Blue Dog Kitchen Bar

Such good food! Would totally recommend if you are looking for a yummy breakfast or brunch! They have fantastic fresh juices that are cold-​pressed, yum!
I give this space four stars only because it is smaller than I had hoped and a table for two felt more like a table for six with the distance between the two tables on each side of us.

I’ve had this place bookmarked for a while now and finally got the chance to try this place. For a Monday afternoon I was hoping there wouldn’t be a long wait to grab a table but upon arriving at 12, I was told the wait would be 40 minutes. I was already there so my friend and I thought okay fine. A few minutes later the hostess asked if we wanted to sit at the bar and of course we said yes because who likes waiting. The inside of the restaurant is long and narrow with cramped dining space but at the bar we were comfortable since there were hooks under the bar for our jackets and bag. I had the traditional eggs benedict and my friend had the house burger. One perk of sitting at the bar is that you get to chat with the bartender, and he was able to share his experiences working in the food industry. He told us he enjoys working at the bar during brunch hours because the conversations are more detailed and he gets to eavesdrop on everyone; it makes me wonder if he enjoyed our stories that my friend and I were telling each other. With a friendly waitstaff, and delicious food, I’m looking forward to coming back to this establishment to try the other items on the menu.

This place definitely disappointed. We stopped by for brunch after we stopped by the theatre district for Broadway tickets. The staff was super nice and warm but unfortunately the food was subpar and far overpriced — made me regret not finding a corner diner nearby.
The burger was dry and mediocre. Fries seemed like they were out of a freezer bag.
The Florentine Benedict came with overcooked eggs with solid yolks.
Their cheesy jalapeño grits weren’t bad, though not very cheesy.

I used to be active on Unilocal but I havent written a review in more than 4 years. I have actually removed many of my reviews because I thought they were dated given my inactivity. I just left breakfast at Blue Dog Kitchen and felt obliged to write. If zero stars were an option that would be appropriate for the experience I just had. Yes I give them credit for being extraordinarily busy in the midst of a blizzard, yes the hostess was friendly, yes the server was apologetic and nice, yes the circumstances of service are even more difficult in a blizzard but this restaurant was one the of the worst experiences in my 9 years living in NYC. I honestly am upset at myself paying the bill and not just walking out. I am in the hospitality business and this was an embarrassment to anyone in the industry.
When we walked in the place was packed, after about 10 minutes we were seated by the door which was the only place to seat 3. Understandable giving how crowded it was. About 5 minutes later the server comes in and was incredibly friendly and took our order both food and drink. 20+ minutes later coffee is non-​existent. After an inquiry to the status our server apologized and came back with one drink. The latte delivered was cold, in a dirty mug and the 2^nd coffee was no where to be found (apparently they were brewing more). After returning the cold latte, a second was delivered in a equally dirty mug but hot and coffee came. We had to ask for cream a second time. Finally, we asked the hostess who was happy to get us cream. I wont question why we didnt get warm banana bread that is delivered to every table. Couple of hiccups but it was busy and again it was a blizzard. NBD for us.
Food comes about 10 minutes later delivered by a food runner and it was cold. We didnt complain, which was our own fault but we would have never gotten fed if we sent it back. We were already cold sitting by the drafty door and been at the restaurant for 35+ minutes. Our server came one more time and personally apologized for the terrible service. He was busy, overwhemed and it was a rough day. I thought it was a nice touch however we never had any interaction with him again. I think he simply forgot about us. We finished our meals and sat for another 10 minutes. Plates werent cleared, we asked for a check and nothing was delivered. You would think they would want to turn tables and get us out with a line out the door but we basically had to beg for a check. The lovely hostess finally got us our check but we waited another 10 minutes for it to be returned.
We should have walked out. Shame on the management for not helping their servers out more or expediting in the kitchen. We werent offered any compensation and it was honestly a joke. My own fault for paying the bill. I am sympathetic the conditions being a snow storm, deliveries probably not coming, the restaurant being busy etc. I am not sympathetic to the utter lack of service and quality of product this restaurant produced on this snowy day. This service was a complete shit show and I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. The couple behind us waited over an hour for food and 30 minutes for hot water. I am happy to discuss this experience with anyone that wants more info or feedback.
This place needs a lesson in service recovery or it needs to shut down, especially if it cant handle the influx on a busy day.

Let me preface this write-​up by saying I hardly take the time to review a restaurant, or anything else for that matter on the internet. Guess I usually keep my opinions to myself, and sometimes, family and friends.
But after having frequented this restaurant a few times, I just had to share what a gem this place is. The food– ambrosial, and the service– top notch!
To start with, they have organic cold pressed juices, that’s right «cold pressed” — you know the type that retains most of the nutrients, not the stuff you get at Jamba Juice. And in addition to their heavenly taste, you get an instant boost from all the vitamins and antioxidants.
Moving on to food. While most everything I’ve tried is exceptional, the grass fed lamb burger, and the grilled Scottish Salmon are out of this world! Most of their starters/​appetizers are also delectable, though I thought their chips were a bit too salty.
The combination of food that is both healthy and tasty is truly an art. The folks at Blue Dog seem to be masterful at it.
Its proximity to the theatre district also makes this place an excellent choice for dinner before or after a show.

Absolutely worst customer service. Period.
Early Sunday morning after Christmas. 4 patrons in the entire restaurant (2 seated and 2 at the bar).
Asked for 3 very small tables to be placed together for 4 adults and a baby.
Clueless Manager (CM): We have to save tables for other parties. We can’t give you 3 tables, but we can give you 2.
Me: Are you the manager?
CM: Yes, I’m the manager.
Me: You can’t spare another table when there is hardly anyone in the establishment?
CM: FINE! Here’s your 3^rd table… (with pouty attitude on the side. ?!)
We sat down. No one brought us menus. Had to flag someone down to bring us menus (?!) and asked for coffee to start. We sat… and sat… and sat… We didn’t even get water. All the while the manager and his incompetent lazy staff sat near the bar just chatting.
I don’t like wasting my time, so we got up and headed for the door.
CM: Where are you going?
Me: Not here. You don’t deserve my time and especially my money. (You have to be audacious and mentally challenged to ask us that question!)
The manager has absolutely no idea how to manage a restaurant. Saving tables in an empty place for potential customers at the expense of actual customers is laughable.
NEXT!

Man. I was so disappointed with this place. It definitely surprised me, but not in a good way.
The ambiance is awesome. Its on the smaller side, with eclectic décor and really nice lighting. They definitely have that going for them. They do have a bar area, about 7 – 9 chairs, but it was packed and not a «I’ll skip the line and eat at the bar» type bar.
We got here about 11am on a Monday. It was slammed busy. They don’t have much of a waiting area, so you’re kind of forced to stand by the really drafty door (with temperatures in the teens) and watch people eat their meal. We decided it was worth the wait and put our names on the empty list, for a table for 2. Estimated wait time was 30 – 35 minutes. A group of 3 walked in after us, and they were seated right away. How in the world does that work? Apparently the corner of a family style table could fit 3, so a party of 3 was favored over a party of 2. I thought that was a little crazy.
We got called to our table and we were so close to the table next to us, we basically had a meal with 2 strangers. They were super cool, so we didn’t mind, but I mean even the server kept acting like we were seated at the table together, and we weren’t. Let me give you an example: We had to switch coffee orders because I got her latte and she got my cappuccino. (And the coffee’s came out after we had gotten our food…) When the food finally came out, which took quite a while, it was lukewarm at best.
Disappointing because I was expecting to have a really great meal with my husband to end our vacation in NYC and that was not the case. I’d say skip it, unless you know its completely empty and they can give you the service you deserve for the prices you pay.

If you’ve never been here before, this place might be hard to find. It’s the definition of a hidden gem! The restaurant itself is extremely small. This isn’t a restaurant I would go to if I had over 2 people. There was a large party of about 30 people in the middle of the restaurant when we got there. We had to wait 5 minutes before we were seated. We were constantly bumping into people but everyone seemed understanding and nice about it. We are all just trying to get some melt in your mouth brunch food! Haha Our service was outstanding. The waitress was very sweet and our food came out very quickly for how busy they were. At the end of our meal, our waitress asked us if we lived in the city and came back with tickets for 2 free drinks at the bar. That doesn’t expire!
Pros: great service, the food was outstanding and incredibly delicious, spacious bathroom
Cons: very small restaurant, loud, crowded
Would I go back again? Yes! Yes! Next time I’m in town, I’m coming back and can’t wait to try more things on their menu
***Tip: the pomegranate tea is to die for!

I took my mom in law and sister out and was excited to read the reviews about this place. Got at the door and the hostess was a real b to us. The place was packed and we understood that…
People were at the door and my party or 4 was trying to get in when she asked us to wait outside in a 36 degree weather. I understand she was busy and all but she was very mean to my mother in law and that is unacceptable. I didn’t get to try the food here and not sure if I ever will.

After waiting in the cold with excitement to try the pumpkin stuffed french toast and the cheesy jalapeño grits, I was crushed. I love grits and first discovered it in the South with hopes NY wouldn’t screw up. I was wrong. How is it so different? It’s kind of hard to explain but if you ever have grits in the South you can tell right away. Another down side is the price of grits here; way overpriced. The pumpkin stuffed french toast tasted like white bread with a pumpkin spread. The water service was slow too.

On a gloomy Sunday afternoon, we decided to have brunch in Midtown West and stumbled upon Blue Dog. By the time we arrived, there was already a line out the door, partially because the restaurant is an extremely tight space. After waiting about 30 minutes, which was what they accurately estimated, we were seated at a small table with barely enough room to flare my elbows out … not that anybody should have their elbows out when eating lol.
Besides the cramped space, there was nothing else negative to say about Blue Dog, maybe other than the dry fries that came with the Blue Dog burger. I ordered the cured salmon platter and loved every bite of it, especially the salmon and the fresh, minimally dressed, yet appetizing salad. I was so glad they didn’t overload my bagel with cream cheese like most places do, because I end up removing 80% of it anyway. We also ordered cappuccinos and loved the froth and bold espresso components.
Service was also very friendly, quick and attentive. Forgot to mention, while we were all waiting outside for a table, we were offered some homemade apple spice soup of some sort to keep warm. Thoughtful no?

Visited this restaurant TWICE during our stay in NYC. First time I had the hue is rancheros (forgot to take a pic :(.) and it was AMAZING! Second
Time I tried the steak and eggs. VERY good! Place is pretty small however they make great use of each and every square ft of the place!

A girlfriend and I were meeting for a quick dinner one night and the restaurant we were originally going to was closed for a private event.
I looked across the street and saw Blue Dog. It wasn’t busy and had great reviews on Unilocal and figured, why not?
The service was really good. The Bartender made great drink recommendations and was super attentive. The food was also very good.
We had:
Fish Crudo which was very good — reminded me a little of pickled herring in cream sauce
Tuna and Salmon sashimi — tasty
Taco Trio — good but tough to share
All in all a really nice dining experience.

Blue Dog was the best brunch I’ve had in awhile ! *claps hands, ok NYC I see you !* if you live in NYC and you haven’t eaten here, what are you waiting for?
I’m shocked this little eatery doesn’t have five stars, although our wait was a little long. We had warm apple cider to keep us going until we were seated at a very small table in an extremely tight seating area, I didn’t count but I would say not more than 35 people could dine at at time? As we waited the waiter gave us a few pieces of pumpkin bread and banana nut bread to munch on, deeeeliiiiccciiious .
I ordered the steak and eggs with potatoes, and the steak had the best flavor I’ve had in awhile. If I come to new York I will definitely come back to try everything else on Blue Dog’s menu.

The morning I went to Blue Dog, I had landed in NYC around 9am and was starving. I opened the Unilocal mobile app in search of a great brunch and a place that was open early. After scanning the photos of this place, I knew it was the right choice.
One important thing to note: it’s tiny. Very tiny. Do not go here if that’s going to bother you… there was a lot of bumping into people and trying to stay out of the way while waiting for a table. In my opinion, that’s the best part about the rush of being in New York City. The host was very kind and had a table ready for us about ten minutes after we got there. We ended up moving over to the bar when two spots opened because the air coming in from the front door was freezing us.
They make a good bloody here! It wasn’t spicy enough and didn’t have a kick at first, but we got some horseradish on the side which made us happy campers. For my meal, I had the eggs benedict with avocado — it was fresh, healthy, and those potatoes on the side didn’t stand a chance.
I can’t imagine this place on the weekends — go during the week for sure. It’s a beautiful little space and I would definitely go back again.

This was our first food stop when we got into New York coming from San Diego. We walked in and we were immediately greeted. The place itself is small and had very little space (definitely not used to that in San Diego as we like to have our own personal bubble). We were seated at the end of a long table, but one of the servers opened up another table at the window which was much more comfortable and had more room.
SERVICE
Our server was friendly and attentive. She checked up on us occasionally to make sure everything was okay. We ordered our food and didn’t have to wait too long.
FOOD
— French toast: I love french toast and I would have to say that this was THE BEST french toast I’ve ever had so far! The texture was perfect.
— NY tap water is definitely better tasting than San Diego tap water. LOL
The kitchen looked small, but that doesn’t necessarily have to mean that the food would be mediocre. Everything was fresh and great tasting! I would absolutely recommend this place. Come by and check them out!

First day in New York and we chose to eat here for brunch because it was nearby where we were staying.
We ordered the steak and eggs, French toast, and crab cake Benedict. Everything was very delicious! Only thing I didn’t like was the steak because it was super chewy and hard to eat. It was sliced in big slices but still very hard to chew.
The space in this place is small so it’s kind of hard to walk around the restaurant. Server was nice. She checked on us every once in awhile. Loved the place! Wished we had something like this in San Diego, CA!

I love the farmhouse vibe that Blue Dog Kitchen has. The food also has that same feeling and the menu offers up your typical breakfast selection. To start, they provide complimentary pumpkin bread and jam and the food came out shortly after. We split the make-​your-​own omelette and the crunchy french toast and they were both delicious.
While the space is cute, it does fill up quickly and can get cramped. People were brushing passed me constantly as they tried to squeeze between tables off to the side and the communal table in the center. It was an uncomfortable dining experience which then made me want to try their delivery.
I ordered a breakfast sandwich and one of their smoothies for delivery and the sandwich came completely soggy. The smoothie was good though, surprisingly. I don’t recommend their delivery and if you decide to venture to Blue Dog Kitchen, try for a less busy time to enjoy your breakfast a little bit more.

Wow on the service. Efficient, friendly, and simply awesome. I was really impressed how each server covered for each other and I give five stars mostly for service and ambience. Nice and cozy while they play jazz and the Seahawks game in the background.
The food we ordered was (honestly) okay. We ordered huevos with chorizo and traditional benedict. I was hoping for crumbled chorizo with sunny side eggs what I got was chorizo cubed that tasted like ham mixed with over done scramble. We saw at another table a burrito of some sort and avocado benedict that looked much tastier. I also ordered a bloody Mary but it didn’t come with shrimp like it mentioned on the menu and a bit too spicy for my taste.
We tipped $ 10 on a $ 44 bill since the service was simply immpecable.

Note: menu on website is not updated, at least not the breakfast options.
Came here for breakfast during a trip to NYC, it was pretty busy on a Thursday 10am but we were seated immediately.
The place is small but the space is well used and decorated in an interesting way.
I ordered the Crunchy French Toast — it comes with carmelized bananas and it was DELICIOUS.
My husband had a Make-​Your-​Own omelette with onions, jalapeños and cheddar, which was also tasty. His friend had Pumpkin French Toast — he really enjoyed it, along with OJ.
My husband and I shared a «Moroccan mint iced tea» which was the only disappointing part of the meal — it tasted like Moroccan mint mixed with ice water, no tea and no sweetener.
2 drinks & 3 mains came to $ 59 after tax.
I’d like to come back on my next trip and try the chocolate chip pancakes :)

Petit brunch New Yorkais des le premier jour. Très bonne découverte! Ambiance cosy avec la grosse table centrale qui fait tout son charme.
Pas de soucis pour les service, le personnel est au petit soin.
Les plats sont maison, pour ma part j’ai pris des pancakes à tomber! Le tout servi avec des fruits et une crème de citron vert Ricotta (Portion américaine donc une assiette pour 2 suffit amplement sauf pour les gros mangeur) accompagné d’un café et un jus de fruits, on a le petit déjeuner parfait!
Petit bémol pour le jus d’orange en bidon… Mais compensé par le cocktail de fruits tout frais mixé! Un régal! Et le tout accompagné de gaufres maison (tailles xxl) et fruits rouges.
Si vous êtes dans le coin, faites une petite halte! Vous né serez pas déçu ;)

Pas franchement TOP… J’étais installée au bar, j’ai pris du pain perdu, pour le prix j’ai pas trouvé que c’était extraordinaire. Mais ce qui m’a le plus surpris, c’est le jus d’orange «frais» qui était enfaite en bouteille du supermarché. Dommage…
Y a beaucoup de monde et le personnel né s’en sort pas trop donc c’est un peu le bordel surtout au bar. Je né conseil pas je suis sur que pour le prix y a mieux comme endroit pour un brunch.