This was my first time eating here after passing this place some many times in the 805 it is across from the Santa Barbara Art Museum. This is a casual American restaurant with a very spacious open outdoor heater patio and with an indoors seating as well, plus it's dog friendly here. You order your food and drinks at this long bar counter, the menu is huge "btw" you get a number and your food is brought to you, I just have to say the service here was very welcoming exceptional, above and beyond less just say top notch, even from the manager, now the food we order was the crispy chicken sliders and the coconut shrimp dishes, they were both just OK. read more

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The workers at the front were friendly and kind. I ordered the Granada Burger and my husband had the smash burger. They were both very flavorful and cooked to the temperature we requested. I loved the tomato jam on mine, it was a great combo of sweet and savory. The fries were also crunchy but not dry, loved them! read more

Benchmark Eatery - Granada Burger - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Decided to have a small birthday dinner with family and we walked in (no reservations) and they accommodated our party of 12. I like that they have a variety of food option so everyone was able to find something. Parker was very helpful in keeping the libations flowing. We will definitely be back. read more

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Benchmark is a fantastic place. It's just a great place to go. we do miss the Sunday afternoon music, though. We often pick up dinner! It's so stress-free -- great prices. I love Benchmark. read more

This is our second time dining at Benchmark Eatery. I really like the covered patio and the ample space between each table. The staff was kind enough to change the channel to the Padres game so my husband could scream for his team with his mouth full! We ordered burgers, a shrimp bowl, and more beer because why not. The shrimp bowl was very generous with the shrimp and pretty damn good. The chips that accompany the bowl were crispy and not too salty, just the way I like them. read more

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This was my first time visiting Benchmark Eatery, and overall I think the concept has a lot of potential, but there were definitely some growing pains during my visit. Since there were quite a few Mexican-inspired options on the menu, I figured they would have a decent michelada. Unfortunately, it was one of the worst I've had. It had very little flavor, no lime, no Tajín rim, and none of the usual touches that make a michelada enjoyable. Service was also a bit disorganized. My friend's beer was forgotten completely, and she eventually had to go to the bar herself to ask for it. To be fair, it was a busy Saturday afternoon following the Summer Solstice parade, and there was also a World Cup game on, so the staff seemed overwhelmed. However, those are events that were likely expected, and it felt like the restaurant could have been better prepared. I do like the ordering system where you place your order and food and drinks are brought to your table. It's a great concept and makes things convenient. During the first part of our visit, the service seemed to struggle, but after a shift change things noticeably improved. The female bartenders who took over appeared much more organized, attentive, and on top of things, which made a positive difference in the overall experience. Benchmark Eatery has a solid idea and a lot of potential. With a little more consistency in service and better execution during busy events, I think it could be a great spot. read more

The food is average. The staff seem very uninterested in making sure people have what they need. We ordered multiple appetizers to share, requested plates for us to use, they never came. Prices are fair, with so many varieties of eateries in the area I don't recommend this place because it's very ordinary and the staff is completely uninterested once you pay for your food, they pretty much forget about you. I won't bring my family here, but if friends want to meet up I'll get a drink and that's it. read more

The food here is amazing. We had the fish and chips and a burger. Both were incredible. It is a walk up order bar, but service was quick and friendly. There is also outdoor seating. Super relaxed environment. Would definitely recommend for a chill evening. read more

Excellent food with good service, came back after 8 years. 3 minutes walking from public parking. After order didn't wait more than 8 minutes. Hot and fresh food love it read more

Benchmark Eatery - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Worst place in Santa Barbara. Staff uninterested in guest's needs. Food is bland i can cook better at home. DONT GO HERE. Ambiance feels like someone died there recently. read more

I ate Sunday lunch here & they had live music playing. They have indoor seating or covered patio seating. You order at the bar, then they give you a number and you can choose a table. I ordered the fried chicken sandwich with onion rings. The piece of chicken on the sandwich is huge! Definitely come hungry if you order that. Both the fry on that and the onion rings was crisp & the fried layer didn't fall off. Service is quick and attentive. Parking- nearby parking structures read more

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We have a group of 8 and we ordered Bbq chicken salad, grilled salmon fillet, linguini pesto, pozole, nachos, and calamari. Everybody is happy with the food they ordered. Fast service and attentive of our needs. Will come back if we pass by again in SB. read more

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Delightfully flaky fish and chips. Order at the counter and staff deliver your food directly to your table. This is the kind of place that I would have especially liked when I was at university. I can imagine it being very lively on weekends. A good place for watching while enjoying a refreshing beverage. Nice vibe. read more

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The grilled fish tacos were fresh and flavorful, and the smash burger had a nice balance of crisp and juicy. Paired with a cold Mexican lager and a light sangria, it made for an easy, enjoyable meal in a laid-back setting. read more

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First stop for lunch in Santa Barbara fish and chips were good. Really enjoyed the coleslaw. Chicken wings were on point paired with some good ranch a glass of bubbly and a cold beer the ambience was welcoming and the Customer service was good. The only suggestion I may have is replace some of the older glasses thank you guys. I would love to return and try more on the menu. read more

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Great fish and chips, western style burger was so good too. Water from glass pitchers and excellent friendly service.

Service was wonderful,everyone was helpful,knowledgeable and upbeat. We just had Expresso martinis which were delicious. The menu looked good and hope to go back for food.5stars! read more

Service was absolutely amazing, I got the crispy chicken sandwich and added buffalo sauce and it was no lie the best chicken sandwich I've ever had and I recommend it to anyone that likes a chicken sandwich. I also got the double cheeseburger and it was very juicy and had everything you wanna look for in a good quality burger. French dip was mid tier and the mozzarella cheese is a strange choice but the bread was good, inside the restaurant is a very nice atmosphere, not too busy or loud but a great view of downtown Santa Barbara and overall a great experience would recommend. read more

I'm conflicted with my review since the tomato soup and grilled cheese were pretty tasty according to my friend. The pozole however was lacking in flavor. The fried calamari was also probably the mushiest calamari I've ever had which is shocking based on how it looked. Good service here though really nice staff. Nice place but pretty loud also. read more

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Omg!!! What a place!!! Great vibe & service was superb!!! The star of the show was the food!!! They do not skimp!!! My daughter ordered a blackened chicken wrap w/ fries. Fries were well seasoned, didn't need 2 add any salt. And the wrap.....full of chicken!!! Every bite had chicken!!! Very flavorful. I ordered the chop salad & again soooo much chicken, salami, bleu cheese, cucumbers, garbanzo beans, etc!!! I didn't feel like it was mainly lettuce. I also ordered a delish espresso martini & it did not disappoint!!! If u r ever in Santa Barbara, I HIGHLY recommend this place 4 lunch!!!! read more

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Service from the female who works at the counter is rude and dismissive. Tipping 20% on a to go order to someone who doesn't understand what being polite and welcoming means is sad. No matter where you are you should always be kind and polite and she showed none of that unless you were a male. Glad to know I won't ever go back. read more

Had a nice relaxing lunch here, the fish and chips were really flaky and crisp with good tartar sauce and coleslaw as well! You order at the counter and take a number and go sit down at a table, they've got a really great covered patio area. The food came out quickly, service was good, plates were cleared without us feeling rushed out the door, overall very solid option for dining on state street! There's lots of nearby lots to park in and tons of walkable shops to explore nearby as well. read more

Benchmark Eatery - Beer Battered Fish & Chips - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Straight up the fairway. Tasty food, reasonable prices within the context of SB, and friendly service. Love the option to just have a soup or share entrees. read more

Wow! Beyond expectations! The was cooked just the way we like it (hamburger medium rare) and the Mai Tai was perfect. Well done!!

Came here for lunch. They have a great selection of lunch items:soups, salads and paninis. All food was reasonable priced. I had chicken panini and husband had chicken wrap. Both dishes were made well, arrived quickly. They have a nice outdoor/indoor dining area, relaxing and laid back. We came here after our flight in Colorado, and were happy to finally eat great tasting food. read more

Benchmark Eatery - Blackened Chicken Wrap - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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I have walked by and thought about coming in before Today the boys were on a mission to find chicken wings. We started at the bottom of State and they looked at just about every restaurant that we walked by and nobody serve chicken wings when we pass this place to their delight chicken wings were an option my sister and I walked in the boys waiting for food, and another customer was telling us how amazing their hibiscus cooler is. We decided to order the hibiscus cooler which is made with a local vodka. Unfortunately, they were hibiscus, lime, or one other I don't recall. We opted for the lime drink was perfectly simple and refreshing, I loved it. I ate a couple chicken wings. Also they were also delightful. I would like to make a point of visiting here again and having real sitdown meal.... and that hibiscus cooler. read more

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Man, the Shrimp Tacos and Fish Tacos are FIRE here at the Benchmark Eatery. I ordered them both. My girl like fish and shrimp tacos, as long as they are not fried lol. But I said suit yourself honey lol. Anyhow, I ordered them here with chips and they were smokey delicious. Nice staff and crew. I will be back. read more

Libby is the best!! We came here for our anniversary and she made the experience so perfect. Would absolutely recommend this spot!

First time here. There were a line from the counter to outside the restaurant. We did not wait long. Trust me! It is worth the wait. From ordering to sitting, not too long at all. All the food brought together fresh steaming hot and delicious! If I could give 6 stars , I would. One of the best fish and chips we have ever had! Hot wings were great! read more

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Had a great lunch at Benchmark Eatery. Will be back so I can try more items on the menu that look delicious. Staff is friendly and helpful. A great place for an enjoyable and relaxing meal. read more

Friendly and quick Service, nice open ambiance great for All: work lunch, friends or families. And the food was delicious! The sesame Salmon salad was Fresh, crunchy and tasty. Cost $20. read more

Benchmark Eatery - Sesame Salmon Salad - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Pretty awesome place to eat in Santa Barbara! The atmosphere at Benchmark was so fun, and I really appreciate how they are a dog-friendly establishment. The waitress that helped me at the counter had a wonderful smile the whole time! The food was delicious, I especially loved the crispy sweet potato fries, and the onion rings that I snagged from my sister were out of this world! However, a burger, fries and drink for $30+ I'm going to be a little picky and say that even though the flavors were amazing, the burger's patty and bun were super dry. I still ate everything, and got free drink refills! I am excited to come back and try more on the menu. read more

Benchmark Eatery - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Hello all. I love the Benchmark. The people are nice, the food is great, the prices are fair, and the standard margarita is really good made with 100% agave tequila. Don't miss it! read more

Service as others described below is horrible. Also the prices reflected on their website is inaccurate to the menu at the restaurant. This place is nothing less than a high end Burger King. You order at the bar and the food is brought to you. Anywhere from the management to the cashiers lack basic customer service skills and initiative. 3 cashiers who also sub as a bartender stand in front of the iPad just staring at you and wait for YOU to approach them so they can tap on the screen and take your order. No greeting, no smile and wave or hey, I'm open over here and directs you to come forward and place your order. One would rather have the iPad face the customers and customers place their own order to have to endure a blank face cashier. Asian female Management rang me up today and no wonder why the other cashiers can care less about customer service bc the very same demeanor comes from leadership. She literally rang me up and not a smile or eye contact in sight, all the while talking to a coworker. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Unfortunately, I come here often since I work in the area and no what to expect as far as service. They also never get a tip from me bc they do nothing more than provide subpar standards. BEWARE OF THE PRICES ON THE WEBSITE COMPARED TO IN PERSON. BIG RED FLAG. read more

I'm updating my review to 5 stars. So much has changed at Benchmark since my 3 star review in 2019! The menu, service, and food have all improved and I want to give them credit for this. The blackened chicken wrap is my go to and I love that they have a variety of house made soups, salads, and sandwiches. They also have fish and chips + tacos and burritos/ burrito bowls, something for everyone. It's a great casual and affordable American bar menu in the heart of downtown. I'm so glad they hung in there these last couple of years and have become one of our regular spots. I love seeing a successful business on this corner with a great patio and open air atmosphere. Keep up the good work Benchmark! read more

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Our go to spot for lunch in Santa Barbara. It is usually busy, but not so busy that the counter ordering takes very long. There are plenty of options for my wife, the kids and me. We always like a cup of the crispy chickpeas as a snack. There is usually music on the patio, plus football on the tvs inside, so it's win win for everyone. read more

Benchmark Eatery - Tuna Melt - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Great food and great vibes, but our server Finlay truly made our experience here! Eager to please and enthusiastic, he has great menu recommendations and when he described the smash burger as "gas", I knew I had to try it. And he was right! The smash burger was delicious. Would definetly come back here for the food and for Finlay. read more

Beautiful little spot with many menu options including tasty cocktails. Everything was fresh and tasted great. Good service too! read more

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If there's wings on the menu, I'm ordering them. I don't care if it's the 6th item we've ordered for a party of two. Momma is getting her wings. The wings were MASSIVE and the sauce was pretty tasty. Buffalo will always have my heart. I'm still giving them 4-stars because the atmosphere was great. read more

Such a solid spot in the heart of downtown, Santa Barbara! This is one of the few places open on Easter, Sunday, a truly expansive menu with lots of American staples for what you're craving. Our table order the artichoke dip and the onion tower as an appetizer and we all really loved it. The portions were generous and hearty and everyone was super satisfied with their food! The vibe is very good and there's lots of seating. read more

Benchmark Eatery - Thoroughly enjoyed artichoke dip - New American Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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