Braz Ritz Creole

- 227-02 Linden Blvd, Cambria Heights, NY 11411

Introduction / Overview

Braz Ritz Creole, located in the heart of Cambria Heights, Queens, is a long-standing local restaurant that invites New Yorkers to experience a rich, authentic taste of the Caribbean. The establishment, formerly known as Brasserie Creole and also referenced as Brass Riz & Grill Express, is primarily celebrated for its specialization in classic Haitian cuisine. The restaurant aims to be a vibrant cultural hub where traditional dishes—such as the beloved Du Riz Djon Djon (black rice) and savory Grillot (fried pork)—are served with bold, authentic flavors.

For local users in Queens, Braz Ritz Creole offers a much-needed venue for cultural dining, often complementing the meal with a warm and lively atmosphere that may include live music, particularly on Sundays. The extensive menu appeals to a wide local audience seeking genuine Caribbean and Creole cooking.

However, potential patrons must approach this establishment with a clear understanding of the public feedback. While the "food was good" and the flavors of the Haitian staples are highly praised, the overall "customer service was horrible," as noted in multiple customer reviews. Issues include severe organizational difficulties, especially regarding event bookings where private parties were reportedly mixed with regular restaurant operations, leading to disruptions and security concerns over personal belongings. Diners also recount long, unacceptable waits for basic service like water and general staff attentiveness, with some feeling they received a rude attitude from both staff and management.

In short, Braz Ritz Creole provides a compelling culinary experience, rooted deeply in high-quality Haitian flavors, making it a desirable destination for the food alone. Yet, the reported inconsistencies and issues with service and event management require that local users visit with tempered expectations and, for large parties, proceed with extreme caution and meticulous confirmation of all booking details.

Location and Accessibility

Braz Ritz Creole is situated at a key point in the Cambria Heights neighborhood of Queens, ensuring easy access for the local community and those traveling from nearby areas.

The location on 227-02 Linden Blvd places the restaurant on a major commercial thoroughfare in Southeast Queens. This high-visibility location is highly convenient for vehicular traffic, and its street position makes it easily reachable via local public transportation routes, which frequently service Linden Boulevard and connect it to the wider borough.

The restaurant is known to maintain extensive operating hours, catering to customers throughout the day, from late morning through dinner and into the late evening, making it a reliable choice for flexible dining schedules.

General Operating Hours:

• Days of the week often show service beginning around 9:00 AM or 12:00 PM and extending until 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM, depending on the day, with Friday and Saturday typically featuring the latest closing times.
• The weekend, particularly Sunday, is noted for its potential for live music, making it a prime time for a full experience.

Services Offered

As a Caribbean and Creole specialist, Braz Ritz Creole provides a comprehensive range of dining and event services, establishing itself as a full-service community venue:

• Authentic Haitian Cuisine: Specializing in classic, well-prepared Haitian dishes that are celebrated for their bold, savory tastes, featuring staples like Du Riz Djon Djon and Grillot.
• Full Dining Service: The restaurant provides a sit-down dining area, which is typically described as lively and designed for a social meal.
• Bar Service: A full bar is available, offering a range of beverages to complement the rich flavors of the food.
• Live Music and Entertainment: The venue frequently hosts live music performances, particularly on Sundays, contributing to a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere. The space includes a dance floor and small stage.
• Event Hosting and Catering: The restaurant accepts reservations for private parties and offers catering services, indicating its capacity to handle large group orders for events inside or outside the venue.
• Late-Night Food: With hours extending late, especially on weekends, the restaurant is a strong option for late-night meals.
• Breakfast/Morning Offerings: Some listed hours suggest service beginning as early as 9:00 AM, indicating the availability of morning-time food and quick bites.

Features / Highlights

Braz Ritz Creole is distinguished by several features that appeal directly to the New York desire for high-quality, authentic cultural experiences:

• Exquisite Flavor and Freshness: The most significant highlight is the quality of the food. The cuisine is highly praised for its genuine, savory, and bold Haitian flavors, confirming its status as a top choice for authentic island tastes in Queens.
• Vibrant Cultural Atmosphere: The presence of a dedicated space for live music and a bar creates a festive, engaging environment that goes beyond standard dining, making it a destination for a full social outing.
• Signature Haitian Dishes: The focus on well-prepared classic dishes like Du Riz Djon Djon and the popular steamed fish ensures an authentic menu that satisfies specific cravings for Haitian staples.
• Extensive Service Hours: Operating late into the night, particularly at the end of the week, provides valuable flexibility for local users looking for dinner or a late-night meal and drinks.
• Neighborhood Hub: The venue serves as a core part of the Cambria Heights community, offering a vital space for both daily dining and larger cultural celebrations.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries regarding catering, or details on daily specials and live music schedules, customers can reach Braz Ritz Creole using the following contact information:

Address: 227-02 Linden Blvd, Cambria Heights, NY 11411, USA

Phone: (718) 341-1376

What is worth choosing

For local users in the New York area, selecting Braz Ritz Creole is primarily about accessing exceptional Caribbean and Haitian flavors. Given the consistent and documented issues with customer service and organization, the following recommendations prioritize the food quality while offering caution on the service experience.

The absolute top choice is the Authentic Haitian Cuisine. Customers consistently rate the food as good, with excellent flavor. Specifically, seeking out the Du Riz Djon Djon (black rice) and Grillot (fried pork) is highly recommended, as these are celebrated staples that the kitchen executes well.

For an optimal experience that manages the service risk:

• The best choice for a pleasant atmosphere is to visit on a Sunday for Live Music, as the ambiance and entertainment can compensate for service shortfalls, providing a cultural experience that is worth the potential trade-off.
• Order the Steamed Fish if you prefer a main course that has been previously highlighted as popular and well-prepared by the chef.
• If planning a Private Party, proceed with extreme caution. Based on public feedback, it is critical to get all terms in writing, explicitly confirm the exclusivity of the reserved space, and set firm expectations for staffing and security. For less hassle, a local caterer may offer a more reliable service experience, even if the food is sourced from Braz Ritz Creole's kitchen.
• For a casual visit, temper expectations regarding service speed and attentiveness. Focus entirely on enjoying the bold, authentic flavors that the kitchen is known for, perhaps going for Takeout to entirely circumvent the reported dine-in service issues.

Braz Ritz Creole stands as a classic Queens food destination: excellent food and flavor, but a New York attitude on the service side. Patrons who are prepared for this dichotomy will find the culinary experience deeply rewarding.

Braz Ritz Creole

227-02 Linden Blvd, Cambria Heights, NY 11411, USA