The Standard

Hello Unilocalers,
I’d like to start off by saying that this is the first Unilocal review I’ve written in a very long time because I feel there are many people out there who will use Unilocal for the wrong reasons nowadays. Whether it being an outlet for those to vent about being inconvenienced or as the main source for those who think they are a food blogger /​critic to be heard, Unilocal over the years, in my opinion, has lost some of its creditability. Recently, (Saturday, January 30^th to be exact) my husband and I had brunch at a lovely new restaurant on Magazine Street called The Standard. He had the Shrimp & Grits and I had the Crab Eggs Benedict with Cheese Grits. Both dishes were to die for! My sister and her family are coming in from out of town this weekend so we plan on returning for brunch with them. I’ve been talking to my sister about how much I like this restaurant and how we enjoyed ourselves that she, naturally (she is a devote Unilocaler since 2010) immediately went online to read the reviews. (Now comes the real reason I’m writing this.) My sister pointed out there were quite a few bad ones about this place and as curiosity would have it I too decided to check out the comments. I am a woman of a certain age and do not involve myself in the petty online drama that seems to be a past time for today’s generation, however, I feel I needed to write about my [good] experience this past weekend at The Standard after reading Cicily H.‘s review which doesn’t entail all the details, as we’re almost positive our table was next to theirs. There are many factors that play a part in why service at a place is backed up. I myself have never been a waitress, but my daughter had been while in college so my husband and I had heard it all from her. Cicily H.‘s review states, «I don’t care how good the food is, the service is ridiculous» among other words. Let me say this first, the place was busy on this day. We counted 8 out of the 10 tables were full and seating anywhere from 4 — 8 people at each one. Not including the tables out front which were full & also (come to find out) the additional seating in the back patio area which you wouldn’t be aware they had because you cannot see it unless brought back there. Second, they seemed to be understaffed on this particular day. The waiter who sat us apologized about the wait being that there is usually a hostess, but we had only been standing at the door for maybe 5 minutes or so, it was no trouble. We immediately were served water by another waiter letting us know that he was in training and that our assigned server would be over shortly to take our order, but he could start us with some additional beverages when we were ready. The wait was as expected for how busy it was. The restaurant filled up quickly the closer it got to parade time and a lot of people seemed to be in rush to catch it. I don’t quite understand the unrealistic expectations of people during carnival season. Maybe they are not from New Orleans? For those of you unknowing, this is one of the busiest times for the city bringing in thousands of out-​of-​towners each year. The people who are employed in this industry work long hours, don’t stop for a break not even to eat even though it’s required by law if you work an 8-​hour «shift,» and half the time their co-​workers don’t show up for work. They usually do not get a chance to enjoy carnival with the rest of us and, as I remember from my daughter Jane’s experience, are utterly exhausted afterwards. Being that said, I feel that Cicily H. could be a bit more understanding and kinder with her words. I could see if the place had not been busy and the staff were standing around goofing off, but this was not the case. It seemed all were trying to pick up the slack and doing the best they could. My rating is 4 stars (if closer to home I’d give it 5). The place is charming, the food is great, and I most certainly will be back. I hear the fried chicken dinner is delicious!

We are literally sitting here still waiting for our food after ordering over an hour ago. And the restaurant is not even half full. I don’t care how good the food is, the service is ridiculous. Would never recommend this restaurant. We told people at the door to leave.

I’M CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC
Two reviewers that I highly respect (Shannon S. and Elaine M.) had bad experiences here so I wasn’t expecting much. Hopefully management read their reviews and made changes, or maybe I just ordered the right thing, because I had a really good lunch here today and at an affordable price.
BEST $ 10.90** (SEE PICS) I’VE SPENT IN MONTHS
— I had the huge, 2-​mealer, pastrami on lightly toasted rye with swiss*
— with a flavorful cup of dark-​rouxed roasted tomato spinach soup
— one of the best housemade 1000 Island’s I’ve had locally;
— I hear the chicken is good but it’s only served at dinner.
THE STAFF WERE ENGAGING, SPACE CHEERY
Unlike pricey glum Red Dog diner down the road, the bar staff here were friendly, efficient and good conversationalists! It’s cleaner than nearby Bulldog, Slim Goody’s or Fat Harry’s. Martin’s still ranks as my favorite among similar restaurants uptown, but I’ll definitely be back.
*their Reuben without sauerkraut
**after-​tax

Stopped in for an early Saturday dinner. This adorable, friendly spot had an amazing menu, very reasonable prices, and the best service I’ve had in awhile. I’ll be back and will be bringing friends!

Awww man. I want to be able to say nice things because the staff was great and clearly cared, but… I can’t. Food was decidedly not good, I’m sorry. The crabmeat sandwich had terrible fishy flavor. The Brie appetizer was hard and flavorless… I don’t know how you screw up a brie and fruit spread plate. And greens appetizer was also upsetting. Won’t be coming back, very sorry to say. It was clean, staff was sweet, but the food was a fail.

Went there his past Saturday for brunch with a group of friends and was more than impressed. The service was amazing. Our waiter was so friendly that he actually shook each of our hands when we left and thanked us for coming in. We order a mimosa pitcher for $ 32 that was delicious and made with fresh squeezed orange juice, champagne, vodka and triple sec. I order the crab cakes Benedict for $ 15 with a side of cheese grits. The grits were amazing –definitely order them as your side and the crab were delicious. My friend who ordered the sweet potato pancake let me have a bite and I’m glad I did. It was delicioussssss. So good and was topped with melted brown sugar. The coffee was also amazing. I highly recommend this place. Very cute atmosphere as well

Amazing brunch! Reuben is incredible and a great place to find grits and grillades. Whole menu looked amazing, service is fabulous, restaurant looks like a sweet southern kitchen, beautiful bar. Loved it!

Great spot in a scenic neighborhood. The food and setting here are inventive and special. It’s the kind of cuisine one expects when coming to this town. Throughout a great meal, I notice that the service really stands out at this place. Have to give a shout out to Pierce. He’s a class act and played a big role in making this experience incredible. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone.

Amazing ambiance, great drinks, and even better food. The staff is above and beyond. I will definitely be coming back! Pierce is a waiter that you just dream of having. Kind, concerned, and respectable.
Very very impressed.

I just spend $ 14 on one of the soggiest, worst sandwiches I’ve ever had. I ordered the crabmelt which was a massive, fishy, mayo-​laden patty with quite a few bits of shell. The menu said it came with butter lettuce and remoulade, false advertising. The teensy bun had a small squirt of sauce soaked right into the center of the top bun and one sad, wilted piece of romaine.
The side of fries were all greasy and lumped together. I ate 2 bites and had to throw it in the trash. My coworker got the Reuben which it was extremely fatty and soaked the whole bottom of the bun into mush. It also had a smell that was just off, she had one taste and couldn’t even take another bite.
The prices at this place are so wrong for the quality of the food. Please don’t make your menu look all fancy, get people’s hopes up, and serve such crap. Sorry, I really was looking forward to a nice lunch and now I just feel robbed.

After months of walking past The Standard (we live around the corner) and saying, «We should eat there someday,» my hubby and I finally stopped in for dinner. It was a Saturday night, but there were plenty of tables free and we sat right down.
First impression: This menu looks… delicious. Lots of southern and «homey» sounding dishes. Fried chicken, mirliton, steak, burgers. But creative dishes too, like a pumpkin corn chowder that sounded great.
I ordered the fried chicken, my husband ordered the pork chop, and we started with some drinks and a pear salad. The salad was great, and excellently portioned for sharing. We had barely finished it when the entrees arrived. In fact, that’s really my only gripe with my meal. The food kind of arrived too quickly. Our salad arrived 2 minutes after we ordered it, and the entrees less than ten minutes after that. It’s great to have prompt service, but I did feel a bit rushed, as there was literally no break between courses.
But, I digress. Back to the food. My fried chicken was great — it was boneless, which was fine by me, and crispy without tasting too greasy. It came with a fluffy biscuit, house made mashed potatoes, with the skin, and creamy country grave. Deliciously unhealthy!
My husband got the pork chop and I’m not exaggerating when i say it was the best pork chop i’ve ever tasted. I practically had to stab my husband with my fork to sneak a couple morsels off his plate. The chop was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside and packed with flavor. Yum.
Service was prompt, unfailingly polite and helpful. Definitely a great meal! Looking forward to trying out their brunch.

We stopped by here before dinner across the street for a cocktail. Reminded me of a nouveau farmhouse style. Clean, bright, cute bar.
The absolute BEST cocktail I have ever had — and we are from NYC. It was a whiskey cocktail (they called it a sour but that does not do it justice). Louisiana small batch whiskey with fresh pressed (in front of us) lemons, limes, and satsuma oranges and cherries soaked in moonshine. Unbelievable! I could’ve had ten of them.
Bartender and staff were so friendly and cute and attentive. Wish I had more time to come back and eat. Menu looked great !! And very reasonably priced.

Went in on a weekday afternoon as I was walking down the street. Just wanted to get a quick drink at the bar and maybe a small bite to eat. The staff working was very welcoming; the owner happened to be there and she took a moment to speak to me.
I ended up getting a Sazarec at the bar and I was less than satisfied. I don’t feel like the bartender had much practice. The drink was warm and was straight bourbon.
I’ll have to come back again and try some of the food. I’ve seen that is gotten busier now since I’ve gone.

I happened to stop by for a sandwich to go which was delicious. The space is cozy and well appointed. I thought I would just stop in for a sandwich but I will be returning. The menu is direct and to the point (no fluff) and seasonal. I was particularly impressed by the attentive staff — they were polite and engaging. I will follow up on this review with another.

I don’t understand any of the negative reviews. We walked in and were immediately greeted by Pierce who also happened to be out server. He was ridiculously courteous and genuinely sweet throughout our entire meal. He recommended a drink, which my boyfriend enjoyed so much he got a total of 4– one of which was to go.
The food was amazing and decently priced, the décor was adorable and the atmosphere was perfectly in tune with the rest of the restaurant. I would go back just for the amazing service, Pierce went above and beyond during our visit and it’s so rare to see that nowadays.

Review is for Sunday brunch.
I want to give The Standard a 5, the interior is gorgeous and the menu is extensive. I think the staff just need to get into their groove. It will come with time. I will definitely be back.
The mimosa’s come with ice and not in a champagne class. That bugs me. I want the fancy glass and don’t try and make it look like a giant drink by filling a cup with ice. Also I want the fizz of the champagne so please leave out the ice.
I had a version of eggs benedict with lump crab meat. It was fine. Didn’t leave me speechless or drooling lol.
I want to try for dinner and re review.

The food is great, The owner Allison is always on hand and super sweet, and our waiter Pierce was the sweetest, most accomodating person I have ever met. We will be patronizing The Standard for years to come.

We went on August 21 and it was not a good experience at all.
This was probably the worst meal we have ever had in New Orleans. As soon as our orders came out they were both wrong. I didn’t mind i just took the mango off. My husbands was wrong and rancid. He couldn’t eat any of his meal. He got the gumbo and crab melt. I could smell his gumbo and it smelled horrid! It smelled like 2 day old fish left out.
Not sure what they were going for on the crab melt but it was fishy and gross and couldn’t be eaten. Also this melt was made without the crab cake being cooked! It was cold and raw crab meat. The waitress took it back and you could tell they just reheated it somehow because middle was still raw. After all this mess the waitress says i am going to have the manager come out so y’all can give him some insights as to what was wrong. The Manager of course never came out. Instead the manager comped my husbands meal. My husband and I Both know this place just opened up and so we were happy to let the manager know some things that were not ok.
The worst part of the meal was the fact the manager never came out. We get it it just opened but come on what manager just avoids his customers? I have seen managers even when a meal is perfect come out and just ask how was your meal. With this experience it seems like this manager did not care.

This space has seen quite a few restaurants come and go in relatively short time spans. I’m not sure this one is going to last either as they don’t seem to quite be up to the standard needed to survive in the competitive restaurant scene of NOLA.
On my last visit I had their burger which at $ 10 was a fair price but it was served on quite a small slider size bun with a thick serving of meat. The burger tasted decent but it doesn’t come close to the amazing burger at nearby La Petite Grocery. I was disappointed they didn’t have Creole mustard and the french fries were limp and lacking much in the way of flavor along with actually seeming to be rather under cooked. I ate at the bar and was given a water but somehow I never had my drink order taken so I would’ve ordered an iced tea but I never got the chance to order that. My friend enjoyed the fried chicken they had so that might be a worthy item to sample.
Overall I’m not sure I want to return but there were some other interesting items on the menu so perhaps they will improve with more experience so I will wait and see for now.

Pierce, our server, was one of the nicest and attentive servers I have ever had from the Service Industry. He is from Seattle and New Orleans is lucky to have him here. When you go do ask for him as your server.
We ate on Sunday during brunch and the brunch menu is spot on. The Marigny dish does not disappoint.