The quality of service has really gone down at this taproom, IMHO. When I used to be a regular customer here in 2019, a Vietnamese woman, who spoke fluent English and had an encyclopedic knowledge of Vietnam's craft beer industry was running this bar. It was a pleasure to speak with her about craft beers.
Now, the taproom staff pour beers with too much head on them. Given the fact that craft beer costs 10X what bia hoi costs, craft beer should be served properly with attention to detail, which also means without excessive head.
My worst experience was dealing with this young, tall Vietnamese bartender who always wears his baseball cap backwards. This part of his appearance looks unprofessional to me. He looks like he's there to enjoy himself, not provide polite and excellent service to customers.
What he did next was even more unprofessional. Arguing with his customer. He poured a pint for me in a Rooster beer glass. It had a 500 ml fill line and the beer was filled below it. When I asked him kindly to fill up the glass more, he said "Yeah, it's okay because once the head (bubbles) settle, the beer will rise to the fill line."
Obviously, he is either a poorly-trained staff member and / or this bar is not customer centered. I can't believe any other taproom would squabble over a bit (maybe 10 - 20 ml) of beer requested by the customer.
I hope Standing Bar will aim for a higher standard of service soon by making sure their staff don't serve beers with too much head and that their staff have a professional appearance.
The one thing that is still very good since 2019 is the food. The dishes I ate during my last few visits...
Read moreA Craft Beer Haven with Scenic Views and Delicious Eats!
I recently had the pleasure of visiting StandingBar, and I must say, it was a fantastic experience that deserves nothing less than 5 stars!
The selection of craft beers at StandingBar is truly impressive, offering a diverse range of flavors that cater to every beer enthusiast. The attention to detail in crafting these brews is evident, making it a haven for anyone who appreciates the art of beer.
What sets StandingBar apart is not only its exceptional beer selection but also the breathtaking view of Truc Bach Lake. The ambiance is enhanced by the serene surroundings, providing a perfect backdrop for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
To complement the fantastic drinks and scenic setting, the food at StandingBar is a delightful surprise. The menu boasts a variety of delicious dishes that perfectly complement the craft beers. From savory snacks to full meals, each item is a testament to the chef's skill and dedication to quality.
The standing bar concept adds a unique touch to the overall experience, encouraging a social and convivial atmosphere. The attentive and friendly staff further contribute to making every visit memorable.
In conclusion, StandingBar is a gem for craft beer lovers seeking a picturesque setting and mouthwatering food. My visit was nothing short of delightful, and I wholeheartedly recommend this establishment to anyone looking for a perfect blend of great beer, good food, and a stunning view. Five stars...
Read moreFantastic place for trying Vietnamese craft beer after you visit the Citadel!
Menu has a wide variety of craft beer from breweries all around Vietnam. All beers are from Vietnamese breweries - and this is fantastic news. If you didn’t know, Vietnam is home to a rapidly growing craft beer scene. Several breweries, including Pasteur Street and Heart of Darkness, have mastered a variety of styles including incredible IPAs and ranging from gose beers to stouts. These breweries + many more are featured at Standing Bar.
The scene here will make you want to linger for awhile. The whole bar opens up onto a lake, replete with a Buddhist temple. Good music and tables made of wood or tin drums serve as a good place to post up and enjoy more than one brew. Great music completes the scene.
Bar tenders speak English and are incredibly helpful in selecting beers. Flights are not available, but try as many tasters as you want before committing to a beer.
To complete the experience, Standing Bar offers a pretty extensive list of tasty bar snacks.
Highly recommend stopping by this craft beer bar after visiting the Imperial Citadel. If you are like me, tourist attractions are great, but they must be balanced with good beer, good food, and...
Read more