Standard Grill - 846 Washington St., b/tw LW 12th & 13th

A grown up Bar Martignetti and likely to give Pastis, Balthazar and Morandi a run for their money, the Standard Grill is one of the better bar/restaurant scenes seen in a while. I didn't think the Standard could pull it off (and in 2004 I didn't think the Meatpacking District could pull it off either) but the massive west side highway structure, which reminds me of my elementary school, a hospital and the Seattle Space Needle all wrapped into one, has added the final touch of revitalization to the MPD (do they actually pack meat there anymore, anywhere?). Check it out. Architecturally interesting, big open spaces, lively, stylish bar with adequate Euro to NY ratio, tasty enough food and enough bartenders to actually get you a drink when you belly up, not to mention the outstanding, outdoor beer garden. Didn't stay long, only had a drink or two and a few nibbles, but liked what I saw, just because there was life, vibe and an interesting crowd. Who wants to go back?