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Welcome to Benchmark Eatery

Benchmark Eatery, located in Santa Barbara, is a vibrant New American restaurant offering a diverse menu with a focus on seafood and bar classics. With a range of vegan and vegetarian options, it caters to all dietary preferences. The restaurant provides a casual and welcoming dining experience, with options for outdoor seating and entertainment like pool tables. Customers praise the excellent food quality, friendly staff, and overall inviting ambiance. From delicious cocktails to house-made soups and sandwiches, Benchmark Eatery has something for everyone, making it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

Benchmark Eatery: Reviews & Ratings

Katherine L.
Katherine L.

Excellent restaurant, excellent food, and very excellent staff. My family and I stopped in on the way back from the Central Coast to Los Angeles. The pesto linguine was delicious. Also, great and large sandwiches. The cocktails were great too. Shoutout to Tatyana! Will definitely be back on my next trip. Thank you!

Stacey S.
Stacey S.

Casual dining experience. Short ish menu. Nice location on State Street. Good service. No highs nor lows. Average. Affordable. Fast. Amble seating with outdoor spots.

Jackie L.
Jackie L.

Good ambiance for a bar/ eatery. You have to walk up to the register to order ahead and I'm pretty sure if you want more food/ drink you have to go up each time, since you won't have a server. We only stayed for drinks and an appetizer flatbread, which were all delicious. Will definitely go back in a group setting soon.

Tony D.
Tony D.

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.

Kristy O.
Kristy O.

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!

Lori M.
Lori M.

Food Service Fantastic Ambiance This Summer we stopped into Benchmark Eatery in Santa Barbara. The entire Experience was great. Our food came out quick and was delicious. We tried the flatbread, onion rings, chips/salsa/guac, chicken sandwich and fries. The atmosphere was up to date (modern, yet cozy) would highly recommend stopping by. We will be back . Thank you Kyle for your wonderful hospitality.

Olesya P.
Olesya P.

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.

Shalini G.
Shalini G.

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.

Mandy S.
Mandy S.

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!

Location

Benchmark Eatery is a vibrant establishment located in the heart of Santa Barbara, CA, offering a delightful blend of New American cuisine, bar favorites, and seafood dishes. This women-owned eatery prides itself on providing a diverse range of options, including vegan and vegetarian choices, making it a welcoming dining spot for all.

The restaurant's amenities cater to a variety of needs, from wheelchair accessibility to outdoor seating with heating and covering. Additionally, Benchmark Eatery excels in providing exceptional customer service, as seen in reviews praising the attentive staff and delicious food offerings.

Customers have lauded the menu for its tasty pesto linguine, large sandwiches, crispy chickpea snacks, and blackened chicken wrap, among other delectable options. The casual dining atmosphere, coupled with the full bar and happy hour specials, sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite with friends, a family-friendly lunch spot, or a relaxing evening with cocktails, Benchmark Eatery has something for everyone. With its evolving menu, improved service, and inviting ambiance, this eatery has solidified its place as a go-to destination in Santa Barbara. Don't miss out on the opportunity to savor the flavors and ambiance at Benchmark Eatery - a true gem on State Street.