The workshop is a local spot 100%. Only open for lunch, and a little bit off the main road, you have to be in the know if you want to enjoy this southern kitchen! They have plenty of rotating specials, and their fish and shrimp fry's are fantastic. Their poboy is awesome, and the gumbo is gumboing for sure! The service is always quick and pleasant, and the cashier will run out the food to you if she's not busy taking down orders. read more

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This spot specializes in Louisiana / Cajun/ Creole style food. I think they primarily open for lunch during the weekdays. I think they do breakfast on the weekends as well, but I've only been here for lunch a few times when I was working in the area. This place is pretty much a stones throw away from the ocean or body of water in Benicia. The folks here are super friendly and kind. You go up to order from a window and find a seat or stand around, depending on whether you wanna eat there or take your food to go. I opted to dine there and the place is super chill. On my trips, I've ordered the po'boy and gumbo combo on one visit and had the catfish bites with the hush puppies on another visit. The food each time was prepared really well and the fried items were perfectly crispy. The gumbo was delicious without being too spicy although there's a plethora of hot sauces on the tables for you if you want to spice up your food even more. This place made me feel nostalgic for the handful of times I visited New Orleans and it made me miss Louisiana food, even while I was eating a good representation of it lol. It made me think about one of my favorite restaurants ever which is Jacques-Imo's. Just a great option for lunch, especially if you want to try Louisiana style Cajun food. There's plenty of parking around as well. read more

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Came here about two weeks ago randomly I. The middle of the week. I ordered the seafood platter, red beans and rice, and extra cornbread. The platter was absolutely delicious, fried to golden perfection, and super fresh. Seafood platter hard 4.7/5. The cornbread (not pictured) was sweet, moist, and dense, 3.8/5. The red beans and rice were, but the base was more souplike than thick, and there was not much rice imo, red beans get a 3.5/5. The service was decent, and the ambiance is normal outside decor, nothing special but clean and simple. Overall I rate this establishment a 4/5 read more

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Heard this place serves beignets as a special on Saturdays, had to come try. I was a little disappointed because my batch tasted a bit like alcohol and upon quick research it could be a sign of too much yeast or letting the dough rise too long. Unfortunately it was not the greatest as the smell and taste of alcohol in a pastry was unappetizing. Though the beignets were fluffy but had a hollow inside and was thoroughly covered with powdered sugar. read more

This place is fire! I'm disappointed that it has very short opening hours and I didn't have enough room in my stomach to eat other foods. Beans and rice were flavorful and delicious. Seasoned perfectly and the turkey, sausage and ham just complemented the dish. Everything in the mixed seafood platter was crispy and not soggy, seasoned just right with Cajun seasoning down to the shoe string fries on the bottom. The hush puppies were nice and brown, flavorful and held together well. The brussel sprouts was crispy and goes perfectly with the garlic aioli. Will have to try to get here early for the beignets and the po' boys next time. Place is literally a tiny restaurant so all seating is outdoor or food taken to go. Try to visit on a nice sunny day and eat at the few tables in the shade or under the umbrellas. read more

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When you just need a little something extra in your sandwich, a Po'Boy hits the spot :) Not crazy spicy but just enough kick to a freshly baked baguette, fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked protein of a sandwich. I got the daily special and the Creole Creamed of Cauliflower was yummy. Service is a well-run dynamic duo that is speedy and efficient. Seating is limited, but nothing beats the lunch run eating outside with freshly prepared food. PSA: Po'Boys are not short in stature. read more

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Love this place. My favorites the Tuesday Pork Chops with mac and cheese. Soo good, get the gravy on the side. Today picked up the chicken and Sausage combo and their Friday seafood platter. Everything was soo good today and the added onion strings at the bottom of the platter was a welcome added surprise. Best part of the place is the owners and their added personal touch. I've ordered from here many times and the lady owner brings your food to you even if you're sitting right out front or in your car. read more

The Workshop - Seafood platter - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

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I got really lucky coming in for lunch time on a Wednesday. The parking lot can hold up to 4 cars but you're probably better off getting street parking. Was expecting this place to be a dine in shop, but the entire kitchen is the shop so it's all outdoor seating. I actually really liked this so you could grab and go if you please. Which is what I noticed most customers do. There's a menu to the right of the order window which I completely missed since the specials of the day were on the left side of the order window. Which caught my eye as it was a Jambalaya with Cornbread and I couldn't pass that up. Got my order in like 10 minutes and was just in awe at how huge the portion was. The container was steaming as I opened it up and the aroma filled the area around me. Then the hush puppies were a new tasty discovery for me. Drench them in their house made tartar sauce and I had to restrain myself from ordering more. Honestly, I'd come back in a heart beat if I ever found myself on this side of the bridge. read more

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Been coming here for years, the hours are short, but decent food for the price and area. Love their in house sauces. Mix seafood platter, jambalaya, po boys are cool. Nothing crazy but quality food if you're in the area. read more

The Workshop - Mux seafood platter x jambalaya - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

Beignets are delicious! Best I have ever had. Just like their other stuff. Mom and pop shop. Easy access location in the beautiful quaint town of Benicia. read more

Great customer service, always with a smile. The food is always consistent! The shrimp Bo-boy is huge.

The best Cajun food in the Bay Area- yes - I said it - the Bay Area. Service with a smile - it's a mom and pop organization and you can tell how much love is spent on the food. Fast service , good food - the po boys are very filling and I always get the red beans and rice with cornbread on Saturdays . Big - portions - and big smiles all around: The catfish and po boy special is a big favorite as well. It's tucked in on a side street and you will find it with the line: Several tables outside - easy access for wheelchairs if needed. The food is directly served to the table and it's quick. If you want the Thursday special - the pot pie. You better get here early. Because it's so good and it runs out if you aren't fast. Just a little tid bit on the best Cajun food around read more

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I'm never in the area but it's rough finding spots like this in my area. Restaurants have branded themselves as creole but it's more like soul food, and I just don't see Cajun restaurants anywhere. The two restaurants I like with creole food are small little unknown restaurants in socal, and I've lived in the bay for some time so I decided to give this a go. The service was speedy. I asked about spice and was told the food wasn't very spicy but they could offer me hot sauce and extra seasoning if needed. Luckily, it was never needed. I wanted to try the small bowl of chicken and andouille gumbo - it may have just been sausage but idc. It was good. full of flavor and the rice didn't get in the way. Next, I tried the oyster po'boy. It was meh to me. Idk if I would have liked for my oysters to be crispier or what, but this just didn't do it for me. It wasn't bad at all, just about average. Perhaps because I live about 40 minutes from the area I didn't get the full impact of the po'boy, but the flavor was also lacking. There wasn't much spice, but it definitely tasted like seafood. I enjoy the taste of seafood, but I would have appreciated more flavor. This is a to-go spot with benches out front. There were a lot of people seated and it seems like a popular local spot for those who live and work in the area. Would I give it a go again? Sure, why not if I'm in the area. read more

The Workshop - Chicken and sausage gumbo - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

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I was invited here by a work colleague and it was the first time for us both. It is a very quaint building within a residential area. You place your order at the window and seat yourself at one of the 4 sets of tables. The tables are under a tree so on a warm day, I enjoyed the breeze. I ordered the half soft shell crab po boy with the oyster rockerfeller soup. My colleague ordered the same sandwich except with salad as her side. Once your food is ready, the bring it right out to you, which is a nice touch. The staff that we engaged with were both kind and patient. The salad was huge, so big my colleague ate that and took her sandwich home for dinner. It looked beautiful and she said it was really good. For me, the oyster rockerfeller soup was really good. Highly recommended! The soft shell crab po boy was also really good. Lightly seasoned and crunchy. The bread was fresh as we're all the toppings. Chances of me eating here again are extremely high. I paid about $23.00 for my meal (I did not get a drink). If you came here for a late lunch or early dinner you would be satisfied for the rest of the day and it would definitely be worth the price. Food is fresh! Service is great! Location...excellent! read more

The Workshop - Oyster Rockerfeller - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

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Loyal customer for at least 4 years now. This unassuming, often overlooked spot serves up the most mouthwatering, delicious Cajun style comfort food!!! I pick up my food to go most of the time as there is no indoor seating. On sunny days I love to enjoy my meals on their outdoor patio. Service is consistently above average. The lady who works the counter, I believe her name is Naomi is the sweetest person! My go to order is the Thursday special- the Chicken Pot Pie is *to die for*!! Don't forget the hot sauce!! Friday's special the seafood platter is also amazing- it comes with fried oysters, shrimp, and fried fish on a bed of crispy onion straws plus two hushpuppies. Tartar and shrimp cocktail sauce on the side....I love mine with extra tartar sauce!!! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The only downside is they're only open for lunch so around 11am to 2:30. You will not regret it!! read more

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I absolutely love The Workshop in Benicia! It's such a local gem, and whenever I'm craving red beans and rice, I set a reminder for Saturday, because that's when they bless us with it on the specials menu. The cornbread is perfectly sweet and comforting, and the hush puppies? An absolute must. The staff are always so warm and welcoming, and every visit feels like a little getaway, especially if I'm missing the soul and flavor of New Orleans. I might not be in Louisiana, but I'm so grateful to have this spot right here in town delivering that same cozy, down-home goodness. Highly recommend for anyone looking to savor some Southern comfort with outstanding hospitality. read more

The Workshop - Yum! Best red beans and rice! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

My friend and I were out exploring all morning and had worked up an appetite, so we stopped by The Workshop. We stopped by right around noon on a Saturday and the man behind the window kindly walked us through the specials and soups of the day and was very kind and welcoming! My friend and I each ordered the shrimp po' boy, hush puppies to share, and then I got the oyster Rockefeller soup. My goodness! I have no words for how delicious the food is. The hush puppies were wonderful, and the shrimp po' boy was perfection! I do love that the shrimp wasn't overly fried or breaded. Oh and the sandwich is giant! There's just about no way to eat the entire thing in one meal! Would absolutely highly recommend and can't wait to come back. read more

The Workshop - Shrimp po boy - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

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Finally! Sad I had not eaten here sooner! Everything was amazing. Food was fresh and on point. Cooked perfectly. Did well with special requests for different diets. Simple menu. Out door seating only. Limited hours. read more

The Workshop - Order window. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

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Wow! A vendor brought me here for lunch and he was right this place is incredible! 4 tables outside seating only with a speaker on the tree on sidewalk playing music. The owner is the chef and his wife runs the order window and big windows looking into this little kitchen but what comes out of there is big in flavor. I had the catfish with hush puppies and onion ring pieces. The fish was fresh, perfectly cooked crispy outside and melt in your mouth tender inside. Hush puppies were so good. Apparently the gumbo is great once crab is in season and you have to get here before 10 am in Saturdays if you want to catch Beignets as they run out. What a gem! Impeccably clean, incredible service and delicious food. Can't wait to come back and try the Gumbo. read more

The Workshop - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

Beignets in Benicia?!?!? I had no idea!!! Wherever the beignets are, a po boy is sure to follow!! Pop quiz to self: When last have I eaten a po boy? Answer: Way too long!! There's outdoor only seating. Order and pay at window. Friendly staff. I was greeted with a smile when I arrived. Parking is on the street only. I ordered the Cajun roasted po boy, chicken andouille sausage gumbo (cup). The po boy was good. It had way too much lettuce and not enough chicken. The gumbo was delicious!!! the roux was pretty good and well sessoned. It was nice and spicy! Gumbo could have used a little bit more okra. The menu is posted on the wall outside of the ordering window. The Workshop have food specials for every day of the week. Today (Friday) as the gumbo for the seafood platter. I'll be back for some beignets!!! :) read more

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Great food always, stellar customer service, and relaxed outdoor ambiance that makes it feel like your in your uncle's backyard in the bayou! I had to come get my fix of a Brisket Po'Boy , Shrimp Po'Boy, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, and Mac n Cheese with a brisket gravy!!! Of course I started with an order of hush puppies! Everything was absolutely delicious and full of flavor. Mac n Cheese with Brisket Gravy was something I never knew I needed in my life!! Definitely a game changer! I'll be back very soon!! read more

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Food was super filling and flavorful, Enjoyed everything from the salad to the cocktail sauce for the hush puppies, Gumbo was delicious and hearty good sized portion too as well as the Cat fish po boy. The lady who took our order at the window was friendly and helpful since it was our first time there would definitely be coming back to try more items on the menu. read more

The Workshop - Hush puppies Chicken and sausage gumbo Catfish po boy Salad w/ roasted veggies - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

Do yourself a favor and go to the Workshop this place is the real deal and the Chef knows what he's doing I've actually tried everything on the menu and EVERYTHING is AMAZING..!!!! Get there soon cause they close early and usually sell out of there specials, the Workshop is absolutely one of my favorite places to eat. read more

The Workshop - Fried Pork chops with brown gravy over a bed of Mac n cheese - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

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Loved my first experience here! So glad I caught them during their open window. I didn't realize their hours are only from 11-2.30pm lol I ordered over the phone with a few questions and the lady who took my order was friendly answering all of them. The food was ready in 15 minutes even with every table occupied and more to-go orders being picked up. I ordered the catfish & hush puppies, the oyster po-boy and the seafood platter. EVERYTHING was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The catfish was cooked perfectly. The meat was far from dry. The seafood platter was just as good. Their batter is full of seasonings. My favorite was the oyster poboy. It's huge for the price, definitely able to split between 2. The sauces that come with the plates, amazing! Definitely coming back!! read more

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Yummy brisket po boy, also had brussel sprouts and hush puppies, everything was good, excellent actually, the only thing I would have changed is I prefer savory hush puppies vs sweet hush puppies. Also keep in mind this is a window where you order and minimal outdoor seating. read more

I've been coming to The Workshop for years, eating great food, and contributing absolutely nothing in return. Figured it was time to change that. Today, I had the seafood platter...catfish, oysters, shrimp, and hush puppies. The catfish was fried just right: crispy, but not in a "I need a dentist" way. The oysters were crunchy on the outside, soft inside...no unpleasant surprises. The shrimp? They actually tasted like shrimp, which, believe me, is a rare feat in some places. And the hush puppies? They were crispy, not greasy, and definitely worth every calorie. The lady who takes our order is consistently friendly, which makes a nice change from the usual "I guess I'll take your order" vibe you get at some places. I leave here feeling like I made a solid decision. If you leave disappointed, it might be time to ask yourself why you're so difficult to please. read more

The Workshop - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

Today Danny and Naomi created their Christmas Special, stuffed Dungeness crab, seafood gumbo and New Orleans bread pudding. Stuffed crab was amazing, great stuffing in Dungeness shells. Taste was amazing. Danny's seafood gumbo is always a hit. I was pleasantly comfortable after the stuffed crab and gumbo. Couple hours later I had the bread pudding, it was amazing. If you missed this annual menu mark your calendar for 2025. Typically the weekend before Christmas. This is typical of The Workshop, creating some amazing food. Thank you Danny and Naomi!!! read more

Whenever I'm in Benicia and the craving for Creole, Cajun, Southern, or seafood cuisine hits, there's only one spot I head straight to, The Workshop. They serve up some of the best Creole and Cajun dishes I've ever had, and honestly, it feels like you've been transported to New Orleans except you're still right here in the Bay Area. I discovered The Workshop a few years ago but kept forgetting to write a review, so here it is! Hours: The Workshop is open Tuesday to Friday from 11-2:30pm and Saturdays from 8-2:30pm. They're closed on Sundays and Mondays. A cool feature is their daily specials so make sure to check those out before you plan your visit. How to order: Trust me, if you're planning to visit, call ahead. The line can get long, and no one likes waiting when you're hungry. If you didn't catch this tip before arriving, no worries, just get in line and have your order ready when you reach the window. Once you place your order, it's a waiting game until they call your name. Seating: Heads up, there's limited seating, and it's all outdoor, so if you're planning to dine in, make sure to arrive early cause this place gets popular. What I order: Over the years, I've tried a lot of items, and everything I've had has been delicious! Here are a few favorites - - Jambalaya: Rich, flavorful, and packed with shrimp, sausage, and that perfect blend of spices. - Po boy Sandwiches: A true classic, with crispy shrimp or fried chicken, piled high on a soft roll. - Beignets: Soft, fluffy, and dusted with powdered sugar. - Hush Puppies: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and absolutely addictive. Bottom line: The Workshop is a must-try for anyone who loves authentic Creole and Cajun food. Whether you're coming for the jambalaya or the po boys this spot never disappoints. read more

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I finally brought a meal for myself from here. I have purchased gumbo once and red beans and rice another time , both for my husband's lunch. He's not good on feedback just feeding, lol, so I tried for myself today. It's hard to get something that I wouldn't mind eating as welll as something more like I would cook. Most menus have so much bread, breading, or super sauced. The Workshop simply did straight up fried fish, hush puppies, and I got an order of roasted brussel sprouts- my type of meal. The fish is divinely fried however not seasoned enough. The brussels are a little charred with is it little difficult finding those tender pieces under to really crisp bitter leaves. The remoulade sauce is delicious with the brussels was BOMB! I need that in my life! I think the hush puppy recipe is perfect however I also it was time to change the grease or tirn down the heat becase they had a few burnt ends around and dark in color. It was late in their day and I know some of the unpredictability of home cooked foods so its forgivable. I love easygoing atmosphere around this little pick up spot. A few tables around for eating and I always see locals that seem to know the owners by name. I love that!!!! This is definitely a community staple and I am a fan. 2 stars for being who they authenticly are 2 stars for homey deliciousness read more

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Today I had a taste for some jambalaya. I have been here before and the food was good. Today it wasn't. The jambalaya was mushy! It also did not have a jambalaya taste. It was so disappointing. read more

The Workshop - Jambalaya - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

This spot is probably the best cajun food in the Bay. It's a window with some outdoor seating, a real mom-pop shop which is a bonus. We love supporting small businesses! Danny, the owner and cook, is hella friendly. He came out and talked to us and since my bf is from NOLA, Danny shared his excitement for NOLA and the memories he made living there. The bf gave his stamp of approval and said it's the closest thing to home! They have daily specials. We came on a Tuesday, and the daily special was pork chops with mac n cheese and it was amazing! I got the shrimp po' boy and it tasted like we were in NOLA! I can't wait to go back on Thursday for the cajun chicken pot pie everyone is raving about. The little decor they have and the background jazz music make you think you're somewhere else than Benicia. I think we found our new favorite cajun spot! Thanks, Danny! read more

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The food here is delicious. I recommend this place for everyone. It comes quick and the people are kind. The ambiance is a nice outdoor setting. read more

First time here but certainly won't be the last. This small Workshop brings a lot of comfort. Well worth the drive for us. Our previous Cajun spot in Concord shuttered from Covid. So happy to find another mom and pop Cajun spot to tout and support. THE FOOD We tried the gumbo, seafood platter, and shrimp po boy. Everything was good. Gumbo- smokey delicious full of chicken and sausage, my eight year old also loved it even though he was panting from the pepper spiciness. Seafood platter was fried to perfection, lots of shrimp, catfish, oysters and hush puppies. What you don't see is yummy skinny onion rings at the bottom. Everything is elevated by the super savory kicked up cocktail sauce. High level of horseradish which makes it super yummy. Tartar sauce was creamy and mild (good for the non spicy lovers or kids). Shrimp po boy was huge and was kicked up with the cocktail and tartar sauce smothered into it. My husband approves. There it was a very delicious first meal here. Already planning when we get to come back! THE VIBE Sweetest couple that runs the place. I wish them continued success. I love their outside patio seating. It was a nice warm sunny January afternoon. If you don't care to sit outside plenty of ppl order to go. read more

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5 stars for THE WORKSHOP!! with a side of sweet hushpuppies! It has been a while since we stopped here and the owner even said so haha. Chikas and Homies if you haven't stopped by here you are truly missing out on a very very delicious plate. TRUST THE HOMIEWITAPLATE, the workshop will not disappoint. Again the vibe to the spot is familia(family), with a couple of tables some chairs, and music in the background paired with the Benicia vibe. This will have you feeling like you are in New Orleans enjoying a fresh shrimp po'boy!! all you need is a glass of some good ol' bourbon to wash everything down The Owners are fantastic people very humble and friendly. I had to let them know that they must be doing something good. When your customers are smiling as they open up those containers or as they unravel their fried shrimp po'boy! Its like a Fiesta. Yesterday had the Jambalaya on top of cornbread, AYYAYAYIII great portion, flavorful, Camarones (shrimp) perfection, the garnish beautiful, and the cornbread on point. the savory and the hint of sweetcorn sweetness was crazy. Of course, we had to have a Fried Shrimp PO'Boy. Again just unveiling that sandwich has you feeling like a kid ready to tear up that Pinata. Just can't stop biting into it. Plenty of shrimp in the po'boy so your stomach won't feel left out. the veggies in there help give it a beautiful crunch. they give you sauces on the side, but by the time you realize it. ITS TOO LATE. Plenty of parking but there is limited seating so as much as you would like to enjoy sum hushpuppies for hours. Got to think about the next familia waiting to enjoy sum po'boys aswell. PS... don't forget the hushpuppies. always could use a snack on the way back home. read more

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I just returned from NOLA and ate my way through it, as one should, and this place BEATS the food. My husband had the shrimp po boy and it was better than any one I had in NOLA. I had the brisket po boy and it was excellent. I didn't have brisket on my trip so I can't compare there. . On both sandwiches the bread was perfectly toasted, just the right amount and type of fresh veggies and sauces. The sauces were different for each type, as it should be. I also tried one of their daily soups. I wish I would have remembered the three they offered that day but I went with a veggie one. It was a light creamy broth with mushrooms, artichoke and something else green (maybe greens), but it was delicious. I felt bad because we arrived close to closing time but that didn't affect our food or service. They have daily specials too. read more

I like this place they have specials for lunch that you can order and get a lot of good food for it's a southern style like Louisiana and they have beignets too read more

We had the Cajun Poboy, the vegetarian Cajun Poboy, and we had the gumbo. The shrimp on the shrimp Poboy were excellent. Perfectly deep-fried and they had a great flavor and the sandwich was put together well. My wife got a vegetarian Poboy. She said it was wonderful. We also got the gumbo and it was just absolutely mouthwatering. Great place Great owners, Danny and Naomi. definitely love eating here. read more

Found this little divey place with just outside seating and an order window hidden away in Benicia. They only have an handful of tables out front with a couple umbrellas. But I think I might of stumbled into a gem Was greeted by a lovely lady and went all in on the mixed seafood platter. Shrimp, oysters, and catfish all fried. Plate looked good, I just wish the catfish strips were thicker, the shrimp was bigger, and the fried oysters tasted right. The cocktail sauce and Remoulade Sauce was great along with the hushpuppies This is my first time here and there's plenty of other things on the menu that are probably amazing as I spoke with other guests whom loved what they ordered, listened to other people express how much they love this place while they ordered, and viewed the great people of Yelp reviews whom mostly had good things to say. I'm open to trying again as they have beignets on Saturday from 8 to 10:30. Unfortunately, They are only open until 2:30pm. read more

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Their food is absolutely phenomenal as well as their service. I have never been disappointed my favorite is the fried brussel sprouts and the roasted vegetables. read more

Ordered a shrimp Po'Boy and Jesus that was delicious. I went to New Orleans in 2018 and the food was amazing. I always was in search of somewhere that made authentic food from NOLA but could never find anything that came remotely close to it until I found The WorkThey're only open a few hours every day during the week but they're well worth the drive if you're coming from out of town. I'll definitely be back. I highly recommend this place! read more