1828 N Tustin Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705


Average Overall Rating:

(4 out of 5)

Average Coffee Refill Rating:

(3 out of 5)

(3 out of 5)

Review by: MrBreakfast.com Visitor on 6/17/2010

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

I don't know what the previous person was smoking but based on his review, I did order the chicken fried steak (CFS), and for me to say that it was mediocre at best would be an understatement. Do not be misled by the previous review - the CFS is dry, salty and tasted like old hamburger meat. Yes, the gravy was not bad, but hardly something to write home about. That ground meat was cafeteria quality at best. As for the eggs, it's clear that the cooks in the back do not know how to make eggs to order; I specifically requested that my eggs be made well/up and described it as sunny side up with a crispy bottom, so obviously, any breakfast line cook knows that you use high heat with ample oil to make sure the bottom is crispy without overcooking the yolk. What did I get? Sunny side up, soft bottom - my directions were completely disregarded.

Positives: the waitresses were polite and frequently came by for refills, but it looked like the entire place has been around since the 70's including the waitresses. The crowd here is definitely "old school" with an emphasis on old.

If I wanted average food, I could have just went to Norm's or IHOP.

No, it was not "bad", but since there was nothing between a score of 2 eggs and 3, I gave it the benefit of the doubt.

Review #20334Review by: ChowOnBreakfast on 9/6/2008

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

OMGosh. What's not to like, no love, about Benjie's??? We've been there several times since discovering it in Jan (08). First time had the piled high hot thinly sliced Brisket of Beef sandwich on grilled rye bread with muenster (served with coleslaw and FFs). It was excellent. This place has been there since 1967, they must be doing something right. The joint was packed with people in both the lounge and restaurant areas. Went back and had the Chicken Fried Steak (CFS) (w/Gravy) & Eggs breakfast. Bar none, this was the BEST CFS I've ever had. So tender you don't need the steak knife they give you to cut it with. Not one piece, let alone fleck, of gristle in it. Together with an almost wet moistness to it, little chewing is necessary as it almost melts away in your mouth. And don't get me started on the gravy. Just the right thickness. And it didn't get thicker (yuck) as it sat on the piece of CFS as I ate away at it. This was and is the ultimate in comfort food. If you like CFS even a little...you will come away from Benjie's loving it!


Award Nomination: Best Breakfast Ever

Review #14768


Connect With Mr Breakfast:




Reviews submitted here are meant to pertain to breakfast only. While Mr Breakfast cannot vouch for the validity of each restaurant review, he feels pretty good vouching for the excellent character of the residents of Orange, California - who are primarily responsible for the review(s) you see above for Benjies Deli.