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Categories: Southern, American (Traditional) [Edit]
167 Rosa L. Parks Blvd / 8th Ave. NTue-Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
3.5+
My experience at the Standard was pretty good overall. I liked the historic building and decor. The dining atmosphere is nice and subdued, and the service was good.
For the food, we started out trying the Strudel of Autumn Vegetables and the Lump Crab Bisque. Both were very good. I had the duck breast, and my date had the seared sea scallops. I liked the grits and duck breast, but the wilted greens as prepared were a bit too bitter for my taste. I tried two scallops, and one was fine but the other was a bit overcooked. But I did like the scallops' accompaniments.
For dessert he got the fruit trifle and some french press coffee and I went for the Bananas Foster since I'd seen them doing the flambe earlier and was intrigued. They were both delicious. I especially liked the bananas foster because they're not a very common menu item (except maybe in New Orleans).
So as I said, pretty good overall. For the price, the entrees I had were maybe 3 or 3.5 stars worth and not quite up to the quality of the other courses. The overall would be a 4 if the entrees were up to par. Maybe it was just an off night, and I'll have to go again sometime, but I don't get to Nashville too often. I definitely plan on getting around to trying the bacon-wrapped bacon. Overall, though, a pretty good experience and it's a nice atmosphere and a cool historical building.
Where do I start? Food or service? I would have to say that the Standard is a hidden gem of Nashville. I love the food and service. I have been to the Standard on numerous occasions: events, group dinner, get together, etc... and every single time I've had a great time. The owner and the head chef are extremely friendly and one can tell that they are very sincere.
The menu changes seasonally and they use the best ingredients. I have yet to be disappointed. I know it sounds unbelievable when someone tells that everything on the menu is good, but it's the truth. Okay, I haven't had everything on the menu, but I have had my share. In all my visits, with all the entrees that I have tried along with the company of people that have dined with me, we probably had everything on the menu (the menu isn't that big) and everyone loved it.
The ambiance isn't what you'd expect from a 5 star restaurant, but it definitely has its character in a good way. The Standard is a renovated house that still holds 90% of its original house decor. If you want fancy, this place isn't for you, but if you want a good meal, good service, and good quiet conversation for you and your company, this place is it.
Visiting Nashville with a friend, we ended up dining at The Standard at the Smith House based on a recommendation from both the concierge at the Sheraton and the [super friendly] host staff at Morton's.
From the moment we walked into the beautiful building, we had impeccable service. Even for a Friday night at 7pm, the restaurant was not busy and there were plenty of open tables. We were seated at a corner table, and I felt small amidst the very high ceilings.
As for dinner, everything was amazing. I was consistently impressed by each course. My dirty Ketel martini was purrrrr-fect. Our appetizers (fried soft shell crab and beef tenderloin carpaccio) were delicious. Dinner (lamb loin for one of us, filet for the other) was also wonderful. Both dishes were impeccably cooked and the sides complemented the entrees perfectly.
Although pricey, The Standard at the Smith House is absolutely worth a visit (perhaps multiple visits). With a date, it would be utterly romantic.
In town visiting for a wedding in Nashville - where my boyfriend had arranged for an romantic evening at the Smith House. Surprisingly the venue was extremely beautiful and historic. Not only were we greeted with the best service from our host Jaimeh, but also personally greeted by the owner, Joshua Smith. He was very welcoming and charismatic. Nate, our server, offered us very friendly, professional and timely service including the best suggestions and flexibility for our orders. After enjoying our dinner and fine wine, we were escorted around the grounds for a tour of what was previously a home to The Smiths.
The first time I came to Nashville, my colleagues who have spent more time in Nashville raved about this "fine Southern cuisine" restaurant. On our last night in town, I finally had a chance to go, and afterwards lamented the fact that we didn't go much sooner. This is by far one of the best restaurants in Nashville, if not *the* best. This also ranks in my top five dining (and lounging) experiences ever.
The building is fantastic, as it is the only remaining "grand townhouse." There is a sense of history, having been around since the 1840s. You're allowed to walk around to get a sense of the place. The downstairs area is great; a decent dining area with a bar room in the back. The upstairs area is simply phenomenal, but I'll get into that a little later.
We started our meal with a few appetizers to share: the chopped salad with country bacon and the pork belly with grits and wilted greens were my choices. The menu had a surprising number of appetizers with shellfish, but I was happy with what I ordered for the table. The apps did not disappoint at all; a slab of fatty bacon on top of grits was a hit with everyone, and the salad was great.
For dinner, I had the veal osso bucco, which I rarely see on menus because it's hard to do right. Of course, this was done to perfection; the veal was falling off the bone, and they provided a tiny spoon to scoop out the marrow. The sides of garlic custard and tiny green beans were a perfect complement.
There was a wide selection of wine and liquor. We were able to order a couple bottles of wine, and I even got myself a glass of 10 Cane Rum before the appetizer.
Dessert was good, though I think we had exhausted ourselves with the dinner to be troubled with the chocolate cobbler and bread pudding. In the end, dinner wasn't terribly expensive, considering we had eaten and subsequently price gouged at the Old Hickory Steakhouse weeks before.
Now, you would think this is the end of the story. Not quite. The Standard has an upstairs "English gentlemen's club" area. Don't freak out; it's a cigar bar area with rooms of comfy leather chairs. While there is a sense of the 1840s, contemporary music (selected by the bar staff), and the DirecTV remind you of what era you're really in.
The cigar menu was short, but reasonably priced, save for the $40 cigar. I opted for a glass of Gentlemen's Jack whiskey, since the atmosphere pretty much called for it. The upstairs bar is surprisingly stocked, and open later than the restaurant. They don't really post hours, so I felt badly staying there past 11pm. But I didn't want to leave; great conversation with friendly staff and fellow bar patrons, a variety of drinks, and good music playing in the background are all the elements I need to enjoy an evening.
The Standard at the Smith House will always have a special place in my heart, and reason enough to return to Nashville.
First of all, I need to thank Ben M., who wrote the review that convinced us to eat here. We followed his review's advice pretty closely, and it was a fantastic way to first enjoy this restaurant.
My wife and I are on vacation in Nashville, and we agreed to have two destination restaurants to enjoy while we were here. The Standard was the first we visited, and I couldn't have asked for a better choice. Found in a charming brick building that dates back to pre-Civil War times, the Standard is easily one of the most visually appealing places I've eaten at. But the interior might be the least important element to the excellence of this restaurant.
We began our meal with two salads and a side order of pork belly with grits. The belly came out first, and despite having one of the least appealing names I've ever heard, it might actually be the best pork related dish I've eaten. Tender, succulent meat surrounded by a salty layer of grits, a delicious bed of wilted greens, and a gravy that my wife flipped her lid over.
The salad was very good, but the meals themselves were certainly the best part. My wife enjoyed the veal osso bucco, which she allowed me to liberally sample. This meal was just stunning, with a generous portion of veal that had the soft and stringy texture of meat that's been slow-roasted to perfection. She wouldn't allow me to taste the garlic custard that accompanied it because she told me it was so good that she couldn't let any of it go to someone else.
My rabbit was an absolute treasure, cooked to perfection and surrounded by a wild mushroom/black eyed pea stew that matched the flavor of the meat. My wife and I lazily grazed on our meals until we were satisfied, then we indulged in a small piece of sour cream apple pie that was great but might have been a bit decadent considering the "we ate too much" coma it put us into.
My wife and I agreed that we have never had better service before, from the maitre'd giving us a tour of the building before our meal to our waiter, who had the best timing I've ever experienced and was full of well-phrased recommendations. Because my wife is pregnant, I somewhat ignored the wine list, but it was several pages deep and our waiter seemed ready to dish out multiple recommendations judging by what he had been telling other tables.
Everything had the feel of the "old money" Southern traditions, with local dishes crafted with perfection, service that defined the kindness of the Nashville community, and a dining room that felt right out of Gone With the Wind. The prices were fair for a restaurant of such high quality, the crowd was eclectic and good for people watching, and there was thankfully no dress code (I was in total jeans-and-hoodie gear).
I'd recommend this place in a heartbeat, I couldn't imagine a better dining experience. I've never given a 5-star review to a restaurant based on only one meal, but the Standard lives up to its name because this is easily the high water mark for what I look for in a nice restaurant.
The food was terrific, best place we dined at in Nashville. The service is great and you definitely must get the fried green tomatoes.The owner was a really nice guy and gave us a tour of the entire place. The place is very charming and has a new orleans feel to it.
I just had the perfect crabcake. It came atop a bed of lettuce and onions and almonds and goat cheese with a cranberry dressing and was crowned with a strawberry fan. The cake tasted of crab, not filler, and the texture was velvety smooth. Most of the time when I eat a crabcake I want lemon to perk it up. Unneccessary here.
Atmosphere is as historic as you can get in downtown nashville. The buiding itself dates back to the 18th century. Your menu will come with a history that's fun to read. The dining area is apportioned into several rooms, each with Victorian-style decor. It makes for a classy atmosphere that still manages to be relaxing. I didn't find it stuffy at all. Maybe I'm a snob.
Back to lunch. Service was impeccable. The gumbo was good, but a little muddy, the flavors didn't blend completely and I was left with an aftertaste of celery. The salad mentioned above was tasty, but their definition of "mixed greens" was maybe two dark lettuces.
Presentation was flawless. The chocolate cake they served for dessert was moist and dense, though the icing was grainy, as if the sugar hadn't completely melted when blended with the chocolate.
Excellent choice for a downtown lunch.
I have been meaning to visit The Standard for ages now. It has been around for over 200 years in some capacity or another, whether as a boarding house or an actual residence or as it stands now: a fancy lunch spot and also a fantastic place to hold a private event.
The food is old-fashioned Southern all the way. It's not meat & three, though, it's more upscale than that. I had the "Kentucky Hot Brown" ($12) and got the sweet potato fries as my side. Not for those on a diet, but a filling (almost too filling) and delicious lunch. The sweet potato fries might be the best I've had in Nashville. I can't forget to mention the best part: The biscuits! They bring biscuits before the meal, and they are possibly better than Loveless Cafe. I know many will think that's blasphemy, but I dare you to try the Standard's biscuits. So yummy! The soft, creamy butter doesn't hurt either. I wanted to try a dessert but I was just too stuffed from the humongous sandwich and the three (albeit mini) biscuits.
Service was good, but that's where they don't get the fifth star for me. A co-worker and I have been trying new restaurants found in the Citipass Discount Book, and the Standard had a coupon. The coupon was quite misleading saying you could receive a buy one, get one offer on "any lunch entree under $12". Well, there were no entrees under $12, so we ordered sandwiches. And didn't get to use the coupon. No big deal, as I've been wanting to try it forever, but still a bummer!
The building itself is a stunning piece of history; read the brochure they give you upon entering to find out more about the house's lineage. I would recommend it to those looking for a wedding reception or rehearsal dinner space.
This is what I miss most about working downtown--lunch at The Standard. It's very different from other lunch places--a bit more "high class" I guess! Also a bit pricier (I usually spend around $15 on lunch here) but totally worth it.
The crab bisque is divine, and I can't get enough of the kettle chips (they come with sandwiches). I've never had a lunch entree here--but have had the chicken salad sandwich (it rocks), the burger (juicy and fab) and the club--I usually don't eat clubs but I will here!
The building is historic too and that adds extra cool points. It's the last remaining 1800's townhouse in downtown Nashville--apparently, there used to be a ton of them until corporate America descended upon the area.
Go for a quick history lesson--they do tours of the entire place--and then sit down for a lunch that you won't forget! Oh--they have dinner too, but I've never been past 1pm. It's a bit more expensive, but I'm sure it's still worth every penny!
Definitely a haven of genteel Southern charm, this tastefully done spot is a great place for a quiet lunch. It may seem a little stuffy, but it is definitely worth checking out.
As I said, it's definitely a quieter lunch spot, but I'm not usually looking for a party spot for lunch. Tucked away on 8th Ave (aka Rosa Parks Blvd.), the Standard has some great food at modest prices. I'm a big fan of a chicken 'salad' they had that actually lacked any greens, but had a great plateful of grilled chicken, veggies (including some fresh avocado), and some tasty cheese quesadillas. A bit of a 'deconstructed' plate, but tasty and simple fare, nonetheless. My friend and frequent dining companion also enjoyed a tasty sandwich. Great looking soups are also on the menu (the crab bisque sounds wonderful), but I haven't gotten around to trying them.
The Standard does take reservations for lunch, so call ahead. For a more relaxed lunch experience, the Standard is definitely worth checking out and is a great alternative downtown lunch spot.
I had my best time in Nashville at this restaurant. I went for dinner, not that many people so quiet so Southern. The service was just great. I got the Gumbo, strawberry Salad, and for my main course I had the lamb. The lamb was just soooooo good. And please leave a little space for desert I could not finish my desert, I had a peach cobbler with home made ice cream (:-)) The owner stopped by the tables and check on them, with his southern cute accent! After the dinner I asked for the tour of the house (I don't think you can get that on regular day). He gave the tour of the house it was breath taking so much history.
The food is fantastic, right portion, right price, and great service.
If you are in Nashville you have to try this, I just loved it.
My old boss introduced me to The Standard. This place is perhaps what I most miss about Nashville. It is perfect for a business lunch, ladies who lunch, or any sort of reason to lunch at all! (they started serving dinner only a little before I moved so I never had a chance to try it).
Their sweet potato fries are to die for. And their food (while a little pricier than some of the other places you will find downtown) is both nicer in terms of presentation as well as generously portioned, than you would find elsewhere.
I love the historical ambiance here. I love the tables where you are sitting in a tall wing-back chair at the table instead of in a regular dining room chair. I love that little old ladies in their big red hats (the red hat ladies club) dine here sometimes. It reminds me a little of Martha's at the Plantation in terms of the feel you get when you're dining there.
It is out of the way for those working closer to 2nd Avenue, but absolutely worth pulling your car out and driving to. I have half a notion to fly across the country and bring out all my friends who didn't get a chance to visit me in Nashville for a taste of their sweet potato fries here.
This place is AMAZING. The atmosphere is very unique and the food is fabulous. The service was outstanding, including staff running 1-2 blocks to find enough cabs for our party. If ever in Nashville again, the Standard will be at the top of my list to visit again!
A diamond in the rough. The Standard is the standard. A quiet and elegant dining experience in one of Nashville's most historic old homes. The owner puts his heart and soul into this restaurant and it shows. It's more than just a 9-5 for him...he lives upstairs. The service (Nathan) is outstanding. The wine selection is second to none. The appetizers and entrees are all exquisite. I had the leg of lamb. Wednesday nights they have wine tasting for an incredibly reasonable prize. When it gets warm the owner has plans to set up a patio outside and have a jazz night. I recommend The Standard to everyone from the age of 21 and up.
When a restaurant is described as "country cooking" or "southern soul food" or "traditional american," I tend to think of the meat-and-three's, cafeteria's, diners, and dives that populate so much of Old Nashville - cheap food, lots of it, and a pretty predictable menu of 3-5 meats, 7-10 sides, 2-3 deserts, and drinks.
The Standard is what I would describe as "Classy Traditional Southern Cuisine." Lots of options with sweet potatoes, seafood of all sorts, cranberry based deserts and other such mold-breaking dishes. Sure, you can still get fried chicken if you want, but with this price veering towards the spendy side of the spectrum, I'd go ahead and go for something a bit more exciting.
This is a classy restaurant that is perfect for a relaxing lunch with good company. The food is well-prepared, reasonably priced, and the service is excellent. The restaurant is charming and elegant, without being stuffy or pretentious. I loved my shrimp salad, and we shared the bread pudding for desert, which was absolutely delicious. This is a great place to bring visitors if you are eating downtown, where the other options tend to fall far beneath par.
Very good food, service and atmosphere!
Dine here for the historic ambiance. This downtown historic landmark has had several reincarnations from private club in the 1800s to 1940s music studio to current fine southern dining. The mushroom cheese grits, sauteed asparagus and sweet potatato fries sides are not much over $2. Skip the decadent carrot cake and finish instead by sharing the amaretto biscotti totte with a partner. Lunch is more economical here than dinner.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Southern
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Jazz & Blues
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Barbeque
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