8 Soul Food Spots in New York State That Locals Can’t Stop Raving About

If you’re hungry for soul food in New York State, you’ve got options that stretch far beyond the usual tourist lists. I’ve spent years exploring neighborhoods and talking to locals, and I can tell you: these aren’t just places to eat, they’re pillars of their communities.

From Harlem’s historic kitchens to Brooklyn’s lively joints and the Bronx’s seafood secrets, each spot brings something unique to the table. Here’s my honest take on eight soul food restaurants that locals can’t stop talking about, each with a vibe and backstory all its own.

1. Sylvia’s, Harlem, NYC

Walking into Sylvia’s feels like visiting a cherished family home full of stories. Founded in 1962 by Sylvia Woods, this Harlem institution has remained a constant, drawing everyone from neighborhood regulars to U.S. presidents. The fried chicken is crisp and juicy, but it’s the way the meal sticks with you, alongside sides like rich collard greens and warm cornbread, that keeps folks coming back.

If you ask a Harlem native about comfort food, Sylvia’s likely comes up first. The banana pudding, laced with cream cheese, is a signature sweet that’s become the stuff of local legend. Diners often mention the welcoming staff who treat customers like kin, even during the busiest brunch rushes.

What sets Sylvia’s apart is its sense of history. The walls are lined with photos of Sylvia Woods greeting celebrities and local heroes alike. Each meal is rooted in tradition, but the restaurant still manages to feel fresh and lively every visit. Few places capture the heart of Harlem like Sylvia’s.

2. Amy Ruth’s, Harlem, NYC

Amy Ruth’s sits at the corner of comfort and community in Harlem. Locals often joke this is their soul food baseline, the place where all other fried chicken gets measured. Plates arrive brimming with chicken and waffles, each bite perfectly balanced between savory and sweet.

Founded by Carl S. Redding to honor his grandmother, Amy Ruth’s feels like a Sunday afternoon gathering. The staff greets regulars with a smile and newcomers with genuine warmth. Waffles are light and crisp, while the fried chicken boasts a seasoned crust that never lets you down.

What really stands out is the feeling of home. The walls hold a rotating gallery of local artists, and there’s a steady hum of laughter and conversation. Amy Ruth’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a gathering space where every meal feels like a celebration. For many, it’s the very definition of Harlem hospitality.

3. Manna’s Soul Food, Harlem, NYC

Buffet lovers find their happy place at Manna’s Soul Food. There’s a certain thrill in building your own plate, and here, the choices seem endless, smothered chicken, ribs, jerk chicken, and a lineup of sides that could fill a cookbook. Each dish tells its own story, cooked with a steady hand and years of experience.

Regulars swear by the authenticity at Manna’s. They’ll recommend the mac and cheese, bubbling and golden, or the candied yams so sweet they could pass for dessert. The staff always encourages you to try something new, but most guests have a favorite they return to every visit.

What sets Manna’s apart is its sense of self-serve freedom. No two plates look the same, and that’s part of the fun. The lines get long during lunch, but the food never sits out, everything tastes fresh, and you can taste the pride in every bite.

4. Charles’ Country Pan Fried Chicken, Harlem, NYC

Charles’ Country Pan Fried Chicken doesn’t put on airs. What you see is what you get, some of the crispiest, most flavorful chicken you’ll find in the city. Charles Gabriel, the man behind the counter, seasons and turns each piece in stages to create a crust that’s deeply satisfying.

Fans line up for a taste of his signature pan-fried style, which feels worlds apart from ordinary deep frying. The chicken’s crust shatters at the bite, while the meat stays moist and full of flavor. Sides like mashed potatoes and gravy round out the experience without stealing the show.

It’s the simplicity that keeps folks coming. There’s no elaborate decor, just a genuine focus on doing one thing exceptionally well. Charles’ is the kind of spot where regulars know each other by name and new visitors leave feeling like part of the family.

5. 95 South Soul Food, Crown Heights, Brooklyn

95 South isn’t your average soul food joint. On weekends, the sound of a live DJ fills the room, turning dinner into a party that lasts all night. The place buzzes with energy, and the food is bold enough to match.

You’ll spot regulars ordering the jerk chicken or fried catfish, each dish bringing its own heat and flavor. The mac and cheese holds its own, creamy and rich, while candied yams add a touch of sweetness to the plate. People come for the food, but they stay for the vibe, a mix of locals, college students, and visitors soaking in Brooklyn’s spirit.

What hooks folks is the sense of community. The staff remembers your name, and the atmosphere invites you to relax and let loose. There’s something special about digging into comfort food while dancing to a classic R&B track. 95 South proves soul food can be both festive and familiar.

6. Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too, Morningside Heights, NYC

Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too is the type of spot where generosity starts with the portions. Located a short walk from Columbia University, it welcomes everyone, from students to long-timers, with open arms and heaping plates. The sampler is a favorite, letting you try shrimp, chicken, ribs, or even fried catfish in one go.

The namesake spoonbread is soft and buttery, a comfort on its own or with greens and gravy. Collard greens carry a hint of smokiness, while the fried catfish is crisp without feeling heavy. The kitchen doesn’t hold back on flavor, making every bite memorable.

The atmosphere feels like a friendly, Southern family gathering. You’ll often see groups swapping food across the table, eager to find a new favorite. Miss Mamie’s may be small in size, but the spirit is big and the welcome is even bigger.

7. Seafood Kingz 2, City Island, Bronx

Tucked away on City Island, Seafood Kingz 2 has quickly become a local favorite in the Bronx. As City Island’s first Black-owned soul-food seafood spot, it offers something rare, a menu that fuses classic soul flavors with the freshness of the sea. Fried shrimp, catfish, and steam crab headline the offerings, each cooked to order.

Regulars rave about the mac pie, a cheesy, dense take on mac and cheese, and sides like candied yams that round out the seafood feast. The atmosphere is relaxed, with nautical touches that nod to the island’s fishing heritage. You’ll find families, young couples, and old-timers all digging in together.

Seafood Kingz 2 stands out for its quality and the personal touch of the chef, who’s often out front chatting with guests. The portions are generous and prices fair, making it easy to come back again and again. This spot manages to feel both new and rooted, a rare feat in the city’s shifting dining scene.

8. Melba’s, Harlem, NYC

Step inside Melba’s, and you’re greeted by more than just the aroma of fried chicken and waffles. Owner Melba Wilson brings a sense of Southern hospitality to Harlem, blending comfort food classics with a welcoming touch that extends to every diner. The menu brims with favorites, chicken and waffles, peach cobbler, and creamy mac and cheese.

Regulars praise the consistent quality and creative twists on traditional dishes, like eggnog waffles during the holidays. Every plate feels crafted with care, and the staff makes an effort to learn your name, turning one-time visitors into loyal fans. The peach cobbler, served warm with a scoop of ice cream, is a highlight that keeps people coming back.

Melba’s is more than a restaurant, it’s a celebration of family, food, and local culture. The atmosphere is inviting, perfect for a weekday dinner or a special occasion. There’s a clear sense of pride in every detail, from the decor to the last crumb on your plate.