Bender Bar & Grill

Weird bar but men are nice and friendly. I looked for a menu but they don't have any menu except for "scan me" for food & drinks. I had tried to scan few times and nothing came up. A guy helped me to use the scan. Finally I got it Black & Bleu burger with fries. Umm very good meal. Look like I'm only woman here. that's okay.

Just came here to get a beer and a bite and it was exactly what I was looking for. The service at the bar was good, nothing out of the ordinary. They have good drink prices but I thought the burgers were a bit pricy for a bar burger. However the burger didn't disappoint in taste and size and the curly fries came out hot and seasoned. A great local joint with a classic Austin vibe for a bite and a beer.

This is a great place to come for a cheap drink and play some arcade games. I absolutely love coming here to play pinball. They do a good job of keeping up with the machines. And everything is fairly priced.They have daily specials. Honestly, it's good food too. I was there yesterday and they had chicken fried steak as the daily special. Bartenders are great. Never had a problem. Always easy-going and friendly.Even when it's pretty crowded, there's lots of space to spread out. Tons of indoor seating. Two sections. One area for the arcade games and pool tables. The other section is the main bar. Or you can head out to the patio.This is a locals bar so act right and you'll be treated well. This is good jumping off point to hit some of the other bars off South Congress near oltorf or to st Elmo area.

Bender has been my neighborhood pub for over a decade. I'd carry my books in there to study at the bar when I was in nursing school. I've watched a lot of movies at this bar. A locals type of place. Zero pretentiousness. The burgers with tots have always been my go-to, but the fish and chips is killer too. Their food is legit. Prices for everything is fair. Though, after being away for two years and returning, I did notice prices have gone up. Like everything else I guess. Best part...the staff. They are clearly taken care of by the owners, because some of them have been there as long as I have been a customer.

This is the ultimate dive bar. Cheap drinks, fried bar food and dimly lit 20 year old decor. The parking lot is big in a strip mall, there's an outdoor area to smoke but it's nothing fancy. Old picnic tables and it's fenced in at the back . Lots of regulars and friendly atmosphere. Ordering food can be slow and the bartenders seem annoyed if you don't know what you want or ordering food. Bellying up at the bar is the best place to sit to get service. My friend ordered and I think her order got lost by a high cook. I ordered 5 minutes after she did and got my order in 15-20 minutes. I was almost done eating when someone finally noticed she didn't have her food. Apologized but that was the extent of it. As long as you're not expecting quick service and tasty food, you're good for getting a cheap strong drink and jukebox music.

I've spent far too much time at this neighborhood dive. But nowhere near the time others put in here. Hidden in a strip center just off S First and 71, there is a little something for most. A decent bar food menu that serves late night- although I miss the waffle fries, Pool tables and dart boards, several tvs, a back (smoking) patio, and a highly contentious jukebox- its controlled via phone. The clientele ranges from off- duty teachers, mechanics, doctors, accountants, bikers, and anything in between.

Sometimes you just need a dark cool bar to hang at. And maybe you want a darn good burger while doing it. The curly fries deserve an honorable mention. The bartenders are all nice, plenty of parking and a cute back patio for when it's not a million degrees.

This review has been a long time coming. Ever since my first night I came here. Technically that was 6 years ago, but I'm actually talking about last year. I don't count just it as a "visit" if you only drink and they sell food.I'm a foodie bro. So, eating is what counts. My coworker / neighbor / friend / lead guitarist and front man for the metal band Pleb / (NIK LALUK), told me about this chicky sammich called THE FIREHOUSE. Fitting name, because the sandwich is fire flame spitta.This ain't just some little ol' deep fried goodness. Nah, there's work done on this sandwich. Some buffalo SAUHS, bleu cheese, lettuce, tomato, and on-yowns. This place is pretty tight. Pool table, drinks, and food that surpasses dive bar expectations. Furthermore, for you cinefiles out there, they have an external hard drive with like every movie on it, so you can go sit down at the bar and turn on a blockbuster and watch some good tube. Also they have this weird koolaid shot called a purple people eater or something, and it's pretty good, it's the dangerous kind of shot because like you can smash 15 of them because they taste good. Also, don't drink and drive guys. Hit up an Uber. Or make straight edge friends that like to babysit people.

Came here on a Wednesday night starving. Had the wings and sliders. Those sliders are amazing! Aaron was my bartender and he was very friendly ! Def recommend it.

Honestly service was good even though you have to go up to the bar to order because they don't have servers. However I strongly recommend that anyone who goes here does not order food. It was beyond terrible and overly priced for what it is. Seriously do not get the food. It's awful. The drinks were great and very cheap which was the only upside to my visit.