Photo by Christian Gooden, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Old Standard Fried Chicken
Old Standard Fried Chicken, the latest Botanical Heights restaurant from Elaia and Olio chef Ben Poremba, has been open only since October 2014, but its signature dish is already a source of much contention among St. Louis diners. Yes, the fried chicken here costs more than at most places. No, it’s not yet the best in town or even my personal favorite — though it is terrific, with a crisp, peppery batter that yields to juicy brined meat. The complete package is what sets Old Standard apart, from the whiskey list and housemade sodas to the excellent snacks and sides, especially chile-spiked boiled-peanut hummus.
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From the owners
Old Standard Fried Chicken features an all-American whiskey list of more than 50 selections, house-made sodas, canned beer, Southern sides, and as a main fare: crispy Southern-style fried chicken. As the sun sets, feel the golden glow of Southern hospitality brought to south St. Louis by relaxing with a glass of bottled-in-bond whiskey and a fresh cocktail for your sweetheart. What was once a police horse stable has now been transformed into an elegant dining experience with exposed wood ceilings that coins the new term “chicken coop chic.” Don’t forget to step over to the 25-cent jukebox, turn up the Otis Redding, and snuggle in closer. Open daily for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to midnight for dinner. Catch brunch all day on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The cluck around town is true, folks, Old Standard is the gold standard for fried chicken.