Sailboat racing, along with the Benicia Farmers Market, combine to set lower First Street hopping on Thursday evenings. Residents are coming down to enjoy warm breezes along the waterfront, where there’s a buzz of activity.
The newly opened Bella Siena restaurant is bringing people in for casual dining with a lively bar scene. Market shoppers fill their bags or take advantage of an early dinner or happy hour specials from nearby eateries, or from the market’s food trucks, two of which are new this season. Others watch the Benicia Yacht Club sailboat races from the pier or concrete benches (that also function as an impromptu picnic spot) that line the west side of lower First Street. The social aspect that the market brings to the area lends a convivial atmosphere at First Street’s foot. Take advantage of mid-season market offerings, live music and spectacular views of the Carquinez Strait, watching the boats go by.
Lisa Duncan Photography Benicia Farmer's Market |
The farmers market runs Thursdays 4-8pm through August, and September through October 25, 4-7pm. Sailboat racing continues through September 19.
Food and Drink from B Street to E Street
Rookies Sports Bar and Grill, 321 First Street, 707.746.7665, rookies-benicia.com
Lucca Bar and Grill, 439 First Street, 707.745.3749, luccabar.com
Lucca Beer Garden, 439 First Street, 707.745.3749, luccabar.com
First Street Café, 440 First Street, 707.745.1400, First First Street Cafe Café
Kinders Meats, 333 First Street, 707.745.4453, kindersmeats.com
Char’s Hot Dogs, 131 1st St A, 707.745.4476
Bella Siena, 137 First Street, 707.805.0575, bellasienarestaurant.com
Sailor Jacks, 123 First Street, 707.746.8500, sailor-jacks.com
The Loft, 280 First Street, 707.745.4200, wine707.com
The Chill, 362 First Street, 707.746.5530, facebook.com/TheChillWine
Heritage Pantry and Spice, 364 First Street, 707.742.4142, heritagepantryandspice.com
