Sylvia's

Sylvia's

Harlem's most famous soul food eatery, Sylvia's serves comfort food and comforting Southern food to masses of Harlem residents and their fellow-travelers, who trek from beyond the five boroughs just for the grub. Though some dispute her neighborhood pre-eminency (Charles' Southern Style Kitchen and Amy Ruth’s both have legitimate claims to the Harlem throne), owner-and-operator Sylvia Woods works the kitchen just as she has since 1962, turning out fried chicken, smothered chicken, catfish, collared greens, and an enormous array of Southern desserts. The setting is homey, with a touch of Harlem glamour. If you can, make your pilgrimage Sunday afternoon, when Sylvia's draws large crowds spilling out from Harlem's numerous churches.