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Benjies Restaurant Blog

November 12, 2010

Hot Sandwiches: Dip or Melt?

Mmmm....French Dip!

The best thing about sandwiches is that there are so many different kinds to choose from. Let’s face it, sandwiches are very personal—just ask anyone. What’s delicious for some (peanut butter-BLT, for instance) may sound disgusting to others. When you were a kid, bologna on white with ketchup or a simple grilled cheese was probably your favorite thing ever, but now you’ve grown up a bit, and your tastes have matured.

And that’s when, sometimes, only a hot sandwich will do. But there’s days when a hot sandwich with a delicious bowl of au jus to dunk it in is the perfect meal, and then others when you want gooey, cheesy goodness melted all over that meat between two crispy pieces of bread.

Luckily, you’re a fan of Benjies Deli. They’ve got four different kinds of their Big Dip Sandwich and four different choices for their Melts (five, really. Because if you ask nicely, they’ll put a Garden™ Burger in a Melt!) (more…)

August 27, 2010

Back to School Discount at Benjies New York Deli!

Studying sucks. Benjies' Reuben does not.

Calling all students in the Orange County area! It’s back to school time, and there’s a good reason to be excited about heading back to school—Benjies New York Deli and their huge, seven-page menu full of delicious food and low prices.

From now to the end of September, Benjies Deli is offering a 10% discount to all students from any college or university in Orange County, including Chapman University, Santa Ana College, CSU Fullerton, UC Irvine, Orange Coast College, Fullerton College, Irvine Valley College, SOCA University, Golden West College, Concordia University, Laguna College of Art & Design, Vanguard University or Santiago Canyon College. (more…)

July 2, 2010

Benjies Deli-A History as Rich as its Food

An unlikely place to find a truly great New York style delicatessen, Benjies Deli in Santa Ana stands as a reminder to us all that some things get better with time. Benjies quaint 70’s New York diner ambiance has offered a unique experience for customers since 1967.  Born in Brooklyn New York in August of 1921, Stan Weinstein, the founder, was raised with his younger sister Isabel during the depression era in brownstone apartment on Avenue K in Brooklyn. Graduating Boys’ High, he went on to college as a pre-med student. With his education being interrupted by World War II, he proudly served in the army as a radio and communications specialist in India. While serving in the military, he met the love of his life Eleanor Finegold and they were married in 1946.

With the new responsibilities of marriage and a new baby, he wasn’t able to continue with his education and became the breadwinner for his new family. Working for Eleanor’s family in the “needles trade” as a cloth cutter in a clothing manufacturing plant, Stan decided to pursue a better life for his family and moved to Los Angeles where he continued to work for relatives in the garment industry.

In 1967 along with two partners, Stan purchased Squires coffee shop here on Tustin Avenue where it was remodeled and opened as Benjies on October 8 of 1967 where it exists today. It is now run by his son and daughter-in-law Lloyd and Noriko Weinstein where it has remained as an icon for 40 years.

Luckily Benjies has been able to balance the difficult task of keeping its wholesome ambiance while adapting to the times. The restaurant features The Bamboo Lounge with a full bar and several flat screen TV’s that cater to sports enthusiasts. Karaoke nights at The Bamboo Lounge have become a Friday night institution in Santa Ana. Perhaps the most fascinating feature of this retro joint is that many of the staff working at Benjies has been there for 30 years or more.  There are even photos of these employees on the wall at the restaurant commemorating the years gone by.

However, it’s clear that the strongest aspect of what Benjies has to offer is its unreal food. Benjie’s has something to satisfy every appetite, from fresh-cooked savory soups, to tender brisket with potato latkes (pancakes), unbelievable stuffed cabbage rolls, and the most delicious pastrami sandwiches in town.  And don’t forget the most important meal of the day. That’s right, Benjie’s also serves a delectable breakfast selection, all freshly made and at unbeatable prices.  When was the last time you had a huge omelet complete with all the fixins for $5.95? The full seven page menu is sure to have something that you will love.

To experience a true New York Style Deli right here in Orange County, drive or walk straight to 1828 N. Tustin Ave, Santa Ana (714)541-6263.  The restaurant is open 7 days a week 7 AM – 9PM, and Karaoke is 9PM- midnight Friday night.

April 11, 2010

Sports Fans: We Welcome You!

Lakers' forward Pau Gasol has helped the team clinch the No. 1 seed in the West

March Madness may be over, but sports are still in full swing in April—and beyond. The NBA is ramping up for their playoffs season, with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and, of course, the Los Angeles Lakers all having secured their spot. In fact, the LA Lakers have clinched the number one seed in the Western Conference the third year running. Lakers fans, we’re not surprised, are we? Now let’s just make sure we make it all the way to the trophy like last year!

For those of you who like your sports outdoors with grass and diamonds, we are lucky to have two great teams in our area: the Los Angeles Dodgers and Western Division champions the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Just like grass? Soccer fans know that the Los Angeles Galaxy season is on now, with the team enjoying a recent win over Houston. And there’s only 60 days to go before the World Cup is played in South Africa…

The action is ramping up, and it’s hard to get tickets for every game you want to see, whether it be for basketball, baseball or soccer. But the Bamboo Lounge at Benjies Deli has six screens of sports action every day of the week. There’s a full bar and plenty of seating for you and all of your friends, plus a tasty menu of bar snacks that keeps updating throughout the week. If you want to make it more of a meal, Benjies full menu is available in the bar, so you don’t have to miss a minute of the action.

Baseball fans love their hot dogs (especially at Dodger Stadium!), and Benjies Deli has delicious Coney hot dogs, Coney chili dogs and the Francheesy, the most deluxe dog ever. You’ll never miss the lines at the stadium after watching a game at the Bamboo Lounge! Enjoy watching the Lakers with a corned beef, pastrami and swiss cheese triple-decker sandwich as tall as Derek Fisher, or salute soccer star David Beckham with a plate of fish and chips. Or just order a few of our deli platters, like the cold cut buffet or the 16″ ring sandwich tray. With our deli platters, no one has to worry about ordering, they can just grab a sandwich while they watch their favorite team.

All of our deli platters are available for home parties too! Make sure you call 48-72 hours ahead to order before your event. That way you can have Benjies Deli do all the work while you relax and take all the credit. Benjies Deli makes entertaining at home easy and delicious.

If you want to hold a private party for one of the big games, contact Benjies Deli to reserve the Bamboo Lounge and discuss ordering food for the event. Call (714) 541-6263 and ask for Lloyd Weinstein, whether you want to book a private party or have your home event catered.

And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter for the latest deals and specials at Benjies Deli. You can also become a fan on Facebook!

April 2, 2010

Students of Orange County: April Discount!

Calling all students in the Orange County area! During the month of April, Benjies Deli is offering a 10% discount off the bill to all students from any college or university in Orange County, including Chapman University, Santa Ana College, CSU Fullerton, UC Irvine, Orange Coast College, Fullerton College, Irvine Valley College, SOCA University, Golden West College, Concordia University, Laguna College of Art & Design, Vanguard University or Santiago Canyon College.

This is an added extra to Benjies Deli’s already great prices and huge portions. One of their award-winning pastrami sandwiches will fill up the most starving of students, and the Francheesy—a grilled knockwurst covered in bacon and cheese on a grilled onion roll—is a true belly-buster. The corned beef, pastrami and salami triple-decker sandwich will leave you with enough to take home!

We always have a weekly special for under $10, and our Early Bird Specials are good seven days a week. Get out of classes after 3PM? Head over to Benjies Deli for the $8.95 Early Bird menu, with choices like chicken-fried steak with country gravy, spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread, southern fried chicken or roast turkey and dressing to name just a few. The meals come with soup or salad; a choice of french fries, mashed potatoes or rice pilaf and vegetables; rye bread; and your choice of three desserts. For $8.95! It doesn’t get much better than that.

If you wake up late with a big appetite after a big night out, Benjies Deli is the place for you. We serve breakfast all day, and nothing is better to cure what ails you than a nice big omelette or a big plate of chicken-fried steak and eggs. Why go to a fast food restaurant for a breakfast sandwich when you can get a fried egg sandwich with bacon or ham covered in melted cheese on toasted egg bread at Benjies? Traditional steak and eggs or corned beef hash and eggs? Yep, we’ve got that too.

The NCAA championships are on this weekend. Escape the Easter festivities and sneak to Benjies Deli for brews, pastrami sandwiches, chili dogs and fries while watching the top teams play for the title in the Bamboo Lounge. Once we watch the final game on Monday, we’re already in baseball season. If you can’t get to Angel or Dodger Stadium, or would rather spend the ticket price on drinks, come in to the Bamboo Lounge with your friends. The food’s better here than the stadiums—and the Bamboo Lounge has a full bar!

And Benjies Deli has Santa Ana’s best Karaoke venue in the Bamboo Lounge on Friday nights, from 9PM to 1PM. Practice for next season’s American Idol, if you think you’ve got what it takes.

Make sure you bring your college or university ID card for your 10% off discount! And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter for the latest deals and specials at Benjies Deli. You can also become a fan on Facebook!

March 12, 2010

Celebrate the Irish In You This Week at Benjies Deli

Corned beef and cabbage

Are you ready for the best corned beef and cabbage in Orange County? Is it possible that a Jewish, New York deli in Santa Ana could make better corned beef and cabbage than the Irish? Come in and taste for yourself, staring next Monday, March 15th.

We know that St. Patrick’s Day isn’t until Wednesday, but Benjies Deli likes to kick off St.Patrick’s Day the Monday before and carry it all through the week. You’ll have to come in and fight the crowds on Wednesday if you want green beer; but if it’s just delicious corned beef and cabbage you’re wanting, that’s available all week.

Why not combine your Irish fun with Lakers basketball at Benjies Deli? The Bamboo Lounge has six TV screens, a stocked bar and Happy Hour seven days a week. Start St. Patrick’s Day off with a bang by watching the L.A. Lakers play the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, followed by Tuesday night’s clash with the Sacramento Kings. Start the weekend after St. Patty’s day off right by singing your favorite U2 song during the Benjies Deli Karaoke Night at 9PM.

Don’t worry if your friends or family don’t want to eat Orange County’s best corned beef and cabbage, you can still bring them along. Benjies will be serving their regular menu all week, including all-day breakfast—great for the morning (or afternoon!) after the party the night before!

And don’t forget to follow Benjies Deli on Twitter to get information daily specials and prices.

February 26, 2010

Watch the NBA Playoffs at Benjies Deli!

The 2010 NBA Playoffs started yesterday, and Los Angeles Lakers fans will be watching to see if their team can take the championship again this year. One of the best places to watch the NBA Playoffs outside of Staples Center is in Benjies Deli’s Bamboo Lounge, located in Santa Ana.

Not only do fans enjoy the wide screen TVs and the full bar, but they’ll be eating the best pastrami sandwich in Orange County. Other menu favorites during sporting events include the Francheesy, a delicious combination of grilled knockwurst sausage, crisp bacon and cheese on a grilled onion roll and served with french fries and coleslaw. Although the food is so good it can make it hard to concentrate on the game, try the Coney Franks Platter or the Cold Rare Roast Beef Plate to eat while cheering on Kobe, Shannon, Lamar, Gasol, and the entire Lakers team. Stop by on Sunday for the Lakers game against the Denver Nuggets that starts at 12:30PM, or Tuesday’s game against the Indiana Pacers, starting at 7:30PM.

Tonight is also Karaoke Night at Benjies’ Bamboo Lounge, so come on down to belt out your favorite tunes, enjoy a drink at the bar and something from Benjies extensive deli menu. We’re open til 1AM tonight!

Benjies Deli is now on Facebook and Twitter. Become a fan or follow us on Twitter (@benjiesdeli) to find out all the upcoming events and specials for Benjies Deli—the best and oldest New York Deli in Orange County, California.

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