The Smith: A Quintessential Manhattan Brasserie
The Smith is a renowned American brasserie with multiple popular locations across Manhattan (East Village, Midtown, Lincoln Square, and NoMad), making it a significant presence in the city’s dining scene since its opening in 2007. It has cemented its reputation as a reliable, lively, and stylish spot for a wide range of occasions.
🌟 What Makes The Smith Unique
The uniqueness of The Smith lies in its successful blend of:
- Vibrant, Timeless Atmosphere: Each location features an inviting, industrial-chic interior characterized by subway-tiled walls, open layouts, and communal tables, creating a lively “say yes” attitude and a setting that is perfect for everything from a casual brunch to a sophisticated dinner.
- Broad, Approachable Menu: It offers classic American cuisine with a thoughtful, broad menu that appeals to almost every diner. The combination of comfort food staples, fresh seasonal dishes, and an extensive raw bar ensures “something for everyone.”
- Consistent Versatility: It seamlessly transitions from a bustling weekday breakfast spot and business lunch destination to a popular weekend brunch haven and a late-night bar, complete with a popular “Martini Hour.”
- Strategic Locations: Its placement in key Manhattan neighborhoods—near theaters, business centers, and residential areas—makes it a go-to choice for locals and visitors alike.
📜 History and Background
The Smith opened its original doors in the East Village in 2007. Founded by restaurateurs Glenn Harris and Jeffrey Lefcourt, the concept was to create a classic, dependable American brasserie with a lively spirit.
- The brand’s success quickly led to expansion, with subsequent locations opening in Midtown, Lincoln Square (near Lincoln Center, catering to the pre-theater crowd), and NoMad.
- The original philosophy—focusing on hospitality, authenticity, and quality—has remained the cornerstone of the brand’s enduring popularity.
🍽️ Highlight Menu Items
The menu is known for its crowd-pleasers, offering comfort food with a polished touch. Signature and popular items include:
| Category | Highlight Dishes |
| Starters / Raw Bar | Spicy Salmon Tartare on crispy rice, Mac + Cheese (skillet-roasted), Chips + Dip (caramelized onion and blue cheese fondue), Crispy Calamari, and Raw Bar Platters. |
| Brunch Favorites | Avocado Toast, Eggs Benedict, and the always-popular housemade donuts. |
| Mains / Classics | The Smith Burger (or Burger Royale), Brick Pressed Half Chicken, Pot of Mussels with fries, and an array of steak options from The Smith Bar Steak selection. |
| Pasta | Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Braised Short Rib Mafaldine, and Ricotta Gnocchi with truffle cream. |
🗣️ Customer Feedback
In general, The Smith has garnered positive reviews for its:
- Consistent Quality: Diners frequently praise the food’s reliability across all locations.
- Atmosphere and Vibe: The lively, high-energy, and welcoming environment is a major draw.
- Service: The staff is often described as upbeat, attentive, and professional.
However, some online discussions have raised concerns, particularly regarding the restaurant’s ownership structure and higher-than-average pricing, though the consensus remains that the food quality and overall dining experience are “good to decent” and highly convenient.
📅 Significant Events
While specific, headline-making single events are not widely publicized, The Smith is more defined by the regular events and social significance it holds for New Yorkers:
- “Martini Hour”: This is a significant daily event (weekdays 3 PM – 6 PM and late night daily 10 PM in most locations), making it a staple for the post-work and late-night social scene.
- Weekend Brunch Destination: It’s an iconic and highly popular weekend ritual for many, contributing to its status as a quintessential New York dining experience.
- Pre/Post-Theater Dining: The Lincoln Square location, specifically, serves as a consistent hub for audiences attending performances at Lincoln Center, making it part of the city’s cultural life.
📍 Address, Contact, and Online Presence
As The Smith has multiple locations, here are the details for its four Manhattan restaurants and its main corporate contacts:
| Location | Address | Phone Number |
| East Village | 55 Third Avenue (between 10th & 11th Street) | $212.420.9800$ |
| Midtown | 956 Second Avenue (at 51st Street) | $212.644.2700$ |
| Lincoln Square | 1900 Broadway (at 63rd Street) | $212.496.5700$ |
| NoMad | 1150 Broadway (at 27th Street) | $212.685.4500$ |
| Online Presence | Link |
| Official Website | https://thesmithrestaurant.com/ |
