Blue Ribbon American Grill & Oyster Bar — Restaurant in Paradise

As a former New Yorker, Blue Ribbon was my go to spot (and for a lot of chefs) late at night in Soho. This Blue Ribbon is nestled within the heart of The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas and is an ode to culinary craftsmanship, and its fried chicken is nothing short of iconic.

Walking into Blue Ribbon, you are greeted by an ambiance that strikes the perfect balance between upscale sophistication and a warm, welcoming vibe. The dark wood, muted lighting, and plush seating set the scene for a dining experience that promises both comfort and luxury.

However, while the menu boasts an array of dishes that are hard to resist, the star of the show is undoubtedly the fried chicken. It is, in essence, a masterclass in how this beloved dish should be prepared. The exterior crackles with each bite, thanks to a golden crust that is seasoned to perfection. It's this delicate balance of saltiness and subtle spice that makes the first bite unforgettable.

Beneath this crispy layer, the chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy. One could argue that the secret lies in the marinade, or perhaps the precise cooking technique, but whatever the magic, Blue Ribbon has certainly mastered it. The dish is further elevated when paired with their honey wasabi sauce, a fusion of sweet and zesty flavors that brings a delightful kick, making every bite an adventurous journey for the palate.

Moreover, Blue Ribbon's commitment to excellence extends beyond just the food. The service is great. The staff go out of their way to ensure that each guest feels special.

Blue Ribbon at the Cosmopolitan is a must-visit in pursuit of the best fried chicken in town. The experience is sumptuous, memorable, and undoubtedly leaves you...

We arrived with a party of 4 on a Saturday evening, and were seated immediately. We made reservations, but looked like there were plenty of seating

Food:

Our order: Baked oysters Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice Half dozen raw oysters The wedge salad Fries Parmesan truffle fries Loaded baked potato skin (2) New York strip (2) Rib eye Baked Lobster add-on Bread pudding Sundae

The steaks were cooked perfectly, but were not aged or well marbled. They were pretty bland to be honest. Quality of the steaks were probably along the lines of something you can find at Costco. The spicy tuna crispy rice, fries, and both oyster dishes were solid. Can pass on the bread pudding and the wedge salad. In terms of taste, overall the food gets a 3/5. Nothing special. When you factor in the price of each dish, which was pretty outrageous, it's a 2/5. With 3 sodas, an ice tea, tax and tip, we were looking at almost $900 total.

Service:

Our server was nice. A bit eccentric, which may not be for everyone, but was kind and got our order right. We had a different server when we ordered dessert, and she was awesome. Very personable. 4/5

Atmosphere:

The decor and ambiance was nice. Casual upscale. 4/5

Overall, the service and ambiance were above average, but for what Blue Ribbon charges for each dish, you'd expect the food to be pretty spectacular. Unfortunately missed the mark. I get that they're in a hotel on the Strip, but there are definitely better options. Unless your food here is going to be comp'd, the Blue Ribbon is...

We left our first night in Vegas open just to explore in case our flights were delayed, and I never would've expected to find such a gem by random chance. We walked in without a reservation and the place wasn't very full, which was shocking compared to every other place around. Our waitress was in the process of being trained by another waiter, and the pair were some of the sweetest people I've ever met. We felt so comfortable, I am new to drinking, and I was given amazing drink recommendations, and we were checked in on the perfect amount. It feels like the people who work there LOVE their jobs and it feels infectious. The food was all amazing. I got a delicious salmon dish, along with a cheeseboard on our night. Both were fantastic. I had a piece of the fried chicken from my table-mates meal, and it was DELICIOUS. We enjoyed the meal so much, that we came back the next night because we loved it so much. Our waiter was a different person, but he was once again one of my favorite waiters I've ever had. He made us feel like we were the only people in the world for our time there! We had a wagyu burger, teriyaki meatballs, and a delicious steak, and once again, everything was immaculate. My only slight complaint is that it was slightly dark in the restaurant, but other than that I don't know if I've ever had a more positive experience in a restaurant. I 100% plan to come back if I ever travel to Vegas again! Thank you to the wonderful staff, especially our initial servers, and our server the second...