Last date I was here: 07/20/2011
Restaurant: Smith Commons (http://www.smithcommonsdc.com/)
Location: Atlas District
Total Rating: 3.95
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 3, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5
Summary: "Smith Commons Dining Room & Public House is a three-story neighborhood bistro on the H St. NE corridor in the Atlas Arts District. With an international menu of approachable cuisine, and an array of craft beers, wines and cocktails at three bars, Smith Commons offers something for every palate. The well-honed interiors, outdoor patio and eclectic music welcomes Smiths of any name and friends nightly." Closest Metro is Union Station.
We ended up at Smith Commons by default as the original spot we wanted to try had over an hour wait. I was happy to check out this new establishment along the H Street corridor, with its spacious "smith" main dining room decorated top to bottom in fine woods and featuring a large bar area. The upstairs "commons" area features more laid back areas perfect for the happy hour specials that are offered all week long. We were seated at one of the two-tops and were greeted by our friendly server who poured water and took our drink order right away. The menu featured many global culinary treats highlighting seafood and beef as well as seasonal vegetables and international desserts. I started with an appetizer of the tuna tartar - tasty, refreshing with a slight wasabi kick, and needing a bit more chips to accompany the fish. Keith had oysters - 3 razor style, super fresh, with a citrus bite. For our main entree, I splurged on my favorite scallops. They were only cooked on one side and were very sweet, topped with a sweet currant puree, served on a bed of sweet creamed corn. With the sweet Riesling to add to my pallate, it was a bit overkill, but the peppery arugula salad added that bitter bite to tame some of the sugar overload. Keith ordered the Angus burger medium-rare and it came with a large portion of fries. The burger was alright, not as great as he had heard about and although he asked for ketchup with the fries, our server got distracted and did not bring it until Keith was already finished. Overall though, I enjoyed the food, I appreciated the spacious interior, and I would like to come back again to check out the upstairs "commons" area. A great spot to meet up with friends for happy hour or enjoy a nice dinner. Make easy reservations to Smith Commons on CityEats.
What I ate:
Tuna Tartar
Yellowfin tuna with mustard seel oil, tobikko, and avocado puree
Seared Scallops
top with currant puree, served on sweet cream corn and a bed of arugla dressed in aged balsamic
Plus Keith ate:
Smith Oysters
choice of 3, 6, or 12
1/2 Pound Angus Beef Burger
Grilled Portabella Mushrooms, Scallions, Miso Mayonnaise, Frites
