NYC soul food legacy spot. Must-try mac & cheese, greens, fried chicken. A true classic.
Sylvia's has been a cornerstone of soul food in New York City since 1962, offering beloved dishes like baked mac and cheese, soul-stirring greens, and crispy fried chicken.
Since 1962, Sylvia's has been a celebrated institution in New York City, serving up classic soul food that honors its founder's legacy. This beloved Harlem spot is renowned for its flavorful dishes, including baked mac and cheese, soul-stirring greens, and perfectly fried chicken. Recently recognized with an America's Classics Award from the James Beard Foundation, Sylvia's continues to delight diners with traditional Southern desserts like Peach Cobbler and Banana Pudding.
Sylvia's is a legendary soul food restaurant, famous for its classic Southern dishes such as fried chicken, smothered chicken, baked mac and cheese, and greens. While many customers rave about these offerings, with the cornbread also being a standout (though some find it cake-like), there are opinions suggesting it's become more of a tourist hub with diminished quality and portions compared to its earlier days.
"Customers frequently praise the fried chicken, smothered chicken, baked mac and cheese, and cornbread. The collard greens are also noted, with a caution for those who prefer to avoid pork."
Customers generally have a positive view of Sylvia's, praising its classic soul food and specific dishes like chicken and cornbread. However, some long-time patrons feel the quality and portion sizes have declined.
Important Note
Some long-time patrons feel the restaurant has become a tourist hub with declining portions and quality. There's also a note for those observing dietary restrictions (e.g., Muslim diners) to be mindful of potential pork ingredients in dishes like collard greens.
"This commenter recommended Sylvia's in Harlem as a Manhattan option after noting Mitchell's on Vanderbilt had closed."
Positive"This commenter recommended Sylvia's in Harlem as a Manhattan option after noting Mitchell's on Vanderbilt had closed."
Positive"The user mentioned Sylvia's as a restaurant they've dined at for special occasions, but it was not the specific midtown spot they were trying to recall."
Neutral"While Sylvia's is described as legendary and having outlasted other establishments, the commenter ranks it lower than Melba's and Peaches for pork chops and criticizes Miss Mamies and Amy Ruth's."
Neutral"In response to a mention of Sylvia's, this user expressed strong disagreement."
Negative"This user simply mentioned Sylvia's."
Neutral"Sylvia's is a good place for soul food, unique to the US, with a note about checking for pork in collard greens if Muslim."
Positive"Sylvia's is a good place for soul food, unique to the US, with a note about checking for pork in collard greens if Muslim."
Positive"Sylvia's is recommended for African-American soul food, with a caution for Muslims to check ingredients for pork in collard greens."
Positive"Sylvia's is recommended for African-American soul food, with a caution for Muslims to check ingredients for pork in collard greens."
Positive"The commenter lists Sylvia's as a Harlem spot that tourists might consider."
Neutral"Sylvia's is mentioned as a fallback option for Southern food when other choices are limited."
Neutral"MidnightMuenster, while agreeing NYC generally lacks great potato salad, notes that Sylvia's in Harlem offers a decent version."
Neutral"Sylvia's in Harlem is suggested as an option if the visitor is willing to go to that area."
Neutral"Sylvia's has become a tourist hub, and its portions and quality of food are now considered awful by a long-time patron."
Negative"This commenter believes Sylvia's is better than Amy Ruth's for soul food."
Positive"The commenter suggests Sylvia's as a comfort food place that comes to mind, despite not being familiar with the specific "meat and three" concept."
Positive"Claims Sylvia's has vegetarian options, suggesting choosing sides without meat."
Neutral"Listed as a classic soul food option, but lacking vegetarian options."
Neutral"Recommends Sylvia’s in Harlem for African American / Soul Food."
Positive
