I haven't been back to Smith & Mills since before COVID, but I still think about it often. I spent close to a decade visiting this little bar, and it remains one of my favorite places New York has ever produced. Everyone I've taken there has left completely charmed by it. The fact that a spot this intimate has endured for nearly two decades in the heart of Tribeca feels like a small miracle. Housed inside a converted carriage house that's more than a century old, Smith & Mills is unlike anywhere else I've been. There were only a handful of tables; on mild evenings, the front doors would open, and the room struck a perfect balance between cozy and lively. The contrast of weathered metal, old glass, warm wood, and living plants gave the space an atmosphere that was impossible to fake. There was no real kitchen, just a hot plate behind the bar where the cook worked back to back with the bartenders, somehow making the tiny room feel even more alive. Even the bathroom, tucked inside a worn wrought iron elevator cab, became part of the experience. For many years, most nights out followed a familiar pattern. My friends and I would head to whichever fashionable nightclub everyone was talking about, always strike out with whoever we thought we'd meet, laugh about it, and eventually make our way to Smith & Mills for one last drink. We'd order Guinnesses and Jameson, settle in, relentlessly make fun of one another, and have the conversations that only happen when nobody had anything left to prove. Looking back, the clubs were entertainment. Smith & Mills was friendship. A huge part of what makes Smith & Mills so special is Akiva Elstein. Some people have great taste. Akiva has an instinct for creating venues that feel authentic from the moment you walk in, and he continues to shape some of New York's most interesting hospitality concepts. Years ago, while I was DJing and hosting a party at The Wooly nearby, someone brought Akiva by for a drink. I was honored that such a visionary dropped in. Akiva's broader body of work in hospitality reflects the same remarkable eye, but Smith & Mills is the venue that I believe best captures his brand. Great spaces come from more than beautiful architecture. They come from people with the judgment to know what to add, what to leave alone, and how to make guests feel like they're part of the room instead of just passing through. I honestly can't say enough good things about Smith & Mills. I hope it's still giving people the same feeling it gave me for all those years. New York is always evolving, but places like this remind me why I fell in love with the city in the first place. read more

A cool , small bar/lounge that is old New York! My son rented the space to celebrate the engagement to his now fiance (my future daughter in law) with their immediate families. So great! Ask for Matthew!!! That's him in the video...we were waiting for the couple to arrive , but it was him/Matthew...Coming in through the big doors from the outside. Seems like the space is a former stable. Charming! Oysters! Small bites! Drinks! Delicious! read more

We couldn't resist stopping in after a great meal at Locanda Verde. The space is small, not sure if it might be an old carriage house, but it is sooo charming!! Love the molded plaster, lighting and copper cookware hanging from the ceiling in the bar area. Service and music was amazing, we stayed for hours. This was truly a one of a kind bar experience! read more

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Smith & Mills has serious charm -- a cozy, dimly lit spot with a vintage, almost secretive feel. The cocktails were on point, the small plates were solid (especially the tartare), and the ambiance is what really sets it apart. And yes -- the bathroom sink deserves a shoutout. One of the coolest, most unique setups I've seen. It's the kind of quirky detail that sticks with you. Service is as fast as can be in this small space. read more

Came here for an open bar birthday. The space is definitely tiny but the drinks were flowing and the music was great. Super fun spot for a night out! read more

Smith & Mills - Margarita - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

Every single thing about this place is perfection. Bianca was our bartender and she may be the best bartender I've ever encountered. Thanks for making our trip to NYC memorable and special. read more

Smith & Mills - A nice, cold Pilsner. - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

It was our first time back in TriBeCa in years. These tight and compact spots haven't been much of trend for being post-pandemic in your thirties. We started the night incredibly hungry and scored ourselves their massive seafood tower which literally took up the entire table. The offering was stacked with sauces which he attempted to accompany our fries with. S&M has the makings of nice local, low-key hang. Have a long-awaited chat with old friend til closing :) read more

Came here on a Friday night after a birthday dinner with a few friends. I asked the bartender how much a shot was, intending to buy them for the group. The bartender was so kind to inform me that "it's embarrassing" to ask for the price of a drink at a bar and "this is tribeca". Once we heard this, a few of us decided on not having a drink at all as we were shocked by the rude response. When we asked for waters instead, the bartender asked us to leave. Happy to take our business elsewhere, and honestly thankful for this experience. My friends and I now have a really funny story about this odd little backwater bar in tribeca that we will be laughing about for at least the next few days. Cheers. read more

Walked right by it the first time. It's small and unmarked. We turned back because we saw a couple sitting at a table in the doorway. Very cozy spot. Eights seats at the bar and a banquettes the two walls. We had been working our way down the east side of Manhattan, and I had this spot bookmarked to have a cocktail at. We didn't eat, but they serve food. In fact if you have your drink at the right end of the bar, you can watch the kitchen. The whole three by three foot space it is. The oysters he was preparing looked pretty good. Cocktails are $15-20. Sounds stupid- but a pit stop in the restroom is a must. The unisex restroom seems larger than the kitchen. And is like walking into an d cage elevator. At first glance you might over look the sink, it folds up flat into the wall. Another nice quiet place for conversation and a cocktail. read more

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I've been going here for years. I love bringing friends from out of town here. They are always impresses with how unique and cool it is. Definitely take a peek at the bathroom. The staff is amazing and treats regulars like family. It's unfortunate that the large group of people complaining about lemon drops are trash talking a place that is clearly too cool for them. read more

Why is this place so darn cute? Our car pulled up out front and I had no idea it was there. It's a tiny little carriage house and absolutely perfect because of it. Plenty of tables open at lunch on a Wednesday, even though there's only about 8 tables in total. The menu is fittingly small but there's a bit of something for everybody. Grabbed the harvest salad bowl with chicken and it was 10x better than I had even expected - perfectly chopped and flavorful. Paired this with a lovely glass of white wine. My colleague ordered the chicken sandwich and enjoyed that as well - I can confirm the chips that come as the side are nice and crunchy. Service was really wonderful. Very attentive and always there when you need them, but not overly aggressive or bothersome. Don't forget to check out the bathroom. The metalwork and glass is really charming. Will definitely be back soon and you should give it a try! read more

Smith & Mills - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

Had the worst experience I have ever had with a bartender at this bar. The bartender mocked my friend for simply asking him the price of one of their drinks, and when we asked for water he did not give any to us and told us we couldn't take up space at his bar and needed to move into the corner. Would not recommend you waste your time or money visiting this extremely mediocre bar-- Go to Greenwhich Street Tavern down the street instead, where the staff treats you like family and the crowd is super nice too! read more

The bartender was incredibly disrespectful to my bestie who asked how much a lemon drop shot would be, telling us "he doesn't give prices look on the menu". He then told us to "never ask for a price of a drink at a bar because it's embarrassing", and that "this is Tribeca". It was my friend's birthday and we wanted to buy a round of shots for the 7 of us. Obviously put off by his disrespect, we asked for waters to which he told us to stop sitting at the bar because we were in the way. He did not give us water. Good job losing business guy!!! read more

Adorable atmosphere. We stopped in last minute for a late snack on a Saturday night and ended up getting cocktails and charcuterie. The service was outstanding- they were very understanding about our party dropping in at different times, and they were so accommodating with making space. The charcuterie board was shareable amongst four people, and our server kept our water glasses filled. The prices are about average for this area of town, and because of its unassuming exterior I feel like it's a good spot to duck in for a date or catch up with a friend. The menu options ranged from healthy to decadent, so it's safe to say there's something for everyone here. read more

I hate choosing this place. The service is super slow. Been here for an hour and half , all I have is two drinks. Damn!! How much time does a cheese plate need??? If you are patient and want to just chill to drinks and not eat , go ahead . After an hour, we get a complementary drink which is mezcal with loads of lime. It's a shot?? I don't know what exactly it it. See the picture. The food is mediocre. Drinks are mediocre. I guess that why you get a last minute reservation. Hahah. Do yourself a favor, look for another place. read more

Delicious oysters and cocktails! I got the Pimm's cup and it went so well with the oysters. I will say, their charcuterie was so-so but I still enjoyed it. They have outdoor seating area for those who are conscious of dining indoors in the midst of a pandemic. Highly recommend. read more

Smith & Mills - a platter of oysters, bread, and a glass of orange juice - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

Said makes the best spicy marg in the city!!!! Do not sleep on this place. Vibes are immaculate as well!!

I work across the street from this place and wanted to come here for dinner and drinks after work cause it was open until 11:00PM. What a mistake it was to try to even contemplate going here. My gf and I go in and she asks for a table for two. Immediately one of the waiters looked at us like we were aliens and blurted out "whatt??" with a disgusted grimace on his face. My gf repeats herself and says table for 2. He then tells us loudly that he can't understand a word she's saying. She was chewing on gum and chuckled a little bit cause we at first thought it was funny but the guy was being completely a rude asshole and quickly walked away. Another staff member bought menus over but was apparently distraught at the fact that my gf was chewing on something. I repeated that we were just looking for a table for two and he said ok but he then blatantly yelled at us and told us to come back after she finished chewing. He put the menus down and also quickly walked away. I saw what was happening and we quickly walked out cause it wasn't worth another millisecond of our time to breathe the nasty air in the restaurant. I have no idea what the hell kind of service this is where we get dismissed before we even attempt to get seated. Clearly there were other customers in there a bit drunk and still got more attention but apparently we go in and get dismissed and mocked cause they can't "understand a word we're saying" despite us speaking perfectly clear and plain English. Table for 2? Good luck with that cause apparently these people here judge you when you walk in and probably pick and choose the people that can dine here. It's extremely discriminatory and this review is the most time I'll ever spend thinking about this disappointing experience. Avoid this place at all costs cause they'll just do the same to you anyways even if you get seated (based on other reviews I've read). read more

Terrible, terrible service. There was a bug in my friends drink and the server mocked us all night for asking for a replacement drink.

Just push the door! (Just in case you weren't sure how to get in. I didn't!) Smith and Mills is an adorable spot, though a little hard to find. Aim towards the river, and just when you think you might fall in, spot out that little red light in the door to your right. I came for brunch, and the carriage house look was a lot of fun. I loved how it wasn't awfully crowded and that it had a very laid-back vibe. I'd like to come back for late night drinks and see if it's any different. The menu is small and maybe not the most original (poached eggs, eggs two ways, burger, etc.), but pretty tasty regardless. The washroom is definitely fun to check out too - just don't forget to empty out your basin of water! read more

Smith & Mills - Brunching in a carriage house! - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

I never thought of you guys as elitist dicks. But, here you are. What a great hole in the wall mixologist-driven bar you are. One of my favorites in all of Manhattan. And with great burgers! Stopped in last night for cocktails. Because we did not order food, we were relegated outside. Basically accosted by the wait staff and the cook behind the bar. The excuse was that there were reservations, that seemingly never showed up. Almost left without drinking our first celebratory round. And without paying. Drop the pretense. Get back to work. Welcome all customers whether they ordering a $20 cocktail, a burger, or the entire menu. Stop it. This is not the time to be nasty. read more

I waited a couple of days to write this review, since a review can sometimes be tainted by emotions felt in the moment. However, the customer service was so atrocious at this restaurant, days later I still feel the need to express my opinion on what once was a great and cozy spot for dinner and drinks. First off, be warned, even though Yelp lists them open until 2am, they promptly close at 10pm, or at least they did when I was there Monday night. I rechecked their official website, and it does indeed say "dinner until 11pm" but they really need to clarify that their hours are different than listed on Yelp or Google. I arrived with my friends around 7:30pm, we were fine eating outside on their patio, but as it started to rain, I asked if we could sit inside and the waiter informed me that it was completely booked for reservations. The next hour or so, I kept checking the status of the indoor seating, and it remained empty until closing. Having read some recent bad reviews for Smith and Mills, I've now come to the understanding that they don't want people to sit inside, in order to close the restaurant as early as possible so the wait staff can go home early. Nevertheless, I tried to not let this fact bother me too much and continued to have drinks on their patio as the rain began to relent. The waiter showed up every 30 minutes, if we were lucky. At one point I decided just to wave at him to get his attention, which was flat out a mistake. The waiter gave me a nasty stare, and told me to "please wait my turn" and then he promptly walked away, not to be seen for another 20 minutes or so. Again, I didn't want to make a big deal of that either. The final straw for me, was when it got close to their closing time (10pm although I didn't know it was then) the waiter came over to my table and said "ok time to go home now". Maybe he wasn't being rude, but just direct. However, my friend was taken back by how blunt he had been. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized the staff really had no regard about how we felt about their service at all. Look, I know 2020 was a terrible year for wait service. I don't envy their jobs, and I really try to be sympathetic to any waiter having to deal with being extremely close to loud people all day, especially during a pandemic. But I still can't excuse poor service and pretend that all of a sudden the customer isn't right because of that. Over the years I've gone to Smith and Mills and have enjoyed my time there. Something has drastically changed over the last year or so. Maybe management has changed on the top level, and the manager is never around or doesn't mind the wait staff being rude. Maybe it's just the restaurant policy to only take reservations inside, and not think twice if another patron wants to sit inside without a reservation. It's nice that Smith and Mills is doing well enough that they don't have to worry about that, but it left a horrible taste in my mouth, and it doesn't want to make me return. Check the most recent reviews, there are many 1 star reviews that touch upon the same bad service I mentioned above. I hope management is not out to lunch themselves, because I think Smith and Mills can still be great, they just need to reevaluate their staff, and how to treat their customers. And if they don't care, I guess good for them, but there are thousands of other bars in NYC that do care, and at this point I'd rather have that kind of valued service. read more

Bartender was horrible. Ruined the night for me and my friends. All we did was ask for a drink price, but we were met with hostility and a self-important attitude. Stay away and spend your money at another bar that cares about its customers. read more

I stopped drinking 7 months ago but before came here often - very well executed cocktails and well curated and tasty food. Cool vibe - good looking trendy people without the pressure of a B&T crowd commonly found in Tribeca. The space is small but strongly recommend for parties under 6 read more

This review is overdue. We were here 2 weeks ago during **that air** from Canada. Shocked they had all the windows and doors wide open, with an AQI as dangerous as it was. We left the house hoping to go somewhere safe- got one drink and bailed before even finishing our drinks. Which were way too strong. Also the whole place reeked like a urinal. So... disappointed. Way better places in Tribeca that might possibly place consumer health over making bank ONE NIGHT. read more

Work right by here but never went. Finally went last night for one more drink before heading home. Really neat place with fun music/atmosphere. The place is tiny but people were still dancing and having a good time. Didn't have any food but what I saw being served looked good. read more

Nice! Stumbled upon Smith and Mills while exploring Tribeca. Saw this tiny, non-descript place and took a look inside. I liked the vibe and decided to stay for a drink and then decided to order some food. The pictures people have posted represent it well. This is a very cool little place. Hospitality at the bar was very good and the other patrons were very nice. I ordered their burger which was done and presently very nicely, especially considering that their kitchen is two hot plates behind the bar. Therefore, the menu is limited. The burger was topped with lettuce and caramelized onions and is served with chips and pickle slices with mayo and ketchup in small bowls on the side. Perfect. Looking forward to a return visit. read more

I've walked past the place a hundred times. One night around midnight, I finally decided to pull the trigger. We left the apartment and headed downstairs to Smith & Mills. For a late Saturday night and a place so tiny, it was fuller than expected. The four of us were still able to grab a sit though. The menu is -- underwhelming. I absolutely love trying specialty cocktails. The drinks here are crazy uninspired. Most of my party ended up just getting spirits and soda. Total bust. Then the place decided to close an hour early. I mean I know it's midnight but it closes at 2:00am. When we mentioned this, they let us stay a bit longer but it was kind of weird. Music was great tho-- I assume it was because it was just the bartender's closing up podcast rather than on theme music. Hahhaa. Truly didn't mind that part. We got charged with a double tip fee despite ordering desperately and having our own tabs. Bit bummed this place was a total bust. But I'll try again some day. Perhaps it's because we arrived 2 hours before closing. read more

Let me tell you, Smith & Mills was definitely exceptional. Very friendly service with a great atmosphere. I have to admit, Burrata was really amazing. I think that I could have a new favorite dish now. Staff is extremely friendly and will certainly help you with everything. I will definitely come back to Smith & Mills. read more

This place is just brilliant. It's a carriage house decorated with vintage and reclaimed fixtures and bits of design from New York's industrial past. It's like. Jewel box. They have excellent oyster, small plates, and an incredible cheeseburger they cook right behind the bar! The cocktails are as good as any downtown. The bartenders treat newcomers as old friends. read more

I went here on a date w/ Jefferson this week after hearing great things about it. Yes, the drinks were good (I had the Dark and Stormy, which I read positive reviews about on Yelp!)... and the bartender was nice enough and attentive... but the host, well, that's another story. She was a nightmare! In fact, so much so that we never got seated... so we eventually left!! So what exactly happened? Well, after having a drink at the bar, we decided to stay for dinner. There was a 3-top table available, and the hostess indicated that we'd have to wait on a 2-top because the empty table was reserved for bigger parties. So, we waited... and waited... and soon thereafter, the hostess sat another COUPLE at the 3-top table! A couple that, mind you, had arrived after us! Wow! What disrespect! read more

More so a bar/lounge that serves food but cozy and intimate... Food was good especially the oyster selection and the mussels entrée! random fact, but the bathroom is super cool! Chill vibes all around... read more

Re-review after more than a year has passed. Time to break out one of the ultimate Yelp cliches: "Smith & Mills is indeed a hidden gem of TriBeCa". In the time that has passed, I've managed to roam in here several times. Always at the most vulnerable times, such as when I've already had too much to drink at some other favorite food and grog experience. For some reason, Smith & Mills reaches out like some sexy temptress asking me to enter for just an innocent last fling. Nothing serious. No regrets. Just enjoy the time and move on. And so, just as it happens with complex pleasures, I don't just have one. I have another. And I wake up feeling that it was more than a fling. It was serious. But, there are no regrets. I did enjoy the experience. The bartender here is very cool and has a real touch for classic cocktails. Try a Vesper, Manhattan, Sazerac or Vieux Carre. These are some of my lifetime favorites and Smith & Mills honors each of them by mixing, garnishing and serving them with simple style. The room is fantastically simple and complex at the same time. It's a box with a not very high ceiling that is decorated in a very creative way. Just a few tables and a small bar. I don't think it can hold more than 30 people without getting uncomfortable. Come here when the crowd is thin. read more

Smith & Mills - The Vesper - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

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I ordered the poached chicken club sandwich for lunch as recommended by the waiter and really enjoyed it. It came on a crispy baguette with tender chicken and a huge side of delicious house made chips. I would definitely order it again, but would also like to try their other menu items. The poached chicken salad that my friend ordered looked delicious too. Definitely the most interesting bathroom sink that I've experienced. Kind of hard to explain, but it's almost like a toilet bowl basin that you pull down to use the water and you put it back up to drain. Very unique. It's very small, but in a cute and quaint way. Very nice ambiance with friendly staff. Would love to go back for wine and a cheese plate - probably Mon-Wed since Thu-Sat night gets really packed. read more

Smith & Mills - Chicken club sandwich - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

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Cool hole in the wall spot. We went for brunch and didn't have any drinks, but seems like a good cocktail bar too. I got the market salad bowl and skipped the added chicken... it was good! I was concerned it might no be filling, but it was. My husband got the chicken club- not bad but not special. I asked for mustard and they brought grey poupon - yum. Note the chicken is cold, and it's not a warm sandwich. I want to come back to check out the bar and drinks! read more

Smith & Mills - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

Worst customer service I've ever experienced in my life! Last week after a delightful dinner at Frenchette, my co-workers and I ambled over to Smith and Mills for a nightcap. I paid for a round of drinks and forgot my wallet on the bar. The next day I returned. The bartender said he couldn't access the office/safe but that a manager would be in later that evening. I gave him my cellphone number. He promised someone would get back to me. No one ever did. The next day I called the number on the website (646) 858-1433. Oddly, this is the office number, which is, apparently offsite. I spoke to Michelle. She gave me the number of the bar (212) 226-2515 which I promptly called. No one picked up. I left a message and called Michelle back. I explained the situation with the wallet and the bartender. She promised someone would get back to me later that day. No one ever did. I called back the next day and spoke with Arora. I went through the entire scenario again, expressing my frustration with their lack of communication. She promised me someone would get back to me before the end of the day. No one ever did. Friday. I called the office again. Michelle answered. She was polite and apologetic, saying how sorry she was that no one had gotten back to me and that if they hadn't by now, it was "probably" because they didn't have my wallet. I explained to her that "probably" wasn't good enough. Either they had it or they didn't and I wanted her to call the manager's cell phone and have him look in the safe immediately. She PROMISED she'd get on the phone with him as soon as we hung up and that I'd have 100% resolution before the end of the day. Needless to say, I didn't. I never heard back from her or Arora or a manager. I even had a friend of mine text the owner, Akiva, explaining the situation in hopes that he could do something, anything, to help remedy the issue. NOTHING. In this day and age of advanced customer service, their lack of care and communication is unacceptable. They might as well have found my wallet, emptied it's contents in the trash, and flushed it down the toilet. That's how little they cared. Needless to say, I will never return and reserve the right to use Smith and Mills as the paragon of poor, inexcusable, lackluster customer service. read more

Cute, little hole in the wall in Tribeca. No sign outside so just look for the rustic barn doors. Dark and romantic inside. Seating is very limited and you'll be sitting very close to the people next to you. The menu is very limited as well. Only a few choices. The portions can be small, so that's why I opted for the burger. Best bang for your buck. Very creative drinks - they've got some serious punch, so if you're a lightweight, stay away from the Vieux Carre (rye whiskey, cognac, benedictine, sweet vermouth). Service was satisfactory. Smith and Mills is perfect for a party of two - quiet, casual and a good spot for a bite and a drink. read more

Dropped in for lunch on a rainy day in the city. It's a very small space and I'm pretty sure that only about 18 people max can eat here at the same time. Luckily, lunch was not busy and we were the only people dining there for most of the time. Sam was both the bartender and the the waiter and seemed to juggle these hats well. He made a stiff Dark and Stormy and a smooth Old Fashioned. For food we shared the acorn squash salad which was spectacular. I had the curry apple chicken and my boyfriend ordered the burger. Both dishes were fine, but not amazing. The place is really so unique and intriguing. The furniture is different and the decorative pieces seemed recycled and used. I love it, but I cannot imagine being here on a crowded night- it's just too tiny. P.S. Our two meals, the salad, and two drinks came to 72.00!! You be the judge. read more

Smith & Mills - Acorn squash salad - Lounges Near Me - New York, New York

It's a shame smith and mills decided to join the ranks of Tao and similar where the actual scientific dollar amount to the bill counts as tip. My company and I had mainly cocktails - very good - and some starters just to snack. Bill wasn't extraordinary. We gave a 10% tip for the drinks. Now, in nyc this can be challenged but if you only deliver high end drinks at $17 a pop you are covered in a 10% tip. A few moments after paying bill the manger in charge decided to challenge the tip and intimate my girlfriend to pay more citing we hadn't paid enough. We've been returning customers for the past three years. Never will I go back to this establishment. I'm glad I got to taste the burger I've been eyeing the last two years. It's ok. Not great. Stick to the drinks if you still want to go here. read more

First time here. I was with someone else and we sat at the bar. Did not have trouble getting seats at the bar before 7 pm, but later on the bar fills up. However, it's all in the timing so if you're standing and someone leaves you can most likely grab a few barstools (or a table). We weren't sure at first if we were going to eat, but we ended up sharing an order of salmon tartare and an order of artichoke crostini. Both were very good. I had a Dark + Stormy and this was my first time ordering that particular cocktail so I can't really say for sure if Smith & Mills makes it perfectly. I personally favor sweeter, girlier drinks the most, but the Dark + Stormy I had at the bar was strong and I liked it well enough. I was also drinking water and the bartenders were very good about refilling our water glasses without us having to ask. By the way, I'd recommend sitting at the bar (rather than at a table) if it's a very warm, humid night, you'll feel the air-conditioning more. I liked the relaxed vibe of the place and would be glad to come back. read more