The Standard Pub
by Chris Murphy
One of Modesto’s most anticipated openings has finally arrived. The Standard Pub is now open, with a new look, larger bar and a nod to the traditions that made it the iconic place that people are excited to experience.
Nelson Ramirez has been a big part of Modesto’s restaurant and bar community for many years. I first met Nelson when he was part of the team at Bacchus, and the then newly opened Boardroom in downtown Modesto years ago. Since then, he has developed the very successful Rusty Nail in downtown Ceres teaming up with Sam Khacho.
For years, one of Modesto’s most popular places was Monaco’s, home to Modesto’s old guard, with large servings, strong drinks and became a home for Modesto’s football and other coaches for regular afterhours. Over the years, it became Coach’s Corner when it was sold to Chubb Harakh, it’s long time cook. When Chubs and Krystal retired, Nelson decided to follow his goal of opening a full-service restaurant. Since then, and emerging from Covid, it has been a long road full of unexpected detours and surprises but after a lot of work, imagination, renovation and some great vision, it is open.
The look is all new, clean dark walls and floors, beautiful wood paneling and dividers and the first thing the locals will recognize is that it is now one big room with a big peninsula bar. Traditionalists will be pleased that the local sport memorabilia remains. Nelson explained, “one of the reasons I wanted to do this was to build on the traditional, but bring a new style and open feeling”. The retro sports pairs nicely and there is even a wall of the collected football helmets donated over the years by the Coach’s Club. Sports fans will notice the array of many TVs so you never miss a thing.
Nelson has been working hard to build a completely new team, which has been a challenge coming out of Covid. Visitors will recognize some of Modesto’s most experienced servers, Heather Patterson, Jade Gray and Tawnie Thomas. Chef Michael Goularte has been preparing a menu that will please both the previous clientele as well as exciting new clientele and Chef Alejandro Baliel heads up the kitchen.
One thing for sure is The Standard kept the famous “broasted” chicken. This is a long-time fan favorite. But look for new tasty rib eye steaks, pork Osso Bucco, spicy chicken sandwich, the “brisket” burger, a full line of salads and made to share appetizers, meat and cheese boards and so much more. The fish and chips are my current fave and sharable. The truffle fries are amazing and are the perfect side for a quick cocktail break.
The Standard Pub is open daily, and addition to the current specialties, the menu will continue to evolve over the next few months. Nelson explains, “I really want consistency and perfect flavors. This is something that people expect when they return and also to make sure our new clients have a wonderful experience”. Breakfast fans can enjoy early Sunday hours beginning at 9:30.
When you step up to the giant peninsula bar, you will find a huge brass beer tap loaded with local and national options. If you look behind the bar, note there are some tiki glasses as they will be serving some Polynesian specialties, including a legit MaiTai and their special Hawaii 5.0. Large ice cubes on the ready for all of your classic traditional favorites like the maple old fashioned. The bar is where Nelson’s specialties shine through as this experience must be excellent and top shelf.
Take some time to check out the old phone booth and grab a selfie. My wife Becky loves the dart board and there is plenty of room with tall tables, bar seating as well as the traditional booths that remain in the main dining room.
This will be something special for the east side of Modesto and having one of Modesto’s legendary spaces open again is special. I hope to see you there and we can all build new stories and experiences.
The Standard Pub
950 Oakdale Rd, Ste E
Modesto 209-622-0429
IG: @thestandard_pub
@standardpubmodesto
Look for #notyourstandardpub
Open 11:30 daily and 9:30 am on Sundays. Closed Tuesdays.
