Lively American brasserie, great for families, but divisive among diners.
This American brasserie is a lively spot that some find to be a consistently good and non-adventurous choice, perfect for families or those with simple palates. While some rave about specific dishes like the sticky toffee pudding and Caesar salad, others strongly advise against it, citing it as basic, loud, and linked to controversial ownership.
The Smith is generally seen as an American brasserie offering non-adventurous fare, with some specific dishes like the sticky toffee pudding and a little gem Caesar salad receiving praise. However, it's also criticized for being generic and having a decline in quality over time.
"The sticky toffee pudding and the little gem Caesar salad have been highlighted as particularly delicious dishes."
Customer opinions are sharply divided, with some praising it as a lively, consistently good option suitable for families and picky eaters, while others strongly advise against it, citing it as overly basic, loud, and associated with controversial ownership.
Important Note
The restaurant is owned by a member of the Sackler family, which has led some customers to refuse to patronize it. It's also described as potentially loud and a place that may have declined in quality over time.
"This user simply recommended The Smith as a lunch option."
Neutral"A user expresses refusal to patronize The Smith due to its ownership by a Sackler family member."
Negative"Despite some general dislike for The Smith, a user finds their little gem Caesar salad fantastic."
Positive"The original poster acknowledges The Smith as a "not bad" recommendation but asks for quieter locations as they recall it being super loud."
Neutral"The Smith is presented as a go-to choice for visiting families who prefer non-adventurous food."
Neutral"A self-proclaimed sticky toffee pudding connoisseur agrees that The Smith's version is "pretty fire.""
Positive"The user is "absolutely obsessed" with the sticky toffee pudding at The Smith, expressing strong positive sentiment."
Positive"User recommends The Smith."
Positive"The commenter suggests walking down Broadway towards Madison Square Park and mentions The Smith as a great place to pop into, implying it's a popular and inviting spot."
Positive"The Smith is described as a consistently reliable restaurant that, while never outstanding, is also never bad, making it a safe and acceptable choice for diners who are unsure where to go."
Neutral"The original poster is tired of The Smith, which was their usual dinner spot for business dinners."
Negative"Cofeefe states that they really like The Smith."
Positive"Celeste_space describes The Smith as loud, boring, basic, and desperately trying to appear vintage NYC cool with faux subway tiles."
Negative"ApartmentNo2407 remembers The Smith starting as a great place with one of the best burgers but was disappointed on a return visit years later."
Negative"Cosmicfeline_ suggests avoiding The Smith."
Negative"Cosmicfeline_ expresses a hot take that The Smith always sucked and couldn't understand the hype it received for years."
Negative"FastChampionship2628 lists The Smith as a place to definitely avoid, placing it before Jack's Wife Freda and Sarabeth's in terms of avoidance."
Negative"amantiana recalls that The Smith used to be terrific but was disappointingly embarrassing on a more recent visit a few years ago."
Negative"Appropriate-Tie-6524 suggests avoiding The Smith, grouping it with American brunchy places for young women who don't eat much."
Negative"Maximum_Biscotti recommends avoiding The Smith, describing it as not to be confused with Friedman's, which is just fine."
Negative
