Best For
Authentic Southern comfort food and a lively Harlem dining experience.
Melba's Restaurant
US
Soul Food Restaurant·Homey, Buzzy, Soulful
Melba's Restaurant is a cornerstone of the Harlem dining scene, famous for its soulful approach to Southern American classics. The interior offers a retro, homey feel that becomes increasingly energetic as the evening progresses, often accompanied by a soundtrack of soul and R&B. Diners flock here for signature dishes like chicken and waffles, gooey mac and cheese, and seasoned short ribs. While the main dining room captures the heart of the buzz, the restaurant maintains a neighborhood charm that makes it a favorite for both casual lunches and lively group dinners.
Melba's Restaurant is a cornerstone of the Harlem dining scene, famous for its soulful approach to Southern American classics. The interior offers a retro, homey feel that becomes increasingly energetic as the evening progresses, often accompanied by a soundtrack of soul and R&B. Diners flock here for signature dishes like chicken and waffles, gooey mac and cheese, and seasoned short ribs. While the main dining room captures the heart of the buzz, the restaurant maintains a neighborhood charm that makes it a favorite for both casual lunches and lively group dinners.
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Address
300 W 114th St,New York, NY 10026, USA
Websitemelbasrestaurant.com
Phone(212) 864-7777
Hours
ClosedMon
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tue
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wed
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thu
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sat
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sun
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Highlights
Signature chicken and eggnog waffles.
Gooey, cheesy Southern-style mac and cheese.
Lively atmosphere with a soul and R&B soundtrack.
Hearty portions of Southern staples like collard greens and sweet potatoes.
Time of Day
Lunch, Dinner
Occasion Tags
Casual Dining, Groups, Tourists, Locals
Reviews
4.3
Great4,7 K reviews
Melba's Restaurant is widely regarded as a staple for soul food in Harlem, with a generally positive sentiment centered on its comfort food and atmosphere. The chicken and waffles are frequently cited as a highlight, alongside the mac and cheese, which is described as exceptionally gooey and cheesy. While many diners enjoy the Jamaican oxtails and short ribs, some reviews indicate inconsistency in seasoning and cooking temperatures. The service is often praised for being friendly, though some guests found the initial greeting at the host stand to be lacking. The restaurant's vibe is consistently described as lively, bolstered by a popular soul and R&B soundtrack. Overall, it is seen as a worthwhile destination for those seeking a classic Southern dining experience in Manhattan.
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Location
Manhattan, New York, United States
