Blue Seafood Bar and Eatery

- 856 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Introduction / Overview

Nestled in the bustling and vibrant neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen, Blue Seafood Bar and Eatery stands out as a true culinary gem. While New York City is home to countless restaurants, finding a spot that combines fresh, high-quality seafood with an intimate, welcoming atmosphere can be a challenge. Blue Seafood Bar and Eatery masterfully achieves this, offering a refined yet approachable dining experience. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by an oceanic-themed decor and a cozy ambiance that makes you feel a world away from the city's hustle and bustle.

This restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it is a destination for those who appreciate fine dining and a commitment to fresh ingredients. The menu is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and Italian influences, focusing heavily on seafood but also providing a diverse array of options for all palates. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or simply looking for a new and exciting dining spot, Blue Seafood Bar offers something for everyone. The staff's friendly and attentive service is a common theme in customer reviews, with many patrons returning specifically for the wonderful experience provided by team members like Mihaela, a highly-praised waiter who is known for her kindness, humor, and excellent recommendations.

The menu is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to variety and quality. Beyond the extensive seafood and raw bar selections, you can find brick-oven pizzas, classic pasta dishes, and even non-seafood options like lamb chops and steak. This broad appeal makes it an ideal spot for a group dinner where everyone can find something they love. It's a place that has cultivated a loyal following of locals and a steady stream of tourists who discover its charm and exceptional food.

Location and Accessibility

Blue Seafood Bar and Eatery is conveniently located at 856 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA. Situated in the heart of Hell's Kitchen, the restaurant is a short walk from Broadway theaters, Times Square, and Columbus Circle, making it an excellent choice for a pre-theater dinner or a post-show meal. The location is easily accessible from multiple subway lines, including the A, C, E, N, R, W, B, D, F, M, and 1 lines, which all have stops within walking distance. This central Manhattan location is well-served by public transportation and is in a highly walkable area.

For those who prefer to drive, street parking in this neighborhood can be challenging, as is typical for most of Manhattan. However, there are numerous parking garages nearby, offering a convenient alternative. The restaurant's intimate setting, which some have described as having a small seating area, is part of its charm. Despite the limited space, the layout is designed to not feel overcrowded, allowing for a comfortable and cozy dining experience. The restaurant is also noted for being wheelchair-accessible.

Services Offered

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy a full-service dining experience in a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Reservations are accepted and recommended, especially during peak hours.

• Takeaway and Delivery: The restaurant offers takeaway and delivery services, making it easy to enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your own home.

• Catering and Events: Blue Seafood Bar and Eatery provides catering services and is available for private events, offering customized menus to fit a variety of needs and budgets.

• Happy Hour: A daily happy hour is available with special deals on oysters, clams, and drinks, perfect for a post-work outing or a casual meet-up.

• Brunch: In addition to lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers a weekend brunch menu with unique dishes like Lobster Eggs Benedict and a selection of seafood-centric entrées.

Features / Highlights

• Outstanding Seafood and Raw Bar: The restaurant's main highlight is its exceptionally fresh seafood. The raw bar selection, including both East and West Coast oysters, is a major draw. The seafood platters and ceviche are also highly praised by patrons.

• Diverse Menu: Beyond seafood, the menu features a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including brick-oven pizzas, homemade pastas like Garganelli with lobster bisque, and non-seafood mains like steak and lamb chops.

• Personalized Service: The staff, particularly those like the popular waiter Mihaela, are consistently commended for their kindness, attentiveness, and knowledge of the menu, enhancing the overall dining experience.

• Cozy and Intimate Ambiance: The restaurant's small size and warm, nautical decor create a comfortable and romantic setting, making it a popular choice for date nights and special occasions.

• Well-Curated Drinks Menu: The bar offers a selection of fine craft cocktails, artisanal beers on tap, and a boutique list of Mediterranean wines that pair perfectly with the menu.

Contact Information

Address: 856 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA

Phone: (212) 757-7511

What is worth choosing

For those visiting Blue Seafood Bar and Eatery for the first time, a few menu items consistently receive rave reviews from regular customers and are definitely worth choosing. The seafood dishes are the main event, and the **ceviche** and **risotto** are frequently mentioned as standout choices. The ceviche is noted for being fresh and flavorful, while the risotto is described as amazing. The **Mixed Grilled Seafood** platter for two or more is a great way to sample a variety of the restaurant’s best offerings, including scallops, shrimp, branzino, and octopus.

If you are looking for something a bit different, but still want to enjoy the quality of the restaurant's ingredients, consider a few of the non-seafood items that have garnered praise. The **sage ravioli**, mentioned in a customer review, sounds like a delectable vegetarian option. Another highly recommended dish is the **goat cheese and crunchy almonds salad**, which provides a refreshing and flavorful contrast to the rich seafood dishes. The **pan-seared halloumi** topped with honeycomb and orange marmalade is also a popular tapa that is so good, many customers say they would order it every time.

Finally, to start your meal, the **homemade bruschetta trio** or the fresh raw bar selections are excellent choices to share with the table. Customers also frequently highlight the **brick-oven pizzas**, which feature a delicious array of toppings including various seafood options. The desserts, such as the homemade **Tres Leches Flan**, are the perfect way to cap off the meal. Overall, what makes Blue Seafood Bar and Eatery special is its ability to deliver delicious, high-quality food in an intimate setting with exceptional service, making it a memorable dining experience for any New Yorker.

Blue Seafood Bar and Eatery

856 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA