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The Smith - Midtown
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Smith - Midtown
8.5
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
This bustling Midtown East brasserie turns out crisp, golden shoestring fries alongside one of the neighborhood’s most reliable burger programs. Fry fans come for the martini-and-fries vibe, steak frites, and a menu that keeps both business diners and brunch crowds happy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burger Royale with fries, The Smith Bar Steak with fries, Skillet Mac & Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume Midtown brasserie where fries and burgers are a reliable anchor.
Who should go: Groups, dates, and business diners craving lively comfort food.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early evening before peak after-work crowds.
What to order: Burger Royale with fries, Bar Steak, skillet mac and cheese.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for faster refills, hot fries, and better people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be scarce. Nearby paid garages along 51st–53rd St. are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished due to the business-lunch crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is doable at smaller tables, but peak hours bring a noticeable hum.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially 6:30–8:00pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though corporate rush can fill up around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options, including salads, mac and cheese, and customizable sides.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and vegetable sides can be modified, but offerings are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be made gluten-free on request, including salads and proteins; fries share fryers, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's lively without being overwhelming, and the comfort-food menu keeps choices easy. Not an intimate spot, but great for a relaxed, upbeat first meeting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at off-peak times. Bar seating is the fastest fallback if the dining room is on a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—staff is accustomed to families, and the menu has approachable dishes. Best for kids 6+ who can handle a busy, energetic dining room.
Best For
Better for: Reliable fries, fast-moving service, and a broad comfort-food menu that works for groups and mixed tastes.
Skip if: You want quiet, chef-driven fare or highly specialized French fry styles—this is a crowd-pleasing brasserie, not a niche fry destination.
The Smith - Midtown
8.2
This bustling American brasserie is a go-to for families thanks to a broad menu, kid-specific options, and flexible seating that handles strollers and large groups. Expect lively noise levels, reliable comfort dishes, and streamlined service from brunch through late-night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Skillet Mac + Cheese, The Smith Burger, Potato Waffle Benedict
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-volume, kid-friendly brasserie with consistently strong comfort food and brunch.
Who should go: Families needing crowd-pleasing menus and easy reservations.
When to visit: Early brunch or early dinner to dodge peak noise.
What to order: Skillet Mac + Cheese, The Smith Burger, Eggs Benedict.
Insider tip: Ask for a booth in the back for easier kid management and lower noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East; expect metered spots to be scarce. Multiple paid garages sit within a 1–2 block radius, typically $25–$40 for 1–2 hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sweaters, and comfortable outfits are all appropriate; no need to dress up unless coming from the office.
Noise level: High during peak brunch and dinner; conversations are doable but raised voices are common. Quieter in the back booths and during early hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer in peak brunch windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; walk-ins are often seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — salads, veggie-forward entrées, and customizable bowls and pastas.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few salads and vegetable plates can be modified; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Many items can be made gluten-free on request; staff is accustomed to substitutions but no fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work for casual, low-pressure dates, but the lively noise and family crowds make it less ideal for intimate conversation. Better for a fun, energetic vibe than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially during off-peak hours. Walk-ins are common, but expect a wait at brunch and weekend dinner. Arriving early or opting for bar seating improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, stroller-friendly space, kid-specific menu items, and staff used to accommodating families. Best for ages 2–12; teens will also find crowd-pleasing options.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, families with strollers, and diners wanting reliable comfort classics in a lively setting. Excellent for brunch gatherings and multi-generational meals.
Skip if: You prefer quiet dining rooms, chef-driven menus, or intimate date-night atmospheres. Consider alternatives if seeking refined plating or low-noise conversation.