Tuesday, July 15, 2025
  • Advertise
  • Submit Story Idea
  • Submit Event
Arlington Today Magazine
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Arlington News
    • Community
    • Commentary
    • Business and Education
    • Featured
    • People
    • Wellness
    • Scene
    • Design and Interiors
    • Uncategorized
  • Current Issue & Digital Archives
  • Join the Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Login
  • Register
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Arlington News
    • Community
    • Commentary
    • Business and Education
    • Featured
    • People
    • Wellness
    • Scene
    • Design and Interiors
    • Uncategorized
  • Current Issue & Digital Archives
  • Join the Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Arlington Today Magazine
Home Community

A cold weather haven

ArlingtonToday Magazine by ArlingtonToday Magazine
February 4, 2020
in Community
0 0
0
A cold weather haven

The redesigned J.R. Bentley’s still maintains the charm that made it a personal favorite hangout.

0
SHARES
327
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Texas Health Resource Breast Care Oct 2020

On a rainy, cold evening, what is better than a burger and a pint?

I haven’t found it, but luckily I have a neighborhood pub where I can always warm up, hang out and have that comforting dinner combo.

Related posts

download

The Power of Place: Co-Creating the Future of Our City

July 8, 2025
Some Good News From the City’s New Budget

Some Good News From the City’s New Budget

July 8, 2025

Since 1979, J.R. Bentley’s has been a cornerstone of college life in Arlington, and as a UTA alumna, I have spent my fair share of evenings in the smoky pub. Situated in downtown Arlington at 401 W. Abram St., the English pub had been a steady option for a night of beer and company.

Until it wasn’t.

A fire broke out in 2013, putting Bentley’s out of commission for almost two years.

When they reopened, they did so with a new, open floor plan – and a smoke-free atmosphere. I really like the new design. The bar area is much brighter, and it’s easy to maneuver around. I remember having some struggles getting from the back area to the restroom easily with the old floor plan.

On a dreary winter day, my friend and I wanted to duck out of the cold and enjoy a couple of drinks with our dinner.

We both are long-time Arlington residents, so we are no strangers to Bentley’s, but it had been a while since either of us had walked up the porch and into the 1920s refurbished house.

I got there earlier than my friend because I had time to kill and I wanted to enjoy a Guinness during that time. Sometimes, especially when it’s cold outside, I just want to savor a dark beer. I never want one frequently enough to justify buying a six pack but, man, a stout hits the spot when the weather is miserable.

One of my favorite things about Bentley’s is that as a woman sitting alone at the bar, I know I won’t get harassed and the bartender will be attentive but not pushy or nosy. I feel safe there, and that is a precious thing.

The redesigned J.R. Bentley’s still maintains the charm that made it a personal favorite hangout.

When my friend showed up 10 minutes later, I was already thoroughly enjoying my evening – and my beer.

During the many times I had been to Bentley’s over the past decade, I actually never had their food. My friend raved about the burgers, and though the Bangers and Mash (I ate the sausage dish a lot while I was studying abroad in England) sounded really good, I caved and got the burger.

If you follow my column, you might be seeing a pattern – I always cave for the burger.

I ordered The Big Ben, a burger with pulled pork, cheddar cheese and bbq sauce, and another Guinness. I drink the Irish stout maybe twice a year, where I enjoy it immensely then immediately forget about it the next day, but that burger sounded amazing with another Guinness.

And I was right. I do not regret my decision, though I will be coming back to try the Bangers and Mash.

My friend and I enjoyed our food while having a lively discussion about anything from B-Films to “Sailor Moon” while showing each other pictures of our cats (I foster for the Humane Society of North Texas, so I always have fresh kitten photos).

The employees are always attentive without being pushy. We sat at the bar, but we didn’t feel like we were on display for the bartender.

Pubs are something I wish were more prevalent in North Texas, but luckily, Arlington has a great one in J.R. Bentley’s.

And with looming miserable weather that almost always befalls us in February, it will be a haven for escaping the cold and getting a good beer that warms the body and soul.

 

Tags: Hot Spots
UTA April 2020
Back To School Kickoff

Back To School Kickoff

July 15, 2025

Read the current issue

July 11, 2025
download

The Power of Place: Co-Creating the Future of Our City

July 8, 2025

Follow Us

    The Instagram Access Token is expired, Go to the Customizer > JNews : Social, Like & View > Instagram Feed Setting, to refresh it.

Arlington Texas Area News and Events Magazine

Follow us on social media:

Recent News

  • Back To School Kickoff
  • Read the current issue
  • The Power of Place: Co-Creating the Future of Our City

Category

  • Arlington News
  • Business and Education
  • Commentary
  • Community
  • Design and Interiors
  • Featured
  • People
  • Scene
  • Sports
  • Uncategorized
  • Wellness

Recent News

Back To School Kickoff

Back To School Kickoff

July 15, 2025

Read the current issue

July 11, 2025
  • Advertise
  • Submit Story Idea
  • Submit Event

© 2023 Arlington Today - Designed by

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms bellow to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Arlington News
    • Community
    • People
    • Commentary
    • Business and Education
    • Featured
    • Wellness
    • Scene
    • Design and Interiors
  • Current Issue & Digital Archives
  • Join the Newsletter
  • Contact Us

© 2023 Arlington Today - Designed by

Verified by MonsterInsights