Man this place has some true unique flavor to it. The drinks and food were both on a whole different level of craftsmanship. Chefs kiss*** this place is a gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Standby Burger, Check Your Baggage Cocktail
Kelli H.
Aptly named, Standby is still the best restaurant + cocktail bar in Detroit. Whenever I'm downtown, I'm hard pressed to choose to go elsewhere because I just honestly would prefer to be here. The cocktails are consistently spectacular, and the rotating food menu is always enticing and delicious. I also consistently receive exceptional service. Top this off with an immaculate vibe, and you've got the makings of, well, a standby. I've come with family to celebrate birthdays, with friends to toast to a promotion, with my husband for an intimate date night, and solo when I just wanted to treat myself. Because of the seasonal menu rotations, there is always something new and interesting to sip or bite. A constant cocktail on the menu that I highly recommend is called the Snake in the Grass. But the best cocktail I had here was called the Black Beretta and was made with clementine sherbet and black sesame - outstanding! I also love that they have a rotating "break-even bottle" - where you can get a taste of typically pricey pours of whiskey, tequila, etc. for just as much money as it costs for them to break even on the bottle.
John Parrott
Enjoyed a wonderful dinner and drinks here. They have a creative and extensive cocktail menu, as well as delicious meals. We opted for the coconut calamari appetizer, the ravioli rosette and the bbq short rib. All were delicious, filling and beautifully presented. Wish we saved room for dessert. Next time! :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Casteel
Reservations required most of the time. Intimate space with electric
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Matt Conflitti
Great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
ARI K PRODUCTION (Arian Khoroushi)
Standby restaurant and bar exceeded expectations in every way. From the moment we stepped in, the ambiance was inviting, with a trendy yet cozy atmosphere. Our server, Ebrahim, was an absolute delight, providing top-notch service with a genuine warmth that made our dining experience truly exceptional. The menu offered an array of delectable options, each dish expertly crafted and bursting with flavor. Whether it was the innovative cocktails or the mouthwatering cuisine, every aspect of our meal was nothing short of superb. Standby is undoubtedly a gem in the dining scene, and Ebrahim's exceptional service only added to the overall charm of this establishment. A must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable culinary adventure.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Nicole
My friends and I enjoyed our time here celebrating my birthday. Our drinks and the food were so delicious! Our waiter Ibrahim was awesome and made the experience even more fun and enjoyable. Try the fried deviled eggs, very unique and yummy. Highly recommend.
Alyssa Systermann
we had a great time at standby tonight! we arrived right when they opened to ensure we’d get a table, and the staff was very friendly and attentive. the drinks were excellent, we tried 3 different cocktails as well as an order of their coconut calamari. it was a little pricey (as is any trendy bar), but all of it exceeded our expectations!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coconut Calamari, Check Your Baggage Cocktail
Desiree Stone
I went to Standby this passed Saturday and had the best time at the bar with my best friend, who was visiting from out of town. I’ve been to Standby before, but the Baker’s Dozen seasonal menu was another level. My favorite was the Plum Tart drink served in a martini glass that looked like the shell of a tart. It was so delicious! The bartender told me it was a take on an Amaretto Sour and inspired by a local French pastry shop, Warda, where we had coffee and pastries on Sunday morning! Hands down the best bar experience I’ve ever hadVegetarian options: Mushroom Shawarma
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Deviled Eggs, Standby Burger
C T
Recurring customer since it opened in The Belt.Took much longer than average on a slower night to get served. The bartender never once came back down to our side of the bar. However, she continued to make drinks laugh and converse with other patrons. Again, never once coming back to us, acknowledging, or even much so looking our way ever again lol.I brought the concern to the bartender and she explained she was watching our drinks and we didn’t seem like we needed anything. Upset I explained I was leaving and would not be leaving a tip greater than any auto added gratuity.Well my $53 pending charge which was the total for my bill (we only were served TWO drinks before leaving upset) was finalized as a $73 total at 9:40 pm 2/22. So the young bartender in the Nike shirt working that night appears to have added a tip of $20 when I adamantly said I was not adding ANY ADDITIONAL than my total owed. I signed for a $53 bill and would’ve never tipped $20 with the experience I had.Worst bar experience ever lol.
First time to Standby and it was a great experience! Our group ordered multiple appetizers to share and everything was amazing, very different and flavorful, definitely an outside of the box spot. Will definitely be back!
Elena Helmer
Popped in and sat at the bar for a quick drink with my husband. Both of our drinks were phenomenal and so creative! As good as the drinks are, the staff is even better. Incredibly nice and helpful, we'll be back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lisa Sokol
Visited Standby on 2/17 for the first time. From the minute we walked in the door we were greeted by a lovely host with a great smile and personality. We did not have a reservation, however he was able to seat us quickly. I ordered the Sweet Potato Apple Pie Streusel. This drink was out of this world delicious. If I could give it a million stars I would. The hidden gem here are the Marinated Olives. Absolutely the best $7 I’ve ever spent. If you are an Olive lover do not pass these up. Our server was the GM Liz who was an absolute sweetheart and clearly an asset to this establishment. The atmosphere here had a chill vibe. Everyone was enjoying themselves. I would highly recommend Standby and I will 100% come back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Doris K.
I've lived downtown Detroit a very long time. Standby until present day is hard to get into. Today's there's a bit more flexibility on a weekday but I still recommend a reservation. Dress up if you come or cool swag. Lights are dim and the music makes you feel better. Drinks are yummy and beers are welcome. The staff is lovely. Brandy is a doll. I did come alone and was treated right. I ordered the pasta and calamari! I love the deviled eggs. I love the carrots and honestly y'all the food is great. Doris approved. 4.6 Only because in order the deviled eggs a lot and a few times they have been cold even tho deep fried- and still yummy. I do like them better a bit warmer also sometimes when empty the food still takes a long time to come ourt- not that I am in a rush! Other than that- it's beautiful and I completely recommend for a date night, team thing for work, or a girls night out. Food: Tonight I got the calamari and the pasta. Calamari is a good mix of pieces. Soft but deep fried. It's in a coconut spicy pineapple white sauce. It's good but I didn't finish the plate. I also got the pasta. The cream sauce isn't special- taste out of the can. The sage would have been better fried. The stuffing is beautiful: really yummy and the shells would cooked al dente. Just lovely, Great amount of food for the price. And some crunch on top. I would recommend. I just wish the white sauce had some bite and there was just one slice of bread. I was offered fresh silverware that matters to me: and my waitress wasn't annoying I didn't feel rushed out. She was very nice and kind to me. Highly recommend!
Morgan C.
We LOVED Standby! We went for drinks with friends and stumbled on the Baker's Dozen pop-up menu. We were hesitant at first, but every drink genuinely tasted like the desert that inspired it. Our favorite was the lemon bar. The vibe was great for a late night cocktail with a cozy table. The service was awesome, they even talked us thru finding the entrance when we got turned around. If you get a chance, walk downstairs to the restrooms and look at the art on the walls. Such a fun touch to the decor!
Man this place has some true unique flavor to it. The drinks and food were both on a whole different level of craftsmanship. Chefs kiss*** this place is a gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Standby Burger, Check Your Baggage Cocktail
Aptly named, Standby is still the best restaurant + cocktail bar in Detroit. Whenever I'm downtown, I'm hard pressed to choose to go elsewhere because I just honestly would prefer to be here. The cocktails are consistently spectacular, and the rotating food menu is always enticing and delicious. I also consistently receive exceptional service. Top this off with an immaculate vibe, and you've got the makings of, well, a standby. I've come with family to celebrate birthdays, with friends to toast to a promotion, with my husband for an intimate date night, and solo when I just wanted to treat myself. Because of the seasonal menu rotations, there is always something new and interesting to sip or bite. A constant cocktail on the menu that I highly recommend is called the Snake in the Grass. But the best cocktail I had here was called the Black Beretta and was made with clementine sherbet and black sesame - outstanding! I also love that they have a rotating "break-even bottle" - where you can get a taste of typically pricey pours of whiskey, tequila, etc. for just as much money as it costs for them to break even on the bottle.
Enjoyed a wonderful dinner and drinks here. They have a creative and extensive cocktail menu, as well as delicious meals. We opted for the coconut calamari appetizer, the ravioli rosette and the bbq short rib. All were delicious, filling and beautifully presented. Wish we saved room for dessert. Next time! :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Reservations required most of the time. Intimate space with electric
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Standby restaurant and bar exceeded expectations in every way. From the moment we stepped in, the ambiance was inviting, with a trendy yet cozy atmosphere. Our server, Ebrahim, was an absolute delight, providing top-notch service with a genuine warmth that made our dining experience truly exceptional. The menu offered an array of delectable options, each dish expertly crafted and bursting with flavor. Whether it was the innovative cocktails or the mouthwatering cuisine, every aspect of our meal was nothing short of superb. Standby is undoubtedly a gem in the dining scene, and Ebrahim's exceptional service only added to the overall charm of this establishment. A must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable culinary adventure.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
My friends and I enjoyed our time here celebrating my birthday. Our drinks and the food were so delicious! Our waiter Ibrahim was awesome and made the experience even more fun and enjoyable. Try the fried deviled eggs, very unique and yummy. Highly recommend.
we had a great time at standby tonight! we arrived right when they opened to ensure we’d get a table, and the staff was very friendly and attentive. the drinks were excellent, we tried 3 different cocktails as well as an order of their coconut calamari. it was a little pricey (as is any trendy bar), but all of it exceeded our expectations!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Coconut Calamari, Check Your Baggage Cocktail
I went to Standby this passed Saturday and had the best time at the bar with my best friend, who was visiting from out of town. I’ve been to Standby before, but the Baker’s Dozen seasonal menu was another level. My favorite was the Plum Tart drink served in a martini glass that looked like the shell of a tart. It was so delicious! The bartender told me it was a take on an Amaretto Sour and inspired by a local French pastry shop, Warda, where we had coffee and pastries on Sunday morning! Hands down the best bar experience I’ve ever hadVegetarian options: Mushroom Shawarma
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Deviled Eggs, Standby Burger
Recurring customer since it opened in The Belt.Took much longer than average on a slower night to get served. The bartender never once came back down to our side of the bar. However, she continued to make drinks laugh and converse with other patrons. Again, never once coming back to us, acknowledging, or even much so looking our way ever again lol.I brought the concern to the bartender and she explained she was watching our drinks and we didn’t seem like we needed anything. Upset I explained I was leaving and would not be leaving a tip greater than any auto added gratuity.Well my $53 pending charge which was the total for my bill (we only were served TWO drinks before leaving upset) was finalized as a $73 total at 9:40 pm 2/22. So the young bartender in the Nike shirt working that night appears to have added a tip of $20 when I adamantly said I was not adding ANY ADDITIONAL than my total owed. I signed for a $53 bill and would’ve never tipped $20 with the experience I had.Worst bar experience ever lol.
Restaurantji Recommends
First time to Standby and it was a great experience! Our group ordered multiple appetizers to share and everything was amazing, very different and flavorful, definitely an outside of the box spot. Will definitely be back!
Popped in and sat at the bar for a quick drink with my husband. Both of our drinks were phenomenal and so creative! As good as the drinks are, the staff is even better. Incredibly nice and helpful, we'll be back again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Visited Standby on 2/17 for the first time. From the minute we walked in the door we were greeted by a lovely host with a great smile and personality. We did not have a reservation, however he was able to seat us quickly. I ordered the Sweet Potato Apple Pie Streusel. This drink was out of this world delicious. If I could give it a million stars I would. The hidden gem here are the Marinated Olives. Absolutely the best $7 I’ve ever spent. If you are an Olive lover do not pass these up. Our server was the GM Liz who was an absolute sweetheart and clearly an asset to this establishment. The atmosphere here had a chill vibe. Everyone was enjoying themselves. I would highly recommend Standby and I will 100% come back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I've lived downtown Detroit a very long time. Standby until present day is hard to get into. Today's there's a bit more flexibility on a weekday but I still recommend a reservation. Dress up if you come or cool swag. Lights are dim and the music makes you feel better. Drinks are yummy and beers are welcome. The staff is lovely. Brandy is a doll. I did come alone and was treated right. I ordered the pasta and calamari! I love the deviled eggs. I love the carrots and honestly y'all the food is great. Doris approved. 4.6 Only because in order the deviled eggs a lot and a few times they have been cold even tho deep fried- and still yummy. I do like them better a bit warmer also sometimes when empty the food still takes a long time to come ourt- not that I am in a rush! Other than that- it's beautiful and I completely recommend for a date night, team thing for work, or a girls night out. Food: Tonight I got the calamari and the pasta. Calamari is a good mix of pieces. Soft but deep fried. It's in a coconut spicy pineapple white sauce. It's good but I didn't finish the plate. I also got the pasta. The cream sauce isn't special- taste out of the can. The sage would have been better fried. The stuffing is beautiful: really yummy and the shells would cooked al dente. Just lovely, Great amount of food for the price. And some crunch on top. I would recommend. I just wish the white sauce had some bite and there was just one slice of bread. I was offered fresh silverware that matters to me: and my waitress wasn't annoying I didn't feel rushed out. She was very nice and kind to me. Highly recommend!
We LOVED Standby! We went for drinks with friends and stumbled on the Baker's Dozen pop-up menu. We were hesitant at first, but every drink genuinely tasted like the desert that inspired it. Our favorite was the lemon bar. The vibe was great for a late night cocktail with a cozy table. The service was awesome, they even talked us thru finding the entrance when we got turned around. If you get a chance, walk downstairs to the restrooms and look at the art on the walls. Such a fun touch to the decor!