The Standard

The Standard! What a quaint dive bar. If you've seen some of my other reviews, you know I love a good dive--especially one with pool tables and games. My out-of-town friends played pool, and I have to say, the red pool table was definitely a vibe. Perfect for those Instagram photo dumps if you're like me!I kept it classic with a Modelo and lime--my go-to for a casual night out that still gives a little vacation-in-your-city-kinda-energy that I needed in this cold weather. While we were there, I noticed a sign about their pizzas, which, in my opinion, is a hallmark of a great dive bar. Who doesn't want a late-night snack? Definitely adding it to my list to try next time! The bartender was also fantastic to chat with--she was so welcoming!

So I went here one night just off of walking around the neighborhood and it was cute to me so I went in, the girl at the bar was so tattooed up It was amazing and the. I asked her about one of the tattoos and she said she didn't like to be looked at! It was weird so yeah she wasn't friendly at all and not nice. Didn't have any food and after that beer I was out the door.

The Standard is what you get when you combine an east side neighborhood bar with a historic building with character. On one level, it's much like the corner taps you might find around the city, and that's great. But, the older building combined with some nice design touches gives the place a little character and makes The Standard feel several steps above the norm. Early in the evening, it's a welcoming, cozy pub with a friendly bartender. As the night wore on and the place got crowded, it became more a loud hangout. If you go, don't pick a seat (like I did) staring at the breathalyzer machine on the wall. The machine has a video screen that repetitiously plays a heartbreaking video of a father cradling his dead child's body after being run over by a drunk driver (in Hollywood blockbuster style, by a car barrel-rolling through a fence and into a child's playground set.) I mean, if that doesn't get you into the mood for a fun Friday night out, what will, amiright?

tl;dr Your dark, cozy and welcoming neighborhood bar. I stumbled upon The Standard thanks to the PubPass. Without it, I never would have known this place existed, primarily due to it's location. A few blocks from Brady, tucked in a residential neighborhood, The Standard serves up the classics, as well as the craft, in a laid back environment. Shoot the breeze with the bartender (seriously, he's a book of endless knowledge), catch a game with a Coors heavy, pet a dog or two, and just relax. This place isn't a dive, rather a casual blend of simplicity and personality. If you're looking for a down to earth, unpretentious, neighborhood bar, then look no further... this is it.

I've only gotten my arse over to The Standard once, I don't typically hangs on the East Siide all that much, but that single visit left a major impression on me to be one of my fave bars (if not thee) of mine in that part of town. It's kinda hidden, away from the trafficky area, I dig it.It's a smaller tavern, that's ok!And I can speak nerdy beer language with the barkeeps. YES! My kinda style.I really need to get back soon. Check out da beers.If you're cooler than the east side, this might be your spot.

This is an awesome neighborhood bar ! Great beers on tap and even better staff! Emily and Heidi are very friendly and welcoming! We were in from AZ for the Packer / Cardinal game and loved this place ! Definitely check it out !

I was so very sad to hear that Circa had closed.I mean, yes... it had been going downhill for quite some time. Their regular bartender was really quite "out of touch." There wasn't really anything left to drink. All of the sudden, there was a giant teevee in the corner, and it was playing the real estate channel. WTH? It was sad. Circa used to be phenomenal. Circa used to be all warm woods and low lights and live music and the East Side's answer to Nessun Dorma. But that, dear friends, was many moons ago. Sigh.Enter: The Standard. Nothing flashy or fancy, from what I can tell this is a shot and a beer kinda joint. Now, I'm no longer really a shot and beer kinda gal, but I appreciate what this bar is doing. They've changed the decor a bit -- they've added a pool table, a jukebox, the walls are now red, etc. -- but it's still got the same comfy cozy corner-joint feel to it that I so dearly loved about Circa.Cool: Great Lakes Distillery held their first ever "pop-up speakeasy" at The Standard. I am a fan. Do this again. Me gusta.The Pixies, Tom Waits, Motown, and Wanda Jackson make me want to stay and hang out. Plus one, Standard. Michael Buble and super angry/loud Psychobilly make me want to leave. Minus one. Still workin' the vibe out on that end, methinks. They have a good-ish selection of beers, too... which is important IMHO.Verdict: Corner bar off Brady boasts more character right out the gate than even some longstanding establishments in this 'hood. Once they nestle into themselves a bit more, I'll have a better idea as to if I'll be a repeat offender of the joint's; but for now, I think there's potential, so they've got a fan in this gal.

Great place for a casual drink. Not the fanciest, but gets the job down. It's also not terribly crowded, and I've always received service from pleasant bartenders. The building has tons of character and feels homey and cozy during the depths of winter. Highly recommended, especially if you want to avoid the craziness of Brady Street bars.

Great Atmosphere..Good people.Fantastic service..Fun and Brilliant Bartenders... A unique hidden Gem..

Cool place - can be uncomfortable when they don't cool it properly- some of the staff are drunk and struggle to poor a beer correctly which can be a bad vibe