So I get asked all the time, “Where do the locals eat in Washington, D.C.?”, “What are some of the non-touristy hangouts?”
If you are someone who likes to go where the locals, then head over to H Street NE. It is known for it’s dynamic night life, restaurants and bars. You won’t run out of options on this mile and half long street! This is where I discovered a cool new restaurant, Smith Commons.
LOCATION
Conveniently located on H Street NE, the restaurant is 3 floors high. The first floor has a bar and the dining area if for reservations only which can be made on their website. If you do not have a reservation, you are then directed to the second floor. Now this was a little different me because you are not seated by a hostess, you seat yourself. It is first come, first serve basis and does fill up very quick. There is another bar on the second floor. The third floor is exclusively for events.
FOOD
We started off with a drink and appetizer at the first floor bar. I had a delicious Felicity watermelon (minus the tequila). It was a perfect blend of lime, ginger, basil, and melon. I would highly recommend it! Next came a cheesy, soft crusted margherita pizza.
For dinner, I headed up to the second floor dining area. We ordered the butter chicken which was served with delicious coconut rice and grilled chicken ciabatta sandwich with some good old french fries. The butter chicken came with naan bread and was cooked in a spiced tomato cream. Last came dessert, the tiramisu, which was the perfect way to end my dinner.
AMBIANCE
Customer service was very good, every member of the staff we encountered was friendly even during busy times. Upon seating ourselves on the second floor, I was a bit unsure if a server would notice us, however, to my surprise a server came to our table with in a minute. The music was definitely more lively on this floor compared to the first floor. I also got to chat with the Chef. Chef Chanaka or Choni, who learned to cook at a very young age in his home country of Sri Lanka, advanced to continue his passion for cooking via culinary school and then went on to work at the Burj in Dubai. What a small world! The menu at Smith Commons, is a perfect blend of various international cuisines and has something to offer everyone.
OVERALL
I would highly recommend dining at Smith Commons, it is definitely a local crowd favorite and the variety on their menu promises something to please everyone. Oh and President Obama had dined in here too. You can read about that here.
PIN ME
Wow! That sounds fantastic! I love DC, and will definitely check this place out the next time I go! The chicken and tiramisu looked amazing. How was the pizza?
Author
The pizza was delicious! Probably inhaled it. Haha
Place looks really cozy! And food looks delicious!
Author
The food is definitely delicious! I would highly recommend checking it out.
I love this! I am from the D.C. area as well and will definitely be checking out this place. That dessert looked amazing. I will be taking your recommendations. Thank you!!
Author
Wonderful! Would love to hear your experience too!
That sounds like a nice place. I like the location and the decor is beautiful. The food sounds amazing, would love to check this place out when I am around.
Author
I am sure you will enjoy the restaurant, thanks for stopping by!
Lol. I love that you added that Obama had eaten there! Sounds like a great place. Wish I lived near it as I was looking for a restaurant for a date night with the hubby tomorrow. You have an awesome review! 👍🏻👍🏻
Author
Thanks Jenna! Are you in the DMV area?
Really cool looking place and that tiramisu looks so good! I’ve never been to DC but my friend recently moved there, so I’ll definitely share this with him!
Author
Thanks for sharing! I hope your friend likes it too.
Butter chicken is one of my favorites! This place sounds great, and the plate is gorgeous!
Author
If you are a fan of butter chicken, definitely check them out.