A Taste of the South in Harlem New York
If you are a foodie, and you are planning a trip to NYC, you will be overwhelmed with an immense amount of choices. New York is one of the top foodie cities in the world. If you are venturing uptown, ETG has put together a list of the Best Soul Food in Harlem. And if you want a serving of music and worship on the side, see below for a link to another article about Sunday Gospel Brunch in Harlem.
Best Soul Food in Harlem
Amy Ruth’s
The restaurant touts itself as having the best fried chicken and waffles in Harlem, and I do believe it is true. I almost devoured my entire dish in ten minutes flat. I usually eat super slowly, savoring each bite. That was not the case with this meal. From the first bite, I just loved the combo of the light airy waffles and crunchy fried chicken smothered in sweet maple syrup. FYI – there is an entire list of additional choices. The waffle list included “The Jennifer Holiday” (Fried Shrimp & Waffle), “The Natasha Anderson” (Pork Chop & Waffle), as well as many more. The dish I chose was the basic Fried Chicken and Waffle named “The Rev. Al Sharpton.” Of course, I had to try the cheesy grits and collard greens as well. These were fantastic. Yum!
As the story goes….Carl S. Redding learned to cook from his grandmother Amy Ruth, who he adored. In 1998, Redding opened a soul food restaurant and named it after his beloved grandmother Amy. The casual eatery features murals all over its walls which include President Obama, Martin Luther King, as well as pop icons such as Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, Whitney Houston, and more. Amy Ruth’s, 113 West 116th Street, NYC, 10026; https://amyruths.com
Harlem Seafood Soul Truck
Now, when talking about soul food in Harlem, we can’t forget the well-known mobile kitchen called Harlem Seafood Soul Truck. The business is owned by Tami Treadwell. It has been a fixture in Harlem since 2016. You can find the popular food truck in front of the Harlem State Office Building on Adam Clayton Powell Blvd and West 125th Street directly in front of the statue. Be sure to check the website, because the truck is currently being overhauled. A new location will be opening soon in Brooklyn’s Dekalb Market Hall as well. Visit the website for additional info – https://harlemseafoodsoul.nyc
Red Rooster
Of course I have to mention Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster. In addition to amazing food, the live music will keep you tapping your feet while you also enjoy the stunning art on the walls by local artists. I absolutely adore this restaurant. I reviewed it a few years back – CLICK HERE to read. Red Rooster Harlem, 310 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10027; http://www.redroosterharlem.com
Blvd Bistro
Husband and wife team Carlos and Markisha Swepson re-opened Blvd Bistro in Harlem NYC in 2019 (previously founded in 2014). The two owners perfectly complement each other. Carlos is the master chef, while Markisha runs the business side of things. Carlos, a Mississippi native has created a diverse menu featuring southern style cuisine with creole flair. Top selling items include the Jumbo Shrimp and Grits, Fried chicken, collard greens, and all the fixin’s, as well as Burgers, Ribs, and Stuffed Salmon (with lobster and crab).
Blvd Bistro features music as well. You’ll find Friday night R&B, along with a dj on Saturdays and Sundays. They also have a nice happy hour. I stopped in and enjoyed Catfish Tacos (homemade slaw, jalapeño), as well as Biscuit Chicken Sliders (ranch dressing and cheddar cheese.) Both selections were very tasty. My tastebuds woke up after my first bite into that zesty, catfish with homemade slaw – so good. Also the Biscuits Chicken Sliders were phenomenal. There is nothing better than crunchy chicken swaddled in a warm airy biscuit. Delish!
Additional popular options include Pulled Pork Slider or Tacos, three varieties of chicken wings and Cauliflower Bites with spicy Thai sauce. Blvd Bistro, 2149 Frederick Douglass Blvd (corner of 116th St) New York, NY 10026; https://www.boulevardbistrony.com
Melba’s
Another go-to soul food spot in Harlem is Melba’s. Established in 2005 by Melba Wilson, who was born and raised in Harlem, this restaurant is truly one of the best. Melba worked in the kitchens of several top restaurants prior to founding her own eatery. The restaurant quickly became well-known for its signature Fried Chicken and Eggnog waffle. Having dined here previously, I can honestly say this dish is indeed fantastic. However, on my most recent trip I decided to order a fried catfish sandwich. It had a beautiful crunch. The deep fried fillet was so flavorful. Together with a warm soft bun, it made for a perfect pairing. The coleslaw and the chipotle mayo provided a snappy counterpart. It offered a tinge of heat, which I loved. After a few bites, I applied a generous amount of Melba’s Red Cayenne Hot Sauce to kick it up a notch.
I was excited to go home with a bottle. However, those diligent TSA workers snatched it away from me…darn! I never check bags and the bottle was 5 ounces not 4, which is the standard. This is a reminder to our readers…do not make the same mistake I did. Well I hope they enjoyed the hot sauce.
Melba’s also has a good happy hour featuring both cocktails, beer, wine and “comfortizers” (per the menu). These items include Spring Rolls, Fat Ham Sliders, Chicken Tenders and more. As always check the website for updates and hours. Melba’s 300 W. 114 Street, NYC 10026; https://www.melbasrestaurant.com
Sylvia’s Restaurant
Last but not least, there’s the acclaimed Sylvia’s Restaurant which also offers a taste of the South. The beloved restaurant opened in 1962 and serves up signature dishes such as Barbecue pork ribs, fried or smothered chicken with Sylvia’s Original Sassy Sauce fried chicken and waffles.
The restaurant also offers live music on Wednesdays, as well as a Gospel Brunch on Sundays. See below for link. Sylvia’s Restaurant, 328 Malcolm X Blvd., New York, NY 10027; https://sylviasrestaurant.com
CLICK HERE to find out where to go for a Sunday Gospel Brunch in Harlem. CLICK HERE for additional articles about New York.
