Welcome to Smith's Public House
At Smith's Public House, history and culinary delight converge in a vibrant setting. Nestled in a beautifully restored space dating back to 1937, this New American eatery offers a cozy yet lively ambiance, perfect for any occasion. With a menu that boasts exceptional pizzas, hearty sandwiches, and nostalgic desserts, diners are treated to a blend of innovation and tradition. Signature dishes like the Spicy Rigatoni and Chicken Parm with vodka sauce showcase a commitment to quality and flavor. Guests appreciate both the rich history and modern charm, making Smith's a must-visit for an unforgettable dining experience in Cohoes.
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171 Remsen St, Cohoes, NY 12047 Hotline: (518) 203-6911
Welcome to Smith's Public House, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Cohoes, New York. Located at 171 Remsen St, this historic eatery, which reopened in June under new ownership, artfully combines nostalgia with a modern twist on classic New American cuisine. With a menu featuring an enticing selection of pizzas, hearty sandwiches, and delectable desserts, Smith's aims to cater to every palate.
Upon entering, you’re immediately enveloped by the warm ambiance—think cozy couches, a grand Christmas tree, and a crackling fireplace. The interior has been carefully restored to reflect its storied past, adorned with a beautiful antique bar and charming tin ceilings, making it a perfect spot for intimate dinners or lively gatherings.
- Menu Highlights:
- Sandwiches: The Vodka Cutlet Sandwich stands out with its tender chicken cutlet drizzled in rich vodka sauce and topped with mozzarella. You’ll find it tough to resist the Short Rib Melt as well, with its braised short rib and caramelized onions bringing a juicy flavor explosion.
- Pasta & Pizza: Smith's has a delightful array of pasta dishes, including the popular Spicy Rigatoni, which has received rave reviews for its bold flavors.
- Salads & Soups: Fresh offerings like the House Salad and the French Onion Soup provide perfect starters before a hearty main.
- Customer Experiences:
- Patrons have repeatedly praised the vibrant atmosphere and welcoming service, highlighting not just the nostalgic decor but also the delicious food. Annie F. noted the evening's delightful ambiance, while Rich H. enjoyed a superb chicken pasta dish with a side of good company.
- Pauline L. encapsulated the historic charm of Smith's, indicating that dining here is akin to stepping back in time while enjoying a modern dining experience.
The drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring a well-stocked full bar that complements the rich dining experience. Whether you're there for a nightcap or a celebratory toast, the friendly staff, including the attentive bartender, Mary Grace, ensures that your every need is met with a smile.
Smith's Public House strikes a balance between history and contemporary flair, offering great food at reasonable prices in a lively setting. If you’re in the area, or even traveling to Cohoes, make sure to stop by and savor the indulgent flavors and rich heritage that this iconic establishment has to offer.
In the words of one satisfied customer, “Smith's is a historic restaurant that definitely has a vibrant future”—we couldn't agree more!
Smith's is such a historical gem! I visited on a weeknight and the place was nearly packed so definitely make a reservation, especially if you have a large party. My party of four was sat in the back of the restaurant, which was such a beautiful, cozy space. There were couches, a beautiful Christmas tree and fire place. The ambiance was 10/10! Now onto the food, we started with the Spinach Artichoke Dip, which was served with toast points. It was rich and creamy, and so good. For my entree, I ordered the Chicken Parm with vodka sauce and opted for a side of asparagus instead of pasta. I love the fact that you can get vodka sauce on your chicken parm! My boyfriend ordered the Spicy Rigatoni. Both entrees were delicious and we both had leftovers for the next day. Overall, Smith's is a historic restaurant that definitely has a vibrant future in Cohoes!
Talk about wonderful holiday ambiance, went in for a night cap, sat in front of the fire. The place was busy and lively.
Loved smiths! Had dinner last night - enjoyed it all, especially my spicy rigatoni. Will definitely be back!
Great old Remsen Street haunt with good food priced right! Street parking only. Original bar the runs the entire length of the front room from backing the day, with old style banquets, tin ceiling and old school photos of Mike Smith from the 30's.
Had lunch here yesterday with some friends from work, very good, great service and atmosphere. I had a chicken pasta dish, superb. My friends had the short rib sandwiches, all said delicious. I recommend and will go back.
Smith's reopened in June under new ownership. I've heard so much about this place. This visit would be my first. I couldn't wait to see it. I was not disappointed. The food and service are great but it's the architecture, interior design and ambiance that you'll notice first. The new owner renamed it Smith's Public House and seems to have restored the place to its original grandeur. It's gorgeous. As explained in the menu, Smith's dates back to 1937. Walking through the door is like stepping back in time. There's a beautiful, massive antique bar, tin ceiling tiles, a luxurious red padded circle booth, cool light fixtures as well as floor tiling. The full bar appears to be very well stocked. The bartender was Mary Grace. She was friendly and helpful. For lunch in the Spindle City, I ordered the Spindle City Cutlet. It consisted of a breaded chicken cutlet with mash potatoes and an arugula salad. It was delicious. My photos don't show any patrons. There was, in fact, an impressive lunchtime crowd. I just didn't have permission to photograph any of them. I look forward to coming back. Smith's Public House has it all. Great ambiance, service and food.