Blue Ribbon Bakery & Cafe
(212) 337-0404
35 Downing St
New York,
NY
10014
40.7292
-74.0042
Neighborhoods: Downtown, West Village
What People Are Saying About Blue Ribbon Bakery & Cafe
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Tucked away on a cute West Village corner, Blue Ribbon Bakery is noisy in a good way. People cram in here at all hours, but somehow it never takes too long to get a table. Wall-to-wall windows and mirrors on the bistro-style top floor make a relatively small space feel bigger. Downstairs, past the large baking furnace, there's a cozy red brick cellar space. Service is slightly harried, but attentive.
The Food
There's a trimmed-down version of the regular Blue Ribbon menu--all manner of sandwiches, and a solid selection of American main courses--but the real attraction is the vast, well-edited range of cheese, fish and vegetable portions (goodies like foie gras terrine aside, the meat selections are disappointingly indistinct). Standouts include cream of tomato soup with just the right rich, smooth texture; delicately seared yellowfin tuna draped across thick cauliflower cream; and plump, plentifully stuffed mushroom ravioli pillows.
User Reviews
mar933
February 27, 2009
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.
read full review
mabstb
July 02, 2008
good restaurants in nyc are always busy. so is the case with blue ribbon bakery. formerly a bodega, it was converted to a bakery which, in addition to making bread, began to serve small plates. the last step of its conversion occurred circa 2003 when the retail component left in favor of a bar. serving several classics, including the BR fried chicken, one of the best parts about the place is its small plates. everything from pickled veggies and olives, to steak tartare and marrow, to caviar and smoked trout. i recommend the small plates for the tables in lieu of the full "meals". try 12 things instead of 2. you wont regret it. ask for the bacon bread - they dont bring it with the regular bread basket...but you want it.
read full review
MartinH
May 10, 2008
What a high quality New York restaurant should be -- casual atmosphere, attentive but not obsequious service, lively but not posturing atmosphere, and excellent food. I say food rather than cuisine because the dishes are straightforward and lack pretension. This is the most thoroughly enjoyable dining experience in New York, suprising perhaps because of the omnipresence of the Blue Ribbon brand. Nothing on the menu has ever disappointed -- worth explicit mention is the fried chicken, french onion soup, lamb, and french toast. And of course the fresh baked bread, which arrives warm from baking rather than reheating. Although you can't go wrong with any of the bread options, the bacon/grilled onion and sesame deserve mention.
read full reviewThe Details on Blue Ribbon Bakery & Cafe
What to Drink:
There's a good selection of wines by the glass, handily sized at small, medium and large to accompany any kind of meal.
Know Before You Go:
This is a fully functioning bakery; you can pop in to the front of the restaurant and choose from an assortment of fresh breads at opening time, or take some home with you after a meal.
When to Go:
A special brunch menu (featuring some cute twists on staples, such as shrimp and bacon hash) is served from 11:30am to 4pm on weekends.
Category:
Traditional American, Restaurants
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Late Night Dining, Brunch, Lunch Spot
General Info:
Cuisine:
Eclectic & International, New American, Traditional American
