Now that Standard has officially closed down for their winter hibernation (Sunday was their last day), I felt it was a good time to reflect on my experiences over the past 2 years they've been open, almost perfectly coinciding with my move into the neighborhood as well. Standard might actually have the most representative name of any restaurant in DC, as it certainly takes on several characteristics of its namesake definition. In a short time it has become one of the markers for what success in Logan Circle can be measured by (the standard, if you will), while also being a visible reference point for many people coming into the area (a physical standard, even) who lovingly refer to it as "the beer garden".
It really does seem a short time ago that a friend and I were walking over to Standard during its opening week to try it out, a nice surprisingly sunny day in the spring of last year. Now, 8 seasons later, the spot that I noted had barely changed from its previous occupant, a gardeners' provisioner, has still done effectively little to the space, but somehow transformed the mentality completely. This is a place where (mostly young, professional) people come to see other people of their kind, mingle a bit at open table seating, soak in the sun rays on the patio, drink large mugs of (relatively) inexpensive beer, and possibly enjoy a bit of barbeque or other summer favorites.
I've been back myself probably close to a dozen times now, and although I can't ever say I've walked away from here absolutely loving what I had, I was generally pretty happy with it, and hardly ever felt like it wasn't worth it. In a city full of overpriced eats, this is about as bare bones and inexpensive as you will find (with a couple exceptions). A small person can easily get tipsy on $10, and a large person can easily fill up on food for around $10, that works out to be a pretty good combination for everyone. There are some menu items I feel don't live up to their price tag (usually the sausages), but the basic BBQ isn't bad, and some of the sides are actually outstanding, like the collard greens cooked with ham hock, one of the best versions in the city.
Then, recently, thanks to the Yelper formerly known as Chris T., I was informed of Standard's change of policy on reserving their 24 hour roasted pig's heads, basically allowing anyone to snag one up within a week's notice. So Julia made the call, and 6 of us descended upon Standard with a mission of picking apart the succulent meat behind the bones of a well cooked animal face (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/standard-washington?select=17uqOIH19s5_DQ1E6Wg4Iw#17uqOIH19s5_DQ1E6Wg4Iw), with results that apparently had never before been seen by the employees there. We definitely weren't shy. At just $18 for the entire head I think this is quite the steal, not to mention the general appalled looks you're guaranteed to get from other patrons, but I would recommend it for 2 people instead, no more than 3, if you really want to consider it a "meal". For the 6 of us it was more like a fun excursion.
If you're wondering how Standard stacks up to another of DC's similar establishments, Biergarten Haus, I think it depends on what you're looking for. The food here, even the least satisfying of items, is vastly superior to what BGH offers. The beer mugs, however, are slightly smaller, so if chugging huge amounts is your priority then you'll be a wee bit disappointed. The beer selection here is also a good bit smaller, but still respectable enough, with a typical dose of light German offerings countered by some heavier, more flavorful American alternatives (the excellent Bell's Two-Hearted Ale can often be found on draft here).
I've often referred to this place as the hipster cage, although in truth it's just as full of hipster haters as it is the actual hipsters, or faux-hipsters, themselves. Nevertheless, the iron walls around the complex seemingly trap the horde of Warby Parker donning, flannel-laden, social trend setting (and/or defying) folks in, creating a raucous noise that both repels and attracts you...curious what it is they all know about this place that looks like little more than a front yard of a frat house. read more