Next.js logo

MELBA'S

Last Updated: 19 days ago

Phone: (212) 864-7777

Address: 300 WEST 114 STREET 10026

TLDR

Harlem's soul food haven w/ iconic chicken & waffles, crispy fried chicken, & comforting classics that transport you south.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 24 Reddit comments)

63% Positive38% Neutral

Achievements and Accolades

Next.js logo
Next.js logo
Next.js logo

Tags

american 13southern 9soul food 8fried chicken 6soul food 6chicken and waffles 2View All

Neighborhoods

Harlem

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

Melba's is a vibrant Harlem institution serving up authentic Southern soul food classics. From their iconic chicken and waffles to perfectly fried chicken and comforting mac and cheese, this spot truly embodies the rich culture and history of its neighborhood. Don't miss out on their uniquely satisfying oxtail or their delightful fruit cobbler for a truly memorable meal.

Food Overview

Melba's is celebrated for its authentic Southern soul food. Highlights include the famous chicken and waffles, praised for its sweet and salty balance, and incredibly well-executed fried chicken. Other popular items include oxtail, mac and cheese, and comforting soul food staples, with a mention of their unique black-eyed pea spring rolls.

Highlights / Recommended

"Melba's is highly recommended for its iconic chicken and waffles, as well as its expertly fried chicken. Their smothered pork chops and oxtail also receive high praise."

Customer Sentiment

Customers rave about Melba's, consistently praising its authentic soul food, especially the chicken and waffles and fried chicken, and noting the friendly service.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This post highlights Melba's as one of the few recommended sit-down soul food places in NYC, specifically in Harlem, noting its long-standing tradition and authentic Southern roots, particularly with chicken and waffles.
Melba's is highly recommended for their smothered pork chops, with one commenter ranking them above other well-known soul food establishments in the city.
Melba's is suggested as a definitive soul food restaurant in Metro NYC that fits the 'meat & three' concept, praised for its authentic Southern cuisine.
Melba's is listed as a recommended spot for Southern food in the city, appealing to those seeking traditional and well-prepared dishes.
Melba's is recommended for their chicken and waffles, with a specific mention of the waitstaff always being nice.
Melba's is recommended for African American/Soul Food, with specific mentions of comfort food, fried chicken, waffles, and mac and cheese.
While noting that fried chicken doesn't travel well, Melba's is mentioned as a good option for this dish, especially for those seeking American Soul Food.
Melba's is specifically recommended for their oxtail.

Recent Mentions

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 →

From post: Pick 3 Restaurants For A Week

"Suggests Melba's or Peaches for visitors interested in experiencing American soul food."

Positive
Mar 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Recs For My Sad Sis

"Melba's recommended"

Neutral
Mar 22, 2025View Comment →