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Bubby’s
Master Critic Reviews (11 Lists)
Bubby’s
8.2
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
A polished, hotel-adjacent New American room that works best when you treat it like a composed, coursed dinner—one standout entrée, one bright starter, and a glass that fits the mood. It’s a strong choice for a clean, modern meal when you want comfort without heaviness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal roast or fish entrée, House burger, Seasonal dessert
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A modern New American dining room built for smooth, reliable pacing.
Who should go: Date nights, client meals, and polished dinner plans
When to visit: Weekday lunch or an early dinner reservation
What to order: One seasonal starter, one entrée, one dessert to share
Insider tip: Ask what’s best that day—seasonal dishes shift often.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; nearby paid garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine if styled well; many guests lean polished.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but controlled, easy to hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute hold
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several starters and at least one seasonal vegetarian entrée.
Vegan options: Limited — typically one option or a modifiable dish; best to flag when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Yes — multiple naturally gluten-free dishes and flexible substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room feels polished but relaxed, the noise level supports conversation, and the menu is approachable without feeling basic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at lunch or early dinner, but evenings fill quickly; reservations are strongly recommended for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids. The vibe skews adult and business-focused, with no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, well-paced New American meals that feel polished without being heavy or experimental.
Skip if: You want a loud, high-energy scene or ultra-adventurous tasting-menu cooking — other downtown spots will deliver more spectacle.
Bubby’s
8.3
A Tribeca comfort-food institution that does the classic American playbook well, including a straightforward burger that works best when you keep it traditional. It’s reliable for groups and mixed cravings, with a steady neighborhood rhythm that rewards repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic burger, Fried chicken, Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: An old-guard Tribeca spot where classics stay consistently satisfying.
Who should go: Groups with mixed cravings
When to visit: Weekday lunch for easier pacing
What to order: Burger; fries; one comfort side
Insider tip: Keep the burger classic—skip fussy add-ons and let it eat clean.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; several paid garages nearby make driving workable but not ideal.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans, sweaters, and sneakers are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak brunch and dinner hours but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days; occasional short wait during noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian-friendly comfort dishes and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — a few adaptable options, but not a fully vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly dishes and accommodations available; ask your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something relaxed and low-pressure. It’s comfortable and welcoming, though more cozy-neighborhood than romantic hotspot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during off-hours, but weekends and peak brunch can mean a wait. Showing up slightly early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. It’s well-suited for families, with a forgiving atmosphere and menu options that work for kids.
Best For
Better for: Reliable comfort food, group-friendly meals, and a welcoming all-ages environment where everyone can find something they like.
Skip if: You’re looking for a trendy burger specialist or a sleek, date-night-driven dining experience.
Bubby’s
8.6
A Tribeca institution where wings show up as a smoky, sauce-lacquered starter that fits the restaurant’s big-comfort-food DNA. Treat it like a sit-down wings night: start with the smoked wings, then pivot to one hearty main while the room keeps its steady, lively neighborhood rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Chicken Wings (bull sauce, blue cheese), Fried Chicken, Blueberry Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A long-running Tribeca staple that does wings with real smoke and sauce.
Who should go: Groups who want wings plus comfort-food mains
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for shorter waits
What to order: Smoked wings, fried chicken, pancakes
Insider tip: Order wings first—then pick one main per person and stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm. Nearby paid garages are the most reliable option in Tribeca.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room skews polished—clean sneakers or casual boots fit better than ultra-casual wear.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but it gets louder during peak brunch and dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak brunch-to-dinner crossover hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several comfort-forward vegetarian options and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few adaptable items, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free-friendly dishes available, but cross-contamination is possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want relaxed but polished. It’s lively and comfortable rather than intimate—better for easy conversation than romantic quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weekdays or off-peak hours, but nights and weekends are tough. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, a welcoming staff, and familiar comfort dishes make it suitable for kids of most ages.
Best For
Better for: Smoked wings paired with full comfort-food mains in a sit-down, neighborhood restaurant setting rather than a bar or sports-focused wing spot.
Skip if: You’re only looking for cheap wings, ultra-spicy sauces, or a late-night bar vibe—this is more about the full dining experience.
Bubby’s
8.4
A Tribeca staple that’s best known for comfort-food plates, but the fries hit when you use them the way regulars do: alongside a burger or as the salty counterweight to something sweet-leaning. It’s busy and high-volume, so the experience improves when you keep the order classic and avoid over-complicating it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burger with fries, Fried chicken with fries, Pancakes (with a side of fries if you’re splitting savory/sweet)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Big Tribeca comfort-food energy with reliably craveable fries.
Who should go: Brunch crews and groups who want classic American plates
When to visit: Weekday brunch or early dinner to dodge peak waits
What to order: Burger and fries, fried chicken, pie
Insider tip: Split fries for the table—then choose one main per person.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is metered and limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans, sneakers, and brunch-ready fits are all standard.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — easy conversation off-peak, energetic and buzzy at brunch.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially Friday–Saturday nights.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days, except peak brunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian-friendly mains and sides, including fries and breakfast plates.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free dishes, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual daytime dates than intimate dinners — it’s lively, comfortable, and low-pressure, but not quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays or early in the day. Brunch and weekend dinners usually mean a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — high chairs, kids menus, and a family-friendly crowd make it easy with children.
Best For
Better for: Reliable comfort food, brunch energy, and classic fries paired with burgers or fried chicken.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal or fries as the main event rather than a supporting player.
Bubby’s
8.3
A Tribeca standby where breakfast is built around comfort and big-portion certainty—pancakes, eggs, biscuits—landing best when you keep it simple and savory-sweet balanced. It’s not a precision brunch temple; it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that keeps the griddle game strong.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bubby's Breakfast, Griddle Special, Fried Chicken & Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A Tribeca breakfast anchor where pancakes and classic plates stay reliable.
Who should go: Groups and comfort-breakfast loyalists
When to visit: Weekday mornings to dodge peak waits
What to order: Griddle special, Bubby’s breakfast, chicken & pancakes
Insider tip: Split one griddle plate and one egg plate—portions run big.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; paid garages nearby are the most reliable option, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, sneakers, and everyday brunch wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy conversation at the table, but the room gets buzzy during peak brunch hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes during peak weekend brunch hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait on weekday mornings; short waits possible closer to noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian-friendly breakfast plates and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—some plant-based sides and modifications, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited—gluten-free options and substitutions available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something casual and low-pressure. It’s friendly and comfortable, though not intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays. On weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, space for strollers, and crowd-pleasing comfort food make it great for families.
Best For
Better for: Big portions, classic American breakfast comfort, and accommodating groups.
Skip if: You’re looking for a refined, quiet brunch or highly inventive cooking—this is about reliability, not novelty.
Bubby’s
8.5
A Tribeca crowd-pleaser that wins on comfort and volume—pancakes, biscuits, eggs—delivered with steady reliability. The best experience comes from balancing one griddle plate with one savory classic and sharing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Griddle pancakes, Biscuits and gravy, Chicken and pancakes
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Big-portion Tribeca brunch built around pancakes and comfort plates.
Who should go: Groups, families, and comfort-breakfast loyalists
When to visit: Weekday mornings to dodge peak waits
What to order: Pancakes, biscuits, chicken and pancakes
Insider tip: Split one griddle plate and one egg plate—portions run big.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and brunch-ready outfits all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy for group conversation, less ideal for quiet, intimate talks.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak brunch hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian-friendly breakfast and brunch plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and modifications possible, but not a full vegan lineup.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options and substitutions available; ask your server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, daytime first meet than a romantic date—the room is busy and portions are generous, which keeps things relaxed but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays or early mornings. On weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive right at opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, space for strollers, and familiar comfort dishes make it a strong choice for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large portions, group-friendly seating, and classic American comfort brunch that satisfies mixed appetites.
Skip if: You want a quiet, design-forward, or chef-driven brunch experience—lighter, more refined rooms nearby may suit better.
Bubby’s
8.3
A Tribeca institution for comfort-forward brunch, where the bagel lane shines most as a classic smoked-salmon order inside a big, busy dining room rhythm. Treat it as a sit-down bagel-and-lox moment with full service—then keep the rest of the order tight so the table stays smooth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked salmon bagel, Eggs Benedict (savory backup plan), James Beard pancakes (shareable add-on)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A high-volume Tribeca brunch classic with a legit smoked-salmon bagel option.
Who should go: Groups and families who want full-service brunch
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid peak waits
What to order: Smoked salmon bagel, pancakes to share, a savory egg plate
Insider tip: Order one anchor main each—share one sweet, skip extra sides.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sneakers are common, no need to dress up.
Noise level: High — lively, bustling room where conversation is easy within your group but not intimate-quiet.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes during peak weekend brunch hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: 10–25 minutes most mornings; often no wait early
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple egg plates, pancakes, and bagel options work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-forward sides and modifications, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area; cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime date than a romantic one — the room is busy and energetic, which takes pressure off but limits intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters — arrive early on weekends or expect a real wait during peak brunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — high chairs, big tables, and a relaxed vibe make it ideal for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Comfort-forward, full-service brunch with classic bagels and smoked salmon in a lively, social setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet cafe-style bagel, a fast grab-and-go stop, or a low-noise, intimate meal.
Bubby’s
8.2
A high-volume Tribeca institution that wins by keeping comfort food simple while paying more attention to sourcing than the category usually does. Best as a brunch or early-day farm-egg-and-pancakes move when you want something familiar that still feels thoughtfully made.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken, James Beard Pancakes, Apple Pie
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Classic American comfort food with unusually thoughtful ingredient sourcing.
Who should go: Brunch crews, families, and comfort-first eaters
When to visit: Weekday mornings to dodge the weekend lines
What to order: Fried chicken, pancakes, slice of pie
Insider tip: Reserve if you can—walk-in lines spike fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and daytime wear are standard.
Noise level: Lively to loud during peak brunch hours; conversation is easy off-peak but can get energetic when full.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during brunch-heavy weekend hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of peak noon hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetarian-friendly breakfast and lunch options.
Vegan options: Limited – a few adaptable dishes but not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pancakes and several naturally gluten-free dishes available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual daytime dates than intimate evenings—the vibe is friendly and upbeat rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters—weekday mornings and early lunches are easiest; weekends often mean a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families are common, high chairs are available, and the menu works well for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Reliable comfort food with better sourcing than most classic American brunch spots, especially for groups.
Skip if: You want a quiet, refined meal or a destination-driven farm-to-table experience—this is more classic and bustling.
Bubby’s
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
A classic Tribeca daytime anchor that’s dependable for business lunches when you want zero drama: fast seating, big portions, and comfort-food hits that satisfy a broad crowd. The move is straightforward—lean into the signatures and keep the meeting moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sourdough Pancakes, Fried Chicken, Biscuits
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A Tribeca institution that delivers reliable daytime comfort at scale.
Who should go: Teams, clients, and daytime meetings
When to visit: Weekday lunch before 1pm
What to order: Pancakes, fried chicken, biscuits
Insider tip: Go early and keep it simple—signatures land fastest.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in Tribeca; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are common, but business casual fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but manageable for work conversations if you speak at a normal volume.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak brunch and weekend midday hours.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes before 1pm; lines move quickly thanks to efficient seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several comfort-forward vegetarian options including salads and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — a few customizable dishes, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; staff can guide you, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance — it’s better suited for daytime, low-pressure meals rather than intimate conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm, especially on weekdays. Arrive before 1pm for the smoothest experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — high chairs, kid-pleasing menu options, and a welcoming daytime crowd make it family-friendly.
Best For
Better for: Fast, reliable business lunches with classic American comfort food and minimal friction.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, upscale lunch setting or a more refined culinary experience.
Bubby’s
8.3
A Tribeca institution for comfort-forward American cooking where the move is classic brunch plates and pies in a lively, always-busy dining room. It’s especially strong for gluten-free diners who still want the full pancake-and-diner experience, not a compromise order.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gluten Free Pancakes, Huevos Rancheros, Key Lime Pie
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Gluten-free pancakes at a high-volume Tribeca brunch institution.
Who should go: Brunch groups with gluten-free needs
When to visit: Weekday mornings to dodge peak waits
What to order: Gluten-free pancakes, huevos rancheros, a slice of pie
Insider tip: Order one savory + one sweet, then split a pie slice.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Tribeca; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and brunch-ready fits are the norm.
Noise level: Lively and energetic; conversation is easy at the table but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes is common during peak brunch hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most weekdays, especially before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetarian-friendly breakfast and lunch options.
Vegan options: Limited – a few adaptable dishes, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Strong – gluten-free pancakes and clearly marked menu items make it one of the better GF brunch spots in the area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime date than something intimate—great energy and food, but the busy room isn’t built for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays, but expect a wait during weekend brunch unless you arrive early or off-peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, flexible seating, and familiar comfort food make it easy for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Classic American brunch with real gluten-free options that don’t feel like an afterthought.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, upscale brunch or a more adventurous menu—this is about comfort and consistency.
Bubby’s
8.8
A high-volume Tribeca standby where comfort-food classics land reliably, from pancakes to fried chicken, in a lively room that actually works for kids. It’s built for mixed-age groups: fast refills, flexible ordering, and a menu with enough range to keep everyone happy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sour cream pancakes, Fried chicken, Slice of pie
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A true all-day Tribeca institution that nails kid-proof comfort food.
Who should go: Families who want brunch or dinner without drama
When to visit: Weekday mornings or early dinner to skip waits
What to order: Pancakes, fried chicken, pie slice to share
Insider tip: Order one sweet, one savory, then split dessert.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly—jeans, sneakers, and comfortable daytime wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Lively and energetic—conversation is easy at the table, but expect background buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially on Saturdays and Sundays
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of peak noon hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian-friendly plates including breakfast items, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable sides and salads can work, but this is not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pancakes and clearly marked options make this workable for GF diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something casual and low-pressure—this is more about comfort and conversation than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters—weekday mornings and early dinners are your best bet; weekends often mean a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, forgiving staff, quick food pacing, and a menu that works for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Reliable comfort food, kid-friendly service, and stress-free group dining compared to trendier Tribeca spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet meal, a polished date-night vibe, or a highly specialized dietary menu.