Sylvia's Restaurant

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.