The Smithy Restaurant — Restaurant in Monroe

Last night, I had an extremely disappointing experience at The Smithy that I feel compelled to share. I ordered a porterhouse steak cooked rare—a cut I’m very familiar with and regularly enjoy at various steakhouses in the area. Several members of my party also ordered porterhouse steaks, requesting medium rare.

When the meals arrived, it was immediately apparent that my steak was more well done than those served to my companions, despite my request for rare. I politely informed our server that my steak was not prepared as ordered and asked if it could be corrected. He took the steak back and returned shortly after, stating that a thermometer had been used and that the steak was, in fact, rare. He then insisted that I was mistaken, citing variations in steak color and implying that I was wrong.

I explained that I frequently order rare steaks and that this one did not meet that standard. His response was dismissive and unprofessional: “Are you going to eat it or not? Because if you don’t, I’m sure someone will.” He then removed the steak and offered a partial discount on a meal I did not eat and that was not properly prepared.

I rarely complain at restaurants and dine out infrequently—perhaps once a month—but I do expect a quality meal and courteous service. When I asked to speak with the manager, I was informed that the server himself was the manager and that this was the best resolution I would receive.

The steak, priced at $55, was reduced by $23, but the interaction left a lasting negative impression. The manager’s conduct was the most discourteous I’ve encountered in any dining establishment. We have family friends who work at The Smithy and have enjoyed previous visits, but after this experience, I will not be returning.

As someone who works hard and values their time and money, I expect at minimum that my food be prepared as requested and that staff treat guests with respect. I have never withheld a tip before, but last night was the exception. The lack of professionalism and courtesy completely undermined what should have been an enjoyable evening.

I strongly urge others to reconsider dining at The Smithy until its management addresses these issues and prioritizes customer service and...

This is my go to place with my husband for a quiet, intimate meal for a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary or to celebrate a job promotion or Valentines Day. It is as dressy or casual as you want, with hearty, delicious steak house fare on a quality menu (although they also have a great selection of nightly specials). If you can, I recommend their specialty house draft (& I don't even like beer!) Their carrot cake is a wonderful dessert, and my all time favorite is the chicken and demi- strip loin dinner. Choose the stuffed chicken breast in this dinner & you will be a happy person. While I miss their cheese board and salad bar (damn you, COVID-19 pandemic!!), they are currently serving them to you at the table, so you don't really miss out on anything. Great friendly staff, quality food, free parking, no uppity dress code....this is my favorite steak house of all time (& I have lived in 4 states and eaten at more than my share of steak houses in my time)

February 2022 update: Even though the ownership has changed, everything else is absolutely the same as under the prior ownership. Those familiar with what The Smithy offers will not be disappointed: the cheese board and salad bar are back; the menu is identical; the specials board hasn't missed a beat. The bar offerings, including the delicious (& I am not a big drinker) The Smithy Ale, custom brewed for them by a local brewery, is still available. I also highly recommend it to anyone looking for something in the adult beverage list to try. The atmosphere is such that unless they told you, there would be nothing to tell an unsuspecting guest that there's new management for the...

We decided to try The Smithy for our anniversary dinner out. It has kind of an up to date 70’s steakhouse vibe. It’s one of a dying breed that still has the old school salad bar that’s included with your meal. It had a nice steakhouse menu with a nice variety of selections. I got the French onion soup starter. The flavor was good, but I don’t think the cheese was Gruyère that is what’s supposed to be used, I’m pretty sure it was mozzarella. For our Entrees I had the porterhouse and my wife had the filet. Both were cooked perfectly to perfection to a nice medium rare. Both came with a baked potato that was cooked perfectly as well. The only knock I have on the potato is the up-charge for the bacon and chives of $2 each. Especially when you can get bacon bits included with the salad bar and the amount of chives were negligible. We decided to have the brownie sundae for dessert and that was a nice throwback too. The waiter said they had a good cappuccino so we gave those a try with the dessert. We were kind of disappointed with those as well as they were basically instant coffee with some cream and topped with whipped cream, not a cappuccino. Overall the food was very good. Our waiter was very helpful, personable and friendly as well so that was nice.

This was a very nice steakhouse with great food. It has a few areas that could be improved on a little bit, but the good far outweighs any negatives (I won’t say bads here).

I would happily...