We love secret restaurants like Crif Dogs and the (reportedly) ultra-violent Backroom, but they are in Squaresville, Manhattan. Which is why we love Benchmark, a Park Slope boîte, tricky to find, unless you keep an eye out for the Second Street menu on a lectern. Once though the courtyard behind Loki Lounge, you come upon a gentleman’s club ambiance specializing in American Kobe-style steak (served with goat cheese whipped potatoes) to be eaten while gazing at exposed brick dotted with surveying equipment. Best feature: by-the-glass wines, many of which go for $6.
Benchmark
339-A Second St. between Fourth and Fifth Aves.
Park Slope, 718-965-7040
Sehrish Aslam