If you’re looking for a fun place to celebrate an occasion or are tired of going to restaurants where a meal costs more than your first car, check out The Standard Delray.
This new hot spot in downtown Delray Beach has the verve and energy of a flickering strobe, with an insular calm.
Formally the site of O.G.. The Standard Delray has been updated and redesigned for more comfort and less angst. The acoustics have been toned down, and soft leather booths have been added inside.
The large outdoor bar and seating area has been updated with a natural wood ceiling and seating. The music is a powerful force outside, yet it no longer overtakes the energy that manifests inside and out.
For cool evenings, you can keep warm outside for Happy Hour or dinner because they added heaters around the bar and outdoor patio. If you find yourself in need of a smooth landing from life’s more challenging moments, they have the best solution – an Espresso Martini. This special martini is part elation and part incredible-tasting antidote to reality.
They also have a full bar menu that ranges from martinis to margaritas, martinis, mixed drinks, beer and beyond.
The Standard Delray has a full food menu that will tantalize your senses and soothe your soul. The dinners range from NY Strip Steaks to Pan Seared Salmon, Burgers, Salads and more. They also serve steak and goat cheese salads, Bang Bang Shrimp Quesadillas and other delicious dishes.
Happy Hour at the Standard is every day from 4 to 7 and includes $10 flatbreads (there are 7 varieties), $10 Martinis, Burger Sliders, Fish, Steak Tacos and other dishes.
Not to be missed are their appetizers that are often as large as main dish at other restaurants. The Tuna Tower is wonderful; it’s sweet and savory with sushi rice, avocado, mango salsa and wantons. Also excellent is crispy Calamari with lemon aioli and Thai Chili, and the Mahi Mahi Sandwich with arugula and tomato.
The Standard Delray is a special place of tropical wonderment and good time vibes. Its location adds to the calming neighborhood feel and hip historical heritage.
If South Florida has a culinary history at all it’s steeped in familial restaurant lore. The Standard is no different. Started by three friends who have been in the restaurant-bar business for decades – Nick Martinez, his good friend Brian O’Brian (who started O’Brian’s in Boca Raton) and Ryan Martinez. Nick graduated from FAU and has worked at a variety of bars and restaurants in Boca Raton.
“After working for Brian for eight years, he knew I had a vision (and goals) for my future in the restaurant business. We were patient, deciding not to buy many places in 2019 as prices were too high. In 2020, as terrible as COVID was, it presented an opportunity for us to find the right space and hire great people who, by no fault of their own, were let go or had hours drastically reduced by their previous employer.” said Nick.
The first Standard opened in East Boca Raton in July 2020, and six months ago they opened up a Delray location. They did it with expertise in the restaurant business, passion and a chance to offer reasonably priced comfort food and specialty drinks in a cozy intimate atmosphere.
They’re also the only restaurant and bar to show all sports teams on their 18 Large TV screens inside and out. “We are into sports; we show all NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, UFC fight nights and all college games. We partnered with FAU to be the official watch party spot for the Men’s Basketball team,” adds Nick.
The Standard Delray is the only alumni owned restaurant actively involved with this sporting advantage. “We like to hire FAU students and graduates to work at The Standard.”
On weekends The Standard Delray is the place to be. They open at 11 am on Saturday and Sunday and serve brunch, lunch and dinner. There are bottomless mimosas, margaritas, healthy shots and a full bar. And they’re open every night until 2 am. Insomniacs rejoice!
The Standard specializes in American cuisine with wonderful hand-crafted cocktails, local brews and fresh food from local suppliers.
They’re also well known for their flatbreads, that range from Margarita to Shrimp Pesto, BBQ Chicken, Spicy Buffalo Chicken and Pepperoni.
The Standard Delray also has healthy fare and vegetarian items like a Portobello Mushroom Wrap, Caesar Salad, Grilled Cheese with homemade Tomato Bisque and others.
If a restaurants’ flattery is from others, then The Standard has scored big points. “The Standard Delray is my top choice for a guaranteed great time on the Avenue. The atmosphere is top notch, the food and drinks are great, and the servers are too. You’ll find your-self wanting to stay longer than intended,” said Nicole.
Hannah agrees. “The atmosphere at the Standard is awesome! The country music is great, and it’s fun to watch a game! Outside setup has lots of fans and the Nashville chicken sandwich is delicious!”
The enthusiasm at The Standard Delray is contagious – the happy vibes just float around the premises like bubbles from an ethereal source. That’s why everyone loves coming to this new neighborhood haunt. The staff is friendly – and everyone has their own favorite – ours is Gavin.
Save room for their famous dessert – The Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet. This is more than a dessert, it’s a trip to culinary nirvana. Made with a huge freshly baked warm chocolate chip cookie it’s topped with ice cream and caramel sauce. It is sheer delight.
The Standard is also a great place for a party or celebration. The outdoor patio is very large and has comfy tables, swing chairs and enough space to spread out the good vibes. It’s also the perfect place for a first date!
As they like to say at The Standard: “Raise your standard with us!”
THE STANDARD DELRAY
166 SE 2nd Ave
Delray Beach, FL 33444
(561) 908-2489
standardflorida.com
THE STANDARD BOCA RATON
(561) 372-9269
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