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Four Corners

Benchmark

Sports Bar, Lounge, and Cocktail Bar$$$$
Old Town, Chicago
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6.8/10
432
ratings
  • Stars
    Has a stamp of approval from Redeye Chicago and Chicagoist
    • Redeye Chicago
    • Chicagoist
  • Tips
    Ariana K.
    "Retractable roof top - one of three in the city."(3 Tips)
    Chris S.
    "people watch or catch some rays on the rooftop"(4 Tips)
    Kyle B.
    "Get a $1.00 drink by downloading the free app, Bartab."(3 Tips)
    Redeye Chicago
    "main floor of this Old Town sports bar"(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon84 Tips and reviews
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  • retractable roof
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  • Kelli S.
    Kelli SullivanNovember 17, 2013
    If you are looking for a place to watch a sports game, this is the place to go. TIP: sit on the upper level with the open roof for some fresh air and a great view.
    Upvote3Downvote
  • Rudy S.heart icon on user image
    Rudy SmartassAugust 16, 2012
    One of the best bars in the whole city. I love this place. Hip modern decor with plenty of flatscreens so you never any action. Great for dates, bathrooms are always clean. Crowded during weekends
    Upvote3Downvote
  • Chicagoist
    ChicagoistJune 21, 2016
    Dogs are welcome on the patio at this upscale Old Town sports bar, and once summer really gets rolling, Benchmark even offers a dog menu with snacks for your pooch. Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Kevin D.
    Kevin DulinAugust 22, 2014
    The turkey burger and sweet potato fries were delicious! Beer is a bit pricey, but nice lively atmosphere. Hard to get water though.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Chris S.
    Chris SmithSeptember 28, 2011
    Been here 100+ times
    Korean steak tacos are a must. Washed down with any one of their delicious craft beers in a tall frosty!!! Great place to watch sports, people watch or catch some rays on the rooftop
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Erik R.heart icon on user image
    Erik RowleySeptember 15, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    This place is a hot spot in Old Town, the place to go if looking to flirt with the nightlife. A mod interior with solid bar service and plenty of sexy girls rocking dresses.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Peyton
    PeytonDecember 5, 2013
    The booths in the back are great for multiple game watching, and they will change the station on your screens for you. The upstairs is like a completely different place. Nice place for Geminis.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Capitan D.heart icon on user image
    Capitan DanyoDecember 22, 2012
    I prefer the upstairs bar to grab a good seat and watch the game. Plus you can't go wrong with any of the bartenders, Gail/Andy/Miranda or WendiCakes
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Redeye Chicago
    Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014
    On a warm afternoon, you can't beat a seat on the second floor, where a retractable greenhouse ceiling opens to let in the fresh air and sunshine. Read more
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Cristian L.heart icon on user image
    Cristian LöfvallFebruary 27, 2017
    Loud and happening sports-bar-looking place... I went on a saturday night and it felt more like a club/bar. The place is very well decorated and the ambiance is really cool... I'd go back
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Redeye Chicago
    Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014
    With its oversized booths for groups and a TV screen so big it nearly covers an entire wall, the main floor of this Old Town sports bar has plenty to offer. Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Sofia P.heart icon on user image
    Sofia PapastamelosOctober 12, 2015
    Cool outdoor deck for chilling with friends over a drink. Also noticed they have fireball on tap...
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Ariana K.
    Ariana KaiserOctober 22, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    Retractable roof top - one of three in the city. The place to be on a Saturday night. Visit our website http://www.benchmarkchicago.com/ for daily specials or follow us on twitter!!! @benchmarkchi
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Bitches Who Brunch
    Bitches Who BrunchNovember 2, 2016
    Looking for a boozy brunch, but the day party spots aren’t your scene? Benchmark is just what the doctor ordered. Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Doreen C.heart icon on user image
    Doreen ChicagoDivaOnADimeFebruary 28, 2019
    Try the Paloma, one of the best I've had in Chicago.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Allison K.heart icon on user image
    Allison KaminskiJanuary 7, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    Great rooftop and appetizers. The people who frequent this bar are kinda douchie.... Really a turn off
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Peter S.
    Peter SpadaforeAugust 11, 2012
    The fish tacos and tots are are an enjoyable combination under the retractable roof.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoJanuary 25, 2015
    Neighborhood gem for brunch, reasonably priced with generous portions; Bloody Mary was rather generic
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Phyllis P.
    Phyllis ParkerJuly 12, 2014
    J the waitress is AMAZING. We have a huge party and she is sooooo on top of it. Kudos benchmark
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jennifer S.
    Jennifer StraubMay 15, 2012
    This place is always packed. Head upstairs if you're looking for a bit more elbow room. Plus, the upstairs offers far better people watching :)
    Upvote3Downvote
  • Josh S.heart icon on user image
    Josh SciannaJanuary 2, 2018
    Loads of space, energetic environment, and quality bar tenders.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jackie M.
    Jackie MitchellAugust 10, 2010
    Great night out for co-eds. Like other bars under same ownership (West End, Gaslight, etc), this place is as classy meets sports bar. Box seats. Love it.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Penina M.
    Penina MezeiJune 27, 2014
    Nice place. Not crowded and enjoyable live music. - Penina Mezei
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Sorin S.heart icon on user image
    Sorin StoicaDecember 18, 2014
    Nice place to hangout...love their Grey Goose mule and pizzas.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Thrillist
    ThrillistJanuary 18, 2011
    This 8,000 sqft. behemoth sports bar is rockin 46 flat screen TV's with a side of Merkts' bacon cheeseburgers and lamb chop lollipops. Read more
    Upvote5Downvote
  • Mike W.
    Mike WilderOctober 23, 2015
    Service industry discount Monday and Wednesday - 50% off entire check.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Matthew M.
    Matthew MorrisMay 31, 2011
    Great crowd. Huge bar space. Great menu. Retracting roof! What's not to like? Awesome. Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Angela
    AngelaJuly 20, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Best bar in old town by far! Get the steak sandwich and buffalo roll appetizer.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Chicago Dancing Festival
    Try the signature drink, "Cinq" - crafted by Bean & Body. Cinq up! it's a great night for friends.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Uber Chicago ..
    Uber Chicago .September 18, 2013
    Offering 1/2 off appetizer during Uber Chicago's CHILOVESuberX, 9/20-9/22.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Chicago Dancing Festival
    Party at Benchmark Wed July 20 @6:00p with the Chicago Dancing Festival's 5th season launch. MIngle under the stars. yummy bites and signature cocktails. Tickets: http://tinyurl.com/5after5
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Wes H.
    Wes HonemanJune 2, 2012
    Bottles of wine are a rip off, and the buffalo rolls will literally roll out of you if u know wat I mean-go with the Lagunitas
    Upvote1Downvote
  • ChicagoAndrea
    ChicagoAndreaAugust 21, 2010
    the sangria is delicious! and I love the denim shop cityblue next door - shopping & sangria go well together!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • L K.heart icon on user image
    L KSeptember 28, 2014
    Men's 2nd floor bathroom is absurd. Loud place, but a strangely high number of attractive people. It's basically a River North bar in Old Town.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • John B.
    John BreclawNovember 19, 2010
    If at the upstairs bar, ask for Lindsay. She makes a drink called the Mexican Tummy Tuck. Patrón XO and Ouzo should never taste that good.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Linda A.
    Linda AlexanderJuly 18, 2014
    Blackberry Mojito's and roof deck or sitting outside
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Francois F.
    Francois FJuly 14, 2012
    Don't understand a line when there are windows and we can see its clearly not busy! Unnecessary!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Chicago Sun-Times
    Chicago Sun-TimesNovember 11, 2010
    Don't let the sports bar trappings fool you. This new addition is on its game with a cool vibe. Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Bitches Who Brunch
    Bitches Who BrunchDecember 15, 2016
    Voted Most Improved Brunch by Bitches Who Brunch in 2016!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Adam S.
    Adam SegerOctober 7, 2011
    Try a chilled shot of 70 Proof locally produced hum and you will never shoot Jaeger again
    UpvoteDownvote
  • TicketWeb
    TicketWebJuly 21, 2011
    Check out Benchmark on a weekday! Same awesome food, much shorter wait! Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Eli G.
    Eli GratzAugust 21, 2011
    If you have friends already onside it is probably worth it...otherwise save your cash brah
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Craig M.heart icon on user image
    Craig MiddletonAugust 12, 2015
    Beer is good! Drink it!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Grouper
    GrouperMarch 27, 2014
    "Server was great. We tried to get her to join Grouper." - Kaitlyn
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Kyle B.
    Kyle BorchardtMay 8, 2012
    Get a $1.00 drink by downloading the free app, Bartab.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Liliana H.heart icon on user image
    Liliana HacesAugust 6, 2017
    Really cool place
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Cj D.
    Cj DesJune 27, 2012
    Try the lamb burger! Its amazing!
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Reyna G.
    Reyna GriffinNovember 13, 2013
    Trivia Tuesday with Geno Walker is awesome!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • ChicagoAndrea
    ChicagoAndreaAugust 18, 2010
    since you're so close to Cityblue you should stop in and check out their jeans - awesome selection for men & women!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Chicago Dancing Festival
    The official launch party for the 2011 Chicago Dancing Festival! Check in to unlock specials throughout the Festival!
    UpvoteDownvote
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