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Blue Ribbon Brasserie
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Blue Ribbon Brasserie
8.8
Bruce and Eric Bromberg’s Blue Ribbon Brasserie has anchored SoHo’s late-night dining scene since 1992, pairing a deep raw bar and bone marrow with what many consider some of the city’s definitive fried chicken. High multi-platform ratings and thousands of reviews over three decades support its status as a reliable go-to for chefs, industry regulars, and night-owl diners alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Collard Greens, Beef Marrow with Oxtail Marmalade, Seafood Plateau with Oysters & Shellfish
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Iconic late-night SoHo brasserie for fried chicken, marrow, and a serious raw bar.
Who should go: Night owls, industry folks, and classic brasserie obsessives.
When to visit: Late evenings into the early hours for full energy.
What to order: Fried chicken, bone marrow with oxtail marmalade, seafood plateau.
Insider tip: Solo diners can often snag a late walk-in spot at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoHo, especially late at night; nearby paid garages on Thompson and Prince are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy given the late-night scene.
Noise level: Moderate to loud depending on hour; bar area can get rowdy, but table conversation is still manageable.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes for walk-ins, especially after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — the brasserie is dinner-and-late-night focused, with minimal daytime service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including salads, vegetable starters, and pasta dishes, though the menu skews seafood and meat-heavy.
Vegan options: Limited; a few vegetable sides and salads can be adapted, but offerings are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Multiple dishes can be prepared gluten-free, particularly raw bar items and proteins; fried chicken is not GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the low lighting, late-night buzz, and indulgent menu make it a memorable choice, especially for adventurous eaters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially late-night; the bar is your best bet for quicker seating, but peak hours may still require a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the late hours, tighter space, and adult-leaning menu make it better suited to adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Deep late-night dining, raw bar variety, and signature fried chicken that outshines most brasserie competitors nearby.
Skip if: You want a quiet room, vegan-leaning menus, or fast in-and-out dining — the vibe here is energetic and indulgent.
Blue Ribbon Brasserie
8.4
Blue Ribbon Brasserie is a long-running SoHo late-night institution where towering seafood platters share the menu with bone marrow and famous fried chicken. Chefs, industry folks, and night owls come for the raw bar, classic bistro plates, and service that keeps the room lively well past midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Plateau, Beef Marrow & Oxtail Marmalade, Fried Chicken with Honey
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Iconic late-night brasserie where raw bar towers meet famed fried chicken.
Who should go: Night owls wanting serious food after normal hours.
When to visit: Late evenings into early morning for full scene.
What to order: Seafood plateau, marrow with oxtail marmalade, fried chicken.
Insider tip: If you’re sharing a seafood tower, add the marrow and fried chicken to cover both signatures in one visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoHo, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Thompson and Prince are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean polished downtown (button-downs, dresses, leather jackets).
Noise level: Loud during peak late-night hours; conversation is possible but not quiet—expect lively brasserie energy.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes for walk-ins, especially after 9pm; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this location is primarily a dinner and late-night destination with no lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options including salads, vegetable starters, and some pastas; not the focus but workable.
Vegan options: Limited—raw bar and brasserie classics dominate; vegans may find only 1–2 suitable small plates.
Gluten-free options: Good raw bar and seafood selections make gluten-free dining relatively easy; fried items and signature chicken are not GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a lively, late-night downtown setting. The room has energy and intimacy but is not quiet, so ideal for confident, fun first dates rather than subdued ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—especially late at night. Walk-ins are common, but expect a wait during prime dinner hours. The bar is a strong backup option.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The late-night hours, noise level, and menu skew toward adults; older teens comfortable with seafood and brasserie dishes may be fine, but it's not suited for young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dining with serious food quality—few competitors match the combination of raw bar depth, fried chicken, and industry crowd atmosphere after midnight.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, vegan-focused options, or a budget-friendly dinner; choose alternatives if you need early seating or a kid-oriented environment.