Located in the heart of Brooklyn's Park Slope, Benchmark features a New American menu focused on pasture-raised animals and locally-grown produce. Chef Ryan Jaronik has created a diverse menu that melds the traditional and the contemporary with global influences. Featured is a section of à la carte steaks and chops offering up to five different cuts, including a 24oz Bone-in Ribeye and an 11oz Filet Mignon. Other favorites include Duck Confit Salad with Frisée, Lardons and a Poached Egg and a Trio of Beef Shortribs.
Between the '20s & '40s, the space that now occupies Benchmark was used as an icehouse and major way station for goods that that arrived on the banks of the Gowanas Canal. While excavating, several "benchmarks" (surveyor's marks) were found, along with architects' tools, some of which are displayed on the restaurant's walls. Benchmark's rich history and naturally rustic interior is enhanced by warm exposed brick, arched windows and spacious garden seating.
"From the moment we got there the whole experience was terribly uncomfortable. We made our reservation way in advance yet when we got there they wouldn't seat us outside. Once my husband screamed and yelled they finally said we could sit outside but they needed the table in an hour.
The food was kind of meh, and the service was pretty terrible. Our waiter poured coffee in my team and then when he brought new tea he spilled it all over our table. It wasn't his fault but it just sullied the experience so much more.
For an expensive brunch it was not worth the aggravation."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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"We LOVE this place. Impressive wine selection (try the orange wine), fresh, modern but comforting food, excellent service, cool decor, great vibe. You will not be disappointed."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We reserve table for 6 p.m. Came at 5.30 and want to get oysters, which $1 at the bar. They offer as take a table because we were only customers at that time. But when we ask oysters they refuse to serve for a $1, it’s only for a bar. We came 30 minutes before reservation to get oysters. We order them, but they charge $4.50 per oyster. It’s not fair."
Dined on 2/11/2013
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"This is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is excellent, the ambiance warm and inviting, and relaxed, and the staff very welcoming. The rib eye was excellent, and the halibut equal to the best Manhattan restaurant. And their side dishes are wonderful. We also loved the cookie dough egg roll for dessert, creative and delicious. We will definitely return and bring our friends."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Other than a looooong wait for the server to first appear and take cocktail order, this place was great. Lovely. Lively but not noisy. And exceptional food."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Benchmark hit it out of the park again! We've been here a few times and it's dependably outstanding. Warm welcome, nice decor, and well chosen menu. They did not have a table when we arrived on time for our reservation but they comped us a round of drinks - very nice. We look forward to a return visit soon."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Heard about Benchmark from a friend and I'm glad I listened. Food was excellent. Staff was friendly and service eas very good. Definitely will recommend to others."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, notable wine list
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"Generally the food was very good to excellent and well seasoned. The waitress was equally very good and helpful around special drinks, beers and whiskey. My husband's steak was excellent. My pork chop was overcooked but very tasty --- the waitress apologized, offered to change it but I declined. She brought us a lovely dessert on the house. I do not like tables that are so close together but it was not overly crowded as it was a Sunday eve. I would enjoy going back."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"The sea bass special of the night was under cooked, however when returned after our complaint it was perfect. My steak was prepared perfectly. We would definitely return"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"The food was excellent. I ate mostly meat on this visit, starting with a delicious braised short rib appetizer, and enjoying a bone in rib eye steak that was cooked very nicely. The sides included creamed spinach and mashed potatoes, both of which were very tasty. Not overpriced as well, as all of the dishes were average prices for this type of food/restaurant."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
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"Excellent service And the food was amazing... The amerivan kobe steak with goat cheese mashed potatoes and creamed spinach was the best! And the chocolate dessert out of this world! Loved the southern punch drink"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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"This was our third visit to Benchmark and although we very much enjoy the food, the facility and the location, the service has deteriorated with each visit. The wait staff is great and very attentive, but the kitchen has difficulty getting the food out. We waited early an hour for our entree this last visit. We waited equally as long the previous visit and the food was cold when it arrived. We do enjoy the food and the quality at Benchmark, but unless the service from the kitchen is improved, this may have been our last visit."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"I did not like the Prix Fixe menu(4 courses) for Valentine's Day - choices were extremely limited/poor, considering their extensive regular menu. The service was decent, at best. Took an usual amount between the serving of each course. The quality and service was not worth the $75 per person pricing."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
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"We have been to Benchmark before and always loved the meal, service and the ambiance. But I think next valentines day we stay home. There were too many tables so I felt like we were with two other couples. And I think the kitchen was overwhelmed because the wait for food at one point was a bit long. On that note the food was excellent."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Love this restaurant...the food, service, atmosphere & location! Staff accommodating, attentive & friendly. The menu offers a variety of steaks (and sauces) to choose from which cater to every palette. Nice portions & delicious. Be sure to make a reservation..this place fills up quick. Can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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"I used to live right next door to Benchmark, so it is a tried and true brunch spot. I have never been disapopinted by anything that I have taken here. Their wine list is OUT OF THIS WORLD and their house whiskey is my jamskies. Went here with my boyfriend this weekend and he took the steak with spinach and potatoes. He is French, actually prefers smaller servings and still he complained about the very meager portion sizes. He enjoyed the dish very much but he was still quite hungry after dinner. My meal, on the other hand, was perfectly portioned and was just wonderful. No real complaints. Perhpas considering increasing the size of some of the portions!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch
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"I decided to make a reservation here because it was one of the only Brooklyn restaurants participating in restaurant week. Benchmark was more than accommodation when we wanted to change our reservation. I was greeted at the door by 2 very friendly gentlemen and promptly asked if I wanted my coat to be hung. The waitstaff was very attentive and the food was phenomenal. Sometimes for restaurant week the portions are small but not here! The place filled up pretty quickly, even in the blizzard but it never felt crowded or loud even with a few families dining. The outdoor space looked like a great place to enjoy on a summer night. Overall a wonderful night out in Brooklyn."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Brought two friends for their birthdays. They treated them to complimentary drinks and a candle with their desserts. Nothing overdone. Classy and subtle. We loved EVERY morsel of food. It was the perfect choice. Thank you!"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"We have eaten at Benchmark twice now, overall it was a very good experience both times. The steaks and chops are great, although they always come pretty rare. This time we also had the mushroom spaetzle and grilled Brussels sprouts. Yum. The cocktails we had were delicious, and the wine and beer list was ample. Try the "Bourbon" beer. Benchmark is probably one of the best places in Park Slope to find mutiple choices of steaks and chops (we have not tried any fish dishes). The prices are commensurate with the quality of the food and location, the service sufficiently sensitive and efficient. A good restaurant for a date if you seek a pace that is less than frenetic."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"We went here for Restaurant Week, not realizing me had also come on a groupon. I'm so glad they participated and we returned. The Scallops and Filets are out of this world! The desserts were wonderful and creative. I really enjoyed the bread pudding and my husband loves the chocolate. We will definitely be back soon!"
Dined on 01/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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"The food and service were beyond excellent. We chose this location because of restaurant week and will definitely be back. The outdoor patio was cute and will have to try again when the weather gets warm. The inside was very cozy and intimate. They had a nice bar with about 10 or so stools so not good for a large crowd. The wine list was extensive."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We went for Restaurant Week and were pleasantly surprised by the amazing food and outstanding service. We will definitely return and will recommend to others as well."
Dined on 01/28/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Went to Benchmark during Restaurant Week. Got the steak -THE BEST STEAK I HAVE EVER HAD-and I've been to all the best steakhouses. On top of that it was Monday night - half off all wine,so we got to try wines we usually would never have been able to. Overall amazing and I can't wait to go back."
Dined on 01/28/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"I traveled from Manhattan to try this restaurant and I was so glad I did it was wonderful the drinks and food were great will be back worth leaving Manhattan to eat here!!!!!!"
Dined on 01/27/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"A pleasant surprise. Beautiful ambiance , friendly service and excellent food. Decided to take my husband for his B'day during resturant wk with two guests. We ALL enjoyed! I highly recommend Benchmark,"
Dined on 01/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"We very much enjoyed our experience although they were out of the ingredients for their spicy margarita that we were so looking forward to. The cookie dough egg roll is not to be missed. Major highlight of the meal."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2011
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"nice place...i live 5 blocks away and would have never know about this restaurant if not for Restaurant week... Now it will become a regular spot...a staple"
Dined on 01/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"Our waitress was great. Went back there a second time the following week. Had a great experience, our waitress recommended a great bottle of wine for us. Would highly recommend this restaurant!"
Dined on 01/21/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"This is definitely a more grown-up restaurant. The outdoor space is beautiful and the service is wonderful. The food wasn't mind blowing, it was nice and tasted good. I would go first for the atmosphere and second for good food."
Dined on 01/21/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"I had the shortrib appetizer, tuna entree, and banana bread pudding dessert. I also had a delicious Pinot Noir. This is one of the best meals I have had all year. Simple fresh ingredients are paired to create complex flavor profiles. Portion sizes were generous, but not too large. I definitely left very full. I am not even a dessert person and the bread pudding was perfection. Our waitress was also attentive and knowledgeable about the food and wine. I will definitely be bringing friends and family here!"
Dined on 01/17/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"The food was amazing, the atmosphere was cozy, and the waitstaff was amazing.The presentation of the food was out of this world, and the taste was equally as incredible! I would go back just to eat the banana bread pudding again!"
Dined on 01/20/2013
2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Just an understated fabulous place. Professional staff and the food is well priced for the great quality. Don't pass up the seared Fois Gras appetizer."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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