ZipPicks Awards
Best Burgers in Gold Coast & Old Town
Best French Fries in Gold Coast & Old Town
Best Rooftop Restaurants in Gold Coast & Old Town
Best Happy Hour in Gold Coast & Old Town
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Gold Coast & Old Town
Master Critic Review
Benchmark Chicago
7.8
A big-room Old Town sports bar where the burger is built for high volume and watch-the-game pacing. Expect a crowd-forward vibe, fast table turnover, and a burger that plays best when you keep it classic and treat everything else as supporting cast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Benchmark Burger, Wings, Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: High-capacity sports-bar energy with a dependable burger option.
Who should go: Game-day groups and casual hangs
When to visit: Weeknight games or earlier weekend starts
What to order: Benchmark Burger, fries, wings to share
Insider tip: Order food early once seated—kitchen volume spikes fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and competitive after 6pm, especially during games. Rideshare is the easier move on weekends.
Dress code: Casual sports-bar attire—jeans, sneakers, team gear all fit the room.
Noise level: Loud during games; conversation requires raised voices once the room fills.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak games without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of major sporting events
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads and sides are workable, but not a destination for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Very limited—best treated as a drinks-and-sides stop.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility with bunless burgers and salads, but cross-contact is likely in a high-volume kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's loud, crowded, and TV-focused. Better for casual hangs than getting to know someone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters—arrive early for games or be ready to wait during peak sports windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evenings; later nights skew heavily adult and bar-focused.
Best For
Better for: Big-group energy, game-day atmosphere, and fast-paced sports-bar dining.
Skip if: You want a quieter burger experience, focused food execution, or a date-night setting.