Sylvia's

For many visitors who venture out to Harlem would most likely make a stop to Sylvia's. Everyone has a little soul food crave in them, and many are satisfied by Sylvia's. I was partial. Perhaps it is because my long anticipation for this Harlem iconic eatery accrued high expectations over the years, and so, the food did not soothe my soul.

The load down:

The white meat fried chicken had a crispy and well seasoned crust and tender white meat center. Served with Buttered Corn which was a delight: glossed with butter and sweet in flavor. Though, sweeter than candy can pose a lack of desire on ones consumption as one of my dinner companions found on her Candied Yams.



Aside from their famous Waffle with Fried Chicken, any other dish would be a toss up. Such as the ribs; poorly executed and a lackluster flavor— from the taste of it, one can notice that the ribs have been sitting in the kitchen warmers for quite some time; I call this the sitting taste. Served with a side of nicely whipped creamy yet not too heavy mash and Baked Macaroni & Cheese; a generous dose of cheese, giving this side bolder taste.



Another disappointment came from the Smothered Chicken Leg: the leg was slaughtered and then slattered with Sylvia’s salty gravy, though the chicken was perfectly cooked but the flavor was buried and bathed. This was essentially a fried chicken soaked in buttery brown sauce. With a side of Collard Greens: One would have a hard time just eating the Collard Greens alone, granted it is a side, but it was bitter and slightly over salted.

If your only reason to come to Harlem was just for Sylvia’s, I would second think that move. But if you’re in the area and have the time to chow down, then it is worth the stop but it is not a must-stop. Great for large groups, and expect all types of people i.e. locals, tourists, very obvious tourists, and etc.


Sylvia's 328 Lenox Ave. nr. 127th St, New York, NY 10027 212-996-0660 http://www.sylviassoulfood.com/


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