Benchmark — Restaurant in Santa Ana

Benchmark is a really cool outdoor restaurant/bar that is great for a date or a quick hangout.

When you first come in, you'll notice a really lovely set of lights, outdoor bar, some heat lamps (at least in the winter) and seats scattered about. Loved the lights and the trees being mixed in throughout the place. We RSVPed ahead of time just in case which is convenient.

We sat down and looked through the menu. My friend started with the cab which was solid and I got the sake old fashioned. A bit bummed there wasn't any whiskey but with the agave syrup, this old fashioned wasn't too shabby. I also got the red ale which was good.

Food-wise, we got a few items. +Gochujang fried chicken: Yum! The gochujang goes perfectly with their fried chicken although you'll have to realize that this is more of a popcorn chicken style. Absolutely loved it. +Little Gem Salad: Not bad. The croutons were actually my favorite part of this fairly straightforward but good little gem salad. +Artichoke Fondue: Perfect for a start, especially a beer. Note that we got three pretzel pieces in case you want to inquire about more with our fondue. The fondue itself is terrific - cheesy but not overly salty. +Ahi Tuna: Probably my least favorite dish personally but not bad. They give you a lot of rice crackers which aren't too bad. The tuna itself I think I wish there was a little less aioli. +Their brown butter cake dessert is really terrific and worth trying. Not overly sweet; buttery; and love the presentation. The seasonal sorbet wasn't too shabby either.

Service was super kind. Kudos to Stewie (sorry if I got your name wrong!) for being an awesome host and really being kind to us throughout the evening.

Parking is a bit tight. They have a private lot they share with a few other shops that is a little hit or miss in terms of room. There is some neighborhood parking but it definitely seems like there isn't a lot of room sadly enough.

One quick suggestion: I think blankets would be really nice for the winter nights. Especially this past month, it's been uber-cold and although the heating lamps are warm, ours did go out a bit through our dinner. A blanket would've been a...

MOST RECENT VISIT GOT here when the opened FOOD was PERFECT the DRINK GREAT as well, (had a reservation for one)

BUT the waiters were not the best. I was the only customer in there but took a while for some to take my order. Bar tender made my drink really fast and it just sat there at the bar. Wait staff just stood around talking to each other. I was the only one there, and their conversation wasn't business related.

The food was served to me before my drink did. Maybe I was supposed to grab my drink from the bar?

Overall, the food is perfect. the drink was solid. Cost is high, but food was worth it. The service is outstandingly bad, probably the worst service in downtown Santa at this price point.

PREVIOUS VISTS If you want to try this place MAKE A RESERVATION!!!! (When they are not busy)

This place looks really nice I've been here twice The first time I just showed up, I had no reservation. I was told that without a reservation, I would have to sit it this corner facing the street. Thats fair they may have been busy.

But, given the price for the food, I decided to make a reservation for a later date and have a nicer dining area.

I got there for the reservation on time, and I was told they were getting a nice table ready for me. Cool.

A couple came with no reservation. They were told to sit at a table built around a tree. Pretty cool seat arrangement, in my opinion.

I was waiting to be seated for a decent amount of time. While waiting, I watchthe couple. It was clear they wanted to be helped by this point they were seated for 5-7 minutes, but all STAFF CLEARLY IGNORED THEM.

Bar tender check on them eventually, and my table was ready. A table in a coner. But decided maybe the day was too busy. And given the price. I thought it maybe best to leave if the service was going to be like the couples at the tree . So, I've never eaten here, but the ...

I arrived here for the second time because the food was good. Unfortunately, they had only a special menu with limited options. First, I asked if they served coffee, the server was rood and replied by We are not a coffee shop, there is a coffee shop close by... We ordered food and drinks, we waited 30 minutes and got nothing. I asked the server when we will get our food because I was with a little girl who was hungry and I wanted To see maybe I can add something faster for her to eat. He said the food coming right away and again nothing happened and after about 10 minutes, I approached the manager. I approached the manager, who was very nice and helpful, and asked him for an estimated time for us to get it. I explained him we didn't receive anything even at the drinks. Then the food arrive few minutes later. The server didn't even gave us utensils for our daughter and had an attitude. Only after I talked with the manager ear approach and told me. I heard you had a complaint so maybe I can help. After getting all the food I still didn't got my drink. Eventually, I asked to cancel the drink. 2 minutes later, the server came by and told me, It's on the house. That was very nice of them but eventually we came to have drinks and nice food and When we left with a feeling that we don't want to go back there. In addition, we order a lobster salad that was the only salad option on the menu. We don't eat lobster. And I ask to remove the lobster and just add extra veggies. Instead, we received a very poor salad with a lot of lettuce, few vegetables. And the cost was ridiculous $34. They didn't add any extra vegetables as I asked. This is the first time I am writing a review on a restaurant and specially a bad review. I really hope they will take care of this and do something about that to train their employees to be a...