Carl Ruiz chased flavor across New York City, one specific dish at a time. He cared less about hype and more about what actually tasted great on the plate.
These eight dishes reflect Ruiz’s most trusted picks around the city, pulled from his TV appearances, interviews, and known go-to spots. 8it tracks dish-level tips from places like Eater, The New York Times, and Infatuation, then layers in recommendations from chefs, food writers, and personalities like Ruiz. That mix of expert voices helps you skip guesswork and head straight for the plates people talk about most.
1. Spare Ribs – Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
8it Recommendation: Get there early, they will surely run out!
2. Double Bone Duroc Pork Chop – elements
8it Recommendation: The five spice glaze transcends this dish #beyondreproach
3. Bison Bone Ramen – Bokujo Ramen
8it Recommendation: I love Justin Warner. Nothing more to say.
4. Steak & Duck Fat Fries – APL Restaurant
8it Recommendation: APL is a steak ninja and my hero.
5. Stretch Philly – Stretch Grinders Food Truck
8it Recommendation: Stretch could teach Philly a thing or two.
6. Smoked Bologna & Pimento Sandwich – Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q
8it Recommendation: This is what is in my dreams nightly.
7. Crab Louie – Tony’s Seafood Restaurant
8it Recommendation: Classic dish made to order just for you.
8. Banana Pudding – Billy’s Bakery
8it Recommendation: Your mother can never come close to this.
Before you plan a route to these spots, a few quick details help you get the most from Carl Ruiz’s picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all of the restaurants on this list currently open?
Hours and operating status change frequently, especially for high-demand spots. The 8it app includes an “open now” filter on its map view, so you can check availability in real time before making the trip. Always confirm directly with the restaurant for the latest hours.
How does 8it surface recommendations like Carl Ruiz’s?
8it aggregates dish-level recommendations from vetted sources, including food media professionals, chefs, and established food personalities, and plots them on a single map. Carl Ruiz’s picks appear inside the “Eat Like” feature in the app. That feature organizes recommendations by specific tastemakers so you can follow one person’s point of view across multiple restaurants and neighborhoods.
What should I do if a specific dish sells out or is no longer on the menu?
High-demand dishes, particularly smoked meats and limited daily preparations, can sell out before close. The 8it app flags time-sensitive and limited-availability items in its Pop-Ups and Drops sections. For dishes tied to regular menus, arriving early or calling ahead works as the most reliable approach.
Can I use 8it to find similar dishes if one of these spots is too far away?
Yes. The app’s map-based view lets you filter by proximity, including a within-a-mile option, and the “I Want” wheel organizes recommendations by dish category. If you want something in the same style as a dish on this list but closer to your location, those tools narrow the options without forcing you to scroll through unvetted suggestions.
Does 8it include reservations and directions for these restaurants?
Each dish card in the app links directly to reservation platforms including Resy, OpenTable, and Tock where available, as well as Google Maps, Uber, and Lyft for navigation. The goal is to move from discovery to arrival with as few extra steps and app switches as possible.
Keep Carl Ruiz’s map in your pocket
Carl Ruiz’s eight recommendations show a dish-first way of moving through New York City that skips guesswork and focuses on what is worth ordering. The 8it app keeps that map in your pocket for every outing, updated with picks from Ruiz and other vetted voices across the city in one place.
