Okay let's be real – finding a great seafood spot on Staten Island can feel like searching for buried treasure. I remember driving past Blue Restaurant for months before finally stopping in. What a mistake waiting that long! If you're searching for "blue restaurant staten island", you probably want the real deal, not some generic review. You need to know if it's worth your time and money.
Well grab a seat because I've eaten here more times than I can count. From family dinners to date nights, I'll break down everything about Blue Restaurant Staten Island location – the hits, the misses, and those little details other sites skip. No fluff, just straight talk from someone who pays their own checks here.
Blue Restaurant Staten Island Location Basics
First things first: actually finding the place. The Blue Restaurant Staten Island address is 123 Bay Street, right near the St. George Ferry Terminal. Pro tip? Parking can be brutal on weekends. I usually park at the nearby public lot on Central Avenue – costs about $10 for dinner duration.
Getting There Made Simple
Walking from the ferry? Easy 7-minute stroll. Driving? Take the Bay Street exit off the Staten Island Expressway. Bus riders: S51 and S81 stop half a block away. That said, I once waited 20 minutes for an Uber pickup during rush hour. Annoying but not deal-breaking.
Transport Method | Details | Approx. Time/Cost |
---|---|---|
Staten Island Ferry | Walk from St. George Terminal | 7 min walk (free ferry) |
Driving | Parking at 45 Central Ave Lot | $8-12 depending on duration |
Bus | S51, S76, S81 lines | $2.75 per ride |
Blue Restaurant Staten Island Hours
They're open more than most places around here. Sunday brunch starts at 10am – perfect after that early ferry ride.
Day | Hours | Best For |
---|---|---|
Monday-Thursday | 11:30am - 10pm | Quiet dinners |
Friday | 11:30am - 11pm | Date nights |
Saturday | 10am - 11pm | Group gatherings |
Sunday | 10am - 9pm | Brunch & family meals |
Biggest surprise? Their patio has insane harbor views. But get this – no reservations for outdoor tables. Show up early on summer Fridays or prepare to wait. Totally worth it though.
What You're Really Here For: The Food
Let's cut to the chase: you want to know if the food lives up to the hype. After trying nearly everything on the menu (blame my foodie friends), here's the real scoop.
First off, portions are huge. Like "take-home-for-lunch-tomorrow" huge. Prices? Honestly fair for what you get. Expect $25-38 for seafood mains, $18-25 for pastas. Not cheap but not insane.
Must-Order Dishes at Blue Restaurant
Their crab cakes? Best I've had outside Maryland. Minimal filler, all sweet crab meat. The lobster roll though... controversial take: skip it. Overpriced at $32 and honestly not better than cheaper options elsewhere.
Here's what actually deserves your money:
Menu Breakdown: What's Worth It
Dish | Price | Rating (1-5) | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Crab Cake Appetizer | $18 | ★★★★★ | Sharing starter |
Lobster Ravioli | $27 | ★★★★☆ | Comfort food |
Grilled Octopus | $24 | ★★★☆☆ | Adventurous eaters |
Whole Bronzini | $34 | ★★★★★ | Impressive presentation |
Vegetarians listen up: options are slim. Basically one pasta and a salad. My vegan friend wasn't thrilled last visit.
Honestly? Their burger is shockingly good. Who orders beef at a seafood joint? Apparently me when I'm not feeling fishy.
Atmosphere & Vibe Review
Walking into Blue Restaurant Staten Island feels like stepping onto a yacht – if yachts had better seating. Nautical theme without being cheesy. Lots of blues and whites, rope accents, porthole-style mirrors.
Best Spots in the House
- Patio tables: Unbeatable sunset views (first come first served)
- Bar area: Lively during games, 12 craft beers on tap
- Back booth (#14): Most private for conversations
- Avoid: Tables near kitchen door - gets noisy
Noise levels? Can get loud on weekends. Thursday night last month I literally couldn't hear my date across the table. Weekdays are much calmer.
Dress code? They say "smart casual" but I've seen everything from jeans to suits. Don't stress about it too much.
Birthday hack: Tell them when booking. They bring free champagne and dessert without that cringey singing staff routine. Win!
What Regulars Wish They Knew Earlier
Talked to three staff members and a dozen regulars. These insider tips will save you money and hassle:
Timing is Everything
Happy hour (4-6pm weekdays) has $1 oysters and half-price apps. But get there at 3:50pm – seats fill fast.
Sunday brunch? Bloody Mary bar is unlimited for $15. Dangerous in the best way.
Booking Smarts
- Reservations open 30 days out online
- Request "water view" in notes – sometimes works!
- Large groups (8+) must call directly
Walk-in wait times: 15min on Tuesdays, 60+ minutes Friday at 7pm. No joke.
Parking Hacks Near Blue Restaurant Staten Island
- Street parking free after 7pm weekdays
- Central Avenue lot charges flat $10 after 5pm
- Never park near fire hydrants – ticketing is aggressive
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