Blue Ribbon Brasserie

(212) 274-0404

97 Sullivan St (nr. Spring St.)
New York, NY 10012 40.7255 -74.003

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Neighborhoods: SoHo, Downtown

BLUERIBBONRESTAURANTS.COM

Hours:

Daily, 4pm-4am

Price:

$$$

Last updated 10.17.11

Category:

Restaurants, Food & Dining

Payment Methods:

American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Local Favorite, Late Night Dining, Celeb Hangout, People Watching, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List, Bar Scene

General Info:

Open 7 Days

Cuisine:

Eclectic & International, New American, Traditional American

What People Are Saying About Blue Ribbon Brasserie

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

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…

Editor's Tips

What to Drink:
A 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 Go:
The 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.
ambiance
96.14999771118164% positive
  1. It gives you a chance to sit at the small, cozy bar, with your date and suck down raw oysters and well prepared drinks prepared by the overly nice bartender.
  2. It's no wonder, when they provide great food, good service and a fun and lively atmosphere.
  3. The waits are long due to its popularity and lack of reservations, but the bar is fun and the staff friendly.
  4. Very reasonable policies, cozy environment.
  5. the decor and atmosphere creates a comfortable but elegant and distinct environment for dining.
  6. (I have only been to the SoHo location - home of Lorenzo, best oyster shucker in the city)
  7. Not very welcoming on the inside for such a cool looking place in a great location.
  8. Finally, the ambiance is perfect.
  9. This cozy restaurant has perhaps the best lamb chops in the city, and a beef marrow and oxtail marmelade appetizer which is probably one of the richest things I've ever had but truly amazing.
  10. extremly pleasant service, nice atmosphere, cozy decor - loved everything about it!
  11. love how cozy and friendly this restaurant is.
  12. The service was attentive and relaxed, and although a very small restaurant, it felt cozy and intimate.
  13. The atmosphere is great and the shrimp provencal is amazing but they don't take reservations and they're always busy.
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. Great service, outstanding quality food and wine menu, super deserts.
  2. When check came, we then found out deserts were on house for applogy and celebrate my friend's BD.
  3. shared three appetizers, a nice bottle of wine, an entree, a dessert, and an appertif.
drinks
84.09000396728516% positive
  1. stay away from the calamari but, enjoy the raw bar.
  2. went here late night after a a few drinks at my favorite watering spot and was amazed that a place which serves food till 4 can be so damned good.
  3. The raw bar here is simply delicious.
  4. but the bar is good in fact we love just hanging out with the bartenders there so it's really not a 'wait' in the typical sense.
  5. Great meeting place strong drinks.
  6. The striped bass was fantastically prepared, and the wine was reasonable and excellent.
  7. The raw bar is fabulous.
  8. Nothing bad about this place, while you wait try the raw bar or some tastey foreign beers they have on tap.
  9. It gives you a chance to sit at the small, cozy bar, with your date and suck down raw oysters and well prepared drinks prepared by the overly nice bartender.
  10. We brought 5 bottles of good wine with us and paid the corking fee ($
  11. ...as their wine list is extremely overpriced!)
  12. The service was wonderful, the selection of beers impressive (woohoo Chimay!)
  13. James is the favorite at the bar, always accomodating and if you are lucky Kyle will be your server.
  14. The wine list is good, without being over-the-top and the oysters are always superb.
  15. shared three appetizers, a nice bottle of wine, an entree, a dessert, and an appertif.
  16. The dinner/bar tab was pretty high because we had $20 glasses of champange and a $130 bottle of wine but here were plenty other selections of less expensive wine's available.
  17. This was an excellent restaurant choice for a relaxed couple who doesn't mind sitting at the bar for a bit and who enjoys delicious food.
  18. Great service, outstanding quality food and wine menu, super deserts.
  19. They have a great wine list and we opted for a nice bottle of Pingus (spanish wine) to go with our meal.
  20. Time and time again I am duly impressed by this place - great energy, some of the best food in the city, the freshest raw bar, gracious and knowledgeable staff - though the waits can sometimes be a bit longer than you'd normally be willing to endure, you'
  21. Reservations for parties under 5 people isn't allowed but their yummy cocktails and handsome waiters help soothe the pain.
  22. The waits are long due to its popularity and lack of reservations, but the bar is fun and the staff friendly.
food quality
86.3599967956543% positive
  1. It's no wonder, when they provide great food, good service and a fun and lively atmosphere.
  2. service, like blue ribbon sushi, is excellent, attentive, friendly and knowledgeable.
  3. The food was below average, disappointing.
  4. The bone marrow and oxtail marmalade is wonderful, and I have yet to try a dish I didn't like.
  5. food good but not excellent
  6. The food was great and the service was top notch (thanks tall, bald guy!)
  7. great food, great service - a bit cramped but worth it.
  8. The food had great texture and the fish was fabolous and fresh.
  9. The wait can be annoying and the less-than-expert bartender doesn't help, but the food really is excellent.
  10. there are people in jeans/sneakers chatting up a storm with business suits all because thanks to the love of great food.
  11. Their seafood, graciously shucked by Alonso is as fresh as can be with Plateaus of Fresh Crab, East and West Coast Oysters, Clams and Jumbo Shrimp.
  12. The food was brilliant, we had a wonderful waiter!
  13. one would think people would be turned off, but if you like food (my tummy proves it!)
  14. had the chicken breast and it was terrible and the much-touted matzoh ball soup was mediocre at best.
  15. Where else can you get fresh lobster at three in the morning.
  16. The food was amazingly good, and considering the fact that I showed up with a few friends really late at night, I was impressed with their service as well as with the quality of the meal.
  17. would order the fried chicken entree for the greens alone.
  18. My boyfriend doesn't like fondue but he loved theirs!
  19. really loved the food here.
  20. btw the burger was damn good too
  21. the foie gras was good spreaded on the bread.
  22. excellent seafood and great cosmopolitans!
  23. Foie gras terrine w/ challah bread = excellent combination.
  24. went here late night after a a few drinks at my favorite watering spot and was amazed that a place which serves food till 4 can be so damned good.
  25. Very good seafood, nice low-light lounge-type atmoshere, and great service are three reasons I tell my friends to take their girlfriend and/or nice-looking dates here.
  26. The food was really good but not excellent and service could've been better.
  27. The food is really good.
  28. And did I mention that they serve food until 4am - full menu, I believe.
  29. The skate was delicious as well.
  30. Time and time again I am duly impressed by this place - great energy, some of the best food in the city, the freshest raw bar, gracious and knowledgeable staff - though the waits can sometimes be a bit longer than you'd normally be willing to endure, you'
  31. Food is always reliable and good, in our years of going there we've only had one bad dish.
  32. First, the food is amazing.
  33. Best oysters - best service - imaginative and tasty food not cheap at over $60 per head but was still good value.
  34. This cozy restaurant has perhaps the best lamb chops in the city, and a beef marrow and oxtail marmelade appetizer which is probably one of the richest things I've ever had but truly amazing.
  35. i've never been to Blue Ribbon before 12AM and the food and the service is always fantastic.
  36. We started with the fondue appetizer which was really good.
  37. The food is great and the service is friendly.
  38. Nice people, excellent food
  39. The raw bar here is simply delicious.
  40. have never had a bad meal at Blue Ribbon.
  41. The fried chicken dish is expensive but fabulous, and a chance of pace from the usual American fare.
  42. You have to love a place that serves great food and treats you like a king, at 4am when you are drunk.
  43. The meal took forever, and the service was so bad.
  44. Another delicious entree is the paella which is absoulutely delicious!
  45. The food is truly unique and delicious.
  46. We tried as many dishes as we could manage and every dish was excellent with a taste that keeps you coming back for more!
  47. My friend did not like his meat tar tar.
  48. Next time, instead of going to a well-known establishment like this, I'll support a newer restaurant where the owners and staff really care about great food and service.
  49. Reservations for parties under 5 people isn't allowed but their yummy cocktails and handsome waiters help soothe the pain.
  50. maybe we'll come back earlier in the evening when the place isn't packed to the rafters b/c it sounds like the food is incredible.
  51. amazing food!
  52. Such a classy, unique dish!
  53. think the chef favors fruity sauces, but I don't mind and the food tastes great.
  54. Amazing food, and about the best service you will receive in the city.
  55. The food was good for the price, and service was just excellent.
  56. amazing seafood
  57. Come early, make reservations, explore Soho and then come back for a great meal.
  58. Cozy restaurant with great service and yummy food!
  59. Great service, outstanding quality food and wine menu, super deserts.
  60. The atmosphere is great and the shrimp provencal is amazing but they don't take reservations and they're always busy.
  61. The highlights include the bone marrow marmalade on crostini, the fresh oysters and their succulent hanger steak.
  62. They have a great wine list and we opted for a nice bottle of Pingus (spanish wine) to go with our meal.
  63. great big cheeseburger on nice bun with fresh lettuce and tomato and crisp french fries.
  64. The food is incredible and the service is impeccable.
  65. This was an excellent restaurant choice for a relaxed couple who doesn't mind sitting at the bar for a bit and who enjoys delicious food.
  66. The food is awesome along with the service and I have been to many so called great restaurants in the city and Blue Ribbon has that rare combination of good food,great music and good looking people.
menu variety
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. Great service, outstanding quality food and wine menu, super deserts.
  2. The dinner/bar tab was pretty high because we had $20 glasses of champange and a $130 bottle of wine but here were plenty other selections of less expensive wine's available.
  3. And did I mention that they serve food until 4am - full menu, I believe.
  4. The service was wonderful, the selection of beers impressive (woohoo Chimay!)
  5. The staff is excellent and the menu is diverse.
  6. Really interesting menu, but filled with items that would please anyone.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. What a great place!
  2. theres really no need for me to add another review because this is simply the best restaurant for several reasons.
  3. Blue Ribbon is my favorite restaurant in New York City, by leaps and bounds.
  4. After being told by a close friend that this was hands-down her favorite restaurant, I invited two collegues to dinner.
  5. This is my favorite restaurant in Manhatten when i can get in.
  6. have been going since 1993 and this hasd always been my favorite restaurant.
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. maybe we'll come back earlier in the evening when the place isn't packed to the rafters b/c it sounds like the food is incredible.
  2. Come early, make reservations, explore Soho and then come back for a great meal.
service
91.35000228881836% positive
  1. The service here is also great.
  2. The food was great and the service was top notch (thanks tall, bald guy!)
  3. extremly pleasant service, nice atmosphere, cozy decor - loved everything about it!
  4. feel like the staff wasn't attentive enough.
  5. Cozy restaurant with great service and yummy food!
  6. Great service, outstanding quality food and wine menu, super deserts.
  7. Food is great, service is top notch, no attitude, very relaxed.
  8. The food is great and the service is friendly.
  9. i've never been to Blue Ribbon before 12AM and the food and the service is always fantastic.
  10. The food is awesome along with the service and I have been to many so called great restaurants in the city and Blue Ribbon has that rare combination of good food,great music and good looking people.
  11. First of all, when going to trendy places it's hard to find nice staff.
  12. It's no wonder, when they provide great food, good service and a fun and lively atmosphere.
  13. The wait can be annoying and the less-than-expert bartender doesn't help, but the food really is excellent.
  14. just don't get how restaurant management can be so rude.
  15. Popular restaurant usually get very snabby, but blue ribbon still maintaines "friendly and hospitality oriented" atomospher.
  16. The food was brilliant, we had a wonderful waiter!
  17. The waits are long due to its popularity and lack of reservations, but the bar is fun and the staff friendly.
  18. The service is attentive and gracious.
  19. Everything was good and our waiter was really really nice.
  20. Everyone was friendly and nice.
  21. The food is incredible and the service is impeccable.
  22. Nice people, excellent food
  23. The meal took forever, and the service was so bad.
  24. Reservations for parties under 5 people isn't allowed but their yummy cocktails and handsome waiters help soothe the pain.
  25. The staff is very friendly and always gives us impeccable service.
  26. but the bar is good in fact we love just hanging out with the bartenders there so it's really not a 'wait' in the typical sense.
  27. Best oysters - best service - imaginative and tasty food not cheap at over $60 per head but was still good value.
  28. The staff are attentive and knowledgable.
  29. Our waiter was excellent - Great staff and service.
  30. Service was attentive and prompt, however the wait is incredibly long.
  31. The bartender gave us both nice size pours of champagne and we were feeling pretty happy by the time we were ready for dinner.
  32. The service was wonderful, the selection of beers impressive (woohoo Chimay!)
  33. The service was attentive and relaxed, and although a very small restaurant, it felt cozy and intimate.
  34. love how cozy and friendly this restaurant is.
  35. there are people in jeans/sneakers chatting up a storm with business suits all because thanks to the love of great food.
  36. We were taken VERY good care of throughout the night and constantly looked after by the great, knowledgeable staff.
  37. It gives you a chance to sit at the small, cozy bar, with your date and suck down raw oysters and well prepared drinks prepared by the overly nice bartender.
  38. The food was really good but not excellent and service could've been better.
  39. Amazing food, and about the best service you will receive in the city.
  40. one would think people would be turned off, but if you like food (my tummy proves it!)
  41. James is the favorite at the bar, always accomodating and if you are lucky Kyle will be your server.
  42. The food was good for the price, and service was just excellent.
  43. Time and time again I am duly impressed by this place - great energy, some of the best food in the city, the freshest raw bar, gracious and knowledgeable staff - though the waits can sometimes be a bit longer than you'd normally be willing to endure, you'
  44. service, like blue ribbon sushi, is excellent, attentive, friendly and knowledgeable.
  45. great food, great service - a bit cramped but worth it.
  46. Very good seafood, nice low-light lounge-type atmoshere, and great service are three reasons I tell my friends to take their girlfriend and/or nice-looking dates here.
  47. The host was excessively rude.
  48. The staff is excellent and the menu is diverse.
  49. The food was amazingly good, and considering the fact that I showed up with a few friends really late at night, I was impressed with their service as well as with the quality of the meal.
  50. The service was excellent and very friendly.
  51. Next time, instead of going to a well-known establishment like this, I'll support a newer restaurant where the owners and staff really care about great food and service.
  52. Service was amazing, they were considerate, attentive, friendly, prompt, and accurate.
value
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. Best oysters - best service - imaginative and tasty food not cheap at over $60 per head but was still good value.
  2. great food, great service - a bit cramped but worth it.
  3. Wine list is a little spare and overpriced (the Rhones are good value).
  4. The fried chicken dish is expensive but fabulous, and a chance of pace from the usual American fare.
  5. The food was good for the price, and service was just excellent.
  6. The dinner/bar tab was pretty high because we had $20 glasses of champange and a $130 bottle of wine but here were plenty other selections of less expensive wine's available.
  7. ...as their wine list is extremely overpriced!)
  8. Time and time again I am duly impressed by this place - great energy, some of the best food in the city, the freshest raw bar, gracious and knowledgeable staff - though the waits can sometimes be a bit longer than you'd normally be willing to endure, you'
  9. Not a bad restaurant but certainly not worth the money or the hype.
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. ... I had an incredible dinner there not long ago and the both of us were treated like royalty.
  2. Service was attentive and prompt, however the wait is incredibly long.
  3. The waits are long due to its popularity and lack of reservations, but the bar is fun and the staff friendly.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/18/10

Excellent

by macbaum

I've never left this place disappointed! The food is always excellent.

Once we had to wait for the main course quite a bit but I didn't mind waiting -- a beautiful evening and a great company -- yet we appreciated when our waiter brought us delicious shrimp cocktail and chef's apologies as the kitchen was backed up. Once the main courses arrived (duck for me and lamb for my friend) -- they were simply great! We had a wonderful evening!

  • Pros: Great food, ambiance and service
  • Cons: Long wait if you don't have reservations
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/07/10

LOVE BLUE RIBBON

by Austy

I was in NYC to visit family and they really wanted to take us to Blue Ribbon. Now I see why. What a great place! I really loved the food here. Simple yet fantastic food - really unpretentious. Our waiter was excellent - Great staff and service. No wonder chefs love to eat here. I'll go back to BR next trip to NY for sure.

  • Pros: Consistently excellent
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/27/09

Consistently great

by mar933

I've never left this place disappointed. Yesterday, as usual we had an extremely pleasant evening -- good service and excellent food. Their menu selections are exquisite. Duck confit yesterday was great. I love their combinations -- how flavors complement each other. Excellent atmosphere and decor. Looking forward to going back.

  • Pros: Excellent food, choices, combinations, wine list, service
  • Cons: Expensive. Occasionally loud diners
3 Star Rating: Average

11/16/08

food good but not excellent

by eelijjahh

My experience at Blue Ribbon was just okay. Really didn't do much for me. Overrated, perhaps? The food was really good but not excellent and service could've been better. I feel like the staff wasn't attentive enough. We asked for bread two times and we never got it, I just couldn't believe it! I

  • Pros: late night dining
  • Cons: rude staff,
1 Star Rating: Poor

08/11/08

Rude and Pretentious

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

The Details on Blue Ribbon Brasserie

Place Categories:

  • great quality food
  • great extremly pleasant service
  • favorite restaurant
  • love place
  • great knowledgeable staff
  • simply delicious raw bar
  • less expensive wine
  • good fried oysters
  • amazing seafood
  • great big cheeseburger
  • amazing oxtail bone marrow
  • comfortable environment
  • great blue ribbon
  • incredible dinner
  • really nice waiter
  • great atmosphere
  • not excellent food
  • hospitality oriented atomospher
  • all excellent appetizers
  • never bad meal
  • bad fried chicken dish
  • like crowd
  • recommended highly
  • suck raw oysters
  • favorite watering spot
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