We are old, maybe even qualifying as elderly. We wanted to find a place to eat in Old Town on a very cold, very snowy evening before we headed for a show at Second City. Benchmark looked about right for a quick, burger meal. Now keep in mind that the next day we had lunch at our more regular haunts, Gibson's and then the day after at RL. Both were what we would describe as 5 stars in every category, so keep that in mind. We're giving this four stars since the burgers would good and came as ordered. The waitress was attentive and helpful. It happened to also be Trivia Night, so we had some entertainment, though we didn't participate, but enjoyed the tables around us of young people. We knew nearly every single answer and we shared a few with the neighboring tables. Probably against the rules, but who's going to complain about that nice older couple? I'd say if you're looking for a fairly quiet bar with decent food up on Wells, you might try this spot. Not outstanding, nothing like our usual, but adequate under the circumstances. Would we go again? Yes maybe, but clearly not our jam.....but damn we were good at trivia!
Taylor
First time in since the remodel. It looks great, vibes are solid and the food was delicious
Gabrielle
Such a fun happy hour with great drinks, delicious food and wonderful service. Really enjoyed the trivia night on Tuesday nights and the gorgeous atmosphere. I would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a fun night with friends.
Nadiah M
Our server, Michael, was super nice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jake Saperstein
Great food great drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Kris OMalley
Billy, Carolynn, Joe and Ally are amazing. So glad we came for our girls holiday night out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Claire Begley
Go jays!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sabrina Crawford
As the North Wells Street/Old Town area of Chicago is reestablishing itself on the food scene, benchmark has stepped out to the front. With a redesigned space and new menus, they’re definitely a place to check out for happy hour, dinner or when you can grab their lunch. Also to be noted-they have space for private parties AND have some pretty fun events for the holiday season.
I’m all about space and comfort and there is lots of room here and it’s decorated so cute ☺️ The upstairs area looking down over the entire space is pretty cool and there’s a bar up there! 🙌🏽
I have to give honorable mention to the Thai Chicken Wings - those flavors were hitting and my guest loved The Benchmark Burger; it has a house ground brisket, short rib and chuck patty blend and my girl loved it! Other new menu items include their Boom Pow 💥 Shrimp , Greek Salad, Hummus and more!
It is definitely a cool spot to grab lunch, have happy hour after a loooonnnggggg day at work or to catch dinner and a game with friends. Check them out and tell em that Bri from Planes and Plates sent you! Enjoy!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John
Great, forgot our servers name but we were seated in the middle of the booths on this day. Server was awesome. Will definitely be back
We are old, maybe even qualifying as elderly. We wanted to find a place to eat in Old Town on a very cold, very snowy evening before we headed for a show at Second City. Benchmark looked about right for a quick, burger meal. Now keep in mind that the next day we had lunch at our more regular haunts, Gibson's and then the day after at RL. Both were what we would describe as 5 stars in every category, so keep that in mind. We're giving this four stars since the burgers would good and came as ordered. The waitress was attentive and helpful. It happened to also be Trivia Night, so we had some entertainment, though we didn't participate, but enjoyed the tables around us of young people. We knew nearly every single answer and we shared a few with the neighboring tables. Probably against the rules, but who's going to complain about that nice older couple? I'd say if you're looking for a fairly quiet bar with decent food up on Wells, you might try this spot. Not outstanding, nothing like our usual, but adequate under the circumstances. Would we go again? Yes maybe, but clearly not our jam.....but damn we were good at trivia!
First time in since the remodel. It looks great, vibes are solid and the food was delicious
Such a fun happy hour with great drinks, delicious food and wonderful service. Really enjoyed the trivia night on Tuesday nights and the gorgeous atmosphere. I would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a fun night with friends.
Our server, Michael, was super nice!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food great drinks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Billy, Carolynn, Joe and Ally are amazing. So glad we came for our girls holiday night out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Go jays!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
As the North Wells Street/Old Town area of Chicago is reestablishing itself on the food scene, benchmark has stepped out to the front. With a redesigned space and new menus, they’re definitely a place to check out for happy hour, dinner or when you can grab their lunch. Also to be noted-they have space for private parties AND have some pretty fun events for the holiday season.
I’m all about space and comfort and there is lots of room here and it’s decorated so cute ☺️ The upstairs area looking down over the entire space is pretty cool and there’s a bar up there! 🙌🏽
I have to give honorable mention to the Thai Chicken Wings - those flavors were hitting and my guest loved The Benchmark Burger; it has a house ground brisket, short rib and chuck patty blend and my girl loved it! Other new menu items include their Boom Pow 💥 Shrimp , Greek Salad, Hummus and more!
It is definitely a cool spot to grab lunch, have happy hour after a loooonnnggggg day at work or to catch dinner and a game with friends. Check them out and tell em that Bri from Planes and Plates sent you! Enjoy!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great, forgot our servers name but we were seated in the middle of the booths on this day. Server was awesome. Will definitely be back
Great atmosphere, even better drinks.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Empanadas, 4c Smash Burger
Restaurantji Recommends
Great service and awesome food. Try the Nachos!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Barbacoa Nachos
This place has everything. I had great food, great music, and great service. This is the place to come to when you’re in Chicago.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was fantastic. Would highly recommend the presses. Cool vibe
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome spot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We love Carolynn!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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