All Reviews
Leo Garcia
2 months agoHad a great first experience here. Came to celebrate my 21st. I believed our server was named Jessica(?) Super friendly and gave us some recommendations for our food. The ribeye sandwich was great, and the short rib fries were amazing as well. Our server was also very attentive and came back to check on us multiple times. We also got a complimentary birthday brownie which to my surprise was excellent considering I’m not usually a brownie fan.
SoCal Local
2 months agoWe liked but didn't love our food. I think most people mainly come for the drinks. The seabass was undercooked and tough in the very center, but otherwise tasty. Medium rare ribeye sandwich was decent although the meat was not quality, like trimmings. We tried a couple of appetizers. The cheese dumplings dish was a remix of grilled cheese and tomato soup. I didn't taste the pistachio in the pesto on the flatbread; it tasted more like a standard pizza. So they were good but had very basic flavors. Atmosphere was super cool though. Service was good. I wouldn't recommend this place unless you intend to imbibe. They even seem to have a "hidden" backroom/speakeasy.
Hedieh YS
3 months agoThis restaurant is on the middle of an office park, so very unexpected. The dining room was really cool, anchored with a library. Great food. For starters, the drinks were great and unique. All food was very flavorful. The fish main dish was made perfectly. Service was fine. Some of our order was showing up out of order or delayed. One of the desserts didn't show up till after we paid for the bill :-/
BeFamousVideo
4 months agoMy wife and I just enjoyed one of the absolute best high-quality breakfasts we have ever had in Orange County. If you are looking for a first-class dining experience in Irvine, this is it. The Atmosphere: The interior is stunning. The space is expansive with high ceilings, whimsical artwork, and distinct "posh" vibes thanks to the beautiful velvet seating and eclectic decor. It features a large full bar that acts as a centerpiece, and there is a lovely outdoor patio if you prefer fresh air. It feels upscale but very welcoming. The Food: The quality here is undeniable. We ordered the Ribeye Chilaquiles (highly recommended), and it was spectacular—the steak was a generous, high-quality cut cooked perfectly, sitting atop flavorful chilaquiles and eggs. We also had the Eggs Benedict, which was plated beautifully with crispy country potatoes. Everything was delicious and fresh. The Service: Top-notch. The staff was attentive, professional, and added to the overall first-class feel of the morning. As a Local Guide who has seen many spots in OC, Benny and Mary's stands out as a clear winner. We will definitely be back and look forward to dining here soon.
Alex Lee
5 months agoThe interior of Benny and Mary's is very quaint and unique. It has a nice vibe and they even have a private room hidden behind the bookshelf. The food here was good, but nothing really wowed me. For appetizers we ordered the Grill Cheese Dumplings and Garlic Shrimp. The Grill Cheese Dumplings were a cool take on Grilled Cheese and Tomato Bisque. The soup was tasty. The Garlic Shrimp was okay. Not a lot of garlic flavor. For my entree I ordered the Chicken Milanesa. The cutlet was lightly breaded and reminded me of a Chicken Katsu. The whipped feta was a nice touch and paired well with the chicken. My friends ordered the Short Rib Stroganoff and the Black Sheep Smash Burger. The burger was good, but the patties weren't really smashed down enough to get a nice crust. The stroganoff lacked the creaminess youd expect. I might consider coming back, but definitely not in a rush to do so.
Steve Norris
5 months agoThe food was great! I had the Sea Bass and it melted in my mouth. I had a signature drink a smores old fashion that makes a great dessert. Server was very attentive which is something I always like. We'll be back!
Cap10Bill Nortman
Edited 11 months agoJake was connected with all the guests. Present, personable, and smoothly in control behind the bar. The Delahunt Overcast IPA poured a cloudy bronze with a lemony, lightly hopped kick. The Karl Strauss Tower X was my favorite. Golden, smooth, not too carbonated, with a crisp bitter finish that sparked something young and sharp. The crispy pork belly came in huge perfect chunks. Crackling outside, tender inside. Paired with broccolini, a poached egg, and my first take on polenta, every bite was sweet, savory, spicy. An adventure in flavors and textures. The space is beautiful and stylish. Lamps and lighting add their own charm. The hockey game is on, and if you know where to look, there's a private event room that just might transform into a speakeasy. Plenty of parking right out front free with validation, being your ticket.
Keith Thai
a year agoThe food was really good here! Everything we tried was very tasty! We, especially, liked the Cheese Dumplings and the Goat Cheese Crostini! The Lobster Ravioli was very good too! However, everything was a little heavy handed on the salt. If the chefs could ease up on the salt, it would be perfect!