First Look: The Standard Nightclub

VIP areas are scattered around the club. This is one of the more private sections.

Photos Courtesy Michael Torres Photography

The Standard nightclub has opened this month in the old space that was Oceans 808 at Restaurant Row. I visited last night to take a peek inside.

The first thing I notice is that The Standard has stripped away any reminders of its previous tenants. Long gone are the illuminated bubble walls and bars, and the bright blue, ocean-colored lighting. The dark woods have been replaced with white walls that are uplighted with hues of lavender, pinks and turquoise. And The Standard’s bold name (see previous blog) stands out with a bold color—red.

“We will only be playing house music,” says club manager Matt Barberi, which was sweet music to my ears. He says the club wants to draw the crowd that frequents Chinatown’s art and hipster hotspots. The difference: The Standard’s recommends a dress code of “dressy, collared shirts and shoes” and gives girls a reason to dress up (without worrying about falling down in the raggedy streets of Chinatown).

The Standard plans to host rotating art exhibits and fashion shows. The open, two-tiered layout should make these events a success because there isn’t a spot in the room where you cannot see the art, or the stage. Stop by and you’ll notice the graffiti art of L.A. artist Slick, of DISSIZIT.

The Standard will be open this weekend, but Friday, December 30 is its grand opening and the public is welcome to join from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Following the grand opening, the hours of operation will be:
Tuesday – Wednesday: 4:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Thursday – Saturday: 4:30 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Happy Hour: Tuesday – Friday, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday or available for private parties

Restaurant Row, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., free validated parking.