Seemor
Smithfield Hall NYCB-Worth Trying
138 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001
· Sports bar, American restaurant, Bar
· 4.4/5 Google (1806 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Top NYC soccer pub with lively match-day energy, decent bar food, and occasional ticketed entry; great for fans, less ideal for those avoiding crowds or cover charges.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Smithfield Hall delivers reliable sports bar execution with solid food quality in burgers and fries and strong bartender attentiveness, earning its grade B- standing. However, inconsistent execution during peak crowds—cold wings, stale pretzels, uneven service—and space comfort challenges on match days prevent a higher grade. The electric match-day atmosphere and loyal following make it worth visiting for soccer supporters, though event-day policies and crowd management can frustrate casual diners.
Restaurant Summary
A Chelsea standby where matches feel like home turf, Smithfield Hall brings stadium-level energy to weekend mornings and big nights. Expect chants, packed rooms, and quick-pouring bartenders. One fan summed it up: "It felt like being in the stands, just with better fries." However, policies for big games—like pre-paid drink tickets and door control—can frustrate some visitors. The kitchen sticks to comfort-first pub food: burgers with crisp fries, a hefty Irish breakfast, giant pretzels, and crowd-pleasing sliders. Quality is generally solid for a sports bar, though a few items run inconsistent when the house is slammed. Drinks are the main event on ticketed days; off-peak, it is an easygoing spot to graze and watch your team. Families do fine here on non-peak days—several reviewers said staff were warm with kids. The menu has true kid-pleasers like fries, mac and cheese, burgers, and flatbreads. For peak Premier League fixtures, under-21 restrictions may apply and tickets prioritize drinks over food, so plan accordingly.
At a Glance
- Electric match-day atmosphere with many screens and labeled TV schedules
- Solid bar staples; burgers, fries, Irish breakfast, and sliders earn praise
- Pre-paid drink ticket policy on big games can feel inflexible
- Door and crowd management sometimes come off as brusque
- Arrive very early or reserve for major Premier League fixtures
What Sets It Apart
- premier_league_supporter_hub
- tv_schedules_labeled_by_match
- irish_and_american_pub_staples
What People Love
- That roar when the match starts
- Friendly bartenders who keep drinks moving
- A burger and fries that hit the spot
- Big pretzels and hearty sliders for sharing
- Organized TV setups with clear match labeling
Points of Concern
- Event-day ticket policy: pre-paid drink tickets not usable for food frustrate some guests
- Crowd control and door tone can feel unfriendly under pressure
- Inconsistency on a few items (wings temperature, pretzel freshness) during peak rush
- Review patterns show no manipulation, but policy complaints cluster around big events
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost$35-$48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose a mid-priced app and main for good value (e.g., pretzel $15 + burger $17)
- Vegetarian options: pesto flatbread ($16), mac and cheese ($16), salads ($14-$15)
Perfect For
- Watching Premier League with fellow supporters
- Casual group hangs with pints and pub food
- Solo bar seating to catch a game
- Weekend breakfast during early kickoffs
Location Insights
Area: Busy Chelsea block near Flatiron, office and creative crowd with weekend sports fans.
Safety: Generally safe, some reviews note street disorder; standard urban awareness advised.
Nearby: Near 6th/7th Ave transit, retail, galleries, and other pubs; convenient for match days.
ChelseaChelsea offers a dynamic dining scene ranging from trendy eateries and upscale restaurants to casual cafes. The area is lively with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the art galleries, nightlife, and proximity to the High Line park. It is generally safe and highly accessible by public transit.
Chelsea Market DistrictCentered around Chelsea Market and the surrounding blocks, this micro-neighborhood is a bustling food hub with artisanal vendors, diverse international cuisine, and a casual yet trendy atmosphere. It attracts a crowd interested in gourmet food and unique dining experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–00:00
Tuesday12:00–00:00
Wednesday12:00–00:00
Thursday12:00–00:00
Friday12:00–00:00
Saturday09:00–00:00
Sunday10:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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