Delectable Waterfront Dining at Benicia’s Sailor Jacks

Food, Drink, View!

Tantalizing food, great wine, interesting history and the best view on the Carquinez Strait, all converge at Sailor Jacks Restaurant and Bar in Benicia. Throw in a convivial atmosphere and friendly staff, and diners are guaranteed a memorable dining experience. Owners James Morgan and John Hernandez can frequently be found circulating amongst the tables, chatting with diners ensuring guests are having a good time.

Chef Joel Ramos

Under the steady helm of Chef Joel Ramos, the seafood restaurant at the water’s edge is an enticing combination of seasonal menu offerings featuring fresh seafood, steaks and hearty pub favorites. This month, the special Valentine’s menu promises to be a crowd pleaser with a 4-course dinner with multiple options such as a Smoked Salmon Crostini appetizer and King Crab Stuffed Mushrooms entrée. A master chef in many categories including American, Italian, South American Asian, and fresh seafood. Ramos orders the fresh fish whole, and does the butchering himself. When he came onboard in 2015, Ramos brought with him a wealth of experience at high-end eateries in the Bay Area. He is also passionate about the restaurant’s décor, recently remodeling the dining rooms and bar and adding additional outdoor space. Freshly painted slate blue walls compliment the Strait, adorned with new artwork depicting Benicia’s rich history.

Jack London Drank Here

A local’s hangout and out-of-town visitor destination, Sailor Jacks is a draw for folks around the Bay. The upstairs bar exudes warmth and conviviality, especially in winter; the downstairs dining rooms are full of the historic charm of the space. The history here is as delicious as the food. A former 1860’s era sea captain’s home, Jack London drank and caroused here, giving the restaurant its name as well as some of the cleverly named cocktails like Call of the Wild.

Favorite Bites

The magnificent view grabs you as soon as you walk in the door, and the food rises right up to meet it. Perennial dinner favorites include the daily selection of fresh oysters, the seafood salad, fresh grilled fish and chef specials. Along with signature seafood dishes, heartier fair includes Balsamic Herbed Chicken, Lobster Tail, the Jack Burger and numerous steaks. Lunch items range from The Big Texas (smoked pulled pork on Ciabatta) to Crab Melts and Fish and Chips, with several entrée salads and sandwiches.

Hearty Weekend Brunch

An ample American-style Breakfast/brunch is served on weekends. Buttermilk Pancakes are swoon-worthy, with orange butter and maple syrup; French Toast comes with orange butter and mixed berries. The Benicia Scramble, frittatas, omelets, Eggs Benedict and other hearty dishes make up the balance of the menu.

A Sweet Ending

To round out a very pleasant evening, the desserts here are very good, especially the fruit crisps and bread puddings, along with the popular raspberry cheesecake and New York 5-layer chocolate cake. A robust selection of Single Malt Scotch, Port and Dessert Wines are also available. The quality of the food and the atmosphere in which it is served make any meal here feel special.

Mon-Thurs: Lunch 11am-3pm, Dinner 5-9pm

Fri & Sat Dinner 5-10pm

Sat-Sun: Breakfast/Brunch 9am-3pm

Every Day Bar Menu 3-5pm