Smashing good comfort food at Smash Kitchen and Bar

Fried calamari @Smash Kitchen and Bar

We were celebrating an occasion and decided to go to Smash Kitchen and bar given the many great reviews we saw. I didn’t bother making reservations as I thought that since it was a weeknight at about 530pm, I wouldn’t have to. I didn’t realize they would be so full! The only seats available were on the bar or on the high table which we had to share with other patrons. Not wanting to have to find another place to eat, we decided to just take the high tables.

Service was pretty prompt and friendly until the place started getting more packed. After which, it was a bit hard to get a hold of our server.

We shared several appetizers and mains family style.

We got Fried Calamari which was buttermilk-marinated on a bed of greens with pickled jalapenos. It came with two sauces—tartar and seafood. It was just ok. We all agreed we should have ordered something else.

The Firecracker shrimp, on the other hand, was absolutely yummy! The juicy shrimps were bacon-wrapped and lightly battered—how can you go wrong with that?! There was a hint of sriracha and maple and the shrimps came with crunchy potato hay.

Firecracker Shrimp @Smash Kitchen and Bar

We also got one of DD#2’s favourite--Caesar salad. The dressing was pretty good and for a twist, they used wonton crisps instead of croutons. A bit pricey given this was mostly greens.

Caesar Salad @Smash Kitchen and Bar

They had pizzas on special that day so we got Prosciutto pie. The crust was nice and thin, baked from their coal fired oven. It was topped with mozzarella, pickled eggplant, artichokes, prosciutto and arugula on tomato sauce. Pretty good.

Prosciutto Pie @Smash Kitchen and Bar

For our other main, we shared the Buttermilk fried chicken. It was a boneless  chicken thigh served with gravy, corn bread, coleslaw. The meal also came with a choice of side and we got LA Mac and Cheese. The Mac and Cheese was just divine. It was bacon and herb crusted and so rich and creamy. I wished I ordered a full serving but then again, maybe the smaller portion was better.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken with side of LA Mac and Cheese @Smash Kitchen and Bar

We got mini donuts to cap our meal. The mini-donuts (or actually donut holes) were nice and light. These were dusted with cinnamon sugar and drizzled with caramel sauce.

My verdict: I will recommend this place for good comfort food but note that they are on the pricier side.