Among famous and landmark restaurants in Orange County, Benjies New York Deli on Tustin Ave. just north of 17th St. in Santa Ana deserves a place of honor. Established in 1967 by Stan Weinstein, this venerable eating establishment now owned and operated by Stan’s son, Lloyd, and Lloyd’s wife, Noriko, has served thousands of diners over the years.
Benjies has an extensive menu with classic deli standards aplenty, from egg dishes to sandwiches, to soups to salads. Few delis can rival the Benjie Special sandwich featuring hot pastrami stacked high with Cole slaw and Russian dressing on rye, or their classic Reuben with corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut on grilled rye. The iconic restaurant also serves up tempting soups, including Chicken, Matzo Ball and Kreplach. And their extensive breakfast menu offers one popular favorite after another, including Corned Beef Hash and Eggs with Sliced Tomatoes and Lox, Eggs and Onions.
Steps from the restaurant entry is Benjies cocktail lounge, where you can access the regular menu or enjoy Happy Hour offerings from 3 pm to closing, such as prime rib sliders, buffalo wings, half-sandwiches and premium cocktails and wine. Fresh-popped warmed popcorn is complementary. The bar area has an urban, club-like atmosphere and features TV monitors for sporting events, as well as an ever-attentive wait staff. It’s the perfect spot to pause for a beverage and friendly conversation.
Something new and exciting is also underway. This November, Benjies will debut the remodel to their bar area that will make way for expanded craft beer customer interest. According to Noriko, “Our new craft beer service is an invitation to all of our customers and new ones from Chapman University and the Old Towne Orange Plaza area.”
Featured in several Chapman University student film projects, Benjies welcomes with open arms film students and artists, who can meet at the lounge to discuss shooting schedules or just hang out.
Benjies New York Deli
1828 North Tustin Ave, Santa Ana CA 92701 / 14-541-6263
