The Bench Bar & Grill

As one of the few places you can get away from campus food and have something real, The Bench has decent prices where you can get something a little different.

I only came here once to try it out before I graduated from Stony Brook. I ordered the Crab Cakes along with a Bench Cheeseburger with Sweet Potato Fries. My boyfriend ordered Fish & Chips.
I couldn't believe my Crab Cakes only came in two little patties for the price we paid, but once we bit into them- we realized that the meat was fresh. Nothing too fishy or too chewy.
My cheeseburger was good. But the sweet potato fries that came with it were salted. So I didn't bother finishing them.

It was empty when we came in because it was in the afternoon. Bars usually don't pick up until night time. So the service was as quick as can be.

All in all, it's a good place to just get away from campus food if you want.

I've only been here a handful of times. Am I allowed to use the word "ratchet" on here...?  That's to describe those sweaty and nasty nights when everyone is dancing and fighting to get to the bar.

Normal college/sports bar.  The music on Thursday + weekend nights seem to be all top 40's (which isn't bad!) and very dancy.  It definitely gets the crowd moving.

Things I hate: I cannot squeeze my way to get a drink on Thursday nights.  Usually I'll be waiting for about 10 minutes just trying to get the bartender's attention.  It isn't their fault in the least, but when you want to dance... or at least mingle with friends, time is of the utmost importance. (I think if you wave a Benjamin in front of their face, they'll give you top priority.)

Pros: good amount of space, good dancy/club music selections, very close to SBU campus for those nights you do not want to pay for a cab.

Cons: Drinks could be cheaper, gets really hot and sweaty in there if you're dancing, getting the bartender's attention on Thursday nights is a challenge.  Looks a bit grimey too sometimes.

If you're from the area you probably have a pretty strong opinion on the bench. Either you hate it or you love it. I'm in the love it camp.
-Great food
-Good Music
-Reasonable prices
-All of my friends are here
-Tons of TVs with every game
-Great staff

Overall this place is a great sports bar that has pretty much whatever you're looking for. But dont be surprised if you run into a ward melivlle high school reunion. Catch you at ladies night this summer kids