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    Benchmark

    4.5 (1.8k reviews)
    ModerateNew American
    Closed 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

    Benchmark Reservations

    Benchmark Photos

    BENCHMARK ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate

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    Recommended Reviews - Benchmark

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    Reviews With Photos

    Nicole D.

    Always a great spot in Santa Ana! Feel like this place always hits the brunch feels! Outdoor seating when the weather is nice is perfect! They were a little busy this past Sunday but our server was attentive and apologized for any food delays! By far some of the best French toast I've ever had! Gotta say the Kimchi Fried rice was also a fave.

    Happy hour- Brussels, fries, flatbread
    Calli Y.

    So parking is a pain in the butt! Be careful where you park bc I got a citation! What can you do. We came for happy hour today and the Brussel sprouts were back on the menu and were delicious! The fritto Misto was also good. I just didn't realize everything I got was fried. A bit much. The fries we dipped in the extra sauces. Servers were attentive and we enjoyed it! SYOY!

    Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Parmesan Fries
    Samantha T.

    Such a cute vibe here tucked away in a newly renovated part of DT Santa Ana. The waiters were attentive, friendly and welcoming the moment you walked in. The food was delicious. I ordered the Crispy Chicken Sandwich and Salmon Flatbread. Both had great flavor and did not disappoint. There is little parking spaces in their parking lot but there are surrounding street you can find parking in. I do recommend making reservations because this place fills up as soon as it opens.

    Shrimp pasta and steak
    Shannan E.

    We came here for OC Restaurant Week and had such a lovely experience! The restaurant ambiance is cozy and romantic with the tree canopy and string lights. We were initially disappointed to find out that the cocktails here are sake based, but the guava cocktail was delicious. Everything we ordered was delicious. The tuna appetizer was fresh and citrusy, the steak and shrimp pasta dishes were well balanced and seasoned. We loved both. The pecan cake was decadent and delicious. Our server Mark was very helpful and attentive and provided great service. We will be back!

    Kimberly N.

    Went for a belated birthday dinner with friends, and can confirm that the food was great! Well balanced flavors and textures across the menu, and there's a fun mix of classics and adventurous fusion dishes. Pastas were cooked al dente, and the fish was flakey and sauced nicely. One warning, we didn't get seated until 45 mins after our reservation time on a weeknight, and the servers all seemed to be on different pages on how to seat us.

    Alex K.

    Another fun experience was had here and what better way then to introduce it to new friends. We came to celebrate a friend's birthday with her husband and wanted something casual. Also a nice way to catch up since it's been a while. Our reservation was a little early so we can enjoy happy hour and take in the sun while we can....lol... Famous last word as it was quite hot. We requested for Joseph to take care of us again as the last visit was excellent with him. A nice way to enjoy a meal and cocktails with someone who's fun and friendly. The place was pretty quiet when we arrived which was great. Options of seating of our choice. It picked up later when the sun was slowly setting and right before happy hour. That in between stage with the sun going and there's a still a little bit of cocktails hour left. HH was what we came for and that's exactly what we had. Their drink specials and small bites were great. Entrees wasn't needed as we literally went with the whole menu minus one or two items. Everything on the menu was worth trying and there were a couple of favorites from the last visit. Drinks, a couple of the house margaritas with and without tajin. The guava Paloma was great with the heat that's been had lately. A nice cold refreshing drink. Of course a couple rounds was enjoyed throughout the whole stay. And food, literally two of everything. It was a must again for the chorizo flatbread and the feta dip. I mean it was delicious that it was the first thing we ordered when we were waiting for the group to arrive. Pretty much everything on the HH menu was worth it. You have to have the artichokes fondue dip with the soft pretzels, the chicken bites, of course the Parmesan fries which is also great for dipping into the fondue dip. Then there's the fritto misto, it was great last time but this visit it was overdone. A little TO crispy for both our batch. There there's the crispy Brussels sprouts and Korean taco. I totally forgot that it was served with a pickle daikon radish. Everything was enjoyed and the service was great. Joseph was excellent as usual. Sweet, friendly and professional. The other waiter was a doll as well which he was so sweet and friendly. Food and drinks for HH were great and the price was a nice match for it. I'm sure it won't be long till the next visit. Also we had the pound cake with vanilla ice cream as well for the birthday girl.

    Lavender Haze
    Cody P.

    I was looking for a last minute brunch place and found Benchmark through Yelp. I made a quick reservation and showed up 15 minutes later. The restaurant itself is located in downtown Santa Ana. There is a small parking lot right behind the restaurant, which will most likely be full. Alternative parking is available around the neighborhood if you can find it.  Upon sitting, I was surprised that the place wasn't busier. It was really cute - patio-style seating with trees that provided ample shade. Lanterns and fairy lights were strung throughout the area. The dark wood bar and kitchen gave the space a classy and modern feel.  I enjoyed the Lavender Haze, a seasonal drink. Vodka-infused sake with a lavender simple syrup and muddled mint and blueberries. Sweet and refreshing. Our server was Joseph who treated us so well throughout our meal. Joseph knew the menu front and back and gave us great recommendations. I had the Benchmark burger which was delicious. We also shared the dulce de leche french toast.  I was surprised it was as easy to get a table as it was. The drinks were delicious. The food was delicious. The vibes were great. I would definitely be back for brunch.

    Risotto
    Ernest C.

    The ambiance was perfect for a date-beautiful and quaint, with a lovely outdoor setting and charming string lights. Service was superb. Despite being busy with several large parties, our food arrived perfectly timed and the staff remained attentive throughout the evening. The cocktails were excellent, with the Blackberry Mule being a standout. For dinner, we ordered the steak and risotto. Both were cooked exceptionally well. The steak was a perfect medium rare, tender and melt-in-your-mouth, while the risotto was fluffy and savory. However, both dishes felt a bit over-sauced, which overpowered the natural flavors of the beef and risotto. While the food didn't fully hit the mark for me this time, the ambiance and service were strong enough that I would happily return and try a different dish.

    Asparagus fondue and pretzel, benchmark burger- medium, and chicken bites AMAZING
    Wendy G.

    My son and I dropped by during happy hour and our server Joseph gave the best recommendations! He took his time to explain the menu, popular dishes and best dessert to order. He showed us the brunch menu and we will definitely be back to try it! The outdoor setting is beautiful and cozy.

    Artichoke fondue ($17)
    Jennifer H.

    3.5/5 stars. Came here for brunch on a Saturday. We made a reservation, although it didn't look like it was needed. Parking is limited - We were able to find street parking after driving around a bit. Ambiance is cute - it's all outdoors, and the waitstaff was friendly. We tried the harvest salad ($19) with a side of smoked salmon ($6), artichoke fondue ($17), and the benchmark burger ($22). We weren't impressed by the food. It was solid, but nothing outstanding. The harvest salad was pretty tasty with the cranberries, pepita seeds, and the poppy seed dressing (got it on the side). It had a lot of quinoa in it. The smoked salmon was too salty. The burger was solid. The meat was juicy, but the flavor wasn't exceptionally special. The Bavarian pretzel was soft, but maybe could have been better with butter. The artichoke fondue was average - it was kind of bitter. The menu was small and lacked variety. The food wasn't special, but it was still pretty enjoyable.

    Butterfly Strawberry Spritzer and Korean BBQ Tacos
    Taylor S.

    If you like a romantic outdoor vibe, this place is PERFECT for you. Benchmark in the heart of Downtown Santa Ana has become a pretty often craving for me ever since I came here for the first time a year ago. Personally, my favorite dishes are the KBBQ Tacos for shareables and the Gochujang Fried Chicken as a main dish. They both give a variety of unique Asian-inspired flavors and the proportion sizes are always adequate. From their drink menu, I've also tried their Butterfly Strawberry Spritzer and the Lavender Haze. I do tend to like my drinks on the sweeter side and these two were definitely up to standard! The dishes typically take only about 10-15 minutes to come out and the servers I've met so far are very friendly and welcoming. Of all the times I've come here, they've done an amazing job at leaving a great impression.

    Pear Almond Tart
    Tupua I.

    I live in the downtown French district and all tho it can be a rough neighborhood at times but there is a lot culture here. Enter benchmark I seen this place driving home. Well lit up patio setting so I had to return and try it. On arrival I was impressed on well it was put together. There is not a lot of decorations rather they use the trees and lights as decor which is pretty dope! Small tables and picnic tables umbrellas and tarps I mean I feel like I'm in a different setting rather than my backyard. My wife and I went on a date for her birthday and decided to try the OC Restaurant Week 3 course meal menu. We started off with the parmesan herb french fries fries with the garlic aioli which were very tasty. Great flavors!! Next course was the Ceaser salad that was fresh and had the most delightful dressing. The salad has toasted panko bread which added a crunch factor 10/10 For the main course we had the Short Rin Pasta which includes tender short rib meat with rigatoni pasta. The gravy was on point seasoned to perfection. Last but not least was my wife's favorite course the desert. The Pear almond Tart is 2nd to none I was skeptical at first but its presentation alone was impressive. The taste exquisite and decedent. The whole experience was amazing and the fact that it's in my backyard just blows my mind! Service was great as well. Great to be in Santa Ana in a restaurant with that much diversity! This place is a must try!!! 10/10 I'm definitely going back asap!!!

    Chicken Tinga  skillet
    Cheryl S.

    Excellent dining experience in every way. If the weather is friendly, do head to Benchmark for brunch. The fresh air dining is wonderful. Easy to talk with friends, ample seating and a really cozy, hip environment. Our server was wonderful and the lender circulated, chatting with guests. Well run restaurant. Our party of 5 all really enjoyed their entrees. Hot, flavorful and appealing, the main event did nit disappoint. I loved the crispy chicken sandwich with fries. Upscale comfort food. The chicken tinga skillet was flavorful though it seemed more like an appetizer. Prices were high-average for this area, yet worth the full dinking experience. Only drawback is parking. If you are able to walk a block or two, park behind the restaurant, on a residential street. Wonderful venue for exploring downtown, historical Santa Ana.

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    13 days ago

    Very ambient with excellent food. The atmosphere reminds me of restaurants I went to in Bali.

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    5 days ago

    Great spot for date night! Food was delicious and the outdoor patio is a fun spot to enjoy a cool night. Can't wait to come back!

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    Page 1 of 46

    Benchmark Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Benchmark

    Sorry for bothering you guys just curious if u guys took cash still?

    Yes we do!

    Is the main menu available during brunch hours?

    No you can only order from the brunch menu

    How much is corkage?

    $25

    Do the do bottomless mimosas?

    We are currently not offering bottomless mimosas, but we do sell champagne by the bottle.

    Does this place have mocktails and are HH hours still 4-6 on Fridays? Thanks!

    HI Nikole, we can always make you a mocktail version of our regular drinks. And yes, we are still serving happy hour every Wed-Fri from 4-6pm! We hope to see you soon!

    How is parking?

    Plenty of parking in a lot about a block away. The restaurant validates. Take a photo of your license plate, then give to wait staff.

    Are you dog-friendly?

    Benchmark has a corner area, that's pretty casual high top seating, if you decide to bring your pet. But it not a table. More like a bar top.

    Do they have a baby changing table in the men's restroom so I can bring my toddler?

    No baby changing tables

    Do they have heaters on the patio?

    Yes. There are multiple heaters throughout the two patios.

    Is there a corkage fee?

    $25

    Do they have round tables that can seat party of 10?

    I have never seen any round tables at Benchmark. Call them... they have a separate small building where they do private events. Maybe they can setup something for you in this additional space.

    Is there Happy Hour?

    I don't think so, I don't recall seeing it on their menu.

    Are kids allowed? Do you have to pay extra for a private table for 12?

    If it's in a separate room I think you do!

    How do i add myself on the waitlist for a table?

    Call their number

    Is the private dining room an extra charge?

    Yes

    Outside desserts are allow? (Birthday cake)

    Yes they are, but there is a $2 fee per person

    Are staff wearing masks?

    I believe so Bench is just down the street...so I'll double up after dog walk

    I know with Covid some things have changed... Do they still offer bottomless mimosos on Saturdays and Sundays?

    It's 4 glasses not bottomless and I believe it lasts until 3. But the glasses are large!!

    Do they have bottomless mimosas on Sunday?

    They did when I was there a few months ago.

    Can I reserve the inside for a private baptism 20 guests on 5/16?

    They do have a covered area separate from main area, when I was there, a party was going on. Benchmark is an outdoor restaurant, not much, if any, indoor seating (not due to Covid)

    View All 48 Questions

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    Fat Of The Land

    Fat Of The Land

    (388 reviews)

    $$$

    When passion meets a restaurant, this is what it looks like. What a truly lovely experience…read more From the moment you walk in, every detail feels intentional. We were greeted immediately and, despite arriving a bit early for our reservation, were seated right away. The restaurant opened at 4:00 and was completely full by 4:03, always a good sign. Shortly after we sat down, the owner introduced himself and pointed out his wife, who was also helping on the floor. There was nothing pretentious about it, just genuine, down to earth hospitality. He offered wine tastings and shared a few personal favorites. The wine list felt thoughtfully curated and refreshingly different from the usual. I went with the Tempranillo, delicious. The space itself is small, intimate, and beautifully designed. You can feel the passion in every corner, it's not just decor, it's intention. Now, the food... incredible. The bread with ham butter was amazing, honestly tasted like it was baked in house. It could have been? The apple pear frisée salad was the perfect start; light, balanced, and flavorful with just the right touch of sweetness. The shrimp was incredibly fresh, generously sized, and paired with delicate slices of garlic that brought everything together beautifully. The chicken en bravas was a standout super tender, falling off the bone, with a rich sauce that was absolute perfection. And the Basque cheesecake... easily one of the best I've ever had. Light, not overly sweet, just perfectly executed. Service was just as impressive, genuine, attentive, and seamless. Constant water refills, thoughtful plate changes, and a level of care that elevated the entire experience. It almost feels wrong calling this just a "restaurant." It felt more like being invited into someone's home on vacation, with an incredible chef cooking just for you. I truly wish this couple continued success, this place is a rare gem. There's nothing quite like it. Michelin star worthy!!

    I am not a rich man, but I do enjoy high-end dining, as long as it's not hurt cuisine (lol HAUTE,…read morebut apropos, thanks speech to text). One of the best dinners I've ever had, which was at the water Grill was twice as much as a dinner here. There's a big difference between the two and not just because of the building, but the service and the food are equal in my mind. I do wish that they had a bit more of an expanded menu not a lot more just a bit more. But everything we had was fantastic. Definitely worth the price. So good that I'm even considering breaking my boycott of chicken just to try the chicken at this place. I do hope it's clean healthy chicken like Jidori or Halal. For being in what is essentially a very sketchy part of Santa Ana, despite OCHSA nearby, it's super cool that there's just kind of this hidden tucked away fancy Schmanski dining spot, so date night could be a little adventurous, depending on who you meet on the streets, and parking for free is a bit of a tumble through the neighborhoods, the inside is so well done that you completely forget that you're in the heart of what is an urban center. Looking forward to going back.

    Finney's Crafthouse - Orange

    Finney's Crafthouse - Orange

    (1.1k reviews)

    $$

    The food was great! We sat at the bar before the lunch rush…read morecame through on Saturday. Bar staff is attentive and quick to put in our orders after we sat down. Plenty of beer selections to choose from, but I actually opted for a dirty soda!! Diet Coke, vanilla cream, coconut and lime ‍ Good selection and variety of options on the menu, we want to come back to just try a mix of appetizers- they had a lot to pick from. We ordered a few apps and some entrees: Deviled eggs, Crispy Tuna, Southwest Chicken Bowl and Pepperoni Pizza. All were very tasty, we cleaned the plates! They have a lot of seating, as well as an outdoor patio. Plenty of TVs if you are wanting to watch a game. We will definitely be back for more options on the menu!

    I came here a few times already with my wife and this place is really good! Menu is pretty diverse…read moreand seems pretty busy the last few times we were here. Great place to come have a couple of drinks as well and watch some local sport games. There are also a few games in the back you can play. We started off with the carnitas nachos and it was pretty good. Very filling and a good amount for the both of us. No complaints there. For our main course, my wife ordered a couscous salad of some sort. She really enjoyed it. I chose the Wagyu Burger and this was expected from this restaurant. Juicy, artisan craft buns and definitely was not the first time we ordered it since we have came here a few times already. We even door dashed it one time haha. Other than that, great place to come and hang out especially on big sport days. Good vibes, great service as well. Lots of TV's which is perfect.

    Momonoki - Prosciutto salad

    Momonoki

    (295 reviews)

    $$

    Came in around 7:30pm on a Friday and the restaurant was pretty lively, but no wait so we were…read moreseated immediately. The menu is on a QR code. We ordered a variety of dishes: - Fennel Sausage Meatballs (7/10): Not spicy at all, and the ricotta was a nice touch. The sauce was also delicious and meatballs were seasoned well. However they were a bit on the dry side. - Crispy Calamari (8/10): Not the best calamari I've ever had but far from the worst. It was cooked very well, not chewy and the batter was nice and light + seasoned well. The cocktail sauce was a little strange though, would have preferred aioli or just a simple marinara - Smoked Short Rib Cavatelli (7/10): There was a generous amount of short rib in this dish and it was cooked very well. The sauce was also yummy, but the dish overall was just okay in my opinion. Didn't wow me and I don't know if I would order it again - Spiced Pear Panna Cotta (10/10): This was actually my favorite dish of the night. Looked super pretty and tasted even better. The panna cotta was smooth and silky, the berry compote was sweet and tart, which paired so well with the fresh, crisp pear chunks. Super light and well balanced dessert, I could eat this every day! Portions were generous especially for the prices, which are lower than comparative restaurants. Service was standard. Ambiance was nice, though a bit loud when the restaurant was completely full. Overall the flavors and presentation are on-point here and I would return to try more dishes!

    This restaurant was amazing! There was no wait when we went for weekday dinner but there are very…read morefew tables so I would expect a longer wait on the weekends. The raichi drink was good and the miso carbonara was creamy and the proportion of bacon to pasta was perfect. It is super cute inside as well, but the service was kinda slow because they only had one server for all the tables. I think it's important to compare this to Ini ristorante because I think with this place being new that it is quite similar to Ini especially with the japanese italian fusion concept. I would say it is basically the same price if not more expensive than if you were to go to Ini and I personally think the food, ambiance and service is better at Ini than here. So in the future, I would be open to going back and there was nothing wrong with the restaurant, but I would definitely choose Ini over momonoki just cause I feel like I get more with how much I spend.

    Chaak Kitchen - Bone marrow corn

    Chaak Kitchen

    (1.3k reviews)

    $$$

    Chaak is at the center of charming Old Town Tustin. Between walks around this captivating area, you…read morecan relax at Chaak's patio or inside its modern dining room to enjoy its supreme Yucatecan cuisine. Cochinita Pibil: When you unwrap the banana leaves, the prize is the pork shoulder that has been smoked for 12 hours. Grab some of the insanely tender pork with the warm and supple blue corn tortillas. Add some achiote-sour orange braising juice, pickled onions and watermelon radishes. Top it with the avocado puree and salsas. Also add some black charred habanero sauce, whose fiery heat puts this dish over the top. Pulpo al Guajillo: The grilled octopus is lightly charred and crispy, and nice and meaty on the inside. The garbanzo bean puree is like the smoothest creamiest hummus. The diced chayote is similar to young potatoes with a little crunch. Crumbled red chorizo enhances the savoriness of the ingredients. And the hoja santa gremolata is a medley of green herbal flavors. Ceviche Campeche: The cubes of striped bass and octopus are delicate and soft, combined with yellow and red cherry tomatoes, onions, cilantro, scoops of avocado, avocado mousse, cucumber, watermelon radish, and leche de tigre. The zing from the lime juice and the crunch of the blue tortillas makes for a perfect bite. Tamal Colado: This is a deconstructed tamal. The masa is molded into a slender rectangular block. The consistency of the masa is like pudding, just really soft and creamy. Chile braised lamb shank is placed on the masa. Then, an herby tangle of carrot tops and sorrel leaves go on top. On either side are clumps of crunchy cucumber-mint xni pek and silky hazelnut muhammara. Parrillada Yucatan: If you are still hungry, this mixed grill plate will do the job. The prime skirt steak is exquisitely cooked, so soft, moist, and tender. The smoked sausage has a wonderful flavor and is a little spicy. Pollo pibil has a dry rub of achiote and sour orange, and it gives a nice smoky kick. Chuuk Trio: This appetizer plate features sikil p'ak (a dip of pumpkin seeds), guacamole, and salsa. Dip the tortillas and light and crispy rinds into these dips.

    The wait on the weekend is sooo long, even with a reservation. The ambience and decoration is very…read morenice. Service was sooo slow but waiter was polite. We were a table of 8 and we wanted to try several dishes since my family is from Yucatan and the food is supposed to be classic from the area. Some of the dishes have a good influence like the relleno negro, salbutes and some sauces. Tortillas were very good, pulpo was amazing. The pibil was not an authentic flavor and it is one of the most classic ones from Yucatan, but it was not bad, I was just expecting a classic flavor. Empanadas were very good and salbutes were tasty. The New York steak was good, great option to share for like 4 people. It was a good meal overall with SOME of the dishes with an influence of Yucatan flavors, but I guess if you are not familiar with it, it is not a problem because it was tasty. Very slow service, a bit frustrating, also long wait to be seated. If our order wouldn't have taken so long it would have been an amazing experience because the food was good with a beautiful presentation and the place is very nice.

    The Peel - Best Mother's Day brunch near me

    The Peel

    (140 reviews)

    $$$

    Located inside Fera Anaheim, a DoubleTree by Hilton, this bar/lounge was honestly one of the main…read morereasons we decided to book our stay there. The space is BEAUTIFUL, both during the day and at night. When we checked in on Friday evening they even had live music, but unfortunately I was feeling a little sick so I skipped it and told myself I'd redeem the experience the next day before heading to Disneyland. And I'm glad I did. In the daytime, the patio area is gorgeous--you can really appreciate the firepit seating and the little lake with koi fish outside. Such a relaxing vibe. We came by around 4PM to pregame before Disney and the bar was pretty busy. Huge shoutout to Arvey, the bartender who took care of us during our visit. Not only was the service exceptional, but he genuinely made some of the best cocktails we've had in a while. Sitting at the bar and watching him make the drinks was honestly part of the experience itself. At first we were trying to customize and tweak our drinks because we usually stay in our comfort zone, but after talking with him and learning more about the ingredients in The Peel's specialty cocktails, we decided to trust the process a little more. We ordered the Dragonfly and Playing With Fire, and both were amazing--beautiful presentation, really balanced flavors, sweet and sour in the best way. We're usually not big foam cocktail people either, but this visit might've changed our minds a little. Also, Playing With Fire came with a fun little presentation moment which made it even better. Honestly, I was really impressed with my experience here. I even came back for another drink at breakfast before checking out of the hotel lol. The dining area also looked beautiful and the food coming out to other tables looked really good too. Definitely looking forward to coming back anytime I'm around the Anaheim area again.

    The Peel is located inside Hotel Fera and you can park in the lot just out front, on the side of…read morethe hotel there's a few spots you can scan the QR code and pay for, or you can park in the parking structure that's behind and to the right of the hotel. Parking validation is done at the front desk. They have a solid menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts and a very nice craft cocktail menu. It's sectioned off at the south east end of the lobby and feels like a more open space than a standard restaurant or bar and the vibe feels very OC, hipster, upscale. The only downside is the service is not consistent the last two times we've been here. The night we visited, there was a singer playing piano between the bar and restaurant area. I love entertainment at any venue, but the sound was way too loud for indoors and we couldn't hear each other talking. The reason I suggested The Peel for dinner was because I've been able to have conversations with friends and catch up without any competing noise from neighboring tables or crowds in the past. Maybe call ahead of time if there's going to be entertainment and if there's an event in town (Motocross was happening this weekend) to gauge the crowd and noise level before you go. The bar is fully stocked and they have a lot of craft cocktails to choose from and the drinks are consistently good. I had the Como la Flor cocktail this night and in the past I've enjoyed the Fera & the Dragonfly cocktails. The appetizers are great to share with your friends and there's lots to choose from. I enjoyed the Brussels sprouts and the mini sliders a lot and my friends really loved the chorizo flatbread. For the entree I got the smash burger and it's pretty filling and rich. You get fries with the order and the fries are perfectly crispy and tasty. For dessert we got the bread pudding, lemon cheesecake and lava cake. The lemon cheesecake was like biting a slice of lemon with some sugar. It's definitely for lemon lovers and I enjoyed it. Bread pudding ice cream was good but the bread pudding was alright and you can't go wrong with lava cake. Again, my only issue with the Peel is the service. It's not very hospitable compared to other restaurants I've visited. There was a bit of a wait from when we were seated to when our server showed up. He took our orders, the food and drinks would show up, and after that we didn't see our server for a while, so we were without drink refills and our table had dirty dishes that just sat there. I glanced around a few times and saw no servers on the floor, a server that was not ours that was far away or would try to flag one down for a refill on our waters but they were quickly leaving the area. We were waiting on the check, but just kept talking instead and then finally, when the check came we were in mid conversation catching up. He stopped by a few minutes later, picked up the check and realized we had not put our cards down to pay it and came back and dropped it off again. We paid using Google-Wallet at their point of sale system and sat back down to finish our conversation and the busser asked if he could remove the dirty dishes on our table and said, in a rude tone, "Yeah because we're closed already." We didn't realize they were closed since there was still a large crowd of people at the bar, and he could have said that in a polite way and said thank you for coming, but he made it known he has to set his jars of jam down on the table for breakfast tomorrow. Honestly, had our server come by much earlier and checked on us and left the bill, we would've left before closing. I don't usually think of a hotel restaurant as a go-to for dinner with friends, but this is the only one in a while that I would recommend because the vibe is unique. I hope the service improves, but other than that it's a solid restaurant.

    Culinary Dropout

    Culinary Dropout

    (360 reviews)

    $$

    From the amazing host to the outstanding bartenders Tony and James were amazing! Left me speechless…read morefrom the food and drink aspect, and don't get me started on the ambiance of the restaurant. Made me feel as if I am the man walking in! Will be back 7/7 days of the week! They are doing such a great job that others wish they could even compete with! 04/06/2026 Shoutout PM staff!!!

    This was our first time here. We like the old town Orange area. We ate at higher tables closer to…read morethe bar and enjoyed happy hour prior to having dinner. The area around the bar is very nice and lively. The other restaurant areas away from the bar are very nice too. We had two appetizers. The Brussels sprouts were fantastic. The seasoning and how they were cooked made them quite tasty. We heard about the pretzels and they were excellent too. My entree was the Mongolian short ribs that include a vegetable. I really enjoyed it. Others had the steak sandwich and salads. All were very good. From the start we were served by Nikolina. She was really good as service was prompt, she knew about the food and was very personable. Overall, a great experience. In regard to parking, most of the areas are paid parking. The restaurant offered free valet. There is a small lot across the street and some street parking. We parked at the Lemon street lot which always spaces available, is free and is about 3 blocks west on Maple and Lemon. The old town area is a nice place to walk around.

    Benchmark - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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