The Smith is an American brasserie in Penn Quarter that is simultaneously always busy yet always available for last-minute bookings and walk-ins. The venue is big for DC standards—you won’t bump shoulders awkwardly on your way to the bathroom and you can choose from various seating options including booths and high-top tables. Notwithstanding the size, there’s still an intimate feel to the space, the lighting is warm and the art deco design and architecture feels luxurious. On the menu, there are clear standouts like salmon tartare and the lychee gimlet but it's the sticky toffee pudding made from medjool dates, brown sugar and molasses that has us reeling. It's just that good.