Sylvia's Restaurant
(212) 996-0660
328 Lenox Ave
New York,
NY
10027
40.8087
-73.9448
Neighborhoods: Harlem, Uptown
What People Are Saying About Sylvia's Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
It's one of the city's best-kept secrets: Most New Yorkers think it's either just for tourists or out of the way. It's two blocks from the subway and yes, there are tourists, but Sylvia's is also a neighborhood place where everyone is welcome, prices are low and the food is church-supper delicious. It's vast and cavernous, though, built to hold 450 souls, and not thin ones, either. The menu is a greatest hits list of soul and Southern favorites. The fried chicken is eternally wonderful, among the best in the city, though the ribs can be a little dry, as can the pork chops. Entrees come with a choice of hearty sides, from macaroni and cheese to candied yams dripping butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Sylvia's also features a fabulous gospel brunch on Sundays, but it fills up, so reservations are advised.
User Reviews
rabbi2000
May 10, 2009
Cons: We (my wife and I) when to Sylvia's for Mother's day. The first thing we noticed was that the staff seemed like they were mad at the world. Our waiter focused on one table (anglo) and ignored ours (african american (AA)) totally. At the end of dinning he even told me to get my own toothpick instead of him providing the correct level of customer service. As far as the food, the banana pudding contained hard banana chunks and seemed thrown together. The mac & cheese was very dry and lacked cheese. Pros: The braised rib was off the chain, as well as the candy yams and green beans. Overall: I support purchasing and dining in AA establishments to help the AA communities prosper, but not at the sake of good customer service. Sylvia needs to really evaluate her staff. Its time for a upgrade!!
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MissD
April 26, 2009
The meal I had was very good, smothered pork chops, garlic mashed potatoes & collard greens. However, the wait time was a little long and I was by myself. But when I was finally seated, Sylvia did apologize for the wait, she was very pleasant. They need a bigger waiting area and it was extremely hot in there. The bus boy was more attentive than my waiter. My waiter never asked if I wanted desert, although I was full from my meal, I wanted to take a piece of cake home with me, I got distracted while waiting for the bill so I never asked, but he should have asked me. Also, I was given a container by the busboy to put my own leftovers in. The products they sell were enclosed in a glass case, but most of the items they had listed weren't available, and when I asked about availability of an item, the person was abrupt like I was bothering him. Also, they were setting up for a big party and the busboy was sweeping the floor close to where I was eating, I did notice that the carpet could have been cleaner, it didn't look as though it had been recently vacumned or swept. It could be quieter, and probably would be if they piped in some soft jazz loud enough to sooth the patrons, thus a lot quieter. Overall, I would return again and plan to ask my sisters if they would like to attend the Sunday brunch that I hear is very good. If not, I plan to return again by myself since I love breakfast food!
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JJ010182
April 22, 2009
It was a good experience! for a first timer i ate mac and cheese, fried chicken, and yams! It was really good! we went on a saturday night and there was no wait! the wait staff moved people in and out quickly. only gripe is it was hot as hell in there!
read full reviewThe Details on Sylvia's Restaurant
The Extras:
You can take Sylvia's home with you. The restaurant stocks take-home bottles of its famous hot sauce and barbecue sauce.
What to Drink:
For something different try the creamsicle pina colada.
Know Before You Go:
Sylvia's is homey but mammoth--and it produces a lot of noise.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Live Music, Brunch, Prix Fixe Menu, Private Rooms
