Benny and Marys - Irvine (CA)

4 /5 Alex Lee: The interior of Benny and Marys 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 werent 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.

5 /5 Cap10Bill Nortman: Jake 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, theres a private event room that just might transform into a speakeasy. Plenty of parking right out front free with validation, being your ticket.

5 /5 Steve Norris: The 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. Well be back!

5 /5 BeFamousVideo: My 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 Marys stands out as a clear winner. We will definitely be back and look forward to dining here soon.

1 /5 Pejman Malaz: The bartenders were super nice, but the manager kept arguing with them about a broken blender and cleaning an extra shelf instead of helping, which made them ignore the only four customers in the place. The happy hour isn’t worth it — two drinks and a flatbread cost me $53. The flatbread had a lot of cheese, but some of the lower layers were still cold. It’s sad because the place itself is beautiful, but it’s easy to see why so many staff members have left and why it seems to be going downhill. This was my ninth — and last — visit.