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MELBA'S

Last Updated: 28 days ago

Phone: (212) 864-7777

Address: 300 WEST 114 STREET 10026

TLDR

Harlem's soul food haven. Famous for chicken & waffles, oxtail, and smothered pork chops.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 26 Reddit comments)

65% Positive35% Neutral

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

american 15southern 9soul food 8soul food 8fried chicken 6chicken and waffles 2View All

Neighborhoods

Harlem

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

Melba's is a highly recommended soul food restaurant in Harlem, known for its authentic Southern cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. Chef Melba Wilson offers a taste of Harlem's rich culture through classic comfort dishes, making it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors seeking a genuine taste of the South in NYC.

Food Overview

Melba's specializes in classic Southern and soul food, with standout dishes including their famous chicken and waffles, oxtail, and smothered pork chops. Customers also rave about the comfort food aspects and the authentic flavors.

Highlights / Recommended

"Customers highly recommend the chicken and waffles, oxtail, and smothered pork chops. The fried chicken is also frequently mentioned as a must-try."

Customer Sentiment

Customers consistently praise Melba's for its authentic and delicious soul food, with many highlighting the friendly service and welcoming atmosphere.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

Melba's is recommended as one of the few sit-down soul food places in NYC, highlighting its authentic Southern roots and connection to the birthplace of chicken and waffles.
A user shared an overwhelmingly positive experience at Melba's, describing it as an amazing visit.
Melba's is specifically recommended for its chicken and waffles, with a note that the waitstaff is always very nice.
Melba's is suggested as a top choice for smothered pork chops, even ranked higher than other popular soul food establishments.
While advising that fried chicken doesn't travel well, this comment notes that Melba's is a good option for it.

Recent Mentions

From post: Soul Food Recommendations

"This commenter also strongly endorses Melba's, stating it is the best option for soul food."

Positive
Oct 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Soul Food Recommendations

"The commenter suggests that soul food options are primarily located uptown or in Brooklyn and recommends Melba's as a good choice."

Positive
Oct 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Who Has The Best Southern Smothered Pork Chop In

"This commenter suggests Melba's as a good option for smothered pork chops, ranking it higher than Sylvia's, Miss Mamies, and Amy Ruth's."

Positive
Sep 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Going To Spend 2 Weeks In Ny In August Recs

"Melba's in Harlem is recommended for fried chicken."

Positive
Jul 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Tha Phraya 1553 2nd Ave

"The user had an amazing experience at Melba's."

Positive
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Are The Most Touristy Restaurants Bakeries

"The commenter lists Melba's as a Harlem spot that tourists might consider."

Neutral
Jul 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Southern Food In The City Shrimp And Grits

"Melba's is listed as a recommended place for Southern food in the city."

Positive
Jun 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Fried Chicken

"Melba's is recommended as a good spot for fried chicken."

Neutral
Jun 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Fried Chicken

"Melba's is listed as a recommendation for fried chicken, along with Peaches Hothouse."

Neutral
Jun 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Fried Chicken

"Melba's in Harlem is recommended for fried chicken."

Neutral
Jun 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Waffles Sans Chicken In Brooklyn Manhattan

"Melba's received a very strong endorsement as the definitive answer for waffles, implying its high quality and suitability for the original request."

Positive
Jun 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Have To Take A Southern Dignitary Out To Soul

"Melba's is now on the commenter's list of places to try for soul food."

Neutral
May 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Have To Take A Southern Dignitary Out To Soul

"Melba's in Harlem has a proud and long-standing food tradition with authentic Southern roots, being associated with the birthplace of chicken and waffles."

Positive
May 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Have To Take A Southern Dignitary Out To Soul

"Melba's is one of the few recommended sit-down soul food places in NYC, located in Harlem."

Neutral
May 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Greedy Pot

"The user mentioned that they visited Melba's last month as part of their efforts to explore Harlem's food scene, though no specific sentiment or detail was provided."

Neutral
May 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Does Meat Three Exist In Nyc

"The commenter suggests Melba's as a comfort food place that comes to mind, despite not being familiar with the specific "meat and three" concept."

Positive
May 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: Does Meat Three Exist In Nyc

"The commenter suggests Melba's as a soul food restaurant in Metro NYC that fits the "meat & three" concept."

Positive
May 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: Suggestions For Dairyfree Icons

"Recommends Melba's for oxtail."

Positive
Apr 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Food That You Wont Find Anywhere Else In The World

"Recommends Melba’s in Harlem for African American / Soul Food."

Positive
Apr 18, 2025View Comment →

From post: Fried Chicken For Caviar

"Advises getting fried chicken from the closest place as it doesn't travel well, but notes that Melba's is good."

Positive
Apr 5, 2025View Comment →