Reviews of Benchmark (Restaurant)

Taryn Watkins

Wonderful staff, great food.

Venecia Alvarez

The website caps your brunch reservation at 12, so I called to see if they could make a larger reservation over the phone. They took my name and number and said they’d call back within the hour. A couple days went by so I tried to call again- nobody answered and the voicemail box was full. I had the same problem for a few days until someone finally answered and put me on hold so they could check with their manager. I was on hold for 6 minutes before it redirected me to voicemail. I called again and a different person answered and put me on hold again for 6 minutes, so I just gave up. Honestly felt like they were playing some cruel joke on me and all I wanted to do was celebrate my birthday there.

Karen Torres

Cool environment. Great food for the AYCE on Sundays

Debbie Afanador

Nice...only thing. Bathrooms always have to be downstairs?

Corondulay Howard

Good food, great music but they need better AC.

Tyler Saieg

A bit expensive but then again, this is Chicago.

Madelin Miles

Great service! However, if you are going for some unique food and for a low key brunch atmosphere this is not your place! This is for a younger crowd who likes thumping music and wants to enjoy bottomless mimosas! The food selection is vast but the quality and uniqueness is very average to me.

Erick Torres

awesome staff and great food!

Stephanie Sorrentino

Love this place the atmosphere is so fun and they have great drinks! This is definitely a 20-somethings favorite!

Denise Kulick

My son proposed to his girlfriend September 2nd in front of Benchmark. (Where they had first met) We called ahead to arrange the surprise and the manager and staff could not have been any kinder! We celebrated with brunch after she said "yes"! Great food, great atmosphere, great place! Looking forward to going back.

Eric Tulod

Came here after a show at the Aragon ballroom. Lovely bartender. Kitchen is open until late for those hungry forth emailers. Very friendly. Very homey. I would definitely make it back over here if I’m ever in the area!

Lisa Lerner

Food is really good. Waitstaff and management are also very welcoming. Love going there for football games and other sporting events.

Matt Protasiewicz

Love the centrally located island bar area. Not busy when I was there. Smaller draft selection. Music was loud for my taste. TVs everywhere but too loud to focus on anything. Younger crowd with a little bit of a club vibe.

michael esquivel

Great place, Great food... Great Service

Jamila McMillon

The drinks were priced fairly. Way better than prices downtown. There was a short line (Saturday night) to get in and a longer line to get upstairs once inside.

George Salomon

Wide selection brunch, bottomless mimosas, I loved the nachos and sliders off the menu. Nice crowd with a variety of seating options.

Jacqueline Perez

Went over with a couple of friends for cinco de mayo and had a lot of fun. Great food, service, and beer selection. It does get very loud, but staff members were helpful, especially the one with glasses, nice hair, and Doc marten boots!

Evan Saenz

Super cool spot in Old Town, hardly any cover!

David Wagner

Great local bar bartenders wait staff friendly drinks were good food was going

Matthew Breger

Decent

Pete Becker

Best sports bar in Old Town. The atmosphere is awesome, especially in the summer when they open the roof up. The beer list is great, the food is solid. Nowhere else to watch a game. 2 thumbs up!

Jesse Resendez

Really nice staff, a nice place to go with good bar food.

Sung Woo Koh

Awesome brunch. Waitresses were awesome.

I S

Great staff and good crowd

Jeanne Private

Music was way too loud for the time of day, imo. Couldnt hold conversation easily when struggling to hear each other over the early 90's music. The venue/restaurant had two floors. Two bars, bouncers. Buffet style brunch for $25. a person, bottomless mimosas were extra. May need reservations as the place was packed at noon. Unfortunately I cant comment on the food since I did not eat. Stayed until my friends finished their drinks and then we left. I felt this experience would have been more pleasant for me if it were in the late evening. At noon was just a reminder that I may be getting old. Lol

Bobby Stutz

Line can get super long on weekend nights. Not a great spot if you're looking to dance. A good number of attractive people always seem to be here.

Steve Bartman

I was there just last week. I was treated well. This made me like being back in Chicago. But then I thought to myself, "do they know who I am?".

Darnell Jackson

Brunch was great

Diana Moore

I was truly surprised! The food was awesome, the service was on point and the ambiance was great! And it was not expensive! I would recommend it to others! Good job!

Miya

One of the best bars I've been to in Chicago. The service is great, and I highly suggest the Mediterranean platter if you want something more than fries!

Dean Ramsay

Great place with awesome food!! 5

Kristen E. Lunny

LOVE LOVE LOVE Benchmark!! Great bar. AWESOME Southwest Salad -- seriously, to die for! Great wait staff and such a fun atmosphere. Love the open roof in the summer/good weather.

Ben Fredricks

It was really loud and we waited almost 20 minutes before even seeing a menu. The food and drinks were good, but not exceptional, and it was a bit pricy considering all the other similar places around.

Symphony Love

Amazing customer service, setting and vibe. Billy is absolutely amazing and staff is very sweet and accommodating. Food is delicious and served quickly. Great drinks!! They went above and beyond to make sure our table was happy. Will be back again.

mmerabi3

Manager here named "JT" is on a power trip. He walks on the sidewalk and if he sees anyone with a cup whether it's alcohol or not, he then bans them from the bar. He doesn't ask you to throw it away, he walks up and tries to grab it from you and then kicks groups out if anyone doesn't comply immediately. Don't come here

Valery Levitt

Benchmark is a fun place to go and the food is pretty great. Sometimes, it can be too much to handle on the weekends because it becomes very snooty and most of the people who go there make it have a different vibe. It can also get insanely crowded.

TJ Sopoci

A lot of nice patio seating out front and a cool retractable rooftop. I had a Korean Bowl that was solid and my GF had steak tacos that were also delicious. Pretty quiet tonight but can get super packed on weekends.

Jesus Urquiza

This is honestly an incredible place. Great aesthetics great prices great waitresses.

Joseph Govi

Cool atmosphere but bartenders didn't know how to make a few basic drinks.

Rachel Wille

4 of us came here to watch a Cubs playoff game. We got here early because we had no idea if it would be crowded, especially with college football on. It's a pretty interesting crowd. They have a lot of tvs which is good. They played music almost like a club, but when the game came on they had the commentary on the audio which was great! Drinks were good and the food was pretty good too. Don't waste your time with the arugula pizza though it wasn't very good. Nachos were yummy- I am not a nacho person but I really enjoyed these. Fish tacos were good too. We saw some other appetizers at other tables that smelled and looked good as well. I liked that they had the retractable roof. Some bars get stuffy and hot and this allowed air flow. They did close it later on in the night when it got a bit chilly but we didn't even notice. Fun atmosphere.

eyob kifle

Our company set up a party for 200 ppl . The food was good. I ordered whisky. They refused to serve me whisky with ice & the wisky with soda they served us the whole night all soda with little whisky. I asked for a whisky with water just to check how dilute the drink is & it was all water. After 20 or more glasses of alcohol I am still sober & feel like I was drinking soda the whole night! My group tried to tip the bar tenders & it still didn't work. I felt bad for our company, they paid for alcohol drinks & we were served soda & water the whole night! I suggest you don't do group event here! I gave a 3 star bs of the food & the server with tattoos(she was really nice to us)!

Megan Bos

Rowdy bar in old town- fun if you are in the mood! Tends to b very busy - but open air roof top of great for football on the weekends

Levi Houston

Awesome food amazing customer service!

Trevor Stratton

My wife and I went there a couple weekends ago. When I checked my bank account they nearly charged me double what the bill was. I called numerous times to get it resolved. Everytime they told me they would have the manager call me back, and that hasn't happened yet. Once I get the money back that they owe me, I will definitely change the review to a favorable one.

Adrian Sanchez

This small place becomes a nightclub at night this is not a sports bar at all. Waste of time and energy.

Luis Bonet

Good bar in old Town. Great in the summer. I come back because they make mojitos. Unfortunately, last time I was there, they didn't have them available.

Amy Ravit Korin

Always a line out the door on the weekends, but we like coming on week nights for game & people watching. Lots of TVs showing all games, but can be hard to snag a seat. Love the retractable roof and a solid bar menu. Very sceney if you are coming on the weekends, dress to impress!

Bailey Thompson

This bar played taylor swift & the frozen song within ten minutes of arrival. will go back! Bathrooms are down a stairwell and did freak me out.

Marisa Marco

Hot Soft Pretzels. With cheese dipping sauce. That's really all I had to see on the menu to know I'd love it - even if it was to just have a beer & a pretzel. And I love that you can put any of their salads in a wrap. (All of the Four Corners bars do this actually) Tips: They have a late night menu that's served until last call & the pretzels are on it! It gets real busy on game days (no specific affiliation with a college), so if it's nice...get there early to reserve a good spot.

Sarah Tobias

Trendy, loud, and cool! Two floors, good food. Sunday brunch. Not the best place for intimate conversations.

Stephanie Fay

Upscale bar scene with sports loud crowd and spacious booths for group outings.

Tamara Hawil

I was at this restaurant a year ago for drinks and appetizers. We ordered the nachos and they were extremely salty. I did not try the drinks that were ordered.

Vincent Aviles

Couldn’t have found a better brunch spot. The buffet has everything you love from a make your own omelette bar to the wall of donuts. With bottomless mimosas you will never find your glass empty as the servers are extra attentive. The 4C Smash burger is always delicious and the buffalo wings always just perfect. They have some of the best fish tacos I’ve had outside of Southern California and the buffalo rolls are always spiced just right. I’ve found a great love for the food here but nothing beats a nice Saturday night on the second floor where the roof is retractable. Nothing beats having a drink with friends under the stars.

MyAngela Jenkins

Loved loved loved the rooftop. Cute signs, fun atmosphere. Good place to day drink for sure.

Pete Fortunado

Was excited to go here. A lot of action and excitement. Beautiful day. Had dinner and drinks outside but that is where the fun ended. When my friend and I proceeded inside the wait staff was downright rude and snobby. I understand service can be difficult to control but the general vibe I got was not good. I like this place and would like to come back. I just hope the management can get the attitude problems corrected.

Jordan Coughlin

This place is BOMB - keep reading. Levi, the bouncer, was very polite and noticed a sticker on my phone. He told Carolina, the hostess, that I am vegan. She informed the manager, Marty, of this fact who not only made sure there were some vegan options but actually went straight to the chef and asked him to make sure the party I was with got strictly vegan plates - JUST for me. Our waitress, Brianne, kept our glasses flowing - even after we gave her the checks - with champagne for mimosas and was EXTREMELY diligent and kind in her service. Ian kept the dirty plates out of our faces and was super sweet. I went to notify her and the GM - Billy - about how amazing the service here was and how grateful I was since it was my friend’s birthday and he made sure everyone was well taken care of and had a fantastic time. I will definitely be back here and 20/10 recommend this place. There are plenty of bars to go to but there’s something about a place that makes you feel valued that really deserves, not only my love and respect, bull all my money too. This is a rare gem.

Erin Thor

Benchmark is a great bar - especially in the warmer months since they have a retractable roof. What I like about it is it's not too fancy, but not a dive either. It's always busy, and you'll likely wait in a line outside. If in Old Town, this or Pour House are my favorites. I've had food there once, and it's bar food. Exactly what I expected. Don't come here looking for a gourmet meal, but DO come here for some beers on a hot Saturday afternoon!

Nancy Thomas

Great place to visit with friends. Good food and options!

Kevin Berry

I've came from really liking Benchmark to it just being average, thus the 4 star rating. Sports bar in Old Town so it can get crowded and packed sometimes making it hard to get a drink. But the times I've been when it was less crowded, my experience was a lot better. Never ate the food here but the bartenders make a pretty good drink. Drinks are a tad bit pricey but the norm for the area. Its a good spot to go if you are meeting up with coworkers or an after work function. If you like the type of sports bar where you can't hear the sports being shown on TV, this isn't the place for you. Crowd age ranges from college kids to old cougars sitting at the bar.

Steven Steele

The drinks were expensive and the women were stuck up

Michael Saucier

Overpriced and nothing special.

Maya Rose

The food was amazing.

Tierany Williams

Been here several times, always great food and great vibes! Would’ve given 5 stars but one particular night my friend and I were told that our credit card had to be held until after we closed our tab or we could pre pay and we had just ordered!Not sure what that was about « but I really know what that was about » that kinda put us off for the night and left us a bit disappointed.

stacy tucker

Would have given 5 stars, but for some reason they didn't have their patio set up on a gorgeous Friday evening. We went specifically to sit outside (I mean, the food is good too) but had to go elsewhere to sit outside. Margherita pizza is delicious. Has some really healthy salad options (kale salad).

La Lisa Guyton

Benchmark is a bar and grill type setting with big Screen TV's, pub tables, and couches upstairs. It has a open bar, a patio, a roof top balcony as well a darts playing area. The food is excellent the Wraps and Nacho's are all that. The staff works well together Bartenders friendly, Security guards, Waiters, and Management are open for whatever you need. Pleasant place to hang out for a date, group business meeting or even a birthday party. There is a ATM on site. DJ music playing Hip hop, and Disco. They check for ID's at the door with no cover charge. Your pet is welcome on the patio. Nice restrooms downstairs. Enjoy!!!

Nicholas Leedy

Very generous with the bottomless mimosas! Amazing brunch. Great service. They call it "Benchmark" for a reason.

lavender pal

Very fresh food

Boda Charles

Have you ever seen the Planet Earth episodes where they film Alaskan breeding grounds for migratory birds? Where it’s just thousands and thousands of the same birds standing next to each other? That’s like Benchmark, except it’s millennial hipsters that congregate here. All dressed the exact same.

Kunwar Kochar

What a place. Pumping on Saturday mornings as well!

Tom Stam

Not just an Old Town bar... Benchmark is a contemporary landmark. Good for drinks, it is also all right to socialize. (Thankfully they do not play obnoxiously loud music. When they play music it is loud enough, but you can always, if provided enough distance from the source, find space for a normal conversation.) The food is fairly good, but it is more of an appetizers place... Of course, it is key to know that the waitresses / barmaids are, well, ridiculously hot.

roberto garcia

Always a great time there. Brunch specials during the weekend is always a plus. Love the upstairs/roof top area.

Dwayne Lewis

Awesome Environment

eugene lindsey

Great place to hang out and chill.

Barbie Dela Cruz

Brunch set up could be better. Stations for food not in the greatest area. Too congested

Corey Griffin

There are a few places in Chicago with "club brunch" events, and Benchmark is one of them. Fremont is another in which they usually have a live DJ and/or dance floor along with brunch stations. You pay a flat fee and get bottomless mimosas and all you can eat breakfast. If you're up for day drinking, club music, and have a larger crowd of friends, this can be a great time. I personally prefer brunch with a single date or a small group and a chill atmosphere, so the Benchmark isn't really for me, but I can definitely see the appeal. 20 minutes south of this location is the Fremont.

Dona Spears

Awesome atmosphere and tasty food.. My fav is the Kale salad.. Yummy!

Josh Meagher

Fun bar, got crazy at night. Good music and super crowded.

Madison Cherry

Truly the worst place I’ve been to. Staff is awful, super rude. Literally asked the bar tender to make me a certain shot and straight up told me no because she didn’t feel like making it. Ok??? This is your job but ok.

Denisse Clark

Great place to hang out! We're tourists.

Gowon Snyder

Very good food. Good prices and the staff is friendly and attentive.

Sean Sodko

Great food.

Randall Kam

A really loud/packed night club with bottle service for a price!

Wesley Coleman

i loved it the bar had good service The atmosphere was very friendly

meeks Cortez

Relaxing

Emma Colben

Racism is still alive. My friend ordered drinks and the bartender said “they’re $18 each” my friend said “thats fine”. Then, before charging the card, the bartender said it was declined. After that, another friend ordered shots and not only did the bartender not say anything, she got mad after she looked at the bill. We paid with an Amex and then they started to be nice. We felt some racisim and hostility with other people around us but we felt it more with staff. Music was great, but how can 20 something year olds be so rude? Would not recommend and would not come back.

Monique M

Upscale environment with casual vibes, Benchmark is a great place to have a fun, lowkey night out when you still have the urge to dress up. The crowd is definitely more 'fashionable' than what you would find at your typical sports bar but the atmosphere is just as laid back. The food and drinks are great and the bartenders are the same. A good place for viewing the games but don't expect to hear anything.

Fabian Sansona

It was great, a wonderful place where stories start and legends begin.

Stephane Blardone

Gus is pretty deeeece as a bartender. Ask him about his magic tricks .

Keita Erskine

The crowd, man. The crowd.

Kamran Lalani

Always a good crowd and the service here is excellent!! Good place to catch a few drinks and games....

Allegra Socki

Great crowd here! The food is amazing and the staff here is even better. It seemed like a hectic night (a week or 2 ago), but our server was quick and she was very friendly, remembering our drink orders when we asked for a second round. Great view during the daytime, especially when the roof opens up during nice days. I'm definitely going to go back on the next warm day!

Courtney Wilson

Definitely the spot for brunch.

Lauren Howard

Their brunch is great! They have a really cool bloody mary bar. Overall fun place.

Taylor Hipskind

Management is terrible. Couldn’t stand in the bar without ordering a drink. Waitress called the manager because I didn’t have a drink in my hand. They told me to order a drink or leave. I’ll take my service elsewhere. Benchmark is setting the benchmark real low.

jorge patino

Cool people !

Shereena Allison

I loved it

Rick Munster

Benchmark sets the bar extra low for music, service, price and neighborhood appeal. It's a shame because some of the food is actually good. If you want a good sports bar with good food in Chicago then go most anyplace else in most any other neighborhood.

Aman Gudluri

Overcrowded and loud. But I guess that's the whole point of it anyway.

Geno Walker

Might be the best bar in Chicago. Staff and atmoshpere are super cool. Also love the food. and great drink specials. TRIVIA on Tuesday nights is THE BEST!!!

Altan Erdemir

Thumbs up emoji

Mario Morales

Great place to watch sports in Old Town

Jenifer Herranz

The place y nice and brunch was decent. Good prices

Nathan Oliver

Great buffet the brunch drinks keep coming lol. I don't drink so I watched my wife get brunch skunk drunk. Lol. Good time though very impressed.

Joe Piehl

A great Old Town sports bar with a health number of TVs throughout. Packed on the weekends, during the day the retractable roof is normally open and at night this is a good place to host a party.

Julio Carrasco

Definitely gets a 5 star rating from me. The food and drinks are great and the bartender gets a 6 star rating from me. Korina was sweet and professional as can be. If you're in the area of here stop by. Believe that.

Nicholas Taylor

I enjoyed the food and the service and atmosphere

Eric Heinz

Fantastic brunch. The brisket was some of the best. The kale salad surprised us all! Very good food

Kia Smith

On August 17th, I reserved a table for a party of 7 for my brother’s birthday. Everything was going good, my waitress Bailey was GREAT. The problem came as my party and I were getting ready to leave. Noticing that we had a bit of mimosa to drink after we paid for our food, I had my brother chug his so we could go to our next destination. Very abruptly, a staff member comes over and says to me that he can’t do that. We ignored him. The same staff member comes back no more than 5 minutes later and snatches my glass out my hand mid-pour and starts making a scene. He’s talking over me, getting louder and louder and calls security over to kick us out.... even though we were leaving ANYWAY. Needless to say, despite my server being great, I will NEVER step foot into this establishment again because what I won’t tolerate is rude, belligerent behavior. That staff member invaded my personal space, and almost ruined my brother’s birthday. I would honestly like to speak to the owners because I question the integrity of a place that allows its staff to treat paying customers with such blatant disrespect. Don’t go here. Its not worth rude behavior.

linda dixon

The staff was so generous and nice. We were treated like family. Ill always go back. Food was awesome. Very clean & inviting. Everyone had a good time

Joe S

It is a nice bar with some stiff drinks. To me, the place is only as good as the company you bring with you. Food looked good. To me, the bar does not offer much in for of entertainment, music in the background was upbeat and trendy.

Julian Rodriguez

A sports bar in Chicago that won’t put the Bulls game on. Nah....

Brittany Stoll

What a great Bar!! Love this you're like really pretty!

Sydney Spivey

I attended the Sunday morning brunch . Staff was nice . Place was clean . Very unique decor . But I was disappointed by the food . Not a lot of variety more of a lunch buffet rather than brunch buffet . Food was not hot unless it was the cook to order omelet or waffles . Definitely not worth the $30 for brunch .

Gena Alvarez

Loud crowd, but good food.

Bishop O

Nice pub

Monica DeWane

Good brunch for the price

Joe Simoy

Awesome bar. Great service, great place to hang after dinner in the area.

Kelly Shaver

Overall good experience with this place. Food was delicious definitely will be back for that alone! The only problem I had was with the hostess. We had missed our reservation due to car troubles and they will not seat you unless your whole group is present. When we all finally got there she said they didnt have a reservation for us and that if you miss your reservation it will just go away. We tried calling several times to let them know that we were coming, but there was no answer. We asked if they would still be able to seat us and they checked and they could. The hostess walked us upstairs into a far back corner and then just gestured her hand to the corner area. There were 3 tables that were open so we figured it was just fair game. Then she she came back and told us we were supposed to sit at this very small table with a couch and 3 pillows on the floor. There was NO WAY 7 people could eat comfortably there. Plus we were there for a bachelorette party and most of us were in dresses and heels. We were not about to sit on a pillow on the floor. The manager eventually came over and was able to get us at a table where we could all sit together. Our waitress was really nice but she forgot a few drinks and we didnt see her much. The food was really food and most the staff was nice!

Ryan Sites

Great views from the balcony above

Tee Mac

Good fun

Richard Lehman

Visited this bar for the 1st time over the weekend. Met with a manager name Billy while I was walking through the bar. Went upstairs to hang out Billy made his way up stairs introduced me to the bartenders And made sure that I was enjoying myself and making shore that the bar was running smooth. Will definitely make my way to the bar again enjoyed myself had a great time what an awesome atmosphere.

Sandy Dee

I wish I could give them 10 stars! Absolutely great place and top-level customer service. Staff is friendly and accommodating. I went there on Thursday night for the first time. The restaurant has a sports bar feel, however also has seating outside and looks like it has the potential to have a day party vibe as well. I got there and was seated with my friends. I ordered the nachos but somehow the nice waitress heard tacos which is understandable with the setting having music playing as well as TVs going I the background and chatter from neighboring tables. The food came quick, although the wrong order. She called the owner (I think) Billy, who was an absolute sweetheart, and he clarified my order with me a few times and was very apologetic and said he would let the cook know. Needless to say, shortly after he did not only bring me a plate of nachos, but a whole tray that could LITERALLY feed our whole table of 8 twice. He once again apologized and even came to follow up and ask if everything was all right and to my liking. When getting ready to pay, he expressed that my meal was on the house. I was in shock by how nice everyone was and so accommodating. They went above and beyond to rectify a small mistake and it made a lasting impression. I was very appreciative and I will most definitely be going back!

Kate Frankenberg

Beware of douche bags. This place is great during the week or during the day on the weekend, but at night on Friday and Saturday this place attracts bros. Graphic tee wearing, yager bomb loving bros. Other than that I can't complain. Like all four corners bars, their food is outstanding. Their retractable roof is the bomb. Perfect for day drinking or a quick week night dinner. I get there salads take out all the time!

Lynn Kannout

Amazing brunch deal and atmosphere!!

Meg Hein

Fun brunch option. $25 all you can eat with great food for a buffet and $15 bottomless mimosas.

Jessica Wojciak

Wonderful Sunday brunch with stunning and modern interior. The brunch buffet is $25 with items ranging from grilled cheese, shrimp, omelets, waffles and a dessert table. Unlimited mimosas are $15 more, and totally worth it. The waitresses was very on top of everything and kept the champagne flowing. My only comment is that we made a reservation for 20 people and while we had a section blocked off for us there definitely were not 20 places to sit, but we made it work.

Mel Policicchio

Good bar with cool vibes but if you're looking for a really cool rooftop bar view, this isn't it

Amit Naik

Great place to hang out!

Michael Hollins

One of my favorite Chicago bars!

Tia G

Loved the atmosphere of this place!!! We got the big ads mule and nachos, definitely recommend both!! We will be back again for sure!

Dan Korte

Brunch was good, not to expensive

Lily Nelson

I love the 4C bars, and this one just reaffirms my love for them! Sunday brunch is a fun time, especially if you bring a group of friends and order bottomless mimosas!

Richard Dodd

Very nice great food and everyone should try it out.

Jason Shaw Jr

best brunch in the city.

AnGeL eYeS

The best!!!

Danielle J

I love the weekend Brunch!

Riley Moses

Pretty good food but a bit expensive. Environment is like a club but with brunch. Not bad, just know what you're getting into.

J Rock80

Awesome club