Smith Tavern, an incantation of Linda's Tavern owner Linda Derschang, has quickly become a popular drinking and dining destination for Capitol Hill's finest hipsters. Despite the hipster quotient, the venue does have value for everyday folks, families and couples.
Selection: Smith has over a dozen generic microbrews on tap, such as Widmer Hefeweizen, Imperial IPA, Manny's, Fat Tire and others. Most pints on tap run $4 ($3 during Happy Hour, from 4 to 6 pm) with $9.75 pitchers, some costing just a bit more.
They have over two dozen other imports by the bottle or can, though some are fairly pricey per serving and not worth the look (a double pint of Duvel, for example, is a staggering $22... for reference, you can get a double pint down the street at QFC for about $8).
They have a full bar and can make most well drinks, which start at $4 ($3 during Happy Hour, from 4 to 6 pm) and go up per the complexity of the drink.
The menu is... let's just say "strange". They do have staples such as fries ($5), though even though are served strangely: the fries come in a pint glass, the fries wrapped in paper, and many of the dishes come on flat wooden platters.
Most hot dishes are prepared with a lot of cooking wine, and the taste thereof can distract from more regular dishes like the steak platter (~$12). The burger ($10-12 depending on fixings) comes with no mayo.
Then it gets strange. They also have sweet potato fries ($5), poutine ($5 or $9 depending on portion size) and an assembly of chicken, pork and lamb dishes served with some, shall we say, interesting sides whose identities even I couldn't figure out. People love them, though.
Most entrees run in the $12-18 range. If you're willing to experiment with new, different foods, the menu is worth a shot. If you're looking for more standard fare... you may want to eat before you get there.
Brunch: On weekends, Smith does brunch from 10 am to 4 pm. They offer standard sausage & eggs and bacon & eggs plates for $8. Steak & eggs runs $12 (though again, beware the scent/taste of the cooking wine, which the steak is bathed in). The menu items go off the page again (in the $8-12 range), and they do run some interesting specials. They serve orange juice ($3), Stumptown coffee (which the waiters do well to refill frequently, plus refills are unlimited and free for $2), and plenty of water (always free). If you really crave a Bloody Mary or assorted alcohol, they are more than happy to oblige.
Service: Sharp and reasonably friendly (especially for a hip joint). It may take some time to get to you with a big crowd, but they'll get to you in a reasonable time frame. They'll get to know you quickly if you routinely come in.
Best Time to Go: Get to brunch around opening (10 am). Try to get to Happy Hour early (4-5 pm). After that, seating disappears quickly as the crowds pile in. It's like a tsunami: at 4:45 on Friday, you can get a booth... by 5:15 you might not even be able to get a spot at the bar. You should be able to manage a seat at noon for brunch on most weekends, though there are some days where it fills all the way up.
Closing: Smith has all the alcohol most could want at mostly reasonable prices, and an assortment of strange menu items that curious parties can sample. The brunch staples will fill you up, as long as meat and eggs are your bag. For lighter fare, one of the other Capitol Hill eateries may be best for you.
If you're looking for standard grub for dinner, you'll want to eat elsewhere, but there are few better places to drink at a reasonable cost.
