The Wisconsin Deli Locals Call The State’s Best-Kept Secret For Big Flavor
Benji’s Deli in Shorewood has quietly earned a reputation as Wisconsin’s best-kept culinary secret.
Inside, sandwiches are stacked high with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a hometown touch that keeps locals coming back.
From perfectly seasoned meats to fresh-baked bread and inventive combinations, every bite packs a punch.
It’s the kind of deli where simplicity meets excellence, proving that sometimes the most unforgettable meals are found off the beaten path, tucked into small-town charm.
Born in 1963 Thanks to Werner “Benji” Benjamin
Werner Benjamin wasn’t just opening another sandwich shop when he launched this deli in 1963.
He was bringing authentic Jewish-style deli culture to Shorewood, creating a gathering place where neighbors could grab a proper pastrami on rye and schmooze over pickles.
The name “Benji’s” stuck like mustard on a good corned beef, honoring the founder’s nickname. More than six decades later, his vision of old-school deli charm still flavors every sandwich that leaves the kitchen.
Right on Oakland Avenue in the Heart of Shorewood
Finding Benji’s is easier than finding a good excuse to skip lunch. Planted at 4156 N Oakland Ave, this deli sits right in Shorewood’s bustling corridor, surrounded by shops and tree-lined streets that give the neighborhood its charm.
Parking might test your patience on busy days, but trust me, it’s worth circling the block. Once you step inside, the cozy vibe and mouthwatering aromas make you forget all about your parking struggles.
Hand-Carved Corned Beef and Reubens That Define Milwaukee Deli Culture
Forget the pre-sliced, vacuum-sealed stuff you find at chain stores. Benji’s carves their corned beef by hand, piling it high on fresh rye bread with a mountain of flavor that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
Their Reuben sandwich is practically legendary around these parts. Melted Swiss, tangy sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing come together in a symphony of savory goodness that locals swear by as the best in the Milwaukee area.
Matzo Ball Soup That’s Like a Mental Vacation in a Bowl
Some people meditate. Others head to Benji’s for a bowl of matzo ball soup. Regulars describe it as a warm hug from your bubbie, complete with fluffy matzo balls floating in golden, soul-soothing broth.
One spoonful and your stress melts away faster than butter on hot challah.
Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just need comfort on a gloomy Wisconsin day, this soup delivers the kind of calm that no app can provide.
Hoppel Poppel Breakfast That Kicks Your Morning Into Gear
Ever heard of hoppel poppel? If not, prepare to meet your new favorite breakfast scramble. Benji’s tosses together eggs, crispy potatoes, and savory salami into a hearty skillet that fuels you through whatever the day throws your way.
This isn’t some dainty avocado toast situation. Hoppel poppel is stick-to-your-ribs food that tastes like Sunday morning should, with enough protein and flavor to keep you satisfied until lunch and then some.
Brothers Mike and Chris Price Took Over in 2006
After Benji sold the deli in the mid-1980s, the business changed hands before brothers Mike and Chris Price stepped in during 2006.
They weren’t about to mess with perfection, keeping the classic recipes and old-school approach that made the place special.
The Price brothers understood something crucial: people don’t come to Benji’s for trendy fusion experiments. They come for the same reliable, delicious deli food their parents and grandparents loved.
Celebrated 50 Years as a Shorewood Icon in 2013
Hitting the half-century mark is no small potatoes, especially in the restaurant world where most places fold faster than a napkin.
Benji’s reached its golden anniversary in 2013, proving that quality and consistency never go out of style.
Generations of Shorewood families have celebrated birthdays, graduations, and ordinary Tuesdays within these walls.
That kind of loyalty doesn’t come from gimmicks or flashy marketing but from serving honest, delicious food that keeps people coming back decade after decade.