Sylvia's Restaurant
Soul food restaurant · Central Harlem ·
Harlem institution serving Southern comfort food since 1962
Harlem institution serving Southern comfort food since 1962
"Sylvia’s is a Harlem institution. For soul food, this is the biggest name in town, and for good reason. They’ve been open since 1962, and there happens to be a street named after Sylvia. So if you haven’t already eaten here, stop by. Get some catfish, ribs, or fried chicken with a side of mac and cheese. The space is huge (so feel free to bring a group), and there’s a gospel brunch on Sundays and live music on Wednesdays. Make a reservation to avoid a wait on weekends." - neha talreja, hannah albertine, bryan kim, willa moore, sonal shah
"There’s a good chance you'll see some tourists on a weekend at Sylvia's. This Harlem soul-food institution is internationally famous for good reason: Just about everything here is very satisfying. Fresh, warm cornbread? Check. Thick waffles, crispy chicken, and gooey mac and cheese? Check, check, check. Sylvia's also hosts a gospel brunch every Sunday, so reserve ahead and bring your live music-loving friends." - bryan kim, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, will hartman, sonal shah
"The best part of gospel brunch (or any meal) at Sylvia’s in Harlem is the basket of warm little corn muffins on your table. They’re a bit crunchy on the outside, not overly sweet, and best spread with butter and a small dab of Sylvia’s hot sauce." - sonal shah, bryan kim, willa moore, will hartman
"Dubbed “the Queen of Soul Food,” Sylvia Woods opened the doors on Sylvia’s Restaurant in 1962, bringing generous servings of Southern comfort food to Harlem. The neighborhood restaurant is world-famous for its timeless cooking and Southern charm, which still endures decades after opening. While Woods died in 2012, her family continues to run the restaurant. The restaurant won an America’s Classics Award from James Beard for 2024." - Melissa McCart
"Dubbed “the queen of soul food,” Sylvia Woods opened her namesake restaurant in 1962, bringing generous servings of Southern comfort food to Harlem. The neighborhood spot is famous for its timeless cooking and Southern charm, which still endures decades after opening. Order the daily special such as meatloaf, or other dishes like the chicken and waffles and fried shrimp. While Woods died in 2012, her family continues to run the restaurant. The restaurant earned the America’s Classics Award from the James Beard Foundation in 2024. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services; takeout and delivery orders can be placed online. Know before you go: The restaurant hosts gospel brunch on Sundays and live music on Wednesdays." - Emma Orlow