We recently visited Blu on the Hudson to celebrate our friends anniversary, and while the evening had its highlights, there were also some notable disappointments. The restaurant offers valet service, which was convenient and reasonably priced at $10, so no complaints there.
Upon arrival, the hostess greeted us, though our table wasn't immediately ready, and we had to wait over 10 minutes. During this wait, we noticed that parties of equal size (4 people) or even larger, who arrived after us, were being seated before us. This added to the frustration, especially considering that we were there to celebrate a special occasion.
When we were finally seated, despite mentioning our anniversary, we were led to a less-than-ideal spot. Instead of being placed in the main section of the restaurant, where the energy and ambiance are, we were taken to a booth tucked away in the back left area of the restaurant, near a glass door in a poorly lit area. This section was isolated, and frankly, it wasn't where anyone would want to be seated, especially for an anniversary. We immediately requested to be moved, and while the second table was an improvement, it was still by the kitchen rail and lacked proper lighting.
What was particularly concerning was that we noticed other Black couples also requesting different tables after being initially seated in similar, less desirable spots. It felt like we were being deliberately placed away from the main areas, and after reading other reviews, it seems this isn't an isolated incident. I wouldn't go as far as to say it was a racially motivated seating choice, but it certainly gave that vibe. This is definitely something the restaurant needs to work on, as it left us feeling less than welcomed.
As for the dining experience, the ambiance and aesthetic of the restaurant are undeniably impressive, earning a solid 9/10. We ordered several appetizers: shrimp, octopus, calamari, and rice cakes. The shrimp, served with toasted bread, was the highlight--a perfect 10/10. The calamari and rice cakes were good, deserving of an 8/10, but the octopus was just average, rating around a 5/10.
The drinks were visually appealing but were mostly ice with small portions, making them not worth the price, despite tasting good. For our main courses, we had the lobster pasta, which was well-presented and tasted good. My partner ordered the wagyu skirt steak, which was good but disappointingly small.
Overall, Blu on the Hudson provided an average experience. The food was decent, and the vibe was great, but the seating situation, inconsistent service, and lack of warmth were significant downsides. It's a nice place to visit, but if you're celebrating something special, you might want to ensure you're seated in the heart of the restaurant to fully enjoy the experience. read more