The Smith — Restaurant in Chicago

The Smith knows how to do brunch, right down to the buzz in the air. From the moment we walked in, the energy was electric – a lively soundtrack weaving through laughter and clinking glasses. It was the perfect setting for a celebratory weekend meal, and The Smith delivered on all fronts.

We started with a classic: the Shrimp Cocktail. Chilled, plump shrimp swam in a tangy cocktail sauce, a refreshing way to kick off the feast. But the real stars of the show were the two main courses:

Benedict Johnny: Cheddar cornbread? In a Benedict? Genius! This decadent twist on the traditional dish paired perfectly with the maple chicken sausage and perfectly poached eggs. The hollandaise was rich and creamy, tying everything together in a symphony of savory and sweet. Vanilla Bean French Toast: Crème brûlée battered? Caramelized apples? Say no more! This French toast was an absolute showstopper. Each fluffy bite was infused with the subtle sweetness of vanilla bean, then finished with a satisfying crackle of caramelized sugar. The apples added a touch of tartness and texture, making each mouthful an addictive treat. And let's not forget the OJ mimosas. Light, bubbly, and perfectly balanced, they were the ideal brunch companions. Plus, the fact that they were included with each entree made the whole experience even more delightful.

The service at The Smith was another highlight. Attentive but not overbearing, our server seamlessly navigated the lively atmosphere, ensuring our glasses were always full and our needs were met. They added to the overall positive vibe, making us feel welcome and well-cared for.

While the environment definitely leans towards the loud and lively end of the spectrum, it added to the energetic brunch atmosphere. It might not be the spot for a hushed conversation, but it's perfect for catching up with friends and celebrating life's little victories.

The Verdict:

The Smith nailed it! From the vibrant atmosphere to the delicious food and attentive service, it was everything you could ask for in a weekend brunch. The Shrimp Cocktail was a refreshing starter, the Benedicts were innovative and flavorful, and the French Toast was simply divine. Add in the perfectly crafted mimosas and attentive service, and you have a recipe for a brunch that will leave you smiling long after the last bite. If you're looking for a lively spot to fuel your weekend adventures, The Smith is the place to be.

Highlights:

Energetic and fun atmosphere Delicious and inventive brunch dishes Perfectly balanced OJ mimosas Attentive and friendly service Final Word:

Cheers to The Smith! They brought the buzz, the brunch, and the good vibes. We'll definitely be back for...

I went to The Smith for Restaurant Week 2024 (brunch). Solid 4/4.5 out of 5. We went on a Saturday and unfortunately they were only doing the brunch RW menu M-F 😭 girl I was so upset. Still had an excellent time and would recommend for restaurant week. I am considering returning for the true weekday RW lunch, it was that good.

Now let's get into the food chile. So regular brunch included a brunch cocktail WITH your entree (not the whole brunch menu available, but several options to select from!) A GREAT deal considering the à la carte prices would make brunch much more expensive. I had the sangria that came in a good sized coupe. Many of my friends got the pool slushy cocktail which looked real good. 9/10. Then baby the food came out. I got the shrimp and grits... chile 😭😭😭😭 12 out of 10. The grits were so thick and creamy and it was a BAKED EGG up in it. So good. The shrimp were a little overcooked but not too much now. Still good, just not as tender as I would like. I had a bite of the apple french toast, SO good. Probably the second best french toast I've had behind Krasi in Boston. Anyways chile. We got some sides like home fries and sausages, I didn't really try those but they looked ok. I tried a little bit of the Johnny Benedict and I liked it. 9 out of 10. The cheddar jalapeño cornbread was just okay for me. Not bad, I'd eat it again, but it wouldn't be my go to. For our birthday dessert they brought us 1 cookie w a candle in it which I thought was a little underwhelming, and we were charged $4 for the cookie lol. Now, that cookie was damn good mind you, i just thought the presentation was a bit low production. 7 out of 10.

We spent a long time there, maybe 3 hours or so. Our waiters were Nancy & Aaron. So sweet! PAY THEM MORE!!! Of note is that sparkling and still water are included! There is a private dining room downstairs that we passed, that was cute, and booth/hightop/bar seating is available throughout the space. Energetic but not too loud. Definitely a brunch/dinner crowd type vibe. Very cute and chic space....

I recently visited The Smith for the first time after attending church on a chilly Sunday morning. Being the first place open, we eagerly walked in at 10 a.m. to find a warm and inviting atmosphere, a welcome relief from the freezing temperatures outside.

The seating process was prompt, and our server, Spencer, stood out with his cool, fast, and attentive service. Despite reading some negative reviews about the service, our experience with Spencer was quite pleasant.

I started my meal with a latte, desiring a vanilla flavor that, unfortunately, wasn't available. The presentation of the latte fell short of expectations, lacking the artistic touch often associated with such beverages. However, the cozy ambiance compensated for this minor disappointment.

Our order included the Spicy Salmon Tartare, which, unfortunately, left much to be desired. With a lack of flavor, an odd taste reminiscent of staleness, and a cardboard-like texture, it was a one-bite-and-done situation. On the other hand, the Avocado Toast, though presented well, left me wanting with guacamole replacing fresh sliced avocados. It was satisfactory but not something I would order again.

Fortunately, my friends had a better experience with their dishes. The Shrimp and Grits, a first for someone unfamiliar with grits, received high praise for its tastiness. The Smoked Salmon Toast, enjoyed by another friend, stood out with amazing flavors, fresh salmon, and perfect seasoning.

One noteworthy aspect was a special deal offering a free drink on Sundays, although regrettably, I forgot to take advantage of it. This Sunday special added a positive touch to the overall experience.

In conclusion, my brunch experience at The Smith had its highs and lows. While some dishes fell short of expectations, others impressed with their taste and presentation. The service, contrary to some reviews, was commendable. I may consider returning for dinner as the menu appears promising, hoping for a more consistent...