Benchmark Eatery
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I've eaten here a couple times before. Burgers are really good, but this last time I tried the tri-tip tacos and they were so so. They weren't bad, they were just unremarkable. This most recent time I visited we had a large party and in spite of making reservations ahead of time they didn't have our table ready. We had 14 people but they didn't make space for 14 so we had to request an additional table. Our server was good, and our food came in a pretty reasonable amount of time especially for a large party. I would definitely try eating here again. Edit: Stopped by here again because I heard about some crazy delicious desserts. Half baked cookie in a cast iron skillet with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and caramel drizzled over the top. It was absolutely worth it. I'm thinking about giving them a try for dinner or lunch again.
Mike RingerMike Ringer
00
We stopped here for a late lunch on a Monday. It was not crowded and they have a fully covered outdoor patio with heaters that is dog friendly. You order your food at a counter and they give you a number for your table. My husband had the grilled salmon sandwich and really enjoyed it. The brussel sprouts were really good - crispy with bacon and honey. The sweet potato fries were good and came with a Sriracha ketchup. I would get both items again. The churros were OK. They were fresh but I have had better fresh churros. You get a lot of pieces with one order and it comes with two dipping sauces. The staff was very friendly and the service was quick. They even brought out a water bowl for our dog. Overall, we were very happy with the food and service.
Vivian AnneVivian Anne
00
It looked like a nice place to eat, so we stopped by. We asked the waitress so what do you like to eat here and she said she doesn't eat there, that should have given us a big clue. We ordered their benchmark named beer ,which was good and their avocado and chips to start, then ordered fish and chips with a side of coleslaw. The chips were over cooked and smelled like they were cooked in old oil . So we hoped our meal was going to be better. The coleslaw was old, fries were cold and the fish must have been cooked in the same old smelly oil. Next time I'll listen to the waitress giving me a Big clue.
ERNESTERNEST
00
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect; however, their fish and chips are actually the best I’ve had in some time. The fried fish was tender, plentiful and not at all oily with a crunchy crust. The chips albeit french fries were of the thin type and super crispy, which is my preference. The coleslaw seemed more homemade and lightly dressed. There’s never enough tartar sauce so I asked for more, which they were happy to provide with no hesitation. My friend ordered their fried chicken peas appetizer, which was quite yummy and only $2. BTW, the fish and chips was only $16.95 which is a bargain these days.
Elena YeeElena Yee
00
I liked the clean and tidy layout. The closed patio right off of State St. has such a nice view. They have a large menu selection, and we were able to walk up to the window/bar order our food, and with open seating they drop food to your table. It is quite a casual service atmosphere. There is no table touching after they drop the food, so you have to get up for water refills, more napkins, and to go boxes. The only issues I noticed is that the white linen roll up napkins felt and smelled greasy, like they were washed along with kitchen rags. And our utensils were dropped after our food.
Erica YErica Y
00
Absolutely fantastic! Order at the counter, take your number, and they bring it out to your table. Ordering was simple and the employee who took my order couldn't have been more professional. She also stopped by my table to check how my meal was. The manager also asked if I needed anything a bit later. The double cheeseburger was spot on. Cooked perfectly with just the right amount of condiments added to the burger. Not to mention fries that came right out of the fryer that were nice and crispy. I don't give many five star reviews, but Benchmark Eatery, you deserve these stars!
Michael BeenerMichael Beener
00
Nearby Attractions Of Benchmark Eatery
Paseo Nuevo
Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens
Coastal Dispensary Santa Barbara
Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden
Marshalls
Alameda Park
Cleopatra Ink Tattoo & Piercing Santa Barbara Studio
Kimpton Canary Hotel
Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
La Arcada Plaza

Paseo Nuevo
4.4
(1.5K)Click for details

Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens
4.8
(937)Click for details

Coastal Dispensary Santa Barbara
4.7
(579)Click for details

Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden
4.8
(590)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Benchmark Eatery
Santa Barbara Public Market
Handlebar Coffee Roasters
Carlitos Café y Cantina
Joe's Cafe
The Palace Grill
Cali-Forno Pizzeria
The Andersen's Danish Bakery & Restaurant
Cajun Kitchen
Indian Tandoori Kingdom
Scarlett Begonia

Santa Barbara Public Market
4.6
(702)Click for details

Handlebar Coffee Roasters
4.7
(561)Click for details

Carlitos Café y Cantina
4.4
(602)Click for details

Joe's Cafe
4.4
(1.1K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
1201 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Map
Phone
(805) 845-2600
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Website
benchmarkeatery.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.4
(494 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Urban, neighborhood hangout with casual American eats, local beers on tap & covered outdoor seating.
attractions: Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens, Coastal Dispensary Santa Barbara, Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, Marshalls, Alameda Park, Cleopatra Ink Tattoo & Piercing Santa Barbara Studio, Kimpton Canary Hotel, Santa Barbara Museum Of Art, La Arcada Plaza, restaurants: Santa Barbara Public Market, Handlebar Coffee Roasters, Carlitos Café y Cantina, Joe's Cafe, The Palace Grill, Cali-Forno Pizzeria, The Andersen's Danish Bakery & Restaurant, Cajun Kitchen, Indian Tandoori Kingdom, Scarlett Begonia
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