ZipPicks Awards
Best American in Soho
Best Seafood in Soho
Master Critic Review
Blue Ribbon Brasserie
8.8
Bruce and Eric Bromberg’s Blue Ribbon Brasserie has anchored SoHo’s late-night dining scene since 1992, pairing a deep raw bar and bone marrow with what many consider some of the city’s definitive fried chicken. High multi-platform ratings and thousands of reviews over three decades support its status as a reliable go-to for chefs, industry regulars, and night-owl diners alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Collard Greens, Beef Marrow with Oxtail Marmalade, Seafood Plateau with Oysters & Shellfish
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Iconic late-night SoHo brasserie for fried chicken, marrow, and a serious raw bar.
Who should go: Night owls, industry folks, and classic brasserie obsessives.
When to visit: Late evenings into the early hours for full energy.
What to order: Fried chicken, bone marrow with oxtail marmalade, seafood plateau.
Insider tip: Solo diners can often snag a late walk-in spot at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoHo, especially late at night; nearby paid garages on Thompson and Prince are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy given the late-night scene.
Noise level: Moderate to loud depending on hour; bar area can get rowdy, but table conversation is still manageable.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes for walk-ins, especially after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — the brasserie is dinner-and-late-night focused, with minimal daytime service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including salads, vegetable starters, and pasta dishes, though the menu skews seafood and meat-heavy.
Vegan options: Limited; a few vegetable sides and salads can be adapted, but offerings are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Multiple dishes can be prepared gluten-free, particularly raw bar items and proteins; fried chicken is not GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the low lighting, late-night buzz, and indulgent menu make it a memorable choice, especially for adventurous eaters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially late-night; the bar is your best bet for quicker seating, but peak hours may still require a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the late hours, tighter space, and adult-leaning menu make it better suited to adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Deep late-night dining, raw bar variety, and signature fried chicken that outshines most brasserie competitors nearby.
Skip if: You want a quiet room, vegan-leaning menus, or fast in-and-out dining — the vibe here is energetic and indulgent.