Saturday night my friend Sonia (yes, the sonia of the soniaevers.com blog) and I were racking our brains for a place to eat pre- big night out. We wanted light food or small plates, but we didn't want to spend a ton of money: a no frills, happening place with tasty bites. So instantly, I thought of the Smith, a restaurant I discovered last month and have returned to at least 3 times since. The Smith is reminiscent of place called Perry's I used to frequent in San Francisco - there's a great, rough, bar crowd, but cocktails are perfection and there's a plethora of menu items to please the anorexics, the fatties, the pretentious, and the steak and potatoes lovers. It's tough to get seated right away - I have never been without waiting at least 15 minutes - but making a reservation reduces the wait time significantly and it's always fun to sit at the bar. The space reminds me of a mix between an upscale diner and a camp cafeteria with wooden chairs, wood paneled ceilings, and black and white tiled floors. The atmosphere is always fun, lively, and friendly - people often come with groups and it tends to get loud, but the space is large enough to keep it from getting annoying. Definitely a perfect pump up for a night out.
Sonia and I ordered exclusively off of the appetizer list to supplement our stiff Manhattan and Martini cocktails (when I say stiff, I mean STIFF). We order tuna tartare with a soy dressing that, while looking identical to steak tartare, was really fresh, perfectly textured, and and tangy (in a good way). We also ordered the alsatian thin crust pizza that came covered with bacon, caramelized onions and creme fraiche - my only complaint is that I wish it had been a larger portion. We also ordered the arugula salad with shaved fennel, which was quite a standout. I was expecting something boring but the dressing really brought this fresh salad to life. And of course, Sonia and I chowed down on the constantly flowing baguettes with salted butter - a huge value add for those carb lovers.
Our server was very patient and friendly despite the obvious need to rotate tables for the crowd by the bar, and I have noticed that all the servers are equally friendly and beautiful (aspiring actresses maybe?). I have been for brunch, and highly recommend it as they serve a free mimosa with every main dish (though only after 12pm due to NY city law). Their main course selection is great for those who just want straight up delicious, home cooked food without slaving in the kitchen or spending a fortune.
Go here if you want a sit down, tasty meal to accompany a stream of cocktails. Then, head over to the Pour House across the street to continue the debauchery.
Address: 55 3rd avenue between 10th and 11th street.
Website: www.ctrnyc.com/thesmith
3 comments:
I like the shout out to the pour house
This sounds like my kind of place. But I have a suggestion. I think you should have some short formmethod of rating each place so the reader knows where it stands in the hierarchy of all the places you write about,i.e. 8 out of 10, etc.
I love this post!! I love the Smith. Although my biggest recommendation is to EAT EAT EAT if you're going to have the amazing cocktails!
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