Recently opened, The Smith brings another dining option to the East Village/Union Square area. Located in the old Pizzeria Uno location it almost appears to be dated from the outside. Walking in the restaurant you'll find it is usually packed between 6-9pm which is a good sign. The dim lighting, white tiled floors and old (some nude) pictures on the walls create a welcoming vibe. The bar to the left of the entrance is not too large, but provides a nice view of the chalkboards scribbled with wines by the glass, mixed drinks (there are many) and beers on tap.The crowd, a mixed group of NYU students, teachers and neighborhood residents, seem at home as servers swing scalding hot platters of mac and cheese and burgers onto small tables.
At first glance the menu seems to be upscale bar food, but dishes like lamb schnitzel, wild mushroom ravioli and vegetable bibimbap can't be found at your local watering hole. For some the dishes may seem out of place, but I think it's risky and commendable for The Smith to offer more than just burgers, wings and steaks. The menu is diverse, just like the neighborhood, and it surely allows for you to visit when certain cravings arise. Mac and cheese, an appetizer, arrives bubbly and slightly charred in a small cast-iron pan. A little more of the broiler would have been nice, but it's indulgent, crisp yet cheesy and very good. A steak salad arrives with beautiful chunks of steak, it looked like sirloin, cooked to a medium rare. The lamb schnitzel was a sizable and tender dish, though the accompanying smashed potatoes were a little too chunky and under seasoned. Desserts are on a separate menu, but sounded delectable; party cake ice cream sundae, banana bread pudding sundae and homemade jumbo chocolate chip cookies to name a few. Unfortunately, I was too full to indulge.
With a great list of beers on tap, seven at $5, as well as bottles, mixed drinks and wine The Smith can also just be a drink destination.
Although the food was not spectacular the overall experience was positive. Great decor and music combined with a friendly and fun loving staff and crowd make up for some of the shortcomings in the food.
55 Third Ave., nr. 11th St.; 212-420-9800, Price - Moderate ($20 - $30/person), Reservations - Recommended
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2 comments:
Nice review! I went to The Smith when it first opened and ordered the Ricotta Gnocchi... wow! It was amazing! I had to go back with someone else and make them try it too. The other dishes that we ordered weren't spectacular but I agree, the decor is very neat - especially the bathroom. I posted two photos from The Smith on yummr.com that you can check out. The Ricotta Gnocchi is there, good stuff!
I'll have to try that sometime. I was a fan of the mac and cheese and definitely see it as a great place when in the area or before/after a movie in Union Square.
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