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Wed / Jan 20
Party Earth Review Boasting a double distinction as Chicago’s first rooftop beer garden and its first rooftop beer garden with a giant retractable roof, Benchmark draws a lively and amicable crowd of sports fans year round, whether to enjoy... ... read full review
1510 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Brown, Purple Express Lines: Sedgwick; Red Line: Clark/Division
312-649-9640
M–Th 5pm–2am, F 3pm–2am, Sa 11am–3am, Su 11am–2am
Old Town, Chicago –
Boasting a double distinction as Chicago’s first rooftop beer garden and its first rooftop beer garden with a giant retractable roof, Benchmark draws a lively and amicable crowd of sports fans year round, whether to enjoy the sun and open air or to laugh at the snow on the other side of the glass.
A polished and modern haven for Blackhawks fans, the bar features nearly fifty TVs over its two levels, including a massive ten-foot unit above the main marble bar, where boisterous groups of friends congregate to cheer at the big game and power through a round of seasonal cocktails.
Work buddies and girlfriend groups looking to chow down on some upscale Southwestern fare usually head to the sleek wooden tables by the windows for a street view, or pile into the plush chocolate booths, each with its own flat-screen.
An illuminated staircase, meanwhile, leads bigger groups up to the mezzanine beer garden for drinking, mingling, and a bird’s-eye view of the revelry below or, when the roof is retracted, a view of the birds above.
Given the number of TVs and the year-round beer garden, it’s no wonder Benchmark is a popular getaway for sports lovers, rain or shine.
Sports fanatics, young professionals, college graduates, Blackhawks fans, birthday groups, and pre-clubbers, early 20s to late 30s.
Over forty flat-screen TVs. DJ spins Top 40 and hip-hop on the mezzanine level.
Southwestern/Mexican menu including chipotle chicken and tortillas, and cheeseburgers, as well as Asian fusion that includes Korean steak and edamame. Occasional outdoor seating and loyalty card available. ATM and elevator on site. Food served till last call. Valet parking.
Appetizers $8–$9, soups and salads $5–$14, pizza $11, sandwiches $10–$16, desserts $9. Beer $4–$8, wine $8/glass or $28–$34+/bottle, mixed drinks $6.50–$20, shots $5. Valet $12.
Trendy casual/hip: plaid button-downs, graphic t-shirts, nice jeans and loafers, club wear, cocktail dresses, chiffon blouses.
Fridays and Saturdays for a sports bar feel with club undertones.
Brownstone Tavern (3937 North Lincoln Avenue) is owned and operated by the same group and offers a slightly more casual sports bar atmosphere.
Benchmark User Reviews