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Welcome to Sylvia's Restaurant

LOCATIONS

Welcome to Sylvia's Restaurant, an iconic establishment nestled in the heart of Harlem, New York City. Since its founding in 1962, Sylvia's has been serving up authentic Southern soul food and seafood, a beloved staple for both locals and visitors alike. With its cozy atmosphere and vibrant energy, this restaurant captures the essence of comfort food that warms both the heart and the soul.

Located at 328 Malcolm X Blvd, Sylvia's is more than just a place to eat; it’s a cultural landmark that pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of the South. The menu boasts a delightful array of dishes, from the World Famous BBQ Pork Ribs to the classic Fried Chicken, each crafted to evoke nostalgia and comfort. Regulars rave about the fried chicken that has become a hallmark of this establishment, noted for its crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior.

  • Family Package: Perfect for gatherings, this to-go option includes 12 pieces of fried or baked chicken and two sides, designed to feed 4-5 people.
  • Special of the Day: Don't miss the Meat Loaf w/ Sylvia's Secret Sauce, available Tuesday and Wednesday, complete with cornbread and two sides for just $23.
  • Appetizers: Kick off your meal with tantalizing options like Catfish Fingers and Salmon Bites, each paired with signature sauces that elevate their flavor profiles.

Visitors often express their appreciation for the warm service and the inviting atmosphere where patrons gather, converse, and indulge in delicious meals. Family members bond over shared dishes, reminiscing about the flavors passed down through generations. As one diner joyfully recounted, "It's a family tradition; I've been coming here since I was five!"

The sides, such as Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Candied Yams, complement the main dishes beautifully, with many guests claiming that the Mac and Cheese here is the best they’ve ever had. Whether indulging in the Chicken and Waffles or the highly praised Sassy Rice, each bite is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and tradition.

Save room for dessert, as Sylvia's Banana Pudding has also garnered attention, albeit with mixed reviews regarding the intensity of the banana flavor. Yet, it's this uniqueness that contributes to the charm of this cherished eatery—packed with memories, flavors, and heartfelt service.

So whether you're a Harlem native or a curious traveler, Sylvia's Restaurant is a must-visit destination that encapsulates the spirit of soul food. With every spoonful, you’ll not only savor delicious meals but also partake in the rich tapestry of culture that Sylvia’s embodies. Make sure to bring your appetite, as this dining experience promises to be one that nourishes the soul!

For inquiries or to place your order, contact them at (212) 996-0660.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Sylvia's Restaurant
Mahogany S.
Mahogany S.

Been coming here since I was 5 years old with my parents now I bring my grandson AMAZING FAMILY BUSINESS they gave the best ribs in the entire New York City and the staff goes above and beyond

Ray M.
Ray M.

Sylvia's is a Harem Staple.. As a Native New Yorker I've been enjoying their cuisine for a while now. It's good Soul Food around the neighborhood. I enjoyed my fried chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, Mac N Cheese and the cornbread! I enjoyed my meal very much. Delicious and flavorful. Great atmosphere. People chatting while enjoying their meals. If you're visiting NYC or just happen to be in Harlem and are looking for some good soul food you definitely should hit this staple. That's what it is yall! Have a blessed one. -Ray

Michael R.
Michael R.

This is a staple of Harlem. I had to try the chicken and waffles. The greens so tender and tasty service was wonderful. Food wise it was good not the best I have ever tried, but it's Sylvia's who cares it's a must try. Yes I recommend at least just for the nostalgia

Johan M.
Johan M.

Institutions like Sylvia's is why New York City is the greatest. This was one of the best soul food experiences I've ever had. The fried chicken and ribs were very tasty. I'm not usually a huge fan of macaroni and cheese, but this was the best Mac I've ever had in my life. Also the sassy rice was surprisingly a banger. The cornbread that they start you off with is to die for. I will be back, and this definitely raised the bar for me when it comes to soul food!

Frantz L.
Frantz L.

Service was exceptional and the food was as tasty as it looked. I had the chicken and waffles this time and look forward to having ribs on my next visit. Hung out with my little Sister. Super proud!

Cindy Z.
Cindy Z.

On a Saturday afternoon, I made the trek to the heart of Harlem for brunch at Sylvia's, which is a Harlem landmark serving soul food since 1962. I put my name on a waitlist estimating half an hour, but we ended up waiting closer to 45 minutes. Once seated, the space is cozy and spacious with multiple rooms plus a downstairs. They do require everyone to order an entree, so my friend and I got Sylvia's Down Home Fried Chicken ($24) and Sylvia's World Famous BBQ Pork Ribs ($26) to share. Each entree also comes with a cornbread and two sides as we picked the Baked Mac & Cheese, Candied Yams, String Beans, and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. We also got Sylvia's Uptown ($5.50) to try, which is a combination of iced tea and lemonade --so delicious and refreshing! Everything we ordered was so comforting and tasty. The fried chicken is crispy and the pork ribs were tender. I can't say it's the best thing I've ever had, but it's something I could eat all the time. The sides really complimented the proteins, but wish the mac and cheese was more cheesy and less dry. Otherwise, you can't really go wrong with this comforting meal that feeds your soul. Even though I was full, we ended the meal with a Banana Pudding ($9). I heard many great things, so had to try this even. Unfortunately, the banana flavor was way too strong for me. The whipped cream was also melting before it even arrived at our table. The sides are the star here paired with some good ol' fried chicken and ribs.

Wendy Z.
Wendy Z.

I doordashed from here. Their chicken is juicy. Their candied yams are sweet. And their macaroni and cheese is cheesy. Very good place. Ordering on Thanksgiving takes awhile tho

Mavis R.
Mavis R.

I was pleasantly pleased with my experience at Sylvia's! It definitely passed my southern taste buds test. Overall, the staff and food were great. There wasn't a wait time to be seated, as I was able to walk in and obtain a seat quickly during lunch hours. They also weren't busy during that time which I liked. They had very good menu variety and I tried the Fried Chicken, Black Eyed Peas, Baked Macaroni & Cheese, Tasty Carolina Style Fried Catfish, and Sweet Potatoes. The food is well portioned and I was able to make two meals out of this from having leftovers. Everything I had tasted really good. The restaurant gave the feel of a southern small town place although it was in a big city. I'm happy that this place was recommended to me!

Dominique M.
Dominique M.

Came here for lunch after visiting Top of the Rock and receiving a recommendation and great subway directions from one of the staff members. When we arrived we were quoted a 15 minute wait time which flew by pretty quickly as we enjoyed the weather on the benches outside. Once seated we ordered sweet tea and browsed the menu. I decided on the fried catfish with Mac and cheese and string beans. The cornbread muffins were yummy. Food came out within a good amount of time. Our waitress was great. Everything looked delicious and tasted equally so! The catfish was fried perfectly. The Mac and cheese was my favorite overall on my plate. The string beans were good too. This restaurant is super cozy. I would definitely return on another visit.