Hollingshead's Delicatessen

Hollingshead's DelicatessenHollingshead's Delicatessen
Hollingshead's DelicatessenHollingshead's Delicatessen
Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

368 S Main St
Orange, California, 92868-3834
United States

(714) 978-9467 | map
hollingsheadsdeli.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.37
Reviews:
107
Ratings:
135
pDev:
9.84%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by koolchas:
Photo of koolchas
Reviewed by koolchas from California

4.15/5  rDev -5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Stopped by Hollingshead's Deli for the first time today and did not realize how close it is off the 22 (Garden Grove FWY).

This place is a hidden gem tucked away in a corner of small strip mall. Walking in the place itself is very interesting. Sandwiches on one side, a decent bar table in the back and a good sized cold section with bottles as well as shelves full of bottles and glassware. Also, some imported sweets. The middle of place is somewhat open space with tables but, very limited table space. The bar area may seat about 10 people. It is easy to see how this place can get packed very quickly depending on time of day.

What can I say, the owner is awesome. Very friendly and talkative. We walked straight to the bar, I said "ah, I missed Racer X uh?" Then, he pointed out the Pliny the Elder as a substitute. We talked beer a bit and he gave my wife and I few samples. Since we were there early (before noon), I knew I can only drink down one brew so I went with the Bear Republic Sammy's Strong Belgian Triple Ale and my wife had the Bear Republic Crystal Wit - both very tasty brews.

We decided to spit a "double" BBQ Club sandwich. I will say this - the sandwich was excellent! But, I was bit disappointed at the size of it; especially, for $12.99. Was also suprised by the cost vs. portion size given the amount of competition around them in regard to other sandwich places within walking distace of Hollingshead. I don't mind paying the price but, man, this sandwich should have been at least a foot long. My wife, who is very petitie, even was saying; "that was small .... small ... small..." So, unless you eat two or three don't plan on satisfying your hunger with one.

Overall, I this is still a solid place for beer. Tap selection is about quality not quantity and prices for brew here are very reasonable. Their bottle prices are right in align with other popular bottle shops in the OC/LA area listed here on BA. The only downside is the price of their sandwiches for the amount you get. But, as we saw during our visit, several people came in, drank a brew, and left. So, good news is you don't have to eat here in order to drink here. So, my value rating rating of $$ is for the brew only. If looking to eat, then you are looking at $$$ to $$$$ depending on what kind of sandwich you get.

Hollingshead's Deli is another solid So-Cal beer friendly location that warrants being added to my list of one touch "Favorites" in my GPS unit.

Cheers!
Sep 19, 2007
More User Ratings:
Photo of ZippyThePinhead
Reviewed by ZippyThePinhead from California

5/5  rDev +14.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
Not a cheap place to get your snack on, but they had one of the first Russian River Brewing accounts in Orange County, and they have a steady presence in their draft list of RRBC product.

Today, as an example, they had both Beatification and Propitiation in rotation with Pliny.

Come here for the beer and the food, stay for the ambiance. I love this place as a hangout but also a memorial to the mom & pop kind of business which has a heart and a soul, unlike many corporate stores. And, Russian River, almost always.
May 24, 2023
Photo of pmoersch
Reviewed by pmoersch from California

3.68/5  rDev -15.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 2.5
One of the unique features of this place is that despite its Southern California location, it is a museum of Green Bay Packer Memorabilia. So there's that. As far as the beer selection, what they lack in quantity they make up for locating unique finds. The bottle selection always has four or five "Gotta Try It" choices plus they will let you know when they can get you a special beer. If you are looking for a place that has your regular favorite all the time, this is neither the size of selection nor the environment.

There is a bar in the back where they are always tapping excellent choices in local beers. The regulars can join the club and have their own stein and they meet regularly at the tables in the middle to drink and chat at different times of the day.

Hollingshead is one of the lucky recipients when Pliny the Younger comes out but they don't play favorites and the line is usually out the door. All in all this place is a gem.
Feb 11, 2017
Photo of IceAce
Reviewed by IceAce from California

4.66/5  rDev +6.6%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5 | food: 5
Been visiting the Hollingshead family through three generations. Ken Sr. was a mentor to me when I broke into the beer biz and taught me about European beers with an emphasis on German styles.

Ken Jr. taught me the craft beer ropes and was the first person I knew who ordered from the Blind Pig Brewery in Temecula. I'll never forget that first mug of Vinny's IIPA.

Michael Kenneth is bringing the establishment into the information age and has a great feel for the business.

All the tap handles rotate and the portfolio is always excellent and varied. Food is pricy, but it's great quality all the way around and I don't mind shelling out a few extra coins for an extraordinary product.

A must see if you are in the Orange/Anaheim area.
Mar 08, 2016
Photo of Brolo75
Reviewed by Brolo75 from California

4.19/5  rDev -4.1%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4 | food: 4.25
Popped into Holllingshead's Deli to check out the selection and the sandwiches. I had a roast beef sandwich that was really good but nothing to write home about. The beer selection is good only because they carry some good beers but they don't have a big selection. It was a little pricey compared to some other stores. A nice place to stop and have a beer and a sandwich and pick up a few bottles but I would not make it my go to bottle shop if I lived in the area.
Feb 05, 2016
Photo of Lingenbrau
Reviewed by Lingenbrau from Oregon

4.86/5  rDev +11.2%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 5 | food: 4.25
Best beer place around. You're like family (good or bad) as soon as you walk in the door, killer good sando's and sides, and the best on tap selection anywhere. Amazing tap take overs usually accompanied with guests/brewers/reps, and an amazing bottle selection. And usually the first place to get new beers and all the local stuff. Kenny is one of the friendliest, knowledgeable and passionate guys you'll meet. Michael ain't so bad either (haha). Always worth the extra buck. Cheers!
Jan 27, 2016
Photo of rodbeermunch
Reviewed by rodbeermunch from Nevada

4.15/5  rDev -5%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.25
Mad vibe points for all the Packers/Midwest gear all over the place. Quality of the beers here are good, quality of the food is excellent. Everything is on the more expensive side albeit.

Service is funny. They don't kiss any ass, they can be friendly or dickish, just depends. Not really a destination location, but if you're in the area . . .
Dec 28, 2015
Photo of TriggerFingers
Reviewed by TriggerFingers from California

2.86/5  rDev -34.6%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 2.75 | selection: 2.75
So...I'm down near Disney and with all of the reviews I just had to check this place out. I was SO disappointed with the bottle selection. World class? You have got to be kidding me? Cooler selection on the back wall was...meh. Let's put it this way...they have more beer than sprouts but not as much as most BevMo's.

My BevMo in Walnut Creek has 3x the selection and pretty much everything I saw at Hollingshead. There are a few uncommon bottles which is good, but nothing you couldn't find at a good
BevMo or Totalwine. There was some seasonal stuff that was probably passed its prime and should have been pulled or discounted.

Tap selection looked good. Didn't try the food so,I can't say there. Just speaking strictly of bottle hunting. For bottles, I wouldn't make the trek...just not worth it.
Dec 03, 2015
 
Rated: 3.93 by GRG1313 from California

Oct 27, 2015
 
Rated: 4.16 by dddddddd from Washington

Jul 31, 2015
 
Rated: 4.25 by 2beerdogs from California

Jun 17, 2015
Photo of Tdizzle
Reviewed by Tdizzle from California

4.08/5  rDev -6.6%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.25
I've been going to Hollingshead's for nearly a decade. Now that it has been newly renovated, it's time to review it.

V - It's essentially a deli with a bar, and it is decorated to the rafters with Wisconsin Packers memorabilia. The place has a small, family-owned-business charm to it. The new renovation boasts nice hardwood floors, an exposed ceiling, and lots of tables. Much roomier, cleaner, and a touch classier.

Q - The place is clean, and the Hollingshead family clearly take pride in their establishment. Hollingshead's is an institution of the local craft beer scene, and they consistently get rare beer on draft. They clean their tap lines, too.

S - The service, or lack thereof, is my biggest complaint about Hollingshead's. It takes way too long to get a beer. Mike and Kenny Hollingshead will often finish entire lengthy conversations with regular customers before tending to your needs, leaving you potentially standing at the bar for a long time before someone acknowledges you. Some feel that this intentional bad service is part of the charm; but I feel that it is rude, at times.

Sel - Hollingshead's is one of the best beer bars in North Orange County. They have a great draft list and an extensive selection of bottles. They also have a great selection of deli sandwiches and delicious sides.

F - The food (sandwiches) and the sides (get the beet pickled eggs!) are very good. My only complaint is that they are small and overpriced; but the quality of the bread, meat, cheese, etc., is very good.

Hollingshead's is a great place to grab quality craft beer and good food; just be prepared for a somewhat cavalier attitude towards customer service, at times. However, I continue to come back to Hollingshead's because I feel they boast the best selection of beers in the city of Orange. Other establishments in Orange charge way too much for small pours in the same glasses that they serve water (Haven), and other establishments have redundant draft lists. Hollingshead's beer prices are high, but they pour almost everything in a 17oz mug. Can't beat that.
Jun 11, 2015
Photo of Rutager
Reviewed by Rutager from Canada (BC)

4.7/5  rDev +7.6%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
The guy and his wonderful wife that run this place are the best. Gave me the low down on deliveries and .rar's without asking, based purely on my two bottle selection. The best!
Apr 27, 2015
 
Rated: 5 by zaftigal from California

Mar 28, 2015
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Reviewed by OneBeertoRTA from California

4.58/5  rDev +4.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I've been coming here for years. I remember the good ole days when they did pitchers of PtY. Oh how times have changed...

The revolving draft list is always good, I can't think of a time I was disappointed. The bottle selection is also good and is a nice touch surrounding the limited seating.

This is an environment for folks like me who just want to drink some suds and chat with long timers in the beer community. I don't mind that they are Packers fans, because my Raiders don't give me much to bring the table these days...

The food is good, but deli isn't my favorite. I love the glasses they use and if you come a lot they will keep your glass ready for you. This place is a must for those who want a Cheers-esque quality and comfort
Mar 22, 2015
 
Rated: 4.26 by benzalman from California

Mar 03, 2015
Photo of Safa1
Reviewed by Safa1 from California

5/5  rDev +14.4%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5
Absolutely amazing. In a small area it feels like home away from home on the first visit. Family that owns it. Runs it so the service is great too. These guys and gals deserve community support and they have it.
Jan 24, 2015
 
Rated: 4.83 by MoorBeerPlz from Arizona

Jan 17, 2015
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Reviewed by indian_pale_ale from Utah

4.53/5  rDev +3.7%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 5
Killer sandwiches and beers on tap. Bottle selection is also awesome but can sometimes be pricey ($1-2 more than other local shops). However, they tend to get stuff that typically isn't found elsewhere. Great family owned business so to me it's worth spending the extra few dollars to help support that. Plus they're huge Anaheim Ducks fans which is a plus! Get the club sandwich and a RR brew on tap!
Jan 01, 2015
 
Rated: 4.48 by OCSA_1978 from California

Nov 07, 2014
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Reviewed by shoegueuze from California

4.5/5  rDev +3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
GREAT brews on tap, great bottles, and great German-style food as well. When you order a food item, they assign your number as a beer, so they'll call you as "St. Pauli Girl" or "Anchor Anniversary" when your food is ready. They have great deviled eggs and their ham salad sandwich on wheat is to die for. Come for the beer, stay for the food.
Nov 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by JackNip from Delaware

Oct 24, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by Coach_Fleags from California

Oct 18, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by HaoleToYouToo from Hawaii

Oct 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by poormishi from Illinois

Aug 21, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by ubiq3000 from California

Aug 20, 2014
Photo of aoampm
Reviewed by aoampm from Hawaii

3.96/5  rDev -9.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4.75 | food: 4.5
Been here many times and the beers on tap never disappoint. I've had everything from a goose island tap takover (which had 3 of the bourbon county beers), to special and limited Lagunitas releases such as the waldo beer. Also they reguraly have pliny and blind pig on tap which is always a nice surprise. I used to go there for the sandwiches also but the sandwiches are fairy expensive, about 7-10 dollars for a single and 14-20 bucks for a double (which is ridiculous) and that accompanied with a 6-12 dollar beer really adds up quick.

Overall its a great spot if you want awesome beer and pretty good sandwiches, just be ready to pay about 20 dollars for one single sandwich and one beer. Service is sub par but for me the beer they have make up for it. Would recommend.
Jul 26, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by fthegiants from California

Jul 10, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Smshn from California

Jun 28, 2014
 
 
Rated: 4.5 by Rollzroyce21 from California

Jun 11, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by rm20015 from California

Jun 05, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by jeff1973 from California

Apr 04, 2014
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Reviewed by BingCrosby7 from California

4.86/5  rDev +11.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 5 | food: 4.75
This is a wonderful place. What you can't get on tap, you can certainly find in a bottle. The food is fantastic, though I feel it is overpriced. These guys also carry some pretty special beers, so some of the taps are understandably pricey.

Kenny Hollingshead is a wonderful man and he runs a wonderful delicatessen. I try to go here at least once a week to stop by and have a drink and a cheese/meat platter.
Mar 19, 2014
Photo of orangesol
Reviewed by orangesol from Pennsylvania

4.36/5  rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Stopped in here yesterday, my first time visiting this place after hearing about it for years. Atmosphere was good. People eating at most of the tables, including some of the ones right in front of the beers I was trying to look at. Service was great. I was asked if I needed help twice and the woman who checked me out could not have been nicer. Quality was great. Food looked top notch, even though I didn't partake this time, and the beers all were high quality offerings. Selection was great. They have a ton of beer packed into a small place. I was able to find two Almanac's I had been searching for so that was a welcome surprise. No food this time but it looked awesome from what I saw. Prices were more than reasonable on most of the bottles I was interested in. Overall a really nice bottle shop that I would definitely return to in the future.
Feb 12, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by WeaponsOfConquest from California

Feb 06, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by nealbert from California

Jan 23, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Booner818 from California

Dec 16, 2013
Hollingshead's Delicatessen in Orange, CA
Place rating: 4.37 out of 5 with 135 ratings