The Standing Room Restaurant

Reviews 3

JA

Jason Karuza

Summary: This is something else. I love places that just dont fit the norm by exceeding expectations and standards. A decent amount of street parking and a small lot. A decision fatigue-inducing menu of burgers, sandwiches, sauces, and toppings, but affordably priced, substantial in quantity, and delicious. This is a hidden gem that is not really hidden anymore, but will continue to flourish as long as the chefs keep rocking the fantastic cuisine. First time here was on a Wednesday evening at around 8:45pm. Found parking across the street easily enough. Made my way into the liquor store adorned with banners saying "The Standing Room" to help those that wouldnt normally venture into a liquor store for Asian fusion. Made a quick right toward the kitchen in the back and quickly perused the menu (but fortunately had read the Yelp reviews first to get some ideas). The menu is pretty massive and diverse for such a tiny kitchen, so 1) read fast, 2) come prepared, or 3) call in your order :-) I went with the Dressed burger, which had grilled onions, spring mix, fried egg, blue cheese, bacon, etc. etc. It was cooked medium by default, which is my preference. I also got an order of the parmesan truffle fries. The total came to about $11 after 10% off for checking with Yelp. I took my order stub to the woman at the liquor store counter where I paid and was given my receipt to bring back to the kitchen when the food was done. About 10 minutes later, it was ready to go (oh and there were at least 3 more in-person orders and 2 phone orders placed while I was waiting), and I made my way to the car to dig in (there are no tables or anything in the store, so eating location is on your own). Im really glad I decided to eat in the car instead of taking the food home because the burger would have likely soaked through the wrapping. As I unwrapped it, the beauty of its assembly was so evident. Its amazing that the whole thing held together because it was BIG, and it was JUICY. The brioche bun was the critical aspect that allowed the burger to be a success because it was super soft, but it was thick and durable enough to absorb the burgers richness without everything falling apart in my hands. So well crafted...so well architected. This was a thinking persons burger. And the flavors...an evolution. The first bite of the burger was ok. The second bite, better. The further I got in, the more I discovered all of the aspects of the construction. First there was subtlety and a bit of blandness. Then I discovered the spread. Then I found the bacon and its crunchy texture. Then there was the blue cheese that cut through everything, but then was quickly balanced out by sweetness that somehow came out of nowhere. It was so strange to have a single food item change so much throughout the course of its consumption. There were just so many taste and texture elements to discover, that only when it was gone and I was so much fuller did I realize what a culinary journey I had just embarked on. Then there were the fries. By themselves, there wasnt an abundance of flavor. The parmesan didnt stand out, there wasnt a lot of salt, but the crunch factor was excellently balanced. Not too hard, and not too soft. Then I started using some ketchup to add a bit of sweetness into the picture and instantly the contrast showcased the true flavors of the fries. The nuttiness of the truffle, the savory essence of the herbs with parmesan...amazing. And so much food! I can eat a lot, but I couldnt finish the burger and all of the fries. What value! I cant wait to go back to this amazing gem of a restaurant that is like a gourmet food truck in the back of a liquor store in beautiful Redondo Beach.

DE

deven p

The service is friendly but i waited for about 20 minutes for 2 burgers at some generic fries... the reviews made me give a local liquor store a chance and when i did i was surprised at the prices. Most burgers cost $10+. I felt like an idiot paying $30 for 2 burgers and 1 order of fries but this place had good reviews so i said what ever..fine. My burger was the chance. I took a chance but now Im sitting on the toilet wishing i would have ordered in n out instead. MY ASS IS ON FIRE! they basically put a huge meatball on a bun and smothered it with things that ended up falling off the burger with my first bite. The Jalapeños are approximately 1/4 thick and i counted more than 10. I choked on most of my burger because the jalapeños were so dominant. Fortunately, the burger was a meatball so all the extra stuff, including the huge Jalapeño pieces fell off so i was able to finish the burger but the actual burger was over cooked. (It says all burgers are medium well on the menu) but mine ended up being so over cooked that it was dry and flavorless..the fries were also expensive ($5) but they werent too bad after i added Himalaya salt to them. Fortunately i ordered it to go an went home so i could try to fix all that was broken. .. but i couldnt fix the overcooked, overpriced, oversized meatball of a burger... i think the chef who created these burgers is probably amazing, but hes not the guy cooking them here... these burgers are half assed, oversized and over priced. This is a $4 burger being sold as a $12 burger just because its a meatball instead of a patty.if in weight, its probably a half pound burger but the shape of the burger patty ruins the burger. Dont get me started on the half inch jalapeños cuts... Im sitting on the toilet right now, crying "i wish i wouldve just gone to in n out... i only gove 3 st as rs because thr people who took my order were patient when i asked ignorant first timer questions. Its OK. not that great. It was what i expected from a liquor store.. not what i expected when i saw all these reviews here thst i now assume were sponsored. I cant even sleep because the huge jalapeños on my burger are burning my guts right now. I wish i would have just gone to del taco and ordered the double del cheese burger. At least now, i know these positive reviews are paid for and not the honest trust.. this place gave me diarrhea and it cost $30 for something i could have made at home for $5.... really disappointed. I feel like a great chef passed on his recipe to people who dont care... never agaib

MI

Michael Luyties

I come to this burger joint all the time. Their burgers are amazing and Im still stuck ordering the Ghengis Khan... cant get enough. Im having a bit of trouble rating the service and decor however. Decor: Its in a liquor store... while this would normally drop decor down in to a poor category, the outside seating is a great change of pace and I truly enjoy being forced to eat out in the sun. It does get frustrating if it is crowded and the seats are full, but it hasnt caused us too much trouble as of yet. Service: There is always a wait for your burger... ALWAYS. My friends and I showed up the moment they opened one day and there was already a wait due to phone orders. Its just something to expect. However, those working there are friendly and moving a million miles and hour to try and get the food out quickly. All in all, its a great meal and I would highly recommend that everyone tries it at least once.