Melba's Grand Central Terminal

I was hungry and saw this $5 peace of chicken menu option. 1/2 breast or thigh, drumstick fried or roasted. I’m glad I didn’t read the reviews cause this is one of the best fried chicken thighs I’ve ever had and I lived in the South for many years. Juicy, perfect fried, NOT old, NOT greasy!!! and just as importantly not over or under seasoned. I came at 12:30 on the Monday after many holidays and the staff were kind and friendly with smiles. The thigh was a generous size, definitely the best value you can get in Grand Central and frankly it’s cheaper and 500x less work than if you bought the chicken and fried it yourself. Give it a try!

I wish I had checked reviews before ordering here. The chicken sandwich was tiny and mostly batter instead of chicken. Chipotle mayo was good. The fries were tasteless and mealy almost like they were boiled instead of fried except even boiled potatoes have flavor and these tasted like almost nothing despite being dusted with a dry rub. The portion was also tiny for the price (see photo). The cashier upsold me on mac and cheese and that was okay, but mostly bland and not worth $9 at all for the size or quality. The staff was quick and nice at least . Overall recommend to skip this place!

honestly didn’t expect to have this good of a meal inside Grand Central, but Melba’s completely changed my mind. Grand Central is usually all about movement people rushing, grabbing something quick, not really stopping. Walking into Melba’s felt different right away. It felt warm. Familiar. Like a little pocket of Harlem planted in the middle of Midtown. I ordered the fried chicken and mac and cheese, because if you’re at Melba’s, you kind of have to. The chicken was exactly what you hope for: perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and seasoned all the way through. Not bland, not greasy just done right. The mac and cheese was rich and comforting without being over the top, the kind you keep going back to even when you’re full. The collard greens really stood out to me. They weren’t an afterthought. They had depth, balance, and that slow-cooked flavor that tells you someone actually cared while making them. Everything tasted like it came from a real kitchen with real standards not something thrown together for foot traffic. What I appreciated most was that it didn’t feel “touristy” or watered down just because it’s in Grand Central. The food still tastes like Melba’s. The portions are generous, the flavors are bold, and the spirit of the place comes through. You can tell this is the same Melba’s people love uptown, just in a different setting. There’s something really special about sitting there with a plate of soul food while trains come and go all around you. It’s grounding in a way. Comfort food in the middle of chaos. If you’re passing through Grand Central and want something that actually feels like a meal, not just fuel, Melba’s is worth stopping for. It’s one of the few places in the terminal where you can sit down, take a breath, and leave genuinely satisfied.

I had a really disappointing experience at Melba’s in Grand Central yesterday. I ordered chicken fingers and fries along with fried chicken and collard greens, and unfortunately the food was nearly inedible. The fries and chicken tenders tasted stale, like they had been sitting around for days. The fried chicken was even more concerning. It appeared undercooked and still had visible flour from the frying batter. Instead of being crispy, the coating was soggy and unpleasant. For a place located in a busy commuter hub like Grand Central, where so many people rely on quick but quality meals, I expected a much higher standard. Spending over $50 on food that I ultimately could not eat was extremely frustrating. I understand that high traffic locations can get busy, but basic food quality and proper cooking should never be compromised.

The chicken and waffles were delicious. The kindest of staff. The woman threw a fan on me when I was having a hot flash.🥰😎🔥 Great way to start a journey at Grand Central station..

Stopped by here on the way home and when I got home just heated it up and when I say deliciousness!! This is amazing with actual flavor that I have not taste in so long even though I just relocated from Atlanta, Ga. You deserve more than any restaurant within a 30 mile radius.

THE FOOD IS 5 STARS! Forget about where its located and just run over and get you some Melbas! I first experienced her food when I visited New Orleans and we had a Poboy from Melba’s. It was so good. I did not think that finding Melba’s in New York that the flavors from New Orleans would be the same and wow was I wrong! The food was incredible - the fried chicken is perfect, the mac & cheese was amazing. I’m telling you you want some soul food and you’re near Grand Central terminal run into Melba’s don’t walk - you can thank me later.!!

Born and raised in the deep South on my great grandmother's, grandmother's, and mama's cooking, I know authentic soul food. I've tried plenty of so-called "soul food" restaurants that completely missed the mark, so I wasn't expecting much when I stopped by Melba's in Grand Central. Y'all. This is the REAL thing. Every bite took me straight back home. The flavors, the seasoning, the love in the food... it's all there. You can taste that somebody in that kitchen knows what they're doing and isn't cutting corners. This isn't some watered-down version trying to appeal to tourists. This is genuine, stick-to-your-ribs soul food done right. If you're from the South and homesick, or if you've never had real soul food and want to know what all the fuss is about, Melba's is where you need to be. They've earned my respect, and that's not easy to do when it comes to soul food. Highly recommend.

This spot is easy to find and in a great location inside Grand Central, especially for travelers or anyone passing through. I've been a few times and actually noticed it when it first opened. I hadn't tried the Harlem location before, but I was happy to see this one here. I really liked the chicken and waffles--it was cute, flavorful, and not too heavy. The butter and syrup gave it a nice culinary touch. I wasn't a fan of the fries, so the second time I ordered without them. I also tried the mac and cheese, which was good, and the potato pie, which was okay. Overall, the food was prepared well, and the location is a big plus. Staff are super nice. It's right near Magnolia Bakery, Shake Shack, and the escalators by the 4/5/6, S, and 7 trains. A solid addition to Grand Central, and I hope it sticks around for a long time.

I have reviewed Melba's at Grand Central a few times, but I continue to return here and I have since crowned Melba's and Shaw-nae's House on Staten Island as the Queens of Soulfood across the five boroughs as we conclude 2025, making this easily accessible location quite a gem to find in the basement of GC. The chicken and fish are very good and you will find the quantity and crispness of the chicken for the chicken platter to be more satisfying than the quantity of fish for the fish platter. Both platters are served with two sides and they do not skimp on the sides. Doesn't that chicken taste like it's been brined, with flavor down to the bone? You cannot go wrong with the sides, with the Mac and Cheese leading the way with all its baked cheesy goodness. The greens are always solid, well seasoned, not oversalted and not overcooked. The candied yams compete easily with the Mac and Cheese for top billing; just the right sweetness and picture perfect appearance that is as appetizing as its taste. The chicken sandwich is easily one of the best bargains in this basement at just under ten bucks each. It qualifies as one of my cheap eats in NYC and it's so good. Picking one of these up on your commute or as a first timer is an excellent choice and will not set you back in these inflationary times. You get that signature flavor and crispness of their chicken in a small portable package, with coleslaw and pickles between two pillowy buns. Pick your sauce. I rec the hot sauce. The people who work here are patient and nice. I've witnessed the patience in helping people make up their minds. Some of them recognize me as a frequent visitor. I cannot stay away from that chicken sandwich. 4.2 stars!

I'm glad I can get catfish whenever I'm craving it, but I just wish the sides were more consistent. The mac and cheese is decent, and the candied yams are way too sweet. The collard greens are good, especially with hot sauce. I also wish the menu were more detailed because I'm always confused about how to choose or customize my food. And I wish I could order just a side of fish because two pieces aren't enough. Next time, I'll try the chicken.

I visited Melba located at Grand Central Terminal food market at the lower level. I've always passed by it, but never ate here before. It was alright. I asked the staff questions and they were knowledgeable about what they serve. I asked about the fries and chicken tenders. They give you a small portion for $10. At least you get a choice of what type of fries, which I chose the sweet potato fries. Overall, it didn't taste any different from a fast food spot like McDonald's or Wendy's. I won't be ordering from them again.

I absolutely love Melba's--the one uptown and up until yesterday, the one in Midtown. First of all, I had some type of stomach problem after eating the food last night. Second, for the first time ever the sweet potatoes were so dry it was unpleasant. I went and decided to buy a slice of red velvet cake, and I am truly so disappointed. It tastes like some type of oil mixed with the smell of other cooked foods. I forced myself to eat it because it wasn't cheap and I bought it but I had to stop --it tastes awful. I do not know if I'll be back to this location, but as I said in the beginning, I'm a long time lover of Melbas. I would suggest some kind of quality control go on at the Grand Central location.

Was in a pinch for time and noticed Melba's had no line, so I opted to go there. I ordered a side of Mac and cheese with a chicken thigh. This mac and cheese was everything I needed! Cheesy, flavorful, and perfectly crisp at the top. Here's where things go left. The side of Mac and cheese was small as can be for $9!! And one piece of chicken was $5!! I should know to expect this at GCT but it still felt grossly overpriced.

Wanted to try Melba's since they got to Grand Central Station. Opted for the chicken and waffles. First word that came to my mind was "wow". The waffles were like enjoying a delicious waffle cake. It was soft, cake like, and delicious. I was so sad there were only two pieces, but the meal itself was enough. It came with a strawberry butter and maple syrup that made it taste that much better. The chicken tenders (you can get a 5 or 8 piece) were delicious as well. Real chicken, nice sized pieces, and great tasting. The meal would've been six stars had the tenders had a hunny chipotle sauce for the tenders. The fries (Cajun or sweet potato) were delicious. Crunchy, Cajun flavored, and just the right amount. Looking forward to returning to try the catfish with Mac and cheese.

Love the location. 4/5 Clean neat neighborhood restaurant spot with dark stained wood again stark white tiles. Parked across street but the meter was broken. Also we didn't know we needed cash and the ATM was not close. Service was awesome. 5/5 Server established immediate rapport with my wife and the group and checked on us without being an annoying shadow. Food? Ehhh. 3.5 out of 5 I expected the food to be like southern down home cooking. It was not. yams were lemony, but not weren't seasoned with cinnamon, brown sugar, etc. Mac and cheese had a hard cap of cheese on top but when we dug into it wasn't baked it was boiled with cheese mixed in and added to the drop of the dish. Chicken was hot but the breading wasn't particularly seasoned- it wasn't just salt and flour but the seasoning on chicken could have really stood out against the waffle. Green weren't seasoned especially well-several misses. Like the fried tomatoes, fried fish, and the egg roll appetizer.

food was a 10/10 and the people were polite. Fish is well seasoned , Mac was cheese creamy and cooked to perfection. And greens had the perfect amount of flavor.

This is really 3.5* Melba recently opened in the grand central food court (located in the basement of Grand Central Terminal) next to Dirty Tacos and Shake Shack. It's a limited menu of catfish or fried chicken with pancakes or sides. I decided on a special of 2 pieces chicken with 2 sides (collard greens and sweet potatoes edges with a drink (lemonade and iced tea mixed). The chicken was crispy on the outside and the meat inside was juicy. It wasn't greasy. The drink was perfectly portioned. Be ready to order otherwise the employee might step aside for another customer, who might be ready to order. Another employee prepared the food in a relatively short time. Go check out the fried chicken that beat Bobby Flay.

Finally a taste of soul food at Grand Central!! The food was good, it was the comfort I needed after a long day in the city. I couldn't decide what I wanted and I probably looked confused lol so the guy suggested the GCT combo which was a "peace" of chicken, 2 sides, and a drink. It was $16 (plus tax of course) which was a great price for grand central terminal and the portion size was good. I was totally satisfied. The chicken was good. It wasn't like an over the top blow me away seasoned chicken, but it was good. Idk if I would get/recommended the catfish if you're not eating it right away. Loved the sides. I did the Mac n cheese and greens. Can't wait to go back for the yams. Sweet tea was enjoyable too! I also took home 2 of the sweet potato pies and they were amazing, it is definitely a must grab item. I can't believe I found something good to eat at Grand Central Station that's worth the return. Take it for what it is and don't get it twisted, I'm sure this is just a quick little taste of what their restaurant on 114th st has to offer but until I can get to the full sit down experience, this will definitely do!!! It's like home cooking!

Went here on a Saturday morning for brunch. Service was extremely slow but the food was completely worth it! I got the fried chicken with collards and mac and cheese. Chicken was seasoning and fried to perfection, collards were cooked perfectly, and mac and cheese was some of the best I've ever had. My friends got the catfish and oxtails and both loved their meals too. My friends and I are all from the south so we were not sure what to expect but Melba's got our stamps of approval!

I asked if I could get the chicken sandwich cold. Answer No. I said OK I'd re-heat it several hours later when I was ready to eat. I asked if I could get the pickles and cold slaw on the side. Answer. No. I could only get them on the sandwich. And she wanted a tip. It used to be that a tip was for better than the norm service. Now every joker wants a tip for nothing - even the incompetence I got.

Delicious fast soul food. I came from NC & I would definitely come back again, I heard so much about Melba's on the Sherry show.

I truly enjoyed my catfish meal. The catfish was seasoned and fried perfectly. Mac and cheese was hot and bubbling with cheese. Yams....perfect, perfectly....perfect, perfectly done just the right amount of sweetness!! I don't normally check out the eateries in Grand Central Terminal but so glad I decided to give Melba's a try. Great soul food meal and staff was very friendly.

Went in the evening and was disappointed to be served room temperature chicken. It had definitely been cooked, and with the barbecue sauce the flavor was there. But I know they didn't beat Bobby flay without hot food. Price wasn't bad for the area but not sure that I'll go back

Going to Grand Central Terminal, I never would have expected to find quality cuisine as great as Melba's. Melba's is located in a cute spot at the Dining Concourse, showing their many food options both in menu and on the windows, and their staff was very kind to me as I ordered the Tres Mac & Cheese and Saratoga Water. The Saratoga Water was a fine choice for the classic drink, and I think it was honestly some of the best water I've ever had (likely because I was very thirsty, too). As for the Tres Mac & Cheese, HOLY G-D. The pasta mixed with the cheeses very well, and there was maybe more cheese than mac (even better!). It was seasoned and salted to perfection, and served in a cup with a good portion. Next time I return to The Big Apple, I will certainly be returning to Melba's.

Had to go to grand central. On the way back we stopped here at my insisting. Sad to say we were disappointed. The chicken tenders did not have any flavor. On the upside the potato salad was good. Glad I didn't order the 2 piece chicken.

I really wanted to like this place, but unfortunately, the experience left me with a pounding headache--and not just from the overly salty catfish strips. I understand a lively atmosphere can add to the charm of a restaurant, but this was another level entirely--think sports bar energy in a space that wasn't designed to handle that kind of volume. Conversations were nearly impossible, and after asking staff if anything could be done, it was met with polite shrugs and no action. It honestly felt like they didn't care. To make matters worse, the food didn't balance things out. The catfish strips, which I was genuinely excited to try, were aggressively salty to the point of being inedible after a few bites. Maybe others enjoy that level of seasoning, but it just didn't work for me. On a positive note, our server was very kind and attentive despite the chaos. I genuinely appreciated their efforts, which is why I'm not giving this just one star. But overall, I don't think I'll be returning. When a restaurant chooses to prioritize over-serving guests to the point of rowdy, disruptive behavior--and refuses to intervene--it sends a clear message about what kind of dining experience they value. And unfortunately, it's not one I care to repeat.

Nice chicken strips and sweet potatoe waffle fries to go. I want to try the catfish next time I am around. One of the new dogs in the Grand Central food area is a good addition!

This spot shows attention to visual details. Their food leaves me wanting another visit. This place offers a truly distinct setting. Staff service was remarkable as always. I found myself liking this place.

I needed something quick. I spotted Melba's and saw they had chicken sandwiches...that will work. Glancing quickly at the menu at this quick service place in Grand Central I wished I had time to eat a bunch of items on the menu that looked really good...but the original fried chicken sandwich would have to do. I LOVE a good chicken sandwich. I've eaten some REALLY good ones. This was one of them. Super crispy and flavorful crust juicy, tender and flavorful chicken on a nice bun with just the right amount of chipotle mayo. This led me to investigate Melba's more...and now I need to go to one of the restaurants. Soon. So there you go...a simple chicken sandwich CAN sway a person to come back and try the rest of the menu. Plus she Beat Bobby Flay. The alone make her food worth eating.

This restaurant stands out even in a noteworthy neighborhood. Employees consistently display authentic warmth. You enjoy excellent food without excessive cost. The meal contained unfamiliar elements of exceptional quality. This place stands out with its unique style.

The catfish was rubbery sorry . The location in grand Central, Ppl were nice and gave me an extra pie for messing up my takeout order, but when I got home the catfish was not really edible It wasn't fresh.

I ordered a catfish platter which only came with 1 piece of catfish for 26.00,which I feel is too much!! Two pieces of catfish would of been sufficient in addition to giving your customers some good old cornbread to make it be a full "Soulfood meal". Other than that the food was very good!! L.Henderson former ISS144 classmate!!

horrible chicken tenders. waffles were advertised as being egg nog waffles. not a hint of egg nog in sight. service was good. the menu said fries on the side but instead gave me sweet potato fries which was not advertised. i asked the cashier to switch them out, but he gave me regular fries on the side instead which was nice.

I've been dying to hit up the GCT location and finally I made it before catching my train home. My experience AMAZING. I ordered through the Yelp function. I'll be honest at first I was like are they going to get my order lol (because you know sometimes these features don't function properly). I placed my order for pickup and it was ready even though I got there a half hour late the food was still hot. Even after my half hour trek on the train I could still feel the heat through the bag. Now on to the food. I order 5 of the $15.95 meals (each meal comes with a drink but I opted out because they bags would have been way to heavy to carry). The catfish top tier...fried chicken awesome...sides (we had mac, greens, yams, potato salad, sweet potato fries) let's just say now my family thinks I'll be stopping at Melba's everyday lol. I'm not understanding the complaints on here about the food because it was DELICIOUS. The combo meal is a great price point with a drink because in GCT you can $15.95 for just a sandwich somewhere but at Melba's you get a whole meal for that price point. I'll definitely be back. I guess it's so long to my waistline and summer body because Melba's has me hooked lol.