Setting the Benchmark: Chicago’s First Retractable Roof Beer Garden

You’ve heard of convertible cars. And bras. But here’s a new one, convertible bars. As Benchmark gets set to open it’s doors this weekend in Old Town, the front entrance isn’t the only thing that’s going to be opening. Literally.

Welcome to Chicago’s first retractable rooftop beer garden from the crew who brought you West End, SchoolYard, and Brownstone. The eighth installment of their bar series, Benchmark does just that, brings the bar scene to new heights. Surrounded by flat screens, Italian quartz walls and swanky leather, drink your beer with the wind gently blowing through your hair. Designed like a futuristic atrium, the ceiling can appear and disappear as fast as a Chicago season.

All we have to say is, why did no one think of this sooner?

1510 N. Wells St. 312-649-9640. http://www.benchmarkchicago.com/