The Standard in Covington… A great place to “fill up”3 min read

The Standard  is everything but “standard!” Owners Emily Wolff & Paul Weckman, who have sprinkled their love around Covington with other wonderful places such as Frida 602, Ottos, Larry’s All American Cafe (all these can be added to your list if you haven’t been :) having taken an old 1930’s filling station (for you youngsters that is a gas station and a car repair) and made it one of the coolest places to grab dinner and a cocktail. It was a project that was a perfect extension of their creativity. 

They may have taken away the pumps and oil spills, but Emily & Paul have creatively told the history of the station and it’s former, long-time owner Butch Ostendorff with the cool decor. When you look around you see nods to the good ole days with the keys that hang from the crystal chandelier left behind by former customers. Butch’s tools are now used as the beer taps and the amazing mural that covers the dining room wall that incorporates things found in the desks. You have to take a look at the wallpaper that Emily drew… amazing! 

The outside is the perfect place to visit offering a funky vibe including a table designed by a local artist who has done cool stuff all over town. They also engaged some street artists to add “graffiti” to the walls. If you happen to be standing at the entrance when the trains pass by overhead you see what Emily calls their “moving art” because it’s never the same. The graffiti from the trains tie in with the cool designs on the building. 

Ok, now that we’ve talked about what a cool atmosphere of The Standard,  let me tell you how delish the food is! The food menu has an Asian flair and even though it is a smaller menu it is stocked with some amazing dishes. It will change with the season and with these two I have no question it will always be fantastic. Must-haves are the Corn Chow Chow and the Watermelon Salad with the tajin sprinkle to give it just the right heat, the KY Banh Mi and the Honey Sriracha Tenders were so good and we shared the “Shop Bowl” which is chilled noodle salad and you can add a protein…yum! 

There are plenty of cocktails, but I suggest you try the Bourbon Slush not only because it’s damn good, but because it is the recipe of Marge… Butch’s wife who used to make the slushies and put them in dixie cups in the freezer for customers to have while waiting for their cars to be repaired, :) LOVE 

As you can see – from the decor to the vibe, to the food – this place is not Standard, but it is THE Standard. I promise it a great place to get a “fill up” haha get it? :)  

Things to know:

• 434 Main St. Covington

• Parking in the lot around back. Not many spots so look for street parking 

• Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 5:00 p.m – 1:00 a.m. (may close earlier during COVID hours) 

• Ask about the elephant story 

Here is the WCPO channel 9 segment with my blog and the wonderful Kristyn Hartmann 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdYM6ZPHzYk&feature=youtu.be