Excellent food all round. Solid menu choices, good prices and good service. - 9/10 Fried chicken, the crisp and seasoning is on point. - 9.5/10 MacNcheese, the two cheese combo is close to perfect - 8.5/10 Smothered Chicken, slightly too thin - 9/10 Collard Greens, the strips of salted meat in there were a real treat - 8/10 Candied Yams, sweet, soft and syrupy! - 7.5/10 Ribs, probably the most disappointing thing on the menu. Not big in size, the sauce was odd.

+4

Olga is the best! The music is great! The food is excellent! It's freshly made, not frozen or canned. This restaurant is a must try.

This was at the QIFF Doha Qatar. Was the most amazing Ribs, Mac & Cheese, ox tail

+6

Legendary soul food restaurant—the real deal since 1962. Fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens all incredible . Famous for a reason—food, history, atmosphere all make it well worth a visit . Weekend brunch draws crowds, come hungry. A Harlem institution.

Sylvia's I wasn't aware of your fame, this restaurant is amazing. I genuinely only was able to finish maybe half of this before I was full and decided to take the rest home to eat later The barbecue sauce... the tenderness of the short ribs... the cornbread too, I see why you're famous

Sylvia's offered delicious food, atmosphere (we dined in the enclosed patio) and great service. It did take a while for our food to be brought to us but it was worth the wait! The cornbread muffins are the best I've ever had in my life. The Mac n cheese was perfectly cheesy. I can't say anything bad about what's on the menu. I will be visiting again the next time I'm in NY.

+1

Finally got to visit this place after hearing so much about it! This has been the best soul food I’ve had here in NYC. I had the oven baked half chicken it was wonderfully seasoned and juicy. It comes with 2 sides so I had Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. I’ve been searching for some good Mac and cheese and Can safely say these are in the top of my list. Customer services is very welcoming and friendly. They serve you corn bred when you are seated. There was live music and the atmosphere was great! This is a great place to come with family and/or friends.

+1

A wonderful soul food restaurant in Harlem all of the food is delicious I took my auntie there for her 75th birthday she has not been back for 30yrs am she loved it! The chicken, collard greens, potato salad the dessert was amazing the staff was outstanding thank you Fatou excellent server you were! you made ,my Auntie Day very special for auntie's birthday! Also Jason, Kay, Kenya, Monique an all the staff are amazing! We will definitely be back so please go to this black owned restaurant and support them the food and experience is amazing thank you again the twin!😎 return again this past Sunday just outstanding! the food, the service, everything is fresh everything is hot the wait staff, Olga is amazing! you feel like it's your grandmother serving you this delicious food she suggests items for you she brings everything out even the sweet tea cornbread butter she is a true gift, the gospel brunch and sing wonderful. A fabulous place if you haven't been please go we met people from Los Angeles, New Orleans Kansas City, London, support this family-owned business just fabulous much love the twins!❤️🙏🏾😎

+1

The atmosphere is amazing. A lady is singing jazz songs. The food is really nice (a bit heavy to digest and very rich in calories but I guess you expect it if you go in soul kitchen place). The experience that dives you in the culture and throws you in 50’s. Highly recommend.

Better than I could have expected. This is as good as food can taste. Don’t understand how the crispy chicken had deliciously tender meat. The ribs were saucy and fell off the bone. The waffles were fluffy. The iced tea lemonade was sweet and flavorful. 10/10. Would travel hours just to have this meal again.

Had a lovely lunch at Sylvias. Great service, great atmospehre with good music and even better food. Everything we ate was tasty.

If you’re searching for a dining experience that feeds both your soul and your appetite, look no further than Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem. Stepping into Sylvia’s feels like walking into a warm hug—welcoming, vibrant, and filled with the comforting aroma of home-cooked Southern food. The fried chicken is legendary—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned to perfection. Pair it with collard greens, buttery cornbread, and mac ‘n’ cheese so rich it’ll make you pause between bites just to savor the flavor. And don’t even think about leaving without trying Sylvia’s peach cobbler—it’s pure magic in a bowl. But Sylvia’s isn’t just about the food; it’s about the experience. The staff treat you like family, the music lifts your spirit, and the walls echo with decades of history and heart. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of soul food or trying it for the first time, Sylvia’s serves up authenticity, culture, and love in every dish. So go hungry and leave happy—Sylvia’s is more than a meal, it’s a celebration of tradition, flavor, and community. Trust me, one visit and you’ll already be planning your return.

+6

I got the Fried Chicken meal, it came with two sides I got Mac n Cheese and Yams. I also ordered a side of potato salad and they gave complimentary cornbread. Everything was 10/10 the flavor was amazing, food was quick, service was efficient, plenty of space, felt welcomed and not rushed. Highly recommend!

+4

Visiting from California 9/11/2025 Kendra woods the granddaughter of Ms. Sylvia and her dad shared stories about the first location and expressed their appreciation for my visit food was flavorful and delicious 🤤 well seasoned and hot and the Rum punch was very strong the experience was great thank you and please follow me for more reviews

+6

Great Gospel brunch experience! Loved the music/artist. We had smothered chicken with waffle and the fried chicken/ribs combo with mac n cheese and greens. Everything was hot and delicious. Cornbread is sooo good too! Staff was so attentive and hospitable. Shout out to Daycia for taking great care of us! Highly recommend any time you're in Harlem!

My family and I celebrated my 👑Mom's birthday Sunday January 13, 2026. We had a great time the lounge singer sang to my mom she loved it and so did I. I started going to👑Sylvia's restaurant in the 1980s. I used to go 3 times a week even the waitresses new me by face that's how many times I went to 👑Sylvia's restaurant. I was addicted back then. I haven't been to👑Sylvia restaurant since she passed away😞. I thought since she passed away the food wouldn't taste as good boy was I wrong 👑Sylvia food still tastes as good as if she cooked it her self. I order the same thing every time collard green candied yams and a fried chicken leg. To me nobody makes southern soul food like👑Sylvia nobody. I still love her She's is still the 👑Aquarius👑Queen of southern cuisine. Also she was an Aquarius we are great at everything we do. I love you 👑Sylvia 4ever🥰😘 💖Happy🎂heavenly 100th🎁birthday👑Sylvia🎈 February 2, 1926-2026

I had to pay a visit to this Harlem’s institution! Sylvia’s has been an iconic landmark for more than 60 years now. I had the pleasure to go there for lunch with friends a few days ago and to indulge in a true Southern classic: fried chicken and waffles. The crispy, golden-brown chicken was perfectly seasoned, with just the right amount of crunch and juiciness in each bite. Paired with the fluffy, buttery waffle, it was a delightful balance of savory and sweet. The chicken’s flavor stood out—comforting, with a touch of spice that complemented the rich syrup drizzled over the waffles. The combination is a simple yet satisfying dish that captures the essence of soul food. The warm, welcoming atmosphere at Sylvia’s adds to the overall experience, making it feel like you’re at a family gathering. You can find pics with all the most important people, politicians and celebrities from the past several decades on the walls. Service is extremely good and efficient and ready to give you informations about the place at any time. We had to wait to be seated but the guy in charge of leading us to our table was so kind and accommodating! For anyone seeking an authentic Harlem dining experience, Sylvia’s delivers on tradition and flavor. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this spot is a must for anyone craving a taste of soul.

+2

I have been hearing about this place my whole life. Finally made it to Harlem so I had to try it out. They did not disappoint. A Reservation was helpful, they also have a to-go window. I had to get black eyed peas for New Years day I'm thankful for that. The food was great and my chicken was fried to perfection.

+1

Sylvia’s restaurant is one of my favorite restaurants in Harlem. As soon as you enter the restaurant, it smells like you’ve entered your southern grandmothers house for Sunday dinner. Their soul food is always great and consistent.

This place was amazing. This is definitely a place we want to come back again. We came in 30 minutes before closing, and the service we got was impeccable. Starting from our server, whose name was Day ( I hope I'm spelling it correctly). She was attentive, kind, and funny as heck. We have been walking all day and finally ended there for dinner. Needless to say, we were stuffed. The meals come with a lot of food. We bought 3 plates for 4 people and there were still leftovers. We ordered the fried chicken and the baked chicken, with mac and cheese (which was baked), greens, candied yams, and mashed potatoes. Everything was delicious. And the cornbread that comes out was warm and tasty. Seriously, I would recommend this place to anyone who is interested in having some soul food. Also, they make their own hot sauce, and it's a 10/10. Even bought a bottle to take home. I brought my Dominican in laws to this spot, and they devoured all of their food.

+6

Going to Sylvia's was a great experience! Previous to my arrival, I tried booking a reservation online but they were all taken for the number in my party. I took a chance and went directly to the restaurant. The staff greeted me kindly and explained that it would be a 10 minute wait. Meanwhile, they guided us to the outdoor seating area, which was heated. We were seated and greeted by our server, Dylan. He was great! He kept our drinks full, brought our food out promptly. I had the catfish, crispy and seasoned well with yams and mac and cheese. The yams were sweet but not to sweet. The Mac and cheese was flavorful but could use more cheese within the dish. One of my daughters had the appetizer wings, hot and crispy however a little salty for our liking. My other daughter had the chicken and Waffles served with a leg quarter which was also seasoned well. Daughter #3 had the chicken sandwich that was hot and seasoned well with fries. The fries were standard but hot and crispy. Lastly, my husband had the pork chops, vegeterian greens and rice. 1 pork chop was fried, crispy but a little salty. The other chop was fried smothered I gravy. I didn't care for the gravy but it was decent. The greens were great. Well seasoned. The rice was well seasoned and fluffy. This was overall a great experience!

Harlem first timers, let me introduce you to Silvia’s. Chances are, you may have already heard of them because so many people have eaten there. Their brand of soul food deserves special recognition because the family behind the business adhere to traditional recipes and deliver that finger-licking goodness day in, day out. We had a delightful dinner experience: sitting in the back corner of the outdoor dining area, looking across a lively turnout of dinner guests while enjoying our delicious Catfish Fingers, Cornbread, and colourful cocktails. The staff were friendly, and the food was good. For mains, it was difficult for us to look past the classics: we had the BBQ Beef Short Ribs and Down Home Fried Chicken. Both worked well with our selection of side dishes. The Mac-n-Cheese and Collard Greens dampens the sauciness of the Beef Short Ribs. The Candied Yams and String Beans balances out the crunchiness of the Fried Chicken. Sylvia’s signature hot sauce was also a bit of fun to have on the side. Before leaving, we made sure to walk around to check out the many photographs hanging around the restaurant. Sylvia’s is really a lot more than just a restaurant. It’s a museum. Overall, a must visit when in this neighbourhood.

Longstanding soul food restaurant with accompanying atmosphere you go back in time. You’ll find locals and tourists dining here. Restaurant is a bit noisy but that’s part of the experience. Great for larger group dinners. Service is quick. Staff made suggestion where to put the stroller, which I appreciated. Although I am not an expert on soul food; it seems traditional and is tasty especially with Sylvia secret sauce. Only negative is the limited choice and poor quality of wine but that’s not where you come for here anyway.

Sylvia’s has been on my list for 7 years and I finally got to go! Went on a Sunday at 1:30 pm with a 20 minute wait walk in. Food was great and they have a singer with gospel music 😭 coming back

Walk about 30 minutes to enjoy the iconic restaurant of Harlem. It’s definitely worth the walk. The host and waitress were all very attentive and kindhearted. The cornbread was one of the best I’ve ever tasted. The fried chicken and waffles were also very impressive. I would love to visit again.

+6

Great, great, great! What else I can say about this incredible place. We’ve been here many years ago and we came back because we really loved their fried chicken with waffle and their cornbread ❤️❤️. We haven’t been deceived. The food is great, the service is great and the atmosphere is great too. It was Sunday and a singer was singing gospel music 🎵. We ate fried chicken, but also chicken liver and fried shrimps. All super good. Even the iced sweet tea was great and not too sweet. We took also the lemonade. The very comfort food in New York. Super suggested.

+4

Sylvia's met all my expectations. Rarely do restaurants check all boxes, but they did. The food was excellent it reminded me of my mother-in-laws Sunday after church meals! The ambiance was phenomenal, I am still smiling and bobbing my head to the sounds of Mary J and New Edition and other songs that played. The service felt personalized just for us! Not Black Excellence, just Excellence!

Sylvia's is an absolute gem! From the moment we walked in, you could feel the history and warmth of this Harlem institution, serving up incredible soul food since 1962. We started with the warm cornbread, and it was truly divine – so soft, delicate, and perfectly sweet. For our mains, the fried catfish was crispy on the outside and flaky and moist on the inside, while the pork ribs were fall-off-the-bone delicious. It's clear why Sylvia's has stood the test of time, consistently delivering exceptional food and service. Reading other reviews confirms what we experienced – this isn't just a restaurant; it's a piece of Harlem's culinary heritage. Founded by Sylvia Woods, a true visionary, this family-run establishment has nourished generations and continues to be a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and mouthwatering soul food. Don't miss out on this legendary spot!

+6

Sylvia’s 328 Malcolm X Blvd. New York, NY 10027 Cornbread Carolina Style Smothered Chicken & Waffle Sylvia’s World Famous Bar-B-Que Pork Ribs Sylvia’s Down Home Fried Chicken Coconut Pineapple Cake Appearance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Located in uptown Harlem, this soul food restaurant will pour out your hunger. Originally founded by the late Sylvia Woods, her historic legacy continues as it is now run by her grandchildren. The fried chicken was hot and crispy on the outside while tender and juicy on the inside. I highly recommend the dark meat if you want that perfect touch. The ribs are smothered in Sylvia’s homemade sassy sauce. The barbecue sauce was so pure, I had to request a dipping cup. You won’t go wrong with any two sides you choose with your meal. They are definitely a backbone to the main course! My top two personal favorites are the collard greens and candied yams. The cake was fantastic for the most part. My minor criticism is to use less frosting because it took away the flavor from the coconut and pineapple. In addition outstanding food, service was impeccable. Ghenette provided great service and she took care of any of my requests. Take a ride to Harlem if you are craving southern traditional home cooking with a touch of soul! #sylviasrestaurant #harlem #soulfood #smotheredchicken #chickenandwaffles #barbecueribs #lenoxave #cornbread

+3

As a lifelong New Yorker, I’d heard so many mixed reviews about Sylvia’s, with people saying it had “fallen off.” This was actually my first time going, and I can honestly say those reviews were overhyped and flat-out false. The food was flavorful and cooked with love, reminding me of a real Sunday dinner at my grandma’s house—the kind where you leave full and satisfied. I ordered the quarter chicken (white meat: breast and wing) and it was a 100/10—juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. The Sylvia’s hot sauce was the perfect level of spice and took the chicken to another level. The mac & cheese came in at a 6/10. The macaroni was slightly overcooked, there wasn’t much cheese sauce, and it leaned a bit bland—not terrible, just not the star of the meal. The collard greens were a solid 8/10, well-seasoned and comforting, though they did have stems in them (not my favorite). That said, the potlikker from the collard greens was really good, and I honestly wished I had more just to dip the cornbread in. The half-and-half was a clear 10/10, no debate. The potato salad came in strong at a 9/10. They also give complimentary cornbread and butter, which was a 10/10 on its own—warm, soft, and perfect for soaking up that potlikker. Fair warning: the food is on the heavier side, so the itis will kick in if you’re not careful 😮‍💨. Shoutout to Ms. Jeanette, our server—she was amazing and really elevated the experience. Highly recommend. We’ll definitely be back.

The legendary Sylvia's Restaurant did not disappoint. Great soul food and wonderful atmosphere. Friendly service. The many celebrity photographs on the walls attest to the enduring popularity of Sylvia's. Great lunch specials. Wonderful sweet potato pie for dessert. Legendary chicken and waffles.

+6

One of the best meals I’ve had in New York! The food was perfectly seasoned, served at just the right temperature, and full of flavor. The service was outstanding, and the atmosphere had such a positive, welcoming energy. I’ll definitely be coming back to Sylvia’s on my next trip to New York!

Me and my friend went to Sylvias for the first time because we were trying to check out the go-to soul food spots in NYC. It was around brunch time and she said she really wanted to try the chicken and waffles (a staple) and I was deciding between ribs and the chicken livers. Our server Shayla was very forthright and honest about her recommendations and her input couldnt be more valuable. I'd never had chicken livers prepared like that, although the gravy was a little lacking, the livers were delicious and had an amazing texture, and definitely could stand alone. I appreciate the service we received from Sylvia's and Shayla especially. She definitely deserves a raise

Mariam Kmh

If you’re looking for soul food, this is it!!! No fuss no frills just an absolutely legendary meal. We had the chicken and waffles and their famous BBQ pork ribs- so delicious. The entrees each come with your choice of two sides, very generous with their portions. The CORNBREAD is the best I’ve ever had, and cornbread is definitely in my top 5 favorite sides. The service was genuine and amazing. Great spot, make the trip; you won’t be disappointed.

+2

Kelly Nelson

Though it took a moment for the hostess to appear for us to be seated when they finally came customer service was great. The cornbread was mouth watering. Chicken seasoning was delicious. Chicken was fried perfectly. Next time I am in Harlem, I will be back!

+1

Brook Riddick

Honestly everything was fantastic and exactly what I'd hoped to show my friend about good soul food. We had originally planned on somewhere else for dinner but I admit I saw the YouTube review @Jolly did and thought, okay I HAVE to try this place. Though the chicken was the big recommendation online I have to say that the ribs and the collard greens were some of the best I've ever had. You know it's a good meal when you both feel "bad" about leaving food on the plate because it feels like you're insulting the chefs. We sincerely couldn't have asked for a better experience

Mrs International

I love Sylvia’s. I hadn’t been there for more than 15 years. It has not changed. If you want traditional soul food this is the place to go. It’s a family owed business. It was late. I didn’t want to eat too heavy.

Really good wholesome soul food. They serve all the classics including catfish, fried chicken, pork ribs, whiting, pork chops and more, as well as a great selection of sides including mac 'n' cheese, black-eyed beans, grits, rice, potato salad, and greens. A very welcoming space

My Husband and I love Sylvia's, for Valentine's this is where he wanted to eat. We drove 4 hours from DC and went on Sunday afternoon. As always they never disappoint. I loved the gospel music playing as we enjoyed our food. We both ordered chicken and waffles, he got fried and I got smothered, the gravy alone should be in a jar for sale🤗 We will definitely be back again once there's no more snow here in DC and in NY!!!

Govind V

I visited Sylvia’s after seeing it featured on the YouTube series Worth It, and it absolutely lived up to the hype! The food is soul-warming and full of flavor. The fried chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside — easily some of the best I’ve had. The BBQ ribs were tender and coated with a delicious, tangy sauce. The collard greens had that comforting, slow-cooked depth of flavor, and the mashed potatoes were creamy and well seasoned. And of course, the cornbread was a highlight — warm, fluffy, and perfect with a little butter. The portions are generous, the presentation is inviting, and you can tell everything is made with care. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with a classic Harlem charm. We sat in the covered outdoor section, which was comfortable and had a nice view of the neighborhood. Service was friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better. If you’re in NYC and want true comfort food with history and heart, Sylvia’s is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be coming back.

+2

Michelle Shao

Best soul food we’ve ever had! We ordered the bbq ribs and fried chicken combo, and it came with two side dishes. The portion was very generous so we barely finished. The rum punch was good too. The cornbread was warm and crumbly, 10/10.

Juliette Y. Scholler-IIDA

Delicious delicious delicious. I got the fried catfish and my friend the roast chicken. Amazing. The sides were great as well, especially the collard greens and the candied yams. The waitress called me love and it warmed my European heart so much.

Service with a smile was great! So was the hospitality. Our waitress was pretty busy so she wasn't able to give top notch service but our needs were met. The food... myuah! Delicious and down home. This will not be my last visit to Sylvia's. We met people from the US and those visiting from abroad. Don't skip Sylvia's!

+1

Susan N.

Comforting and delicious soul food in Harlem. Take the trek up for the Fried chicken, candied yams, collard greens, potato salad, and world famous ribs. Staff were very warm and welcoming. Live music and singing played through the restaurant as we dined. Worth visiting!

5-Star Family Brunch at Sylvia's on a Chilly Saturday! We took the family to Sylvia's for brunch on a cold Saturday, and it was the perfect cozy spot to warm up with some classic soul food. The ambiance is warm, welcoming, and full of that iconic Harlem vibe—felt like stepping into a piece of history. I went with the fried chicken paired with collard greens,mac and cheese and it hit the spot: the chicken was crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, and those collards were tender and seasoned just right. My son got the chicken and waffles—he devoured it and said it was really good (high praise from a picky eater!). My husband ordered the chicken with mac and cheese, and he loved every bite—the mac was creamy and comforting. Oh and I can't forget the complimentary corn bread mmm soo good! Overall, the food was hearty, delicious, and exactly what we were craving. Portions are generous too! Our waiter was fantastic—attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience even better with great service. If you're in NYC and want authentic soul food in a family-friendly atmosphere, Sylvia's is a must. We'll definitely be back! Highly recommend this place!

+6

On Saturday, I ignored the weather by dressing in layers to take the train from Hamilton train station to Penn Station NY. Once, we reached Penn Station, we requested assistance to find the A subway without going outside. The A subway took us to Columbus Circle and 59th St. We remained inside to find the D subway to Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY. The subway dropped us off at 188 St and we walked outside to Arthur Ave to find Italian Pastries and Breads. We bought biscotti, bread sticks and prosciutto bread to take home. After indulging in sweets and coffee, we walked to 182-183 St to take the D subway to 125th St in Harlem. We arrived at Sylvia’s Restaurant around 11:00 Am for lunch. I had the Barbecue ribs, Collard greens and Makers Mark. He had fried chicken with side orders. The attentive woman taking our menu choices was cheerful to us. I explained to her that I originally wanted to visit Harlem in the mid 80’s, but I was told to forget about attempting to experience Harlem. More than 36 years have passed but I never forgot to dine at Sylvia’s Restaurant and experience Harlem. Vhuntermassage LLC

+6

J Vazquez (GeekED2Travel)

We had a group of 31 so we chose family-style dining with traditional soul food options: baked chicken, fried chicken, fried fish, mac/cheese, rice/gravy, green beans, cornbread and of course peach cobbler for dessert

+4

Beverly Kracher

Highly recommend! Jazzy upbeat atmosphere, photographs of celebrities across the walls, outstanding service and excellent fried chicken, chicken livers, and collard greens.

heneathan

Simply great. Must visit when in Harlem. We got the pork ribs, fried chicken, string beans and mac and cheese (of course). Just real quality and real soul food. The service was fantastic as well and we were lucky to have come 10 mins after opening with no line. When we left there was a line out the door! Corn bread comes for free too 🥰

Clifford Clarke

Visiting Sylvia’s was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The soul food was absolutely amazing, but what stood out even more was the outstanding customer service. I had the pleasure of meeting Sylvia’s granddaughter, who now runs the restaurant. She was incredibly kind, down-to-earth, and a true reflection of the family’s legacy. I also happened to meet a local writer during my visit and ended up sharing a meal with them, which made the experience even more special. Overall, Sylvia’s is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. For all the details, I highly recommend going to see for yourself!

Lee Lee grimes

Fried chicken was so crispy hot and juicy. Haven’t had fried chicken like that in years. Corn bread delicious. And the greens were totally delicious. Lovely experience each time.

+1

Food is decent and the restaurant had chill vibes on Saturday evening. I would skip the candied yam. It’s SWEET. We made a reservation (highly recommend) and despite arriving an hour early, we were prioritised for a table pretty soon after arriving. I would come here again for the nostalgia and friendly staff. Great place to bring family from out of town to!

So much food! Loved the ribs! Maybe less gravy on the smothered chicken… feel bad for the only waitress who was running the whole outdoor dining service by herself. Amazing place. Will come back to try other items on the menu.

We had fried chicken & waffles and a sweet potato pie here. Everything we had was delicious. Simple and yet good flavours. It is however a bit pricey compared to other places cooking similar dishes. The ambience could have been better. Still, I recommend it if you want to have the nostalgic experience. After all, many famous people like Beyonce visited this place as far as I’ve seen from the pics hanging on the wall.

The macaroni and cheese, fried chicken and waffle were great! Food came out fresh! The only negatives were that the black eyed peas were okay and the pork chops were extremely overcooked. Other than that, the atmosphere and service was great.

The food is outstanding! I had the Ribs and Chicken Combo (only weekends). I visited with a friend and waiting time for food was a bit too long, even as it was Saturday night and the restaurant was full. During the reservation, they allocate you a 90m time slot, which we exceeded by more than half an hour. Not so happy with reservation: you reserve outside seating, get confirmation, but not available upon arrival.

We came to Sylvia’s in search of a great soul food place in Harlem, and they did a pretty good job ! My mom destroyed her pork chop and collard greens. I ordered chicken and waffles. Both proteins came out crispy and golden, but not firm or overcooked etc. There were a couple instances where we had a delay in getting the bill, or a delay in receiving requested extras, but otherwise, we will absolutely return.

+1

The food was pretty good. The highlight was the cornbread dressing. The hostess was amazing. The waitress could have been more attentive.

Sylvas was very good. I really likes the fried chicken and mashed potatoes. I also liked how the restaurant was decorated. We also got the fried shrimp, it was a bit oily for my taste. The complimentary cornbread and butter was amazing. Service was great and quick too. Would definitely visit again if I were in Harlem.

I took my son, his wife and their 3 children (My wonderful grandchildren) out to eat at Sylvia's last night. The food was great. Nice music, not too loud. Great atmosphere. The people was very kind. The food was delicious. The side dish portions are small. But very tasty. The bill came to just about what I expected to pay. Not over priced. Thank you for your generosity and friendly hospitality. I will recommend and I will return.

When in New York, I love to dine at places that create great soul food dishes. I loved the vegetarian greens the Mac and cheese was ok but need more seasoning and the fish good but would have been better without the fins. Lastly, They have a nice outside with overhead heaters. I sat there reluctantly as it was a cool day. The heaters really worked but when another guest came and cleaned plainer it was too hot, the heater was turned off. All in all I rated them 4. They could definitely improve on some things. Happy eating.

The restaurant is located in Harlem, which was quite easy to reach and made for a nice change of pace from the busier tourist areas of Manhattan. Sylvia’s comes across as a welcoming, down-to-earth neighborhood spot with a strong local identity. There’s a sense of history and authenticity here that makes the experience feel special. I found the staff to be friendly and approachable—there was a relaxed, genuine warmth in the way they interacted with customers, which really added to the overall atmosphere. I ordered Sylvia's World-Famous Bar-B-Que Pork Ribs & Fried Chicken with Sylvia's Original Sassy Sauce, and it absolutely lived up to its name. The flavours were rich and comforting, and the portion size was very generous—definitely come hungry! The food felt hearty and homestyle, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I really enjoyed my meal at Sylvia’s and wouldn’t hesitate to return. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk in, and the food speaks for itself.

+4

A hit and miss experience with the food. Standouts, the cornbread and collard greens. Also the great service. The catfish had a nice crumb and was well fried, had some bones so not a true filet. Chicken and waffles。chicken well cooked. Waffles were average. Pork chop, a bit dry and a salty.

+1

We made a reservation for Sunday Brunch. We were seated right away. The food is always always great. The wait staff was slow

Our first time here while visiting NYC. It was good. The food was tasty and its very clean inside. We had chicken and smothered chicken. It was good food. Definitely stop in if you like southern foods and want a great meal. 😁

+6

We went with a group of at least 25 we all enjoyed the great tasting food the staff work hard and was very prompt. Even Sylvia daughter made a surprise appearance to greet us and took some pictures with us. My son was sad that they burned his burger and gave him graded cheddar cheese for his burger ,he was not a happy camper. Other than that all was good and very flavorful.

+6

Nice restaurant with a cozy vibe and good service. In close proximity to the 125th Street station. Food was well-made but the Peach Cobbler could’ve been better; it was delightful nonetheless! India was our server and was very kind and helpful. Will be returning!

Jaime Quintero

Holly Fried Chix!!!!!!!! Wife convinced me to walk Central Park in it's Entirety (end-to-end) with Promise of having Fried Chix @ Sylvia's. 3mile walk was worth it after eating Silvia's Fried Chix Wings & Fried Chix Combo. Wife had Pork Chops Plate (1-fried & 1-grilled). All of it was Great..... Definitely coming back.

+1

Food Person

The food was good but macaroni was dry, which was disappointing. Service was just alright, server was polite but did not tend to the table as much as he should have. Overall, the atmosphere was pleasant; warm and cozy with a great vibe. My wife and I would return.

Yes the food was good, BUT… Visiting my stepdaughter in New York for Thanksgiving 2025, She suggested Sylvia’s Soul food Restaurant in Harlem. We made reservations for 5, for 5pm. We got seated at 5:10pm. One person received their food around 6pm (she ate by herself). The 4 of us got our food at 6:36pm. OVER AN HOUR LATER. We were told that the one person at our table got their food first because they thought it was a single order. The waitress apologized but did not ask if we wanted to talk to the manager. So one of our guest asked the waitress if we can get a 10% discount due to the long wait. That’s when the waitress said we need to talk to the manager. The manager came and gave us 10% off. Also, the waitress never brought out the dessert until we asked for it (comes with the meal.) the sweet potato pie came out cold. HOWEVER, the food was really, really good. The greens were delicious, cornbread delicious. the cornbread stuffing was delicious. Yams, mac and cheese, Turkey… delicious. Our desserts— came at the end and we took it to go. We also saw another waitress with a visible irritated face. But we take it as she didn't want to work on Thanksgiving. Next time— she should take the day off. But Would I go back. Absolutely! The food was bomb! But I would go on a non-busy day. I don’t cancel until the second strike.

Classic soul food spot I’ve had on my list for a long time. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and there was a live band when we visited — not just background music, but actually pretty solid. We ordered fried chicken, fish, and chicken livers. The fried chicken was crispy and enjoyable The fish was mild, fresh, and clean-tasting with no fishy smell. The chicken livers were very straightforward and rustic — crispy bits with a rich gravy Oxtail was sold out, unfortunately. Overall a pleasant experience. Worth stopping by if you’re nearby, but probably not a destination trip. Street parking around the area wasn’t too bad.

Not a bad spot just service makes alllll the difference. And here there is very little. Placed a to go order and the first lady was pretty kind and patient but got our order messed up, didn't ask clarifying questions to make sure she understood, nothing. Then we waited 25min for something that should've taken 10 as staff were chatting and hanging out. Then the guy I talked to to check if my food was ready ignored me and talked to his coworkers and then 2 awkward minutes later acknowledged me at the window. I ordered the fried shrimp with grits and sassy rice. The sassy rice was cold and not so flavorful. The grits were good but there wasn't enough butter. And the shrimp tasted a bit undercooked though the breading was good. Also the price for portion sucked. Paid the same but got half of what I get when I go to Crab Du Jour (way better there imo). All in all a very mixed experience and sad because I heard great things about this place.

+2

I thought that this place was worth the hype. The food is way too salty (the chicken) instead of well seasoned. The cornbread is normal. To be honest everything that I order including the mac and cheese was very standard. It’s edible but I wouldn’t make a stop to eat here. I paid 30 usd for chicken and a waffle, mac and cheese and 2 little pieces of cornbread. To be southern food I was expecting an explosion of flavors… the staff was great, however they have the restaurant separate from pickup and I asked if I could eat in the restaurant and was told to wait outside on the chairs that they put on the streets 🤦🏻‍♂️😒

+2

Still very popular, but coasting on reputation a bit. Had an hour & half wait after putting name down, grabbed drinks nearby at Harlem Hops. Dirry knife, lackluster slow service. Food is still good quality though standard fair. Try Melba's by Sylvia's niece, much better service and food options.

+6

Sylvia's no longer serves breakfast or breakfast food. However, they do have grits and eggs available. You can place a to-go order or by table service. Nothing electronic about the process. Traditional take your order table side. The food was hot and fresh! They bring warm cornbread and butter to the table. I enjoyed fried catfish, grits, and eggs. My niece had the shrimp and grits. The grits were flavorful and creamy, and the shrimp were huge! Nice portions of catfish and the fish were fried to perfection! The menu is soul food, and the atmosphere is nostalgic Harlem family vibe. I enjoyed my experience.

+3

Visited to get some authentic southern food experience. The fried chicken was great - the collard greens and mac & cheese not as impressive. However, these may be due to different preferences and/or that I'm not used to the flavours. The corn bread served before food was also nice. Generous amount of corn bread served. Our food took about 30-40 mintues to arrive. Maybe it is the time it takes when not ordering from the lunch specials. It was also interesting that the tourists and locals were seated differently. The tourists had the "outdoor" seatings and the local indoors. The "outdoor" seatings were not cold. Nice natural light. Some noise and smell from outdoors could come in though.

+2

Went here with my friends for dinner. We ordered smothered chicken, smothered pork chops, fried fish and shrimp, and fried chicken wings. For sides we ordered garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, greens, baked Mac n cheese, traditional greens, and sassy rice. Let me start by saying I kind of enjoyed the atmosphere. They had low music playing and it seemed like people were genuinely having a good time. Our server was friendly and the staff was accommodating. They brought out the smothered chicken first and an order of fried wings first. There were 4 of us eating and probably 5-7 min between the first 2 plates being delivered and the last 2. The smothered chicken wasn’t smothered at first, and the fried fish was grilled. They corrected the issue but I did have to wait quite a while for my fried fish and it was not what I expected. Like everyone was done eating. The mashed potatoes were instant and not very seasoned. The sassy rice was like instant jambalaya with no meat, and slightly undercooked. The baked Mac was dry. The greens had little meat, no seasoning, and a lot of stems. The green beans were excellent, seasoned to perfection! I really wish my review was better. Unfortunately the food at Sylvia’s just didn’t live up to the hype for me.

Lulu

The fried chicken was decent. It was a good flavor but dry and a bit overcooked on some parts of the chicken. The yams were boiled & mashed, not seasoned themselves and they put a coating of sugar/cinnamon sauce on top. Reminded me of hospital food potatoes. They weren’t good. I ordered collard greens with the pork and I couldn’t tell the difference, hard to chew and really not much flavor. The black eyed peas were delicious. Just the right amount of seasoning and cooked perfectly. Mac and cheese was not my cup of tea. They used sweet cream or sweet butter for it and it wasn’t savory more on the sweet side. Not a bad option if you like yours sweet. The corn bread wasn’t good either, made with coarse cornmeal with cinnamon or nutmeg??? Tasted like a carrot cake. The real STAR of the show was this Sylvia’s Uptown, I’d literally come back just for this drink it was so damn good! The place is clean, the service could be better. Overall, I didn’t like it. I really wanted to.

+5

Vanity Duran

Sylvia’s was good. I’m visiting from Florida and went because of its history. It’s nice to see the restaurant still maintain its charm. The service was a bit slow though and I heard that with the new owners, the vibe has changed. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the mac and cheese that came with complimentary cornbread. I drank my light meal down with Sylvia’s Uptown drink which I’d assume is her version of iced tea and lemonade. The space is cozy yet very spacious. It’s almost as if you’re stepping back into time going down the timeline of all the class act guests who’s stopped by.

E Tucker

Its Sylvia's & nothing to be excited about. The yams were really good but I wasn't pleased with my porkchops. They seemed to be just deep fried without dredging???? This in my opinion was not a 30$ meal with a 45min wait

So let me say what I liked the cornbread stuffing was good . The cornbread they served before the meal was good as well,staff was pleasant food came out quickly. The macaroni wasn't macaronin it lacked cheese and consistency. The veggie green was cool the fish had light seasoning and for the price was small. The stew turkey was bland the chicken was light seasoned. If you want to get the historical experience of this restaurant go but for me a 3.5/10.

I’d been so looking forward to this meal, but Sylvia’s really let me down. The food at this soul food institution is still pretty good, especially the fried chicken and corn bread but they have some serious service/kitchen issues. We arrived on the dot for a 7:45pm reservation and were sent to a waiting room for 15 minutes before being led into a half empty dining room. It took a while for service to get started - giving us menus, taking our orders and all but then a full half hour to get a cocktail. And the last ten of those, my partner could see my drink on the bar with the waiter nowhere to be seen. After waiting an eternity, we got our dinner at 9:30, an hour and a half after sitting down. However, as we were being served, the waiter told us that they were out of mashed potatoes, one of the sides we’d ordered. So we replaced it with cornbread but to our surprise, while he was away another waiter appeared with the mashed potatoes. When we showed our original waiter the mashed potatoes, his response was that the kitchen doesn’t communicate with him. So I don’t know what’s going on, but judging from other reviews this isn’t a stand alone incident.

Came to visit here from the south and pretty disappointed. The catfish has absolutely no seasoning whatsoever. I tried the chicken to see if it would taste better, but it was pretty unseasoned as well. The Mac and cheese had a bit of flavor but was overall very dry. Too pricey to be so bland. Service was a bit slow. Won’t be back.

First off I ordered the fried chicken meal. The chicken was cold , I asked for a new one - the second one was also very mild like on temperature. I did not complain again . The yams were very sweet , too sweet. Potatoe salad taste also like it may have had some sugar in it. Either way I didn’t like the taste of both. The Mac was decent , taste regular-nothing spectacular. The fish was actually pretty good . I am willing to try this restaurant one more time.

+3

Tara Hawks

We were a party of three for a late lunch. We all had the fried catfish and sides were pickled beets, traditional collars, and candied yams. The service was just okay. It was definitely nothing to write home about. I had to ask the waiter to refill my drink while it had been empty for at least 10 minutes. It wasn't busy when we were there, so waitstaff just needs to be more attentive to the guests. While this was a recommended place to dine, the candied yams weren't sweet at all and something seemed to be missing. The fried catfish was bland. The cornbread was slightly sweet and had a cinnamon after taste. The current owner, Sylvia's grandson, was there. I tried to pay him a compliment and he walked off. If you're looking for customer service, then don't bother coming here. If you want to patronize a Black business and don't care about the food etc., then this is for you.

+6

I came here for lunch with friends who were visiting from California. When placing my order, I clearly informed my waitress that I have a severe shellfish allergy. She assured me that seafood and meats are cooked in separate oil and even noted my allergy on the receipt. The waitress was kind, attentive, and did her job well. Unfortunately, something went very wrong once the order reached the kitchen. A few hours after eating, I broke out in hives, missed two days of work, and ultimately ended up in the emergency room due to a severe allergic reaction to shellfish. This was the only place I ate outside of my home, so there’s no doubt where the exposure occurred. My entire body is now inflamed from ingesting shellfish, likely due to cross-contamination—possibly my fried chicken being cooked in the same grease as seafood. While the service was good, this experience was extremely serious and dangerous. A $150 bill is not worth the hospital bill, missed work, or the risk to my health. If you have food allergies, especially shellfish, I strongly recommend staying clear of Sylvia’s. Allergy safety needs to be taken much more seriously.

This was my first time and I’m very disappointed. I ordered 2 beef ribs and fried chicken with Mac and cheese, and collard greens. The fried chicken was good. Everything else was not seasoned. I wasted my money. I guess the food used to be good when it first arrived, but not now. I want a refund!

What an utter disgrace. After a terrible experience at a previous soul food restaurant my parents and I drove to Harlem and went to Sylvia‘s. My father ordered the catfish platter with potato salad and greens let me first start off by saying that the wait for this food is unacceptable and totally not worth it. My dad waited over an hour for his catfish platter and this is what he got. It took them over an hour to fry one piece of catfish and char a piece of lemon. Pitiful. I ordered a banana pudding and it was the best part of our order. Then when it came time to check our bag to make sure everything was in there, they forgot my mother’s order of her own collard greens. The collard greens were hard, and had way too much vinegar in it. The potato salad was decent but overall the wait for this food was not worth it and honestly, I think the average person can cook better at home. I would never go to this place again.

Stay away from this place!!! friend and I wanted to try an authentic soul food place in Harlem, and decided to try Sylvia’s. Big disappointment! The green were overcooked, the smothered chicken and the rice were dry as if they had been sitting under the heat lamp for hours, though we got these at lunch time. The corn bread was dry and crumbly. And the gravy tasted like the dry gravy mix. The food was NOT good. Our server was very nice and courteous, but now when I think soul food, it’s never going to be Sylvia’s.

Jay Raw

It was recommended for us to go here and I had high hopes of it being great. I got the ribs which said they were famous for on the menu and they were so tuff and the bbq sauce tasted like hot sauce and water. The yams were so sweet I probably should have a diabetes test afterwards. The greens were ok. Mac and cheese was the best thing for me but it lacked enough cheese there were a lot of plain noodles. I didn’t even try the mashed although I had gotten them I was ver very disappointed. I hate to waste food even when it’s bad. This is the first time I didn’t even take the food to go and it looked like we hadn’t even eaten any of it. Worse experience in my lifetime. Shrimp taste Burnt or like it was fried in old grease. Chicken same thing. Not worth the money spent. Should have been given out for free in a soup line for the homeless. The waiter we had to jump out of our seat and scream 911 to get to come to get water. To wash down every horrible bite. NEVER AGAIN