Dining out with children shouldn't feel like a high-stakes negotiation. You want a spot that keeps the kids happy with familiar favorites while offering enough quality that you actually enjoy your own meal. The Smith, a popular upscale American brasserie with multiple locations in New York City and beyond, strikes this balance by offering a dedicated children's selection that pairs comfort food classics with fresh ingredients.
If you're planning a family meal and wondering what's actually on the plate, pricing details, and how to handle dietary restrictions, this breakdown covers everything you need to know. We'll look past the standard marketing fluff to give you a clear, realistic picture of what to expect when ordering off The Smith kids menu.
What's on The Smith Kids Menu
The menu skips the usual fried mystery nuggets and focuses on elevated diner-style comfort foods made with the same kitchen standards applied to the main menu. Portions are sized appropriately for younger appetites, usually geared toward children aged 12 and under.
Here are the core items you'll find on the current rotation, along with pricing guidelines based on recent order data:
- Kid Mac + Cheese ($16.00): Made with the restaurant's signature rich mornay sauce and elbow macaroni, skillet-roasted until bubbly. It's cheesy, savory, and a reliable favorite for picky eaters.
- Kid Grilled Cheese ($16.00): A classic comfort staple built on toasted bread with melted American or cheddar cheese, served warm and gooey.
- Kid Elbow Pasta ($14.00): A simpler option for kids who prefer plain pasta with butter or a choice of light sauce.
- Kid Grilled Chicken ($19.00): A protein-forward choice featuring tender, simply prepared chicken breast, great if you want to skip heavy carbs or dairy.
- Kid Burgers ($19.00): Available as a plain hamburger or cheeseburger on a soft brioche bun, made with high-quality beef patties.
- Kid Flat Iron Steak ($21.00): A more upscale protein option sliced into manageable pieces for kids who prefer steak over poultry.
- Kid Grilled Salmon ($21.00): A seafood option providing a healthy, omega-3-rich alternative to standard kid-friendly fried foods.
Prices vary slightly depending on the specific location (such as Midtown, Nomad, Lincoln Square, or Boston), but these figures represent standard neighborhood pricing.
Navigating Dietary Needs and Allergens
Families dealing with food allergies or strict dietary preferences often face an uphill battle at casual dining chains. At The Smith, the kitchen operates with high transparency regarding ingredients, though cross-contamination precautions should always be discussed directly with your server.
If your child has a dairy allergy or gluten intolerance, you'll need to ask your server for specific item modifications. While the adult menu features extensive allergen breakdowns—noting items containing eggs, nuts, soy, and shellfish—you shouldn't assume the kids' items are automatically allergen-free. For instance, the signature Mac + Cheese contains dairy and gluten, but simpler items like the grilled chicken or grilled salmon can often be customized without heavy sauces or butter upon request.
Pricing and Value Analysis
Let's address the elephant in the room: paying fourteen to twenty-one dollars for a child's portion can cause sticker shock. You're paying for prime real estate locations, scratch-kitchen execution, and an energetic atmosphere that welcomes families without making you feel out of place.
Unlike fast-casual spots where kids' meals come with a toy and a drink for a fixed bundle price, items at The Smith are priced à la carte. Beverages and sides are billed separately, so a family dinner can add up quickly. However, the portion sizes are generous enough that younger children can often share a plate, or parents can easily box up leftovers.
To explore the wider restaurant philosophy, official locations, and full adult menus, you can check The Smith Restaurant Official Website. For more details on city dining standards and local health regulations, the NYC Department of Health provides guidelines on food safety and allergen labeling in commercial kitchens.
Tips for Dining Out with Kids at The Smith
Heading into a bustling brasserie with children requires a bit of strategy. Keep these practical tips in mind to ensure a smooth meal:
- Make Reservations in Advance: These locations get loud and packed, especially during brunch hours and weekend dinners. Walking in with a stroller without a booking can lead to long wait times.
- Ask for Modifications Early: If your child is sensitive to spices, sauces, or specific textures, tell your waiter immediately when ordering so the kitchen can prep it plain.
- Check the Brunch vs. Dinner Menu: If you visit during weekend brunch hours, the kids' menu may feature breakfast-leaning items like small pancakes or eggs alongside the standard pasta and burger options.
- Utilize Online Ordering for Pickup: If your kids have a meltdown and you'd rather eat in your hotel room or at home, you can easily order these exact kids' items for takeout through platforms like Toast Tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Smith kids menu include drinks or sides?
No, items are priced individually. Beverages such as milk, juice, or soda, as well as extra side items, are billed separately from the main kids' entree.
What is the age limit for ordering off the kids menu?
Restaurants don't typically card children, but the portions and pricing are designed for kids roughly 12 and under. Servers are generally flexible if an older pre-teen with a smaller appetite wants to order from it.
Can I get gluten-free options on the kids menu?
While items like the plain grilled chicken or grilled salmon can be modified to avoid gluten, the classic favorites like mac and cheese and elbow pasta contain standard wheat pasta. Always verify current kitchen protocols with your server regarding celiac safety.
Are high chairs and booster seats available?
Yes, the restaurants are fully equipped with high chairs and booster seats, and the staff is accustomed to accommodating families with strollers and young children.
