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Ruby Foo's Times Square

212-489-5600

1626 Broadway New York, NY 10019

www.brguestrestaurants.com

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Casual, fun pan-Asian eats in the Theater District.

Categories:

Restaurants, Sushi Restaurants, Chinese Restaurants, Pan-Asian & Pacific Rim Restaurants

Details:

$$$, Business Dining, Family Style Dining, Family-Friendly Dining, Group Dining, People Watching, Private Rooms, Theater District Dining, Open 7 Days

Insiders:

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Bookmark and Share See hours

Mon 11:30am-11:30pm Tue-Wed 11:30am-12am Thu-Fri 11:30am-12:30am Sat 11am-12:30am; Sun 11am-11:30pm

Message from Ruby Foo's Times Square

Merchant_icon

Ruby Foo's Times Square is creating a buzz of its own amid the glitz and glitter of Broadway's twinkling lights. Enter a Shanghai-style banquet setting for signature Pan-Asian cuisine inside this 300-seat, multi-decked "Palace", where bold colors, broad decorative strokes, mah-jongg tiled walls & colorful open lobby bar are the visual essence of the Ruby Foo's design. A gold-leafed Buddha keeps a watchful eye over the guests while they peruse Executive Chef Shawn Edelman's vast menu, a collection of delicious dishes from every part of the Asian continent. For a lighter bite and a piece of the action, score a front row seat at the 20-seat Sushi Bar where sushi chefs put on a show, producing fresh maki rolls & sushi from the daily arrivals of the sea. Drink up the latest Broadway buzz with seductive cocktail selections, including our version of a martini, the Lychee Mist.

Editorial by Citysearch

The Scene
Most of the patrons are tourists, but you may spy a few locals noshing away-- though they may deny it later. The chain's ostentatious Eastern-flavored decor looks like something out of the Asian pavilion at Disney's Epcot Center: Red cloth lanterns hang from high ceilings, oriental prints adorn the walls and a gold, supermodel-thin Buddha presides over diners.

The Food
While the samplers seem like the way to go, it's actually better to mix and match dishes like the sumptuous Malaysian curried chicken potstickers and the crispy calamari. Lobster and shrimp spring rolls and vegetable dumplings tend to be on the bland side, and while the sushi is tasty, it's not always spectacularly fresh.

Key Points

  • Weekend Origami Demonstrations
  • Award-winning Sake & Cocktails
  • Pre & Post Theatre Dining

The Inside Scoop

  1. When to Go - When the Broadway shows begin, the restaurant clears out, so wait until after 8pm to snag a table without having to wait.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

Ratings_icons Delish!

Julzia

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

Ratings_icons hidden treasure

mamag

This was a pleasant surprise. We went here with old friends who had just come in from the West Coast and we could not get reservations to any of the restaurants that were recommended. We had no problem getting in here and were very surprised. I am a very fussy eater and found each dish we tried delicious. Another important factor- very clean and service was good.

Pros: clean, service, delicious

Posted 02/07/03

Ratings_icons Great Food, Great Concept, Too Overprice

emskware

The food is terrific, and the concept of being able to order several small plates of food is terrific. But those small plates are priced like big ones! And the big plates are priced even bigger!!! And every time I go I say, no more, too expensive.....but yet as I wait for the crosstown bus in front of the restaurant, I can smell the food and ohhhhhh..........

Pros: great food, innovative dishes, small servings

Cons: crowded, noisy, overpriced

Posted 01/28/03

Ratings_icons Ruby Pooh's

ap277947

We went there with a couple who were dying to try it. They reallly liked liked it, but we didn't. The service was good, the atmosphere was also nice, but the food taste and quality were horrible. My spring roll was a little baby shrimp surrounded by cilantro and greens. The price was good for NYC, but not worth the food quality. I won't go back!! There are a million other "Pan-Asian" resturants in the city that have better food at better prices.

Pros: Nice Atmosphere, Nice Service

Cons: Overpriced, Bad Food

Posted 01/19/03

Ratings_icons Foo-nomenal

flipcityboy

Pan Asian places make me wary but Ruby Foo's does a great job with the food and decor. We decided to drop in for a 3 PM Saturday late lunch after waiting on line for TKTS. The waitstaff was more than knowledgeable and I was steered in the right direction for their noveau style sushi. The tuna and fruit rolls were great. (Plus points for our waitress who took off a roll from the bill which we didn't order but let us eat it anyway.) A delightful dessert was the Bento Box sampler where dessert items were made to look like sushi. Good thing we meandered in at an off time for as we were leaving at 5 PM, the place started to become crowded and the line was getting long.

Pros: Knowledgeable Staff, Great Selections, Good Service

Cons: Close Table Spaces, Crowded on Peak Time

Posted 01/02/03

Ratings_icons Ruby Fooey

Dazed

Overrated place with interesting decor but it gets old after the first time. Average Asian food...don't confuse quantity with quality.

Pros: Quantity, Fortune Cookie

Cons: Average quality, Fortune Cookie

Posted 01/02/03

Ratings_icons Pan Asian deliciousness

emetcalf

We ate here for my birthday, and I would love to go back, but no longer live out east! Everything was great. The chicken in lettuce cups, dumplings, etc. were fantastic. The chocolate cake is HUGE- enough for 4! The decor is appropriate, but the place is so huge that it doesn't provide an intimite setting. Our table was literally lined up with a few inches between us and the next table. But, it's a good way to see what other people have ordered and everyone seemed to be having fun and no one really minded. Just don't try to get up to use the restroom. The service was nice and helpful. I'd go again, but I'd try their other location on the upper east side. I've heard it's better. Make reservations or be prepared to wait.

Pros: Fun, Great food

Cons: midtown crowds, crowded floor area, long wait if no rsrvt

Posted 12/16/02

Ratings_icons So good we ate there twice...

nicstokes

My husband & I were in NYC for a long weekend from Orlando, FL. We loved the food so much we went there twice..once for dinner, once for lunch. Both times we were not disappointed. Very helpful waite staff & great menu! We definately be eating there on our trip back to NYC in May.

Pros: interesting decor, reasonable prices, knowledgeable staff

Cons: tables close together

Posted 12/12/02

Ratings_icons I'd Go Back...

ohbehave7

The hostess was overly friendly, but she didn't have as bad an attitude as what I've read of other reviews...I felt the wait staff was timely and attentive...the food isn't the best, but the sushi rolls I ordered were good...the prices are a bit much, but what do you expect for a touristy spot so close to Times Square...

Pros: Atmosphere, Regular sushi rolls

Posted 12/10/02

Ratings_icons Amazing Food and Atmosphere!!

lee0408

Two co-workers took me out to eat at Ruby Foos. We ordered it all...appetizers, main courses and desserts. To say the food was AMAZING is underrating it. There are no words. I haven't eaten this good in a long time. The courses were PERFECTLY timed and the waiter was very helpful.
The dessert was the best part. We split one - it came in one of those little Asian boxes w/ separate compartments. I can't wait to go back!!!!

Pros: fast service, good tasting food, amazing atmosphere

Cons: NONE!

Posted 12/09/02

Ratings_icons Rude Fools'

utddunkid

The staff's incompetence and attitude eliminated what little interest I had for this restaurant. After asking for my credit card number to make a reservation for a Sunday evening, the Rude Fools could not bring up my reservation on their computer system when I called to confirm the night before. I talked to THREE different reservationists, because the first two women just "conveniently" put me on hold after listening to my complaints. I didnt even bother going to this place, and from what my friends say about their food, I'm not missing much. I concur completely with all of the negative comments in citysearch about RFs attitude.

Pros: somewhat ok decor

Cons: ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, incompetence

Posted 11/29/02

Ratings_icons The ultimate unauthentic

cloudburst

Don't go to Ruby Foo's if you want anything close to real. If you want kitsch, whimsy, American, it's great. Food isn't bad at all, but again, I wouldn't vote for the "Best Chinese category"

Posted 11/28/02

Ratings_icons Sea bass to die for

sbassuk

Had dim sum and sushi at the bar. The sea bass was to die for-it just melted in your mouth, the crab dim sum was tasty and the spicy tuna was up to par. I wish I had had a chance to taste more of the many options on the menu. The bartenders were very friendly and helpful. I would definitely go back, get a table and take it all in...

Posted 11/19/02

Ratings_icons Now thats sea bass!

d_sherin

We go there at 7:00 so there was a wait to be seated even for 2ppl. We decided to stay at the bar and hjust have some apps instead. They had a great wheat beer and even had an orange to put in it. Most places give you a lemon or nothing. The chilean Sea Bass was great! The rest of the food was average (Spicy Tuna Roll, Crab dumplings)l. I liked the place. Would like to go back for a full dinner, even though it is a little pricey.

Posted 11/19/02

Ratings_icons Not only Thai

PhilipMiller

Just a great restaurant. I may not ever go to another. Food selections too many to count and the service makes you want to stay until closing. I give this: 10 CLAMS !!!

Pros: Food, Service, patrons

Cons: Crowded, Noisy

Posted 11/13/02

Ratings_icons I became a sushi convert here.

pianoboy

I was convinced I did not like sushi until I went to Ruby Foo's. Their fusion style of preparation is a great introduction to sushi for those who haven't tried it (or are convinced they don't like it) and a new dimension for sushi lovers. Ambience is on the edge of being 'theme', but without 'going there' completely. This is a wonderful place to bring guests from out of town who want a fun atmosphere. Dim sum selections are great; I love the crab spring rolls and lettuce chicken wraps in particular. I have never ordered entrees, but friends have enjoyed them a great deal. For dessert, I recommend the banana tart - an extraordinary chocolate crust with fresh bananas and a creme filling that is ample for two.Make a reservation; Bar seating and waiting space is limited.

Pros: Great 'fusion' sushi, Wonderful desserts, Fun atmosphere

Cons: Long wait at times

Posted 10/24/02

Ratings_icons You're kidding, right?

cohenjl

Some of the worst Asian food I've ever eaten in NYC, served under an air-conditioning fan in industrial fashion. The blowing air actually got WORSE and COLDER when they supposedly fixed it. Every dish we ordered was poorly executed - bland or worse nasty - including the steamed shrimp dumplings, lettuce-wrapped chicken, and the incredibly fatty - an entire drumstick of fat - $20 duck. This place was built for tourists. It's a fun atmosphere but in a loud, gimmicky way. Awkward but attentive service helped us get out of there as soon as possible. Manager offered to pick up the check, but we refused. Do yourself a favor and go to Grand Sichuan on 9th and 50th if you're even thinking about the mid-town Ruby Foo's.

Pros: Festive atmosphere

Cons: Awful Food, Cold and Drafty, Loud

Posted 10/15/02

Ratings_icons Ruby Foo's

pt109

The food is so good!! Everything I've tried here has been delicious. It was the first time I've ever enjoyed sushi.

Posted 10/03/02

Ratings_icons Worth the wait ....

nadroj

I have been to Ruby Foo's twice and was impressed both times. RF is always crowded and a good proportion of those waiting tend to be tourists. Even for those of us not on vacation, however, the food is worth the 20-30 minute wait. The salmon and sea bass main dishes are excellent and the portions generous - RF prides itself on quality of fish and guarantees freshness by ensuring multiple deliveries throughout the day. The seared tuna roll and filet mignon negamaki are also both recommendations before the main course. Try RF if you are in the midtown area ... def. worth the wait and the outlay.

Pros: Excellent Food, Great Ambience

Cons: Crowded, Touristy

Posted 09/25/02

Ratings_icons ruby foo's, it for you

kiki_4_ever

THE BEST PLACE TO EAT, sums up ruby foo's perfectly and I think that if you are in the mood for a meal that will be satisfing if alone or with a group a friends this is the spot to hit. Put this place in you top five places to eat!!

Posted 09/13/02

Ratings_icons Not Spectacular...

NSM

It was good, but not great. I would recommend it, but the food is just okay. I had the seven flavor beef, and I only tasted one flavor, the beef!

Pros: ambiance

Cons: value

Posted 09/08/02

Ratings_icons Overpriced!

christiegl

The party platter of sushi was soooo small for $60. The crispy duck tasted like old duck. The portions were really small. Beautiful restaurant though.

Posted 08/27/02

Ratings_icons Ripoff ruby

outlook88

Shame on you Ruby for charging these rediculous prices for same plain old chinese food. The service is at most a C-. Never going back again

Posted 08/18/02

Ratings_icons Ruby Fun

mnli

Good food that combine Chinese, Japanese and Thai. Being an Asian myself, I would give this place my thumbs up for doing it right.

Posted 08/15/02

Ratings_icons Wow!

SRMTennis

I love this restaurant - I always feel like I am on the set of Auntie Mame during her Asian period, the decor is that dramatic. As is the food. Excellent fare. And the service is so impecable that it borders on mechanical. But I love to dine here and come frequently.

Pros: decor, food, service

Posted 08/08/02

Ratings_icons Non Better

mpitta

Ruby Foo's is a fun place. The food is excellent, especially the sushi and the vegetabel rice. The dumplings are luscious. The tea assortment is delicious and refreshing and the staff is very knowlegable about portion size and ordering if you come as a group or as a couple. I loved this restaurant.

Posted 07/29/02

Ratings_icons Asian Heaven

nyucollegegurl

There are a couple of Ruby Foo's location, but my favorite is the one near Times Square. The place is huge, but it's always packed with people waiting to be seated because they made the mistake of not making a reservation!
I've tried a number of their appetizers and I just LOVE their assortment of spring rolls. They also have very creative and delicious specials. The sushi selection is also very good. Be sure to try the fruit sushi roll with an assortment of kiwi and mango. You'll be pleasantly surprised...

Posted 07/28/02

Ratings_icons Excellent!!!

Descat_franck

I have been 2 times to Ruby foo's.... The rolls were excellent....!
Try the special ruby foo's cocktail. You might be pretty dizzy after 2 or 3 of those babies....
Ask for the chocolat cake as a dessert... it is huge!
A place I will definitly recommend.

Posted 07/25/02

Ratings_icons fun

ekc12

I would definitely go here again. I really like the food selection, and the decor is pretty cool. The prices aren't too bad either. Not exactly romantic or anything, but good food at a decent price--can't complain too much.

Posted 07/25/02

Ratings_icons go to Ruby Foo's!!

utah

whenever I'm in NYC, I'll stop by Ruby Foo's in Times Square. they have good sushi and other great menu items. plus sake. I'm not a sushi snob like a lot of NYC'ers so sorry if Ruby's isn't the greatest place ever created. but thats ok b/c it's mostly a tourist crowd anyway, and I like it. so everything is hunky doory

Pros: good sushi, sake

Posted 05/29/02

Ratings_icons Fun for groups

jah25

I always go here with a big pack of friends and we share everything and have a blast. I've never had any problems with the staff and the food is good... not excellent but delicious.

Posted 05/27/02

Ratings_icons Fun Foo's

jessicabranch_citysearch

So it may not be super-authentic -- that's not the point. Ruby Foo's offeres consistently tasty, well-presented dishes in a laid-back, pan-Asian chic atmosphere. Great for apres-theatre or for drinks and apps with the girls.

Posted 05/08/02

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