There’s a spot in Northeast Louisiana where mornings feel a little brighter, and afternoons taste a bit sweeter. Standard Coffee Co., at 523 Desiard Street in Monroe, has mastered the art of good coffee, good company, and good food. This is your friendly neighborhood coffee shop, run by the passionate team led by local chef Cory Bahr—yes, the one behind Parish Restaurant—serving up cozy vibes and handmade treats from early morning until evening.
Pull up a chair, whether it’s 7a–6p on a weekday or 8a–5p Saturday, and you’ll see why it’s easy to make this place part of your daily routine.
Coffee With Character (And Quite a Bit of Personality)
Standard isn’t your average grab-and-go caffeine joint. There’s pride poured into every cup, with beans sourced by Mountain Bird Coffee & Tea Co. The signature flavor lineup sneaks a little local spirit into every sip. Options include:
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Jump Start: The espresso that powers your morning, designed to bring your battery to life.
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Throttle: A dark roast that’s both rich and satisfying, heavily-laden with deep chocolate notes.
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Full Service: A medium roast from Costa Rica, sweet and balanced, with notes of plum, cherry, fig, and a touch of milk chocolate.
Whether you’re a purist (black coffee, all day) or feeling adventurous, the Slow Bar features made-to-order pour-overs, including the V-60 if you like your cup extra thoughtful.
If you need a sweet kick, try the Vietnamese Iced Coffee that blends chicory, condensed milk, and house-made vanilla syrup—thick, creamy, and just the right kind of indulgent. The “523” mixes hazelnut, caramel, and Irish cream syrups, but never loses its coffee-forward attitude. Ask the baristas for a recommendation; they know how to talk coffee as well as they know how to make it.
Lunch Breaks Just Got Exciting
Coffee isn’t the only thing brewing at Standard. From 11am to 2:30pm on the dot, lunch gets its time to shine. The kitchen turns out daily specials that are anything but ordinary, all orchestrated by Chef Cory and his crew.
The menu keeps it fresh, rotating frequently to highlight what’s local and in season. Burgers arrive stacked (single or double patty, your choice), hearty sandwiches show up layered with just-right fillings, and salads come crisp and plentiful. The ingredients and combinations want to surprise you—one bite and you’ll know why regulars guard their favorite table so closely during lunch rush.
Pastries That Tell a Story
Pastry Chef Chase Raley is working magic behind the scenes, and it shows at the counter. Forget predictable muffins and dry scones; here, you’ll find biscuit cinnamon rolls, strawberry ricotta scones, triple chocolate peanut butter cookies, and even innovations like a Nashville fried chicken scone.
These bakes taste as fresh as they look: flaky biscuit dough, fruit in season, and chocolate that melts just right. Every week, something new appears, but comfort is guaranteed. Grab a pastry on the go or settle down with one—it’s like getting a warm hug with every bite.
A Place Built for Conversations
You’ll notice the atmosphere right away: a modern, minimalist interior with clean lines, whitewashed brick, and a hint of industrial flair. There’s a herringbone wood wall welcoming you in, mid-century seating scattered just so, and plenty of plants calling the place home. Come with a laptop, a novel, or a friend—there’s space for everyone.
Standard is more than a shop; it’s the kind of place where people put down roots. Community is part of the mission. The team is known to pick up the trash outside the shop, welcoming anyone who walks through the door, making Monroe’s downtown a friendlier, more connected neighborhood. You’re not just a visitor here; you’re a neighbor.
Good Coffee, Good Humans
Take one look at the neon sign and you’ll see the shop’s philosophy: “Drink good coffee, be a good human.” The staff live this motto every day, greeting you by name and making sure your order is exactly right. Whether you’re in line for a quick caffeine fix or lingering with a latte, you’ll feel the care.
Standard Coffee Co. serves lunch and pastries daily, Monday through Friday 7 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. If you’re craving the kind of coffee shop that feels like home (with seriously good food to match), this is your place.
Swing by, say hello, and discover why Monroe loves Standard—one cup at a time.
Sources: standardcoffeela.com, Standard Coffee Co. Facebook Page, Standard Coffee Co. Instagram Page
Header Image Source: Standard Coffee Co. Facebook Page
