STANDARD GASTROPUB — Restaurant in Bridgton

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY! Last week my husband and I went "out" for dinner. We like to try new places and believe in supporting the local community. So we tried this place. After parking the truck we approached a sandwich board sign in the parking lot that asked that we wear masks while we wait to be seated outside. We did but as we stood there waiting (5 minutes) the server went by us multiple times. After his 3rd trip he said he would be right with us. We couldn't help but wonder why he didn't just tell us to have a seat at their one and only open picnic table. Instead he had us wait until a party left then wiped their table down, seats included (nice touch) before he sat us. We later learned that they were holding the large table in case a big party showed up. (A couple showed up a half hour before closing and they refused to seat them at the big table in case someone else came. The couple left and no one else ever sat at the table.) We don't mind waiting but standing there (outside) with a mask on (required as stated on their sign), well over 6 feet away from everyone else (no one else seated at tables were in masks) we felt kinda silly. We were told as soon as we sat down that we could remove our masks (it said so on the menu.) Well finally a server came to check on us and was surprised that the other gentleman hadn't been over to see us yet. (There were only 8 tables for 2 servers). The first thing she asked us was to go online and check in on their website. This "check in" gave the restaurant our contact info in case of a Covid out break. We were required to pay $1 (which she said would be donated to the local rec department and could be removed at the end of our meal if we so chose) for this service. We were surprised but okay with it. As she walked me through which buttons to push, etc she NEVER fully explained the process. She made it seem that we were just checking in case of Covid. Well at the end of our not so great, but expensive meal, when it was time for our check we were not given a check but a receipt. (Which due to their lack of lighting we had to use the flashlight on my phone to read). They had automatically charged my card for our meal and included a 20% tip for the server. (Too bad for the server she was good and we would have left her more.) We were shocked to say the least!!! They NEVER said they were going to charge my card!! And we were charged $57 for 1 can of beer, 1 thin untoasted chewy brisket sandwich (no sides, not even a pickle! [$15], a bowl of greasy corn chowder ($14) [see picture] and an order of delicious brussel sprouts ($8). And we were asked to clear our own table!

Needless to say we will NEVER go back. FYI we sent a similar message to the restaurant 1 week prior to posting this review asking them to respond heard nothing. We did however get similar responses from a few sets of friends who had similar...

I have been to this gastropub many times since the day it opened. What a creative kitchen! However, dark times have fallen on the standard due to it's manager. A slick-comb man who has gained weight since its opening is not people-friendly. I brought three people who had never been there before the saturday of july 4th weekend. After finding out that they were out of more than half their items (only through the manager telling us each time we asked for something instead of it being displayed.), we ordered our (expensive) food. All of us tipped just fine. None of us were asked if we would like to have our order to go or stay so we proceeded to sit down on a bench in the restaurant. We were soon asked to move for a different group that had a baby with them (no complaints there) so we sat at the bar. we waited..and waited. We asked for three cups of water, much to the owner/managers disdain. After about 25 minutes (double the standard 12 minutes it should take to get your meal) our entire order was in a to go bag. We looked at eachother somewhat confused as he stood over us and he said "if you eat it here, you eat it here. If you want it to go, you eat it to go". Not quite understanding this man's infuriated riddle, we proceeded to take the food out of the bag and he stops us and says "wow guys, that's really not cool, really not cool." We asked what we did wrong and he said that we had to eat it outside because thats what we ordered note: no one was waiting to sit down We left and ate in our parking space. THE FOOD however, was delicious. the wasabi-mayo and fresh cut fries paired excellently with the pork sandwhich topped with the only thing pork should be paired with, light slaw. Anyways, avoid the manager at all costs if you want a good meal without...

Updated 01SEP20

tandard Gastropub feels like home. Every year upon our return to town for the last 7 years our first stop is Standard. The first Bissell Brothers Substance of the summer really kicks things off and is part of the tradition.

The staff is top notch allowing you to celebrate the world class craft beer selection, update you on the specials of the day while being attentive yet not intrusive. This previously hidden gem was shadowed the gas pumps which had you thinking it was just a gas station, but given the current COVID limitations and restrictions the outdoor seating is as close to perfect as I have seen anywhere.

The entire experience is fluid, contactless and feels normal sans the masks. The food should not be overlooked and it is exciting to have the fried chicken sandwich a former special as a staple on the menu. The smash burgers (I go double) hit the spot with some delicious frites and sauces would be my recommendation to start. Given the near flawless experience and thoughtfulness of the team for on location and curbside (we did it all!) we kept coming back and got the Lobster Roll too.

There are options for Vegetarians too. I can't give enough praises to Standard Gastropub and their staff for making this family favorite so calming and relaxing during all of this uncertainty. I know we'll be back, it is just a matter of when. A special place with an insane beer selection and killer food. Don't sleep on the fries and make sure to drink as local...