The Place
The last stop on my Mainstrasse tour ends at The Standard. I have driven by this place for the last couple of years and have always been intrigued by the exterior of the restaurant. This is because it occupies a former mechanics garage. Upon doing my research, I was excited to find out they offer unique brunch items on the weekends. It's Sunday and I am heading out with an empty stomach to make the most out of this meal!
Location & Parking
The Standard is located on 434 Main Street Covington. It is on the corner of W 5 Street and Main Street. Okay so maybe it is not quite located in Mainstrasse, but it is pretty damn close and a nearly straight shot off the 5th Street exit coming from north or southbound. There appeared to be a small lot behind the restaurant but I never did decipher whether it was owned by the restaurant. I parked a couple of blocks away in Mainstrasse for free and walked over.
The Atmosphere
I would describe the atmosphere here as kitschy and fun. I use the word kitschy in an endearing way because they somehow managed to incorporate the garage theme in a way dare I say, that is tasteful yet nostalgic. This establishment is surrounded by great outdoor area that covered in astroturf. There are two covered outdoor patios one of which has a decent amount of seating. I also spotted an outdoor, fireplace, a ping-pong table, foosball, and a giant Connect Four. This would be a great place to take children. We checked in at the hostess stand, which is an old gas pump and were greeted by a smiling face that sat us right away. Prior to coming here, I always assumed this place was small on the inside because the outdoor area is pretty sizeable for the location. The inside offers three dining areas: a a small one upon entering with small table and booth seating, a large dining area with a bar, and a more private dining area tucked away in the back. All three encompass the garage/industrial theme very well. Two of the three offer great views of the outdoor patio seating and W 5th Street making it ideal for people watching. I selected the Cold Brew Martini. This came out garnished with a few coffee beans (adorable), it was cool, refreshing and had a great mocha flavor.
Order-Up
Standard Breakfast Burger
I am always striving to diversify the menu items on this blog. With that being said I decided to go with the Standard Breakfast Burger. The burger is served on a potato bun with thousand island dressing. It is topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, American cheese, bacon, and a fried egg. Absolutely delicious! The burger patty is prepared smash-style, it had great flavor and was simply a good juicy burger. I ordered it with a side of potato cakes. The presentation of the potato cakes reminded me of cafeteria style hashbrowns you would have gotten in grade school and this totally goes with the style of this restaurant by the way. They had a nice crispy golden brown outside and great texture on the inside.
Smoked Brisket Benedict
Up next is the Smoked Brisket Benedict. I have never seen a benedict like this before. The unique thing about this version of the benedict was not only the house-smoked brisket but was that it was served on two potato cakes instead of the traditional english muffins. Flavor was nice and smokey, the poached eggs were garnished with Grippo's barbeque seasoning which added a nice kick to it. The potato cakes stayed nice and crispy despite being underneath a layer of brisket and another layer of poached egg. My stepmom ordered this with a side of goetta which was a little overcooked on the outside. If you don't mind your goetta crunchy you may not consider this a bad thing.
Overall Experience
I would describe the overall experience as fun with great food. You cannot beat the atmosphere and the brunch menu items are really good. Between the décor, outdoor area, and great location for people watching you will be constantly entertained throughout you meal. The service was friendly and you will spend fifteen to twenty dollars for a satisfying brunch.
Recommend: Yes or No?
YES! You will not find another place in Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky like it! It is in a great location, outdoor patio area makes it a great place to visit in the spring/summertime, and you will find menu items you cannot find anywhere else.
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