5 Star service, 3 Star food. I love the people there. From the bouncers to the ID guy to the coat check girl to all of the waitresses and waiters. They're all so friendly and incredibly helpful throughout the night. There isn't a proper dance floor, but we still found the room and had a grand time. Everyone is patient as a saint and I frankly don't know how they maintain that while dealing with drunk young adults packed into a dimly lit restaurant. The food was dry. Simple as that. I understand they don't want to have bottles of ketchup sitting around but the sauces wasn't nearly enough to make the food palatable. We got the nachos which were good, about what you'd expect. The sweet potato fries did not come with enough dip nor did my chicken sandwich on a biscuit. It was all very dry. We ordered the pineapple drink for $19 and I was disappointed at how little liquid was in there. I understand it's 3oz of alcohol but I'd rather have more juice and water in there than just 70% ice and 30% liquid. Overall a great experience, you're definitely not coming here for the food, I was just really hungry that night. Enjoy, have a good time, and remember to tip the lovely people for dealing with your drunken ass.

Had a terrible experience at Standard this past weekend. I paid $8 cover only to get kicked out less than 5 minutes later for being "too high". I hadn't smoked at all. I simply walked to the washroom upon entering and walked back to my friends before they surrounded me and asked me to leave. I understand that it is their right to refuse entry to me if they so choose, but if the bouncer decides to let me in and pay $8 cover then I don't think it's fair to kick me out less than 5 minutes later. They wouldn't give me my $8 cover back even after I had explained everything. Luckily my friends were nice enough to all immediately leave with me, but a few of them had bought drinks inside and had to down them before we left. The whole experience soured my friend's birthday night, we will never be returning. I don't know why anyone would ever come here anyway, the Lieutenant's Pump is directly across the street. There is no cover there, and they are far more friendly. My friends and I spent the whole night there with no issues at all.

Great service, nice atmosphere, ok food and drinks. Tried the Bee Sting Pizza (Soppressata & drizzle honey) which is Detroit style (thick and rectangular). The dough was thick but light, and the portion is huge which makes it easily shareable by two people. However I did get tired of the flavour quickly. I enjoyed the first few bites and then I had enough. Tried the poutine which was ok, but way overpriced ($14). For drinks I tried the Moscow Mule, and was disappointed when it was brought in a highball glass instead of the traditional copper mug. The flavour was ok, but too much ice. Server was very polite and professional. I like The Standard for its location location, but overall it’s just an ok place.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

I like thin crust pizza, so when my waiter told me they served Detroit-style pizza with thick crust, I should have known not to order it. When my pizza arrived it was exactly as my waiter described it, so I cannot blame him that I found the pizza too doughy for my taste. In fact, if anything, he deserves kudos for being such an attentive server. Although I will not order the pizza here again, that's just because of my own taste preference. If you like thick crust pizza this is a good place to go. Note: My bill came to $42 with my pizza, one beer, tax, and 20% tip.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–50
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
I ordered the Mission Im-Pesto-Ble pizza that is vegetarian.

I went to the Standard for the first time tonight for a co-worker’s going away party. Social distancing measures met or exceeded standards... my server (I didn’t catch her name... pretty, long dark hair working upstairs) was so AMAZING!!! She accommodated my requests (mainly for her to just bring me a cocktail and food of her choosing)... I was NOT disappointed!! Cocktails- delish... the fries are PERFECTLY prepared and flavourful without being greasy or overly salty... and despite being busy, I never waited for my beverages or my bill for more than two minutes. ALL that AND she was charming AF... laughing at all my lame jokes!!! 10/10 recommend and 100% WILL visit again soon! Oh... and the music is was as perfect as the service xoxoxo

I don’t usually leave reviews. Maybe I should more. I just had to share my experience on St Patrick’s days of all the days. I walked in without a reservation hoping for a table for 5-6 people. I was instantly greeted my a manager (steph? I think … she was sooo nice and petite and played hockey?). She moved tables around and made us welcome and didn’t even stop for one minute to make us feel like an inconvenience. Thank you!! We drank and ate and sang all night and really… we were never without anything we needed because of her, So refreshing to feel actually waited on. Five stars isn’t enough. Thanks hockey girl and thanks standard What a great night We will all be back ❤️
Meal type
Dinner

Have come here twice now. First time got the Detroit style pizza and split it with some friends. We were aware of the thick base and chose a pizza with lots of different toppings. The result was p good, maybe a bit of a knife and fork situation? Our waiter was friendly enough and definitely very helpful. She knew the menu well and was able to help us customize our order as we wanted it. Something that was great both times we came here was the music. The atmosphere generally is nice, on the better side I'd say for a bar, but the music was great. Created conversation, brought back memories. Whoever has control of the playlist knows what they're doing.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Came in not long ago - if the service wasn't great, I'd be leaving a 1 star. Either we came at the worst time (new cook? No food delivery?). Four of us ordered food and appetizers. Not one of the plates I would even consider acceptable to serve. It was as if the plates were leftovers from the night before and they just popped it in the microwave for a few seconds OR food quality isnt their priority . I can't get over how gross it was, not certainly for the price you're paying. Would recommend going for drinks because the atmosphere and service is not bad so im not completely knocking it down but it will be awhile before I give it a go with the food again.

A personal favourite for downtown bars. The Standard is a small to medium sized bar with a great selection of cocktails and very good food. The best thing about it is the music and layout; they often play '90s-'00s hip hop and while there isn't really an established dance floor, people definitely dance -- it has a cozy element to it, but is energetic and stylish. There are many tables and larger more comfortable booths for larger groups, and the bar has a 'wrap-around' style that offers good bar side seating. It's also popular for sporting events, as they air select events (PPV or otherwise) regularly.

Good service, cozy atmosphere. We felt the food was lacking in creativity, and taste... it was good but nothing special. The entire menu resembles dozens of other pub/restaurants in the area (a lot of easy deep fried stuff). They need to create something unique to draw customers back again and again, without repeat business this place will suffer. When I think of burgers Its bite burger on Murray st, tacos would be el Camino, fajitas and nachos is lone star, good chilli and ribs would be the smoke shack on York and so on.... the standard needs something special of their own to be memorable

Came a couple weeks ago with some girls to have some drinks around 11:30. we got a drink at the bar and headed over to the table where we had a friend join late. We stopped a server as she wanted to order a drink. Server: Trista stopped to take the drink order shook her head yes and then gave a dirty look and looked away never bringing a drink over. We ended up getting another server and then left to go somewhere else as I think it was rudest experience we ever encountered.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20

Brunch. Small but well varied brunch selections. A few added sides. I like the buckwheat pancakes with protein plate. Very tasty and healthy to boot. Bottomless coffee and for the more adventurous, there is a variety of mimosas (after 11). Service was good and the server was friendly and chatty as the restaurant wasn't that busy. Not a bad spot all in all. Oh, almost forget to mention that they don't accept debit cards, only credit cards/cash. There is one of those sketchy ATMs in the back for those who only have a debit card with them.

Good food and drinks (although majority of cocktails were pre-made)! Server kept checking in way too many times to the point it was inconvenient. Also music was waaaaay too loud before 10pm to and we couldn't talk to people in our own table. Asked them to turn it down just a bit and received a very rude "no". I'm all for nice ambient music but when you can't have a conversation it ruins it.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–50
Food: 4
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 3

My friends and I went there last night and were having a good time until my friend decided to pay for his beer bill at the bar. The waitress did not believe he paid for it and made him pay again! He left a 0 dollar tip because he had to pay for his beer twice and we got kicked out because she threw a little temper tantrum over the 0 dollar tip. I do not recommend this place to anyone as the service there is absolutely horrible. There are much better places to have a drink and a good time along Elgin street.

Went to the standard aka Sipping Santa before heading to the Christmas market & had a great time! The atmosphere is amazing - the ridiculous amount of Christmas lights and Decor is hilarious, and creates a welcoming & fun vibe. The drink menu is well thought out. They have a handful of cocktails with specific Christmas glassware, I personally liked my beverage so much that I got two ! Would definitely come back during the holidays.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20

Went for drinks and appetizers after the pride parade this weekend and was disappointed with the food. Not sure if it was just an off day since it wasn’t super busy compared to other restaurants in the area but wait times were quite long for ordering and receiving the food. Nachos were lacking ingredients and burnt. The red sangria was decent.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

My friend and I were looking for a good brunch place on Elgin St after leaving Happy Goat Coffee. We we lured into this place by the open windows with tables overlooking the street and sidewalk. It wasn’t busy when we walked in. We were quickly seated and served. The food was delicious. I was surprised. Really good waffles. And I have been looking for a decent brunch place that actually serves waffles in downtown Ottawa for awhile! Definitely gonna go back.

Had a post-work function at the Standard, and very impressed with the service. Great atmosphere and food. My cellphone died and I needed somewhere to charge it. One of the servers (Erin) gladly offered to charge it near the DJ booth and it was greatly appreciated. Thanks for going above and beyond!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I did not have food here...just stopped in for a beer. Decent place in good location on Elgin. Beer selection was reasonable with seasonal beers on tap which was a plus for me. I upgraded this to 4 stars when the owner actually reached out to see how things might be improved to get even higher rating. Honestly the fact that they care enough to read reviews and ask how to improve gets them an extra star in my books! :-)

The bar that entirely changed the way I feel about Ottawa’s night life, which wasn’t good btw I never liked night life here so Id always go to Montreal. The vibe at Standard is absolutely perfect. Older age groups than the ones in byward, amazing music, and very hard working staff - Respect for the effort they put on Fridays and Saturdays because it gets absolutely CRAZY. So happy I found this place

The drinks for Sippin’ Santa were so fun! The North Pole bowl is HUGE and pretty tasty. I don’t recommend the Ho Ho Hot Buttered Rum, it was just TOO buttery and didn’t have a very good after taste. The rest of the drinks were great After 10:30 they turn the lights down and the music up
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$40–50
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 4

Their website allowed me to make a dinner reservation for Tuesday December 26. I even got a confirmation email for my reservation. I show up, the place is closed. No one from this location bothered to contact me to tell me the place was closed. Why the system even allowed me to make a reservation in the first place if they were closed makes absolutely no sense. Poor management, and definitely poor ownership.

The service was super friendly and quick, absolutely no complaints about the staff. But I have to say the food was unfortunately pretty terrible :( $23 for 5 small chicken fingers and a little side of poutine, and the chicken fingers were barely edible. Biting them was like chewing rubber. Poutine was quite good, but for the price very tiny and I was shocked at the quality of the chicken.

I ate there twice today, first for brunch and then for lunch. The staff was very friendly and attentive and both of the dishes were really tasty. Perfectly cooked burger and the house bbq sauce was great. The portions are a good size as well. I usually don’t notice the background music but really enjoyed it here. Will definitely return. Just note that they don’t accept debit for payment.

Had a great couple experiences at the Standard during the Sippin Santa tiki bar pop up. The food has been really delicious and our server the most recent time, Sheldon, was very attentive and made the meal even better! Shelly was the highlight of the holidays at the standard and we will be making the standard our go-to spot for after work drinks. More lively music would be appreciated.

My husband and I went there for a bite to eat and a drink. The door person was very friendly and inviting. We sat at the bar and were very disappointed with the service. It wasn’t really busy yet and they had 3 servers so there was no excuse for poor service. The food was pretty terrible unfortunately. I won’t go back to The Standard again. Not even for a drink.

Ok deals, mediocre service, quart and a burger is a good deal just don't get the "big Mac" wannabe, it was so sloppy, way too much sauce and for $16 (regular price) you get 1 regular burger cut in half! Way better options out there for this style burger. However the other burgers are delicious and we'll worth the cost especially on burger and quart day

Really nice staff and atmosphere. Went around Halloween and the entire restaurant was really decorated. Got one of their pizza's and the dough really stands out! You can tell it's been rolled by hand in the back fresh for you whereas most restaurants have dough that tastes like it was pre made and just cooked. It's worth the trip to elgin to try this.

We were just walking by peacefully and an employee from the restaurant use very vulgar words towards us and wish death upon on. Extremely upsetting, we just walked away and he used more vulgar words. He’s a tall male with shaved head. Sadden to hear should vulgar words for absolutely no reason. I hope his heart becomes more warm from those around him.

The music was exactly the same as I was listening to and wanted, although not much room to dance, , I so wanted more space to dance around...no where else had the same music I was wanting...coat check girl was so nice, fast service from bar girl and drink server boy! My first time there, will probably go back but earlier than later! …

The standard barely meets the standard. Food was underwhelming. Salad was over tossed with dressing and their steak and noodles had noodles that were completely uncooked. It felt like I was eating paper instead of rice noodles. I did enjoy the big space for swatting and the relaxed music the DJ was playing. Extra star for decent music.

This is a nice place to go IF you don't have children. Their baby seat is like 6 inches shorter than the table. There's no place to change babies and something seems off with their dishwasher as some of the stuff they served us was still dirty (lipstick on one glass and the teapot had floating chunks of what I think I was food in it) .

Limited menu but food is good. Group bought various items and shared around. Service was great. Will go back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Nachos
Wheelchair accessibility
Steps to enter.

I had the super burger and the taste was good but I was expecting better for that price. My friend had a BLT sandwich and his was not fantastic. The chicken curry soup is absolutely delicious but the black bean soup is a bit bland. The staff and the service are very kind and friendly but perhaps overly busy.

Great place to hang out and just chill with friends... food is not the best quality and very bready options... but i mean if you dont eat that type of food every day its all good for a treat for an outing.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Never been it was my friend and I first time. Their ginger beer is great as is their tavern burger and sweet potato fries. Comfortable atmosphere and really friendly staff.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Visited for brunch recently. Mimosas are very well priced and solid. Food was fine, a bit under seasoned, a little underwhelming to be perfectly honest. Our server was very nice; I'm not sure if they were under staffed or what, but the wait times were longer than I was expecting for afternoon brunch.

The restaurant brought in a DJ, but the amplified music reached ear-piercing levels, making it a challenge to enjoy the dining experience without risking our hearing.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 4
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

If it wasn't for the music and atmosphere I would have given this place a 3. The food didn't impress me. I ordered honey garlic wings and fries. The wings were too dry and the seasoning not good. The fries weren't fresh. The worst part was the price. $22 for that. A bit disappointing.

Food is delicious and the prices are pretty reasonable. It was a bit hot the day we went, not sure if the AC was off. But otherwise it was really good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Solid pub food served in the setting you'd expect. Maybe they should up their fries game. Nice craft beer list. Server was perfect.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

First day of my Holidays here in Ottawa, chose this at random from all the pubs and restaurants around the area. Best burgers I have ever eaten in my life! Service is awesome and the ambience is perfect, e for a guy like me who doesn't like alcohol that much.

The protein salad here is delicious but I was a little disappointed when I got the standard burger. For $20 I expected the portion size to be pretty decent but it was not. The side of fries was small and the burger was pretty stingey on the ingredients.

Great decor and atmosphere with a live DJ but there's not really any place to dance, if that's what you are looking for. I just had a drink when I was there, but the people I was with who had food, all had great things to say and prices were reasonable.

Very dark place (not enough light). Very loud music after 10pm. Mojito is watery – never buy it. Food is average.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–40
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

I loved their deal on cosmos for 5$. They were well proportioned and just strong enough. They had three different flavour juices which we all tried. The service was excellent. Did not eat so can't review for that but I did have a good time :)

Usually my Friends and I go there all the time, and generally receive good service. However, we went there last night and received the worst serving experience ever in Ottawa. The server, who's name I believe is Sabrina, was full of

Terrible. Okay since you now replied to my review with info that is completely inaccurate let me elaborate on my 1 star review. I arrived at your establishment at 1230am not 5min before close you state. My friends and I left your

Great music for those who like hiphop(old school), and have nice local brews on tap. The patio is narrow, but the atmosphere is great. Heard is worth checking out a dance night. When things open up I'll be sure to check it out.

We have gone for brunch, dinner, and late night drinks. Day time service is attentive and friendly. My experience of the late night service was friendly but you want to make sure you flag down your server because they are busy.

I came here with two of my friends and we ordered drinks and fries. Their fries come with sweet potato & regular fries which is awesome & the drinks were not bad. The washrooms were super clean, keep it up.

Went there to grab some of the best pizza if not THE best pizza in Ottawa! Stay Gold Pizza is a must stop visit when in Ottawa
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

We went for the Christmas decorations which they hit out of the park, awesome atmosphere! Drinks are a bit on the pricey side. Would recommend though!
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The Standard has great staff and service. It is a good place to meet friends and have a drink. The food is good. The beer selection is good. I would come back to The Standard next time I am in Ottawa.

I’ve been in a few times on Saturdays and the dj has always been super nice. Played my requests. Would highly recommend people come check the dj there on Saturdays.
Atmosphere: 5

Pricey yet delicious, this place serves a mean burger. They also have a hoppin night scene, and their wifi is the best in the city.
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

One of my absolute favourite places in Ottawa. $5 mimosas on the brunch menu. Monday’s are $6 apps & mojitos & they have many other deals. Great service and always a good experience!

Best place to get Detroit style pizza in Ottawa!!!
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pepperoni Pizza

Great brunch spot, opens at 10. Less busy and better food for the same price as anywhere on Elgin. 5$ Caesars and mamosas are definitely a bonus on weekends as well.

Good live music! Great cocktails and good food. The DJ is always awesome with a good mix of music. The service is good but sometimes slow. Wide variety of cocktails.

Loved this place, ate here two nights in a roll while in Ottawa for work. Great happy hour specials. Nachos were delish. DJ every night from 10pm. Great ambiance

Good place to grab drinks with friends. Our waiter was very organized, and made sure to get our orders correctly.

Good food, well priced, excellent specials. The DJ spins hip Hop usually - great vibe and friendly staff :)

Come play shot curling @ Standard on elgin st ottawa Great vibes good food and cold drinks! Ready to party!

Drinks / cocktails were great, music AMAZING & nachos were a bit burned. Worth giving another chance!

Nice, good food, strong drinks . Quiet not busy
Service
Dine in…
More

Special and delicious food. Good price and nice stuff. Good ambiance

Server was super nice. Big portions and mainly a pub. No dessert.

The food was not that good. The service however was excellent.

Great food and great service! Highly recommend