City: Albuquerque, NM

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (505) 243-1440

Address: 320 Central Avenue SE

Description: Not at all your standard diner, this restaurant serves upmarket comfort food in a smart Art Deco environment in a renovated 1938 Texaco station. There are two dining rooms joined by a long bar area. The higher of the two, to your left as you enter, featuring brick walls and black circular booths, is probably the more characterful of the two, but both are comfortable spaces to enjoy dishes like Bulldog Burger with roasted green chile and cheese, Lobster Caesar salad, Country Fried Tuna with wasabi guacamole, Chicken Fried Steak, or Standard Mac & Cheese in a Guinness and Irish Cheddar sauce. The menu offers lighter snacks through to substantial entrées and decadent desserts, and Sunday brunch is also popular here. The atmosphere is relaxed and family friendly (a lighthearted sign reads “Unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy”), and since opening in 2006 Standard Diner has built a loyal following. Beer and wine are available, including wine-based cocktails, and there’s a small (dog-friendly) patio. Reservations recommended. Open seven days for lunch through dinner; Sunday brunch is served.