Benji's Delicatessen & Restaurant

Benji's Restaurant and Deli has always been a part of my life. Some of my earliest memories in meeting people out for an awesome meal at a reasonable price in a casual environment with a energetic and friendly staff, have been at Benji's. Benji's also holds within its walls some of my most wonderful memories. In this modern world, inundated with too many drive-through's, Benji's still plays an important role in my life in that it remains to be a place where I meet friends for a great meal, stop in to bring home some choice corn beef and other goodies to enjoy at my leisure, or meet someone for a professional meeting. Benji' is to Milwaukee'a Northshore what Katz Deli is to New York City. Although Benji's is no longer owned by Benji, often you can still find him at the counter, opening the door to a variety of conversations, some of which I am grateful have been with me. (Known to many that have frequented the Restaurant over the years, Benji is a survivor of one of Hitler's concentration camps, escaping when he was a teen, running at night and resting during the day. He still has the tattoo that can be a reminder to us all of the evil and hatred that exist in this world.) Although not Jewish themselves, the family that took the restaurant over from Benji continue to offer the delights known to the Jewish community as well as adding over the years some things appreciated by those that are not Jewish, such as pork bacon, along with the former beef bacon, off the original menu. With that said, I remember a story told to me by the late Fr Tom Kerstein who was at the time the pastor of Holy Family Parish. (Tom told to me this story while we were dining one afternoon at Benji's and if you knew Fr Tom and if you know Benji, the story you will find is actually more delightful but either way, it still remains one of my favorite stories when talking about my dear late friend Fr Tom Kerstein.) "I was having an interfaith lunch at the Parish and I wanted to make sure I did not offend any of the Rabbi's that would be in attendance so I stopped in to ask Benji if there is anything I should not be serving. Benji looked at me and with his fingers clasped together, moving in an upward motion, Benji replied to me without missing a beat, 'don't worry Father, if they're hungry, they will eat'."

Great restaurant. Delicious food. Incredible service. Our waitress Sue was fast and took care of us even though the restaurant was packed. I had the Gonzo Sandwich. WOW! It was perfect. Super lean corned beef (just how I like it). My wife had the Creamy Tomato Parmesan Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwich. There was no shortage of cheese! Mmm!!! I still can’t believe how fast our food came out after we ordered it…. FAST! I highly recommend eating at Benji’s Deli & Restaurant!

Real charming place. Walked in hungry and left more than satisfied. I got the corned beef sandwich, and it was delicious! The fries were perfect too! Also, really appreciated the friendliness of the staff! Definitely visiting again in the future!

The best corned beef and motzo ball soup I have ever had. Despite being from Milwaukee originally, I had never been here until a recent trip to visit family, and I cannot believe that I missed so many opportunities to eat here when I did live nearby.

Fantastic. Amazing. Unbelievably delicious. The fried egg bread is possibly the best I've ever had. The hash style Hobble Pobble (salami, eggs, potatoes, onion, peppers, cheese) is large enough to serve a small army. I can't wait to go back. Amazingly well rounded menu.

The Hot Pastrami is hands down the best sandwich in this part of town. The Reuben is also excellent. A reminder to myself to pair each with the potato salad and add a little brown mustard and horseradish.