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Blue Mountain
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Blue Mountain
8.1
Blue Mountain is a sushi, Asian cuisine, and bar-lounge hybrid on 3rd Avenue where roll combos and signature maki share space with cocktails and hot dishes. It’s popular with neighborhood groups who want a relaxed room, strong happy-hour energy, and big boats loaded with nigiri and rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue Mountain boat with signature rolls, 3-roll combo with soup, Chef’s signature roll selection
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.3
What makes it special: Sushi-and-cocktail lounge where roll combos and boats dominate tables.
Who should go: Groups wanting relaxed sushi, drinks, and plenty of rolls.
When to visit: After work or weekend evenings for bar and lounge energy.
What to order: Blue Mountain boat, 3-roll combo, chef’s signature roll.
Insider tip: Share a sushi boat instead of multiple entrées to sample more rolls cheaply.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited on 3rd Avenue; closest option is a paid garage within 1–2 short blocks. Rideshare is the most stress-free move at night.
Dress code: Trendy casual to smart casual—stylish tops and sneakers are fine, but the room leans dressy after dark.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early evening but gets louder as the bar fills up.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado, cucumber, sweet potato rolls, veggie tempura, and several hot vegetable dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—vegetable rolls and select noodle dishes without sauces can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sashimi, nigiri, and gluten-free soy sauce available upon request; tempura is not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want casual energy over candlelit romance. The cocktails and shared roll format give easy conversation starters without heavy formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weeknights before 7pm, usually yes with little wait. On weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive early or snag bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than small kids. There’s no kids menu, but familiar rolls and noodles work well for older children during earlier dining hours.
Best For
Better for: Larger groups, sushi boats, lively cocktail energy, and social dining where sharing and drinks matter as much as the rolls.
Skip if: You want quiet omakase precision, ultra-premium fish sourcing, or an intimate date-night sushi counter experience.
Blue Mountain
7.7
Blue Mountain is a newer sushi and Asian fusion spot in Murray Hill with a casual bar-and-lounge feel that works for relaxed sushi dates. The menu stretches from poke bowls to sashimi platters and hot dishes, so it’s easy for couples to build a shared spread without committing to a formal omakase.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi & sashimi lunch set, Trio-color sashimi platter, Poke bowl with salmon and tuna
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: Casual sushi and Asian plates in a bar-lounge setting.
Who should go: Couples wanting sushi plus cocktails without formality.
When to visit: Early evenings for easier seating and happy-hour feel.
What to order: Sushi and sashimi for two, chirashi, poke bowl.
Insider tip: Combine a sushi platter with a hot entrée to keep the bill reasonable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Murray Hill, especially after 6pm; expect to circle or use nearby garages along 3rd Avenue.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a normal conversation, though music and bar traffic increase later in the evening.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for small parties; quicker if you’re okay with bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options, including veggie rolls, salads, and tofu-based bowls.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; a few vegetable rolls and customizable poke bowls.
Gluten-free options: Some sashimi, poke bowls, and simple rolls can be adapted; ask about sauces and soy substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a relaxed, low-pressure sushi date with cocktails. It’s casual, not overly intimate, which works well for early-stage dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially earlier in the evening. Later hours can fill up, but bar seating is often available.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens who enjoy sushi or bowls. The bar-forward vibe and later-night energy make it less ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Flexible menus, casual date nights, and mixed orders where one person wants sushi and the other wants hot dishes.
Skip if: You want premium fish, a quiet omakase counter, or a more polished special-occasion setting.