Standby

Phenomenal. Every dish we ordered was a hit, even the salad. The dishes to note are the scallop ceviche, the crispy pork belly toast, beef short ribs, and the Granny Smith coffee cake. We went as a group of 4 and ordered 4 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 2 deserts and left stuffed. Staff was a 10/10 and the interior is a tight cozy place with dim lights. It was a little difficult to find the restaurant but it’s well worth the hunt! Would recommend for date nights or any occasion.

Such an elegant spot with a great selection of food and drinks- Walking into Standby almost feels like going back in time, giving you a glimpse into what late night dining must have been like in the Golden Age of Detroit. The food selection was simple yet delicious. The newspaper menu format was also pretty neat. The smash burger was to die for, literally so good. Their drink selection was equally as impressive and almost mysterious. I opted for the milkshake cocktail, and was surprised at how good it was. Wish we could have been in town for longer, cus Standby’s a spot I’d love to frequent. Highly recommend.

Standby has officially earned its spot as one of my favorite restaurants in Detroit. Let’s start with the ambiance, because it truly sets the tone the moment you walk in. The lighting is low and moody, creating a relaxed, almost mystical vibe. The space itself is intimate—small enough to feel cozy—but the energy stays high-paced in the best way. Somehow it manages to feel lively yet calming at the same time. One of the most charming touches is the drink menu, which comes printed in a newspaper-style booklet with adorable little articles. The cocktails and overall mixology program are incredible, and the bartenders and servers have a real talent for helping you discover something you’ll genuinely love. And then… the food. Everything is delicious, but a few dishes truly stand out: • Brown butter waffle with crab — my absolute favorite. A perfect balance of rich, sweet, and savory. • Fries — crispy, never greasy, and so easy to snack on. • Smash burger — so flavorful on its own I thought I’d want ketchup, but nope, not even needed. • Little gem Caesar — refreshing, light, and the ideal palate reset. • Short rib with cornbread purée and braised collard greens — unbelievably flavorful. The sweet and savory elements dance together on your tastebuds in the most satisfying way. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. But what truly ties the whole experience together is the exceptional customer service from Marquez, Ebrahim*, and Angel. They’re personable, knowledgeable, and genuinely attentive—making sure you leave feeling like Standby is a place you’ll always want to return to. Standby isn’t just a restaurant. It’s an experience—one that keeps you coming back for more.

THIS IS THE SPOT TO BE. If you miss this place in Detroit shame on you!!! I’ve been to some of the nicest bars and cocktail programs in NYC, Chicago, and LA, and Standby absolutely belongs in that conversation. This is a must-stop spot in Detroit—whether you’re popping in for a drink or sitting down for dinner. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between intimate and elevated, and the attention to detail is immediately obvious. But let’s talk about the drinks. The cocktail program here is on another level, creative, precise, and flawlessly executed (The newspaper menu is a nice touch). Every sip feels intentional. The bartenders are one of a kind. Honestly, the drinks alone deserve Michelin-level recognition. Standby isn’t just a bar, it is interactive and an experience. Detroit should be proud to have a place like this.

Vibes, drink, staff = impeccable. Coolest cocktail bar in downtown Detroit. Neat menu in newspaper format. Bartender sky makes great drinks and has dynamite energy. Super chill place, wonderful drinks and food, lovely staff. Would recommend to anybody that can handle their liquor.

The staff and mocktails were excellent. Endless fun choices of drinks. The food was a bit underwhelming. This was a few months ago so the menu may have changed. We loved the coconut shrimp and dessert. Our meals were good but nothing too stand out. Server was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable.

My friends and I have been to Standby on many-a-night for cocktails, and this place never disappoints. The servers and bartenders are so helpful in assisting you choose a drink that you will enjoy. There is something for everyone here. We tried some of their small batch tequila and were blown away. Highly recommend. Last night we went and had dinner for the first time. All the apps were outstanding- we got the coconut shrimp, olive and pepper tray, and wings. No notes!!! So good. For dinner we each got one of the entrees. My husband got the steak, it was perfect. Cooked to medium rare, excellent sauce. My pasta limone was also outstanding- creamy, garlicky, and the noodles were cooked just right. The French fries were also very good! Unfortunately, our friends were disappointed by their meals. The burger is extremely thick- too meaty, the bun lost its integrity. The brick chicken was good, but everyone thought it needed a little extra seasoning. It was a bit bland. We finished with the lemon bar dessert- which was great! Overall, we loved this spot and we will be back! However, for being such a small menu, everything should be perfect. And my husband and I felt lucky to order the best entrees.