The E. 185th Street neighborhood has been ripe for the picking when it comes to an exciting new restaurant project. The popular Bistro 185 and Grovewood Tavern have been holding strong for seven and 15 years respectively, but other than that the local dining scene is decidedly unadventurous.
Thanks to restaurant owners Matt Quinn and Chris Hammer, who also operates Paragon Wine Bar (21920 Lakeshore Blvd., 216-531-9463, paragonwinebar.com) in Euclid, that east-side strip is about to snag a new gem.
The team spent the past 10 months transforming the weathered old Harland Pub/Quinn's Tavern space into The Standard (779 E 185th St., 216-531-9463), an attractive storefront tavern with exposed brick walls, tin ceilings and new bamboo floors. The fresh-faced space seats 20 at the bar and another 65 in the dining room.
"I have always had a soft spot for that neighborhood," says Hammer. "There are just so many great people in that area."
Hammer describes The Standard, which opens to the public Monday, December 9, as an eclectic American tavern serving locally inspired dishes. "We're not fine dining, but we're not freezer to fryer either."
To get The Standard off to the right start, Hammer brought in consulting chef Tim Bando, whom he worked with back at Noosa Bistro. Bando has created the menu, trained the staff, and will stick around for the foreseeable future. "I know I'll be real comfortable with Bando for as long as he stays with us," Hammer adds.
Items from the menu include a daily salumi and cheese board, Scotch eggs, arancini, pierogies, short rib stroganoff, chicken paprikash, gruyere mac and cheese, as well as a handful of daily specials.
The bar will offer 12 craft drafts, cocktails and wine, including eight wines on tap, which will be added in a month or so.
The Standard will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
