Sylvia's

Company Information: For down-home food in uptown Harlem, Sylvia's is the place to go. Sylvia is regarded as the queen of the soul food. Dishes are homey and old-fashioned with more than a little soul. Entrees are hardy, low-priced and include delectable sides such as collared greens and mashed potatoes. The best deal in the house is the barbecue ribs special but the southern fried chicken is also outstanding. The atmosphere is friendly and owner Sylvia is an institution in Harlem with her own labeled food sold in area stores. Locals as well as tourists are frequent visitors to the restaurant.

Hours of Operation: Breakfast daily, Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly, Brunch Sun.

Categories: Tourist Attractions, Steak Houses, Southern Restaurants, Soul Food Restaurants, Restaurants, American Restaurants

1. 
   User Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

   by Zee

   07/21/2008

   I recently visited Sylvia's in New York on Lenox Avenue. I was very disappointed. I love and prepare soulfood myself and this was not SOULFOOD. The catfish was horrible and too thin, I couldn't tell if it was truly catfish or whiting. The stringbeans and greens were tough and had no seasoning meat in them, just sliced onions. The mac and cheese was of poor quality and didn't melt as if it was real cheese. Everything tasted as if sugar was poured in it. Soulfood has a distinguishing taste to it, that's why it's called soulfood. Flavor is of essence.
   
   The service lacked etiquette. I called ahead to assure my reservations and upon arrival my guest and I had to wait 40 minutes before we were seated. What was the purpose of making the reservation? Once we were seated we were rushed to place our orders afterwhich we waited and additional 40 minutes before the food was delivered.
   
   I started to wonder if we were in the restaurant that is suppose to be so famous for their food. Would I recommend this location of Sylvia's to anyone? Absolutely not!!! I truly hope that my experience at this location is not indicative to all Syliva's. I believe Sylvia's family has invested years to establish themselves as a great soulfood supplier however, all will be lost if customers continue to experience poor workmanship. Here's an idea maybe someone should send a "secret diner" to the restaurant to obtain a sincere review of the establishment and forward that information directly to Sylvia.

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2. 
   User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

   by Danny

   05/22/2008

   Not many places come around the pike like this one. I've had Fried Chicken many times at other places, but nothing, and I mean nothing topped the Chicken that I had with a buddy of mine. This chicken was top of the line. I could see why many people from around Harlem and the world come to eat there. Simply the best and a MUST visit when in New York.

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3. 
   User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

   by Just call me J7

   03/18/2008

   I don't care what anyone says - I love this place. I eat here every day I'm in NY. Even when I stay in CT, I drive down to get food from here. The cornbread will make you smack your momma, and for all those who don't like catfish - wait until you try Sylvia's it was so good, I couldn't keep my hands out of my husbands plate. I order the smothered porkchops every time I go, not I'm ordering that to go and eating catchfish!
   
   This is a tourist attraction, and a lot of locals eat here as well, you will be able to tell when you get there - this is definitely one of the places you need to "taste" for yourself!

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