by Julen H. on I had a lovely Sunday brunch with a group of friends earlier this summer at Smoke. I am glad we made a reservation because the place filled up soon after we arrived. The plate of bread, muffins, and croissants given to us as we were seated was an unexpected crowd pleaser. I had a delicious BLT, and my friends all enjoyed their various dishes of eggs, oatmeal, etc. Our waitress was so nice and especially gracious when one of my friends was a little late and when we of course lingered long after our meal to enjoy the music. The jazz performance was simply delightful (just don't expect to have an intimate conversation because the music definitely fills up the cozy restaurant). We actually happened to be seated next to an old famous jazz musician who ended up singing after we ate, so I guess you never know who might show up there! I would definitely love to return to Smoke for brunch again and also check out their late night happy hour!
by Quinn Yacullo on The only bad thing I can say about this place is that it always seems to be so packed with Japanese patrons that I've had a hard time getting seated. That, however, is also an indication of the quality of food being turned out here... The first time I went I was entertaining an out-of-town guest. I'd heard good things, so we checked the place out. The place is homey, clean, and marvelously Japanese. Regardless of your race, you're going to get cheerful greetings shouted in Japanese as you enter, ridiculously attentive service (but never in the way), fabulously fresh food crafted with painstaking attention to detail, and fair treatment. In fact, the first time we came in, we were prepared to spend a lot of money. After fantastic seaweed salad, sashimi squid, and lobster roll appetizers, we ordered three more rolls and then went nuts on the sashimi menu. Everything was perfect. Fresh food, beautiful presentation. You can tell when someone cares about the food they're making - and you can definitely taste the love here. I'd recommend specific things to try, but I am reasonably certain it's impossible to go wrong. Even better, they care about their guests. Every person there, from my first visit to my most recent, has been attentive, friendly, and helpful. You just don't get service like this most places, even at far nicer restaurants. What's more - on our first visit, after spending several hundred dollars on three people (yes, it was that good - we couldn't stop ordering), we were shocked to learn that the chef felt so badly that the food had come out slowly (we didn't find the service slow at all) that he'd insisted they take 30% off our bill. The food and service were so amazing that we gave it all right back as tip - they deserved every penny.
by Gretchen Cicala on I mean, i guess. Went late on a Thursday night to hang out with some friends who couldn't stop talking about it. Don't get it. It's smaller then my friend Maggie Turdkinson's studio apartment, and let me tell you, Mags has a tiny apartment. Her Boston terrier Rex has to live in a planter box outside. Crazy little rascal, that Rex. Attacked a cat once. The ginger drink made me cry a little bit, somewhere between Titanic "I hope I find love like that" crying and Police Acadamy 4 "when will this pain cease" crying. Closer to the latter. The dancing was pretty good. Credit where it's due. Just make sure you pee at home.
