This East Village newcomer, brought to you by the same folks who own West Village Jane, is a fresh face to the neighborhood. The menu dabbles in comfort food and eclectic offerings like a take on Korean Bibimbop alongside items like “Coney Island Disco Fries” and Lamb Wiener Schnitzel. After being open for a few months, the Smith was packed on a Wednesday evening. Walking into the Smith I’m reminded of Schiller’s Liquor Bar on Rivington with white tiled floors, walls and a wide-open space dining room dotted with bare-bones black tables and chairs. A long bar with a wide selection of beers on tap adds a hint of Brasserie flavor. This isn’t an elegant dining room but a neighborhood place where one feels comfortable returning if the food would deliver adequately.
And it does. A string bean salad accented with ricotta salata and almonds is the perfect mixture of crunchiness and rich salt. I could have eaten two bowls of this refreshing starter. Salmon with brussel sprouts, bacon, and baby portobellos is a well executed crossroads of flavors. Lamb wiener schnitzels were a popular item around the table, accompanied by satisfaction all around.
Service was friendly with few errors despite our large, boisterous party. Drinks from an eclectic menu of wines by the glass, beers, and cocktails were always refilled and timed appropriately. Combine the great food and service with an unbeatably affordable menu and I think I’ll be making the Smith a regular jaunt in the future.
The Smith: 55 3rd Ave Between 10th and 11th Cuisine: New American, Traditional American Entrée Price: $14-$23 Word to the Wise: Not to be confused with recently opened Smith’s, Nevada Smith’s, or Smith and Wollensky.
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String beans AND ricotta salata?? Two of my favorites, sign me up! My mom is dying to try this place.
you forgot to mention the peep hole next to the restrooms that featured cartoon porn…and the photo booth!
That sounds creepy.