials in a way that made everything sound irresistible (and honestly, she wasn't wrong). We kicked things off with spicy margaritas--yes, please. That first sip? A subtle heat dancing right at the rim of the glass. Instant obsession. Now, the food. Every bite was divine, but those Brussels sprouts? Life-changing. Crispy, tender, slightly chewy, drizzled with fig and kissed with a hint of jalapeño spice. We each took a bite... and just paused, staring at each other in stunned silence. Just perfection. I'm already planning my return just for those alone. The Caesar salad was fresh and beautifully balanced. For our entrées, we didn't even hesitate--we ordered the same dishes we loved the first time. Zero regrets. My scallops were cooked to perfection once again. Meanwhile, my husband switched things up slightly with the seafood gumbo and when offered the option to add crab, the answer was an immediate "of course." According to him, that upgrade took it over the top. And just when we thought the evening couldn't get any better, it did. As we were winding down, I noticed champagne being poured at the private bar in the speakeasy. Moments later, the owner and several staff members approached our table, glasses in hand for everyone! They toasted us, sang a celebratory song, and turned an already special night into something truly unforgettable. It was thoughtful, genuine, and full of class. An experience like this isn't just dining, it's memory-making. We'll absolutely be back. read more

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Baxter's is the creme de la creme. Black owned and doing it very well. We were invited here by a couple of our married friends for brunch and it did not disappoint. The espresso martini was one of the best I've had. The shrimp and grits, top-tier. The croissant French toast... Will make you want to slap your mama. The steak and eggs, yes please. That steak was so tender and delicious. It made me do a little shimmy. What I love most was the customer service. We were greeted at the door, escorted to our table, and our drink orders were taken right away. From there everything just flowed. I even love when the owners came over and spoke to us about the food. Now that's top-tier customer service. It's a small little restaurant, but it gives white leaning top-tier high-level service. I have not had the opportunity to try them for dinner, but I've heard people rave about it and I cannot wait to go back. I even want to dine in their speakeasy because I know that that's gonna be nice. Price wise I'm gonna say it's probably $$ and a half, but it was so worth it each time I've been. This is definitely a jewel in the bay and you should check it out. read more

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Walked in on a sunny Sunday afternoon and was immediately greeted by a nice gentleman that let us know it would be a 20 minute wait, even though we saw tables open, he mentioned there was a party of 10 and the kitchen needed to get caught up. Appreciated he explained the why behind the wait. We decided to sit at the bar top in the meantime and ordered some espresso martinis that were perfectly crafted, could easily say it was the best espresso martini I've ever had! Once we were seated outside 20 minutes later we ordered the Baxter smash burger (Order it! You won't regret it!) with a Greek salad and the Chicken sandwich with a beet salad. Food was excellent, the service was superb..the whole staff kept checking in on us but it wasn't excessive we were able to carry on our conversation, enjoy each others company, sunshine and a view of the Bay. Will definitely be back! read more

Fabulous from when we walked in until we left. Excellent service from Denzel who was very charismatic and attended to us in the perfect way. We had the roasted brie cheese as starter which was superb then my husband had the french dip sandwich which he said was one of the best he ever had. I had the special Chilean sea bass which was so tender and moist, the veggies of broccoli, squash and carrots were perfectly cooked and seasoned. Most restaurants just throw the veggies on plate as a second thought but this place took care in every veggie. There was a subtle char on the brocoli which was incredibly tasty. Everything was delicious. I cannot have refined sugar so they made my whiskey sour with 100% agave instead of simple syrup and I had to have 2 because it was so delicious. This was our first time there but definitely going back again soon. Highly recommend. read more

The folks at Baxters will make you feel right at home, whether it's your neighborhood bar, restaurant, or speakeasy experience. One thing they pride themselves on is their bourbon business! And don't be afraid to ask for your whiskey smoked! It makes everything taste even better! read more

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The ambiance was excellent, we sat outside and had a great view of the bay. Michelle was our server and she was very personable, answered all our questions about the menu and we decided to have the salmon. When I say the food was great, awesome, delicious, mouthwatering. Then we met Chef B. She was so nice and humble. We showered her with complaints and she deserved all of them. Thank you for the great meal, hospitality, service and oh yes the drink. We will be back. read more

We haven't been to this place since they opened up and I hadn't done a review on it so it's time to do a review. The place was a little busy so we had to wait a little bit. There is some seating in the back. I just don't know how much seating so they have outdoor seating as well. During the day we ordered a couple glasses of wine which both were delicious. We ordered the French onion soup, which is on special and the cornbread. Unfortunately, the owner didn't put our cornbread order in so they forgot it so we didn't get our cornbread. He did say the next time we come in he was going to take care of us. The French onion soup was delicious. The only thing I would say, was the bowl/ramekin was too small for a normal French onion soup dish because I wanted more. We ordered the truffle 3 cheese mushroom fettuccine. The dish was outstanding, the pasta was cooked. Perfect. It was light the sauce. Owner was light and tasteful. Shrimp was also cooked. Perfect another dish I just want more of. For dessert, we ordered the banana pudding. The flavor was good, light, I just wanted more vanilla wafers and bananas in it overall the dish was delicious. read more

Delicious food & service! We had Baxter's Margaritas, Cornbread, Gumbo pasta & Chicken Mozzarella Bacon sandwich. Everything was delicious! Cornbread tastes like dessert. Service was excellent too! It is small & crowded. May require a little patience but overall 10/10. I love that the Owners are hands on. read more

This place is really fabulous! Its lovely inside. The owners & staff are wonderful. Food is delicious! Highly recommend read more

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Highly recommend making a reservation. We tried walking in on a Friday evening and the wait was over an hour, so we came back another night with a reservation for the speakeasy. The speakeasy is very small (only about 8 people, 2-3 tables depending on party size), which makes for a cool, intimate experience. The owners are very friendly and knowledgeable -- and the restaurant is named after their dog, Baxter, which is a fun personal touch. The staff overall was very kind and attentive, but they did seem a bit understaffed and were clearly multitasking. A couple service hiccups -- we ordered the truffle mac and cheese special and were told later it actually wasn't available. Separately, my friend tried to order the gumbo pasta and that also wasn't available. It would have been helpful to know what wasn't available upfront so we weren't scrambling to pick something else. Food highlights: the beef Wellington was excellent and very tender. The crème brûlée martini (not on the menu) was really good but takes about 15 minutes to make, so order early. Truffle fries and cornbread were good. The Brie appetizer comes in a puff pastry, but the Brie is mostly in the center, so it's a little hard to share evenly. The ribeyes were very thin cuts and ended up overcooked compared to the requested temperature. Overall, really cool speakeasy vibe, friendly owners and staff, and some great menu items -- just make a reservation and be aware they may run out of some specials. read more

Baxters Restaurant & Bar - Crème brûlée martini - Bars Near Me - Benicia, California

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Food is amazing. The atmosphere is so down to earth. The perfect t plan for date night and girls night out. Love the owners. Always so personable read more

My dad and I decided to try this place! Food was on point! I ordered the gumbo pasta, fried Brussel sprouts, and finished off with the best bread pudding I've ever had in my life!! My dad ordered a ribeye steak, fries, & veggies. Service was excellent. It felt like a family welcoming you into their space, I think the waiters were brothers and they seemed to share the work of waiting on our table. I loved the shared family style dynamic. The restaurant is small so a reservation is a must! I loved the esthetics of a laid back lounge and bar feel. I can't wait to come back again and try more things on the menu! read more

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From the service, ambiance, beautiful art, and most importantly THE FOOD!!!!! A++++++++++++ I can't wait to go back and try the brunch and the other things on the menu I didn't get!!! This beautiful place is perfect for an intimate small gathering, date night, or a night out alone. This place is defiantly a Gem and the best restaurant in the whole Napa Solano County!!! And the gumbo fettuccine is to die for!!!!!! read more

Baxters Restaurant & Bar - Lamb chops, deliciously seasoned veggies and the creamiest mashed potatoes!!!! - Bars Near Me - Benicia, California

Ambiance and service was great. Little disappointed with my entree. They ran out of green vegetables. They loaded my plate with carrots without offering substitutions. I hate carrots read more

Wow, just wow! My hubby brought me here to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and it was absolutely perfect. We were seated in the private speakeasy room, and it did not disappoint. We ordered the baked Brie croissant, filet mignon tacos, cheese pasta, salmon, and the filet mignon dinner. We were a party of four, and every single dish was incredible. Not a bite was left behind. For drinks, we tried the sidecar and the Moscow mule, and both were delicious. Our server, Isiah, was amazing. He was so knowledgeable about the menu, patient, kind, and you could genuinely tell he enjoys what he does and the team he works with. He was completely on top of his game. One of the owners, Kenneth, stopped by our table to check in and later returned with a surprise champagne to toast our anniversary. Such a thoughtful and memorable gesture. We would absolutely love to come back. The speakeasy room is a must. The ambiance is beautiful, and even outside of the private room, the restaurant is so well-decorated and inviting. Definitely a five-star experience. Thank you, Baxters, for such an amazing evening and for helping us celebrate so wonderfully. read more

Baxters Restaurant & Bar - Family photo! Say cheese! - Bars Near Me - Benicia, California

Very delicious food and the drinks are amazing! We were also very pleased with the service, particularly our waiter, Ontario who was very kind and accommodating. Our toddler has very serious food allergies but Ontario double checked to make sure the items we ordered were safe. Very happy with our experience this evening! read more

Delicious black owned bar/restaurant in Benicia, CA. They have an inviting dining room and great patio seating outside. I went with my family for dinner and everyone enjoyed! From the gorgeous cocktails, to shared appetizers (the cornbread is a must!), and finally our delicious entrees. I had the popular jambalaya pasta, which turned out to be very solid choice. We will definitely be back! read more

Baxters is a phenomenal place. I love it. The service is always excellent. The ambience is beautiful. It's a cute little place for a date night. The food is always delicious. I really enjoyed myself. I also tried the French onion soup and it was delicious. read more

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This is the best meal I've ever had in Benicia and I've been to this city a handful of times. Found this hidden gem thanks to Yelp and having a steak craving. From the top tier service to the tenderness of our steak...our entire experience is one I'm going to remember forever. Top reason: it was my first time having Beef Wellington & boy have they set the bar high. Our outstanding waitress, Michelle explained that the dish is what they're known for. After taking my first bite, I quickly learned she was not wrong. The mushroom and onion flavors in the beef Wellington made every single penny spent worth it. Everything about it was perfect; the flavors, the way it was cooked, 10 out of 10. Every dish was delicious, but the beef Wellington was our favorite. Paired with a nice Cabernet. Ugh. To die for. My Empress French 75 drink was a great starter too. Along with the baked Brie appetizer. Ambiance is classy. I love how intimate it feels inside. It's great for date night or a girls night out. I strongly recommend making a reservation on Open Table (the app). read more

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