ZipPicks Awards
Best French Fries in Midtown East
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
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.
Consider Alternatives If: You want quiet, chef-driven fare or highly specialized French fry styles—this is a crowd-pleasing brasserie, not a niche fry destination.