Benchmark

The food was great (definitely recommend the fish tacos– even as a California native). The Bloody Mary bar was also a must! Great Old Town spot.

Came in on Thursday and sat at the bar and Anna was bartending. She was very helpful and mindful when when drinks needed to be filled. Ordered nachos and pizza. Everything was really good. Only thing I’d recommend is having shredded cheese on the nachos rather than liquid cheese. Other than that, everything was great. Cool atmosphere and DJ was playing good music.

Only giving Benchmark 3 stars due to the poor service. Came here for CCC 2015 because this was the registration pickup spot. We decided to stay and the bartender was not very helpful or attentive. We ordered a food and a drink item off their specials menu, and we were expecting 2 stickers for our CCC chart. However, she said that they are not giving stickers for the food items (even though the rules in the CCC handout said, stickers would be given for all food and drink specials).
The drinks and ambiance were good. But the staff was rude!

Went there last Sunday to watch football. Games were on but no sound. Just bad music. Bartender was indifferently rude (and unattractive). The place was empty too.
I was sent a survey to fill out about my experience. I like to help businesses so I filled it out and they sent me what they thought was a «gift» which was:
Complimentary Appetizer with purchase of any 2 appetizers or sandwiches.
Why would I go back after a bad experience to spend even more money? Is that really a gift?
Well one thing is for sure, they don’t think of their customers as being too bright.

This is a decent sports bar; a few big TVs and a few small TVs with games on. They play music. The drinks are a little pricey. I paid $ 6 for a blue moon draft; I have never paid more than $ 4 for a blue moon… ever! We also ordered the First Lady; it was too tart. Can’t speak personally on the food. It was typical pub/​bar food; my friends said it was good.

Egg sandwich was great, fries a and potatoes were really good. Pizza was good! Bloody Mary bar, nice sidewalk dining. All in all a good experience!

Love Four Corners bars, the food is the best! I have been to Benchmark quite a few times, like it best in the summer when I can sit outside. Went here Saturday for the Cubs game, definitely wasn’t as fun as I hoped, more people were out since it was a Saturday night, and less seemed to care about the game. We still had fun, had a table, our waitress was super attentive, tots are the best. Most likely won’t be back to watch a game, but will definitely be back to drink and eat!

By far my favorite bar in Old Town/​Lincoln Park! Love the patio– you can bring your dogs!
+ It has a nice casual feeling for after-​work or first-​date drinks during the week. Unlike other bars I’ve been to in the area, the food is actually really good. They have nightly specials like lamb and salmon– not your general bar food.
+ Weekend nights are busy and filled with beautiful people. There is a DJ upstairs too,
+ Sundays there is a really good Bloody Mary bar– if you like spicy Bloodys, you’ll like one of their mixes (I forgot what the spicy one is called)
Great service, great atmosphere.

Favorite bar in Old Town. The food is great and they have a very nice atmosphere. I highly suggest their fish tacos. I also like the people that come here!
Overall, I recommend checking this place out if you’re in the area.

This was a beautiful casual, yet upscale joint. It’s schnazzy and hip. A great place to take friends for some pretty food and cocktails. It’s the kind of spot you want to dress up a little to get noticed. Whether downstairs, or upstairs, it’s a happening vibe. Downstairs is a little cooler, and suave of a feel. Upstairs feels a bit more lively, with its cool lights and opened rooftop in the summertime. There’s some TV’s around, too, for guys. I think it’s ideal spot for the social person who might want to invite the next table over for a drink and get friendly.
Service is on point. The food is pretty good. I had the ahi tuna tostadas, which were too easy to gobble up. Refreshing perfect balance of tuna with a crunch and a kick and a dab of cool sour cream.
I had friends who ordered pizza, which comes on a flatter, crispy crust. Also easy to share. My friends ordered a skillet cookie. HEAVEN! it was heated, chocolate-​chipped sweetness, part savory, and part ice-​creamy. Perfect to share with a table.
Good music, pretty, clean… parking might be a little difficult. I was loving the weekday deal, including $ 5 glasses of nearly all wines on their wine list. I had the sexual chocolate, and that sure did make me happy ^_​^.
I’d love to come back and try more of what they have to offer. There were definitely no negatives, but I can’t give a 5 without experiencing a full dinner here. It’s on my list of recommends, though!

Favorite bar in Old Town. Love the upstairs with open air seating. They have some good food too– def recommend their nachos!

Can I give zero stars please? This is the absolute worst bar that I’ve ever been to. I spent $ 80 here on drinks that I didn’t even order, before I finally closed out my tab. After I closed it out and started to leave, one of my friends asked me to stay. I agreed, and bought another drink in cash. An hour later, I dod so again, and was accused of stealing beer. When I mentioned my tab, and the two drinks that I bought in cash, the bouncer still forced me out of the bar.
I am an administrator at a downtown hospital. I’m pretty sure I don’t need a free Bud Light.
This is hands down the worst bar that I have been to in Chicago.

I’ve been here a few times now and most recently, for brunch, using a Groupon. Although the bloody mary bar wasn’t ideal, my celery stalk was dirty and the mix wasn’t my favorite, the overall brunch experience was quite good. I really enjoyed the chilaquiles, a dish that was both plentiful and flavorful, as well as the beers that followed. The place was really loud, because of the games playing on the multiple TV screens, but that’s to be expected in Chicago. Service was friendly and attentive and the meal was well worth the Groupon.
The other times that I have been here, I’ve enjoyed the food, service, and drinks. Definitely a good spot to get a quick meal and drinks in Old Town, if you can handle the «bro”-crowd.

I can’t believe I haven’t written a review on this place yet since I’ve been several times. The crowd is a bit younger then I would like, but overall the service and food have always been great. Downstairs they have a little patio sidewalk area and on the main floor they have the huge windows that open up to the side walk. Upstairs the rooftop gets pretty lively (especially during sports games).
I went here this pass Sunday. We got there about an hour before the Hawks game started and they were doing open seating. We were lucky enough to get a table on the rooftop and it got packed!!! 3 drinks down and a Turkey Burger later we were ready to give up our beloved table. I like that the waitress wasn’t pushy with us to leave even though we were drinking ridiculously slow (1 drink an hour since we were there for 3 hours). Cocktail wise I would say my favorite of the 3 was the Kentucky Buck (Makers Mark, Strawberry, Ginger Beer). So refreshing! The Turkey burger was excellent and overall I have never had a bad experience here.

Benchmark sets the benchmark for Old Town.
Take this with a grain of salt as I haven’t spent any nightlife time in Old Town other than the two times I’ve been here. Benchmark is versatile providing a sports bar feel with good drinks and a high class atmosphere. BM is modern and the open floor plan is conducive to an inviting party going crowd. Bar space is located down the middle of the venue with booths on the walls. The upstairs has high tables as well as booth/​couch seating areas in the front. The upstairs is also open to the downstairs in some parts with balcony style viewing down to the main floor. The upstairs has a retractable roof for the warmer months that provides a nice outside dining/​drinking experience.
BM has a highfalutin aura about it. Nightlife will bring some people that are really dressed for a night on the town as well as some casual bar goers. Perhaps this is more of the norm in this area, again I can’t really say. Most of my experience goes from strictly clubs to bars in Wicker Park. There is not much in-​between for me but I feel like BM is more of the usual for mid to late 20’s people that are bringing in that flow.
You will have to pay for this as drinks are a marked up because BM sets the benchmark. Fireball shots here were $ 7 and I usually never pay more then $ 5. Not huge but this is probably the standard pricing in this area. The music seems to be hit or miss as the first night the DJ was amazing and the second not so much. The DJ booth is open on the second floor overlooking the bar. Live spinning music is always a good way to get the party started.
Coat check in the basement as well as washrooms. There is a washroom on the second floor for men but this is more of a turn style. Nearly impossible to get in and out.
Finally, let the doorman know what it is as he was cheering for the Ducks and I am clearly a Buckeye. O-​H!

Food and service were both average. I’m usually a fan but the server kept forgetting our sauces. I’m usually a fan of 4 corners need to check this place out again and update my review.

Oh how to rate benchmark is tricky. If I can do half stars that would make it easier! I would say a total rating of 3 and half stars is perfect for benchmark.
First… It’s a pretty cool bar for old town! I love going here in the summer however it gets packed on weekends and even weekdays! They have a retractable roof which is sweet! You can sit upstairs and enjoy a cocktail! The bar alone has many tv’s to watch a game!
As for food. I absolutely love their fish tacos and the arugula/​prosciutto pizza! It’s amazing! I haven’t tried anything else but those items, however I’m sure everything else on the menu is good.
As for drinks… they have a decent selection!
Lastly. They sponsor sports teams! They sponsored my volleyball league which was cool since we received a discount on game nights!

Oh, benchmark… How I love thee.
I’ve had many first dates here, took my out of town guest here to have some cocktails, and explored the area with its entirety while visiting Old Town. This is my favorite OT bar.
I’ve come to the consensus and have finally admitted to myself that I’m attracted to the fraternity, «bro» looking type of guys & benchmark provides for an endless array of these type options! Lol. I swear there’s a hidden beer funnel and free natty ice somewhere in this bar that I do not know about. They all congregate here and it’s perfect for my girl friends and I who are sharking it up for Mr. Pretty ;)
The cocktails are solid, the beer list is A-​Okay, the servers are pretty (shout out to Ms. Selena Gomez herself — identical, I swear), the bar is pretty clean, big, and welcoming, and when it’s summer, they have the roof open. The sun beams in and it makes for a great daydrinking type of Sunday FunDay. They also show a lot of sports on their TVs which are huge, btw.
I haven’t tried the food here as I’m more a fan of booze but hey, I wouldn’t turn it down. Why not?! Try it out, peeps.
Love,
Sorority girl at heart.

Oh my. This place is filled with every frat bro you can think of. I’m talking polo shirts, collar popped of course, and aviator sunglasses. It’s a people watching heaven!
I had a blast here. They have an upstairs patio with a retractable roof. You can really observe all the party people from up there. Every drink you can imagine is served and the food is pretty tasty as well. Their bison burger pretty much rocked my world. Tender, juicy with cheddar cheese. Yum!
The roasted red pepper hummus was delicious. I highly recommend it.
We hung out here for a few hours people watching and checking out the games on the TVs. Loads of fun.

Nice ambiance, yummy drinks and good bar food.
The retractable roof is awesome and great for weekend brunch. I’ve also gotten dinner there and the buffalo rolls are really good!
They also have good mixed drinks, I’d recommend the mojito.
As far as the bar scene, it can get really crowded with long lines so go early and get a table!
They sometimes host events such as trivia nights, so be on the lookout for those because they are fun!