This place is wonderful. Went there with my folks. Super nice people and amazingly fresh food. Shrimp po boy was amazing as is the gumbo, hush puppies and Brussel sprouts. read more

It was simple ,honest to goodness good food. I had the last beignet for the day asked what else they had to serve , they said soup. Opted for broccoli soup and beignet which are in total opposite and did they work? They exceeded my boyfriend and my expection for taste. Soup was rich, creamy and spices were right, not to salty and not to spicy . Overall we will go back to try their other menu and it will be a return for us. They so deserve their stars read more

The Workshop is by far the best restaurant in benicia, the owners are super nice, friendly and serve up great food at a very reasonable price, I eat there every couple of weeks and I have never had a bad bite, always really good. Great food, I recommend trying The Workshop , you will go back. read more

Stopped by here on a recommendation from a friend. I got the shrimp po-boy and the gumbo (it was a Friday) the Po-boy was as long as my arm! Very happy with the size of it for the price (about $13) got my food quickly and I had gotten it to go to eat in my car. I was pleasantly surprised it was quite tasty however, it was lacking salt. I noticed on the tables they had different seasonings and things and perhaps that's why? Luckily I keep salt in my car so I put some salt on it and it was great! So much so i was way to full to try the gumbo! I ended up warming up the gumbo to eat for lunch on Sunday (two days later) when I first opened the gumbo It was so thick i thought they maybe had accidentally given me red beans and rice (it was that kind of thickness) but i determined it was gumbo so i went ahead and warmed it up (after adding some salt). It didn't get thinner once warmed up. Not sure why it was so thick. Taste-wise it wasn't my taste and salt nor hot sauce helped it. So I'll pass on the gumbo in the future the consistency was too thick and the taste wasn't there BUT I'll definitely be back for the po-boys! For he price can't be my go-to spot (I'm on a budget) but I'll definitely be back and tell my friends get the po-boys! I'll have to try to find a way to come on a Wednesday because i would like to try the jambalaya but until then po-boys it is! read more

The Workshop - Pic of the shrimp po-boy without tomato or pickle! Pretty tasty just make sure you have some salt! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

See all

My wife and I had two Oyster PoBoys...They were wonderful...The Oysters are fried to perfection with a crisp outside and smooth and also firm, chewie insides. They're not cheap but they are worth every penny. If you like Po-boys, you'll love the Workshop. I'm not a Poboy expert but I am from New Orleans. I've tasted a lot of sandwiches to compare with this one...Only Leidenheimer French Bread creates a bias for New Orleans but they are really neck and neck. Wonderful Sandwiches. Fortunately, we don't have to jump on a plane to get a wonderful Oyster sandwich. Just check out The Workshop in Benecia. read more

The food is amazing, the service is thru the roof. Highly recommended for anyone who loves Food Period. Make it out to Benicia & eat here. More then worth it. You'll love the owners. P.S. take their recommendations read more

See all

Cane here with my brother for lunch. Food was how i imagined creole/southern food. Staff was nice and everything else but seats are limited and outdoors only read more

The Workshop - seafood platter on Friday - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

This place is so good! We ordered the gumbo and hush puppies. The hush puppies were so memorable that even thinking about them makes my mouth water. There's outdoor seating so when the weather is good it's the perfect little place to grab lunch but once we came when it was raining and had to take our food to go. The staff is friendly and they seem enthusiastic about the food which is always great. Can't wait for my next visit! read more

My husband and I tried this spot yesterday. We had a taste for some Creole food, and I didn't feel like cooking it myself. Well that was our first mistake. A colleague of my husband recommended this restaurant. Unfortunately they fell short with their dishes. I ordered the catfish poorboy and the gumbo. The poorboy was soggy with way more bread than fish. The gumbo roux was burnt and the stock had an overkill of black pepper. My husband ordered the oyster poorboy and fried catfish and hush puppies. The hush puppies were burnt and taste like jiffy cornbread mix with a few kernels of corn. The oyster poorboy was also soggy with way more bread than oysters. I wish that I could say something positive about this food, but I cannot. What I will say is this is a terrible representation of Creole/Cajun cuisine. Don't waste ur time and money. read more

You ever bookmark a place, time goes by and you go to other places? Then you finally try it and think to yourself, "Why didn't you try it sooner." For me, The Workshop was that kind of place. On a Thursday around 11 am I easily found street parking within walking distance of my destination. Be sure to check the days and hours of operation before coming. They aren't open everyday and close early. Go up to the front counter, order, and wait outside (no indoor seating). There is shady outdoor dining of about six tables and one long wrap around bench. The food will take a while to cook depending on what you order. I'm sure you'll be glad you waited. Here is what I consumed. Minestrone- As I waited they gave me their soup of the day. Such a sweet gesture! Their minestrone had macaroni pasta, red beans, garbanzo beans, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and green onion on top. This comforting soup had me lost in my own little world. It had the all the right kinds of seasoning, texture, and smoking hot temperature. If only all soups I ordered were this way! Fried Sweet Hushpuppies ($3)- In this order you will get four good sized pieces. These savory and sweet morsels had a slight crunch exterior and moist interior. I would definitely order these again. Fried Catfish Po'Boy ($13)- This sandwich is perfect to share between two people. The original plan was to eat half of it and save the rest for later. Oh, but it didn't end that way. It was too delicious! Throughout each bite, the bread was soft. Pickles, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and cajun tartar draped the buttermilk/cornmeal battered fried catfish. The thin layers of fresh tasting catfish were perfect for this scrumptious sandwich. Be sure to check their daily hot specials schedule if you want their cajun chicken pot pie, seafood parade, and more. The hot sandwiches, soups, and sides are available every operating day. The lovely couple who owns The Workshop were so friendly. Individually they both checked to see if I liked the food. I think it was visibly clear by the missing sandwich :) Great customer service, simple comforting food, and reasonable prices? Count me in everytime! read more

See all

We found this gem by word of mouth a few years back and have been a fan ever since. However, our last few trips here have been disappointing. The red beans and rice are consistent, but the fish and hush puppies :( not so much. This past weekend I picked up food and the fish platter seemed to have been fried in old grease then sat aside to be fried again, not at all what I am used to from The Workshop. Not sure of the problem, but hopefully they get it together soon!! read more

Great food...tastes like the Po Boy I had in Louisiana. Thanks for putting a smile on my face and happiness in my tummy. read more

The Workshop - Jambalaya was very authentic! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

See all

Awesome, was looking for something original and local while visiting on business. All I can say is WOW! Dan and his wife have a great place. It was cold and rainy so I ate in the car instead of eating on the patio, probably a good thing or I would have gone back for the Tuesday special pork chop and macaroni. Wish this was closer I would like to run the menu. I hope to get back again soon. Thanks guys! read more

The Workshop is one of those great finds you get while randomly checking out Yelp. Not a full on restaurant, but more so a walk up door with a few tables outside where if you are luck, you can get a seat. Lines can get long but the grub is most definitely worth it! Come here for the Daily Specials. Thursday's special is the dish I crave most! It's chicken pot pie but not that traditional one you see from Marie Callendars in the frozen food aisle. They use layers of puff pastry dough with the meat from fried chicken. DELICIOUS stuff!!! I also love the pork chop/Mac n cheese combo plus the shrimp po' boy sandwich. They have a quite a bit of other dishes I'm still looking forward to try! read more

Called in and placed my order, they said it would be 45 minutes. Ordered two shrimp po boys, fried Brussel sprouts and a jambalaya & I ended up waiting over an hour. The Brussel sprouts were charred & burnt every single one of them. Disappointed read more

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

See all

A must stop if you're near Benicia and craving a taste of the south. Po Boys are generous and delicious, I can personally vouch for the shrimp and smoked sausage versions, but other varieties are available. And be sure to come by on Saturday for the red beans and rice, you won't be sorry! read more

This place may be small, but dang does it pack a punch. I've been there a few times now and everything is delicious and full of flavor. From the seafood gumbo, shrimp po'boy and the jambalaya. This morning I went for coffee and beignets, they did not disappoint. I'll definitely be back to try more! Thanks! read more

The Workshop - Coffee & Beignets! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

This place is legit! Drove 30 minutes to grab lunch here with the kiddos and totally worth it. Small little shack with a couple of outdoor tables, Rebirth Brass Band bumping from a speaker, good vibes all around from both staff and diners. We had red beans & rice, gumbo, hush puppies, cornbread, and a fried oyster po boy. All delish. Can't wait to come back. read more

Was very pleased! Hard to find good authentic Creole. Great flavor and seasoning. Will be back

I came by happen-stance looking and craving for semi-authentic soul/ southern/ creole inspired food without having to drive to ridiculous lengths throughout the Bay area. This place is truly a gem. I only gave it 4 stars cuz the hrs of operation literally suck for your everyday working "Baydestrian" who works a normal job with normal hrs. It isn't open once you get home from traffic so I have to come soley on Saturdays. Seriously..8-2 or 11-2 sucks :-/ Anyways... I've had the beignets..a bit too sweet that early in the morning..but alas...that's not why I come here... Po-Boy Shrimp is by far THEE BEST I've had..2nd only to Soley Vegan..but for a seafood filled sandwich its hit every spot you have (and a few you didn't know you had!). It's hearty, thick and ingredients are gushing out the sides. I'd rather have too much than too little IMO. Rice and beans are underrated. The gumbo is surprisingly tasty and balanced. Most places fail to make good and consistent Gumbo Roux (boiling crab, claws and craw, etc) but this place gets it right. The cornbread is fluffy and fresh tasting and not overly sweet. I'm headed there now matter of fact... read more

Sandwiched between Benicia Bait & Tackle & Todd's Custom Rod Art is the epitome of both "Hole in the Wall" & "Diamond in the Rough..." I literally go out of my way (a 30 mile trek, without hesitation) just to grab one of their amazing Po' Boys... Po' Boys are not only MASSIVE, but are some of the more legit CA renditions I've had to-date... [Butcher Paper Wrapped Po' Boy vs Wilson Football]: http://tinyurl.com/pkp8xor In addition to the sammy's, The Specials Menu Rotate Daily (though you can follow via their Facebook page @ http://tinyurl.com/nc7r3m3), with other standard items being available until they sell out... I haven't arrived early enough to try their beignets (8-10:30AM on Saturdays), nor on weekdays to sample some of their other goodies, i.e.; Cajun Chicken Pot Pie, Fried Pork Chops, etc..., though it'll eventually happen one of these days... Despite my conflicting schedule, I'm drawn on weekends to their Po' Boys (Oyster & Shrimp), as well as their Gumbo, Cornbread, etc... [Oyster Po' Boy]: http://tinyurl.com/pgqrxjg [Cup of Gumbo]: http://tinyurl.com/pvgblm3 [Shrimp Po' Boy]: http://tinyurl.com/nmpbo5j On a typical afternoon, you'll see the crew (along w/ Chef Danny) in the back, prepping/peeling shrimp, etc... Staff is EXTREMELY friendly (Danny in the kitchen greeting folks as they enter or when handing off food) or even calling out suggestions to customers when items are sold out, etc..., i.e. "No beignets, but Bread pudding is off the hook!" Whenever I arrive, there's always a warm greeting from Naomi as well (you can even sense her smile over the phone)... No indoor tables as storefront is just large enough to take orders/run the kitchen, though there is limited outdoor/covered seating... Tables include all the standard condiments you could wish for (most notably), the hot-sauce, i.e. (Louisiana, Tabasco, Tapatio, Crystal, etc...), along w/ hollowed-out cans of McCann's Irish Oatmeal or Cafe Du Monde, stuffed w/ napkins to add to the overall ambiance (nice touch)... Days/Hours are limited (Closed Sun & Mon) & only open till 2:30 pm, Tuesday-Saturday... Keeping this in mind, be sure to show up relatively early, else there's a good chance (more-so a guarantee) that they will sell out of goodies/specials the closer they get to closing... A Mom & Pop's Shop (literally) that you can't help but want to support (though the fact they have amazing food/pricing sure doesn't hurt)... I've been a loyal customer for well over a year now & figured it was about time (long overdue), to finally show them some love... Very much looking forward to my next visit... read more

The Workshop - Shrimp Po'Boy... Massive/Large enough to share (unless you're me)... ^(-(oo)-)^ - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

Such a good hole in the wall! Love this find! Came here with a friend to just talk and eat and this place was so good. I missed it driving by. You have to park across the street to see and find it. It's small and there's only 5 tables outside. No inside seating so get there fast because this place gets super packed! read more

I feel compelled to write an update to let you guys know about a thoughtful kindness I experienced here. I hadn't gone here in a while as I've been trying to eat low-carb for a few months (Very few low-carb options in southern cooking). My wife continued to go. When Naomi found out about my diet, she made me a special off-menu salad using their brisket as the protein topping. It was a huge surprise, and very tasty indeed. Naomi even packaged all the salad toppings separately so it wouldn't be a gross mess when it got to me. That's the kind of people the owners of this place are. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant and Naomi and Danny. read more

Why 5 stars? Because I'm still dreaming of my po boy! --- --- --- The perfect combination of quality and quantity - absolutely delicious and TONS of it. I normally go with shrimp for my po boys, but I was in an oyster mood. If I could go back, I would have opted for shrimp, but that's not to the fault of the Workshop. Oysters can be interesting from time to time. But the po boy overall was just like I like it: sloppy. When a sandwich is neat and easy to eat, it usually means that it's a bit dry. But when you need to bust out a few napkins due to ample sauciness, it means you're winning. You can also find a brisket po boy at The Workshop, in addition to some delightful-looking gumbos and chowders. I would absolutely love to say that I'll be back soon to try those things, but my commute would be a little rough. As for my friend who lives nearby, it's one of his favorite spots, which is why he took me here during my visit. I gave a double, down-low high five for his judgment. read more

I finally feel like I can give an accurate review of The Workshop. Having visited this place an almost ridiculous number of times for someone who doesn't live in or near Benicia, I've managed to try a bunch of their menu items and all of their regular daily specials. I can say, without reservation, that I platonically love The Workshop. Wednesday's Daily Special - the Jambalaya with a square of cornbread - has become my go-to favorite. I have scheduled my work around being in reasonable driving distance of The Workshop on Wednesdays, when possible. A huge portion of jambalaya, chock full of andouille and shrimp, rice cooked to that perfect creamy consistency just enough away from full on risotto consistency to still have rice texture. The square of cornbread that isn't over-sweet and isn't over-grainy. Thursday's Daily Special - Cajun Chicken Pot Pie - comes up in a close second. A super dense chicken filling (the filling is thicker and more chicken-heavy than the stews most place put into their pot pies) where, once you get your slice, the pot pie filling stays in place. My only slight criticism is sometimes the pastry is a bit burnt, but the portion is enormous. The meat in the Tuesday Special - Breaded Pork Chops and Mac and Cheese - and the Friday Special - Fried Catfish with Hushpuppies - are both excellent. They are both fried super crisp with a well seasoned breadcrumb crust and the chops are always tender. These two fall to the bottom position in my ranking of the Daily Specials for reasons that only apply to me: I don't like Mac and Cheese and I don't like Hushpuppies. Not just The Workshop's version, all versions. I know... I may be the only person in America that can say that but it's true. I tried subbing in Grilled Vegetables, but it just didn't work with the rest of either main course, so I just order the specials as is and give the Mac and the Hushpuppies to other people. All the po-boys are great. I prefer the fried shrimp and fried catfish over the cajun chicken and vegetable ones, but it's mostly because I like seafood. The sandwiches aren't drenched in sauce, which is nice, and the bread is soft and hearty. Also, as most people have already mentioned, they are huge. These are two meals, easy. Of all the menu items, I will mention there is one that I've tried and flat out disliked - the seafood gumbo. I'm not sure what it is about it, but there is a very strong bitterness to the flavor of the gumbo and it ends up overpowering everything else. I had some friends give it a try as well and they all agreed with me, so maybe it was just that particular batch of gumbo, but given that I'm not a huge gumbo fan to begin with, that I had such an exceptionally negative experience with Workshop's gumbo makes me hesitate to try it again, especially with so many other items on the menu. It is also not enough to dock a star because everything else is just so great. Friendly owners running the place and, while wait times used to be pretty long, it's sped up quite a bit in the last several months where the food is up and read within 10 minutes. Prices are great considering the quantity of food. Just always keep an eye on those hours. They're not convenient and I think it's part of the charm of this place. read more

Not too far off from Benicia's Bay-edged Main Street, down a quiet Victorian house-lined street and next to a bait shop you will find The Workshop. It's a kitchen and counter with outside seating of tables topped with 3 kinds of hot sauce for the already well-spiced food. We ordered the Brisket Po Boy, Shrimp Po Boy and the Gumbo. The Brisket Po Boy melts in your mouth! The Shrimp Po Boy was perfectly flavored with medium-sized, cornmeal crusted shrimp. Both are served on a fresh, soft, quality baguette, seasoned with horseradish, lettuce, tomato and pickle. You won't feel "po" eating one of these--one sandwich could easily be shared. The gumbo was a spicy, smoky flavored dark roux stew filled with chunks of seafood, firm, not slimy, okra on top of rice. It comes in two sizes so I recommend a small if you are getting other items. Beverages are canned San Pellegrino sodas, Coca-Cola and bottled water. There are daily specials. and of course beignets in the morning that I will go back soon to try. Don't expect to run in and out of here. There were only two sweet people working here and each order is super fresh and hand-crafted to order. read more

See all

Amazing delicious fresh-made food and cute outdoor seating area. (just a few tables) We will definitely be back!

Best food in Benicia, hands down!!!!!!! If you want yuppie food you can find that on first Street, if you want to true Food for the soul made with LOVE treat your yourself to some Workshop nourishment!!! Tater Approved! read more

Since it opened in mid-May, my family has been to the Workshop for at least 6 times. We love many of the delicacies they serve: breakfast with beignets and strong organic coffee, and lunch with seafood gumbo (wish it came in a really big bowl), breaded pork chops with macaroni & cheese, deep fried catfish po'boy, and scrumptious brisket sandwich that can feed three people. Wish the Workshop would open soon for dinner, and have a bit more picnic tables for its customers. But all in all, having Cajun/Creole food in Benicia is such a nice addition to the current dining choices. I'm glad we have the Workshop in our local community now! read more

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

See all

Yummy amazing wonderful. Must try this delicious food so much flavor and such a beautiful atmosphere!!

Lovely, lovely, lovely all around. Peaceful location, wonderfully friendly owner, delicious food - easily five stars. Had the brisket sandwich, which was pretty much a symphony on damn fine bread. The flavors were incredibly well balanced and the bit of heat from the horseradish complemented everything else going on. Speaking of heat, the cauliflower soup, which is bland in name only, was rich, deeply flavorful, and also had just enough heat to make it divine. Some places throw in heat to cover up a lack of actual flavor, but The Workshop does it juuuust right to bring out the best from their food. Highly recommend giving this place a try. Note: there's not a ton of room to sit, but don't let that scare you off. The tables outside were quite nice, and being outside in Benicia is usually a treat anyway. :) read more

My first time and it was a tasteful visit. I ordered the Catfish Po'boy sandwich,which by far was scrumptious. The catfish had so much flavor and it was a huge sandwich. I couldn't finish it and I had to share it with my other friends. read more

Nice little spot on the side of my favorite Benicia bait shop. Enjoy a casual outside seating experience with soulful music playing. Really friendly staff and delicious cajun food. On my visit, I had the seafood mix platter, crab corn chowder, and jambalaya. The seafood mix consists of perfectly fried shrimp, fish, oysters, hush puppies, and deep fried onions. The corn bread batter was nice and crunchy. The fish was thin but not over cooked. I hate when a place over cooks fish to a point that there is no moist fish meat. The crab corn chowder had good flavor; creamy, buttery, crabby! The jambalaya was a hit! It looked like a lot of people came for the jambalaya as I at on their outside bench area. Awesome place to grab some cajun food! They have different dishes on their daily specials. I really want to come back on a Saturday to taste their beignets! read more

The Workshop - Nice quaint outdoor seating with music! I just sat down after ordering and I love the vibe already! - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

The Workshop is a great addition to the Benicia dining scene. FINALLY, a different genre of food where I don't need to cross a bridge to get to it! I ordered the seafood gumbo and it was excellent. Giants pieces of discernable seafood is always a plus in my book so I have absolutely no complaints about the gumbo. However, people who love spicy food may want to add some of their own heat since I am a wimp when it comes to spicy and I was able to chow down no problem. We also ordered a catfish po' boy to split and it was huge! This was also very good and everything had outstanding flavor and freshness. I normally do not like Po' boys but the gumbo and po' boy were the only options for the day so I reluctantly ordered it. I was pleasantly surprised, and I am looking forward to trying other Po' Boys here. I hope the Workshop gets more seating or moves to a bigger location. There are only two tables outside so I will probably call in my order and pick it up next time. Definitely planning to go back and try the red beans and rice in the near future! read more

The Workshop - To go corn chowder, didnt know chowder could get any better... It did. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

See all

This place is excellent. There are a few places in the Bay Area that offer Po Boys but they seem to always be overpriced and undersized. This place gets it just right with price and portion size. I had an oyster po boy and my friend had a shrimp po boy. She p bed hers and I absolutely loved mine. The seafood was fried perfectly and you could tell that it was fresh. This place has outdoor seating only and it's lovely, shaded outdoor seating. Another lovely part of The Workshop experience is the friendly service. The owner/chef came out to ask how our sandwiches turned out not knowing that the cashier ( a lovely woman who I assume is the co-owner) just asked the same thing. It's good to know they both care about their food. I don't come to Benicia often but I will make a special trip to come here. read more

The Workshop - Oyster Po Boy. So good:) - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

Had heard of this place opening next to Benicia Bait and Tackle from a neighbor. I usually venture downtown if I want to eat locally so this was a bit off the beaten path. But I was in the mood for something new and decided to check it out. Drove past it the first time as it was very innocuous at first. But once I tried their the Wednesday special (Jambalaya), I was instantly hooked! The combo of shrimp, andouille sausage, chicken, rice, seasonings, and the fresh-baked cornbread to go with it; I knew I'd be coming back again soon! A definite new favorite place in town! read more

The Workshop - Wednesday special: Jambalaya and cornbread! :9 - Cajun/Creole Near Me - Benicia, California

The wife and I stopped by The Workshop for the first time for lunch before heading to Walnut Creek. It's a nice little spot for some excellent food! All seating is outdoor so dress appropriately for the weather as there is no indoor seating. The staff was nice enough to turn on the propane outdoor heater which my wife was very appreciative of. The staff are very friendly and service was excellent. Now the important part...the food! The food was excellent! My wife and I ordered the red beans & rice which also came with cornbread, an oyster po' boy which was huge, and a side of hush puppies. All the items were amazing. The portions were large and we were able to share everything together. The red beans & rice was so tasty and was genuine comfort food. The oyster po' boy was so good, and I'd definitely order that again if they have it on the menu the next time we go there. We will definitely come back to the Workshop, and if you are in the Benicia area and are looking for some good food, give this place a shot. You won't be disappointed! read more

See all

This place is amazing. The atmosphere itself is warm and welcoming. The food is also fabulous, I had the hush puppies, catfish and, oyster Po Boy, and the gumbo within two days . They were all delicious and to top it off I had the beignets for the first time which were fantastic. This place I promise you that it will not disappoint you. May have to wait unless you call ahead of time but trust me it's worth it!! read more

Oh my-Having Lived in la. For a few years-and try to return on a regular basis due to missing friends and definitely food-this place is the closest I've come to in years-to good Louisiana fares. Its small -great service and well worth any wait. Yummmm read more

Had the fried catfish with hush puppies and Creole Cauliflower Soup. The hush puppies are the best I've ever had (I think they use cornbread. Catfish was lightly breaded. Loved the tarter sauce too. Can't wait to go back. read more