When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
The Smith
Why The Smith is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Smith is a lively and casual American brasserie that offers an inviting atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends, family, or colleagues. With multiple upbeat locations spread across New York City—including East Village, Midtown, Lincoln Square, and NoMad—as well as in Washington D.C. and Chicago, it is a versatile destination for various occasions. Known for its bistro classics and seasonal fare, The Smith serves dishes crafted with care alongside expertly made craft cocktails, making it suitable for anything from a casual brunch to a celebratory dinner. The design and vibe are modern yet warm, emphasizing a welcoming setting that encourages socializing and enjoyment. Whether you’re dropping in for a quick drink, a hearty meal, or a group gathering, The Smith balances quality, comfort, and energy. Their operating hours accommodate early breakfasts to late-night meals with special offerings like Martini Hours on weekdays and weekends. This combination of diverse menus, multiple convenient locations, and an upbeat ambiance establishes The Smith as a great place to meet with friends and share memorable dining experiences.
Here's what people think of The Smith
As of recent, The Smith holds a 4.4-star rating based on 5962 reviews.
Customer reviews for The Smith highlight a consistently positive dining experience centered on excellent food, attentive service, and a vibrant atmosphere. Many reviewers appreciate the quality and flavor of the American brasserie offerings, praising the menu's variety from classic bistro dishes to seasonal specialties. Positive feedback often mentions the staff's friendliness and professionalism, along with the ability to accommodate guests even during busy times, such as rainy days or peak hours. Patrons also enjoy the cocktail selection and the energetic yet comfortable environment, making The Smith suitable for both casual meals and special occasions. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional wait times during busy periods or noise levels that can make conversation challenging in certain locations. A few guests noted inconsistencies in service speed or dish execution on rare occasions. Despite these critiques, the overall sentiment remains strong, with many customers willing to return due to The Smith’s reliability in delivering quality food and a welcoming social atmosphere. In conclusion, the vast majority of reviews portray The Smith as a dependable and enjoyable American brasserie where people can gather and have a good time.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Petar Mandac
Had a wonderful experience at The Smith on Broadway! We tried the burger, shrimp, and salmon all were fantastic. The burger was juicy and perfectly cooked, the shrimp dish was fresh and flavorful, and the salmon was delicious with a perfectly crisp finish. We finished our meal with their excellent coffee, which was strong and smooth just what we needed. The terrace seating made our visit even more enjoyable. Highly recommended for great food and a lively atmosphere!
D D
Really popular place. Staff very friendly and professional. Food portion was larger than expected and unfortunately I couldn’t eat it all. Enjoyed it and would go back. Oysters were really good and presented well.
Agnes Y
My experience at The Smith was absolutely fantastic! Every dish was delicious, and the servers were incredibly friendly, making the meal even more enjoyable. The prices were reasonable as well. The oysters were incredibly fresh, and the burrata was the perfect appetizer rich and creamy with amazing flavor. The Bar Steak was conveniently sliced, making it easy to share while enjoying drinks, and the Pot of Mussels had a deep, rich flavor that was truly satisfying. Overall, this is a place I would love to visit again!
Michael Preiss
I had a great experience at this bar and restaurant! The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a night out. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, providing excellent service throughout the evening. The food was delicious, well-prepared, and beautifully presented. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a full meal, the menu offers a good variety of options to satisfy different tastes. The only downside is the limited beer selection. While the available choices were good, I would have loved to see a wider range of options. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot with great service and delicious food. I would definitely recommend it and will be coming back!
Emre Anıl Kara
A fantastic restaurant with amazing food. The service and atmosphere were also great. I’d like to give special mention to the service — a Venezuelan lady, whose name I unfortunately can’t remember as she was new, helped us as our server. We’re very grateful to her; we were really pleased with the service. She was incredibly helpful. As for the food, the fries were outstanding, and the burgers were also quite good. We went for brunch and left very satisfied.
How to reach The Smith
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Why The Smith may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Smith with your friends? Because it offers a vibrant, lively atmosphere combined with crowd-pleasing food and attentive service, making it one of the best spots in New York City to enjoy a memorable gathering. Whether you're catching up after work, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a shared meal, The Smith's energetic vibe—despite its occasional loudness—adds to the enjoyment rather than detracts from it. Guests often remark on its convenient locations near iconic NYC landmarks like Central Park and the East Village, making it easy to weave into a day of exploration with friends or family. The diverse menu caters to many tastes, and the quality of the ingredients and preparation shines through in popular dishes like mussels, rigatoni alla vodka, and the famously satisfying Smith burger. Friendly, prompt service enhances the experience, ensuring your group feels well-cared for even during busy times. In essence, The Smith creates a dynamic yet comfortable setting where groups can enjoy great food, drinks, and conversation in equal measure.
What activities can you enjoy at The Smith for a group meetup? Primarily, The Smith offers a rich dining experience that caters beautifully to groups wanting a casual yet high-quality meal together. The shared enjoyment of a well-curated menu is the centerpiece of the experience. Begin with standout appetizers like oysters on the half shell, crispy fried calamari paired with zesty marinara, or chicken meatballs finished with Parmesan and sesame seeds—perfect for sharing and sparking conversation. Moving on to mains, the menu’s variety accommodates many dietary preferences, featuring everything from succulent rib eye steaks and roasted cod with yuzu broth to vegetarian-friendly options. For groups that like to linger, the bar area offers a chance to sample creative cocktails alongside a carefully selected raw bar, which includes oysters and other fresh shellfish. The ambiance, while sometimes loud, is often described as lively and bustling, which adds to the communal spirit, making it ideal for animated discussions and laughter-filled times. The Smith’s design—featuring a mix of cozy booths and larger tables—can accommodate both intimate groups and slightly larger gatherings comfortably.
Why is The Smith perfect for social and family meetups? The restaurant balances a contemporary, upscale diner aesthetic with a warm, approachable environment that resonates well with different types of groups, from friends catching up to families celebrating milestones. The atmosphere is informal enough that you can relax and be yourself but polished enough to make a night out feel special. The proximity to key New York City locales such as Central Park (near the Lincoln Square location) allows groups to combine a meal with other social activities, like a walk or visit to nearby attractions, enriching the overall experience. Moreover, The Smith’s staff are known for their friendly and efficient service, which helps groups navigate busy moments smoothly and feel attended to throughout their visit. This attentiveness is crucial when dining with several people as it ensures orders come out rapidly and correctly. Plus, the flexibility of offering both lively lunch spots and vibrant dinner settings means groups have options depending on their agenda and preferred time of day.
What type of food can groups expect at The Smith? The Smith’s menu is a well-rounded mix of comfort foods and adventurous selections designed to appeal to a broad range of palates, making it ideal for diverse groups. Signature dishes include the well-loved Smith burger, praised for both its flavor and the accompanying fries, rich pastas like rigatoni alla vodka, and fresh seafood options such as mussels and oysters. The kitchen also serves up global inspirations like bibimbap, which adds an element of exciting variety for those looking to try something new alongside more familiar staples. For the health-conscious or those seeking lighter options, salads and roasted vegetables are offered with thoughtful preparations. The dessert menu rounds out the meal perfectly with indulgent choices such as chocolate-chip cookies, hot fudge sundaes, and the popular s’mores jar, which can serve as a delightful shared treat for groups. Prices are reasonable given the quality and portion size, making it an accessible choice for gatherings without sacrificing on taste or presentation.
How accessible and accommodating is The Smith for group gatherings? With multiple locations across New York City, including the bustling Lincoln Square, East Village, and Midtown East areas, The Smith offers convenient access for both locals and visitors. Reservations are available, which is particularly beneficial for larger parties wanting to secure seating without the stress of waiting. The seating arrangements are designed to support groups, with larger tables and booth options where people can sit closely and engage easily. The restaurant’s vibe encourages the kind of lively interaction that groups seek, even if the noise level can get quite high; this liveliness tends to energize rather than frustrate attendees. Furthermore, the staff’s attentiveness ensures that despite the busy environment, service remains smooth, aiding in coordinating orders and special requests. The presence of a well-stocked bar serves those wanting to start or end their meetup with a quality cocktail or glass of wine, making the venue welcoming for different socializing rhythms—from casual lunches to festive dinners.
What makes the atmosphere at The Smith uniquely suited for meetups? The Smith combines an upbeat, urban diner aesthetic with a bustling energy that sets the stage for enjoyable socializing. Guests often note the noise level as high, which means conversations might require some raising of voices, but this ambient bustle contributes to the feeling of being part of a lively New York dining scene. The décor typically features clean lines, white tiles, and a mix of cozy booths and open seating—inviting and modern without feeling cold or sterile. This blend of comfort and vibrancy attracts a diverse crowd, from families and tourists to groups of young professionals, ensuring a dynamic mix of people that adds to the experience. The environment invites guests to relax, linger over food and drinks, and enjoy the company of friends or loved ones in a setting that feels festive without being pretentious. In short, The Smith's atmosphere encourages the kind of cheerful camaraderie that many seek when choosing a venue for their group outings.
How does the service at The Smith enhance group experiences? Service at The Smith consistently receives praise for being friendly, attentive, and efficient, vital qualities when dining with a group. Waitstaff are known to be on top of orders, accommodating special dietary requests or changes with ease and ensuring timely delivery of dishes to keep the meal flowing smoothly. This level of service minimizes common issues like long waits or confused orders that can disrupt the rhythm of group dining. Moreover, many reviews highlight the helpfulness of the staff in recommending dishes or pairing drinks, which adds a personalized touch that enhances the overall gathering. Despite the restaurant's busy nature, the team maintains a welcoming attitude and a professional demeanor, helping groups feel truly valued. This attentive care allows diners to focus on their conversations and enjoy each other's company without unnecessary interruptions, which is a critical factor in the success of any group meetup.
Why is The Smith a reliable choice for different occasions? Whether you are organizing a casual get-together, a celebratory dinner, or a weekend brunch with family, The Smith adapts well to different social formats. Its consistent menu offerings across locations mean that whether you choose the East Village original or the newer Midtown spot, you can expect the same reliable quality and choice. The diverse menu and accommodation for varying tastes ensure everyone in the group can find something satisfying. The lively atmosphere suits festive occasions, yet the comfortable seating and inviting decor also fit quieter gathering vibes. With operating hours spanning lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends, The Smith provides multiple opportunities for scheduling meetups that fit various lifestyles and plans. This versatility makes it a trusted go-to place for groups wishing to combine good food, practical logistics, and a welcoming environment.
How does The Smith stand out against other NYC group dining options? While many restaurants in New York City can offer great food or an impressive setting, The Smith strikes a commendable balance by being consistently good across all fronts: food quality, atmosphere, service, and location convenience. It is neither overly pretentious nor too casual, making it especially approachable for groups with diverse expectations. The menu’s range provides a safe middle ground where adventurous eaters and traditionalists alike can find satisfaction. Its chain presence means that groups can choose among multiple neighborhoods without losing familiarity or quality, a rarity among NYC eateries that often differ drastically location to location. The Smith’s upbeat vibe provides that essential spark for social interaction while maintaining enough sophistication for a polished night out. It is this combination that earns its solid 4.4-star rating from thousands of reviewers and keeps groups coming back to rally around its tables time and again.