February 14, 2025 · Culinary Journalist
Mr. Smith started a coffee roasting business in the building on Poelestraat in the city at the end of the 19th century. As a tribute, the current owners decided to name their street food restaurant after him. It eventually became Mr. Smith’s Loft. In this monumental warehouse, which is decorated in a charming and, above all, very colorful style, you can settle down in a cozy daybed. In a short time, Mr. Smith has proven itself to be a cool spot where you can not only enjoy delicious food but also the atmosphere and the unique cocktails.
Upon entering, the interior immediately catches your eye. It has a cozy, living-room-like vibe that appeals to many people. "Eighty percent of our clientele is female," says owner Mark Huizing. "I think that is also due to the interior and the cocktails." The establishment has a modern look, with an intimate and cozy atmosphere. The ideal spot for a relaxed lunch or an evening of drinks.
The menu offers a mix of classic comfort food and dishes with a twist. ‘Take the Afghan rice, for example, a dish you won’t easily find on other menus, but which really makes an impression,’ says Huizing. ‘Once guests have eaten it, they just keep ordering it. That rice is simply always good.’ In addition to the rice, loaded fries are on the menu. These are fries with a rich cheese sauce and an extra bite. The truffle fries are another example. ‘You see them everywhere these days, but we already had them on the menu five years ago,’ Huizing proudly explains.
And then there’s the Philly Cheeseburger. A burger on a black bun, topped with spicy Doritos and cheese sauce. ‘Once you’ve eaten that, you do think: this is a greasy burger,’ he adds with a laugh. ‘But dishes like this ensure that when you Mr. Smith’s Loft not just eats anything, but something truly special.’
At Mr. Smith’s Loft, it’s not just about the food, but also about the drinks. The cocktails are an important part of the experience and are made entirely fresh, without premixes. ‘We wanted to create fresher and more authentic cocktails,’ says Huizing. One of the most popular cocktails is the Spicy Gin Basil Smash, a spicy variation on the classic cocktail. ‘The guests are really big fans of it,’ he says.
Although the founders themselves are not vegans, there is plenty of attention paid to plant-based guests, Huizing explains. ‘We have really good vegan dishes on the menu, so no one needs to worry about that. Whether you eat vegan or not, there is something for everyone at Mr. Smith’s Loft. And that is also the strength of this concept: it is accessible to everyone. You can pop in quickly for lunch or stay for the whole evening.’ The combination of worldly dishes to share, a relaxed atmosphere, and fine drinks makes it the perfect place for any occasion.’
For more information, see Mr. Smith’s
