Rockwall may not have an abundance of dining spots that truly stand out, but Standard Service is a refreshing exception. This place offers a versatile menu that caters to brunch, lunch, and dinner, making it an ideal spot for a casual outing with friends or a cozy meal with your significant other.
Midweek Gatherings with Friends
For a midweek dinner, my gal pals and I chose Standard Service, where the menu emphasizes fresh American cuisine with a focus on comfort food. The portions are generous, so don’t be surprised if you need a to-go box. One thing to note: you won’t find chips and bread served while you wait, but that’s just part of the charm here.
Service with Integrity
I was impressed by the service when one of our orders arrived incomplete. After bringing it to the hostess’s attention, the response was swift. Not one, but three staff members, including the manager, came by to apologize. They didn’t just bring out the missing item; they replaced the entire dish, ensuring it was served as intended. This attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction truly honors their name.
Cocktails Crafted with Care
The drink menu includes a decent selection of beers and wines, though nothing particularly stood out to me—except for the lack of Moscato, which would have paired perfectly with the vegetables in my salad.
On this visit, I ordered a Moscow Mule, despite not being a huge fan of vodka. The blend of vodka, turbinado, lime, and Buddha’s Brew Ginger Kombucha made for a refreshing cocktail that I ended up enjoying. Each cocktail at Standard Service is inspired by local friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers. As part of a creative and charitable initiative, five cocktails are featured each month, with $1 from each drink going to the creator’s chosen charity. At the end of the month, the three most popular cocktails remain on the menu, while the others make way for new concoctions.
I haven’t found my favorite cocktail yet, but when I do, I’ll be sure to write about it.
A Veggie-Packed Main Course
For my main course, I opted for the Veggie Chopped Salad with added Scottish Salmon. The dish was presented in a large white bowl, beautifully showcasing the mixed greens, riced broccoli and cauliflower, roasted beets, cucumber, baby tomatoes, green grapes, goat cheese, crispy brown rice, candied pecans, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a Texas honey and sherry vinaigrette. I recommend chopping up the salad evenly to savor all the flavors in every bite.
Ambiance and Location
Standard Service is located at 760 W. Ralph Hall Pkwy, Rockwall, TX 75032, with hours from Sunday to Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm, and Friday to Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm. A second location is set to open soon in Heath, Texas.
The interior design is modern and minimalist, with a trend toward upcycling. The bar serves as the focal point of the dining area, and there’s also an outdoor patio. Whether you choose to sit at the bar or find a cozy spot on the patio, the atmosphere is welcoming. Parking is usually easy, with nearby spaces available, but if you’re struggling to find a spot, there’s always the option of parking near Lowe’s.
The restaurant can get a bit loud, likely due to the high ceilings and music volume, but conversation is still manageable, especially if you sit near a wall or in a booth. The patio feels like a hidden gem, reminiscent of a backyard retreat or a seaside eatery. A long bench provides a cozy spot to gather with friends.
There’s also a small alley outside for playing cornhole, a clever use of space that’s particularly popular with young children who might get restless at the table. It’s a nice touch that allows parents to keep an eye on their kids from a distance.
Final Thoughts
The staff at Standard Service is consistently pleasant and attentive, with personalities that make your visit memorable. It’s the overall service that keeps patrons coming back. While I’ve only scratched the surface of the menu, every dish I’ve tried has been excellent, with the exception of the drinks, which I’m still exploring. The kid’s menu could use some improvement, as we’ve had to split an adult fajita order to satisfy our young diners.
The portions are so satisfying that I’ve yet to try dessert, but with such excellent company and a comfortable atmosphere, Standard Service proves to be a solid choice for a night out.
