The Standing Room: Hermosa Beach’s Cult Favorite American-Korean Fusion Bar and Grill
There are plenty of music venues across the greater Los Angeles area. However, at Hermosa Beach’s cult favorite, The Standing Room, one can enjoy an intimate live musical performance while experiencing a menu filled with an eclectic array of American-Korean Fusion menu options.
Having its historic beginnings in the back of a Redondo Beach area liquor store, The Standing Room developed into a cult favorite featuring gigantic stacked burgers which has become the talk of the town.
The Standing Room prepares “delicious food, prepared with quality ingredients, creativity and value. Uncensored Rock and Roll attitude with a Smile.”
After a few years in to their successful jump to the Hermosa Beach area, The Standing Room is showcasing their menu featuring some jaw-dropping burgers, appetizers and adult beverages from the bar. Speaking of the bar, perched atop the bar is the mantra “No Regrets”. Wise words if I do say so myself.
Whether you are there for lunch, dinner or happy hour, one can order from many different beers on tap as well as a variety of small batch whiskies and craft beers. The selection does change from time to time to bring in the newest libations on the scene.
The Tasting:
With wondrous eyes and an empty tummy, I sauntered in to The Standing Room determined to consume something awe-inspiring. I was presented with the Tuna Poke Nachos, made with crispy won ton chips, avocado, jalapeño, onion, scallion and Korean aioli; a perfect starter to be shared amongst friends, family and colleagues.
The won tons were as crisp as I could have desired. The way the sushi grade tuna and creamy avocado combined with the won tons, I knew this was a match made in food-heaven. The Korean aioli provided a rich spiciness which it rounded out quite nicely.
The next pleasing appetizer presented was the Soft Shell Crab Sliders. Deep fried to a golden brown color, these soft shell crabs are gently placed on a jet-black squid ink bun with a helping of smashed avocado and onions. Finally, they top all of that with a lovely thai crab mayo.
Another textural marvel, the Soft Shell Crab was crispy to the max. The squid ink buns provide an added sweetness and chew to the savory and sweet crab meat.
The Thai crab mayo is a revelation. I strongly believe that it should be bottled up and sold in grocery store everywhere.
Up next was the mother of all burgers on The Standing Room’s menu. The Napoleon Burger is a monstrously appetizing burger with tons of fixings. Items in the Napoleon include arugula, caramelized onions, bacon, fried egg, cheddar, Korean aioli, tomato jam, smoked gouda and American cheese, braised short rib all with a side of truffle parmesan fries.
This burger is most certainly a flavor bomb and a massive spectacle that needs to be noticed. The short ribs are hidden under a barrage of ingredients. But they are melt-in-your-mouth, masterfully marinated and cooked.
The fried egg was not only picturesque but added richness and texture to this burger behemoth.
The fries are equally rich in flavor. The aroma from the truffle reigns supreme and the essence of parmesan adds to this already decadently flavored, classic side-dish. This burger and fries combination is certainly enough reason to visit The Standing Room.
Overall, you can enjoy lunch, happy hour and dinner at The Standing Room. If live music tickles your fancy, The South Bay Reactors perform on stage every Thursday night starting at 9:30 pm.
There is something for everyone at The Standing Room in Hermosa Beach. One can experience expertly concocted cocktails, selected craft beers, creative appetizers and wondrously-sized burgers and much more that will rock your world.
The Standing Room – Hermosa Beach
1320 Hermosa Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 318-1272
Hours:
Sun – Tues: 11 am – 10 pm
Wed – Sat: 11 am – 1 am
CLICK HERE for a review of Marina Del Rey’s DOMA Kitchen