Tanner Smith's Introduce
Nestled in the bustling heart of Midtown Manhattan, Tanner Smith's stands out as a genuine gem for those seeking a bar experience that blends classic charm with modern flair. More than just a place to grab a drink, it offers a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere that feels a world away from the usual tourist traps. Its unique aesthetic and lively energy have made it a go-to spot for locals and savvy visitors alike. This article will provide a detailed look at what makes Tanner Smith's a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an authentic and enjoyable night out in New York City.
Tanner Smith's has successfully cultivated a reputation for being a place with a great vibe. The interior is visually stunning, offering a unique aesthetic that feels both classic and cool. Patrons describe the atmosphere as lively but not overwhelming, striking the perfect balance for a casual night out, a first date, or a friendly get-together. This welcoming environment, combined with a staff that is both friendly and attentive, ensures that every visit is a smooth and enjoyable one. The bar's ability to attract a good mix of people, from those on dates to friends simply hanging out, speaks to its broad appeal and comfortable setting. It’s a place that feels less touristy and more authentically New York, which is a significant draw for anyone looking for a more local experience near the city's most famous attractions. The establishment's prohibition-era theme, complete with vintage decor and speakeasy vibes, creates a distinct ambiance that is both historical and whimsical, transporting guests to a bygone era.
Located at 204 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA, Tanner Smith's enjoys a prime location in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This central spot makes it incredibly accessible for people coming from all over the city. Its proximity to iconic landmarks like Times Square and Central Park means it's an excellent stop for a pre-theater drink or a post-sightseeing bite. The bar is situated just a stone's throw away from other quality nightlife spots, and this concentrated area adds to the appeal of visiting this part of town.
For those relying on public transportation, Tanner Smith's is exceptionally well-connected. The location is within a short walking distance of multiple subway lines, including the N, Q, R, W, B, D, E, F, M, and 1 lines. This makes it easy for anyone, whether they are a seasoned commuter or a visitor navigating the city, to get there without any hassle. The convenience of its location is a major benefit, allowing guests to transition from a busy day to a relaxing evening seamlessly. The address is straightforward to find, ensuring a hassle-free journey to an unforgettable experience.
Tanner Smith's offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities to ensure a memorable visit.
Creative and Classic Cocktails: The bar menu is celebrated for its strong mix of both creative, inventive concoctions and perfectly executed classics. Drinks like the “Irish Bill” and “Cantinero” are noted for being well-made and balanced, highlighting the skill and care of the bartenders. Specialty drinks are also a highlight, with options like the "Winona," a take on an old-fashioned served in a sealed glass bottle with smoke, allowing for a personalized smoky flavor.
Delicious Bar Bites and Food Menu: The food at Tanner Smith’s is a major highlight. Reviewers rave about the quality, mentioning tasty options like the “everything pretzel bites” and the standout “Birria Chimichanga.” The food menu is extensive, offering everything from dry-aged burgers and smoked cheeseburgers to flavorful tacos and classic pub fare, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every craving. The kitchen also stays open late, making it a perfect spot for night owls.
Hidden Speakeasy: A key feature and a delightful surprise for many visitors is the hidden speakeasy downstairs, called Polly. This space offers a classic speakeasy vibe and a unique aesthetic that enhances the overall experience, providing a more intimate and exclusive setting away from the main bar area. The lower level also has a separate sound system and dimmer lighting, creating an entirely different, more relaxed venue.
Tipsy Tea and Brunch: Tanner Smith's offers a "Tipsy Tea" event, which includes a teapot cocktail for two and a select appetizer to share. This themed brunch experience provides a fun and unique way to enjoy their beverages and food, with live jazz music on weekends, adding to the historic, speakeasy-style atmosphere.
Friendly and Attentive Staff: The staff at Tanner Smith's are consistently described as friendly and attentive, contributing significantly to a smooth and pleasant experience. Their professionalism and positive attitude make guests feel welcome and well-cared for, ensuring a truly enjoyable visit.
Tanner Smith's is distinguished by several unique features that make it a standout choice in a city full of options.
The Speakeasy Vibe: The presence of the Polly speakeasy downstairs is a huge draw. It offers a cool, classic, and unique experience that is not found in many other Midtown spots. This adds a layer of exclusivity and intrigue to the visit, with patrons feeling like they've stumbled upon a hidden gem.
Authentic Local Feel: Despite its proximity to tourist hotspots like Times Square, Tanner Smith’s manages to maintain a more local and authentic energy. It's a place where New Yorkers feel comfortable, and this is a significant selling point for those looking to avoid a purely tourist-centric experience.
High-Quality and Memorable Food: The food, especially the "Birria Chimichanga" and "everything pretzel bites," has received stellar reviews. The food is noted as being “worth the hype,” proving that the bar’s culinary offerings are just as compelling as its drink menu. The menu caters to various dietary preferences, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.
Visually Stunning Interior: The unique and visually appealing decor of the space is a major highlight. The aesthetic contributes significantly to the overall vibe, making it a great place for taking photos and simply enjoying the surroundings. The mix of wooden structures, weathered brick walls, and historical accents creates a captivating environment.
Exceptional Staff and Service: The commitment to guest satisfaction is evident in the friendly and professional staff. Patrons note that the dynamic people who work here are the finest attribute of the bar, committed to making each night a special one, whether it's by engaging in playful conversation or expertly crafting a drink.
For more information or to make contact, you can reach Tanner Smith's at the following:
Address: 204 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Phone: (646) 590-2034
There are many reasons why Tanner Smith's is an excellent choice for your next night out in New York City. The combination of a lively yet authentic atmosphere, a diverse and high-quality menu of both food and drinks, and exceptional service sets it apart from the competition. The hidden speakeasy, Polly, adds a layer of fun and discovery that makes a visit feel like a special occasion. For those who want to avoid the often overwhelming and impersonal feeling of many bars in the Times Square area, Tanner Smith's offers a refreshing alternative that feels more like a local haunt. The food, in particular, is a huge draw, with specific items like the Birria Chimichanga receiving rave reviews that solidify its status as a great place to eat, not just drink. The staff’s attentiveness and friendliness ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Ultimately, Tanner Smith’s is a place that lives up to its reputation, offering a truly fun, easygoing, and memorable night out in Midtown Manhattan. It’s a bar that is genuinely "worth the hype" and will likely become a favorite spot for anyone who visits. The mix of its historical charm and modern, well-executed offerings ensures a consistently high-quality experience that is hard to match.
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Tanner Smith's Reviews
We stopped into Tanner Smith’s and ended up heading down to their speakeasy called Polly, which was a great surprise. The atmosphere had that classic speakeasy vibe, lively but not overwhelming, and the aesthetic of the space felt unique compared to a lot of other Midtown spots. Even on a Wednesday night the place was busy with a good mix of people, many on first dates or casual nights out. It felt less touristy than other bars near Times Square, which gave it a more local energy.We kept it simple with food, sharing the chicken tenders and the everything pretzel bites, which hit the spot for bar bites. For drinks, I ordered the Irish Bill and we also tried the Cantinero. Both were well made and balanced, and the bar menu overall had a strong mix of creative cocktails and classics.The staff were friendly, attentive, and made the experience even smoother. Between the atmosphere, the drinks, and the food, Tanner Smith’s stood out as a fun and easygoing spot to wind down after a long day. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a good bar near Times Square that still feels a little more authentic than the usual tourist stops.
September 04 · GregxPerezListen. Worth the hype and I'm not even sure if there is hype ( I feel like there's gotta be right?! Lol)but if there is, WORTH 👏🏾IT 👏🏾!!The food is *salsa dances*. The interior is visually stunning. Now I did have some lingering questions about service but I don't like to draw any definitive service conclusions until I've visited a couple of times so I'll update if necessary.But overall, Worth the hype.Favorite item tasted: Birria ChimichangaGet that foooorrr sureeeee(hopefully it's as good as when we had it)Eat swell friends
June 04 · Dom Germtrue gem for cocktail lovers and anyone seeking a vibrant, stylish night out. From the moment you walk in, the speakeasy-inspired decor sets the tone—warm lighting, vintage accents, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere that feels both upscale and welcoming.The cocktail menu is a standout, offering creative and beautifully crafted drinks that go beyond the usual fare. Whether you’re into classics or adventurous mixes, there’s something for every palate. The bartenders are knowledgeable and passionate, happy to make recommendations or customize a drink to your taste.Service was excellent throughout our visit. Staff were friendly, attentive, and genuinely seemed to enjoy creating a great experience for guests. Even during busy hours, they managed to keep things flowing smoothly without sacrificing quality or hospitality.Highly recommend Tanner Smith’s for anyone looking to enjoy top-tier cocktails in a cool, comfortable setting. It’s definitely a place I’ll be returning to!
August 07 · J Frank (JF1973)We were greeted when we walked in. Very cute restaurant. Great service. We tried the truffle mac which was 10/10. I wasn't a fan of the truffle fries only because they were soggy vs well done. The peach pancakes are made with egg which is NOT disclosed on the menu. I didn't realize it until I took my first bite. The pancakes are huge and fluffy. I was disappointed that it was made with eggs because pancakes are my absolute favorite. They were nice enough to take them off my bill. An order of two pancakes is enough for two people.
July 12 · Ro Indy RealtorI Originally was directly next-door at pH Terrace, which was amazing and decided to stop here for a nightcap. The hostess was very nice and friendly. However, that did not extend to the Bartender. He simply ignored us. Which was upsetting as we watched other people around us get serviced. Eventually, we just decided to leave as I will not be forced to spend my money in an establishment that is not interested in having me as a customer.
July 26 · J Ubiwa
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