The Workshop - Benicia

Wonderful, delicious, authentic Cajun eats. My go to lunch here is the brisket po’boy with a side of Brussel sprouts. If I’m with other, I’ll get the hush puppi... read more Wonderful, delicious, authentic Cajun eats. My go to lunch here is the brisket po’boy with a side of Brussel sprouts. If I’m with other, I’ll get the hush puppies too.

I wasn't as impressed as some of the other reviewers. I ordered a $12 bowl of gumbo, and when the server informed me it was chicken and sausage gumbo, I was con... read more I wasn't as impressed as some of the other reviewers. I ordered a $12 bowl of gumbo, and when the server informed me it was chicken and sausage gumbo, I was confused because the menu didn't indicate it was a daily special; it clearly listed what was included in the $12 bowl. Unfortunately, there were no shrimp or crab, just a bowl of greasy broth with some rice and vegetables, which resembled more of a gravy than gumbo. Additionally, I waited at least 10 minutes for dry hush puppies that would have been good, but were so dry that I needed a glass of water just to swallow them. Other diners seemed pleased, but my experience with my order was disappointing. On a positive note, everyone was friendly, and the place was very clean. I can only comment on the two dishes I ordered that day. I hope this feedback is helpful.

Excellent food, particularly the Saturday special beans and rice. I overlooked this great place for months because of its unhelpful name— I thought it was a car... read more Excellent food, particularly the Saturday special beans and rice. I overlooked this great place for months because of its unhelpful name— I thought it was a carpentry store.

I also tried the Mixed Seafood platter, which featured shrimp, oysters, catfish, and hush puppies. The outdoor seating area is lovely, and they play excellent m... read more I also tried the Mixed Seafood platter, which featured shrimp, oysters, catfish, and hush puppies. The outdoor seating area is lovely, and they play excellent music, creating a vibrant atmosphere with people coming and going. I found street parking easily without any issues. Overall, it was a great experience!

I really enjoyed every aspect of this place. The hush puppies were fantastic, and both the catfish and shrimp Po Boys were incredibly tasty. The only thing I di... read more I really enjoyed every aspect of this place. The hush puppies were fantastic, and both the catfish and shrimp Po Boys were incredibly tasty. The only thing I didn't care for was the cocktail sauce, which had a very strong horseradish flavor. If you love horseradish, you'll probably enjoy it, but for me, it was a bit overpowering. The shrimp Po Boy comes with a generous amount of cocktail sauce, so if it’s your first time, I recommend asking for it on the side. On a positive note, the tartar sauce was excellent, and I think the shrimp Po Boy with tartar sauce will be amazing—I’ll definitely try that next time. We just heated up our gumbo, so I’ll let you know how that turns out!