Starting with Standard

Deciding where to start with this list is a daunting process. Do I go in alphabetical order? Should I stick to certain quadrants of town? Older to newer? Traditional to fusion food?

None of the above. I will go where my stomach leads me. And today it's craving a chicken cobb salad from the Standard Diner. So I will start with Standard and subsequently cover whatever speaks to my stomach in the future.

Standard Diner at 320 Central SE is where I go when I'm in the mood for a substantial salad. I have an addiction to their chicken cobb, which features chunks of cheese, fresh corn, and roasted chile. Julie, my cohort in crime, swears by their lobster caesar salad and their soups. I have also eaten their burgers and sandwiches...all of which are good. Get their fries and ask for some fresh aioli to dip them in (a European habit I have acquired, but trust me, it's worth it).

If you're going to be bad, be sure to save room for dessert. The dessert menu changes occasionally, but always has great options. I still think fondly of their banana cream pie. And their coffee is tasty and goes well with their sweets.

I also recommend Standard for Sunday brunch, if only for the apple cinnamon muffins you get while waiting for your food. I would be happy to just order coffee and gorge myself on the muffins. If you're looking for substantial breakfast fare to accompany your muffin, the huevos rancheros and the benedicts are good. I found their pancakes too rich, but I like a lighter cake.

I don't think I've ever had a bad meal at Standard, and considering that I used to live three blocks away and ate there practically every other day, that's saying something. However, I will say that their service is not always great. It's often slow, even when the restaurant is not particularly busy. I generally find that as long as I have good company or a crossword, I'm content to let them move at their own unhurried pace. Just don't go there if you're in a rush.

To recap: Standard Diner's food is delish. Try their salads and save room for dessert. And if you happen to brunch there, bring me a muffin!