Smith’s Public House brings the best of a classic American restaurant experience to the heart of Cohoes, offering a warm and welcoming place where history, comfort, and great food come together.
Located at 171 Remsen St in a building dating back to 1873, the setting itself adds character to every visit, with old-fashioned charm, vintage decor, a long wood bar, and a cozy atmosphere that feels both timeless and inviting.
Whether you are stopping in for brunch, lunch, dinner, or dessert, Smith’s Public House delivers the kind of dining experience that makes guests feel at home while still enjoying something special.
The menu and service reflect what makes a great American restaurant so valuable: variety, comfort, and consistency. Guests can enjoy comfort food, small plates, coffee, alcohol, beer, cocktails, and a carefully selected wine list, along with happy-hour drinks, local specialties, and private dining options.
With dine-in, takeaway, and on-site services available, it is easy to enjoy Smith’s Public House in the way that fits your plans best.
From solo dining to relaxed meals with friends or family, the restaurant is known for fast service, table service, live music, sport, a fireplace, and a bar on site, creating an atmosphere that works just as well for a casual meal as it does for a memorable night out.
Smith’s Public House is also designed to be accessible and convenient for a wide range of guests, with wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating, and toilet facilities. The restaurant accepts reservations, with dinner reservations recommended, and offers flexible payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
With a strong 4.40-star rating from 699 reviews, it has earned a reputation for quality, hospitality, and a consistently enjoyable experience. For those looking for a casual, cozy, and historic spot to enjoy good food, great drinks, and an atmosphere full of character, Smith’s Public House stands out as a trusted local favorite.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Smith's Public House
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Fried chicken, hot crispy oil, coleslaw, pickles, house aioli.
Grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion, garlic aioli.
Braised short rib, caramelized onions, italian long hots, provolone, aj jus.
White cheddar & provolone grilled cheese, sourdough bread, tomato bisque. Add bacon and tomato for an additional charge.
Sirloin steak, sautéed peppers & onions, provolone, garlic and Demi aioli
Chicken cutlet thinly sliced, vodka sauce, mozzarella, red pepper flakes.
8 oz angus burger, cremini mushrooms, swiss cheese, garlic aioli.
8 oz angus burger, thick cut peppered bacon, crispy onion straws, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce.
8 oz angus burger, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. Add cheese for an additional charge.
Two four ounce smash patty's, sautéed onions, american cheese, house aioli.
8 oz angus burger, bacon, gorgonzola, caramelized onions, balsamic glaze.
Two 4oz patties, bacon, cherry pepper cheese sauce, pickled red onion
Arugula, red onion, goat cheese, seasonal fruit, candied walnuts, dry cranberries, maple apple vinaigrette, garlic toasted croutons,.
Romaine, Cucumber, Olives, Feta, Red Onion, Lemon, Greek Dressing
Mixed greens, peppers, onions, cucumber, tomato, croutons.
Romaine, grated parmesan, garlic toasted breadcrumbs, croutons.
Vodka sauce, chicken cutlet, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil.
Fresh mozzarella, san marzano tomato, fresh basil.
Garlic oil, mozzarella, mushroom, goat cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs.
Cheese pizza: Classic pizza with rich tomato sauce and a generous layer of melted cheese.
House sauce, pepperoni, ricotta cheese, hot honey drizzle.
Medium sauce, crispy chicken, ranch drizzle, scallions.
16oz seared NY strip, whipped potatoes, asparagus, red wine reduction.
Seared chicken, sun-dried tomato, arugula, parmesan, lemon cream sauce, house-made fettuccine.
Wild boar ragu, rigatoni, fresh parm
Rigatoni, calabrian chili peppers, tomato cream sauce, parmesan.
Beer battered haddock, French fries, choice of cocktail or tartar sauce.
Hand breaded chicken parmesan. Choice of marinara or vodka sauce, side of fettuccine.
Bourbon glazed, whipped sweet potatoes, crispy brussels sprouts.
Chicken cutlet, whipped potatoes, dressed arugula, pan sauce.
Lemon breadcrumb, asparagus, risotto.
Spinach, artichoke, mozzarella cheese, peppers, toasted crostini.
10 wings, choice of medium, hot, sweet chili, lemon pepper sauce, BBQ, hot crispy oil, hot honey, garlic parmesan, honey mustard.
10 wings, choice of medium, hot, sweet chili, lemon pepper sauce, BBQ, hot crispy oil, hot honey, garlic parmesan, honey mustard.
2 5oz House Made Crab Cakes
House-made mozzarella logs-choice of marinara or melba sauce.
Rigatoni pasta, spicy marinara, mozzarella cheese, and herbs wrapped in a crispy egg roll wrapper.
Short rib, pickled onions, coleslaw, cherry peppers, house aioli.
Served with house chips
Crispy brussels sprouts, hot honey, pancetta, honey sriracha chili aioli.
Stuffed with cheese and potato, chive crema.
Pesto, vodka sauce , marinara, grated parmesan.
Fried Gnocchi with Whipped Ricotta , Vodka Sauce, Parmesan and Basil
Hear from our valued guests
We called ahead to see if a reservation would be needed. We were advised that only parties of 6 or more are requested to make a reservation. We we're told there were tables for 2 available at that time (approx 6pm Tuesday night). Upon our arrival there were two tables open, however they were right next to the door and it was very cold out. We chose to wait for a table in the back of the restaurant. We sat at a small wait table near the bar and had a drink (Disaronno on the rocks $11 ea.) while we waited. After approx 40 minutes we were escorted to our table in the fireplace dining room (a beautiful cozy room with a large fireplace). We ordered Pierogis for an appetizer (forgot to get $), and the Buratta Pancetta Pizza $17. Everything was very tasty and the seating was worth the wait. This is the second time we've been here and have been happy both times! Thank you to the bar and wait staff for a very nice dinner!
I have to say I did have a good meal at Smith’s Public House. I had 10 person party and they unfortunately were not able to serve us the very fast, so they did give us a discount on our bill to make up for the service. I was very impressed with this gesture and I will definitely come back! The food was very good and I loved the old English bar vibe.
I really love this place. The atmosphere, is awesome, from the incredibly long wooden bar, the vintage enclosed wood coolers etc all make this place special. Service was very good.
So today I stoped by Smiths Public House in Cohoes. Shout out to whoever suggested this place! These Mozerella sticks were so good. Perfectly crispy texture, they were maybe fried a little too hard, but nothing to complain about. beautifully seasoned and a really nice cheese pull. Score Taste: 9/10 Texture: 9//10 Cheese pull: 9/10 Total 27/30 All in all really good. Melba sauce was awesome
Best Gluten Free burger bun I’ve had yet! Highly recommend. They also said they have Gluten Free Pizza dough too. I’m trying that next time.
We walked in as a party of four. Our server Jordan explained the specials and beers on tap. The Appetizers of Wings and Fried Cheese was great! We had Burgers and Pasta with Chicken. Food and Service was Outstanding and will definitely be back.
I'm so happy this place was reopened! The Bartenders were so awesome! I love the vibe of the entire place, the historic building is so cool. Everything was great - they had espresso martinis on tap and they tasted perfect. The mozzarella logs appetizer were amazinggg and the french onion soup, burger and pizzas were great too. Definitely recommend!
I went up to Cohoes music Hall last night. We're looking for a place to eat so we wind up at Smith's public House. What a wonderful place to go with friends. Food was great. The service was awesome and The beer was good. Little warm but it was okay. That was my first time ever being there. If you're in the Cohoes area you should stop by. I'm pretty sure that you enjoy yourself. Definitely will go back again
Every dish was put together and executed exceptionally well! From a simple yet elegant charchuterie board to the wild boar ragu, to the best French onion soup that I have ever had in my life, and some very unique yet phenomenal desserts, the entire menu is priced right and absolutely out of this world. Our server Jordan was friendly and attentive, and the head chef himself Ben came out to thank us for our patronage and to ensure our satisfaction with the dishes. Will definitely be returning here, and I highly recommend Smith’s to anyone looking for a wonderful atmosphere in which to enjoy an even better meal!
Excellent meal at the tavern. Started with chicken wings, medium hot, and they were crispy and the blue cheese dip was great. The espresso martini (with Baileys) was desert worthy. Then the two entrees, short rip melt and boar ragu. Both excellent, with the ragu as good as the best bolognese I've had (they are different, yes, but cousins). Beautiful fireplace setting with tin ceiling. Service was attentive. Will come back.
Common questions about Smith's Public House
Smith's Public House is located at 171 Remsen St, Cohoes, NY 12047, NY 12047, United States.
You can reach Smith's Public House by calling +1 518-203-6911.
Smith's Public House has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 699 customer reviews.
Smith's Public House features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Smith's Public House features the following service options: On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in.
Smith's Public House features the following highlights: Fast service, Fireplace, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great wine list, Live music, Serves local specialty, Sport.
Smith's Public House features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
Smith's Public House features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Happy-hour drinks, Private dining room, Small plates, Spirits, Wine.
Smith's Public House features the following dining options: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
Smith's Public House features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom.
Smith's Public House features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Historic.
Smith's Public House features the following crowd: Groups, Tourists.
Smith's Public House features the following planning: Dinner reservations recommended, Accepts reservations.
Smith's Public House features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
Smith's Public House features the following children: High chairs, Kids' menu.
Smith's Public House features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Plenty of parking.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
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