Building History
Galena prides itself in its rich history. A river town that was once larger than Chicago, Illinois with an economy based on steamboats and lead mining is most noted for its association with Civil War hero General, later to become President, U. S. Grant. Most of the town is a historic monument, with most of its building dating back to the 1800's.
The building in which Benjamin's is located is in fact two buildings.The building on the corner of Hill and Main Streets was built in 1857 in the colonial style. Later, around the turn of the century century the corner turrets on the upper two floors was added with domes and weather vanes to give it more of a Victorian style. The building, which the front entrance is located, was built in 1853. It was called the Grant Perkins Building, which was the home of the Grant family leather shop.

Benjamin's History
A group of investors purchased the Lamplighter Tavern and changed its name to Benjamin's on January 1, 1981. At that point the kitchen was enlarged and an emphasis was placed on the lunch menu.
On December 12, 1986, Benjamin's was purchased by Mary and Larry Blankenbaker. The two Indiana born natives moved to Galena and endeavored in the management of the restaurant.

January 2, 1993 marked the beginning of Benjamin's present transformation. The entire first floor of the building was gutted and restored to three times its seating capacity with a feel of the past.

Benjamin's Settings
Everything was rebuilt in keeping with the turn of the century. The solid oak bar was hand crafted in Connecticut. The solid oak wainscot was milled in Dubuque and the beams installed by local craftsmen.

The kitchen was enlarged at that time and an extra dinning roomadded to accommodate private parties. A separate room was made to provide for a pool table and other various pub games.


On our walls in the side dinning room, you will also find photographs of Galena's past. There you can seen how the river accommodated the "paddle boats," the town tolerated the flood waters, and see the "Benjamin's" building in different eras and its changes.

Benjamin's Traditions
Mary and Larry fell in love with Galena and Benjamin's on their first visit. The history and traditions fit their style of living perfectly.

Benjamin's is known throughout the area as a meeting place for friends and family with great food and fine spirits.With this and their family in mind, they have worked hard to maintain many of Benjamin's traditions and added a few of their own. Always keeping in mind, Benjamin's is famous for GOOD FOOD … GOOD DRINK … GOOD TIMES!

On Saturday evenings you can enjoy the entertainment of live music from some of the Midwest's finest Rhythm & Blues Bands and SoftRock.

The extensive imported and micro brewery selections have been maintained and enlarged. An extensive list of top shelf spirits were also added. And of course, those delicious toasted pita sandwiches are still featured on the menu.
Some changes have also occurred. Benjamin's now offers a full dinner menu to compliment our sandwich and pizza menu. A children's menu has been added for your convenience.

Honors and Awards
Benjamin's has been rewarded many times for its work in the community and as a restaurant.

Community members recognized Benjamin's last year for creating the St. Patrick's Day Parade, an event that has brought both enjoyment and benefit to the community. Charitable contributions raised at this event have purchased U.S. flags for Main Street, training mannequins for CPR, and helped families in need.

The Galena Cellars Winery awarded Benjamin's with the title of the "Best Place to Party" during their "Nouveau" celebrations.
Gourmet Magazine has honored Benjamin's as one of the top restaurants in Illinois. Featuring our Apple Smothered Pork Chop.

The Future
A new era has now begun for Benjamin's. The staff of Benjamin's hopes that you find your stay enjoyable and satisfying. And most of all in keeping of our tradition of GOOD FOOD ... GOOD DRINK ... GOOD TIMES!

103 N. MAIN
GALENA, IL 61036
(815)777-0467
info@benjaminsgalena.com

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