Standard At The Smith House

I had never heard of The Standard and it looked like a unique place, so I snagged a Groupon they were advertising and waited for a time when my husband and I could go have a nice meal and night out on the town. The architecture was extremely fascinating. It is the oldest standing townhouse in Nashville, dating back to the 1840s. It has changed hands many times throughout the years and apparently has been taken over by the owners' son's pet project, which is an exclusive members only club with a restaurant. The dinner was really good. We had the fried green tomatoes, quail and ""The Standard"" steak with macaroni and cheese and asparagus. The wine choices were fair and the mixed drinks potent. The dessert left more to be desired. We ordered the cheesecake with Jack Daniel's whiskey caramel glaze and sugared pecans. It sounded yummy and wasn't bad but it was definitely from the freezer. Apparently, they tried to heat it because it was melted on the outside and cold in the middle. It was edible, but you could tell it was not homemade. When you come to a place that has gourmet meals, you would expect the dessert to be up to that standard as well. Overall we really enjoyed the meal and the live music; as well as the secluded and romantic atmosphere. After touring the townhouse, all I can say is it is an amazing place. It is like you are walking back in time. more

My wife and I dinned at Standard on the recommendation of the hotel where we were staying. We made reservations and arrived on time for our dinner seating. The house smelled of smoke, so we asked if they offered outside dinning and was told no. The food was okay, my steak was over cooked and the service was just okay. The bill was much more than what we are use to paying for the portions we received. We were able to walk back to our Hotel, Union Station which was the best part of our experience. more

I recently attended a party at The Standard in March. The bar was very understaffed, and there was not enough food for everyone. The music was good however the dance floor was tiny. The owner walked around all night and was not friendly at all. It was simply not a welcoming atmosphere. My friend was a member so no one complained but I would not pick that place again if I was footing the tab. Wierd vibe, definitely not my pick for a place to host a birthday party. more

I had dinner there a few weeks ago with a friend of mine. The place is alittle dusty, just feels like it's needs to good pain job and some elbow grease. The food was okay, but not for the price we paid. The Owner was very standoffish, almost rude, which I had heard. My overall experience was there are too many fine dinning establishments in Nashville to bother to go back to this one. more

The décor was old and gentle, it gave the feeling of very fine dining experience. The service was excellent, our server Robert was very knowledgeable in wine, and how the entrees and drinks were prepared. Robert recommended some appetizers, Calamari, the best I have had, tender and the dip which came with it had a good flavor of garlic. The “bacon wrapped bacon” had a strong flavor of smoke which went extremely well with my chosen wine, Louis M Martini, cabernet. Billy our host for the evening, made sure that all things went smooth and perfect, a perfect experience for a perfect meal. With the owner’s permission we were able to get a tour of the upstairs, which houses a member’s only club. A very intriguing wandering of how the operation of the business is conducted. If given the opportunity, you should seek this restaurant out and simply enjoy. more

Ok - the dress code isn't really a problem. The owner of the restaurant did provide me with a loaner jacket... that was cool. The food was phenomenal! A little pricey but worth every bite! Pros: Real Southern Cuisine Cons: Dress Code more

I went to the Standard and for dinner last week and experienced their new dinner menu and I have three words... a-maze-ing! WOW. I took 4 of my clients there to celebrate and was pleasantly surprised to find they had over 30 different types of champagne. If you are looking for the perfect place to celebrate... look no further. Pros: Great Selection of Champagne Cons: Not Open for Lunch more

My lady and I have eaten at the majority of upscale restaurants throughout Nashville. The Standard House is our favorite. I just read some of the 2009 reviews and am amazed at the negative comments.\r \r I have yet to meet the arrogant owner. I had had nothing but great experiences at the Standard. In fact, I carried 15 guests there from out of town and they all loved the architecture, the ambience, and most of all, the food.\r \r I cannot say enough good things about this place!!! Pros: Never had an unpleasant experience Cons: Parking is bit tricky more

Well, the food wasnt terrible, but the owner on the other hand, I had heard about him around town, but I wanted to decide for myself what I thought of him.. He seemed so arrogant and fake to me. Yes, he has a great place, but he alone will ruin it. Like I said, the food is good, a bit pricy but good. The place itself is beautiful! more

My husband and I were there for Valentines Dinner. He got the \r Red Snapper ( portions were small and the fish had no taste) I got the Steak ( it was tough and had a weird taste to it) We paid 190.00 total for this meal....Long Horn Steak House puts this place to shame!!! We will not go back.\r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r \r Pros: atmosphere and very historical Cons: over priced food not tasteful more

I was very disappointed to see that there was no handicap access to either the dining room or the restroom. I was wanting to take my grandmother their for her birthday but when I inquired I was told that they could help her up the stairs with a portable ramp. That doesn't help the restroom issue. When I asked further about the restrooms it was obvious that the employee didn't have an answer. I thought all restaurants had to have handicap restrooms? Frustrating! Pros: nice looking house Cons: not handicap friendly more

Trying very hard to have the southern charm of restaurants in Charleston and Savannah, but far from succeeding. Food is overpriced and I think you can have a more romantic dinner and better food for the money at Cafe Margot, Park Cafe, or Acorn. Owner is very pretentious and trying very hard to give the impression of an elite dining experience. I wasn't buying the act. It ia a beautiful home, but not in a very nice part of downtown. It is a little scary leaving the restaurant at night. more

The house itself is 1800 federal that has be painstakingly restored. A wonderful setting for the oustanding food that is served. We had 4 friend for dinner and the hotel had said we wouldn't be disappointed. From the time we were seated it was a wonderful time. The service staff is above commindation. They are personable and work together like they have been around each other forever. Everyone in the room was happy and had smiles on their faces. The chef brought out some item personally. He didn't seem to be checking on anyone just observing. He should be pleased. \r Nashville you have an undiscovered wonder in this place!\r We had the fried green tomatoes that were stacked with a tasty romalade and hollandaise sauces and crab meat. The tomatoes were crisp ont crunchy. The crab was fresh, not fishy at all. The sauce was perfectly smooth and savory. Another person had the watermelon salad that did not seem to consist of watermelon though that was what was in it. It had mint and onion, a taste that has to be experienced. The gumbo had the perfect rue taste and had enough spice to give you at home taste without hurting. \r I had a bacon and bacon with corn and lima beans that was to die for. It had the perfect amount of smokey flavor. It was like a tenderloin with a bacon wrap. It sat in the middle of a mix of corn and limas that was crisp not cooked to death. Another person had the veal that was cooked so perfectly that it was like eating a roast, such comfort food. The grouper was so fresh and perfectly cooked that it melted in your mouth. The ribeye was cooked perfectly with a pile of onion rings on top. \r The desser though we were already too full and hadn't cleaned out plates, was also were the experinece. A flan type of item that was pumpkin flavored with a light carmel toppping, or the warm pecan pie with ice cream or the peach cobbler that seemed as if the peaches were right off the tree. It was all to die for! I wish I lived closer. I will return!!! \r I loved it! Pros: Close to downtown hotels, walking distance. Beautiful, safe location. Will take large or small groups on a minutes notice. They work to serve. Cons: park across the street. People may find out about this place and it get too busy. Or if people don't start going it won't make it. more

My husband and I had our wedding reception at The Standard and it was more than we could have ever expected! I can't even count how many people came up to me and said it was the best food they had ever had at a wedding reception. Joe Shaw and team did an amazing job of creating our personalized menu and setting up everything just as we had planned. The shrimp and grits, chocolate chip cookies, and mini BLT's were so delicious. The service was also outstanding. The Standards personelle went out of their way to make sure every guest and the bride and groom had everything they needed to enjoy such a special occation. Thank you to The Standard for helping to make our reception unforgettable! more

Oh Delightful! I just found this place and my heart is fluttering!!!\r Thank You for such a beautiful place and fine dining. My new favorite, and close to where I live. more

This was an awesome experience. I was in Nashville to visit a friend whom I had not seen in years and we came across The Standard. I really loved the atmosphere and the food. It was incredible! I would recommend it to anyone! It really made my visit memorable! Pros: Great Food and Ambience Cons: N/A more

My husband and I have found our place!! Last weekend we celebrated at The Stardard and it was fabulous! Food was beautiful and delicious. Thanks to the Standard for making our evening so special!!! more

I never leave reviews... But this place is truly an experience of bliss and romance. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone wanting a surreal evening of serene wonderful dining... more

My husband and I went here for a date nite, and let me tell you, it was the best place we have been here in Nashville! We are new the area and have been on the quest to find a favortie spot, and we have found it! We have become regulars, the staff even remembers our names when we walk in! The food is incredible everytime we go, and the service is the best around. Try the Standard once and you will be hooked! It is awesome! Pros: great food, excellent service, perfect ambience more

The Standard at the Smith House is simply divine! I love the atmosphere. Lots of attention to detail, and I am all about details! I thoroughly enjoyed my entire visit and can't wait to go again. A real treat! great spot for lunch with the girls. more