The Smith

The Smith

400 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

+1 312-312-5100

American restaurant
(2290)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood, The Smith is an American restaurant where classic comfort meets contemporary flair. Renowned for its meticulous attention to quality and hospitality, this eatery offers a menu that perfectly balances familiar favorites with unexpected twists, making each visit an inviting culinary adventure.

The Smith’s cuisine celebrates the richness of American classics with standout dishes like the creamy Ricotta Gnocchi that melt on your tongue, and the decadently rich Mac & Cheese that delivers the ideal blend of gooey cheese and perfectly cooked pasta. For those seeking something lighter yet deliciously vibrant, the Avocado Toast comes alive with fresh flavors and a satisfying crunch, while the succulent Seared Tuna Thursday special offers a refined dish bursting with delicate textures and bold seasoning.

The seafood offerings, including the Oyster of the Day and the Pot of Mussels, are impeccably fresh, showcasing an East Coast influence that diners rave about for its subtle, briny perfection. Indulgent desserts, such as the luscious Sticky Toffee Pudding, provide a warm and comforting conclusion to the meal, while handcrafted cocktails like the famously smooth Espresso Martini or the perfectly spiced Bloody Mary add an extra spark to any occasion.

Atmosphere is a key ingredient at The Smith. Whether you’re lounging inside the spacious, stylish dining room with its dim lighting and modern yet approachable aesthetic, or enjoying the bustling energy of the outdoor patio, the space invites relaxation and conversation. Its layout boasts thoughtful details—from varied seating options to convenient comforts like hooks beneath tables for bags—creating a welcoming environment for brunch, lunch, or evening gatherings.

One can’t help but notice how consistently warm and attentive the staff is, elevating every visit. As one satisfied guest shared, “Franky and Brian, our server and bartender, made us feel genuinely welcomed and cared for throughout the evening.” This genuine hospitality infuses the experience with a sense of belonging, making it clear why The Smith is a repeat destination for many locals and visitors alike.

The Smith also embraces seasonal celebrations, transforming its interior with charming holiday decor that adds a festive touch without overshadowing its clean, modern vibe. Whether you’re seeking a casual brunch featuring ingenious takes on breakfast staples like the Eggs Benedict with Black Forest Ham or a sophisticated dinner with dishes such as Rigatoni Alla Vodka or Goat Cheese Omelette, The Smith’s menu impresses with its consistency and creativity.

If you're in Chicago looking for a spot that feels both comfortably familiar and excitingly fresh, The Smith offers a culinary experience that delights all the senses and welcomes you like an old friend. With exemplary food, inviting atmosphere, and impeccable service, it’s a destination that lingers in the memory long after the last bite.

Service options
Outdoor seating -contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Great dessert Great wine list Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Happy-hour food Late-night food Private dining room Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended Lunch reservations recommended Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Paid multi-storey car park Paid street parking Valet parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:30 AM - 12:00 AM
  • Thursday
    09:30 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:30 AM - 12:00 AM
  • Saturday
    09:30 AM - 12:00 AM
  • Sunday
    09:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • D G
    2 week ago

    This was not our first visit and will not be our last! The staff is always helpful. The location is great. Atmosphere is beautiful, both inside and on the patio. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or evening bites and bevies. The avocado toast is fantastic, as well are the espresso martinis! Highly recommend.

  • Shen Anne
    1 month ago

    We came here for brunch, cool place gives modern diner vibes. Nice indoor and outdoor areas. Service was fast. We ordered the shrimp and grits and the Benedict Johnny. Food was different and tasty but the portions are smaller so you won’t get full if you have a big appetite, the also serve east coast oysters which are delicious , not very grainy, pretty perfect and subtle actually. They put both still and sparkling water on your table which was great, my mimosa was delicious I got the passion fruit orange. My Hubby got the Bloody Mary and was not a fan surprisingly and he is a hugeee Bloody Mary person. He said it’s not loaded (only came with a pepper, olive, and a lemon), was not flavorful but DID have the spicy kick of a Bloody Mary , and the Bloody Mary mix was a thinner consistency. Overall, good spot and everyone has their own preference so definitely check it out.

  • meda
    1 month ago

    My husband and I recently visited The Smith on the recommendation of a couple who happen to be great friends, and it exceeded our expectations in every way. From the moment we arrived, the service was warm and attentive. Franky and Brian, our server and bartender, made us feel genuinely welcomed and cared for throughout the evening. We chose to sit at the bar, which had a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. Everything was clean—from the bar itself to the bathrooms—which speaks to the pride they take in maintaining the space. We had the Old Fashion, Wildflower and Oaxacan Sunshine for cocktails, they were delicious. The food was absolutely delicious. We started with Raw Oysters as our appetizer, which were juicy, fresh, and perfectly chilled, an excellent start to the meal. For our mains, we ordered the Steak and Ricotta Gnocchi (another recommendation), and both dishes were outstanding. The steak was incredibly tender, and although I don’t usually go for gnocchi, this version had a texture and flavor that completely won us over. The Fried Chicken Nuggets were a standout..crispy on the outside, soft and juicy inside, paired with a *spicy peach jam that added just the right kick. It was comfort food with a gourmet twist. Yes, that was so good. To top it all off, the team surprised us with a Sticky Dates Toffee pudding and ice cream dessert, complete with a lit candle to celebrate our wedding anniversary. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made the evening feel truly special. A heartfelt thank you to Eric, the manager, whose kindness and enthusiasm made a lasting impression. He shared several menu recommendations that we’re already looking forward to trying next time. The Smith delivered a perfect blend of flavorful food, genuine hospitality, and a joyful mood that made our night feel extra special. We left feeling full, happy, and grateful. Highly recommend for any special occasion or just a night out that feels like one. We are definitely visiting again .

  • Pooja Naik
    1 month ago

    Definitely one of the best brunch spots in Chicago. The Bloody Mary is one of my favorites ever! Service is absolutely impeccable! The Christmas decor is cute and location is perfect! Loved their breakfast sandwich and shrimp cocktail. Oysters were fresh too! The French onion dip is excellent! Best testament? I’m not a French toast fan but devoured this one! I could go on and on but please visit!

  • karina k
    2 month ago

    The ambience is nice, easy going, spacious, various seating styles and plenty of seats and some have hooks under the tables for your bag, dim lights. The food is okay. I loved the idea of veges inside the calamari dish but i only liked the zucchini bc it was not crispy but the other veges were salty all crispy but the breading of the calamari was not crispy or light for the maybe 8 calamari ring pieces that werent fried to a crisp. There were so few pieces of actual calamari for $19. There were the baby full pieces w legs but they were air fried to a crisp so that none of those pieces were chewy ... just crunchy. So it tasted like just potato crisps that looked like calamari. So i was still hungry when usually a plate of fried calamari would have filled me up. The drinks were good. Overall it's a great atmosphere nice for crowds of family and friends when you are out late and the wait staff are attentive and friendly.

  • Erika
    2 month ago

    The Smith had something for everyone here. Staff was attentive and pleasant. The food was all around pretty great, very, very flavorful. The burger was a little messy to eat. We ordered the burger medium and it was definitely medium-rare. The medium rare flat iron was more rare than medium, but still had great flavor. Would have liked the burger to have been cooked a bit more (no pink for medium). Loved the atmosphere, not too loud.

  • Tate G
    3 month ago

    I had an excellent experience at The Smith tonight! I was celebrating a special event and sat at the bar. Victor and Sherri at the bar were fantastic and made my night. They were attentive and kind. They offered great suggestions and did not disappoint. Victor made the best espresso martini!!! I can’t wait to come back!

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