General Restaurant FAQ  

Core questions guests may ask before visiting, reserving, arriving, or dining.

What is The Ribbon’s full street address, and which entrance should guests use? 
20 WEST 72 NY NY 10023

What are the current days and hours of operation for lunch, brunch, happy hour, dinner, and late night service? 
We are open for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays at 11:30 am and weekends for brunch starting at 9:30 am we close after dinner before 11 pm nightly, happy hour starts at 4 pm M-F

Is brunch offered? On which days and during what hours?
Brunch with a variety of special brunch cocktails is on both Saturdays and Sunday with live music on Sundays 

Is there a happy hour? Where is it served, during what hours, and are reservations accepted for it?
Monday through Friday 4PM to 7PM

Do you accept reservations, walk-ins, or both?
Both

What reservation platforms are used (for example, OpenTable)
OpenTable

How far in advance can guests reserve?
Weeks

What is the policy for late arrivals, and how long are tables held?
We routinely allow for a grace period of 15 minutes

What is the cancellation and no-show policy?
For certain reservations we may take a $20 per person deposit and will charge a card for a no show on certain busy season dates and holidays

Is a credit card required to hold certain reservations or larger parties?
Yes or a contract if you booked a private event with our event coordinator

Can guests modify or cancel reservations online, or should they call the restaurant?
Calling the restaurant during business hours is always best

What is the largest regular dining reservation accepted without booking a private event?
Up to 12 is the largest we accept before a contract is created

Is There a dress code? How should it be described in guest-friendly language?
Typically people dress in casual fancy, but we occasionally have people  “decked out” depending on what show or evening event they are off to

Are children welcome? Are highchairs or booster seats available?
We are definitely a neighborhood location we have high chair and boosters on hand- you’ll always see strollers on the weekends

Is there a children’s menu or kid-friendly food available?
A children's friendly menu is available as well as crayons and coloring booklets

Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible? Are the restrooms accessible?
We are on one level and easily navigated

Are service animals permitted? What is the policy regarding pets in outdoor dining areas?
Service animals are always welcome for those in need

Is outdoor dining available, weather permitting?
We have a small quaint outdoor seating area that accommodates 12 quaint 

Does the restaurant offer coat check or a place to store luggage, strollers, or shopping bags?
We have a coat check and areas to park strollers

Does The Ribbon accept cash, major credit cards, contactless payment, and gift cards?
Ribbon issues gift cards and takes all major cc

Are gift cards available online and in the restaurant?
These are for sale online and in the restaurant

Is Wi-Fi available to guests?
Yes our ribbon guest network is always on and the pw is iloveribbon

Are there televisions for major sporting events? Can guests request a particular game?
we have 5 televisions in the bar area and we have projectors and other mobile televisions available in the back dining room for certain events

Does The Ribbon show Yankees, Mets, Knicks, Rangers, football, soccer, or major tournament games?
The ribbon has a very active sports broadcast schedule and we accommodate all major networks for viewing

Does the restaurant have live entertainment, comedy, DJs, or recurring special events?
We have live music every Sunday for brunch, and a monthly comedy series launched on 7/16 and will continue every month

How should guests find the current event calendar?
Click here

Location, Transit, Parking + Neighborhood

Useful for visitors unfamiliar with the Upper West Side and guests combining dinner with nearby attractions.

What are the closest subway stations, lines, entrances, and approximate walking times?
On the corner of 72nd about 200 feet from the front door is the B and C train going west the 1/2/3 trains are available on Broadway and 72nd street

Which station is easiest for guests arriving with limited mobility?
The b/c trains are closest

Which bus routes stop nearby?
25 yards away going eats you can get M10/M104 M20 buses

Is there street parking nearby? Are there common time restrictions or alternate-side rules guests should know about?
A parking lot is across the street and averages $40, there is limited street parking and the tickets are expensive of course there are Municipal meters all around the location

Which nearby parking garages should be recommended?
The west 72nd parking garage 9 w 72 is across the street

Is there a convenient passenger drop-off point for taxis, car services, older guests, and guests with limited mobility?
many guests are easily dropped off in front of the store we are a known landmark

How far is The Ribbon from the Beacon Theatre, and what is the best walking route?
The beacon theater is approximately two avenues west and two blocks north a s short 5 minute walk

How far is The Ribbon from the American Museum of Natural History?
The Museum is a short 8 minute walk about 8 blocks north of us as you walk along central park west

How far is The Ribbon from Central Park? 

Mere steps about 50 yard is the entrance

Which Central Park entrance is closest?
The strawberry fields entrance is steps away

How far is the Strawberry Fields entrance and the Imagine mosaic?
About 200’ AWAY

How far is The Dakota?

Across the street diagonal to our location

How far is Lincoln Center?
Lincoln center is a 10 minute walk south approximately 8 block south

How far is the New-York Historical Society?
A ten minute walk only .3 tenths of a mile

How far is Columbus Circle?
At 59th and Broadway is a 12-15 minute walk and is across from the Time Warner building home to many shops

How far is Riverside Park?
Riverside park is due west and has many entrances about 10 minutes walk from our location

Do you have a corkage fee?
Our fee is $25 for typically 4 glasses

Does The ribbon Host private events?
The ribbon has hundreds of events annually- fixed sit down dinners and passed appetizers, fixed appetizer stations and multiple flexible floor plans with our west and east dining room parties form 20- 250 persons have been held on the premises

Menu, Dietary Needs + Dining Experience

How should the cuisine and overall experience be described in one or two sentences? A classic NY Brasserie with cooking techniques steeped in French preparation yet something for everyone in a comfortable luxurious room

Which signature dishes should be highlighted?
Award winning fried chicken, rotisserie meats and dry aged steaks are hits along with craft cocktails in the NYC tradition

Which dishes are most popular with neighborhood regulars?
our fried and rotisserie chicken, dry aged steaks and fresh seafood cuts

Does the restaurant offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-conscious, dairy-free, nut-free, or other dietary options?
A great dish is our Vegan Tofu entrée and we have plenty of vegetable forward dishes

Can the kitchen accommodate food allergies? What cautionary language should be used?
There are limited exposure to nuts in the kitchen and all dishes are prepared ala minute so anything can be accommodated

Is there a separate gluten-free menu or allergy guide?

Our staff is knowledgeable on all preparations and routinely advise guests as to “safe” dishes for dietary concerns  

Does the restaurant offer raw bar, oysters, seafood towers, steaks, burgers, salads, or other specialties that should be featured? 

Both East Coast and west coast oysters are always offered and fresh seafood is a mainstay of the restaurant 

Is there a full bar? What wine, cocktail, beer, mocktail, and nonalcoholic offerings should be described?
An exceptional wine by the glass program is offered, with additional featured rare wines poured from the Coravin, as well as 8 local craft brewed beers on tap and special keg wines, batched craft cocktails nd even table side smoked whiskey presentations

Does The Ribbon offer seasonal menus, prix-fixe menus, pre-theatre menus, restaurant-week menus, or holiday menus?
Ribbon always participates in Restaurant week and has Jewish holiday menus, and Thanksgiving as well as Xmas meals provided

Are cakes permitted? Is there a cake-cutting fee?
Guests that have events booked with us always bring in a cake- our baker can execute a special birthday cake for you as well

Can guests bring wine? Is BYOB permitted, and is there a corkage fee?
Guest can bring their own wine and there is a $25 corkage fee

Are separate checks available? Is there a limit for larger groups?
Our point of sale can easily split checks for your convenience 

Is gratuity automatically added for parties of a certain size?
Parties of 6 or more can routinely add a gratuity

Does the restaurant offer takeout and delivery? Through which services?
All the major platforms are supported for delivery and pick up through Meal Pal

Does The Ribbon offer catering, office delivery, family-style meals, or large-format orders?
EZ Cater has our menus on it and large events are handled with ease 

Can guests order merchandise such as mugs, hats, or T-shirts?
We have a birthday mug that is whimsical and can be ordered

Reservation + Guest-Service Policies

What phone number and email should guests use for reservation questions?
212 787 5656 is our main number, private events can email heather@eventvenuesnewyork.com

What is the best contact method for same-day reservation changes?
We have a host daily so a message can be left on the main line 212 787 5656

Can guests request a particular room, table, booth, or quiet area?
We have a private dining room and many tables that are routinely reserved

Can birthday, anniversary, engagement, or other celebration notes be added to a reservation?
Guests do this routinely request and handled with ease

Can flowers, balloons, cakes, or small decorations be delivered in advance?
Pre event décor items are routinely delivered in advance to the restaurant

Does the restaurant accommodate proposals or special surprise arrangements?
The ribbon has played host to plenty of surprise events

What is the policy on photography, professional photographers, tripods, and filming
Guests arrange professional photographers and videographers regularly

Are guests permitted to bring outside entertainment, musicians, or performers?
We have DJ's all the time and musicians appear regularly and can take advantage of the house system and our monitor speakers etc.

What holidays require deposits, prix-fixe menus, or special cancellation policies?
Certain holidays require a nominal deposit and require 24 hour notice to cancel- major party events you book would require a deposit of some form

What should guests know about severe-weather closures or changes to outdoor seating? 

We do close our patio in case of inclement weather

Private Events – Overview

Questions needed to build a strong private-events landing page, sales FAQ, and inquiry form.

Who is the dedicated private-events contact? Include name, title, email, and direct phone number.
heather@eventvenuesnewyork.com

Heather’s title is event coordinator and 609 385 3807 is an office number - emails are responded to promptly

What types of events does The Ribbon regularly host?
Weddings engagement dinners, fundraiser, charities

What are the names of each event space or room?
We have the east room, the west room, the private dining room and the entire restaurant

What is the seated, cocktail, theatre-style, classroom, and standing capacity of each space? 
The tavern from portion can hold 125 standing or about 80 seated and the rear dining room up to 120, the PDR about 10-12

Can multiple rooms be combined?
Routinely this is done

Is a full restaurant buyout available? What is the maximum capacity?
Yes capacity is 240

Is partial buyout available?
This happens routinely with 60-220 and portions there in

Is there a private entrance for any space?
A secret entrance through the kitchen is available for VIP guests

Is there a private bar?
A mobile bar is set up for events in the back dining rooms on a regular basis

Is there a bridal suite, staging room, green room, coat room, or private holding area?
The private dining room is available for a private space, we have a coat room as well

Are restrooms located within or close to the event space?
We have both downstairs restrooms as well as a handicap restroom on floor 1

Is the space wheelchair accessible?
Yes the space is on one level

What makes the space distinctive compared with other Upper West Side event venues?
The Ribbon is a vast space and is larger than 90% of all upper west side restaurants with a high ceiling and airy environment

Private Events – Food + Beverage

What event formats are available: seated dinner, family-style, buffet, stations, passed hors d’oeuvres, cocktail reception, brunch, lunch, or breakfast?
All styles of events have been hosted with cocktails only, sit down dinners, a buffet stations and passed items as well

Are custom menus available?
Virtually every menu is custom and derived from our larger dinner and lunch formats

Are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-conscious, kosher-style, halal-friendly, and allergy-sensitive menus available?
Almost the entire menu is customized and we routinely can do custom work for guests

Can the culinary team accommodate cultural or family traditions?
The ribbon has  a skilled culinary team and has done multi cultural menus in the past and can work with any guest’s traditional food requirements, follow family recipes, and in general customize a menu for your event to follow your traditions

Are tastings available before weddings or large events? Is there a fee?
A tasting is always encouraged and there is no fee as it is “credited” against you event

Are wedding cakes or outside desserts permitted? What are the fees and service requirements?
Off premise items can be brought in through special arrangement before hand

Are outside caterers ever permitted?
It is rare but through a special arrangement can be accomodated for a facilities rental only contract

What beverage packages are available: beer and wine, full open bar, premium bar, consumption bar, cash bar, mocktail package, or specialty cocktails?
Most events have a certain number of hours of open bar however a consumption “ tab” is typical for many hosts

Can a signature cocktail be created for an event?
The ribbon batches many cocktails for the general public an guest can craft their own signature cocktail for their event or choose from our list

Can a host provide wine or Champagne, and is there a corkage fee?
Many parties begin or have a champagne toast during the event which may or may not be an extra charge in the event contract 

Are coffee, tea, soft drinks, and nonalcoholic beverages included in packages?
The drinks are virtually always part of the package here

Are children's menus and vendor meals available?
A children's menu and coloring books are available for guests

Can late-night snacks, dessert stations, brunch-after-party menus, or takeaway favors be arranged?
Take away party favors are usually part of a package a guest creates and we assist in curating these if need be

Private Events – Pricing, Deposits + Contracting

Is pricing based on per-person menus, room rental, food-and-beverage minimum, or a combination? 

Typical events are priced on a per-person basis; however, certain nights of the week might incur a room fee

What are the typical minimums by room, day of week, meal period, and season? 

The restaurant always makes sure that a private event does not interfere with typical daily neighborhood business, this said, there can be seasonality adjustments – for example, Q4 when the city is its busiest

Are there different minimums during holidays or December? 

See above: the pricing during “ high” season is more costly

What taxes, administrative fees, service charges, gratuities, room fees, security fees, or staffing fees should be explained? 

NYS charges 8.875% state sales tax on all events unless you have a tax-exempt certificate recognized by the state; room fees may be charged certain nights of the week; security for certain events is an outside contracted line item, and gratuity is 18%

What deposit is required to reserve a date? 

A deposit is usually a 50% one on a major credit card 

When are subsequent payments and the final balance due? 

Balances are due the day of the event unless a previous arrangement is agreed to 

What forms of payment are accepted? 

All major credit cards or a bank check 

What is the cancellation and postponement policy? 

Depending upon acts of God or inclement weather, certain events could be moved to another date, and a postponement is something that could result in the loss of a deposit for the day 

Can deposits be transferred to a new date? 

Yes, depending upon availability 

When is the final guaranteed guest count due? 

It is best to have the final count buttoned down a few days prior for the smoothest operation 

How are additional guests, children, vendors, entertainers, and staff counted? 

Guests and children are counted via contract; depending upon the number of vendors, most may be accommodated at no cost; however, it depends upon menus 

What is the policy for overtime or extending an event beyond the contracted end time? 

This will be in the contract and is usually on a per hour basis depending upon the number of guests and what it is that is being extended – for example, an open bar package 

Is event insurance required? 

On rare occasions, typically no. 

Are security personnel required for certain events? 

Very rarely, and this is cleared beforehand with the event planner 

Are there noise, neighborhood, or curfew restrictions? 

Ribbon does not run into these issues 

Are there preferred-vendor requirements or outside-vendor fees? 

There are no outside vendor fees, and we have a list of recommended vendors to assist guests in deciding
 

Private Events – Av, Music + Production

What in-house sound system is available? 

Ribbon has a very high quality AV system featuring QSC speakers and Crown amplifiers with the ability to segregate the back room from the front room using typical RCA jacks ( female inputs from your 3.5mm input or other means) 

Are microphones available? 

Wired, wireless, handheld, lapel? Ribbon has both wired and wireless microphones for your use 

Are televisions, projectors, screens, HDMI inputs, or presentation monitors available? 

Ribbon has both projectors, screens and mobile LED televisions, as well as mobile monitors, a powered JBL EON tower and a JBL studio monitor that both take XLR inputs as well as RCA to ¼” inputs 

Is Wi-Fi strong enough for presentations, livestreaming, or hybrid meetings? 

Ribbon ha a number of WAP in the ceiling and has handled the rigors of presntation streaming in the past 

Can guests bring a DJ, live band, musicians, comedian, speaker, or other entertainment? 

Guests have provided their own DJ and Ribbon can assist with other vendor recommendations as well as background musicians for your event, this is a common request 

Is there a dance floor or space that can be cleared for dancing? 

The rear dining room is sizable and once tables and chairs are removed the area for dancing is good enough for over 50 patrons easily 

Are there volume limits or required end times for amplified music? 

The building is residential and it has not come up in the past unless it is a late night event, to which Ribbon advises the residents that live on the second floor with advance notice 

What electrical access is available for DJs, bands, lighting, photographers, and production vendors? 

There is over 800 amps available on the premise and multiple 110v and 208 single phase outlets that can accommodate almost any situation 

Can outside AV and lighting vendors load in? Where and when? 

The load in area are the gray doors 20 feet to the right of the main front door, going through the kitchen is an easy access point 

Is there a podium, stage, riser, step-and-repeat area, photo backdrop, or redcarpet setup? 

Stages can be rented in advance, a photo back drop is available and red carpets can be acquired from the local rental facility 

Can The Ribbon provide portable speakers or additional sound reinforcement? 

The ribbon has a Significant JBL EON speaker tower and another powered JBL floor wedge monitor that can assist as well as a smaller studio monitor that can fill the area s you are looking to reinforce 

Is there a house technician or required AV vendor? 

Ribbon has an in house engineer and an off site AV specialist available for guest that have atypical requests

Private Events – Décor, Flowers + Logistics

What décor is included with the room? 

The Ribbon has the antiques and all of its seating and display items, which can be modified to a certain extent on an event by event basis 

What table shapes and sizes are available? 

The Ribbon has many “deuces” that get combined for buffet style dining, and 7 booths of various sizes that are fixed in position- four that seat 4 persons and three that seat 5- 7 

What linens, napkins, China, glassware, flatware, candles, and votives are included? 

Ribbon has an inventory of large “ hurricane” votives that accommodate tall candles and smaller table top candles, we have table lamps and all the flatware needed for any event, flowers are arranged on a case by case basis 

Can hosts bring flowers, centerpieces, balloons, signs, favors, and custom menus? 

Almost every event has custom flowers, balloons, and favors brought from outside-Ribbon has helium on hand for blowing up balloons as well 

Can the restaurant arrange flowers, balloons, signage, menus, place cards, or photo backdrops? 

Ribbon has a large black backdrop and the ability to order different colors to make your photos even more memorable 

Is there a preferred florist or decorator? 

Our event planner Heather, has a few vendors we have worked with in the past that can work with you depending upon your budget 

When may vendors load in and begin setup? 

This is on a case by case basis, and the Ribbon can accommodate vendors early in the morning, the night before, or prior to your event 

Is there a loading area, elevator, or delivery entrance?

There is a Kitchen delivery entrance 20’ to the right of the front door that can be used for load ins 

Where can décor and equipment be stored before and after an event?

Ribbon has a downstairs storage area as well as a backyard storage facility that can accommodate your items 

Who is responsible for breakdown and removal?

Typically vendors or the actual party client is required to arrange the breakdown with their hourly employees or cotracted people, however the Ribbon can typicaly accommodate this as well 

Is coat check available, and is it staffed?

There is a coat check room and it can be staffed, by special arrangement with a dedicated staff person, otherwise a host can attend to the incidentals 

Can the private dining room be used as a bridal staging area, green room, or family room?

The PDR has been used in the capacity as a staging area, “bridal suite,” and a host of other uses depending upon the guest’s needs 

Is there parking or valet availability for events?

There is a parking lot across the street at 9 W 72nd and a good amount of street parking available that requires th PARKNYC parking app on your phone 

Can buses, limousines, and rideshare vehicles conveniently drop off and pick up guests?

The Ribbon is a local landmark and routinely has guests dropped off in front of the door

Corporate + Group Dining

What corporate event formats are most suitable for the space?

Depending upon the function the Ribbon often accommodates stationary buffet set ups, passed Hors D’oeuvres and open bar in the front Tavern area and has the same ability in the rear dining room 

Can the restaurant host presentations, training sessions, board dinners, product launches, press previews, and networking receptions?

Due to the 5 televisions and memory sticks that exist, corporate presentations have been performed for many years—in fact the Ribbon has 2 55” televisions that are mobile and can get moved to your most convenient spot 

Are breakfast meetings and daytime buyouts available?

The ribbon is available for early morning buy outs and has hosted many of these over the years 

Can invoices be paid by company check, ACH, or corporate card?

The Ribbon typically requires a 50% deposit beforehand on a major credit card, however if time allows, a corporate check could be used if enough time is left for the funds to clear 

Can tax-exempt organizations submit exemption documentation?

A tax exempt certificate is a document that can be used for your event as long as it is recognized by NYS 

Can recurring group dinners, club meetings, alumni gatherings, or association events receive preferred arrangements?

Multiple bookings, or bookings on a regular basis routinely receive an accommodation as it relates to discounts on food and beverage and room fees 

Can customized menus include company logos or branded messaging?

Ribbon has a sophisticated in house printing system and OKI c911 printer hat can do multiple sizes in 4 coor process using card stock and larger Tabloid size documents as well 

Can name tags, registration tables, sponsor signage, gift bags, and welcome desks be accommodated?

The welcome desk, gift bags and greeting tables are commonplace at the location 

Does The Ribbon offer delivery or catering for off-site corporate events?

Ribbon makes deliveries every day to local guest and companies through the major platforms and companies such as EZ Cater