Blue Water Grill

212-675-9500

31 Union Sq W New York, NY 10003

www.brguestrestaurants.com

view the menu make a reservation
This now-classic seafood palace sails on victoriously with its ocean-traveling menu.

Categories:

Bars & Clubs, Nightclubs, Restaurants, Seafood Restaurants

Details:

Blues, $$$, Brunch, Group Dining, Live Music, Lunch Spot

Bookmark and Share See hours

Mon 11:30am-11:30pm Tue-Thu 11:30am-12am Fri-Sat 11:30am-1am Sun 10:30am-11:30pm

Message from Blue Water Grill

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Be Scene at Blue Water Grill Voted 11th Most Popular Restaurant in New York in the 2008 Zagat Survey & applauded as a restaurant that is "perfect for dates" and "never disappoints," Blue Water Grill is a dining destination in the heart of Union Square. Loyal guests and curious visitors are drawn to the former Metropolitan Bank space that features sexy, dimly-lit red chandeliers illuminating the intimate dining room, a spacious people-watching outdoor cafe and a cozy subterranean lounge featuring live jazz music. In the midst of the marble and majestic urban setting, Executive Chef Matthew Hughes' menu highlights a variety of seafood delicacies. From our Sushi Bar to our Oyster Bar, we've got your seafood cravings covered! If late-night isn't your scene, Blue Water Grill also offers up Sunday Brunch-with-a-view overlooking the Union Square Park Farmer's Market featuring Seasonal menus.

Editorial by Citysearch

This Union Square classic is such a well-oiled machine, it can feel a little like dining on an cruise ship, albeit an elegant one. Located in a former bank, the three-floor, heavily marbled space is decorated with red and gold antler-shaped sconces, and is filled to the gills with business diners and tourists. The menu executes so consistently, it's obvious why it hasn't changed much over a decade. Nearly every oceanic region is represented: Plump, clean Pacific Northwest oysters can be topped with classic or Thai mignonette, cocktail sauce or horseradish, while the Red Bull sushi roll--a gorgeous swirl of tuna, yellowtail, cilantro and jalapenos--would stand proud at Nobu.

Key Points

  • Seafood & Sushi
  • Jazz Brunch, Sidewalk Seating
  • Private Parties/Private Room

The Inside Scoop

  1. Know Before You Go - Despite an otherwise well-run front of house, half hour waits can accompany reservations.
  2. The Extras - The seafood-wary only have a few options, but a hearty, perfectly cooked filet mignon shouldn't garner any complaints.
  3. The Extras - The downstairs Vault Room seats up to 35, has its own prix fixe menu and is available for private parties or corporate events.
  4. What to Drink - The wine list is long and pricey, and servers may have trouble recommending one of the few bottles in the $40s. That said, a bump up to a $58 bottle of Dobbes Grand Assemblage Cuvee yields a stellar, light bodied red that pairs well with both fish and meats.
  5. Live Music - The Jazz Dining Room features live music--call for schedule.
  6. Where to Sit - The party is in the main room, thanks in part to the hopping bar scene, while the upstairs balcony provides a more sedate experience. Live jazz happens downstairs--ask the reservationist if interested.

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

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Excellent choice

by lindyhopper27

We made reservations and they seated us promptly. We picked this place strictly from citysearch recommendation. Great advice. Food was fantastic. Wonderful sushi appetizers. Striped black bass cooked to perfection. Very crowded, don't go without reservations. Well worth the money. Convenient from subway.

Pros: convenient, romantic, casual to dressy

Cons: Crowded

Posted 09/03/02

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God forbid you just want dessert

by jovina1

Once the waiter found out we just wanted dessert, he treated us like we had the plague. His attitude sort of ruined what I wanted to be a nice little time since it was my sister's birthday and she loves their chcolate cake. So, even though I have been there quite often, I am sorry to say that our family will not be going there again.

Posted 09/02/02

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ASK FOR CHRIS!!!

by laylayladylay

We went to Blue Water Grill (what a place!) for my grandmother's 89th birthday. The crab cakes were ecsquisite! I had the shrimps pasta. I t was the best. Last time I had the chicken. It was good too. Gram's had the Sea Bass. It was as good as bacon. A really nice guy named Chris waited on us. He said ask for him next time. He even brought over his girlfriend Donna to meet my grandma. Will definitely go back to Blue Water Grill!!!

Posted 08/28/02

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Good service & food are hard to find.

by Juditp

This restaurant had a Sex & The City feeling when you walk in. Very trendy...just when I thought I checked out all my surroundings, the food and service took my attention. I would recommend this restaurant to any of my friends that are in the area. I have and will go back again and again.

Posted 08/27/02

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Blue Water Best!

by robinallstadt

Very romantic setting in the coolest area of Manhattan...Union Square. The food is extraordinary.

Pros: Spectacular Seafood, Location, Ambiance

Cons: Pricey

Posted 08/26/02

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Nice, clean, happening

by technoir

What a nice time we had at this place. Service is not bad and the food isn't either.
Not my favorite seafood place in the city, but it could be if they keep up the good work.

Pros: ambiance / decor, easy wait

Cons: price, cocktails price

Posted 08/22/02

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great place that doesn't break the bank

by krsalvo

This restaurant and bar is beautiful and the food is really good. Order any of the seafood dishes and you'll surely be pleased. Plus, it is a great atmosphere for a date or just to go to with some friends. For the mere about 50 bucks a piece, it's definitely worth a try. Any restaurant comparable in NY is much moer expensive.

Pros: great food, great atmosphere, inexpensive

Cons: sometimes a wait, no reservations

Posted 08/21/02

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Great Atmosphere, Good Food

by kingofnyc79

I really don't think that BWG has the best food in the city (as good as it is), but nothing - and I mean NOTHING - can beat the atmosphere here. Between the glamour of the converted bank and the views of Union Square, I can't think of a more relaxing place to have any meal.

Pros: Amazing Ambience, Tasty Food, Perfect Service

Posted 08/21/02

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Take the dip!!!!!

by Jonh

Still "as good as seafood gets", more than six years around as one of NY's best seafood restaurants. A must try (go during week days)

Posted 08/18/02

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loud but good

by lori_2002

It's pretty loud on the first floor, definitely not conducive to conversations. But the sushi was super fresh and delicious. I got the tropical style shrimp salad to start - it started to be a bit too much about halfway through. Otherwise, the food was great! I'd go back again! Only scary part was watching that staircase shake when a guy ran down it!

Cons: shaky staircase

Posted 08/01/02

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best restaurant for brunch in NY!

by scubagal

I adore this restaurant... I don't know what is better, between the lobster eggs benedict or the grilled chicken cobb- this place is my favorite sit outside and enjoy the city restaurant!

Posted 07/26/02

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Seafood at it's best

by mcosta

This is the best place for seafood in NY. Classy but comfortably casual the outdoor seating is wonderful for two and the service is flawless. A experience worth every penny.

Posted 07/23/02

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Yummy

by kkofton

We dinned here for our first wedding anniversary. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was great. The waiter wasn't the greatest but we made the most of it. He didn't seem to have any knowledge of wine and what would compliment my meal. Only other problem was the table being too small and too close to other table's not much privacy for romance. Other than that a great experience.

Pros: Atmosphere, Appitizers, Food/dessert

Cons: Small table, Waiter not friendly

Posted 07/06/02

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Yum!!!

by ginamog

everything was wonderful about this place. we had reservations and we did have to wait a bit for our table but they apologized and all was well. the oysters were so fresh and yummy!!! great wine and wonderful deserts. definitely highly recommended!!!

Pros: not too pricy, nice ambiance, great service

Cons: wait, jazz band

Posted 06/24/02

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10

by tomkruger02

The Blue Water Grill has style, with it's first rate menu and an ambiance that is sure to put a smile on everyone's face.

Posted 06/23/02

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