Benjamin's Bakery & Cafe's Delicious Legacy

I ate my share of bagels from breakfast and lunch spots for several years until I encountered a superior bagel made by Benjamin's Bakery & Cafe.

Fresh is the focus of this business at 810 3rd Ave. S. in Surfside Beach.

I have been a customer since 1993, and what I enjoyed about it then is what I still enjoy now - fresh-from-the-oven bagels paired with some of my preferred morning eats and lunches.

When I bite into a bag from Benjamin’s, there is a distinctive crunch and then the pleasure of an airy, light bagel. They were not dense and doughy like bagels elsewhere.

The jalapeno bagel with cheddar cheese, the everything bagel (with onion, garlic, poppy seeds, and salt), and the cinnamon raisin bagel are among my top choices. Every bagel has exceptional taste, texture, and freshness.

Yet, that is not all -- there is an assembly line of bread, rolls, and endless treats made fresh here too.

Anything on the menu is a great partner to the bagels. Bagel chips with hummus make a premier side to my sandwich called the cran-eerific. Served on cranberry multigrain bread, it features turkey, cheddar cheese, spinach, tomatoes, and a luscious, zesty cranberry spread. The chicken salad and grilled Reuben are home runs too.

When I visit, my senses are pleasantly overwhelmed by the sights and smells.

Benjamin’s is a gathering spot for folks in the Surfside Beach community and beyond it. People sit along the street at sidewalk tables decorated with soft blue chairs covered by bright yellow umbrellas. If guests venture inside, they pick from a comfy selection of tables, an armchair, and a sofa in a decor of warm and dark colors. The inside is similar to a cozy den and kitchen. This beloved hub, founded by Lee Zulanch nearly 30 years ago, is a relaxed vibe where goodies await.

He is the owner and a gem of a pal. Zulanch makes everyone he encounters feel welcome in this space. Zulanch describes the food as simple and fresh. He spoke the absolute truth.

The food is not fancy, but it is good food ripe flavor. Nothing beats a bakery and cafe that makes everything on-site. In addition to bagels, there are cookies, cinnamon rolls, an assortment of bread, and cakes.

The cinnamon raisin oatmeal cookies are my preferred treats because they satisfy my sweet tooth without making me feel guilty. The savory options flatter my taste buds just as well.

Specialty sides include fruit salad and pasta salad, which are superb accompanists to chicken noodles and creamy potato soup. The latter is blessed with chips of bacon and thin circles of scallions, both of which pump up the flavor.

Benjamin’s also has an array of libations, including smoothies, coffees from around the world, and expressos. I stick to the smoothies, especially the mango.

There has never been a bad or wrong choice at Benjamin’s. No matter what I eat and drink, it is delicious, satisfying, and memorable. The food, environment, and staff make Benjamin’s the stellar pick for my penchant for bagels that always bring what I want in every scrumptious bite.