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Sylvia's Restaurant

Southern / Soul Food Restaurant, Fried Chicken Joint, and American Restaurant$$$$

Central Harlem, New York

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Sylvia's Restaurant

8.3^/10

637

ratings

Ranked #9 for Southern food restaurants in New York
"And great live gospel music on Sundays!"(8 Tips)
"California Style (w/ Brown Gravy) Chicken & Waffles were awesome."(27 Tips)
"Collard greens and Mac and cheese are delicious."(16 Tips)
"The smothered chicken is good, and the collard greens are the..."(5 Tips)

222 Tips and reviews

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Southern food
soul food
gospel
chicken
collard greens
mac & cheese
ribs
cornbread
family-friendly
authentic
lively
casual
fried catfish
grits
banana pudding
breakfast food
peach cobbler
cozy
cocktails
brunch food
(15 more)

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Jessie CatanaOctober 6, 2015
The chicken really is fantastic. White meat is super juicy and huge pieces! Collard greens and Mac and cheese are delicious. Didn't care for the ribs tho. Not bad, just not faaaaaabulous.
Denia JonesJuly 16, 2014
The food is AMAZING!!! Real traditional southern cuisine. I had the meatloaf, collards, mac n cheese,garlic mash potatoes and catfish fingers. OMGosh DELICIOUS!!!! Can't wait to go back
Michelle WuNovember 13, 2014
Let's start off by talking about the collard greens. So perfectly cooked. Then there's the mind blowing corn bread. I would come back for that alone. The fried catfish is crispy and flavorful.
Erik CintronSeptember 21, 2016
Good old fried chicken!! This southern spot is transportation to the south. The vibe was touristy, prices were little expensive. Outside dining was nice. Lines out the door. Simple menu. A must try
Christine RamseyNovember 18, 2012
The Sunday morning brunch is so much fun! They have live soulful gospel music to go with their fantastic classic southern brunch selection. Their fried pork chops and ribs are amazing!
Ade WILHELMAugust 24, 2013
Amazing livemusic. You can feel still Sylvia's carisma in the air. Ordered:fried chicken , mac &chips. Crispy &cheesy.:). If you like black music&culture this is your place. Obama ate here too
George HopkinFebruary 21, 2013
I had Sylvia's World Famous BBQ Ribs and Fried Chicken combo. It didn't disappoint. Lovely environment, food, and staff. I was with a group of British tourists here and we had a terrific time.
Lily MillerSeptember 20, 2013
Good lord, the collard greens...yum! Now I'm not from the south, but I thought they were mighty tasty :). The Mac and cheese and grilled herbed chicken = awesome as well
Payne GarciaMay 17, 2014
The fried chicken was slap yo momma good! Get the greens and the mac and cheese but stay away from the cakes. The cake was so dry it tastes like dirt!
Luis BourgesAugust 21, 2016
Great place, nice atmosphere! Loved the food and our waiter was very nice to us! Please make reservarions 1/2 weeks in advance! Also, buy sylvias seasoning rub!
Frank WilkinsonApril 1, 2013
Great comfort food! California Style (w/ Brown Gravy) Chicken & Waffles were awesome. The wait was well worth it. The table staff were phenomenal and very attentive!
Cristina DoniniJune 4, 2016
The BBQ Beef Ribs were delicious, so tender and yummy! And so was the potato salad- cool place to experience a nice harlem atmosphere - it can get busy
Jason 64128May 21, 2012
Great general soul food in Harlem. Chicken & waffles is available, but not the mainstay. Slightly touristy, but it has history and Sylvia herself still presides over many meals in a grandmotherly way.
Andie SleemanDecember 14, 2016
Skip Red Rooster and come to Sylvia's when you are in Harlem. The food is insanely delicious (best fried chicken & waffles) and the staff is warm, attentive and welcoming.
Jeaux SanchèzNovember 2, 2013
Very tasteful Soul Food Restaurant. Family owned. I went on a Sunday so they had a gospel act. The food is amazing as well as the staff!! :)
hitgirlNovember 14, 2010
liked the chicken.. and definitely LOVED the garlic mashed potatoes.. the sweet tea probably gave me and the rest of our party, diabetes.. they played a lot of 90s R&B, mainly Aaliyah def, a plus!
AbNovember 27, 2015
The welcoming, homey atmosphere. Order your classic if it's your first (chikn, mcnches, grns). Take their suggestion if it's your 2+.
JulieMay 24, 2013
Such a wonderful staff. Go here for food that will not only warm up your belly, but it will warm up your heart. Will be coming back!
Henry TongSeptember 21, 2014
Fried chicken of course (go for the dark meat). Cant go wrong with any if their sides. And the chicken livers are a must try!
Harlem AmbassadorJanuary 8, 2013
Your grandmother might make it better, but then again, she likely doesn't run a place of this volume. Perfect for the tour bus explorer set. Turkey wings and Smothered chicken don't disappoint.
Elise AbdallaJuly 1, 2010
SOUL FOOD! Its old school Harlem, but you'll feel at home with the casual atmosphere and DELICIOUS food - fried chicken, mac and cheese and biscuits :P The owner Silvia is usually there to say hello..
CompassMay 15, 2014
Celebrity and special occasion clients turn to chef Sylvia Woods’ catering services for bread and banana pudding, behemoth cobbler pans, and more.
MonicaMay 8, 2014
Love this place!!! The service is excellent and friendly, and the fried chicken with waffles is to die for!!! Super good!
CompassMay 15, 2014
The constantly packed eatery serves caters to locals and tourists seeking some of the most lauded mac and cheese and Sunday comfort lunch fare in the city.
Molly ElaineFebruary 8, 2015
Went for Thanksgiving meal and got some of the best southern food I've ever had. One of my new favorites for when I need to feed my soul...Lol
Kennedy W.March 3, 2012
The catfish dish is delicious. Great upbeat service as well, with a melting pot of people enjoying the rich culture and history.
chi shiMarch 25, 2016
Smothered chicken n waffles.. So filling and delicious. Service is excellent
Raffa RodriguezDecember 21, 2014
Best soul food, best food for the soul. B-B-Que Ribs and Fried Chicken were everything I dreamt they'd be.
amNewYorkSeptember 29, 2011
For coming on 50 years, Sylvia's Restaurant has been the locus of Harlem's soul food scene. The weekend brunches — jazz on Saturdays, gospel on Sundays — are especially popular.
BETFebruary 1, 2013
Sylvia's has been visited by Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Magic Johnson & many others! In honor of Black History, see noteworthy examples of African-Americans' accomplishments: http://bet.us/BHM
Ashlee HaynieJune 2, 2012
I grew up in the south where good cornbread is in abundance, but Sylvia's cornbread may be the best I've ever had.
Flor HernandezAugust 1, 2013
Angela was great... The food and the ambient. We also were sat down in Sylvia's family table. It was awesome...
Craig ThompsonMay 6, 2013
Try the Bbq Pork Ribs & Fried Chicken With Coleslaw & Cornbread Sides - So good! Bringing you next time Ann! :)
Sasha FriedenbergAugust 16, 2015
I had the shrimp and grits for brunch. It was great, but it did take a while to prepare and get the check.
tony rochaNovember 30, 2012
I can recommend the Candied Yams and Mac n Cheese as sides. Fantastic.
Hunter HarrisJune 27, 2014
Great fried chicken, subpar waffles. Friendly service and a surprising array of cocktails on the menu.
Paris DickeyJune 6, 2010
The fried chicken is absolutly succulantly delicious . Crispy yet when you bite into an subtle burst of amazing flavor ! The corn bread a fluffy sweet buttered baked treat . The collards ok
Nora B.July 30, 2010
Soul Food at it's finest. Famous for their fried chicken, but I wasn't too impressed. Try something different and make sure you have the Peach Cobbler for dessert. Great Prices! Read more
Liena ElhagemoussaAugust 31, 2013
Amazing fried chicken!! Huge portions!! Great martinis!! Pretty cheap for the amount of food you receive!
msMarch 12, 2015
My first chicken and waffles experience... I was not disappointed. Plus the collard greens were SO GOOD
Guest of a GuestJanuary 24
Sylvia Woods aka the "Queen of Soul Food" founded her restaurant in 1962, creating one of the most popular soul food eateries in the country. Read more
Dadisi OlutosinAugust 12, 2014
I just enjoyed the BEST meal I've had since arriving in New York. They do it right at Sylvia's. That's why they have the brand they have. #SoulFood
Sean HackbarthNovember 13, 2010
The smothered chicken is good, and the collard greens are the best I ever had. Go there around 5 on a Saturday to get seated right away.
Henrik OscarssonMarch 27, 2013
A soul food institution in Harlem. Smothered, candied, buttered, and chicken in all shapes. Great food.
Erika H.November 8, 2011
Ask for Twenty -- she's the nicest, warmest server in the place. She made our meal very special. Thanks, Twenty!
Tamar ThomasJuly 5, 2015
I ate at this Resturant Mother's Day 2014. The wait was ridiculous but understandable due to what day it was...the server whose name I forgot was rude and impatient. We were a party of 5.
Upvoted 4 weeks ago
ZOEJuly 26, 2012
Liked the ribs with garlic mashed potatoes and black eyed peas. Chicken breasts are also delicious.
Vicki TorresJune 22, 2013
Best soul food in NYC. Try the fried catfish. The baked Mac and cheese is amazing!
Fabio FontebassoOctober 12, 2014
Super special Sylvia's ribs and chicken has been great for us! Good solution for a tasty dinner in Harlem!
Erina YoshidaApril 24, 2015
Fried Chicken with collard greens & Mac and cheese!!! Authentic soul food. Est 1962
Tamara BrickersonJanuary 13, 2012
The BEST CORNBREAD known to man!!!! Mac and cheese, greens, and fried catfish all delicious!!!
Ruben Garcia MohedanoSeptember 6, 2015
Chicken n' waffles! But what a chicken... Come before 12 if you don't want to spend time in the lane
Antwaune DavisApril 2, 2014
I always stop here when visiting NYC......get the banana pudding...it's amazing!
Andrea ValverdeApril 23, 2014
I recommend Sylvia’s World Famous Barb-B-Que Ribs & Fried Chicken with 2 side orders and a cocktail
Anthony McCulloughMay 21, 2013
Thought I was gonna be sitting in a gentrified wasteland, but no I found it as charming as I thought a soulfood restaurant should be. It didn't loose it's soul. Thank goodness.
Randa EasonMarch 3, 2014
Always the best soul food in Harlem!!!! Never disappoints despite others preferences/comments/reviews.
Lyndsey McAdamsJuly 18, 2010
Amazing food! Friendly service! And great live gospel music on Sundays! As a Southern transport in the Big Apple, I highly recommend!
Kathryn PhillipsNovember 1, 2016
Delicious! Lunch specials are a great deal and the staff is so friendly
Candice LepageSeptember 22, 2015
Warm cornbread with a crisp top served with butter at every table! Score.
Michael Ducille JrJune 30, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Chicken and waffles was delicious. Everything is very affordable as well.
@JaumePrimeroApril 2, 2012
An institution in Harlem, but Sylvia's now has tons of competition. Grits are good :)
Mike ChauJune 2, 2013
Try the Red Velvet Cake - One of the best. That frosting is rich.
Dawn HayesJanuary 20, 2013
The real deal or as close as you will get these days. We met Sylvia the last time we were here. She recently passed away.
P GMay 17, 2015
Wonderful experience. Food was wonderfully spiced and large portions!
D OSeptember 15, 2015
Nice restaurant with pretty good soul food and really nice service
Brotha K.May 26, 2015
Enjoyed the food and very nice staff. Meatloaf was on point and try the candied yams.
Travel ChannelNovember 15, 2010
If you need a little comfort food, head over to Sylvia's for some authentic, lip-smacking Southern soul food.
SomeBizarre StevoNovember 2, 2012
Don't eat the collard greens then all great taking good care love and devotion
Amanda CameronFebruary 7, 2016
The fried chicken waffles were delicious. Great service and atmosphere!
Camille DanielJuly 20, 2013
Had the fried chicken. Good, well seasoned and not greasy. Also had scrambled eggs, nothing unusual regular eggs.
ƄƑıƞeFebruary 29, 2016
go Harlem Chicken & Waffles w/ collard greens and garlic mashed potatoes on the side!
Nick HillMarch 25, 2015
Lunch special plate is on point
Tendai RukoboNovember 8, 2015
Fried chicken is delicious and Mac cheese is great.
Dave CummingsFebruary 24, 2015
Collard greens are a must. Skip the lemonade.
AB SampongAugust 30, 2013
Wheat toast & buttery grits dashed with pepper! The only way to start the weekend!
Mike ChauJune 2, 2013
Try the Biscuits - Complimentary biscuits. Excellent.
Pet SMarch 10, 2012
Fried chicken & Mac/cheese is insane. Try the black eyed peas & potato salad!
Tyler Clark3 days ago
Chicken and waffles are delicious!
ShowOff MarketingDecember 8, 2013
Awesome food with a relaxed family atmosphere
Louis JohnsonJune 5, 2013
The Harlem Haberdashery family loves this place; Everything is better now. I can't stay out of this place.
BrittanyNovember 27, 2014
Food is AMAZING!!!! Chicken and waffles were beyond good!
Danielle RossiApril 2, 2011
The smothered chicken is excellent and be sure to save room for the peach cobbler!
Big T.May 8, 2013
The banana pudding is served cold. Ask them to warm it up fo ya!
RazorfishSeptember 20, 2011
Good old fashioned soul food: Corn, collard greens, mashed potatoes, corn bread, chicken smothered in gravy…
Bond NJuly 8, 2013
Catfish and grits is a winner, you won't be disappointed
Ken TaylorJanuary 4, 2011
Don't get the ribs and fried chicken combo unless you're really hungry, huge meal with 2 sides. Good value tho.
HeidizzleApril 4, 2013
Amazing staff - amazing food - make sure you're hungry!
Porter MasonAugust 29, 2014
Oh my Lord, this is the best non-homemade Mac and cheese I've ever had.
Nick B.November 2, 2014
Fried chicken. Mac & cheese. Everything. Except the red velvet cake.
Susanna AnFebruary 12, 2015
Gospel brunch is a nice experience; the singing is entertaining. Food is overrated -- southern fried chicken is dry.
Mariella Silva de Oliveira CostaJuly 17, 2014
An unique and delicious tradicional food experience At Harlems!
Anthony McCulloughMay 21, 2013
I don't often say this, but I actually got teary eyed eating the collard greens at Sylvia's. It reminded me of my mom's...
jose rJanuary 20, 2012
better than gladys knight's in Atl? hard to say, chicken & waffles are just as good, if not better
Kim McDecember 28, 2015
As a kid, I heard the food wasn't good. As an adult, I didn't like the food. My cousin and his fiancé came to Harlem for the first time wanting to eat there and they were not pleased with the food.
Raul M.March 11, 2012
Get early, get mimosas at the bar witha generous pour from bartender and be patient before you get a table
Mia AndersonAugust 9, 2013
Banana Puddin gets a thumbs up, w: friendly service !
TeeAnje BrightJanuary 18, 2011
Must have the sautéed chicken liver as appetizers and chicken & waffles.
Wandering BaileyNovember 21, 2014
Such lovely staff. Had the chicken and waffle.
kevin robinsonNovember 1, 2010
Been here 5+ times
Great Brunch...one of the few places that gets "Soft scrambled eggs" right...mediocre dinner
Spotted by Locals - city guides by localsAugust 15, 2015
For something special, get up early on Sundays and hit the gospel brunch Read more
Jean-Pierre PorteMay 8, 2013
Si vous y allez en groupe, non appétit... Ne manger pas trop le matin, c'est copieux... Attention au prix des boissons.. Un peu chère à mon goût.; 9 dollars la bière, 11 le verre de vin.
Jean Frederic TahonApril 14, 2013
Un accueil parfait un service exemplaire et une cuisine delicious.

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