Benji's Deli: A 60-Year Shorewood Treasure

Benji's Deli & Restaurant stands as one of the Milwaukee area's most beloved family dining destinations—a New York-style Jewish delicatessen that has been feeding generations of North Shore families since 1963. What sets this Shorewood landmark apart isn't just the hand-carved corned beef (one of only five delis in America still doing this) or the nationally acclaimed Reuben sandwiches—it's the extraordinary story of perseverance behind it all. Founded by Holocaust survivor Werner "Benji" Benjamin, who was rescued by the Dutch underground as a teenager, Benji's represents more than great food; it embodies hope, community, and the enduring power of building something meaningful.

Holocaust survival to Milwaukee institution

Werner Benjamin's journey to opening his namesake deli is remarkable. Born in Germany in 1927, young Werner was sent to Holland after Kristallnacht in 1938. When Nazis invaded, the Dutch underground hid him from 1942 until liberation in 1945. After attempting to emigrate to Israel, he eventually made his way to America, working in catering for Hilton Hotels before arriving in Milwaukee in 1959. Four years later, he opened Benjamin's Delicatessen at the same Oakland Avenue location where Benji's still operates today.

The deli changed hands in the mid-1980s when Werner sold to a trio that included a lawyer, a judge, and an accountant—who opened the Fox Point location in 1996. In 2006, brothers Mike and Chris Price purchased both locations. Mike's connection runs deep: he started as a UWM student employee in 1991 and worked his way up over 15 years before becoming co-owner. Until his passing in May 2021 at age 93, Werner Benjamin continued visiting the Shorewood location daily, maintaining an office there. Remarkably, waitress Sue Abendroth has served customers for over 33 years, embodying the deli's commitment to continuity and community.

Hand-carved corned beef and comfort food

The menu at Benji's celebrates authentic Jewish deli traditions with Midwestern accessibility. The hand-sliced corned beef—carved hot, a practice virtually extinct in American delis—anchors signature sandwiches that arrive piled high on fresh rye bread with a pickle spear and your choice of chips, fries, potato salad, or coleslaw.

The signature offerings showcase the kitchen's expertise:

• The Benji: A half-pound of hand-carved corned beef on rye

• Hear-O Israel: The legendary half-pound creation featuring corned beef, pastrami, salami, pepper beef, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and thousand island dressing on rye (featured on Man vs. Food)

• Classic Reuben: Consistently ranked among Milwaukee's finest ($20.19)

• Matzo Ball Soup: Described by regulars as having "matzo balls from heaven" ($8.99)

• Hoppel Poppel: Scrambled eggs with potatoes and fried salami—one of the few Midwest restaurants serving this traditional dish

Breakfast items include the beloved Super Hoppel Poppel ($17.49) with peppers, mushrooms, and melted cheese, plus the innovative "Brisket" Benedict ($18.49). Don't miss the homemade desserts: scratch-made carrot cake, cheesecake, and the highly recommended pecan bars. For an old-fashioned treat, order a chocolate phosphate—syrup and soda water served the way soda fountains did generations ago—or Sprecher's Root Beer, locally bottled in Milwaukee.

All-day breakfast and beyond

Benji's serves breakfast all day, making it perfect for families with different schedules and preferences. The pancake selection includes classic buttermilk pancakes, blueberry pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, and Swedish pancakes that arrive thin and delicate. French toast comes in regular and challah bread versions, with the challah option earning particular praise for its rich, eggy texture.

The egg and omelette menu offers traditional breakfast foundations alongside creative combinations. Three-egg omelettes come filled with choices including cheese, Western-style with ham and peppers, vegetable combinations, lox and onions, or custom creations. Eggs can be ordered any style—scrambled, over easy, sunny side up, or poached—and arrive with hash browns or American fries plus toast or fresh bagels.

The beloved Super Hoppel Poppel ($17.49) elevates the traditional scramble with peppers, mushrooms, and melted cheese, while the innovative "Brisket" Benedict ($18.49) puts a deli twist on the brunch classic. Traditional eggs Benedict and corned beef hash are also available for those seeking familiar favorites.

True to Milwaukee tradition, Benji's serves a Friday night fish fry featuring beer-battered cod, complete with coleslaw, rye bread, and choice of potato. This Midwest ritual has been part of Benji's weekly rhythm for decades, drawing local families who appreciate the combination of Jewish deli hospitality with Wisconsin's signature Friday tradition.

Don't miss the homemade desserts: scratch-made carrot cake, cheesecake, and the highly recommended pecan bars. For an old-school treat, order a chocolate phosphate—syrup and soda water served the way soda fountains did generations ago—or Sprecher's Root Beer, locally bottled in Milwaukee.

Family-friendly dining in authentic atmosphere

Benji's excels as a family destination. The restaurant offers a dedicated Kids Party Menu and an atmosphere where children are genuinely welcome. Counter seating with classic round red stools lets young diners watch food preparation, while booth and table options accommodate families of all sizes. The menu includes kid-pleasers like hot dogs, burgers, grilled cheese, and crispy french fries alongside the deli specialties.

The atmosphere evokes comparisons to both "Cheers" and Monk's Diner from Seinfeld—a place where regulars know each other by name and three generations of local families have shared meals. The well-worn Formica counter, vintage decor, and staff who've worked there for decades create an authenticity that can't be manufactured. Reviewers consistently praise the cozy, relaxed environment despite the energetic Saturday morning crowds.

One practical note for parents with young children: bathrooms are located down a flight of stairs, which may present challenges with strollers.

Pricing, hours, and practical details

Price range falls in the moderate $$ category. Expect sandwiches between $15-21, breakfast items around $17-18.50, and soups approximately $8-10. Portions are generous—reviewers describe sandwiches as "gargantuan"—and while prices have increased over the years, most customers consider the quality worth it. A typical family meal of two Reubens, two matzo ball soups, and two pecan bars runs approximately $64.

Hours of operation at the Shorewood location: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM–8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 7:00 AM–8:00 PM (weekend breakfast starts an hour earlier). The busiest times are Saturday and Sunday between 11 AM and 1 PM—arrive early with kids to beat the rush.

Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the restaurant at the end of the strip mall, plus street parking on Oakland Avenue. Bike parking is also convenient. The restaurant accepts credit cards, debit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Free WiFi is available for families who need to keep devices charged and connected.

National recognition and local loyalty

Benji's gained national attention when the Travel Channel's Man vs. Food featured it during the 2011 Milwaukee episode, with host Adam Richman tackling the Hear-O Israel sandwich and brisket melt. This exposure brought visitors from coast to coast—even from Colombia and Rhode Island—seeking the deli experience. Celebrity visitors over the years have included Jackie Mason, Dan Marino, and Barbara Billingsley.

Current ratings reflect enduring quality: 4.5/5 on Google, 4.6/5 on DoorDash (over 4,000 ratings), 4.2/5 on TripAdvisor, and 9.1/10 on Foursquare. TripAdvisor has awarded Benji's its Travelers' Choice designation, ranking it in the top 10% of restaurants. The deli appears in Roadfood, the nationally recognized guide to America's best regional food, and has earned "Mandatory Milwaukee" status from Milwaukee Record.

Common review themes celebrate the moist, tender corned beef; the "from heaven" matzo balls; the nostalgic atmosphere; and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. As one reviewer captured it: "We are always on the hunt for a tried and true 'diner type joint' like we would go to while in New York... I think we've found our Milwaukee place for that here at Benji's!"

Deep roots in the North Shore community

Beyond the food, Benji's functions as a genuine community gathering place. The Shorewood location attracts college professors, UWM students, and young families from surrounding neighborhoods. The deli provides catering services for local events, including serving mourning families during shivas—maintaining its connection to the Jewish community that has supported it for six decades.

The restaurant participates in Wisconsin traditions like Friday night fish fries and serves as a landmark on the Oakland Avenue commercial corridor. For families introducing children to the North Shore, Benji's offers both a delicious meal and a history lesson in Milwaukee's cultural heritage and the immigrant experience that shaped it.

Contact information and location

Shorewood Location (Original) 4156 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood, WI 53211 Phone: (414) 332-7777 Website: benjisdeliandrestaurant.com Facebook: facebook.com/BenjisDeliAndRestaurant Instagram: @benjisdeliandrestaurant

Fox Point Location 8683 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point, WI 53217 Phone: (414) 228-5130

Ordering options include dine-in, carryout, curbside pickup, and delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, Seamless, and Caviar.

Conclusion

Benji's Deli offers North Shore families far more than a meal—it provides a taste of living history in an era when authentic experiences are increasingly rare. The combination of hand-carved meats (a practice fewer than five delis in America still maintain), a Holocaust survivor's legacy of resilience, and a genuine neighborhood gathering place creates something irreplaceable. For families seeking to share meaningful dining experiences with children—complete with counter stools, chocolate phosphates, and matzo balls that have earned their legendary reputation—Benji's delivers exactly what its founding story represents: warmth, perseverance, and the simple joy of good food shared with good people.