The holidays are here again – almost. While this time of year means extra time spent with loved ones, it can also mean extra errands, attending kid-centered events and balancing schedules to hit every family gathering. So instead of running rampant around town and getting overwhelmed by it all, spend some quality time with your special someone by planning a fun date night. For chic cocktails and delectable dishes all served in a modern, sophisticated environment, Dallas' Smithy is a must.
The posh yet approachable eatery, created by the team behind downtown's The Woolworth, offers something fresh to the Knox- Henderson area.
As soon as guests step out on the strip, they will be greeted by the restaurant's lively patio. The industrial-chic decor and floating planters add a touch of renewed energy to the space. After walking past the exposed brick and wood accents, guests will find themselves in a strong interior featuring exposed ceiling beams and intricate graphic murals. Smithy's sleek bar runs down the restaurant just as a reminder of all the cocktails that await.
“Above all, we want the diner to feel comfortable from beginning to end,” co-owner Brandon Luke says. “It's our job to make sure the entire experience is a good one from the moment they step out of the valet to the moment they leave.”
Their drink list boasts a variety of reds, whites and bubbles as well as local drafts and bottles, but it's the fine spirits that shine. Sail away in style with the Lost at Sea, a mix of bourbon, spiced rum, lemon, copra nectar, coconut and Topo Chico topped with toasted coconut. Or for a sweeter fix, try the That's My Jam, a fusion of Lillet Rose, vodka, lemon and strawberry jam garnished with shaved cucumber. On a health kick? The Healer, a combination of gin, lime juice, healer syrup and apple-ginger kombucha, leaves that acidic finish kombucha-lovers crave while also providing balanced citrus flavors.
After taking in a few sips, or a few drinks, Smithy's small plates let couples order a sharable spread to try a few of their signature dishes. While the menu lists off an array of old time favorites, they elevate each plate with intricate flavor combinations and bold ingredients from around the world – like the Crab Nachos, taro chips topped with blue crab, jalapeno, heirloom pico, avocado butter and Sriracha aioli.
“Executive Chef Ronald Von Hatten continues to create unique twist on classics,” Brandon says. “Though our mission is to offer a casual yet refined environment with elevated ingredients.”
The queso stands apart from other cheesy dips. Sure, it features Mexican cheese, sweet tomato, onion, roasted jalapeno and habanero, but it also can come with tenderloin and pecan bacon elevating an already great starter with a hearty topping.
To get that fresh finish, try the Nicoise, an arugula-based salad topped with Ahi tuna, haricot verts, fingerling potatoes, eight-minute eggs, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, anchovies and poppy seed vinaigrette. While these may seem like lighter ingredients, this packed plate is more than enough to keep you satisfied.
Their zoodles, topped with extra virgin olive oil, roasted garlic, basil, heirloom tomatoes, sherry, pecorino, white balsamic, wood-fired chicken and French bread, also prove healthy can be tasty. The Pig and Pear 2.0, a toasted panini with Niman Ranch pork belly, arugula, Texas tomato, pear chutney, pepper slaw and Sriracha mayo, may seem like just another sandwich, but its balance of spice, sweet and crisp flavors keeps diners coming back for another bite until it's gone. It's a rather large handheld, so it's surely enough to conquer the biggest of appetites.
“Our belief was that people are looking for more casual but elevated offerings these days,” Brandon says. “We wanted to serve great food in a nice cozy atmosphere.”
For a bit more finesse at the end of the meal, their Bacon Crunch Bar, chocolate ganache, homemade nutella, peanut butter-praline paste, feuilletine, bacon served with salt and pepper ice cream, comes out just as scrumptious as it tastes. Pair it with a Night Rider Nitro Brew, and sit back knowing you've treated yourself to a refreshing and memorable night out.