The Smith — Restaurant in New York

Always wanted to try the food at the smith. Arrived and was greeted, seated, server came over, we placed our drink order. Water on the table was room temperature, however on other tables it was chilled. No big deal though. Server brought out bread for our table of 3. Which was literally 3 small pieces of bread. One piece for each of us. I thought to myself that this was a rather small portion, again not a big deal. Placed our orders in which I ordered a steak, well done. I expected waiting a while for the kitchen to make it, but it came out rather quick. The ends were cooked well, however, upon cutting into more of it the middle was more like a medium and lots of red. I didn't make a big deal nor ask to have it sent back as it did taste good. Almost finished with my meal, having a conversation but not actively putting food I'm my mouth, another wait staff asked to take our plates, to which we said no, we're still finishing up. He came back around and asked again a few minutes later. I told him yes , you can take my plate. He proceeded to take the plates, but also our drinks. To which I said we're not finished with those as yet, but he was in such a hurry to grab everything. We were asked about dessert, we declined since we were planning to order 1 more round of drinks, however before we could ask, we were brought the check. It caught us off guard because in all the restaurants we ever ate in, the patron is the one who asks for the check after the meal was complete. It seemed as though they wanted us to leave. We weren't asked if there was anything else we needed before being brought the check. I thought maybe it was almost closing time, so i assumed that was the reason, but I looked around at other tables that were already eating when we got there, and none were given a check, or looked like they were leaving anytime soon. Another table had actually just been seated, so it was strange to see wait staff so pushy for a table of 3. Let me also add that the tiny table we were seated at did not even have room on the table for nothing else but our little food plates and drinks. The chairs were slippery on the floor and shifted with any movement. Almost as if we were on wheels. The noise levels are horrible, you practically have to elevate your voice to speak with people at your table. If not you had to wait for a moment where the noise level dropped to conversate. Wait staff were clanging plates and glasses and utensils on the table. I literally thought something had fallen on the floor behind me, but that was just staff setting a table. Overall, the experience of Uncomfortable seating with having to move your chair for staff to pass behind you, loud banging of plates in your ear while trying to have a conversation, and being handed our bill promptly after our plates were taken away, even though we planned to order more drinks, which was the icing on the cake for us as we had not even been sitting there for an hour yet. We will not be returning to the smith midtown due to the lack of customer service that was received by wait staff I might try another location, but will neverrrrrr return to this...

The Smith on 2nd Ave: A Return to Midtown East Excellence

If there’s one word to describe The Smith on 2nd Avenue, it’s “back.” After a challenging stretch for the NYC dining scene, this Midtown East gem has reemerged with the same high standards and vibrant energy that made it a staple in the before times. From the moment you walk into its spacious, well-designed interior, you’re greeted by an unmistakable New York vibe—lively, sophisticated, and undeniably cool.

Flavors That Hit the Mark

The menu at The Smith feels like a warm embrace for your taste buds, striking the perfect balance between reliable favorites and thoughtful touches. The food is as consistent as ever, delivering flavors that keep diners coming back for more. The pancakes are a revelation—soft and tender, yielding effortlessly to the touch of a fork. For a savory option, the chicken sausage dish is a standout. The richness of the hollandaise sauce served on the side allows you to adjust the decadence to your liking, making this dish a perfect morning indulgence.

Salads, often overlooked in breakfast fare, are anything but ordinary here. Whether accompanying an omelette or standing on their own, they’re crisp, fresh, and balanced—a nod to the care and quality that defines the entire menu. Pair it with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, and you’ve got a meal that feels both indulgent and invigorating.

Service and Amenities: Above and Beyond

The Smith doesn’t just serve food; it elevates the dining experience. Sparkling and still water arrives promptly at the table, offered at no extra charge—a touch that speaks to the restaurant’s commitment to hospitality. Service is fast and attentive without ever feeling rushed, ensuring that every diner feels at ease, whether they’re on a tight schedule or lingering over brunch.

Drinks for Every Mood

The bar at The Smith is a treasure trove of delights, offering mocktails and cocktails that are simply to die for. Whether you’re abstaining or celebrating, the mixologists craft beverages that rival the quality of the food. The bar scene is vibrant yet approachable, attracting a crowd that’s a mix of in-the-know locals and discerning tourists. On any given day, you might find a notable guest like Miami’s own mayor, Francis Suarez, mingling with the rest.

The Verdict

The Smith on 2nd Avenue has reclaimed its rightful place as one of Midtown East’s most dependable and satisfying dining destinations. With its seamless blend of impeccable service, mouthwatering dishes, and an atmosphere that hums with the pulse of NYC, it’s clear that this spot is more than just back—it’s better than ever. Whether you’re a local looking for a go-to brunch spot or a visitor hoping to capture a slice of the city’s culinary charm, The Smith...

The Smith is one of my favorite restaurants in New York City. I’ve been coming to The Smith for eight years. It’s my favorite restaurant to bring friends who are visiting from out of town. I've tried many items on the menu over the years.

My favorite starters are the potato chips with blue cheese fondue, classic tomato soup, and the mac and cheese. The mac and cheese is actually amazing and enough for a main meal. The tomato soup is the best in the city and always a top choice during the cold winter months.

My favorite breakfast or lunch dish is the BLT + E on a croissant with a green salad. It's hard to not order this every time I go. The French toast is huge, but not my favorite. The caramelized bananas make it too sweet. I wish they offered a cinnamon version instead. The little gem caesar with grilled shrimp is delicious. They used to serve a chicken pot pie and I wish it would return to the menu. I used to order it every time I came for brunch. The Sicilian baked eggs were also a favorite, but I haven't seen it on the menu for a while.

The S'Mores in a jar is delicious and usually my go-to dessert. The blueberry pie although a generous individual portion size, is lacking in terms of its crust and the filling tasted a little dry. I wouldn't order it again. My gold standard for pies is Four and Twenty Blackbirds in Brooklyn. I didn't care for the chocolate chip cookies, but that was more of a personal preference. If you prefer thin crispy cookies then you would probably love them. The ice cream sundae is everything you would want in a sundae from the warm brownie at the bottom to the hot fudge on top.

Over the years I’ve ordered:

Appetizers Oysters Potato chips with blue cheese fondue (delicious) Burrata starter Mac + cheese (delicious and large enough for a main course) Tomato soup (amazing - order this!)

Main Courses Buttermilk pancakes Vanilla bean French toast with caramelized bananas Sicilian Baked Eggs BLT - E sandwich (It's hard not to order this every time.) Little gem caesar with grilled shrimp Pot of mussels (delicious) Vegetable bibimbap Chicken pot pie (No longer available, but so good!)

Desserts S’Mores in a jar (delicious - order this) Ice Cream Sundae (everything you could want - order this) Blueberry pie with ice cream. (This was just okay, but the portion size was very generous.) Quarter pounders chocolate chip cookies (Skip this unless you like thin and crispy chocolate...