Hollingshead's Delicatessen
Type: Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go
368 S Main St
Orange, California, 92868-3834
United States
(714) 978-9467 | map
hollingsheadsdeli.com
Notes:
No notes at this time.
Added by Dogbrick
PLACE STATS
- Reviews:
- 106
- Ratings:
- pDev:
- 10.09%
HISTOGRAM
View: Place Reviews
Ratings: 135 | Reviews: 106
Reviews by RidiculedDisplay:
4.7/5 rDev +7.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Since I'm based in Santa Barbara currently but have parents that live in Long Beach, I decided to take the opportunity to swing by the Orange, CA deli I've heard so much about here on BA. I wasn't dissapointed.
I stopped in on a clear, cool Thursday evening about an hour and a half before closing. The atmosphere, in a state whose people and, at times, establishments tend to lack character (I admit this despite being a CA native), is wonderful. Wisconsonian(?) at its best. Very friendly staff, and a crowd of lively, friendly, and ecclectic regulars. Some drank their favorite bottled brews there in the store from the large cooler to your right as you walk in, some from the 10 or so taps Hollingshead offers. No, this is not a place for decorum, but again, it has character. Picnic tables and old-fashioned bar stools, impromptu beer tap handles and sandwich menu signs, etc.
I didn't get a chance to try the food, although I apparently could have. Instead, I, of course, went for the beer. Their cooler contains some nice offerings - Yule Smith, a variety of Belgian beers, Stone, Marin, Moylans, and other West Coast offerings, and a sizeable German selection as well. However, compared to, say Hi-Times or some other comparable OC or LA area beer store, it isn't particularly special (although I did spot a large bottle of Jolly Pumpkin beer behind the bar counter, but I assumed that was for Ken & co's personal imbibment), just comparable. The specialness of the place is in the taps. 10 were offered when I came in there. Recently I saw they had switched out Pliny the Elder from Russian River for Perdition, which I was a little disappointed at, so I was happy to see, while I would have liked to try Perdition, that Elder had returned for me to try for the first time. The rest of the taps were as follows: Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard, Drake's #1500 Imperial IPA, Drake's "Hoppy Brown" (don't know what this is exactly, had a Drake's tap handle with a hand written sign), ReaperAle Deathly Pale Ale, (Wettenburger) Kloster Winter-Traum, Spaten Pils, N'Ice Chouffe, Anderson Valley Winter Solstice, Aktien Brauerei Hell Bock, Alaskan Winter Ale, Stone 9th Anniversary Ale, and Lagunitas Cappucino Stout. All great offerings. However, when I was in there, I ordered an Oaked Bastard only to find that, while it came out of the Oaked AB tap, it was defintiively a German lager that I was drinking. Maybe Ken accidentally crossed the taps?
Overall a great experience. Ken Jr. mentioned his father is still on the mend, and that his mother just broke a hip as well, so Saturday closings are probably indefinite at this point. This fact also made it difficult for Ken to estimate when his next tasting will be, but he did spat off some brewers he wants to highlight: Tomme Arthur from Port, the Ballast Point fellows, and a few others.
2,854 characters
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
Since I'm based in Santa Barbara currently but have parents that live in Long Beach, I decided to take the opportunity to swing by the Orange, CA deli I've heard so much about here on BA. I wasn't dissapointed.
I stopped in on a clear, cool Thursday evening about an hour and a half before closing. The atmosphere, in a state whose people and, at times, establishments tend to lack character (I admit this despite being a CA native), is wonderful. Wisconsonian(?) at its best. Very friendly staff, and a crowd of lively, friendly, and ecclectic regulars. Some drank their favorite bottled brews there in the store from the large cooler to your right as you walk in, some from the 10 or so taps Hollingshead offers. No, this is not a place for decorum, but again, it has character. Picnic tables and old-fashioned bar stools, impromptu beer tap handles and sandwich menu signs, etc.
I didn't get a chance to try the food, although I apparently could have. Instead, I, of course, went for the beer. Their cooler contains some nice offerings - Yule Smith, a variety of Belgian beers, Stone, Marin, Moylans, and other West Coast offerings, and a sizeable German selection as well. However, compared to, say Hi-Times or some other comparable OC or LA area beer store, it isn't particularly special (although I did spot a large bottle of Jolly Pumpkin beer behind the bar counter, but I assumed that was for Ken & co's personal imbibment), just comparable. The specialness of the place is in the taps. 10 were offered when I came in there. Recently I saw they had switched out Pliny the Elder from Russian River for Perdition, which I was a little disappointed at, so I was happy to see, while I would have liked to try Perdition, that Elder had returned for me to try for the first time. The rest of the taps were as follows: Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard, Drake's #1500 Imperial IPA, Drake's "Hoppy Brown" (don't know what this is exactly, had a Drake's tap handle with a hand written sign), ReaperAle Deathly Pale Ale, (Wettenburger) Kloster Winter-Traum, Spaten Pils, N'Ice Chouffe, Anderson Valley Winter Solstice, Aktien Brauerei Hell Bock, Alaskan Winter Ale, Stone 9th Anniversary Ale, and Lagunitas Cappucino Stout. All great offerings. However, when I was in there, I ordered an Oaked Bastard only to find that, while it came out of the Oaked AB tap, it was defintiively a German lager that I was drinking. Maybe Ken accidentally crossed the taps?
Overall a great experience. Ken Jr. mentioned his father is still on the mend, and that his mother just broke a hip as well, so Saturday closings are probably indefinite at this point. This fact also made it difficult for Ken to estimate when his next tasting will be, but he did spat off some brewers he wants to highlight: Tomme Arthur from Port, the Ballast Point fellows, and a few others.
2,854 characters
More User Reviews:
3.08/5 rDev -29.4%
vibe: 3 | quality: 1.75 | 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.
959 characters
vibe: 3 | quality: 1.75 | 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.
959 characters
4.45/5 rDev +2.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
4.66/5 rDev +6.9%
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.
742 characters
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.
742 characters
4.19/5 rDev -3.9%
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.
466 characters
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.
466 characters
4.86/5 rDev +11.5%
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!
492 characters
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!
492 characters
4.15/5 rDev -4.8%
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 . . .
351 characters
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 . . .
351 characters
2.86/5 rDev -34.4%
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.
803 characters
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.
803 characters
3.93/5 rDev -9.9%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3.5
4.16/5 rDev -4.6%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4
4.25/5 rDev -2.5%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4.25
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25 | food: 4.25
4.08/5 rDev -6.4%
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.
2,088 characters
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.
2,088 characters
4.7/5 rDev +7.8%
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!
177 characters
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!
177 characters
4.58/5 rDev +5%
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
751 characters
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
751 characters
4.26/5 rDev -2.3%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.25
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.25
5/5 rDev +14.7%
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.
211 characters
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.
211 characters
4.83/5 rDev +10.8%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 3.5
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 3.5
4.53/5 rDev +3.9%
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!
406 characters
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!
406 characters
4.5/5 rDev +3.2%
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.
343 characters
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.
343 characters
Hollingshead's Delicatessen in Orange, CA
Place rating:
4.36 out of
5 with
135 ratings
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