Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken — East Village, NYC
Status: ACTIVE Ownership: Wonder (acquired February 2026) — see fried-chicken Address: 28 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003 Phone: (212) 228-0404 Concept: fried-chicken Hours: Mon–Wed 11am–10pm, Thu–Sat 11am–12am
Origin Story
In 1992, while creating the original menu for Blue Ribbon Brasserie, Eric and Bruce Bromberg couldn’t leave their childhood favorite — fried chicken — off the menu. The breakthrough recipe came by accident: leftover egg whites from making Crème Brûlée, matzo meal from their grandmother’s Matzoh Ball Soup, and a special blend of seasonings. The result was the fried chicken that became a Blue Ribbon signature. The recipe has been used unchanged since 1992.
Notes
- This is also the HQ address for Blue Ribbon Restaurants — same building as 28 E 1st St listed in overview
- Extended hours Thursday–Saturday (until midnight)
- East Village location
Current Menu
Full current menu (January 2026) documented at brfc-menu-2025.
Key menu items:
- Sandwiches: The Classic (10.75), The Hot & Sweet (12.75), The Melt ($12.75) — all on potato bun, fried white meat chicken
- Smash Burgers: Chicken (12.95 single/double), Black Angus Beef (14.95)
- Wings: Sauced-up in BBQ, Buffalo, Spicy Sriracha BBQ, or Habanero Buffalo; 5 for 18
- Family Dinners: The Bird (64), All In One ($68)
- Combos: 2-piece dark (15.75), 4-piece mix ($23.95)
Loyalty Program
Free to join; no loyalty card needed — phone number serves as loyalty ID.
- $1 spent on food or non-alcoholic beverages = 1 loyalty point
- 100 points = $5 reward
- Points awarded for in-store purchases only
- Bonus 50 points upon registration
- Join in-store