Seemor
Blue Ribbon BrasserieAMust Try
97 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012
· American restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (973 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Classic SoHo brasserie with standout fried chicken, raw bar, and late-night service; excellent food and energy, premium prices, and occasionally uneven service.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Blue Ribbon Brasserie exemplifies grade A standards through exceptional food quality—legendary fried chicken, pristine raw bar, and confident elevated brasserie cooking—paired with strong service attentiveness and iconic late-night destination appeal. Consistency shows occasional variation and tight quarters limit comfort, preventing a higher grade, but the restaurant ranks among the region's most celebrated dining institutions with decades of loyal patronage.
Restaurant Summary
Behind a velvet curtain the room feels warm and bustling, with that classic New York brasserie hum that somehow stays friendly past midnight. Service swings from polished to a bit hurried when slammed, but when it clicks it feels effortlessly accommodating. As one diner put it, the fried chicken arrived crisp and juicy while the room kept a lively late-night energy. The kitchen leans elevated brasserie with global winks: think oysters and steak frites alongside marrow with oxtail marmalade and a generous Basquez paella. It is not showy for showiness sake—more about excellent ingredients prepared confidently. Ideal for people who love a raw bar tower, crave that signature chicken, or want a solid steak after midnight. Families do fine here. There is no kids menu, but plenty kids will eat: fried chicken with mashed potatoes, a classic burger, ravioli, and sundaes or a banana split. Space can be tight, so strollers are tricky, but older kids and teens who like familiar flavors will be comfortable.
At a Glance
- Legendary fried chicken and strong raw bar
- Kitchen serves late, lively SoHo vibe
- Premium pricing across most categories
- Service can be uneven at peak times
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- late_night_kitchen
- iconic_fried_chicken
- serious_raw_bar
What People Love
- That ultra-crispy, juicy fried chicken
- Fresh, well-shucked oysters and seafood towers
- Rich marrow with savory-sweet oxtail marmalade
- Confident cooking that feels iconic New York
- Accommodating late-night seating
Points of Concern
- Pricing is high for a brasserie; expect $85-115 per person without heavy drinking
- Service inconsistency reported: slow greetings, curt or inattentive servers on busy nights
- Isolated food safety complaints about shellfish; most cite very fresh seafood
- Review patterns show occasional marketing-like language; overall authenticity remains strong
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$85-115 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair oysters ($24 half-dozen) with a lighter main like branzino ($41) to balance richness
- Share the paella ($58) and add a veg side like asparagus ($14) to round it out
- Finish with banana split ($16) or sorbet ($10) for a lighter close
Perfect For
- Late-night dinner after a show or game
- Classic New York date night
- Seafood and oyster cravings
- Group splurge with shared plates and towers
Location Insights
Area: Trendy SoHo block with upscale boutiques and bars; draws locals, industry folks, and visitors late-night.
Safety: Generally safe, well-patrolled, lively foot traffic into late hours.
Nearby: Near SoHo shopping, West Village border, late-night crowd from bars and shows.
Greenwich VillageGreenwich Village is renowned for its bohemian roots and lively dining scene, offering a diverse range of eateries from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The area attracts a mix of creative types, food enthusiasts, and locals who enjoy a neighborhood with a strong community feel and a rich cultural history.
West VillageThe West Village is a charming sub-area within Greenwich Village known for its tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and boutique dining establishments. It offers a more intimate and upscale dining experience, often frequented by those seeking trendy yet cozy restaurants in a picturesque setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–02:00
Tuesday17:00–02:00
Wednesday17:00–02:00
Thursday17:00–02:00
Friday17:00–02:00
Saturday17:00–02:00
Sunday17:00–02:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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