The Standard Hotel — Restaurant in Melbourne

Hi just reaching out to tell you guys that you have completely ruined my life. I visited your establishment the other day just looking to wet my whistle (that means enjoy a drink) but was very upset when I realised my innocent trip to the pub would leave me feeling empty for the rest of my life. Why? Because I saw the most beautiful girl working there. There are plenty of beautiful girls and guys in the world and that’s great. But to see someone so beautifully crafted by the gods isn’t a good thing. It’s completely messed with my head. She was a kind of short girl with blond hair and black skirt. From this point onwards my notion of beauty has been changed and I don’t even know if I can be happy seeing another girl knowing that angels do walk among us. Why does an angel even need to work? Most people work to put food on the table and put a roof over their heads. Angels don’t even need to eat and they sleep in heaven floating on clouds so what is the point in her even having a job?

Anyway good service and nice beer garden. Thanks for...

Four point seven-five stars for The Standard Hotel, a splendid oasis in the kinda-backstreets of Fitzroy. We come back again and again, pretty much whenever we're nearby.

Looks like nothing from the street. Looks like not much when you walk into the front bar. But once you explore the place, check out the world-class beer garden, suss the side rooms and tables . . . brilliant.

The chaps and chapettes behind the bar know their drinks, and the drinks are good. The crew are friendly, fun, up for a chat.

The crowd's varied, the vibe is chill and pleasant. Lunch is popular but we haven't tried it yet. All in all, a first-class spot for a lazy Saturday afternoon, or just a quick pint on your way between other Fitz / Collingwood destinations.

Minus .25 stars because the hotel's silent partner, the government, keeps stealing from us all through some of the highest beer taxes in the world.

Pro tip: the beer garden can be booked out during sunny summer weekends. So, if you're up for a session,...

This is a great spot to go for a beer when the weather's decent. The courtyard is lovely, and the indoor area is plenty agreeable in a traditional pub sense. The staff are friendly, and the beer selection is not large but they always have some interesting ones.

The food was OK, I suppose I shouldn't have expected more. Serving sizes are generous so value for money is still decent. The fish was pretty bland, though at least it was crispy. I did really like the tartare, a lot more finely chopped than I would personally make, and pretty heavy on the dill, but overall a good sauce. The salad is always nice to have. My dad got the chicken parmy which was also acceptable, the chicken wasn't dry but it was a bit bland.

Having said all that, the chips were great, and also properly salted which is something many places seem to struggle with; maybe just get a giant plate of chips and...