Blue Ribbon Blue Ribbon

Blue Ribbon Awards

Late night delights after a wait at this Soho-chic American bistro.
Openings: Dinner nightly

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Blue Ribbon Restaurant Review:


The owners of this small American bistro stuck to their guns when they opened their doors, in 1992, keeping the restaurant open until 4 a.m. each night even if no customers showed up after midnight. Since then, the Blue Ribbon restaurants have become a mini-empire, but there's something special about the original spot. Their persistence paid off and now it is possible to be faced with long waits for a table even at 3 a.m. If you don't want to wait, try to secure a seat at the small bar and dine there. The rich and soothing bone marrow with oxtail and marmalade is a good starter, as is the platter of raw and cooked seafood --- expect Blue Point oysters, cold lobster, crabs and sea urchin in season --- served with a tangy celery-and-lemon mignonette and cocktail sauce. Steak tartare is a satisfying execution of a classic. For mains, crispy sweetbreads arrive with arugula and wild mushrooms. For the less adventurous, roast chicken and New York strip steak are expertly prepared. Still a top dessert is the rich cross between a flourless chocolate cake and chocolate mousse, and the banana split is epic. The basically French and American wine list has grown considerably and has plenty of inviting picks. If there's no room at Blue Ribbon, you may be able to squeeze into Blue Ribbon Sushi next door; however, don't count on it.