If you’re staying at Arlo NoMad, you’re already in one of Manhattan’s most convenient (and cool) neighborhoods for going out in the city. Broadway runs straight through NoMad, and everything feels like it’s at your fingertips. Within a few blocks, you’ve got cocktail bars, rooftop views, and restaurants all within walking distance.
One of the most reliable among them is The Smith.
It has just the kind of energy that says, “Come in and stay a while.” It features a seasonal American menu, a raw bar, and some top-notch drinks. If you’re feeling especially social, this is the place to be for brunch, lunch, dinner, or late-night drinks. The Smith covers it all.
Here’s what makes it worth the reservation.
East Village Roots to a Broadway Staple
The Smith opened in the East Village in 2007. It wasn’t built as a massive chain concept. The founders just wanted something approachable, energetic, and focused on hospitality first.
New Yorkers responded in a big way.
Over time, the restaurant expanded across Manhattan and into other cities, but it kept that original concept. Serve solid American food, strong drinks, and create a room that feels accessible to locals and visitors.
The NoMad location is located right on Broadway, and it fits the neighborhood perfectly. When you walk in, you’ll notice the black and white tile floors right away. They give the space a classic New York feel. There are subway-inspired design touches throughout, with little nods to the city.
The bar is the centerpiece of the space. It’s big. And, almost always active. You’ll see after-work groups, couples on dates, solo diners with a martini, and weekend brunch crowds finding seats at the booths around the bar.
It’s polished, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Kind of like Nomad.
The Menu and the Bar: What Brings in the Crowd
The Smith serves up bistro classics, and it does it well.
Start with the raw bar. Oysters are a staple here. Same with shrimp cocktail and chilled seafood options that pair perfectly with a martini. If you’re just starting out the evening, this is a great first stop. Add a seafood platter for the table, and you’ve set the tone.
From there, the menu balances comfort and polish. It’s an approachable menu done the right way. The burger is one of the most consistent orders in the room, paired with delicious, hot french fries. The brick-pressed chicken is another popular item that’s seasoned to perfection. Pastas rotate seasonally, but you’ll usually find something in the rigatoni or vodka-sauce family that’s a great dinner option. They also have blue plate specials that rotate daily.
Brunch deserves its own mention. Buttermilk pancakes with sticky toffee caramel and pecan maple butter, avocado toast, and hearty steak and eggs plates bring in a weekend crowd that fills the room quickly. Plus, Bloody Marys and mimosas.
Then there’s the bar program, which has been well thought out and created with care. Classic cocktails are done properly. Martinis, old-fashioneds, and negronis all show up at the table, balanced and cold. Seasonal cocktails rotate throughout the year, and you’ll definitely want to check out their Martini Hour weekdays from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.
The menu focuses on familiar dishes done well. Oysters, burgers, pasta, solid cocktails. You order what you’re in the mood for, and it delivers. That’s what keeps people coming back.
When to Visit The Smith
The answer is anytime. The Smith works in all kinds of scenarios at any time of day.
You want to meet up with friends for brunch or grab lunch with your family between visits to attractions. Maybe a date night where you want some good energy and good food without going too over-the-top. You have tickets to a Broadway show and want a quick dinner before heading to the theater. A group celebration that needs some extra space and a diverse menu where everyone can find something to enjoy. Or a solo dinner after work with a drink at the bar.
The Smith has got you covered. Because it’s right on Broadway in NoMad, it also pairs easily with a day out sightseeing or a night out with friends. The convenience of its location is just another perk.
Getting There From Arlo NoMad
From Arlo NoMad, getting to The Smith is simple.
It’s an easy five-minute walk to The Smith. Head west toward Fifth Avenue, turn left, and walk two blocks south. Then make a right onto West 27th Street, and you’re there at 1150 Broadway. It’s close enough that you won’t think about transportation.
Just step out and go. That’s part of the appeal. When you stay in NoMad, walking is part of the convenience.
Keep Things Simple in Nomad
The Smith makes sense when you’re staying at Arlo NoMad and looking for a spot that serves delicious food and drinks from morning until late-night.
It’s close. You can take the train or a rideshare, but honestly, it’s not necessary. You can walk a few blocks, and you’re there.
The menu covers what most people actually want to eat in New York. A good raw bar. A solid burger. Pasta options. Strong cocktails. It works for a relaxed dinner, a busy weekend brunch, or drinks at the bar when you don’t feel like committing to a full night out.
The room has energy without feeling overwhelming or too loud. You can bring friends, coworkers, or your family. But it’s also just as easy to sit at the bar by yourself and not feel out of place.
Sure, there are flashier and trendier restaurants in Manhattan. But this is the kind of place people return to because it’s consistent and easy. And the atmosphere is on point. When you’re visiting the city, that matters.
Book your stay at Arlo NoMad and keep a dependable Broadway dinner spot within walking distance.