The Smile

"When The Smile first opened back in 2010, it was billed as a “cafe and mixed use concept store.” We always preferred the term “Cracker Barrel for models,” but the reality is that no matter what the terminology, there was never any mixing of uses when it came to this place. This is and always has been where New York City’s most attractively unemployed people come to have breakfast at noon. Though The Smile has been open for several years now, we’re betting you still haven’t heard much about it - probably because you actually have a job. Situated a few steps below the sidewalk on Bond Street, it’s a place that you have to be looking for to see, and for people other than the models and musicians that fill it for most of the day, it remains relatively under the radar. Yes, brunch and breakfast are popular (and very good), but The Smile doesn’t tend to get overrun by people during either meal. Diners eat and linger, everyone seems to know each other, and everyone looks really good - even with dirty hair and last night’s clothes on. Dinner at The Smile is surprisingly good, too. Imagine Freemans without the two-hour wait, though also know that it’s probably not a good spot for a [perfect_for slug=“first-early-in-the-game-dates”]first date[/perfect_for], just because The Smile really is a cafe more than anything else. A cafe full of models. And that is probably not where you want to have your first date with anyone. Food Rundown Egg Sandwich One of the best in the game. Ham, gruyere, and caramelized onions on an English muffin. Get a side of bacon, too. Baked Eggs A popular and excellent brunch item at The Smile, we’ve seen a few variations on the menu. One particularly good version is served with avocado and bubbly melted cheese. Roasted Beet Salad This is a dinner menu dish and is a nice move if you’re looking for some vegetables in your mix. Roast Beef Sandwich Roast beef piled high with a lot of arugula and horseradish cream. Simplicity seems to be the name of the game at The Smile, and this is basic but delicious. Seared Thai Beef Salad Our go-to lunch move, as this spicy salad is the perfect size, has plenty of steak, and the nuts, mangos, and cilantro provide a nice contrast of flavors. Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie Always necessary. They make an amazing cookie at The Smile. Don’t sleep on it." - Chris Stang

"Hip, but not overrated or overrun, this all-day cafe from the guys behind The Jane Hotel is a great place to meet up for a coffee or casual lunch/dinner. They sell artisan goods up front. "

"Hip, but not overrated or overrun, this all-day cafe from the guys behind The Jane Hotel is a great place to meet up for a coffee or casual lunch/dinner. They sell artisan goods up front. "

"The Smile, Noho by Carbone Smolan Agency. This rustic, French-leaning restaurant is known (and rightfully so) for its ambience. The subterranean dining room feels cozy and protected, with low lights and a casual table setting fit more for the Left Bank than lower Manhattan. The owners support small farms and source locally when possible; try the marinated goat cheese, steak tartare, or the couscous. This is the perfect spot for an early brunch, drinks and dessert with girlfriends, or small plates after an afternoon of gallery hopping. There are only about 15 tables, so it would be a wise move to skip peak hours."

"A place where you can feel kind of cool as you eat kind of healthy. The comfortable, below-ground space is a nice place to hide out after a rough Monday, and the menu is made up of satisfying food - salads, proteins, and grains all done nicely." - Hannah Albertine, Bryan Kim