We had an absolutely amazing experience at Mr. Purple in New York. The rooftop views were unlike anything else, truly breathtaking. I also want to give a hugh shoutout to our wonderful server Courtnee. Thank you, Courtnee, for making our first visit so special and for recommending The Formula for our meal. The steak was cooked to perfection and literally melted in my mouth. Incredible food, outstanding service, and all delivered with a warm, genuine smile. I'm so happy we had such an unforgettable dining experience-thank you, Courtnee!

came in today for a drink with a girlfriend and we thoroughly enjoyed it! Wasn’t too busy or loud around 6pm. Drinks were good, and the views from the rooftop are beautiful! We enjoyed a special where you get a steak, fries and martini for $35 that our server Alma recommended and it was great. Will come again

I had the absolute best experience at Mr. Purple the other night! From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was perfect. What really made my night, though, was the incredible service. My server, Elma, was beyond amazing. She knew the menu inside out and gave spot-on recommendations for drinks. Between the great vibes, top-tier drinks, and exceptional service, it will become my new go-to spot. If you go (and you should!), definitely ask for Elma, you’ll be in great hands!

I’ve been coming to Mr. Purple for months, and honestly, the place wouldn’t feel the same without Ricky. She’s not just an incredible bartender, she’s the reason the night hits differently. Ricky has this rare way of making you feel instantly welcome, remembered, and taken care of. Your drink is always perfect, the service never feels forced, and the energy she brings behind the bar is unmatched. You can tell she genuinely cares, and that kind of service is rare. The views are stunning, the vibe is iconic, but Ricky is the magic. She turns a great night into an unforgettable one. Once you’ve been served by her, you get it.Thank you Mr. Purple for having someone like Ricky behind the bar. She is truly one of a kind and the reason this place feels so special. Her energy, care, and attention to detail make every visit memorable. Places are made great by people like her, and you’re lucky to have her.

Came here on a weekday while visiting NYC was a bit quiet but Elma was my server and made my experience so amazing. Not only was she super personable but recommended some amazing drinks, she even invited me back for the summer when the rooftop is open. I ended up staying longer than expected ! Will definitely be back and bring some friends. Views were beautiful as well.

Alex Xu

Oi Bozu is the reincarnation of BBF - or perhaps not so much reincarnation as a slightly pared back, refined version. It's the same owner we all love, but some behind-the-scenes dispute with the other guy behind the venture led to the renaming and shrinking of the menu. Still the same guy behind Brooklyn Ball Factory and Bozu. There's no more cafe and the phenomenal hoji lattes will be missed; their hours are 6pm-11pm now. What remains is (still) the most underrated spot in LES, with unbelievably good dinner options and great drinks at great prices. I'm fond of their whiskey highball and whatever is in their heavenly lychee cocktail; my favorite food item before the rename was the hamburg steak bowl (which I think has probably gone to Japanese heaven for the time being) but I can happily recommend the ramen as well. I really am not kidding when I say the food here is as good as it gets. You'll find cool takes on Japanese food that aren't so devoid of creativity like the nth oversalted tonkatsu ramen shop opening up on your street; instead, we've got epic pickled veggies, one of the best veggie ramen broths in the business, and sushi bombs - which really might be a better way to eat sushi, and I have a feeling they're going to have their moment in a year or two. Eat them here and you can say you knew all about them before they were cool. That's before we talk about the old charming diner-bar hybrid inside, with chatty and funny bartenders. Seriously, where do they find them? Marie is awesome and as hilarious as it gets. Service is casual but excellent. Not to mention if you come here a little later, you'll probably find the owner chatting away with a guest or three, one or two of whom is likely another Japanese restauranteur in New York City. This is absolutely an If You Know You Know spot and I would love to see it become a Everyone Knows spot - it definitely deserves it.

Nelson Young

Sushi Bombs were delicious. Fave was the salmon. Ordered yellowtail and eel ala carte. Also a private Omakase bar in the back. Got to try next time. Also handmade ramen!

Jonathan Taylor

came in for a late night bite and some drinks. ordered appetizers, food came quickly and was beyond superb. very minor communication issue among the server that was working and our table, which meant we didn’t get informed that the kitchen was closing (closed by the time we spoke to our server). we hadn’t ordered main food yet, so were frustrated and brought it to the manager’s attention. he immediately corrected the issue and went above and beyond to ensure our visit was great. would highly recommend this establishment to anyone looking for very reasonably priced, excellent food.

Kongphop Attakowitwitaya

I recently visited BBF on Ludlow Street and had an outstanding experience from morning through evening. By day, it feels like a serene café—cozy booths, the aroma of freshly baked bread, and great drip coffee. In the evening, it seamlessly transitions into a refined Japanese tavern with a buzzing, intimate vibe . For daytime, I grabbed a latte and one of their signature temaki-style hand rolls. The rice was perfectly seasoned and the fillings super fresh—ideal for a chilled afternoon or casual meetup (). Later, I returned for dinner: the sushi bombs were playful and flavorful, and the grilled duck breast with umami salt was a standout. Their “fuwatoro” soft-omelet rice dish melted in my mouth . Pair that with one of their craft cocktails—like a refreshing shochu-based mix crafted by a skilled bartender—and it’s pure perfection . The team is friendly, service thoughtful, and the setting—white-washed walls, warm wood, soft lighting—is perfect for both working during the day and unwinding at night . Whether you’re grabbing coffee in the morning, lunch mid-day, or sake and bites in the evening, BBF delivers consistently delicious Japanese fusion fare in a welcoming, stylish space.

Elizabeth Hung

Great dinner here on a Friday early evening! We made a reservation but they take walk ins as well. We came with our toddler and they were accommodating and had a high chair! My favorites were the scallop hand roll and the tuna hand rolls. My toddler loved the udon noodle soup.

Hwarim Cha

They had a 50% promotion on sake, so I ordered a bottle along with some simple hand roll set. The bartender was friendly, and everyone there was kind and welcoming. It was a great experience!

Tami Applegate

Amazing dining experience. The cocktails and food were delicious. The staff were accomidating in turning down the music for a member of our group who has a noise sensitivity. We will definitely return and recommend the amazing restaurant.

Sina Maleki

This Japanese café is super classy, stylish, and high-quality. They’ve got a great combination of ingredients, and I really enjoyed my order. The fried chicken NanBan was amazing, and their iced cappuccino is absolutely fantastic! I strongly recommend it to everyone

Jessica Zhao

So excited for this restaurant - recently switched management, and it’s the most affordable yet delicious Japanese food in the area. For 3 people, got miso soup, a salad, 5 hand rolls, mentaiko pasta, the miso butter escargot, unagi don, and matcha mochi ice cream for dessert. Will come back for the cafe soon

+2

Sanjid Mustari

BBF is such a gem! I came in with a friend for a quick bite and found out that they only opened this month. You would never have guessed with how good the food & attentive the service is! I got the mentai cream udon and my friend got the tuna and salmon temaki. We also had some edamame to share. They’re a cafe during the day and an izakaya at night. I’ll definitely be back to try out their matcha and onigiri!! Also, a huge shoutout to Niki and Kit for the amazing service :)

Lina Stef

Words cannot describe how much I love BBF! I’ve been a regular and fan for over a year. Shun, Salamanca and the staff are incredibly kind, generous, inventive, and taste experts. This Japanese spot offers delicious coffee, matcha, croissants, and snacks throughout the day. In the evening they have cocktails, sake, Japanese food and best of all a secret omakase room in the back. Hands down, the best omakase I’ve ever tasted & a kind chef. Stop by because every piece and menu item in the store is chosen with heart and care.

+2

S B

We went here almost every day in our visit on nyc. They have the best of coffee of anywhere we have tried in all our visits here. They roast their own beans and carefully select specific single origin beans. Their food is just wonderful. I’m not sure you can go wrong ordering anything. The French toast and hot pepper onigiri were our favourites

Yiyi Zhang

BBF is a true delight! (This review is for their breakfast) From the moment you step in, you're welcomed with excellent service that’s warm and attentive, without feeling overbearing. The staff make you feel right at home, and it's clear they genuinely care about creating a great experience for every guest. The interior is simple yet comfortable, with soft lighting and an airy layout. The seating is cozy, perfect for relaxing whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee or staying longer. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, and the café is located in a lively neighborhood, ideal for a walk after your meal. As for the food and drinks, everything is beautifully presented. I had the miso soup with seasonal veggies, and it was delicious. The broth was flavorful, and the vegetables were fresh and perfectly cooked. The hoji latte was smooth and creamy, just the right balance of roasted flavor and sweetness. It’s clear that a lot of care goes into every dish and drink. Great ambiance, friendly service, and delicious food...I'm def coming back!

+2

Campbell Cross

Love this place. Super cute with a great menu. I was a little disappointed that they couldnt offer me any sake glass options for lunch (they looked around in fridge for like 5 minutes and then said they were out of sake). I liked the chicken nanban and my wife enjoyed her tamago sando and her spicy salmon onigiri.

+5

Summer A

This beautiful gem has been my new go-to Japanese spot when in NY and I absolutely adore this place♥️ Food, DELICIOUS. Service and their staff, EXCEPTIONAL AND LOVELY. The vibe, SUPER CHILL. The best place if anyone wants to score authentic Japanese flavor with a little twist. Thank you for having me there every time, can’t wait to see you all soon!

+2

Chloe

BBF is a wonderful Japanese café in the lower east side to hang out in and have a coffee—it’s my new go-to spot for weekend mornings. For the soft opening, they’re doing a free drip coffee with a pastry purchase! I got a delicious, perfectly flakey croissant and excellent drip coffee (with steamed milk!) for less than $5. They heat the croissant for you too which I love. I keep coming back because of the ambiance and ample seating available. It’s pretty empty in the mornings, so it’s a great spot for reading and relaxing. The service is also excellent, and they always play great music, usually jazz and 70s soul. This place is a gem.

+3

It's a big bar with dancing space on the 15th floor. I was there to dance and see the rooftop, it was some free special that night. But that night it was raining so the rooftop was closed. I just saw vague skyline through the glass walls. Overall it was nice to dance, not crowded.

Mr. Purple was a lot of fun! The rooftop view of the city was immaculate, and they had a great selection of music as well. The drinks were solid, and I enjoyed the overall vibe of Mr. Purple as a whole. Would recommend!

The food was good! But I was not a fan of the drinks. The pornstar martini was more so a passionfruit mimosa, pure prosecco! It was so bubbly rather than smooth. Any good bar serves the prosecco on the side. Our waitress and all the staff were amazing though and the view is worth the $25 drinks. Great music as well. Just really bummed by the drink.

Michael Hejtmanek

OK last night we ate at BBF or as it's now called Oi bozu. We used to love BBF. It had an amazing menu and great staff - just an awesome place that I used to come with my daughter and my wife to eat in our neighborhood. They served clean amazing Japanese food. So I was surprised a few months ago when I met the owner and he told me they were closing down to reopen... Some background: BBF always had a problem The problem was never the food The problem was always that it was hidden. There was no way to know it was a restaurant and there was no marketing. There wasn't even a sign on the door it was just a glass front where you could see a bar. It was only by chance that we found it because we live in the neighborhood. So when the owner told me he was shutting down to relaunch the restaurant I was excited. I thought maybe he would do some fantastic marketing. But I was much disappointed last night when I went in to find that the only change that they had made was to completely change the menu. And I don't think they made an improvement on the menu it's still good but the old one was better. What they really need is a sign outside of the store on the street that says THIS IS A LAPANESE RESTAURANT. Hang a Lantern or two. The tiny etched glass 12 feet off the sidewalk tat says japanese tavern is way too subtle. If the owner reads this: You just need some signage and some marketing The food is amazing!

Rory Lee

the brussel sprouts, mentai udon, and miso butter escargot were very memorable for me ♥️ the brussel sprouts had a nice tanginess and was perfectly charred, the udon was slightly creamy and had a fuller flavor (but not too heavy!), and i thought the the miso butter taste was really unique with the escargot. tbh i would've given this place 5 stars if it weren't for the filet mignon, which was really subpar. it was extremely dry and had a gritty texture. even dipping it in the miso butter or the udon cream couldn't salvage it. it was more like something you'd find at a cheap diner, not a place like this (plus it cost a third of our bill 😩). overall tho, would definitely come back. the food was served quickly, the servers were attentive and friendly, and the ambiance was nice (the bass of the music was just a little loud but could still hold a conversation). i just wouldn't order the filet mignon again (or any of the steak dishes for that matter).

+2

Bonnie

Had the most amazing tiramisu latte here!! The food was good but i dont know if I’ll come back for the food, definitely for the drinks! The inside is also extremely spacious - great do work in the morning/afternoon.

This was our second visit to this property, both times at sunset, this time as hotel guests. The view is breathtaking, making it an ideal spot for sunset cocktails. However, regarding the food and cocktails, both are of low quality and do not meet our expectations. We had the worst Aperol Spritz we have had. Bartenders had no clue. Additionally, the bartender was arguing with a client over a card and tried to involve me in the discussion, which was very rude and inappropriate. We had one drink, enjoyed the fantastic view, and left. Many rooftop options, avoid this one.

Only good thing about this place is the bathroom attendant Ibrahim. Came in knowing it’s a club and drinks would be more expensive, but the tequila soda I paid over $20 for was extraordinarily weak. Having learned my lesson about ordering liquor from the place, I went back for a second round and asked if they had White Claw. Bartender hands me a Surfside (a little more than $11 for the can), and then PROCEEDS TO SIGN FOR ME, TIP FOR ME, AND TAKE THE HANDHELD AWAY before I can even touch it. This was an extremely quick movement, like he is very well practiced at signing and tipping for customers while they’re putting their cards away the moment they tap. I tipped 20% on my first round. I don’t know what the average tip at this business is or if a noticeable number of customers don’t tip, but frankly, that’s not my problem. You CANNOT sign and tip on a bill on a customer’s behalf. That is outrageously disrespectful, and probably illegal. Maybe he felt overwhelmed by his ~7 customers at his nightclub bar, but that does not excuse this. Truly appalling. I wonder how much money he steals from unknowing customers per month with this kind of behavior. Dude needs to be fired

Garvin

The brussel sprouts are just normal roasted brussel sprouts which although were tasty, didn't feel Japanese. The shrimp katifa was good but seemed like a glorified shrimp tempura taste, not worth the price. The ramen was ok, I wish the broth flavor was richer. The gyu kushi yaki was horrible with very cheap teriyaki like sauce and was too salty. The service was very slow. They forgot part of our order so we ended up staying longer than we wanted. Overall this place felt overpriced for ok quality.