Welcome to Benson's on the Mississippi
Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Mississippi River, **Benson's on the Mississippi** is a culinary gem that captivates visitors with its stunning views and exquisite dishes. Founded by culinary artisan Bud and his dedicated partner Stephanie, the restaurant thrives on a passion for exceptional service and flavor. Patrons rave about the smoked prime rib and decadent bread pudding, while fresh seafood and handcrafted BBQ showcase the menu's varied offerings. With an inviting atmosphere and a team dedicated to excellence, Benson's delivers not just meals but memorable experiences, making it a must-visit destination for all food lovers.
- 108 S Main St, Albany, IL 61230, United States Hotline: +1 309-514-2046
Welcome to Benson's on the Mississippi, a culinary treasure nestled along the banks of the majestic Mississippi River in Albany, Illinois. Striking a harmonious balance between stunning river views and an exceptional dining experience, Benson's is not just a restaurant; it’s an escape to gastronomic delight.
At 108 S Main St, this inviting establishment boasts a diverse menu that includes everything from succulent smoked prime rib to perfectly seasoned seafood. Customers rave about the dishes, with many highlighting the extraordinary quality and bold flavors that characterize each meal. One patron remarked, “It truly is as good as it looks,” marveling at both the presentation and taste of their smoked prime rib.
But it’s not just the main dishes that leave diners in awe. Starters like fried goat cheese and scallops with asparagus serve as a brilliant prelude to your meal, while decadent desserts, including a mouthwatering cheesecake, promise to cap off your dining experience on a sweet note. As Beth Connelly aptly described, the cheesecake with strawberry sauce is to die for, underscoring Benson's commitment to both indulgence and flavor.
With patrons emphasizing the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere, many have found the owners, Bud and Stephanie, to be exceptionally warm and accommodating. “You all have got to check this place out!” encourages Kori Thompson, and it’s this kind of enthusiastic recommendation that drives food lovers to seek out undiscovered gems. The dedication of the staff ensures that every visit feels like a warm welcome, making it easy to understand why many guests return time and again.
The scenic backdrop of the river elevates the dining experience, allowing guests to indulge in their meals while basking in serene views. As Jim Hopton highlighted, the great views and delicious food combine to create a total package that’s hard to beat. Whether it’s dining in a window seat during sunset or enjoying the tranquility of the river during a quiet lunch, every moment at Benson's is uniquely enchanting.
So, if you're searching for a dining experience that captivates the senses and offers extraordinary flavors, Benson's on the Mississippi should undoubtedly be on your list. With rave reviews from satisfied customers and an ever-evolving menu that reflects the beauty of its surroundings, this hidden gem promises a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget. Come for the food, stay for the view, and leave with cherished memories!

Amazing food. Gorgeous river views. This place is a gem in the middle of nowhere. 5 Returned for a 2nd visit, on Thursday night, for shrimp boil. Excellent!!!

Smoked prime rib was the star of my visit! It truely is as good as it looks. The view of the river right from our table made our visit even better. I felt very welcomed and comfortable. Dessert was cheesecake with a holiday beer on tap, both great. You all have got the check this place out!

Wonderful place to eat, get there early to get a window seat looking over the Mississippi River. The Prime Rib was great, nice smoke flavor. The beef brisket was tender, juicy and full of smoke flavor. Great service and wonderful mixed drinks.

This place is a hidden gem! Stephanie offers exceptional service while her husband Bud creates magic in the kitchen. Although, Steph’s bread pudding is to die for and Bud’s smoked prime rib melts in your mouth. Seriously, one of the best restaurants I have been to. Check it out! Update: This is the 3rd time dining at Benson’s. This time celebrating a special event. We had another great dining experience. Our dinner began with the scallop appetizer which was so delectable. Then we had a fresh house salad which was great. For our final entree we ordered prime rib. I’m telling you; there will be so much leftover, you can take home for another meal fit for a king/queen the next day! Finished off with dessert of cinnamon roll cheesecake. So yummy! We love Benson’s! I encourage you to give this place a try. You will not be disappointed!

A local gem! Great views of the Mississippi, delicious food served hot by a friendly, attentive and knowledgeable service staff. The pride of the owners to provide a clean, welcoming restaurant is very apparent! Great seafood offerings and hand crafted, in-house BBQ. Real mashed potatoes, tasty cooked brown fries and incredible deserts, especially, the bread pudding with bourbon sauce, reminiscent of the bread pudding at The Bon Ton in New Orleans. The bar is well appointed and welcoming. 'I shall return'. Well done owners & staff at 'Benson's'. KUDOS!!!

Benson’s never disappoints. The food is unique and amazing and the views of the river are icing in the cake. We tried the specials tonight so Pan Fried Walleye and the Tomohawk Steak! Started with the Fried Goat Cheese. Worth the drive from the Quad Cities so check out this gem along the Mississippi.

Hearing a lot about this place had to give it a try.. And I have to tell you it was well worth it!! We will definitely be back!! I had the rack of ribs which were amazing! We also had the stuffed mushrooms Which were different than I've had anywhere else but still good. My wife had the shrimp which I cannot tell you enough was out of this world!! They were huge and delicious. The cheesecake was amazing! I have to tell you everything was made to perfection. Place was clean the bathrooms were clean and the service was super great . The ride there along the Mississippi Was nice lots of great scenery there. And the views from the restaurant of Mississippi were nice too. I really can't say enough about this place you need to experience it for yourself. This is a must put on your bucket list for some great dining and great views. Total package here! Thank you Benson for the great eating experience, And the great hospitality. you made us feel welcome.

Scott took me to Benson's on the Mississippi Saturday night. We were seated right away & were lucky enough to get a window seat overlooking the Big Muddy! They had just started to get busy so service was a bit slow but we got our drinks quickly- beer & an old fashioned which was delish. We also didn't wait long for our meals; I had scallops w/asparagus & Mac & cheese & he had the prime rib with mashed potatoes. Unfortunately my sides were very cool but I ate them (I'm not overly picky,lol) our meals tasted very good. We shared a slice of cheesecake for dessert with strawberry sauce that was to die for. I look forward to future meals here & hopefully will catch a nice sunset during better weather