Fried chicken soul food dish
The Harlem community has a rich culture and history within the heart of New York City. Years ago, many Southerners headed north to New York to put their dreams and visions into reality. With them came decades of delicious recipes that are unique to the South. Soul food does just what its name implies. It comforts the soul and brings togetherness to family and friends.
Sylvia's Restaurant
Sylvia, the owner of Sylvia's Restaurant, was originally dubbed "The Queen of Soul Food." Sylvia's background began on a South Carolina farm. Her dreams of "city life" brought her and her husband to New York, where they opened their soul food restaurant in Harlem. Each year, Sylvia's serves over half a million guests, including notable celebrities, like Michael Jordan. The restaurant specializes in breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of the menu delights include salmon croquette, barbecue ribs, or Southern-style banana pudding. Sylvia's also caters for special events.
Sylvia's Restaurant
328 Malcolm X Blvd.
New York, NY 10027
212-996-0660
sylviasrestaurant.com
Londel's Restaurant
Londel Davis is an experienced Harlem entrepreneur, having started other businesses within the community. In 1994 Londel decided that he wanted to "redefine the Harlem dining experience" and serve all segments of the population. He opened his supper club that includes live music and jazz sounds on the weekends. The supper club features Southern, Cajun and continental cuisines for guests to sample. Londel's serves brunch, lunch and dinner. Guests may enjoy blackened catfish, chicken and waffles, collard greens or macaroni and cheese among other delectable dishes.
Londel's
2620 Frederick Douglas Blvd.
New York, NY 10030
212-234-0601
londelsrestaurant.com
Amy Ruth's
Amy Ruth was the grandmother of the restaurant's owner. Every summer, he traveled with his brothers and sisters to Alabama to visit his grandparents. It was then that he found an appreciation of soul food cooking, working alongside his grandmother rolling out biscuit dough. Amy Ruth's Restaurant is a dedication to his grandmother and Southern cooking. Some of the delicious cuisine items include oxtail stew and chicken and dumplings. The restaurant has a full-scale waffle menu. Smothered chicken and waffles and waffles and a rib-eye steak are among the choices.
Amy Ruth's
113 W. 116th St.
Harlem, NY 10026
212-280-8779
amyruthsharlem.com
Spoonbread Too
Norma Jean Darden opened Spoonbread Too to serve Alabama comfort dishes to New York. The restaurant has a welcoming decor with its red and white checkered floor and strawberry-patterned curtains. Norma designed the restaurant to resemble her mother's Alabama kitchen. Many of the menu items can be found in "Spoonbread and Strawberry Wine," a cookbook that Norma co-wrote with her sister. Norma's mother, Mamie, was the inspiration for the cookbook and the restaurant. Former President Bill Clinton dined at Spoonbread Too. His favorite dish is the "Miss Mamie Sampler," a dish of shrimp, ribs and chicken. Spoonbread Too is available to host events in the restaurant and to cater affairs. On Mondays the public is welcome to dine and enjoy local, live music.
Spoonbread Too
547 Lenox Ave.
New York, NY 10030
212-690-3100
spoonbreadinc.com
Tags: Sylvia Restaurant, Blvd York, chicken waffles, live music, lunch dinner
