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Sylvia's Restaurant

Sylvia's Restaurant

Southern Food Restaurant and Fried Chicken Joint$$$$
Central Harlem, New York
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7.9/10
771
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    D O.
    "Nice restaurant with pretty good soul food and really nice service"(23 Tips)
    Frank W.
    "California Style (w/ Brown Gravy) Chicken & Waffles were awesome."(28 Tips)
    Jessie C.
    "Collard greens and Mac and cheese are delicious."(16 Tips)
    Natalie L.
    "The cornbread is so good, and the baked Mac and cheese"(19 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon238 Tips and reviews
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  • soul food
  • chicken
  • collard greens
  • cornbread
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  • Time Out New York
    Time Out New YorkJuly 18, 2018
    This 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 J.heart icon on user image
    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
    Upvoted Aug 20
  • Jessie C.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Kendal C.
    Kendal CockrelAugust 15, 2018
    There'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.
  • Sailorheart icon on user image
    SailorSeptember 26, 2018
    So 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 C.
    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
  • Michelle W.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Michelle O.heart icon on user image
    Michelle Osborne-GolphinOctober 27, 2017
    I 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.
  • Andie S.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Bokyung P.
    Bokyung ParkApril 17, 2022
    In 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.
  • D G.
    D 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!
  • Cristina D.heart icon on user image
    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
  • Christine R.heart icon on user image
    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!
  • George H.
    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.
  • Luis B.heart icon on user image
    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!
  • Julie S.
    Julie SosciaJanuary 29, 2019
    A Harlem classic. For the full experience, stop by on the weekends for the Gospel brunch and expect BIG portions - no sharing, so come hungry!
  • Ade W.
    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
  • Abheart icon on user image
    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+.
  • Frank W.
    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!
  • Molly E.heart icon on user image
    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
  • Lily M.
    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
  • Buford B.
    Buford BarnesMay 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.
  • Jeaux S.
    Jeaux SanchèzNovember 2, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    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 R.heart icon on user image
    R RuffinJune 17, 2018
    The food was great and my baby was asleep and they made it work so I don't have to wake
  • Henry T.
    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!
  • Julie
    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!
  • Compass
    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.
  • chi s.heart icon on user image
    chi shiMarch 25, 2016
    Smothered chicken n waffles.. So filling and delicious. Service is excellent
  • Julie S.
    Julie SosciaAugust 1, 2018
    A Harlem classic, for the full experience, stop by on the weekends for the Gospel brunch and expect BIG portions of food.
  • Julie S.
    Julie SosciaJuly 17, 2018
    A Harlem classic, for the full experience, stop by on the weekends for the Gospel brunch and expect BIG portions of food.
  • Raffa R.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Monicaheart icon on user image
    MonicaMay 8, 2014
    Love this place!!! The service is excellent and friendly, and the fried chicken with waffles is to die for!!! Super good!
  • Dadisi O.
    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
  • Fabio F.heart icon on user image
    Fabio FontebassoOctober 12, 2014
    Super special Sylvia's ribs and chicken has been great for us! Good solution for a tasty dinner in Harlem!
  • ms
    msMarch 12, 2015
    My first chicken and waffles experience... I was not disappointed. Plus the collard greens were SO GOOD
  • Harlem A.
    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.
  • amNewYork
    amNewYorkSeptember 29, 2011
    For coming on 50 years, Sylvia's Restaurant has been the locus of Harlem's soul food scene. The weekend brunchesjazz on Saturdays, gospel on Sundays — are especially popular.
  • Kennedy W.
    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.
  • Compass
    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.
  • hitgirlheart icon on user image
    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!
  • Paris D.
    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
  • Elise A.
    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..
  • Hunter H.
    Hunter HarrisJune 27, 2014
    Great fried chicken, subpar waffles. Friendly service and a surprising array of cocktails on the menu.
  • tony r.
    tony rochaNovember 30, 2012
    I can recommend the Candied Yams and Mac n Cheese as sides. Fantastic.
  • BET
    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
  • Liena E.
    Liena ElhagemoussaAugust 31, 2013
    Amazing fried chicken!! Huge portions!! Great martinis!! Pretty cheap for the amount of food you receive!
  • Brotha K.heart icon on user image
    Brotha K.May 26, 2015
    Enjoyed the food and very nice staff. Meatloaf was on point and try the candied yams.
  • Andrea V.heart icon on user image
    Andrea ValverdeApril 23, 2014
    I recommend Sylvia’s World Famous Barb-B-Que Ribs & Fried Chicken with 2 side orders and a cocktail
  • Eheart icon on user image
    EApril 24, 2015
    Fried Chicken with collard greens & Mac and cheese!!! Authentic soul food. Est 1962
  • Flor H.heart icon on user image
    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...
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