TLDR
Renowned for its iconic chicken and waffles, this Harlem institution is a top-tier destination for authentic and soul-warming comfort food.
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
A staple of the Harlem dining scene, this celebrated soul food institution has earned national acclaim for its signature comfort dishes [1]. Owned by the charismatic Melba Wilson, the restaurant is a James Beard Award semifinalist recognized for its exceptional hospitality [1]. Patrons frequently praise its consistent quality, often favoring it over other long-standing neighborhood competitors [2].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on classic Southern and soul food traditions, highlighted by standout items like fried chicken, oxtail, and collard greens [1], [2]. While the signature chicken and eggnog waffles are a frequent point of praise, guests also highly recommend the desserts, specifically the carrot cake and various pies [1], [2].
Customer Sentiment
Overall feedback is highly positive, with many diners praising the welcoming atmosphere and ranking it as a superior choice compared to other famous soul food spots in the city [2]. However, some recent experiences have noted inconsistencies in both service quality and portion sizes relative to price [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About MELBA'S
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Harlemnorth Of Central Park Looking For Some
"The user agrees that the portions are generous and highlights a specific dish."
PositiveFrom post: Harlemnorth Of Central Park Looking For Some
"The user recommends this for soul food."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Good Food Recommendations In West
"Have only been a couple of times, waiting for a new location to open."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Good Food Recommendations In West
"Much better than Amy Ruth's."
PositiveFrom post: Does Anyone Know Where To Get Get Soul Food
"Mentioned as a recommended spot for soul food in Harlem."
PositiveFrom 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."
Positive