Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken — Review by Daym Drops
Manhattan, United States — American Fried Chicken
A return visit to Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken in Manhattan for the annual post-Nathan's hot dog eating competition celebration. The reviewer praises the restaurant's remarkable consistency, highlighting exceptional fried chicken with juicy white meat, thick buttery biscuits with golden honey, and flavorful mac and cheese. It's positioned as a must-visit spot that never disappoints.
What was great: Exceptional fried chicken with juicy white meat, crispy batter with light spice, thick fluffy biscuits that are moist and not dry with perfect honey pairing, creamy fountain soda, consistent quality year after year, mac and cheese with quality cheddar
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The crew received a 20-piece fried chicken order that did not disappoint. The white meat was described as juicy like dark meat, a sign of quality cooking. The batter had a nice crispiness with a very light hint of spice that elevated the flavor without being overwhelming. The biscuits were a standout item - thick, fluffy, and remarkably moist without any dryness. The reviewer noted these biscuits were so good they would be the choice for a 10 biscuit challenge with no liquid due to their moisture content. Paired with thick golden blossom honey, the biscuits had a subtle hint of maple sweetness. The mac and cheese featured what appeared to be Vermont or Wisconsin white cheddar, creamy and not watery. The fountain cream soda was another highlight, rated 11 out of 10, described as just a problem in the best way possible.
The Experience
The restaurant is located on Second Avenue near First Street in Manhattan, described as looking like an office building from the outside. The atmosphere is casual but the smell of the fried chicken pulls you in. Service was efficient with the order ready quickly. Notably, during the visit, SWAT officers (ESU) were so drawn by the quality that they double parked and rushed in to get their own orders. The reviewer emphasized that despite the nondescript exterior, once inside you understand why people come back year after year.
Value and Pricing
No specific pricing was mentioned in the transcript, though the reviewer referred to various menu items like the 20-piece chicken, biscuits, sauces, and beverages being provided.
Notable Moments
Consistency is their job one. I'm telling you.
Don't let the building fool you, okay? It ain't sex. It ain't chase. It's going to chase your taste buds, too.
These better than your mama biscuits.
When the white meat is juicy like dark meat. That's when you know you got something.
The reviewer arrived at Blue Ribbon with Badlands Chugs, the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition champion, to celebrate his win with a personal best time of 19.7 seconds.
The Verdict
Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken is an absolute must-visit for anyone in Manhattan who loves exceptional fried chicken. The restaurant's greatest strength is its consistency year after year despite staff changes. Whether you try the chicken, biscuits, sides, or drinks, you cannot go wrong. This is a celebratory destination spot that lives up to the hype every single time. If you haven't been, you've played yourself according to the reviewer.