There are two Ruby Foo’s in New York City. They both have glossy, bold decor – what could be considered kitschy Asian – that comes across as either glamorous or a little tacky, depending on your personal taste. Both Ruby Foo’s have all the big hitters of Pan-Asian menu items, such as spare ribs, Pad Thai and sushi. Diners seeking a traditional, Americanized version of Chinese food will not be disappointed (nor their palates challenged).

The one in Times Square caters somewhat to the post-theater crowd; this is the epicenter of Broadway, after all, and tourists sure love their big musical productions. Ruby Foo’s in Times Square of New York City helps carry on the big, festive mood of a Broadway show, with red and gold decor, loud crowds (especially during peak travel seasons) and free-flowing drinks. While this restaurant is touristy (due to its location), it is definitely not the most tourist-laden restaurant in midtown.

The Ruby Foo’s Uptown is at Broadway and 77th street, around a half-mile up from Lincoln Center. This Ruby Foo’s gets a lot of families during the day, whereas at night it turns into a popular place for the “Sex and the City,” single New Yorkers type of crowd. Somewhat less crowded than the midtown Ruby Foo’s, this restaurant still does very, very well. Indeed, during lunch and early dinner, it’s one of the more family-filled restaurants in the area.

The same restaurant in two different NYC locations, make for two very different dining experiences. In Times Square, post- theater crowds are to be expected, and the Upper West Side these days is full of a mix of young singles, and families with children. The two Ruby Foo’s reflect their locations. They have the same menus, though; try the Dim Sum Sampler to start, as it’s quite generous and can be a group appetizer. Both restaurants also have one of my favorite shareable desserts: The Bento Box Dessert Sampler. This twist on the Japanese Bento (usually the compartments have sashimi and other traditional Japanese menu items) has different selections of Ruby Foo’s desserts, easy to share with the rest of your dining party. Ruby Foo’s serves a wide selection of Americanized Pan-Asian foods: No surprises here. The entrees serve as nice background to for a family or group get-together, rather than the focus of the meal.