Blue Ribbon Brasserie

My girlfriend took me last night for my birthday, and it was a *great* experience. We showed up around 6:30 and didn't have to wait at all for a table, which was contrary to the other reviews I read. Menu was great, and though it's definitely a nice place, it was reasonably affordable. Dinner for two - three courses + wine for $125. Pretty good. I definitely recommend this to everyone. great spot.

This restaurant will blow your mind. The food is eclectic and well presented. Every taste is just so well balanced. So far i've been there 5 times, i've had the bone marrow and oxtail marmalade (twice, it was that good), bbq ribs, fried oysters, and a sampling of their oyster bar. Along with that the wine list is lovely. The staff is hard to warm up to, but once they get to know you you're set. Great for a date, if you want to impress. Plus they are open till 4am which rocks for night owls like me. :)

Often turned off by the long waits for a table (they don't take reservation for groups less than 5) we finally decided to go for our first time. The restaurant is much smaller than I imagined. We were told that the wait that night would be 1-1/2 hours but we were seated within 45 minutes. Luckily we had seats at the bar while waiting. I had a bloody Mary which was more like having a gazpacho because it was so chunky, filled with things like fresh horseradish. Good but different. Then, at the table we enjoyed the fried oysters which came a top of creamy spinach on their oyster shells. Then we ordered the bone marrow which was so incredibly good with the marmalade and toast. For dinner the skate was wonderful as well as the stripe bass. I cant explain why, but we had such a good time. I guess good food will do that for you. Only strange thing was that everyone seemed to know it was our first time...weird!

This could be the best restaurant in NYC. I visit the Manhattan and Brooklyn locations at least 1 or 2 times a month. Here you find some of the most diverse oyster and raw bar selection in the City, and no matter how busy the place is (which it usually is,) the seafood arrives very quickly, leaving you with plenty to nosh on, while you consider menu items or just have your drinks. Try one of their whole grilled fish, last time it was a Sea Bass, simply sprinkled with olive oil and lemon; sinfully crispy fried chicken or an always perfect daily steak. I love the bloodies here too, almost a meal in their own right, made with fresh grated horseradish and very thick tomato juice. And, the kitched is open until 4 am!

I had the beef marrow, it was pretty kick ass. The oysters from Nova Scotia were really great too. The staff, Wlliam and Victor at the bar were great. Pros: Great food, Great service, Late hours. Cons: I can't afford to eat everything I want too, oh and drunk people are sometimes annoying.

We will keep going back. On busy nights it will take a while to be seated sometimes even if you have reservations. But the service & food are wonderful! Been here on plenty of late night dinners.

This is the best restaurant in NYC with one exception... It can take you 2+ hours to sit sometimes on a Friday night and they don't take reservations unless your party is bigger than 5. Yet someway I always end up waiting. Everything I have had is amazing. With the Bone Marrow as an appitizer and the Skate for dinner a better tasting meal is not to be found anywhere!