Ben's

Ben's

Ben's in Oakland, CA offers homestyle Chinese rice and noodle dishes with a casual, family-friendly vibe. Enjoy fresh, affordable comfort food like chicken fried rice and mapo tofu for lunch or dinner. Cash only, wheelchair accessible, with outdoor seating and takeaway.

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Hello Dear

Welcome to Ben's

Ben's
Ben's
Ben's
Ben's

Ben's offers a simple yet satisfying taste of homestyle Chinese cooking in Oakland's 398 3rd St neighborhood. This cozy, unpretentious spot specializes in rice and noodle dishes crafted with fresh, quality ingredients that locals love. Prices range from $10 to $20, making it an affordable option for lunch or dinner. Ben's serves flavorful classics like chicken fried rice, mapo tofu, and sweet and sour pork, each paired with their own handmade chili sauce that adds a mild kick.

Whether you prefer to dine in with family or grab a quick takeaway, Ben's meets you with friendly service in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. This little gem thrives on repeat customers who appreciate the consistent freshness and welcoming vibe amid Oakland's vibrant culinary scene.

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Location & Contact

Address

398 3rd St, Oakland, CA 94607, United States

Hotline

+1 510-763-8336

Taste the best

Food Menu

The restaurant provides outdoor seating along with dine-in and takeout options to suit your schedule. Accessibility is a priority here with wheelchair-accessible seating and facilities including a clean toilet. Ben's menu spans comfort food and healthy choices that cater to complete meals or quick bites, ideal for solo diners and families alike. The space retains a modest warehouse neighborhood feel, emphasizing genuine flavors over fancy décor. Payment is cash only, maintaining a straightforward and community-oriented business model.

Ben's opens early weekdays from 7 AM to 10 AM for breakfast and closes after lunch around 2 PM, perfect for grabbing a fresh meal to start or power through your day. Their homemade chili sauce and dishes like chow mein, seafood chow fun, and sticky sweet and sour chicken curry frequently earn praise for their authenticity and balanced taste. Locals often return for the friendly service and homestyle cooking that never fails to satisfy.

About

Ben's

Ben's
Ben's
Ben's
Ben's

Ben's is a longstanding establishment nestled in Oakland's bustling 3rd Street. Owned and operated by Ben and his family, the restaurant embodies an unassuming charm that highlights authentic Chinese homestyle dishes over flashy presentation. Ben himself cooks in the kitchen while his son David welcomes guests with warmth and attentive table service. This familial touch fosters a cozy and loyal customer base spanning locals and visitors alike. The menu offerings revolve around traditional favorites such as chicken chow mein, beef with broccoli, and ma po tofu over rice, all priced reasonably between $8.50 and $10.

Ben's commitment to using fresh, juicy ingredients—like tender chicken in the fried rice—is evident and praised in numerous reviews. The restaurant remains a cash-only business, reinforcing its community roots. Despite the modest, casual ambiance within a warehouse area, Ben's continues to attract cravings for hand-crafted Asian food made with care. It stands out as an authentic, family-friendly dining destination in Oakland with a reputation built on quality, friendly service, and that signature homemade chili sauce cherished by regulars.

Ben's

Ben's commitment centers on authentic homestyle Chinese cuisine made fresh daily, featuring quick service that meets the needs of Oakland’s working community. The restaurant prioritizes customer relationships, exemplified by friendly interactions and personalized touches like offering more rice and hot tea generously.

Their vision embraces inclusivity, affordability, and health-conscious options without sacrificing flavor. Cash-only payment policies reinforce the simplicity Ben's champions while building trust in its straightforward approach. This small restaurant thrives through consistent quality, local loyalty, and a dedication to providing nourishing meals that feel like home. Ben’s also fosters a spirit of community by serving as a welcoming spot where locals connect over affordable, satisfying Asian comfort food.

Reviews

What Clients Say

Really good food, very fresh. I ordered the chicken fried rice as takeout, chicken was fresh and juicy, not overcooked and the taste was spot on. Goes well with the included hot sauce which is mildly hot. Ambience is not great as it is a warehouse neighborhood, recommend food as takeout.

Ajinkya T.
Ajinkya T.

Loved this place! I was visiting from Korea and I needed some Asian food with rice. The place is small and simple but Ben and the other perosn working there were very friendly. They offered hot tea, and more rice! Food was good and the prices were reasonable. I highly recommend!

Heezy Y.
Heezy Y.

Our lunch here was fantastic. The food was superb. David, the guy who greeted us and waited on us is truly a friendly person, and his dad, Ben is cooking in this wonderful hole-in-the-wall restaurant. We'll be back! We had Ben's fried rice, and Ben's Chow Mein. Both were delicious, and the topper is the chili sauce they make in-house. Yum!

Bert S.
Bert S.

Yum! Hole in the wall gem. Food is fresh and delicious, I ate my whole plate in one sitting. Ben was cooking up the food, friendly waiter, no wonder they’ve been open so long. Cash or PayPal/cash app only.

Fria B.
Fria B.

I got this beautiful lunch for $10.50, one thing folks, CASH ONLY. The gentleman who took my order was soo nice and the food is really good. They have lots of regulars so you know it’s good. Will be coming back for sure.

Scarlet
Scarlet

The restaurant is old and melancholy. In the kitchen, an old man is wok-warming. Can get hot tea for free.

Bob J.
Bob J.