By Lolonyo Carter

Stan’s Restaurant and Bar Review

When people first walk up to Stan’s Restaurant and Bar, their initial thought is usually “Wait. I have to go downstairs?” Once you get down those stairs, you enter into a small, dimly lit place, with a restaurant on one side of the door, and a fully stocked bar on the other side. The hostess is friendly and leads you whichever way you choose to go. And from there on out, you realize that you’ve made a great choice.

Stan’s is a staple bar that’s been around for decades. Just the right amount of people know about it, so in spite of its small size, it’s usually not too packed out. The bar is often full of regulars, people who know the place inside and out. After a few visits, the bartender knows your name, and your drink. A few more visits and the wait staff do too! The owner, Cathy, can often be found working the restaurant herself, bussing tables, taking orders, or doing whatever she can to help, especially during the busier hours. Sitting at the bar, you get a Cheers-ey feel. You can’t help it! Everyone is friendly, everyone is happy. Laughter, cheering, jokes and fun are all around you. You can’t help but smile, and order another drink, just so that you can sit there a little bit longer and soak up some more good vibes.

Now to get down to the food. Oh, the food! The menu at Stan’s is short and sweet. You’ve got your normal appetizers, some sandwiches, pastas, salads. Stan’s is best known for their wings. You can order them fried or baked, or get half of each. The half order is enough to share, but you won’t want to! The special blend of seasoning that they use on the baked wings is so finger-licking delicious, you won’t even want to use the sauce. That is, until you try it. Anyone from DC knows all about mumbo sauce. That sticky red sauce usually served in area carry-outs is a must-try for anyone who visits. At Stan’s, they serve a mumbo sauce with a kick! It’s a little tangier than your normal sauce, but oh so delicious. Pour it over your wings or dip your wings in, you’re almost guaranteed to want more before you’re done.

What I love most about Stan’s though, isn’t the wings. Delicious as they are, they aren’t the highlight of my day. The crown royale of my entire existence lives within the Stan’s lunch menu. It changes daily, and can include anything from barbeque short ribs, to shrimp diablo to paella!! Everything is fresh made, and absolutely AMAZING!! I have yet to have a meal here that I didn’t like. Even the sides are mouthwatering. I know that potatoes and squash don’t sound like much to you, but when the chef at Stan’s is making them, they could easily become my entire meal. And I’d still leave happy.

What I had on my latest visit, pictured here, is the stuffed tilapia with mashed potatoes and squash. Is that cheese on the squash, you ask? Why yes! Yes it is?? Did I ask for cheese on my squash you ask? No, no I did not. Because the fine people at Stan’s knows that cheese belongs on things. All things. If not most things. (Disclaimer: No, they do not put cheese on everything at Stan’s, but I’m sure they would if you asked them, because…cheese.)

And the best part of all of this visit? The booze!! Stan’s doesn’t claim the “Best Damn Drink in Town” for nothing! Your drink comes loaded, 4 ounces of boozy-delicious, and your chaser where it belongs, in some other glass! You can mix your drink with whatever amount of chaser you want, or none at all. You still get the 4 oz that comes standard at Stan’s. Even mixed drinks are a treat there! This is a whiskey and ginger for those that were wondering. And yes, that is ALL whiskey in one glass.

So head on over, and tell them I sent ya! Get to know someone, tip your bartender, learn your waiter’s name, and join the family!!

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[1] Picture form www.stansrestairant.com

[2] Picture from www.stansrestaurant.com