Sylvia's Restaurant
Southern Food Restaurant and Fried Chicken Joint$$$$
Central Harlem, New York
"Nice restaurant with pretty good soul food and really nice service"(23 Tips)
"California Style (w/ Brown Gravy) Chicken & Waffles were awesome."(28 Tips)
"Collard greens and Mac and cheese are delicious."(16 Tips)
"The cornbread is so good, and the baked Mac and cheese"(19 Tips)
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Time Out New YorkJuly 18, 2018This Harlem restaurant has been a neighborhood staple since 1962, doling out down-South specialties including chicken-and-waffles, saucy barbecue ribs and cowpeas with rice. Read more
Denia JonesJuly 16, 2014The 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
- Jessie CatanaOctober 6, 2015The 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.
Kendal CockrelAugust 15, 2018There's a lot of soul food restaurants in Harlem. But Slyvia's is the one that tastes the most like home. Sweet potatoes and cornbread are to die for.
SailorSeptember 26, 2018So yummy I just wish they added a little more kick and soul to the sides put a little stank on it or something Idk but love it
Erik CintronSeptember 21, 2016Good 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
Michelle WuNovember 13, 2014Let'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.
Michelle Osborne-GolphinOctober 27, 2017I was at Sylvia's Also, for a Private Party. The appetizers were delicious. The drinks VETY TASTY. The buffet delicious‼️‼️I will try to get to the main restaurant, because I have never been there.
Bokyung ParkApril 17, 2022In a way, it could be just a fried chicken, but an excellent cornbread and mac & cheese with a jazzy ambiance give you a wonderful experience in Harlem.
Andie SleemanDecember 14, 2016Skip 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.
D GarciaMay 17, 2014The 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!
Cristina DoniniJune 4, 2016The 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
Christine RamseyNovember 18, 2012The 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!
George HopkinFebruary 21, 2013I 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.
Julie SosciaJanuary 29, 2019A Harlem classic. For the full experience, stop by on the weekends for the Gospel brunch and expect BIG portions - no sharing, so come hungry!
Luis BourgesAugust 21, 2016Great 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!
Ade WILHELMAugust 24, 2013Amazing 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
AbNovember 27, 2015The welcoming, homey atmosphere. Order your classic if it's your first (chikn, mcnches, grns). Take their suggestion if it's your 2+.- Frank WilkinsonApril 1, 2013Great 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!
Molly ElaineFebruary 8, 2015Went 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
Lily MillerSeptember 20, 2013Good 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
Buford BarnesMay 21, 2012Great 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.
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!! :)
R RuffinJune 17, 2018The food was great and my baby was asleep and they made it work so I don't have to wake
Henry TongSeptember 21, 2014Fried chicken of course (go for the dark meat). Cant go wrong with any if their sides. And the chicken livers are a must try!
JulieMay 24, 2013Such 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!
- Julie SosciaAugust 1, 2018A Harlem classic, for the full experience, stop by on the weekends for the Gospel brunch and expect BIG portions of food.
- Julie SosciaJuly 17, 2018A Harlem classic, for the full experience, stop by on the weekends for the Gospel brunch and expect BIG portions of food.
CompassMay 15, 2014The 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.
Raffa RodriguezDecember 21, 2014Best soul food, best food for the soul. B-B-Que Ribs and Fried Chicken were everything I dreamt they'd be.
MonicaMay 8, 2014Love this place!!! The service is excellent and friendly, and the fried chicken with waffles is to die for!!! Super good!
Dadisi OlutosinAugust 12, 2014I 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
msMarch 12, 2015My first chicken and waffles experience... I was not disappointed. Plus the collard greens were SO GOOD
Fabio FontebassoOctober 12, 2014Super special Sylvia's ribs and chicken has been great for us! Good solution for a tasty dinner in Harlem!
Harlem AmbassadorJanuary 8, 2013Your 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.
Kennedy W.March 3, 2012The catfish dish is delicious. Great upbeat service as well, with a melting pot of people enjoying the rich culture and history.- CompassMay 15, 2014Celebrity and special occasion clients turn to chef Sylvia Woods’ catering services for bread and banana pudding, behemoth cobbler pans, and more.
amNewYorkSeptember 29, 2011For 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.
hitgirlNovember 14, 2010liked 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!
Paris DickeyJune 6, 2010The 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
Elise AbdallaJuly 1, 2010SOUL 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..
Hunter HarrisJune 27, 2014Great fried chicken, subpar waffles. Friendly service and a surprising array of cocktails on the menu.
Liena ElhagemoussaAugust 31, 2013Amazing fried chicken!! Huge portions!! Great martinis!! Pretty cheap for the amount of food you receive!
Brotha K.May 26, 2015Enjoyed the food and very nice staff. Meatloaf was on point and try the candied yams.
BETFebruary 1, 2013Sylvia'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:
Andrea ValverdeApril 23, 2014I recommend Sylvia’s World Famous Barb-B-Que Ribs & Fried Chicken with 2 side orders and a cocktail
Flor HernandezAugust 1, 2013Angela was great... The food and the ambient. We also were sat down in Sylvia's family table. It was awesome...
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Sylvia's Restaurant
328 Malcolm X Blvd (btwn W 126th & W 127th St)
New York, NY 10027
United States
New York, NY 10027
United States
Offering top-notch services, Sylvia's Restaurant is dedicated to providing our customers with fresh ingredients and irresistible soul food.
Closed until 8:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Sat
- 8:00 AM–10:30 PM
- Sun
- 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
(212) 996-0660
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Music
Live Music
Food & Drink
Menus
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Drinks
Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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- 8.4
"Mac&Cheese amazing. Love the classic chix/waffle as well."
Chris Morino - 8.7
"Everything was excellent... The live music was good too.. Would definitely recommend and go back."
Viblessed cancerbeatingdiva - 8.6
"Corn bread mandatory. Obv. Mac and cheese, fried yardbird... It's top-notch and worth the trip."
Experiences
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- 9.1
"Amazing historical theater in the heart of a Harlem. I took my mom to see Luenell. The performance was great and the audience’s vibe was fun and welcoming."
Denise D. - 8.0
"Buttermilk fried chicken w/ pancakes on brunch menu was on point. Highly recommended :)"
James Boye-Doe - 8.2
"Artisanal coffee, solid wine offerings, and a hip, mingle-friendly atmosphere straddle the line of java house and casual cocktail bar."
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