Smithy Restaurant

This place is really good and worth it. Excellent steaks and outstanding salad bar. Dinner comes with bread and butter. Bar has good beers and drinks. Highly recommend it. Staff is on the ball and the owner is there every day to ensure it.

What a great place, the food is amazing and the staff is so accommodating. Try the stuffed chicken, great flavor and well presented. The steaks are all high quality and very tender.

We hadn’t been to the Smithy for awhile and decided to have dinner there Wednesday evening. An awesome dining experience and so close to home! Got there before the rush and it became quite crowded for a Wednesday evening. Waitress was awesome, friendly and attentive… did not feel like we were being rushed thru the dinner. Started off with some terrific cheddar from the cheese board. The salad bar was fresh and tasty. Our dinner order did not go into the kitchen until we were finished with the salad bar, so we had plenty of time to relax before our steaks arrived. When they did arrive, the filet mignons were perfection. Tender and juicy, very flavorful. Had a lobster tail on the side and it was sweet, tender, and huge. Tried the almond torte for dessert and it was delicious. Will be back again.

A cozy, casual steakhouse filled with rustic New England charm. The food here is simple and delicious, and you get a lot of it. The complimentary cheese board that kicks off your dinner is a nice touch (especially for a cheese lover like me), but be careful not to fill up too much on that or the salad bar, because whatever steak you order, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be good. And, of course, the baked potato isn’t much smaller than the steak! If you still have any room left, the brownie sundae is a fun way to end your meal, though I recommend sharing it with a friend. As if this wasn’t all enough, the service is always attentive and friendly, even on a very busy Saturday night.
This isn’t the upscale NYC steakhouse experience, but it doesn’t have to be. The Smithy is a wonderful restaurant experience all its own, and one that I’m guessing is getting harder to find. It’s the perfect place for a laid back birthday celebration or family visit. So just sit back, relax, and enjoy your cheese and your steak.

I moved to the Midwest years ago, but still go back here with my family every time I’m back in CT.
As others have mentioned, many on the staff have been there for decades. They are friendly and I’ve never had a problem with the service. The dining room may me dimly-​lit (candles on the table provide most of the light) and a bit cramped (only about fifteen tables), but I like the intimate atmosphere it creates. It gives you that old-​timey New England feel, and is warm and comforting instead of stuffy and pretentious. It even includes a brick fireplace by the front entrance. Despite the size, it doesn’t seem to get loud like other small restaurants. With the small dining area, I would suggest calling ahead on a Friday or Saturday night to avoid a longer wait.
You’ll never leave hungry. The giant, self-​serve cheese board (the kind of cheese rotates from day-​to-​day) is a unique touch. The horseradish is my personal favorite. The salad bar gives you some control and includes a good bread selection. I can’t really speak for the bar — it is small — as I always order beer or wine.
I’ve had just about everything on the menu. I prefer the steaks to the seafood and chicken, but have enjoyed all of it. The entrees are prepared on a grill just behind the salad bar. The side offerings — potato, rice pilaf, steamed vegetables — are solid. They’re nothing to write home about, but are always dependable and tasty.
All in all, The Smithy is a Monroe institution and worth supporting. Is it trendy and modern? No, but change isn’t necessary when you have a fantastic product. The same great food and service that you had there in 1990 is the same great food and service you’ll get there a quarter-​century later. That kind of dependability is increasingly hard to find in older restaurants.

We went to the Smithy last Friday night for Dinner. The food was Very Good the service was great too. We are definitely going back We had clams casino & Soup to start… For dinner we had steak baked potato and salmon with rice, very very good
I love the rolls too. We did not have dessert we were stuffed .
The staff was very friendly,
Exceptional !!

So, I’ll admit I’m a bit biased about this place.
My parents went to The Smithy the night before I was born twenty eight years ago and we (I say it assumably) have been returning multiple times a year since.
No, it’s not an NYC steakhouse. No (like some stupid other Unilocaler commented) you cannot exchange certain sides. No, they will not cook your steak perfectly every single time without fail; but why would you want them to? Those ideals are reserved for steak houses serving entrees for $ 50 for a sirloin, and The Smithy not only doesn’t offer those concepts, they don’t want to.
Why? Because this is an honest to goodness old-​time steakhouse, not something that was advertised on YES.
The Smithy has served amazing food in a one of a kind environment for longer than most Unilocalers have been alive, so consider that.
This is Monroe Connecticut were talking about, and this restaurant represents every element of charm this corner of the state has to offer. The ambiance is without parallel and especially given their price point you will not find a truer colonial style meal without paying three times as much in a pseudo-​rebuilt house in New Haven.
Support The Smithy. You will not be disappointed.

Went to the smithy a couple of weeks ago. I have been there before and really like the Smithy in general. Usually a wait but that’s ok.
What I did not like …
I ordered a chicken skewer dish and asked if the carb on the plate could be substituted with a vegetable… The waitress said no that’s not possible you can bring the potato or rice home but if you want a vegetable on the side you have to pay the 5 dollar fee for the side of veggie. In addition to the dish???
So… Unilocal users if you don’t like carbs. Do not hit the Smithy.

The Smithy offers a very pleasant dining experience. The dining room is very dim, so some smaller children may not be as enthused. They do offer a children’s menu at a very affordable price ($ 5-​$ 6 dollars) some items include Mac and cheese (Kraft resemblance, and chicken nuggets). Some kids love soup and they offer a daily soup too! For adults, it’s endless! Everything I’ve tried is super delicious! I recommend the shrimp scampi; swordfish: stuffed scallops; steak; and yes, lobster tails!!! The stuffing used in their seafood dishes is amazing! The cheese board is an added touch and the salad bar rules!!! The rice accompaniment is good but I prefer the baked potato. I can’t put my finger on it, but it just seems better than other baked potatoes. Absolutely a good dining experience. It does get crowded and since no reservations are needed, plan accordingly. Happy Eating!

The Smithy is located near the corner of Route 25 and Judd Road in Monroe. It has a private parking lot that fills up quickly on busy dinner nights. If you’re looking for a super early dinner, it opens up promptly at 5pm.
This restaurant is a Monroe staple. It’s been here for many years and when I first decided to go here I wanted a true steakhouse experience. It fulfilled that craving and much more. When you enter, it is very dark with a fireplace and plentiful seating. There is even an upstairs dining area but only for parties and large groups.
When you are seated and before they take your order, you are encouraged to snack on the cheese bar and bread. Every day there is one slicing cheese and one spread cheese. I am a sucker for cheese and this totally makes me happy. You can go back up as many times as you like. Once your order is taken, you can go up to the salad bar. Their «house» dressing is ranch… who can say no to that? The salad bar is limited, but satisfying.
The menu is very small but all the steakhouse basics are on it. Different steaks, chicken, seafood, etc. and always specials are offered (check the left board when you walk in). I always order the grilled salmon with rice. I have never been disappointed with this. The salmon filet is huge! Between your entrée, salad bar and cheese bar, you will always leave full and happy.
The servers here are super nice, patient, informative and attentive. Your entrees are not started until you go up to the salad bar. So if you’d like, sit with a drink and relax.

Yummy great service, I suggest the sirloin for 19 bucks you can’t go wrong, perfect charcoal taste prepared right in front of you, great staff

I have been here 3 times now and really enjoy the food. The self serve cheese is a nice touch and the salad bar is included also. The salad bar is a little small but just enough to make a nice salad. Every dish my family and I have tried did not disappoint. The décor could use some updating but the food is good.

I’ve always liked the Smithy. It has a warm, comfortable vibe… not trendy but cozy. It’s a limited menu but that’s never been a problem for me. The chopped steak is my favorite, but all the entreés are acceptably good, I’ve never had a bad one.
The salad bar is small, but all items tend to be fresh and nicely presented. The cheese table is a real treat. There’s always one «slicing» cheese and one «spreadable» cheese, along with a nice variety of crackers and breadsticks to enjoy them with.
The servers are old-​school, in that they tend to keep the same team year after year, and there is something to be said about settling in knowing that you’ll be taken care of by the same person on each visit. They aren’t overwhelmed by the number of diners and they can provide better service as a result.
Plenty of free parking and easy to get to, right on Route 111 in Monroe.
Now for the not-​so-​good stuff:
A while back, the owners decided to try and save a couple of bucks by switching to Freaky Dog soda. For those of you unfamiliar with Freaky Dog, it is a putrid, undrinkable swill that’s only bought by mom-​and-​pop establishments that don’t think anyone will notice that the Coke or Pepsi they ordered tastes like spicy vomit.
This is a much larger problem at the Smithy than it would be in most places, because their water has a VERY powerful copper taste and an unappetizing brown color.
Since I’m not a vampire, the water isn’t to my taste, and I don’t drink liquor, so I’m pretty much out of beverage options at the Smithy. If non-​alcoholic beverages aren’t your thing, you’ll probably be happy dining there. A year ago I would have given them four stars, but I took one away for the Freaky Dog, and one more because I took the time to write to the owners about it and they did not trouble themselves to reply.

The cheese wheel and crackers are such an unique touch. Salad bar is small but has everything you need. Yummy bread too! I have had their steak (juicy), lamb chops (meaty) and shrimp… totally delicious. I always have their rice pilaf, its my go to rather than a potato. Desserts have been good but not as memorable. Can’t wait to go back!

Great selection of choice beef with some seafood and poultry. I have been here over a dozen times and the food is always excellent. Staff is very friendly with unlimited salad bar and cheese/​crackers. YUM!!!

Cozy atmosphere and great steaks! Salad bar and a cheese board included with your meal. What more needs to be said?! I’ve eaten here several times over the years and never been disappointed. This a local favorite of my in-​laws.

Every entrée includes the cheese board and salad bar. Adore the staff here and the food is yummy too.

Reminds me of Chuck’s Steakhouse in that it is still the same after many years in business. Not the best steak you will ever have but also not the same price you will pay at a top notch steakhouse. Two-​thirds the quality for two-​thirds to half the price. Not a bad trade off. Nice open atmosphere although a bit tight and dark. Good offering of entrees, nice well stocked salad bar and some great breads. Bar talent is a bit thin so ordering a basic drink, beer or wine is the way to go.

The Smithy is a blast from the past. Go here if you want a good basic meal, good service, Vintage 1970’s atmosphere. Remember salad bars? They have one. Our waiter had even been working there for 30 years. Don’t see that much anymore. I recommend to anyone wanting a traditional type of meal and experience.

So, we went to the Smithy last weekend and I think that it has been about 15 years since I was last there. I don’t think anything has changed, and that is a good thing. Sometimes in life you need an «old reliable» and the Smithy is it.
We got there just a few minutes after 6:00 and we were seated at the last table; one drawback is that they do not accept reservations. Just after we were seated, the line of hungry customers was forming, so we definitely lucked out.
The menu is limited, but that again is fine. It eliminates the hemming and hawing. My husband had stuffed chicken, which was actually two stuffed chickens and more than he expected; I had lobster tail which was quite large and I almost couldn’t finish; kids had grilled shrimp scampi and glazed ham — they were both happy.
Of course, part of the charm of the Smithy is the «cheese and cracker» stand, which on this night was an extremely kicky horseradish cheese and a simply mild monterey jack. All meals come with the salad bar, which is pretty basic, but good enough.
My only complaint, if it could really be called that, is that our waiter had about 7 or 8 tables, so he wasn’t quite as quick with the drinks or order-​taking as we would have preferred, but it wasn’t entirely his fault and quite frankly, its nice to see a place that has been around for 30 years or so still doing a great business.