Where To Find Authentic Soul Food In New York City

New York City is a melting pot of flavors, and soul food holds a special place in its culinary landscape.

From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, these dishes tell stories of Southern tradition and African American heritage. Ready to taste some history? Here are some spots where you’ll find the most authentic soul food in the Big Apple.

1. Sylvia’s Restaurant – Harlem’s Soul Food Queen

This legendary eatery has been feeding hungry New Yorkers since 1962. The late Sylvia Woods, known as the “Queen of Soul Food,” created a place where celebrities, locals, and tourists rub elbows over plates of crispy fried chicken.

Their smothered pork chops practically melt in your mouth, while the collard greens strike that perfect balance between tender and flavorful. Sunday gospel brunch adds spiritual nourishment to your meal.

2. Melba’s Restaurant – Comfort Food With Contemporary Flair

Owner Melba Wilson learned her craft from her aunt, none other than Sylvia of the famous restaurant. Her signature chicken and waffles arrive with strawberry butter that transforms this classic into something magical.

The space feels like your favorite auntie’s dining room, warm and inviting. Regulars swear by the wine-braised short ribs and catfish, while first-timers can’t get enough of the mac and cheese.

3. Amy Ruth’s – Home-Style Cooking Named After Grandma

Named for the founder’s grandmother, this Harlem staple keeps family traditions alive. Their menu playfully names dishes after famous African Americans-try “The Rev. Al Sharpton” (chicken and waffles) or “The President Barack Obama” (fried chicken or smothered chicken).

Weekend brunches draw crowds seeking their famous cheesy grits. The black-eyed peas and candied yams transport you straight to a Southern Sunday dinner.

4. Red Rooster Harlem – Celebrity Chef Soul With Global Influence

Marcus Samuelsson’s culinary playground blends soul food traditions with his Ethiopian-Swedish background. The result? Unexpected flavor combinations that still honor Southern roots.

Live music fills the space most evenings, making dinner feel like a celebration. Don’t miss the yard bird (fried chicken) or the oxtail braised in chocolate stout, both showcase Samuelsson’s talent for elevating comfort classics.

5. Cornbread Brooklyn – Soul Food Kingdom In Crown Heights

Warm, tender cornbread is just the start at Cornbread Brooklyn, a Crown Heights gem from co-founders Adenah Bayoh and Elzadie Smith. While the name might be on the nose, they deliver a menu of Southern comfort food staples, including their signature fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Smith, with roots in Georgia and a family culinary background, developed many of the recipes with a focus on soul food that’s both flavorful and responsibly sourced.

6. Shaw-naé’s House – Staten Island’s Hidden Soul Treasure

Cross the ferry to find this cozy spot that truly feels like dining in someone’s living room. Owner Shanice Smith treats everyone like family, often checking tables personally to ensure everything tastes like home.

Her Sugar Daddy Wings come glazed in a secret sauce that’s equal parts tangy and sweet. The Soul Fries; layered with mac and cheese, collard greens, and crispy chicken bits, might be the most indulgent side dish in all five boroughs.

7. Jacob’s Pickles – Upper West Side Southern Comfort

This Amsterdam Avenue hotspot proves soul food has found a home uptown. Beyond their namesake pickles (which are fantastic), they’ve mastered Southern classics with a New York twist.

Their Nashville hot chicken delivers serious heat, cooled only by the accompanying honey butter biscuits. Portions run generous, the mac and cheese arrives bubbling in a skillet big enough to share. Save room for deep-fried Oreos that somehow improve on the original cookie.