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Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill – The Grove
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill – The Grove
7.9
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill at The Grove combines serious sushi with the brand’s cult-favorite fried chicken and oxtail fried rice in a polished mall-adjacent setting. It functions as both a date-night option and a spot for groups who want rolls, cooked plates, and cocktails under one roof.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue Ribbon Roll, Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken Wings, Oxtail and Bone-Marrow Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Upscale sushi-and-grill hybrid known for fried chicken and rolls.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting sushi plus big shareable cooked dishes.
When to visit: Dinner before or after shopping or movies at The Grove.
What to order: Blue Ribbon Roll, fried chicken wings, oxtail bone-marrow fried rice.
Insider tip: Ask about Social Hour deals if you’re flexible on early-evening timing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: The Grove’s main parking structure offers plentiful parking; first hour is often discounted with validation, but expect $6–$12 for typical visits. Valet is available near the restaurant entrance. Street parking on Fairfax/Beverly is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are acceptable, but most guests lean dressy-casual given the polished setting and date-night crowd.
Noise level: Moderate. The dining room has energy but still allows normal conversation without raising your voice, even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on mall traffic and events at The Grove.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a brief 5–10 minute queue, especially outside peak shopping hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetable rolls, salads, tofu dishes, and cooked vegetable plates. Easy to build a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited but workable. Vegetable rolls, seaweed salad, and select cooked vegetable sides are available; confirm sauces to avoid hidden animal products.
Gluten-free options: Moderate accommodations. Sushi and sashimi work well—request gluten-free tamari and avoid breaded/fried items like the signature wings unless noted safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The upscale setting, approachable menu, and balanced noise level make it a strong first-date choice. It feels polished without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during lunch and early evenings, but dinner—especially on weekends—fills quickly. Walk-ins may face a wait, so reservations are recommended for prime hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy sushi or grilled plates. The atmosphere skews adult and date-night focused, so families with very young children may feel more comfortable during lunch.
Best For
Better for: A broad, all-in-one Japanese experience—quality sushi alongside signature cooked dishes like fried chicken and oxtail fried rice—making it ideal for mixed groups with varied tastes.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional omakase or a purely sushi-focused experience. Several nearby specialty sushi bars offer a more purist approach.
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill – The Grove
7.7
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill at The Grove is a polished izakaya-style room where the cult-favorite fried chicken wings sit alongside sushi, sashimi, and cocktails. It’s less about volume eating and more about sharing a plate of wings with drinks on the patio overlooking the fountains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken Wings, Oxtail Fried Rice, Spicy Tuna Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Upscale Grove outpost where Blue Ribbon’s famous fried chicken wings share space with sushi and cocktails.
Who should go: Groups who want wings with drinks in a polished setting.
When to visit: Golden-hour evenings for patio seating and fountain views.
What to order: Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken Wings, Oxtail Fried Rice, a couple of signature rolls.
Insider tip: Start with wings and a drink at the bar, then move outside if a patio table opens up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Multi-level parking at The Grove with validation; expect $3–$9 depending on duration. Valet available near the main entrance. Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished due to The Grove’s crowd—light layers or dressy tops fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate. Indoor tables have lively energy but remain conversation-friendly; the patio is slightly louder during prime fountain hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; walk-ins are common and easy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable rolls, salads, and several cooked plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of vegetable sides and simple avocado/cucumber rolls.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — many sushi items can be made gluten-free with tamari; fried items (including wings) are NOT gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The polished izakaya-style room, approachable menu, and patio overlooking the fountains create an easy, upscale atmosphere without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually. The bar area and indoor tables turn over steadily, but patio seats fill quickly. Arrive before golden hour if you want the outdoor view.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable but not ideal. Older kids and teens will do fine with sushi and shared plates, but the vibe skews date night and adult groups. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: A polished setting at The Grove where you can pair cult-favorite wings with cocktails and sushi, plus stylish patio seating and strong people-watching.
Skip if: You want high-volume wings, budget-friendly portions, or a quieter, more traditional Japanese spot without mall energy.
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill – The Grove
8.9
Inside The Grove, Blue Ribbon delivers polished, New York–born sushi with a deep roster of maki, from Blue Ribbon’s lobster-and-caviar roll to classic dragon rolls. Locals use it for splurge-y sushi nights where pristine fish, creative rolls, and a lively patio overlooking the fountains justify the check.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue Ribbon Roll (lobster, shiso, black caviar), Dragon Roll (broiled eel, avocado, eel sauce), Baked Crab Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: High-end roll program anchored by the signature Blue Ribbon lobster maki in a upscale Grove setting.
Who should go: Sushi fans wanting a polished, special-occasion roll experience.
When to visit: Evenings for date night, patio views, and full dinner service.
What to order: Blue Ribbon Roll, Dragon Roll, sushi-and-roll combo.
Insider tip: Book an earlier evening patio table to avoid long waits and get the best fountain views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Grove garage parking is plentiful; first hour is free with validation, then hourly rates apply. Valet is available near the fountain entrance.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most diners lean polished—nice jeans, button-downs, and dresses fit right in for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate. Patio seating has lively background noise from the fountain but still allows comfortable conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; walk-ins are often seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including veggie rolls, tofu starters, and vegetable tempura.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly vegetable maki and simple sides. No dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Good support. Many rolls can be made gluten-free upon request, and servers are knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its polished setting, patio views, and refined roll selection make it ideal for a relaxed but special-feeling first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible, but expect a wait during evenings and weekends. Early evenings or later-night seatings improve your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for well-behaved kids, though the vibe skews adult. Highchairs and basic kid-friendly dishes are limited.
Best For
Better for: Creative, high-end rolls in a polished destination setting with fountain-facing patio views.
Skip if: You want a quieter omakase-style experience, more traditional sushi focus, or a budget-friendly roll night.