You’re walking up Broadway, past the Beacon Theatre, and you see it. That massive, glowing "THE SMITH" sign. It's basically a lighthouse for hungry locals and tourists who didn't realize how competitive the 63rd Street dining scene actually is.
If you've spent any time in Manhattan, you know the vibe.
The Smith isn't just a restaurant; it's a machine. But here’s the thing about The Smith NYC Upper West Side—it feels different from its siblings in Midtown or the East Village. There’s a specific energy here that bridges the gap between Lincoln Center sophistication and "I just need a burger and a stiff drink after work" desperation.
Most people think they can just stroll in on a Tuesday night.
Good luck with that.
The Reality of Dining at The Smith NYC Upper West Side
Honestly, it’s loud. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic corner to whisper sweet nothings, you’re in the wrong zip code. This place is a brass-and-tile cathedral of noise. But that's exactly why people love it. It feels like New York is actually happening right at your table.
The Upper West Side location, situated at 1900 Broadway, sits right across from Lincoln Center. This is its secret weapon and its biggest curse. Between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, the "Pre-Theater Rush" is a literal force of nature. You have hundreds of people trying to finish their rigatoni before the curtain rises at the Met Opera.
What to actually order (and what to skip)
Let’s talk about the food. It’s "New American," which is basically code for "we have everything from raw oysters to steak frites."
- The Mac + Cheese: It comes in a cast-iron skillet. It’s bubbly. It’s got that charred cheese crust on the edges. Just order it. Don't think about the calories.
- The Burger: They call it The Smith Burger. It’s got bacon jam and Gruyère. Is it the best burger in the city? Probably not—places like Au Cheval or 4 Charles exist. But is it consistent? Absolutely.
- The Potato Chips: They serve them with blue cheese fondue. It’s a polarizing appetizer, but honestly, if you like funk and crunch, it's a mandatory play.
I’ve seen people complain that the menu is too broad. "How can they do sushi and pot pie?" they ask. Well, they don't really do sushi, but they do have a raw bar that stays surprisingly fresh given the volume they move. The supply chain for a place this busy has to be airtight.
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Why it dominates the Lincoln Center area
The Upper West Side used to be a bit of a culinary desert unless you wanted old-school Italian or overpriced hotel food. Then The Smith arrived in 2012 and basically colonized the corner of 63rd.
It works because it's a "yes" restaurant.
Can we bring the kids? Yes.
Is it okay for a business lunch? Yes.
Can I get a drink at 11:00 PM on a Thursday? Yes.
That versatility is rare in a neighborhood that often leans toward the stuffy side of things. It’s the "Big Tent" of NYC dining. You'll see a family in Gap hoodies sitting next to a couple in formalwear heading to see the New York Philharmonic.
The seating strategy
The layout is huge. We’re talking over 200 seats. Yet, the wait times regularly hit the 45-minute mark.
If you’re smart, you’ll try to snag a spot at the bar. It’s massive, wrap-around, and usually managed by bartenders who have the efficiency of air traffic controllers. You can eat the full menu there, and honestly, the service is often faster. Plus, you get to watch the chaos of the dining room from a safe distance.
Beyond the Hype: The Logistics
If you're planning a visit to The Smith NYC Upper West Side, you need to know a few hard truths.
First, the reservation system opens up weeks in advance on OpenTable. If you’re coming for a weekend brunch, and you haven't booked by Wednesday, you’re looking at a 2:45 PM lunch. Brunch is a whole other beast here. The "Vanilla Bean French Toast" is legendary for a reason—it’s basically cake masquerading as breakfast.
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Second, the acoustics are designed to be "lively." In restaurant-speak, that means the floors are hard, the ceilings are high, and the music is just loud enough that you have to lean in to hear your friend. If you have someone in your party who is hard of hearing, this might be a tough sell.
The Lincoln Center connection
I can't stress this enough: check the schedule at Lincoln Center before you go. If there’s a major premiere or a closing night for a big show, the entire block becomes a gridlocked mess. The Smith is the primary beneficiary of that foot traffic.
Interestingly, many people don't realize that the restaurant offers a specific "theatre-goer" pace. If you tell your server you have an 8:00 PM curtain, they will fly. They are used to it. They can get you in and out in 55 minutes without making you feel like you're being kicked out.
Is it actually "Good" or just popular?
This is the question foodies love to debate.
If you compare The Smith to a Michelin-starred boutique in the Village, it’s going to fall short on nuance. But that’s a bad comparison. It’s more like the ultimate version of a high-end diner. The ingredients are better than they need to be. The cocktails are balanced. The "Poolside" drink—with gin, cucumber, and lime—is dangerously easy to drink.
It’s about reliability.
In a city where restaurants open and close in the blink of an eye, The Smith has stayed relevant for over a decade. That doesn't happen by accident. It happens through obsessive management and a menu that hits every single pleasure center of the American palate.
A note on the price
It's not cheap, but it's "New York Fair." Expect to pay $25–$35 for an entrée and $18 for a cocktail. For the Upper West Side, that’s actually middle-of-the-road. You could easily spend double that at Boulud Sud or Per Se nearby.
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Navigating the Brunch Crowd
Sunday at 11:00 AM.
That is the "danger zone."
The Smith becomes the epicenter of the UWS brunch universe. If you don't mind the sea of strollers and the sound of a hundred bloody marys being shaken at once, it’s great. The "Steak and Eggs" is a solid choice here, and they actually know how to cook a steak to a true medium-rare, which is surprisingly rare at high-volume brunch spots.
If you want a calmer experience, go for a late lunch on a Monday.
The light hits the big windows on Broadway just right, the noise drops by about 20 decibels, and you can actually appreciate the design. The black-and-white tiling and the wood accents give it a timeless feel that keeps it from looking like a 2010s relic.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of The Smith without the headache, follow this checklist:
- Book 10 days out: Especially for the 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM window.
- Check the Met Opera schedule: If there's a 7:00 PM show, avoid arriving at 5:45 PM unless you're part of that crowd.
- Use the Bar: For solo travelers or couples, the bar is almost always the better experience.
- Order the "Zucchini Fries": They are thin, crispy, and come with a lemon aioli that’s better than it has any right to be.
- Download the "Smith" app: If you're a local, they have a rewards program that actually pays off if you eat there semi-regularly.
- Request a Booth: If you’re a group of four, specifically ask for a booth in the back section—it’s slightly (only slightly) quieter than the middle of the floor.
The Smith NYC Upper West Side is a well-oiled machine that manages to feel like a neighborhood staple despite its massive scale. It’s where the city meets to eat, talk loudly, and move on to the next thing. Just make sure you have a reservation, or you'll be spending your evening standing on the sidewalk watching everyone else eat that mac and cheese.