For nearly a year now my friend has been telling me about The Smith. It's a hot spot in NYC with a great bar scene and really good American fare. Last Thursday night I finally got to check it out for myself.We went to the location in Midtown East (965 Second Avenue at 51st), arriving around 7pm I guess? It's a cool, somewhat sterile looking place - big windows, white walls, lots of glass and a mirrored backsplash with a dark ceiling. But the bathrooms? It's the opposite really. Very red light district - literally. There is one hallway with unisex stalls, marked by a red light if taken, opposite a line of sinks, and a photo booth right there in case you want to snap some quick shots after touching up your lip gloss! Could make for some confusion down there, and I'm sure some fun too.
We managed to get two stools at the bar, and were kind enough to an elderly gentleman who was getting ready to leave (and only too happy for the company) to snag another as he left, since 3 others were joining us. Thankfully, getting drinks and snacks were easier than a seat since my friend knew all the bartenders!
The drink list, as you might imagine, was long, and just like I enjoying varying where I eat, I also enjoy experimenting with new cocktails too. Bourbon is all the craze these days so I ordered the Hungry Teacher - bourbon, fresh mint, lemon and lime. Whoa! Totally not a drink for the faint of heart, but I did have a second before the night was through :-)
The menu was just as long as the drink list, and less accommodating for a vegan than I initially thought but it worked nonetheless. The beer battered string beans had egg in the batter and the pretzels did too, and the artichoke for the flatbread was pre-mixed with ricotta, but the house made chips were great (no cheese fondue for me) and the french fries were like the kind I love that you get on the boardwalk in the summer. I know, quite a healthy meal so far, right? Well, there were salads and vegetable sides too but I couldn't figure out if we were staying at the bar or sitting at a table or standing in our places, so these were good places to begin (and it's all about moderation after all...)
What I did order for an entree was SO good - the vegetarian bibimbop - a steaming hot Korean dish with seasoned rice, mushrooms and pickled, shredded veggies (once again, it called for egg, but I was able to leave it out.) It was delicious! Seriously steaming hot but bursting with flavor and, since I was staying in the city over night, the leftovers made for a good late night snack.If you're looking for a fun night, a lively crowd and good, quality, American fare, visit The Smith. If the midtown location doesn't suit you, try them at 1900 Broadway at 63rd (across from Lincoln Center) or 55 3rd Avenue between 10th and 11th.
