Benders is known for its seafood. On any given day, they have different fish to choose from. The atmosphere is classic tavern. The downtown location makes it a great place for a business lunch or a nice dinner. For being in business as long as they have, they must be doing something right!
(4)
Jessica G.
Great place to eat. I love the atmosphere as well. I love getting their crab cakes. My granddad and I used to go every time I was up there visiting him. It reminds me of him alot. The decor is pretty cool, it's old fashioned style makes me think it was made to look like the 50's.
(4)
Paul L.
A must try if you're looking for fine dining in Canton Ohio. I was told this place was the oldest restaurant in the area and as you walk in, you know this because of the depression on the first step of the entrance; supposedly due to the years of foot traffic. Oh yeah, the entrance was a little difficult to find, but the bar entrance is on the side next to the parking lot. The entire restaurant was dim but adequately lit. It was definitely quaint; think an elegant version of Cheers (if you're familiar with the show) with dark stained wood. There's a full bar and a limited selection of beers on draft (nothing too exotic though). The dining area had linen draped dining tables with bulky cushioned chairs. I was there on a Mon. night so it was quiet and service was attentive. I ordered off the specials menu, which were slips of paper, paper-clipped to the regular menu. Appetizer: Oysters on the half shell, $14, half-dozen - The oysters were fresh and smelled like the ocean and cut vegetables. I don't recall the variety of oysters, but they were briny, metallic, and filled with liquor. My only complaint is that half of the oysters were not shucked well, so I had to use a little oyster fork to pry the oyster from the adductor muscle. Also, luckily I don't use the lemon it was served with as well because it looked pretty dry. The cocktail sauce was nothing to rave about. Entree: Cobia (?) Piccatta, $30ish, mash potatoes and asparagus spears - The fish was delicious and very well prepared. The cut was probably a 6 or 8 oz fillet with served with the skin on, which kept it very flavorful and moist. The potatoes were mashed with some skin, which added a nice texture, and it went well with the piccatta. The Aspargus appeared to be grilled and they were tender. Definitely would try this place again for their crab cake and turtle soup. I don't know much about their bar program, but it did not look like it was point of focus. The host stand was around the corner from the bar - so the layout of the restaurant was a little weird. Otherwise highly recommended if you're looking for good seafood, attentive service, and elegant dining experience. FYI: free street parking after 6pm (don't know about the parking situation in the lot).
(4)
Allison A.
O, man. Go. Eat. Die happy
(5)
Daniel B.
A real old town tavern. Make sure that you get the daily special menu if you go. It's just about as long as the regular menu, so there are lots of choices. They specialize in fish. I has a Lake Erie "fish". Sorry, I don't remember which one! Since the menu changes daily, I can't go back to see. It was, however, DELICIOUS! The Bender fries are not to be missed either. Only one at my table ordered them. When they came, tow of us ordered them also, just on sight! We were here on a business lunch. Not overly expensive and good portions, for lunch. No leftovers. Also, no dessert! Too full. A definite place to return to.
(4)
Mark C.
My fish entree was excellent. I had sea bass with a Morracan sauce. The bar tender, Deena, was really nice and helpful. Great coctail beer and wine menu as well. I will definitely return.
(5)
Amanda G.
This place is just awesome. We love trying new things, and had a lot of fun. We both had never had turtle soup was absolutely phenomenal. We loved it so much that when we saw it at another restaurant a few weeks later we had to get it, and it was TERRIBLE. Bender's does it right! The fried oysters were very good, and really liked the dressing on the salad. We had a lot of fun with their cocktail menu too; a lot of things to try! Hands-down the best meal I have ever had was our entree; the halibut cheeks with a coconut sauce and black rice. I am still blown away with how well this meal went together and how the halibut just melted in my mouth. I can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)
Tammy Jo F.
My husband and I went to Bender's on our first date so he brought me to Bender's for my birthday last night as a surprise. He requested that we be served by Jim who had served us over a year ago. Jim was more than happy to tell us about the history of the restaurant and was very knowledgable about food and wine. The atmosphere is romantic and the historic building is beautiful - it's as if one had walked back in time! The waitstaff is accommodating and professional. The wine list is thoughtful and well put together, albeit expensive. They have a special list of wines that are offered by the glass and this list changes frequently. We had the Turtle Soup (complete with a shot of Sherry which accentuates the sweetness of the soup), raw oysters on the half shell (3 Wellfleet oysters and 3 Bay Point oysters), roasted Sea Bass on hummus with Brussels sprouts, sauteed sea scallops, and a casserole-type spaghetti squash with onions, fresh tomatoes, cream cheese. Excellent! As my birthday dessert I received a dish of vanilla ice cream with an AMAZING peanut butter sauce and a birthday candle! According to Jim many patrons request the recipe for the peanut butter sauce. Everything was perfect once again!
(5)
Melanie S.
I'm sort of speechless. Had the strangest dining experience ever. Upon entering you are ignored. Having never been there We didn't know you have to go through the bar to get in the restaurant. Employees never made eye contact. When I finally found the host who was at a laptop he didn't even make eye contact or smile. We were seated and a nice boy gave us water and bread. That was it for 20 minutes! I watched others come in and get seated and greeted by name and "I'll be right with you Frank!". Meanwhile NO one even looked at us. Servers busily walked past to prepare a room for a party who hadn't even arrived yet! I had to ASK if we had a server. My first and last visit. We felt invisible! We almost left. The food was good but it was my birthday and it was ruined. Turns out management did not have a server assigned to our table. Good going. You get better service at mulligans and the food is just about as good. They have someone right at the door who greets you and acts like they are happy to have you. Still stunned. I hate to write bad reviews but I hope their management reads this. Manager should have apologized at least. Our server Penny really went overboard trying to make up for it but she shouldn't have to. She was the best part of the night.
(2)
Alex M.
My family has been coming here since I can remember. Holds many great memories and food to go with it, never disappoints! I always get haddock al a foley (usually have to ask the chef if they don't mind using haddock instead of halibut) and of course bender fries. Highly recommend and plan on coming here for many more years!
(5)
Wyckliffe H.
Benders is a Canton landmark. Fish, red meat, pastas, it is a solid place to go to celebrate. I have been going there, maybe once every 2-3 months, for over 40 years. I love the dark oak, art deco atmosphere. I have never experienced anything but courteous service. I have had delicious meals there but, and this is the reason why 4 starts instead of 5, I have had really lousy food there also. I had a prime rib that was mostly fat. I had fish that tasted "off." So, I'll be back, but I would like to see things become a little more consistent in the kitchen.
(4)
Bruce S.
Such a great place in downtown Canton. The entire menu is amazing, but I've gotta say I love the tomato salad the most :) enjoy!
(5)
Pam N.
Our party of 6 were so impressed. Fish is flown in three times a week and you can tell. You have to include turtle soup and bender potatoes in your order. And save room for dessert, key lime pie. Our server was amazing.
(5)
Steve R.
I really wanted to like this charming 100+ year old establishment, but they just didn't cut it on my visit. The food was poor, service average and dining room ambiance didn't live up to the hundred year old building. Here we go... First, there are several doors that you can enter, but you need to enter through the door on the left so you enter through the bar and make your way to the host station. Enter any of the other doors and you will feel out of place. As you enter the bar, you are instantly transported to the early 1900's. Very cool ambiance and inviting, unlike the plainly decorated main dining areas. I learned the host's name was Neil because no less than four people told me that Neal would be right with me. I guess they weren't empowered to help me even though Neil was on the phone. I finally got seated. The lobster bisque would have been better if there had actually been lobster in it. Then came the bread. Nice large basket with a big white towel and one small piece of bread. The bread was good, hot, and soft but I guess there is one piece allotted per diner. The salad was unimpressive with iceberg lettuce and a piece of onion. No tomato and if there were any other veggies in there they were very forgettable. I asked for blue cheese dressing and the waitress asked "white or red?" Really? I went for red since I've never heard of red blue cheese and felt adventurous. Unimpressed. Not sure why they bother with this one. The main dish was a 12 ounce ribeye steak. My "medium" steak had no pink, was not juicy, had the flavor of cheap meat, and was cooked in an herb (dill I think?) which didn't do much to cover up a "cheap" steak... priced at $32.95 by the way. I've had better steak dinners for $12. Oh, and the Bender Fries (which my waitress insisted that I choose over the baked potato) were nothing more than greasy hash browns. No way I was going to order dessert. I'm out of here. Two stars.
(2)
janelle s.
My friend and I thought this restaurant was awesome! The food and martinis were amazing. Our waitress Pat was beyond attentive, personable, and she made the Bender Tavern experience even better! Not sure if I'll ever visit Canton again, but if I do I would certainly visit Benders Tavern again and ask for Ms. Pat. Oh! And coming from DC, the prices were very reasonable!
(5)
B M.
Old school restaurant. Good service, good food. Pricey for the area, but definitely a place for adults to celebrate a special occasion. Bulleit rye manhattan was very good. Flounder stuffed was delicious. Waitress was great with us as we marked an anniversary. You'll have to head north several miles to find something comparable.
(4)
Melissa P.
One of the best places in the Canton/Akron area, especially for fresh seafood. My friend I both started with the Benders tomatoes, which are reliably delicious- the only problem was we both wished we had ordered the full portion instead of the half, they were that good. I had the scallops special and they were amazing, cooked perfectly. My friend had the filet and it came exactly as she ordered it, flavorful and juicy. We both had Bender fries, which are thinly sliced potatoes, fried crispy- addicting. The key lime tart was an enormous slice, the right amount of sweet and tangy. Amazing meal!
(5)
Esther G.
Elegant dining is alive and well in Canton, Ohio! In business since 1902, my father's birth year, I cannot recount how many meals I've enjoyed here. President William McKinley DID eat here. He lived around the corner and it's not just a rumor. If you're in Canton for the Hall of Fame week, you'll see many football players, current and enshrined, enjoying the old-world ambience. Lots of mahogany contains it's turn of the century atmosphere. The menu is filled with sea food of high quality and many more entrees and the wines are fit for nobility. I especially enjoy their Portugese selections. My favorite meal is frog legs, small and tender and cooked in wine. Second is lamb chops. Don't forget the beef, steaks, roasts and short ribs. Service matches the food quality and the prices are much below the same dishes in any fine East Coast restaurant. It began raining once when I was leaving and the Captain walked me to my car under an umbrella. Don't leave Canton without an evening at Benders.
(5)
Max A.
Any joint that has Turtle Soup listed as a favorite for 60 years is almost like a challenge. I mean, come on, Turtle meat in soup? Who would of thunk? Taste like chicken, friggin' out of this world, they bring a shot of sherry that adds a sweet nectar taste. The tavern is old and actually very quaint. The bar area is small, but cozy. We ate in the main dining room. The staff was impeccable. Our server knew her food and did an outstanding job. I went with the special "Georges Banks" Sea Scallop dish. This dish was served at the superbowl to some 3000 plus fans, or something like that. It was awesome, the tomato cream sauce over grits and perfectly cooked scallops was amazing. I also order the Jerry Fries, these are curly fries with parma cheese on top, another great little side dish. My dinner partner had Halibut with Ritz cracker crust and loved it........ Just a part of history in the small town of Canton, not sure why people live here or visit here, but if you do, hit this place up. Oh by the way, as I learned, football was invented here. I was told the story after I asked who in their right mind would put the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, and now I know...................to much information, by Canton.......
(5)
Rick A.
Came here years ago and did not like it. It is incredible now. Best lunch in Canton, bar none. The daily specials and the soups are to die for. The fish is fresh and prepared to perfection. You can't go wrong with this place.
We had a gift card from Christmas and decided to go tonight. I called ahead to get a reservation. I assumed that there would not be a problem getting a table. I was told that there were no seats to reserve, but we could eat in the bar area. When we arrived I was pleasantly surprised to find they reserved a table for us. We had the nicest waitress in the entire world. Told us many things about items on the menu. Many things are made in house and seafood if never frozen and is flown in every third day. I ordered the scallops that were on special (I think $31, came with 2 sides) with fresh green beans and portabella mushrooms, and a simple mixed greens salad. My scallops were AMAZING. There portion sizes more than what I thought we would get. Husband ordered the prime rib, which he said was fantastic. Came with two sides too, ordered benders fries (which are thinly sliced potatoes fried in lard. i did not think they were amazing, they were just good.) Also got a salad with red blue cheese (mixture of their homemade french dressing and blue cheese crumbles). Also, came with dinner rolls. Husband also ordered their famous turtle soup. It camp with a shot of sherry. It was sweet, hearty and satisfying. Waitress told us there is molasses in there. What a satisfying meal. Bill was around $85 for two entrees, turtle soup, and one adult beverage! Great meal, great ambience and great service! We will definitely return!
(5)
Wolfgang M.
Happy ghosts reside here. Drinking and eating great food. This place will take you back in time, but it's not just the atmosphere that is appealing. Whoever they have cooking in the back is a master at their craft. I'm quite impressed with this old school gem, and it's no surprise to me they've been in business for this long.
(5)
Tim S.
No doubt a Canton landmark for many years. The turtle soup is decent, worth trying once but not sure if I'd get it again. I have has various steaks and seafood dishes over the years here and I think I will stick with seafood from now on. Whenever I go that route I am always pleased with my meal. The steaks are good too, but not the same caliber as the seafood. It's a fine dining restaurant with an old town feel to it. Drinks are always good and the service has been great. This is not a "regular" type of place, but a few times a year for a nice night out.
(4)
Candi D.
Stopped here for lunch. Chose the Classic Ruben as we had a limited/smaller menu for our trip. The sandwich was good, though not the best I've had, but everyone's tastes are different. The restaurant itself felt like a bit of a maze to get out of but I imagine you get a feel for it more if you're from the area and visit more frequently.
(3)
Andrea B.
I have only been to Bender's for lunch but I look forward to having a dinner experience here in the near future. I love the atmosphere; it reminds me of be in Chicago - old buildings restored or maintained, preserving the best part of the dining experience. If it is your first time, ask your waiter/waitress about the history behind Bender's and the history alone will make you love this place. I think eating here during lunch is a great option for people that find this place to be either too pricey or not "date-night" enough because of families with children coming for dinner. My favorite lunch so far was the lobster and brie quiche served with a perfectly dressed spring mix salad and bender fries (always get the Bender fries). Our waitress was a little quirky, but it lends to the charm of the place. The only reason I did not give Bender's 4 stars is because I have not been there for dinner yet and no great restaurant is worth its weight in salt if the lunch is better than the dinner.
(3)
Michelle C.
My worst visit yet! Lobster bisque that has NO lobster in it, and tastes like boiled rotten fish heads. A douche bag waiter who was none too pleased that I sent my soup back without his knowledge, he could have helped me with it. Helped??? By wearing it maybe?!?? It was gross! And the scum layer on top was nauseating. I'd rather vomit Jäger Bombs than taint my lips with the fish head soup. BLECKKKKK!!! To add insult to injury, we made reservations for a nice dinner out without kids. Yep, you guessed it. The place wasn't very busy, and they placed us in a room with 2 tables with kids, I would guess all under 7. What gives???? Seriously Benders, you fell WAY short on this visit. We have traveled throughout the state and had classy dinners in dive restaurants. You didn't make the cut, we won't be back. Thank God I have left over pizza at home to warm up. I'm hungry!!!
(1)
Mande B.
Benders is such a cool place! First - this is a pretty historic building and the restaurant had quite the history. The wine selection is great and they make a mean dirty martini. The food selection was expansive and both times I've dined here, I was very, very pleased with my selections. My group tried several steak and seafood dishes, all giving them the thumbs up. I ordered a featured dish each time I went, rather than ordering from the standard menu but items from the standard menu looked just as tasty!
(5)
Bryan M.
Excellent food...high prices but worth it!!
(4)
Barbara A.
Since 1902, Bender's has served up great seafood, flown in from Foley's Fish in Boston three times per week. Traditional items like Turtle Soup, served with a shot of sherry, and Camp Keggle Walley have been on the menu for decades. Tradition mixes with with seasonal, creative dishes. I love the layers of colored paper with each day's menu typed on it. Try to save room for the mini sundae with homemade chocolate and peanut butter topping. Staff are extremely knowledgable in both the food, and the history of the restaurant. Quick business lunch or romantic night out. Extensive wine menu. Ask for "Jerry's Picks"
(5)
Mario D.
Came her on the advice of the hotel and it was a great call. Our server, Mary, was amazing. I had the wild Alaskan salmon and it was great - the tomato salad was divine. A little pricey but well worth it.
(4)
Jessica H.
Bender Tomatoes are a must try no matter what season! The Halibut A La Foley is one of the best dishes. I have actually never ordered anything but that dish....I have tried other things...but nothing is as good as this piece of fish. It is heaven! White, firm, sweet, buttery, crispy, moist, and fluffy......so good! To drink....the spring tonic is a tasty treat, and the wines are a plenty. Be sure to ASK if there is something that you are looking for. The owners enjoy wine with great enthusiasm!
(5)
Marti C.
Went to Benders for lunch with my dad. It is an amazing historical place praised for its seafood. In the old days this place was divided by gender. Gotta love that and for its history I give it four instead of three stars. I will confess up front that I am not a seafood fan. So there wasn't a ton on the menu I was anxious to try. Our amazing waiter who was great at describing everything though, he made me want to want to try it. He was also extremely attentive and friendly. I ended up with the Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich and fries. It was eh, just ok. Nothing to write home about, in fact I would never eat it again. The seafood entrees looked a lot better, if only I liked seafood. I did try a cup of the chili and that was delicious. I"d probably go back to the place and try something else. I want to like it there.
(4)
Jonathan G.
Once you walk through the doors, it's like you have magically warped your way back into the 40's. The architecture, the decor, even the servers dress screams antiquated elegance. This place has been a staple of fine dining in Canton for as long as it has been open, which I'm pretty sure is close to a century. We arrived and we're promptly seated, and greeted by the manager. I'm also a business owner in town, so he knew of my place which I think helped the greeting; but either way it was nice to get a "hello" from the man in charge. Our server was probably the highlight of the entire meal. I feel terrible as I forgot his name, but he was everything from quick, quirky, strange, excellent and everything in between. It was almost (and I mean this is the best way possible) like he had a slight autism, but it was perfect for his job. He knew the menu inside and out like you wouldn't believe. When I was trying to decide between two dishes, he very sternly made the decision for me and said I wouldn't be disappointed. Maybe that would rub some people the wrong way, but I was completely on board. If you saw and heard the conviction in his voice and mannerisms, you would understand. I loved this guy, and everything he brought to the experience. We started with their house bread, which was very fresh and tasty. Nothing mind blowing, but certainly good enough. We got the spinach salad with the hot bacon dressing. I'm sure it probably cost be a few months of my life, but boy was that delicious. Also did the Bender's tomatoes, which were equally as inspired. I got a Sole dish with hash and asparagus cream. It was cooked perfectly. Most of the time fish is either over or undercooked, but this was spot on. The hash had an amazing sauce with just the right amount of flavor. The only slight downside was the portion size was pretty small. I understand this is an upscale restaurant, but for $28 I felt like a little more would have been better. Everything else was a la carte, so as you can imagine the bill starts to climb quickly. Because the entree was so small, we ended up getting their peanut butter dessert, which was divine. That was the one good upside to the small entree portion! I was oh so close to giving Bender's a five-star rating, but the portion size and price kept me at a four. Overall, if you're from the area and want a fancy night out, or have guests or clients in from out of the area who you need to impress... Bender's certainly fits the bill. Outstanding service, very good food, and an atmosphere that screams class. One of Canton's finest without a doubt.
(4)
Laura W.
Planned my parent's 40th Anniversary at Bender's - best choice I could have ever made. Jon made is easy to plan from the start. I live in California and he was a huge help during the entire process. Everything was perfect from the room set up, the ambiance, the food, the bar, the staff down to the parking. Penny, the lead bartender, and her staff were absolutely fabulous. They took customer service to the next level - top notch! Couldn't have asked for more. I highly recommend Benders for any, and all, of your special events in the Canton area.
(5)
Jordy G.
I went to Benders' once for a business lunch. The place is very neat (and old) looking, and the staff is friendly (with the exception of one waiter who was a an extreme close-talker and a little creepy). The food was pretty good - I got the special of a salmon filet with peanut sauce and rice. The rice was nothing special, and it didn't really come with anything else on the plate, but the salmon and sauce were really good. My friend got a Caesar salad, and the lettuce on it was pretty much two or three gigantic pieces of iceberg lettuce - it was really difficult to eat and not a good presentation. I'll definitely try Benders' again, but it wasn't mind-blowing.
(4)
Gerardo G.
New to area and our first time here. Crab meat appetizer was very good. Raw oysters were good but small. My swordfish was slightly overcooked but delicious nonetheless. One serving of the white chocolate bread pudding was not enough! Service was excellent...
(4)
Edmond M.
If you are visiting you have to try this Canton institution. Turtle soup is amazing. The seafood is consistently great. And be sure to get a Spring Tonic from the bar.
(5)
Rickster P.
Gads ... what a waste. My wife wanted to back there and "try again" after a not-so-good experience with so-so food and a VERY weird server the first time. We did. ... and the most recent experience will be our last. The calamari was excellent, although the portion was small. It was cooked perfectly. We ordered red fish and a pasta dish. The fish was a small portion that looked like it had been deep-fried, although it was probably cooked hot in a pan with LOTS of oil. The fish was strong and I ate about 2/3 of the small portion. I've had red fish many times before elsewhere and it was never strong like this one was. The pasta dish was swimming in oil and was pretty tasteless. The oil did not have the wonderful taste of olive oil. We wonder what they used -- perhaps a mixture of corn and olive? We don't know, but that dish was about 1/2 consumed before it was abandoned. The dinner rolls had good texture, OK, but they were "what bread" -- no wheat, multi-grain, etc to be found. The prices were "up there" -- which is fine if they reflect quality. They don't. Service: 4 Ambiance: 3 (we ate in the bar to escape another weird server in the dining room) Food quality: 2 Creativity: 1 Quantity: 2-3 On the way time we talked about why this joint survives. We have no answer -- particularly when some other excellent places in the area bit the dust. Maybe it's a "place to be seen" or something? Regardless, it was not a good experience and we will not be giving them a 3rd chance!
(2)
Ignatius C R.
Trad establishment. Good food, good service. Really enjoyed it, will definitely return if I'm ever in Canton again.
(4)
Kyle L.
This was the perfect place for our business meeting. Service was top notch and menu was appropriate and reasonable. Recommend the Walleye Pickerel.
(5)
Lauren W.
No complaints about this place! It was possibly the highlight of my recent business trip! First of all, its got history. Supposedly President McKinley used to eat there. Secondly, the staff was so nice. They were great with recommending things and keeping our drinks full. The food was totally something else, in the best way possible. We started with fried ramps, which I had never heard of. They were so good. I then got the famous turtle soup which was really good, and the shot of sherry to go with it was great! I then had the famous Benders tomatoes which were just divine! As if this wasn't enough, I had the scallops for dinner. They were absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked. Had a tiny little sundae with vanilla ice cream and peanut butter for dessert. Basically, if you find yourself in Canton, Ohio, you should be eating at Benders.
(5)
Tracey S.
First visit on Jan. 2nd 2014 & will definitely visit again! I chose the restaurant for a special occasion based on reviews & it was fantastic! I am craving the George Banks Sea Scallops again & the lightly breaded & fried oyster appetizer..yum!! The atmosphere is warm & inviting with beautiful original architectural details reflecting it's history. Our server was Penny..what a lovely lady! Top notch service made for a perfect evening! It was well worth the 30 minute drive after a snowstorm. I would brave the elements over & over for a meal at Bender's Tavern!!
(5)
Nathan E.
Been coming to Bender's for years now. A favorite of my dad's in downtown Canton. The place dates from around ca. 1899 and has a late Victorian feel to it very reminiscent of the 80s tv show 'Cheers'. Very nostalgic. The wait staff are friendly & very professionally dressed, seemingly of an earlier time. The seafood has always been their best draw, as well as ambiance. I used to like the former Peter Shear's a tad better, but as they are no longer in operation (at least for now anyway)- Bender's takes top place among downtown Canton eateries.
(3)
Michael C.
Halibut à la folie, Bender fries, spinach salad and turtle soup is my all-time favorite meal.
(5)
Bob M.
I have eaten here since 1958. It really hasn't changed. One tip on ortering-u must tell them how u want things- how much or little seasoning u want. Its all fresh so u can raise or lower the amount of seasoning.
(5)
Ben L.
I worked as both a busboy and a waiter here during college and I can honestly say that this place has superb food - ingredients & cooking - outstanding service - ask for Julian if you want to be treated like royalty - and more history than most museums. The owners are wonderful and genuinely care about every guest's experience. The wines are exquisite, and the meals - especially the seafood - never disappoint.
(5)
Joseph F.
Wow!! What a great find!! I make a point to go to Bender's every time I'm anywhere near Canton, OH. The service has always been impeccable. I love the professional servers and bartender. I'm not really much of a wine enthusiast but their wine list seemed pretty impressive. On my last visit I had to ask the server to suggest a wine to go with my walley. He asked me a few questions about my taste and made a suggestion that was perfect. The last time I was there I had the Bender's tomatoes to start. They were very fresh and tasted a perfect start to dinner! The onions, cheese and Italian dressing created an awesome flavor. For my main course I had the Walleye, Bender fries and the spinach salad with hot bacon dressing. Ok, I'm salivating just thinking about it. Everything was fresh and cooked perfectly. I'm a huge fan of walleye and this is some of the best I've ever tasted. My only regret is they are 6 hours from Chicago.
(5)
Marley G.
I grew up at Bender's. Nearly every Friday night we'd go down there for dinner. it's my favorite restaurant in the United States Maybe the world. It's old, it's got atmosphere, and the food is great. In decades of eating there I' ve not had one bad meal or experienced bad service.
(5)
Curt R.
An old restaurant with a nice atmosphere. A Canton institution. They are known for the Halibut and scallops. A bit pricey, but the seafood is very good. Great bar with everything you'd want. Go for a nice friend get together or date night. The only reason it isn't a 5 is that it is expensive.
(4)
Elizabeth G.
This is by far my favorite restuarant in Canton! Love everything. I usually order fish and the Bender's tomatoes!
(5)
Mindy D.
the outside of the building was very nice, inside was ok the room we were sat in had carpet that was visibly dirty and smelled horrible.Our server made us feel uncomfortable, he was very pompous and acted as if we were intruding on his time. The food on the other hand was wonderful.I had the scallops and they were super tasty, my husband had the prime rib which was good as well though a little under seasoned. We will give it one more try but we will sit at the bar.
(3)
Jeff H.
Service was excellent, swordfish was excellent. Great atmosphere. Best seafood in the area.
(4)
Tom S.
Very vintage look. Halibut and scallops to die for. Service was ok. Great for people watching too. The fries r really deep fried scalloped potatoes - not good for u but couldn't stop eating them. Look around the bar it has that old world feel to it. Check out the step to the front door. A "few" people have walked thru. Want to go back and eat my way thru the menu! Free parking in near by lot.
(4)
D B.
The best place for seafood in Stark County.
(5)
lisa y.
My bosses took me to Benders while in Canton for a business trip. Excellent place! Our waitress was awesome. The drinks were yummy! (Order the Spring Tonic!) I had the Alaska Sable w/asparagus, peas, leaks, carrots all wrapped and baked in paper. Delicious!!!! The creme brulee had to be one of the best I have had!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Jen M.
Benders is known for its seafood. On any given day, they have different fish to choose from. The atmosphere is classic tavern. The downtown location makes it a great place for a business lunch or a nice dinner. For being in business as long as they have, they must be doing something right!
(4)Jessica G.
Great place to eat. I love the atmosphere as well. I love getting their crab cakes. My granddad and I used to go every time I was up there visiting him. It reminds me of him alot. The decor is pretty cool, it's old fashioned style makes me think it was made to look like the 50's.
(4)Paul L.
A must try if you're looking for fine dining in Canton Ohio. I was told this place was the oldest restaurant in the area and as you walk in, you know this because of the depression on the first step of the entrance; supposedly due to the years of foot traffic. Oh yeah, the entrance was a little difficult to find, but the bar entrance is on the side next to the parking lot. The entire restaurant was dim but adequately lit. It was definitely quaint; think an elegant version of Cheers (if you're familiar with the show) with dark stained wood. There's a full bar and a limited selection of beers on draft (nothing too exotic though). The dining area had linen draped dining tables with bulky cushioned chairs. I was there on a Mon. night so it was quiet and service was attentive. I ordered off the specials menu, which were slips of paper, paper-clipped to the regular menu. Appetizer: Oysters on the half shell, $14, half-dozen - The oysters were fresh and smelled like the ocean and cut vegetables. I don't recall the variety of oysters, but they were briny, metallic, and filled with liquor. My only complaint is that half of the oysters were not shucked well, so I had to use a little oyster fork to pry the oyster from the adductor muscle. Also, luckily I don't use the lemon it was served with as well because it looked pretty dry. The cocktail sauce was nothing to rave about. Entree: Cobia (?) Piccatta, $30ish, mash potatoes and asparagus spears - The fish was delicious and very well prepared. The cut was probably a 6 or 8 oz fillet with served with the skin on, which kept it very flavorful and moist. The potatoes were mashed with some skin, which added a nice texture, and it went well with the piccatta. The Aspargus appeared to be grilled and they were tender. Definitely would try this place again for their crab cake and turtle soup. I don't know much about their bar program, but it did not look like it was point of focus. The host stand was around the corner from the bar - so the layout of the restaurant was a little weird. Otherwise highly recommended if you're looking for good seafood, attentive service, and elegant dining experience. FYI: free street parking after 6pm (don't know about the parking situation in the lot).
(4)Allison A.
O, man. Go. Eat. Die happy
(5)Daniel B.
A real old town tavern. Make sure that you get the daily special menu if you go. It's just about as long as the regular menu, so there are lots of choices. They specialize in fish. I has a Lake Erie "fish". Sorry, I don't remember which one! Since the menu changes daily, I can't go back to see. It was, however, DELICIOUS! The Bender fries are not to be missed either. Only one at my table ordered them. When they came, tow of us ordered them also, just on sight! We were here on a business lunch. Not overly expensive and good portions, for lunch. No leftovers. Also, no dessert! Too full. A definite place to return to.
(4)Mark C.
My fish entree was excellent. I had sea bass with a Morracan sauce. The bar tender, Deena, was really nice and helpful. Great coctail beer and wine menu as well. I will definitely return.
(5)Amanda G.
This place is just awesome. We love trying new things, and had a lot of fun. We both had never had turtle soup was absolutely phenomenal. We loved it so much that when we saw it at another restaurant a few weeks later we had to get it, and it was TERRIBLE. Bender's does it right! The fried oysters were very good, and really liked the dressing on the salad. We had a lot of fun with their cocktail menu too; a lot of things to try! Hands-down the best meal I have ever had was our entree; the halibut cheeks with a coconut sauce and black rice. I am still blown away with how well this meal went together and how the halibut just melted in my mouth. I can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)Tammy Jo F.
My husband and I went to Bender's on our first date so he brought me to Bender's for my birthday last night as a surprise. He requested that we be served by Jim who had served us over a year ago. Jim was more than happy to tell us about the history of the restaurant and was very knowledgable about food and wine. The atmosphere is romantic and the historic building is beautiful - it's as if one had walked back in time! The waitstaff is accommodating and professional. The wine list is thoughtful and well put together, albeit expensive. They have a special list of wines that are offered by the glass and this list changes frequently. We had the Turtle Soup (complete with a shot of Sherry which accentuates the sweetness of the soup), raw oysters on the half shell (3 Wellfleet oysters and 3 Bay Point oysters), roasted Sea Bass on hummus with Brussels sprouts, sauteed sea scallops, and a casserole-type spaghetti squash with onions, fresh tomatoes, cream cheese. Excellent! As my birthday dessert I received a dish of vanilla ice cream with an AMAZING peanut butter sauce and a birthday candle! According to Jim many patrons request the recipe for the peanut butter sauce. Everything was perfect once again!
(5)Melanie S.
I'm sort of speechless. Had the strangest dining experience ever. Upon entering you are ignored. Having never been there We didn't know you have to go through the bar to get in the restaurant. Employees never made eye contact. When I finally found the host who was at a laptop he didn't even make eye contact or smile. We were seated and a nice boy gave us water and bread. That was it for 20 minutes! I watched others come in and get seated and greeted by name and "I'll be right with you Frank!". Meanwhile NO one even looked at us. Servers busily walked past to prepare a room for a party who hadn't even arrived yet! I had to ASK if we had a server. My first and last visit. We felt invisible! We almost left. The food was good but it was my birthday and it was ruined. Turns out management did not have a server assigned to our table. Good going. You get better service at mulligans and the food is just about as good. They have someone right at the door who greets you and acts like they are happy to have you. Still stunned. I hate to write bad reviews but I hope their management reads this. Manager should have apologized at least. Our server Penny really went overboard trying to make up for it but she shouldn't have to. She was the best part of the night.
(2)Alex M.
My family has been coming here since I can remember. Holds many great memories and food to go with it, never disappoints! I always get haddock al a foley (usually have to ask the chef if they don't mind using haddock instead of halibut) and of course bender fries. Highly recommend and plan on coming here for many more years!
(5)Wyckliffe H.
Benders is a Canton landmark. Fish, red meat, pastas, it is a solid place to go to celebrate. I have been going there, maybe once every 2-3 months, for over 40 years. I love the dark oak, art deco atmosphere. I have never experienced anything but courteous service. I have had delicious meals there but, and this is the reason why 4 starts instead of 5, I have had really lousy food there also. I had a prime rib that was mostly fat. I had fish that tasted "off." So, I'll be back, but I would like to see things become a little more consistent in the kitchen.
(4)Bruce S.
Such a great place in downtown Canton. The entire menu is amazing, but I've gotta say I love the tomato salad the most :) enjoy!
(5)Pam N.
Our party of 6 were so impressed. Fish is flown in three times a week and you can tell. You have to include turtle soup and bender potatoes in your order. And save room for dessert, key lime pie. Our server was amazing.
(5)Steve R.
I really wanted to like this charming 100+ year old establishment, but they just didn't cut it on my visit. The food was poor, service average and dining room ambiance didn't live up to the hundred year old building. Here we go... First, there are several doors that you can enter, but you need to enter through the door on the left so you enter through the bar and make your way to the host station. Enter any of the other doors and you will feel out of place. As you enter the bar, you are instantly transported to the early 1900's. Very cool ambiance and inviting, unlike the plainly decorated main dining areas. I learned the host's name was Neil because no less than four people told me that Neal would be right with me. I guess they weren't empowered to help me even though Neil was on the phone. I finally got seated. The lobster bisque would have been better if there had actually been lobster in it. Then came the bread. Nice large basket with a big white towel and one small piece of bread. The bread was good, hot, and soft but I guess there is one piece allotted per diner. The salad was unimpressive with iceberg lettuce and a piece of onion. No tomato and if there were any other veggies in there they were very forgettable. I asked for blue cheese dressing and the waitress asked "white or red?" Really? I went for red since I've never heard of red blue cheese and felt adventurous. Unimpressed. Not sure why they bother with this one. The main dish was a 12 ounce ribeye steak. My "medium" steak had no pink, was not juicy, had the flavor of cheap meat, and was cooked in an herb (dill I think?) which didn't do much to cover up a "cheap" steak... priced at $32.95 by the way. I've had better steak dinners for $12. Oh, and the Bender Fries (which my waitress insisted that I choose over the baked potato) were nothing more than greasy hash browns. No way I was going to order dessert. I'm out of here. Two stars.
(2)janelle s.
My friend and I thought this restaurant was awesome! The food and martinis were amazing. Our waitress Pat was beyond attentive, personable, and she made the Bender Tavern experience even better! Not sure if I'll ever visit Canton again, but if I do I would certainly visit Benders Tavern again and ask for Ms. Pat. Oh! And coming from DC, the prices were very reasonable!
(5)B M.
Old school restaurant. Good service, good food. Pricey for the area, but definitely a place for adults to celebrate a special occasion. Bulleit rye manhattan was very good. Flounder stuffed was delicious. Waitress was great with us as we marked an anniversary. You'll have to head north several miles to find something comparable.
(4)Melissa P.
One of the best places in the Canton/Akron area, especially for fresh seafood. My friend I both started with the Benders tomatoes, which are reliably delicious- the only problem was we both wished we had ordered the full portion instead of the half, they were that good. I had the scallops special and they were amazing, cooked perfectly. My friend had the filet and it came exactly as she ordered it, flavorful and juicy. We both had Bender fries, which are thinly sliced potatoes, fried crispy- addicting. The key lime tart was an enormous slice, the right amount of sweet and tangy. Amazing meal!
(5)Esther G.
Elegant dining is alive and well in Canton, Ohio! In business since 1902, my father's birth year, I cannot recount how many meals I've enjoyed here. President William McKinley DID eat here. He lived around the corner and it's not just a rumor. If you're in Canton for the Hall of Fame week, you'll see many football players, current and enshrined, enjoying the old-world ambience. Lots of mahogany contains it's turn of the century atmosphere. The menu is filled with sea food of high quality and many more entrees and the wines are fit for nobility. I especially enjoy their Portugese selections. My favorite meal is frog legs, small and tender and cooked in wine. Second is lamb chops. Don't forget the beef, steaks, roasts and short ribs. Service matches the food quality and the prices are much below the same dishes in any fine East Coast restaurant. It began raining once when I was leaving and the Captain walked me to my car under an umbrella. Don't leave Canton without an evening at Benders.
(5)Max A.
Any joint that has Turtle Soup listed as a favorite for 60 years is almost like a challenge. I mean, come on, Turtle meat in soup? Who would of thunk? Taste like chicken, friggin' out of this world, they bring a shot of sherry that adds a sweet nectar taste. The tavern is old and actually very quaint. The bar area is small, but cozy. We ate in the main dining room. The staff was impeccable. Our server knew her food and did an outstanding job. I went with the special "Georges Banks" Sea Scallop dish. This dish was served at the superbowl to some 3000 plus fans, or something like that. It was awesome, the tomato cream sauce over grits and perfectly cooked scallops was amazing. I also order the Jerry Fries, these are curly fries with parma cheese on top, another great little side dish. My dinner partner had Halibut with Ritz cracker crust and loved it........ Just a part of history in the small town of Canton, not sure why people live here or visit here, but if you do, hit this place up. Oh by the way, as I learned, football was invented here. I was told the story after I asked who in their right mind would put the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, and now I know...................to much information, by Canton.......
(5)Rick A.
Came here years ago and did not like it. It is incredible now. Best lunch in Canton, bar none. The daily specials and the soups are to die for. The fish is fresh and prepared to perfection. You can't go wrong with this place.
(5)Steve E.
I went here tonight with my family for a celebratory dinner. We had heard locals rave about Benders, and thought, "no time like the present!" The restaurant is nicely decorated, and with high ceilings and some marble walls, it definitely says, "classy". The food was good. Not great, but certainly not bad. But the service was sub-par. Not just below what I'd expect from a restaurant of Benders' reputation, but below what I'd expect at Applebee's. Our server was an older gentleman who had no knowledge of the wines, needing to return to the bar for each question. I don't expect full knowledge of a wine list as detailed as Benders', but basic knowledge of the 8 or so wines by the glass shouldn't be too much to ask for. We had to ask several times for my wife's Diet Pepsi, and my son's milk also took longer than it should have. Our server was nowhere to be found once the food was served, so our request for lemon went unheeded. When I asked to have a baked potato with my sea bass, he told me it came with salad. Since the menu stated that any of the chef's specials (under which my sea bass was listed) came with a choice of one side, including salad, baked potato, veggies, etc., I asked for a baked potato. He asked me if I wanted to change to the other sea bass dish on the menu. No, I didn't, and finally he noted my baked potato request. I know that one server is not necessarily representative of the level of service in the restaurant, but I can only evaluate what I experience. As for the food, I enjoyed my roasted sea bass on a bed of hummus (never seen that before, but it worked) with Brussels sprouts and my son's chicken fingers were "really good!" (His words, though I got a chance to sneak a taste and they were good) My wife's steak (Texas Sirloin) came out a bit overdone, (she ordered mid-well, and it was well done) but was tasty (but we've had better tasting and better prepared steaks at any of the chain steakhouses in town). My father's steak (also the Texas Sirloin) came out at the right temperature, and he reported that it was good. My mother enjoyed her scallops as well. The desserts were quite good, with one exception. I loved my white chocolate bread pudding, my wife's warm blueberry pie was great and my mother liked her creme brûlée. My son tried the flourless chocolate cake. It was horrible! I know it's gluten free, but I have had many flour-free chocolate cakes that are quite good. This wasn't one of them. The cake tasted like bittersweet baking chocolate and cocoa powder, not good. Overall, it was a nice dinner, but I can't really understand the fuss about this place. The food was good, not great, and for the price, I expect great, not good. I also expect the level of service to match the atmosphere, and Benders fell short here as well. Maybe it's a place to be seen in Canton, but I'll be seen elsewhere if today was representative of what I can expect in the future.
(3)C A.
The building is nice. The atmosphere was very low key, which probably had to do with the fact that the average age of the patrons seemed to be in the 60s. On our way in I held the door for a lady with a walker. This was Thursday evening. We came for the food anyway, so let's see how it is. The morel mushrooms fell way short of what they should have been. No flavor at all and no creativity. Morels sautéed in oil. That's it. And they should have tasted amazing. Then there was the seared tuna. It was good high quality tuna if they wouldn't have drowned it in that mayo, or whatever it was. Plus they took a pile of steaming hot rice and set it directly on the tuna. So now instead of very, very lightly seared tuna, I had fully cooked tuna. The key lime cheesecake was good, but dessert is hard to screw up.
(2)Laurette K.
We had a gift card from Christmas and decided to go tonight. I called ahead to get a reservation. I assumed that there would not be a problem getting a table. I was told that there were no seats to reserve, but we could eat in the bar area. When we arrived I was pleasantly surprised to find they reserved a table for us. We had the nicest waitress in the entire world. Told us many things about items on the menu. Many things are made in house and seafood if never frozen and is flown in every third day. I ordered the scallops that were on special (I think $31, came with 2 sides) with fresh green beans and portabella mushrooms, and a simple mixed greens salad. My scallops were AMAZING. There portion sizes more than what I thought we would get. Husband ordered the prime rib, which he said was fantastic. Came with two sides too, ordered benders fries (which are thinly sliced potatoes fried in lard. i did not think they were amazing, they were just good.) Also got a salad with red blue cheese (mixture of their homemade french dressing and blue cheese crumbles). Also, came with dinner rolls. Husband also ordered their famous turtle soup. It camp with a shot of sherry. It was sweet, hearty and satisfying. Waitress told us there is molasses in there. What a satisfying meal. Bill was around $85 for two entrees, turtle soup, and one adult beverage! Great meal, great ambience and great service! We will definitely return!
(5)Wolfgang M.
Happy ghosts reside here. Drinking and eating great food. This place will take you back in time, but it's not just the atmosphere that is appealing. Whoever they have cooking in the back is a master at their craft. I'm quite impressed with this old school gem, and it's no surprise to me they've been in business for this long.
(5)Tim S.
No doubt a Canton landmark for many years. The turtle soup is decent, worth trying once but not sure if I'd get it again. I have has various steaks and seafood dishes over the years here and I think I will stick with seafood from now on. Whenever I go that route I am always pleased with my meal. The steaks are good too, but not the same caliber as the seafood. It's a fine dining restaurant with an old town feel to it. Drinks are always good and the service has been great. This is not a "regular" type of place, but a few times a year for a nice night out.
(4)Candi D.
Stopped here for lunch. Chose the Classic Ruben as we had a limited/smaller menu for our trip. The sandwich was good, though not the best I've had, but everyone's tastes are different. The restaurant itself felt like a bit of a maze to get out of but I imagine you get a feel for it more if you're from the area and visit more frequently.
(3)Andrea B.
I have only been to Bender's for lunch but I look forward to having a dinner experience here in the near future. I love the atmosphere; it reminds me of be in Chicago - old buildings restored or maintained, preserving the best part of the dining experience. If it is your first time, ask your waiter/waitress about the history behind Bender's and the history alone will make you love this place. I think eating here during lunch is a great option for people that find this place to be either too pricey or not "date-night" enough because of families with children coming for dinner. My favorite lunch so far was the lobster and brie quiche served with a perfectly dressed spring mix salad and bender fries (always get the Bender fries). Our waitress was a little quirky, but it lends to the charm of the place. The only reason I did not give Bender's 4 stars is because I have not been there for dinner yet and no great restaurant is worth its weight in salt if the lunch is better than the dinner.
(3)Michelle C.
My worst visit yet! Lobster bisque that has NO lobster in it, and tastes like boiled rotten fish heads. A douche bag waiter who was none too pleased that I sent my soup back without his knowledge, he could have helped me with it. Helped??? By wearing it maybe?!?? It was gross! And the scum layer on top was nauseating. I'd rather vomit Jäger Bombs than taint my lips with the fish head soup. BLECKKKKK!!! To add insult to injury, we made reservations for a nice dinner out without kids. Yep, you guessed it. The place wasn't very busy, and they placed us in a room with 2 tables with kids, I would guess all under 7. What gives???? Seriously Benders, you fell WAY short on this visit. We have traveled throughout the state and had classy dinners in dive restaurants. You didn't make the cut, we won't be back. Thank God I have left over pizza at home to warm up. I'm hungry!!!
(1)Mande B.
Benders is such a cool place! First - this is a pretty historic building and the restaurant had quite the history. The wine selection is great and they make a mean dirty martini. The food selection was expansive and both times I've dined here, I was very, very pleased with my selections. My group tried several steak and seafood dishes, all giving them the thumbs up. I ordered a featured dish each time I went, rather than ordering from the standard menu but items from the standard menu looked just as tasty!
(5)Bryan M.
Excellent food...high prices but worth it!!
(4)Barbara A.
Since 1902, Bender's has served up great seafood, flown in from Foley's Fish in Boston three times per week. Traditional items like Turtle Soup, served with a shot of sherry, and Camp Keggle Walley have been on the menu for decades. Tradition mixes with with seasonal, creative dishes. I love the layers of colored paper with each day's menu typed on it. Try to save room for the mini sundae with homemade chocolate and peanut butter topping. Staff are extremely knowledgable in both the food, and the history of the restaurant. Quick business lunch or romantic night out. Extensive wine menu. Ask for "Jerry's Picks"
(5)Mario D.
Came her on the advice of the hotel and it was a great call. Our server, Mary, was amazing. I had the wild Alaskan salmon and it was great - the tomato salad was divine. A little pricey but well worth it.
(4)Jessica H.
Bender Tomatoes are a must try no matter what season! The Halibut A La Foley is one of the best dishes. I have actually never ordered anything but that dish....I have tried other things...but nothing is as good as this piece of fish. It is heaven! White, firm, sweet, buttery, crispy, moist, and fluffy......so good! To drink....the spring tonic is a tasty treat, and the wines are a plenty. Be sure to ASK if there is something that you are looking for. The owners enjoy wine with great enthusiasm!
(5)Marti C.
Went to Benders for lunch with my dad. It is an amazing historical place praised for its seafood. In the old days this place was divided by gender. Gotta love that and for its history I give it four instead of three stars. I will confess up front that I am not a seafood fan. So there wasn't a ton on the menu I was anxious to try. Our amazing waiter who was great at describing everything though, he made me want to want to try it. He was also extremely attentive and friendly. I ended up with the Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich and fries. It was eh, just ok. Nothing to write home about, in fact I would never eat it again. The seafood entrees looked a lot better, if only I liked seafood. I did try a cup of the chili and that was delicious. I"d probably go back to the place and try something else. I want to like it there.
(4)Jonathan G.
Once you walk through the doors, it's like you have magically warped your way back into the 40's. The architecture, the decor, even the servers dress screams antiquated elegance. This place has been a staple of fine dining in Canton for as long as it has been open, which I'm pretty sure is close to a century. We arrived and we're promptly seated, and greeted by the manager. I'm also a business owner in town, so he knew of my place which I think helped the greeting; but either way it was nice to get a "hello" from the man in charge. Our server was probably the highlight of the entire meal. I feel terrible as I forgot his name, but he was everything from quick, quirky, strange, excellent and everything in between. It was almost (and I mean this is the best way possible) like he had a slight autism, but it was perfect for his job. He knew the menu inside and out like you wouldn't believe. When I was trying to decide between two dishes, he very sternly made the decision for me and said I wouldn't be disappointed. Maybe that would rub some people the wrong way, but I was completely on board. If you saw and heard the conviction in his voice and mannerisms, you would understand. I loved this guy, and everything he brought to the experience. We started with their house bread, which was very fresh and tasty. Nothing mind blowing, but certainly good enough. We got the spinach salad with the hot bacon dressing. I'm sure it probably cost be a few months of my life, but boy was that delicious. Also did the Bender's tomatoes, which were equally as inspired. I got a Sole dish with hash and asparagus cream. It was cooked perfectly. Most of the time fish is either over or undercooked, but this was spot on. The hash had an amazing sauce with just the right amount of flavor. The only slight downside was the portion size was pretty small. I understand this is an upscale restaurant, but for $28 I felt like a little more would have been better. Everything else was a la carte, so as you can imagine the bill starts to climb quickly. Because the entree was so small, we ended up getting their peanut butter dessert, which was divine. That was the one good upside to the small entree portion! I was oh so close to giving Bender's a five-star rating, but the portion size and price kept me at a four. Overall, if you're from the area and want a fancy night out, or have guests or clients in from out of the area who you need to impress... Bender's certainly fits the bill. Outstanding service, very good food, and an atmosphere that screams class. One of Canton's finest without a doubt.
(4)Laura W.
Planned my parent's 40th Anniversary at Bender's - best choice I could have ever made. Jon made is easy to plan from the start. I live in California and he was a huge help during the entire process. Everything was perfect from the room set up, the ambiance, the food, the bar, the staff down to the parking. Penny, the lead bartender, and her staff were absolutely fabulous. They took customer service to the next level - top notch! Couldn't have asked for more. I highly recommend Benders for any, and all, of your special events in the Canton area.
(5)Jordy G.
I went to Benders' once for a business lunch. The place is very neat (and old) looking, and the staff is friendly (with the exception of one waiter who was a an extreme close-talker and a little creepy). The food was pretty good - I got the special of a salmon filet with peanut sauce and rice. The rice was nothing special, and it didn't really come with anything else on the plate, but the salmon and sauce were really good. My friend got a Caesar salad, and the lettuce on it was pretty much two or three gigantic pieces of iceberg lettuce - it was really difficult to eat and not a good presentation. I'll definitely try Benders' again, but it wasn't mind-blowing.
(4)Gerardo G.
New to area and our first time here. Crab meat appetizer was very good. Raw oysters were good but small. My swordfish was slightly overcooked but delicious nonetheless. One serving of the white chocolate bread pudding was not enough! Service was excellent...
(4)Edmond M.
If you are visiting you have to try this Canton institution. Turtle soup is amazing. The seafood is consistently great. And be sure to get a Spring Tonic from the bar.
(5)Rickster P.
Gads ... what a waste. My wife wanted to back there and "try again" after a not-so-good experience with so-so food and a VERY weird server the first time. We did. ... and the most recent experience will be our last. The calamari was excellent, although the portion was small. It was cooked perfectly. We ordered red fish and a pasta dish. The fish was a small portion that looked like it had been deep-fried, although it was probably cooked hot in a pan with LOTS of oil. The fish was strong and I ate about 2/3 of the small portion. I've had red fish many times before elsewhere and it was never strong like this one was. The pasta dish was swimming in oil and was pretty tasteless. The oil did not have the wonderful taste of olive oil. We wonder what they used -- perhaps a mixture of corn and olive? We don't know, but that dish was about 1/2 consumed before it was abandoned. The dinner rolls had good texture, OK, but they were "what bread" -- no wheat, multi-grain, etc to be found. The prices were "up there" -- which is fine if they reflect quality. They don't. Service: 4 Ambiance: 3 (we ate in the bar to escape another weird server in the dining room) Food quality: 2 Creativity: 1 Quantity: 2-3 On the way time we talked about why this joint survives. We have no answer -- particularly when some other excellent places in the area bit the dust. Maybe it's a "place to be seen" or something? Regardless, it was not a good experience and we will not be giving them a 3rd chance!
(2)Ignatius C R.
Trad establishment. Good food, good service. Really enjoyed it, will definitely return if I'm ever in Canton again.
(4)Kyle L.
This was the perfect place for our business meeting. Service was top notch and menu was appropriate and reasonable. Recommend the Walleye Pickerel.
(5)Lauren W.
No complaints about this place! It was possibly the highlight of my recent business trip! First of all, its got history. Supposedly President McKinley used to eat there. Secondly, the staff was so nice. They were great with recommending things and keeping our drinks full. The food was totally something else, in the best way possible. We started with fried ramps, which I had never heard of. They were so good. I then got the famous turtle soup which was really good, and the shot of sherry to go with it was great! I then had the famous Benders tomatoes which were just divine! As if this wasn't enough, I had the scallops for dinner. They were absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked. Had a tiny little sundae with vanilla ice cream and peanut butter for dessert. Basically, if you find yourself in Canton, Ohio, you should be eating at Benders.
(5)Tracey S.
First visit on Jan. 2nd 2014 & will definitely visit again! I chose the restaurant for a special occasion based on reviews & it was fantastic! I am craving the George Banks Sea Scallops again & the lightly breaded & fried oyster appetizer..yum!! The atmosphere is warm & inviting with beautiful original architectural details reflecting it's history. Our server was Penny..what a lovely lady! Top notch service made for a perfect evening! It was well worth the 30 minute drive after a snowstorm. I would brave the elements over & over for a meal at Bender's Tavern!!
(5)Nathan E.
Been coming to Bender's for years now. A favorite of my dad's in downtown Canton. The place dates from around ca. 1899 and has a late Victorian feel to it very reminiscent of the 80s tv show 'Cheers'. Very nostalgic. The wait staff are friendly & very professionally dressed, seemingly of an earlier time. The seafood has always been their best draw, as well as ambiance. I used to like the former Peter Shear's a tad better, but as they are no longer in operation (at least for now anyway)- Bender's takes top place among downtown Canton eateries.
(3)Michael C.
Halibut à la folie, Bender fries, spinach salad and turtle soup is my all-time favorite meal.
(5)Bob M.
I have eaten here since 1958. It really hasn't changed. One tip on ortering-u must tell them how u want things- how much or little seasoning u want. Its all fresh so u can raise or lower the amount of seasoning.
(5)Ben L.
I worked as both a busboy and a waiter here during college and I can honestly say that this place has superb food - ingredients & cooking - outstanding service - ask for Julian if you want to be treated like royalty - and more history than most museums. The owners are wonderful and genuinely care about every guest's experience. The wines are exquisite, and the meals - especially the seafood - never disappoint.
(5)Joseph F.
Wow!! What a great find!! I make a point to go to Bender's every time I'm anywhere near Canton, OH. The service has always been impeccable. I love the professional servers and bartender. I'm not really much of a wine enthusiast but their wine list seemed pretty impressive. On my last visit I had to ask the server to suggest a wine to go with my walley. He asked me a few questions about my taste and made a suggestion that was perfect. The last time I was there I had the Bender's tomatoes to start. They were very fresh and tasted a perfect start to dinner! The onions, cheese and Italian dressing created an awesome flavor. For my main course I had the Walleye, Bender fries and the spinach salad with hot bacon dressing. Ok, I'm salivating just thinking about it. Everything was fresh and cooked perfectly. I'm a huge fan of walleye and this is some of the best I've ever tasted. My only regret is they are 6 hours from Chicago.
(5)Marley G.
I grew up at Bender's. Nearly every Friday night we'd go down there for dinner. it's my favorite restaurant in the United States Maybe the world. It's old, it's got atmosphere, and the food is great. In decades of eating there I' ve not had one bad meal or experienced bad service.
(5)Curt R.
An old restaurant with a nice atmosphere. A Canton institution. They are known for the Halibut and scallops. A bit pricey, but the seafood is very good. Great bar with everything you'd want. Go for a nice friend get together or date night. The only reason it isn't a 5 is that it is expensive.
(4)Elizabeth G.
This is by far my favorite restuarant in Canton! Love everything. I usually order fish and the Bender's tomatoes!
(5)Mindy D.
the outside of the building was very nice, inside was ok the room we were sat in had carpet that was visibly dirty and smelled horrible.Our server made us feel uncomfortable, he was very pompous and acted as if we were intruding on his time. The food on the other hand was wonderful.I had the scallops and they were super tasty, my husband had the prime rib which was good as well though a little under seasoned. We will give it one more try but we will sit at the bar.
(3)Jeff H.
Service was excellent, swordfish was excellent. Great atmosphere. Best seafood in the area.
(4)Tom S.
Very vintage look. Halibut and scallops to die for. Service was ok. Great for people watching too. The fries r really deep fried scalloped potatoes - not good for u but couldn't stop eating them. Look around the bar it has that old world feel to it. Check out the step to the front door. A "few" people have walked thru. Want to go back and eat my way thru the menu! Free parking in near by lot.
(4)D B.
The best place for seafood in Stark County.
(5)lisa y.
My bosses took me to Benders while in Canton for a business trip. Excellent place! Our waitress was awesome. The drinks were yummy! (Order the Spring Tonic!) I had the Alaska Sable w/asparagus, peas, leaks, carrots all wrapped and baked in paper. Delicious!!!! The creme brulee had to be one of the best I have had!
(5)