ZipPicks Awards
Best American in River North
Best Burgers in River North
Best French Fries in River North
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in River North
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in River North
Master Critic Review
The Smith
8.1
The Smith’s River North outpost delivers a busy American brasserie experience with a big menu, raw bar, and strong brunch business. It’s a crowd-pleasing choice when you need something that works for burgers, mac and cheese, and steaks in one room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mac and cheese, The Smith burger, Brick pressed chicken
Scores:
Value: 6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A lively, East Coast-style brasserie with a big American comfort menu and strong brunch and dinner appeal.
Who should go: Mixed groups who need wide menu coverage and energy.
When to visit: Weekend brunch and early evening for buzzy but manageable crowds.
What to order: Mac and cheese, The Smith burger, brick pressed chicken.
Insider tip: Bar seats are often easier to snag last minute and still get full menu access.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily paid garages and nearby lots; limited metered street parking, tougher during peak brunch and dinner periods
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished and slightly dressy
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — conversation is possible but raised voices may be needed at brunch and weekend dinner
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer for larger groups
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, though the dining room can fill during peak office hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, vegetable sides, and pasta options are reliably available
Vegan options: Limited — a few customizable vegetable dishes, but most mains skew dairy- or egg-heavy
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some menu items can be modified; inform the server for guidance and substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want energy and a lively brasserie feel — it’s better for conversational but upbeat dates than quiet, intimate ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — the bar and high-tops are your best bet; expect a wait during brunch and prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly during brunch and earlier dinner hours; noise and crowds can be overwhelming for very young children later at night.
Best For
Better for: Large, mixed-preference groups, brunch outings, and occasions where a big, flexible American menu keeps everyone happy
Skip if: You want a quiet, chef-driven meal, highly specialized cuisine, or a space suited to intimate conversation