TLDR
Harlem's soul food haven, famous for its iconic chicken & waffles and a must-visit for authentic Southern comfort.
Instagram Posts References
Melba's is praised as a delicious, amazing spot offering 'true soulfood in NYC', emphasizing its authentic and high-quality soul food cuisine.
Melba's, a Harlem soul food institution famous for its chicken and waffles, is the subject of an upcoming Apple TV series, highlighting its cultural significance and restaurateur Melba Wilson's inspiring journey.
Details
Melba's is a beloved Harlem soul food institution, celebrated for its authentic Southern classics and vibrant atmosphere. It's particularly renowned for its signature chicken and waffles, a dish that has earned national acclaim [1]. The restaurant also offers other well-loved dishes such as smothered pork chops and oxtail, making it a consistent favorite for comfort food lovers [2], [3].
Food Overview
Melba's is a premier destination for soul food, with its chicken and waffles being a standout dish that has garnered significant attention [1]. Patrons also rave about the smothered pork chops [2], oxtail [3], collard greens, and various Southern-inspired items like fried catfish and shrimp. Desserts, including carrot cake and pies, are also highlighted as excellent [4]. Some recent feedback suggests a potential decline in quality, though overall, the food is considered a strong draw.
Highlights / Recommended
"Melba's is highly recommended for its signature chicken and waffles, a dish that has achieved national recognition. Other highly praised items include smothered pork chops, oxtail, collard greens, and their desserts like carrot cake and pies."
Customer Sentiment
Customers largely express positive sentiment, frequently recommending Melba's for its delicious soul food, especially the fried chicken and waffles [1]. While most experiences are highly positive, one recent diner noted a perceived decline in quality.
Caveats
One recent diner noted a perceived decline in quality after a previously good experience. Another comment suggested that while Melba's is still good, fast-food chains might now offer more consistent fried chicken.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About MELBA'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Sylvias Has Fallen To A New Low And Is Now Going
"The user reports having a good meal at Melba's on one visit but experienced a 'Kitchen Nightmares' level of failure and poor hospitality on a subsequent visit."
NeutralFrom post: Sylvias Has Fallen To A New Low And Is Now Going
"This commenter finds Melba's portion sizes to be disproportionately small for the price."
NegativeFrom post: Sylvias Has Fallen To A New Low And Is Now Going
"The user feels that Melba's is still pretty good, but suggests that fast-food chains like Jollibee's and Popeyes now offer better and more consistent fried chicken."
NeutralFrom post: Sylvias Has Fallen To A New Low And Is Now Going
"Melba's is recommended as still being pretty good, specifically in contrast to the trajectory of Sylvia's and other establishments."
PositiveFrom post: Sylvias Has Fallen To A New Low And Is Now Going
"The commenter recommends Melba's as a consistently solid choice for soul food, contrasting it with the perceived decline of Sylvia's."
PositiveFrom post: Bestgood Places To Eat Around 125th In Harlem
"This commenter loves Melba's and considers it the best in NYC, also mentioning a production about its history."
PositiveFrom post: Bestgood Places To Eat Around 125th In Harlem
"Melba's is listed as a well-known soul food option in Harlem."
PositiveFrom post: Bestgood Places To Eat Around 125th In Harlem
"Responding to a mention of Melba's, the commenter expressed disappointment after a recent visit, stating they have 'fallen off recently'."
NegativeFrom post: Bestgood Places To Eat Around 125th In Harlem
"Melba's is called the 'most obvious answer' for food in the area, and the commenter states their chicken and waffles are consistently good."
PositiveFrom post: Still Havent Found A Great Waffle Place In New
"Melba's was listed as a restaurant serving waffles."
PositiveFrom post: Best Oxtail Rice And Peas Nyc
"Notes that Melba's in Harlem serves unreal oxtail, although it is not a Jamaican restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Six Days In Nyc Wa Schmo And A Vegetarian A Food
"Experiencing soul food for the first time at Melba's, the user fell in love with the collard greens and found the mushroom pot pie great, though the eggnog waffle and chicken were just fine."
PositiveFrom post: Best Fried Chicken In Harlem
"This user emphasizes that differing opinions on restaurants are valid and that it's okay not to agree entirely, highlighting the variety of choices available."
NeutralFrom post: Best Fried Chicken In Harlem
"Acknowledging the subjectivity of food preferences, this user notes that their enjoyment of Melba's might be influenced by the overall experience, and respects differing opinions."
PositiveFrom post: Best Fried Chicken In Harlem
"This user loves Melba's overall experience, noting that while the chicken isn't their absolute favorite, it pairs exceptionally well with the waffles, making it a preferred choice over Sylvia's, Amy Ruth's, or Miss Mamie's."
PositiveFrom post: Best Fried Chicken In Harlem
"This user used to frequent Melba's and found it good, although they haven't been in a while."
PositiveFrom post: Soul Food In The City
"Compared to Miss Mamie's Spoonbread, Melba's has better portions and service."
PositiveFrom post: Soul Food In The City
"Melba's is suggested as a good option for soul food."
PositiveFrom post: Soul Food In The City
"In addition to the main dishes, Melba's also offers amazing desserts."
PositiveFrom post: Soul Food In The City
"The user is asking for recommendations for the best soul food spots in NYC."
Neutral