Sylvia's Restaurant
New York, NY 10027-3711
Phone: (212) 996-0660
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Between 126th Street and 127th Street
- Directions:
- 2, 3 at 125th St
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 8am-10:30pm, Sun 11am-8pm
Editorial Review for Sylvia's Restaurant – by Carolyn Hahn
The Scene
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.
The Food
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.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
The ExtrasYou can take Sylvia's home with you. The restaurant stocks take-home bottles of its famous hot sauce and barbecue sauce.
What to DrinkFor something different try the creamsicle pina colada.
User Reviews for Sylvia's Restaurant
12/06/2007 Posted by fabulous2000
I think Sylvia's is very over rated. I went there with my friend on a mid-day Saturday because the shark bar was not open as yet. We waited for half an hour for a table for two. Needless to say, the food was horrible. The chicken was nasty. I could not eat the food even though I was really hungry. I would not recommend it.
Pros: none
Cons: food
11/15/2007 Posted by duchessdana
I am a Brooklyn Born NYer, now living in North Carolina. Therefore, I have many people from NC ask me where to go in NYC for good soul food. I WOULD NEVER IN MY LIFE SEND THEM TO SYLVIA'S! The food wasn't good five years ago when I lived there and, from what I've heard since her children have taken over, it's even worse now! Although I can't see how it could have gotten any worse, but maybe it's because when folks get a little bit of publicity, they forget the loyal people who frequented their establishment when they were charging $5.00 a plate. Or, perhaps, they get a halfway decent review in a daily newspaper and the ink goes to their heads and they lose control. Whatever the reason, when someone asks me where to get good soul food, I don't even mention Sylvia's. Don't go there, don't tell your friends to go there, don't waste the $2.00 metrocard subway fare -- at least not to eat here. Not only is the food not up to par, the service is bad, rude and uninformed. I pity the fool that tastes Sylvia's "food" and thinks this is what real soul food is - IT'S NOT! And for you posters who gave this place 5 stars, next time you're in Harlem, grab up a local and don't ask them where to simple get a meal -- ASK THEM WHERE YOU CAN GET FED! 9 out of 10 times, they won't mention Sylvia's!
Pros: Location/Harlem
Cons: Bad Service, Subpar Food, Overpriced
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