Ruby Foo's Times Square

Loved the atmosphere, the service was great. We ordered appetizers and the meal tasted just so so to me. I love to go here and hang out with friends but the food doesn't do it for me.

Pros: prices are OK

Cons: food is just OK to me

Posted 10/21/09

The food and decor are VERY NICE.. But do you want to sit on top of the people next to you while eating? The tables and chairs are WAY TOO CLOSE.. This is not a cafeteria right?
Its very loud,, awful place really.

Pros: good food

Cons: too crowded

Posted 09/10/09

If you picked this restaurant up and placed it anywhere else in the city it would be uber popular with the locals. It has a great ambiance and the food is some of the greatest non-shishi (Nobu, Tao) food I've ever had. Lobster spring rolls are sooo tasty that I save my calories for them. Everything is great, service too. I take my mom here when she visits since I like great food but she likes more normal/touristy stuff. It's highly underestimated.

Pros: Great Food, Nice Ambiance

Cons: Touristy Location

Posted 04/02/09

OK, this is not as bad as some make it out. The food is fine. It's not great, but it is pleasing, not spit-it-out disgusting. Yes, there is better Chinese food to be had in many places. But, Ruby Foo's is a neat restaurant to patronize. We've found the waitstaff to be attentive, even if they are rushing around handling all those customers. We much prefer the uptown location to the TS location, as it doesn't seem to have quite the breakneck, frenetic feel to it, and you don't sit inches from other diners. Still, there are lots of really terrible places to eat in and near TS, and you can still have a good pre-theater meal and a good time at Ruby's.

Pros: Nice place, decent food, Times Square

Cons: that crowded, busy, rushed feeling

Posted 03/17/09

I went to the TS location for lunch on 9/4/08. Let me start by saying that I tend to avoid writing reviews. Imagine how horrible my experience was that I actually felt compelled to take the time to write this?

We shared a bunch of food: Chicken pad thai, chicken lettuce wrap, and some rolls.
1) Food quality: The noodles and wrap were so salty that we had to ask for extra rice / noodles. The rolls were forgettable. It makes you wonder what kind of palate the chef has, if any???
2) Service: Server was completely aloof, no follow up, couldn't even get the right food to the right table, and just to impress us that much more, didn't even pack up the right food;
3) Price: So undeserving.

I've not had this problem at the uptown location. However, this is the 2nd time at the TS location, and both times were terrible. Oh right - at least the first time, the waitress brought me what i ordered. I guess I should be grateful for at least that....
I gave the first time some latitude. Thought perhaps an off day in the kitchen. Now I know that this place has just sunk to sub-standard levels. Save your hard earned funds and go elsewhere. And if you're a tourist, please - don't believe the tour books and all that hype. We don't want u to be jaded by this.

Pros: Nothing

Cons: Everything

Posted 09/03/08

This is an amazing restaurant...don't look at all the bad things the others are writing. The food is very fresh and tasty...much better than Chinatown!!! but make sure you make reservations. I go to eat here every weekend.

Pros: delicious food, a lot of variety, amazing atmosphere

Posted 08/08/08

The food was ok, the hot sauce is what made it better. I was disappointed. I tried the place based off of the reviews I saw here. The lady that served us was incredibly rude the entire time. She even blew her nose at the table as we ordered. That was such a turn off -- ewww. I will not be returning to this place.

Pros: Location

Cons: Service

Posted 07/05/08

Not what they use to be! This was great years ago.But now the quality is sub par and the taste lacks that of oriental.

Posted 06/04/08

This spot is by far one of the best in Times Square. The cocktails are inventive and really yummy. Asian margartia and martinis are fabulous. The seafood dishes were very fresh and tasted great, perfect spice, not too salty or too much sauce.

Posted 04/13/08

We had to wait about 20 minutes to be seated-make a reservation if you can. The night we went there were about 9 reservations for parties of 2 and they got seated pretty quickly.
Waitress was very nice. Seating accomodations are kind of uncomfortable. You sit next to other parties and they have to move the tables to allow you into your seat.
The sushi was okay but portions were kind of small and pricey. We are used to Miami sushi were you get about 8 good size pieces for $15. I had the Tempura Shrimp with Avocado and Mango ($9.50) and it only brought 5 pieces. My husband had the Florida Crunchy Roll ($9.00) which brought about 6 little pieces. We also had the Chicken pineapple fried rice which was truly excellent! They do offer you 3 different dipping sauces for the sushi which are pretty good. Their dessert was excellent-we had Banana rolls with chocolate and caramel sauces-excellent! Overall good experience.

Pros: Excellent Dessert!

Cons: Uncomfortable seating and overpriced sushi.

Posted 02/18/08

This is by far the worst Chinese food or Dim Sum I have ever had and yet the most expensive I have ever paid. Service was okay, but food was not good at all. Mostly are very Americanize Chinese dishes. When the menu is English only, you know you need to go else where for real Chinese food. I won't recommend anyone to this restaurant. My husband didn't like the food either. There you have it--neither a Chinese nor an American like the food--think twice.

Pros: good location--Time Square

Cons: Bad food, pricy.

Posted 01/19/08

Ruby Foo's is considered the higher end eclectic sushi, similar to Sushi Samba. I personally like their sushi and sashimi. The dishes are small for their price but you go to Ruby Foo's if you're looking for good sushi, not the kind in your neighborhood (i.e., Havana Central for Cuban vs. local Cuban spot; China Chalet for Chinese food, etc.) Their sticky rice is really good. It can get crowded at times given its location but just be smart about what time you go.

Pros: Eclectic menu, great ambience (the one uptown is beautiful)

Cons: Expensive

Posted 01/03/08

Surely for tourists and people who don't know authentic Chinese food. An expert can tell just from the menu. If you are in a hurry and must step inside, no problem. But if you are looking for something better than fast food served in a seeminly elegant room, go somewhere else.

Posted 08/19/07

The staff is awesome - sometimes you even get an aspiring actress who inadvertently provides your table with a great couple hours of entertainment

The ambiance is chic and eclectic

The food is great - and there is so much to choose from; no one will go displeased

It can be pricey - with drinks and apps - but it's worth it.

Pros: Food, Staff, Ambiance

Cons: Can be pricey

Posted 08/13/07

This place is so ridiculous. I cannot believe that anyone other than a dumb hokey tourist would eat in this lame theme park -type joint. The prices are obscene and the food is really quite lousy. One is better off taking a trip down to Chinatown. Its not any dirtier than Times Square or anywhere else in Manhattan.
Our notorious rodent population is not discriminating on what part of the city they like to dine !
Save your hard earned cash and venture out to the other boroughs for good NY Chinese fare if you can find it.
This place is a big rip-off and it's really fast-food Chinese in a dark atmosphere with faux-Chinese decor. If you like to be fooled and ripped off this is the place for you !

Pros: NONE

Cons: MANY

Posted 04/14/07

The restaurant was great. The food was a modernized asian and the aura was fabulous. The service was at a good pace. You can watch the chefs doing creative food art that can't be found in other places. The dessert bento is a must have. The food is best if you order a lot of dishes and share. The flavors are great and the appetizers were fabulous. You should plan to make reservations. It is a fun restaurant, even if there are a lot of tourists. Also the bathrooms are clean.

Pros: Ambience, great flavors

Cons: Can get expensive

Posted 03/10/07

This food is geared towards tourists, who do not know what Asian foods truly tastes like. Of course I am not a tourist & being that I've eaten at many Chinatown restaurants before, this place was a poor excuse for Asian dining. The dim sum was overpriced & bland. I have never had such disgusting dumplings before. The entrees were edible. I would never eat here again!

Pros: The place is nice, that's about it

Cons: Food was not good at all

Posted 01/24/07

I went to Ruby Foos last week and had a lovely expeience. The hostess Lea (mentioned in the previous comment ) was very kind to me. I didn't have reservations on a very busy Saturday night and we still managed to only wait a half hour! (What more can you ask for from a restaurant in the heart of Times Square before theatre?!?) My friend and I enjoyed our delicious meal (try the filet stir fry) and loved our very funny waiter, Gorie! Next time I will know to make reservations!

Pros: Great service all around, cute bartenders & excellent food

Cons: Very loud music

Posted 12/18/06

I came here the other night with relatives visiting from London. While the food was great and the service was excellent, not to mention the atmosphere. The hostess at the front, Lee/Lea was very rude. Upon arrival when she had asked me and my guests if we wanted to hang our coats in coat check, I turned to my family to see what they wanted to do only to turn right back around and have her repeat the same question to me but very slowly as if i was too dumb to understand her the first time. Maybe she was having a bad day but it did not give me a great first impression of the restaraunt staff. Luckily, the rest of the staff made up for her behavior.

Posted 12/03/06

This place is amazing!! The decor and ambience is incredible. RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST!! The food was great. A bit pricey, but worth every penny!

Pros: Food, Decor

Cons: Prices

Posted 11/20/06

This is one of those place just just became too popular. At one point it was a lot of fun and food was decent. Last time I went I didn't really enjoy the food all that much and the waiting was terrible.

Posted 11/20/06

i feel cheated by the peking duck. it's NOT at all how peking duck is made... it should be called "crispy duck with some maybe peking duck style condiments". the pancake is not authentic, and the skin of the duck is too dry to be anything close the the real deal.
the rest of the food is fine, but not that outstanding. a little gimmcky i would say.

Pros: good for big party on expense account

Cons: not really authentic chinese

Posted 10/03/06

I had lunch here last week and was disappointed, even though I went in with fairly low expectations. I had the wok-fried tenderloin with spinach and asparagus. The tenderloin appeared to be sirloin, or else it was just the least tender tenderloin I have ever had. The spinach wasn't even wilted, the asparagus was cooked down to mush, and the sauce was overly salty; it may have been just straight soy sauce. I did enjoy the ambiance, and the service was capable if perhaps a bit overly enthusiastic. It may be a fun place for tourists, but I won't be back.

Pros: great space

Cons: below average food for well above average prices

Posted 09/14/06

Ruby Foo's is a tourist trap. It's a place for people who pay a lot for mediocre food, noise and a chance to be with their fellow bridge and tunnel folks. You will pay a lot for the decore, but the food is no better or worse than a lot of other Chinese and Asian fusion places in NY.

For great chinese food nearby, you have Wu Liang Ye and Grand Sichuan just a block away. For asian fusion, there are many places further downtown. For an untrendy rip-off- eat here.

Cons: Bridge and Tunnel, tourists, mediocre good

Posted 07/26/06

I went to Ruby Foo's after work with a group of 6. We were seated promptly as we had reservations, however after that the service was slow. I ordered a Chicken Teriyaki dish and found that the chicken was extremely dry. Sushi wasn't anything spectacular for the price. The dim sum however was very good. If you live in new york city, you'll find better food at small restaurants outside of time square and spend half the amount. If your visiting, you'll enjoy the ambiance and the fact that it's in Time Sq...

Pros: dim sum, ambiance, special drinks on menu

Cons: dry chicken, slow service

Posted 06/28/06

I've always loved Ruby Foo's so when friends visited from out of town, I knew they'd enjoy it. With eye popping decor and a friendly staff, there are plenty of options for those who are picky; there's even vegetarian options. There's thai, chinese, and japanese to pick from and even an extensive drink menu.

Pros: Quick seating, Good for families, Good food

Cons: Loud, Dimly lit

Posted 04/08/06

The atmosphere was great, the food was delicious however the server wasn't very knowledgable when it came to questions. The mango teas were delicious but didn't know I'd have to pay for each refill. Other than that, it was a great night out.

Pros: Atmosphere, Food, Vegetable Wraps

Cons: Knowledge of server

Posted 03/15/06

This place is terrible.. ..server was rude.. Expected similiar food/quality to blue water grille since they charge blue water grille prices.. sushi had no flavor... dumplings also had no flavor.. crab and shrimp rice was decent..

Cons: Expensive, Food terrible

Posted 01/15/06

Three of us arrived for dinner about 5:30 on a week night without reservations. We were told that the wait was about twenty minutes and there would be no problem for our 8:00 pm curtain call. For the next hour and a half we stood in the crowded lobby area of this touristy restaurant listening to all types of explanations of why we were not being seated. In reality (to maximize potential diners) they were still taking phone reservations and reallocating tables of those waiting in the lobby. All we received was an apology as we left to see our show without dinner.

Cons: seating protocol, crowded, reservation system

Posted 01/05/06

I went to Ruby Foos for my birthday and enjoyed our experience there. The only disappointment was the coat check girls who didn't seem to know what a customer is on a realtively non-busy night (for the coat check girls).

The food was great. From the appetizers we ate, the dim sum and other variety of foods, it was impossible to criticize the food. A++

The service was good to excellent along with the attitude.

Make reservations but expect to be delayed 15-20 minutes as the hosting staff was having difficulty seating guests who arrived with a reservation because they probably had a lot of walk ins being so close to Time Square.

Overall, worht every penny.

Pros: atmosphere, food

Cons: coat check, little pricy

Posted 12/30/05

I love this place more and more everytime i go. Great food, great lay out and awesome service. I've always been seated propmtly. If you are in a big group, this place is perfect because it recomends sharing - they have lazy susans on most tables - even families can feel comfortable here. Here you get the zen feel without feeling rigid. The only reason you wouldnt like Ruby Foo's is if you absolutely cant stand Asian Cuisine... If thats not the case, get there quickly so you too and fall in LOVE with RUBY FOO'S!!!!

Pros: Great Food, Good Lay Out, Prompt Service

Cons: NONE

Posted 11/09/05

I've been dragged here before and it's horrible. If you make a reservation, they'll make you wait anyway. If you don't, you're only allowed the table for a short period of time (and they will ask you to leave).

The servers are robots of too much information and everything is so rushed it was making me anxious. It's more of a feeding trough than a dining experience.

The food is underwhelming and overpriced and after the last time I was there, when a manager pulled a server into the back and she reemerged wiping tears off of her face, I don't plan on giving them my business again.

Cons: rushed service, overpriced, tourist trap

Posted 11/03/05

go here.....if you love spring rolls like I do. If you don't go here anyway you are sure to find plenty of things that you will love!

Pros: great service, friendly staff, great food

Cons: none

Posted 10/26/05

This is one of my favorite resturants in the city. Yes; it may be packed with lots of tourists and may be on the pricey side, but the food is great. I have never had a bad dish at Foo's. All the aptz. are great; Lettuce Wraps, Crab and Lobster Spring Rolls, Calamari with peanut thai sauce, Asain glazed ribs, and always edamame with sea salt.
The maki rolls are great, they will even make your own (if they have it, they'll make it), as well as the main dishes, one of my favorites is Kung Pao Chicken with peanuts. Passion Fruit Cosmos are great and the Triple Layer Chocolate Cake is heaven. Me and my girlfriends are always up for dinning at Fooooo's.

Pros: rolls made to order, great dipping sauces

Cons: better with resv., loud

Posted 10/19/05

I have been to both brodaway and times square ruby foos and each time i can not find fault.The decor is great as is the service and the food.
portions are big so do not over order which is easy to do with the choices. leave room for one of their delicious desserts.
I really enjoyed the pineapple rice and mixed dim sum.
We found the service friendly on all occasions and the fact you can see the kitchen is both interested and reliving .it looks spotless.

Pros: decor, food, service

Posted 10/14/05

I went on 10/9/05

I was very disappointed! I heard of this Asian Fusion restaurtant in Time out NY magazine and was excited when I saw Ruby Foo's in Time Sq. Atmosphere is wonderful, decor is very nice, exciting and very crowded. May be crowded from all the tourist. Quick service from waitress and prompt sitting for a Sunday evening. Appetizers were gross and main course was worse. I switched plates with my boyfriend hoping his food was better, it was just as bad!!!! Never again!!!!!!!!!! Drinks were the best thing on the menu, lots of options! I had a passionfruit cosmo, to wash the nasty taste in my mouth the food left. If you are looking for authentic Asian food, go to places that has Asians making the food, not just the sushi! To sum it up, too Americianized for me, I should have just had a burger!

Pros: nice decor, good drinks, large portions

Cons: too crowded, flavorless food, not authentic asian

Posted 10/13/05

my new all-time favorite restaurant!!!! discovered it accidentally this summer although i live in manhattan. never been disappointed with any dish i ordered - sushi & dumplings are delicious. recommend highly to anyone!!!!

Pros: fast service, inexpensive

Cons: crowded, need reservations

Posted 07/26/05

In one word: Overrated. I have been to Ruby Foo's more than 10 times. Why? 1st - I work in Times Square, and we tend to take clients to this convenient location. 2nd - I go there only when my company is paying for the bill. Ruby Foo's is overpriced and overrated as far as food, service and value are concerned. For an overpriced, times square restaurant - go here. Otherwise, save your money - walk down a couple blocks, and find a true gem of a NY Restaurant.

Pros: Great Location, Convenient

Cons: Pricey, Mediocre Food

Posted 05/16/05

while the drinks and the service were great, the food failed to impress. great spot for drinks after or before a show but stay away from the overpriced and bland food.

Pros: drinks, location, service

Cons: bland food, expensive

Posted 05/03/05

Lovely place with beautiful decor and courteous staff. Came here with a small group of friends for a birthday dinner and had a wonderful time. The food was flavorful and beautifully presented. You must try everything! Close to the theater district so it's a perfect place to go before or after you see a show.

Pros: beautiful decor, delicious menu, great service

Cons: none

Posted 04/17/05

Go to Foo's for the signature "Ruby Foo" drink and sit to people watch. We spotted several celebs during our sat night visit. Call ahead for reservations or be prepared to wait.

Posted 11/13/04

the hustle and bustle of this place is amazing. they got it down like clockwork. it's definetly an experience everyone must try at least once. and i LOVE their food. i've been here a number of times and have never been disappointed. do make reservations if you plan to eat pre-theater. and despite all the mediocre reviews, i find the place to be a great value...especially if you mix and match the apps and special maki rolls rather than ordering entrees. the portions are decent and not overwhelming and the pan-asian fusion makes for some very interesting flavor combinations. it's like a party in your mouth! highly recommended.

Pros: super fast service, interesting menu, crazy decor

Cons: , not super romantic

Posted 06/29/04

This place is huge when it comes to Asian restaurants! The decor is tasteful and not tacky or lacking. The metal chopstick holders are ingenious!
Best bet is to order a bunch of appetizers and make a meal of it. The main entrees are pretty boring and a bit bland.
Desserts are great as well as the service! The waitstaff is very humerous and attentive. If the chef would jazz up the main menu with more seasonings and spice, this gem would shine more.

Pros: Awesome decor, great dim sum, great service

Posted 06/27/04

like many other curious weekenders, we decided to give ruby foo's a shot a few weeks back...despite a reservation there was still a half hour wait to be seated by the seemingly disinterested hostess...once seated things improved however...the sushi was quite good, and the kung pao is by far the best ive ever had...expensive, but hey what isn't in new york...if you havent been, try it once, definately an experience.

Pros: ambiance, good food, location

Cons: , callous staff, expensive

Posted 04/07/04

This Ruby Foo's location may offer the same menu, but the atmosphere does not compare to uptown location. At peak times, the restaurant is overcrowded and tables are uncomfortably close. If you are here as a pre-show meal, hop in a cab and take the extra 10 minutes to go to the uptown location. You won't be dissapointed.

Pros: menu

Cons: close tables, loud

Posted 11/06/03

The restaurant was too bad in terms of decor, though I have seen better. My dishes were great though, especially the dessert list. For the pride its worth it.

Posted 08/30/03

While most fine dining establishments don't have huge portions Ruby's does. The service can get slow during prime time, but overall I was satisfied. The food is good but not great; definitely a thai spicy influence, but overall its not that imaginative.

Posted 08/02/03

This is one of the best restuarants I've been to in New York. Their Dim Sum is great and I've been craving it ever since I first ate it. The atmosphere is nice although some tables are a little close together. It's a little bit pricey but worth it. Their spicy is true spicy, not adjusted for the American palate. I highly recommend the Bento Box for desert and the salmon is exquisite. The wait staff and hostess are extremely welcoming and friendly and help make the experience complete. Don't miss this great restuarant!

Pros: Excellent food, Friendly staff, Great Experience

Cons: Pricey

Posted 07/24/03

The food is such fluff and so overpriced. What a ripoff! In addition, the hostess and managers were totally not customer friendly. What a terrible waste of time and money on this restaurant!

Cons: Attitude, Overpriced

Posted 03/28/03

Foo's is Fantastic!!
I went here a few weeks ago with a bunch of friends, and had a great time! The menu was extensive and offered a wide selection of wines and cocktails. Make reservations or you might be waiting for a looong time. Although its not very romantic, its perfect for dinner and drinks!

Posted 03/03/03