Benjies brings NYC to the OC

Located in Santa Ana is this mom n pop place, bringing a little bit of a New York deli to Orange County.  You can get pretty much everything from a pastrami on rye, matzo ball soup, brisket plate, to a Black and White cookie.   They have daily specials, happy hour, and even early bird specials from 4:00-7:00 pm.  Mostly seniors dine here, but the food is large enough for 2 people, or one really hungry person.

We came here on a Sunday, just a tad before noon.  We found a booth near the counter/ kitchen area, and was given a cup of pickles while we went through the menu.  I knew I wanted a bowl of soup and a sandwich, so I got the 1/2 sandwich and a bowl of matzo soup.  Stephen wasn’t sure what to get, so he decided on a knockwurst over sauerkraut.  Our food took just minutes, and my pastrami on rye was just perfect.  The only criticism I have is their version of “piled high” is in no way the same as the delis in New York City.  It was still substantial.  The matzo soup had a good size ball of matzo, pieces of chicken, and a generous helping of noodles, and my meal also came with piping hot crinkled fries.  Together, my soup and sandwich combo hit the spot.

Stephen’s 2 knockwursts came butterflied on top of a bed of sauerkraut.  The portions for both dishes were generous, and we left satisfied and full.  Like most deli places, the prices are not cheap.  Lunch for 2 before tax came to $31.  It won’t be the substitute for the real thing of New York City’s deli, but it will give you the fix you need until a trip back to Manhattan is in the works.



  

Benjies New York Deli Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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