Blue Ribbon
New York, NY 10012-3663
Phone: (212) 274-0404
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Between Prince Street and Spring Street
- Directions:
- C, E at Spring St; N, R, W at Prince St
- Hours:
- Daily 4pm-4am
Editorial Review for Blue Ribbon – by Jean Tang
The Scene
Opposite an exposed-brick wall painted a lurid red hangs a painting of a lobster with a death grip on a fish. If you can stomach the vivid decor, there's little to complain about in this intimate and unpretentious Soho spot teeming with movie-star regulars, off-duty chefs and neighborhood Joes. At the teensy bar, a hip, lively and good-looking crowd chats with bartenders who are not beyond bringing in a television for the World Series.
The Food
This isn't your mama's comfort food: Expect to see foie gras, roast pigeon and beef marrow marmalade on the menu. Start with plump grilled octopus, crispy fried oysters or surprisingly juicy tofu-seaweed salad, rather than too-sweet barbecued ribs. Blush-pink duck breast and crunchy fried chicken--a house specialty--are both great choices. A strawberry sundae or the slightly bitter, very moist chocolate Bruno are both rewarding.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkA staggering list of 250 wines accompanies the comfort food. The medium-bodied 2000 Robert Sinskey pinot noir ($66) and a more budget-friendly Spanish Rotlan I Torra 1999 Reserva ($34). There are also several beers on tap.
Know Before You GoThe famously long wait is the result of the no-reservation policy. With a party of five or more, call a week or two ahead for a table, and you'll be seated as soon as you waltz in.
User Reviews for Blue Ribbon
08/11/2008 Posted by leslies1981
This is such a pretentious place. I just don't get how restaurant management can be so rude. It must come from the top; always does. We went last Friday night, about one AM. No wait, we could see one table open. The manager says, let me see what we have available, walks around the dining room. Meanwhile a party of four comes in, introduces himself to the manager, back slapping commences, etc. and they are given the table that was open. He comes back to us and tells us there's a 30 minute wait. In a restaurant that takes no reservations, this is just rude and snobbish. I'll never go back to Blue Ribbon, or any of its other restaurants
Pros: If you like to be abused by pretentious restaurant workers, its your paradise
06/19/2008 Posted by chelseagirl212
I love this place. I prefer the very small bar area, but don't mind being seated as well. The raw bar is fabulous. The staff are attentive and knowledgable. No, I do not work here and do not always have my way. Just because there are 5 of us crowded in the bar area and no seats are immediately available - no we can not just drink at a table in the dining room. NP. As soon as seats at the bar open up - the area is cleared and the seats are held fro us. In the meantime, we can make ourselves comfortable otherwise. Very reasonable policies, cozy environment. My friends (New Yorkers or Out of Towners) and I always enjoy ourselves. And did I mention that they serve food until 4am - full menu, I believe.
Pros: Ambience, environment, staff, raw bar, kitchen open until 4am
Cons: They are noticably nicer to their regulars than occassional diners...But can you balme them?!
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