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Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya
8.4
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya inside the Sixty LES hotel layers a full sushi bar onto an izakaya menu of fried chicken, skewers, and rich rice dishes. It’s the most versatile option in the area for groups who want serious sushi alongside shareable drinking food and a lively, hotel-bar vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maguro Tataki, Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken Wings, Oxtail & Bone Marrow Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Big-tent Japanese tavern where classic Blue Ribbon sushi meets indulgent izakaya comfort food.
Who should go: Groups seeking sushi, cocktails, and hearty shared plates
When to visit: Weekend evenings for buzzy hotel-bar atmosphere
What to order: Maguro tataki, fried chicken wings, oxtail fried rice
Insider tip: If you’re with a group, ask about pre-fixe menus that bundle sushi and hot dishes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on weekend evenings; nearby paid garages on Ludlow and Essex are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual; guests tend to lean stylish due to the hotel setting, but jeans and a nice top are common.
Noise level: Loud during peak evenings with a vibrant hotel-bar feel; conversation is manageable but not intimate.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; the room is calmer and easier to walk into.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetable maki, tempura, and tofu-based hot dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; vegetable sushi and select sides are available, though not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Many sushi items are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions, but soy sauce and some fried items contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want lively energy and shared plates; less ideal for quiet, intimate conversation due to the louder hotel-bar environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evenings; weekends fill quickly, so walk-ins should expect a wait or bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who enjoy sushi; the atmosphere skews adult and energetic, especially later at night.
Best For
Better for: Best for mixed groups wanting both quality sushi and hearty izakaya dishes in a single spot with an upbeat vibe.
Skip if: Skip if you want a focused, intimate omakase or a quiet meal—dedicated sushi counters and smaller spots nearby are better fits.
Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya
8.7
Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya brings the group’s polished sushi program into a lively Lower East Side hotel space, pairing high-end maki with izakaya snacks, cocktails, and a late-night crowd. It’s where sushi rolls share the table with fried chicken wings, oxtail fried rice, and sake, making it a destination for roll-focused dinners that still feel like a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Niji Seven Color Rainbow Roll, Spicy Lobster Roll, Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A polished hotel izakaya where serious maki meets late-night energy.
Who should go: Sushi fans willing to splurge for scene and quality.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for full buzz or late night for after-hours.
What to order: Niji Rainbow Roll, Spicy Lobster Roll, Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken.
Insider tip: Build a shared lineup of special rolls and izakaya plates instead of ordering solo entrées.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on the LES, especially after 6pm; nearby garages at Ludlow or Essex typically run paid hourly rates.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; polished fits the hotel setting but jeans and a nice top work comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is doable at smaller tables but the room runs energetic.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime evening slots.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is lighter and typically seatable with little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie rolls, salads, and select izakaya plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of vegetable rolls and sides, but most items include seafood or sauces with animal products.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — many sushi items are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and some fried dishes are not; ask for tamari.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim, stylish hotel setting and high-quality sushi make it ideal for a polished first date with a lively backdrop.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — early evenings or late nights offer the best odds; during peak weekend hours expect a substantial wait or bar seating only.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the space skews adult and social, but early evening reservations can work for older kids comfortable with sushi-focused menus.
Best For
Better for: High-end rolls in a scene-forward izakaya setting where quality sushi meets elevated nightlife energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional sushi bar or are seeking strictly gluten-free or vegan-friendly menus.
Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya
8.2
A well‑known Lower East Side sushi and izakaya hybrid dishing out fresh sushi, small Japanese plates, and a broad sake selection — nice for a relaxed, celebratory night out. It combines reliable quality with a lively yet approachable ambience. It remains a locals’ fallback for consistent sushi and friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh nigiri sushi, Japanese fried chicken, Assorted sashimi platter
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Blend of sushi + izakaya plates and a wide sake selection for flexible dinner formats.
Who should go: Friends or couples wanting drinks + sushi in lively setting.
When to visit: Dinner or late evening with low crowd on Mondays–Wednesdays.
What to order: Sashimi platter, nigiri selection, Japanese fried chicken.
Insider tip: Bar seating good for solo or two; walk‑ins often work early in week.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but limited; nearby paid lots $15–$20. Avoid peak evening hours for easiest access.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and neat tops fine, avoid overly casual gym wear.
Noise level: Moderate - lively but not overwhelming; conversation possible without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation; reservations recommended for 7pm+
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, early arrivals especially easy to get seated
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - small plates like edamame, cucumber rolls, vegetable tempura available
Vegan options: Limited - a few rolls and vegetable dishes, ask staff to confirm soy sauce and broth ingredients
Gluten-free options: Yes - select sashimi, nigiri, and rice-based dishes; inform staff to avoid soy sauce with gluten
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the lively yet intimate atmosphere, shareable plates, and approachable menu make it relaxed and conversational for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early in the week or before 6:30pm, but weekends are crowded—reservations strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children due to dim lighting and lively bar vibe; better suited for older kids or teenagers familiar with sushi.
Best For
Better for: Lively date nights or small groups wanting both sushi and Japanese small plates with drinks; more approachable and casual than formal omakase spots.
Skip if: Seeking quiet, high-end omakase or purely vegetarian/vegan Japanese cuisine; nearby traditional sushi bars may offer a more focused experience.