The Smith Starts Slinging Slushie Cocktails on U Street This Friday

Growing New York import the Smith is opening its second D.C. location in just over a year, introducing an expanded menu that includes more cocktails and debut dinner items.

The modern American brasserie that got its start in the East Village in 2007 is giving U Street a much-needed large drinking destination, currently scheduled to arrive at 1314 U Street NW on Friday, May 4 with 150 seats.

The regional brand, which has four Manhattan locations, opened a flagship Penn Quarter location last year. Its second area location anchors JBG Smith’s new glitzy apartment building.

Its polished design, from Nema Workshop out of NYC and //3877 Architects, largely includes glossy white subway tiling and patterned mosaic flooring. Other elements include smoked antique mirrors, dark walnut wood tabletops, and a bathroom-area photo booth — an iconic fixture at some of its locations. There’s also a private dining area in the back for 30.

Executive chef Brian Ellis is expanding the menu at its latest location to include a huge raw bar and first-time dishes like spicy fried chicken, lobster paella, square pizzas, pastas made on site, and shareable mains. Best sellers across the brand are staying put, like its mac and cheese and pots of mussels.

Beverage director David Kravitz’s cocktail menu focuses on small batch and local liquors, with tonic and ginger beers on tap made right there. Booze highlights include French 75 slushies, giant punch bowls, 20 wines by the glass or carafe, and lots of local beers. Scroll down to view the full drink menu:

The Smith is projected to operate from 5 p.m. to midnight on weekdays, and from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on weekends to start. Weekend brunch is slated to launch mid-May, with weekday brunch and breakfast to follow.

Eventual hours could mirror other late-night bar action nearby, which means a 3 a.m. last call on weekends could happen.

“Everything we do with the menu and feel is what the neighborhood wants. If the neighborhood wants to stay open late we will,” partner Jeff LeCourt told Eater last month.

• American Brasserie the Smith Brings Its Comfort Food to U Street [EDC]
• Take a Construction Tour of the Smith, Debuting Next Month in D.C. [EDC]