Are you looking for the best soul food in NYC that you’ll love? Read ahead for our top suggestions that’ll have you salivating in no time!
If you’ve been trying to track down the best soul food in NYC, then you’ll want to keep reading!
Not only have we rounded up cheap and cheerful spots for the best soul food in NYC, but we’ve handpicked some elegant choices too.
Whether you’re craving a juicy plate of fried chicken or can’t get enough of mac and cheese or biscuits, this list of the best soul food in NYC has got you covered.
Now let’s get to it!
Here’s where to find the Best Soul Food in NYC…
Charles’ Country Pan Fried Chicken
The first spot on our list of where to find the best soul food in NYC, we have Charles’ Country Pan Fried Chicken!
This place is still overseen by the legendary Charles Gabriel, and it serves the most delicious fried chicken in town.
What makes this an amazing spot for the best soul food in NYC is down to the cooking methods they use.
They crisp all their chicken in cast iron skillets instead of deep fryers, which gives the meat a moist and rich flavor that you can’t beat.
Although the chicken should be your go-to order, you can’t beat the oxtails, BBQ spareribs, and collard greens for the ultimate Southern experience!
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Sylvia’s
Next on our list of the best soul food in NYC, we have Sylvia’s!
Sylvia’s has been a staple on Harlem’s restaurant scene since 1962 and it serves the best soul food in NYC.
From BBQ spareribs and baked mac and cheese to ridiculously juicy fried chicken, it’s easy to see why people queue out the door for this stuff.
The main dishes are certainly the main draw, but you’ll want to stick around for their sinful chocolate cake and banana pudding too!
Oh, and did we mention that this place has incredible live music on Wednesdays and a gospel brunch on Sundays?
Talk about getting your money’s worth as you chow down on the best soul food in NYC.
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Melba’s
If you’re looking for the best soul food in NYC, you can’t beat Melba’s.
This place was opened by Harlem native Melba Wilson in 2005, and she learned the tricks of the trade at Sylvia’s before starting her own joint.
She specializes in fried chicken and eggnog waffles, but she’s also known for whipping up amazing mac and cheese and black-eyed peas.
And don’t even get us started on the braised short ribs that are always perfectly tender.
What makes this one of our favorite picks for the best soul food in NYC is the interesting takes on traditional classics.
So, if you’re craving classic Creole dishes with a side of spring rolls – this is a spot for the best soul food in NYC that’s got you covered!
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Amy Ruth’s
Our next pick for the best soul food in NYC is Amy Ruth’s – and you’re not going to want to miss this one!
It’s an amazing spot that’s been serving the best soul food in NYC since 1999 and is best known for its authentic fried chicken and waffles.
But you don’t want to sleep on the incredible mashed potatoes and jumbo chicken wings that work perfectly with their savory black beans.
Although it’s not the fanciest place in town, the traditional recipes and laid-back atmosphere make this one of our top picks for the best soul food in NYC!
Porchlight
Our next suggestion for the best soul food in NYC is Porchlight!
This charming spot on 11th Avenue is slightly more upmarket than other options on our list, making it the perfect choice for date night.
Not only does it serve the best soul food in NYC (seriously – the chili is ridiculous!), but the bar menu is bound to impress you.
Whether you’re craving Southern-influenced cocktails or a portion of chicken and waffles, this place is unlikely to disappoint.
Plus, this place even provides a selection of board games if you want to enjoy the best soul food in NYC with a game or two!
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Peaches
Next on our list of where to find the best soul food in NYC, we have Peaches!
This place is the perfect pitstop for a laid-back meal that feels upmarket, as the dishes are plated beautifully and have a slightly more elegant appearance.
So, it makes a change from the classic hole-in-the-wall spots!
We can’t get enough of their Cajun and Creole classics (like the half chicken with chili rub!), but virtually anything on the menu is worth trying.
Oh, and their garlic shrimp are part of what makes this one of our favorite spots for the best soul food in NYC!
Although the Brooklyn location is always a winner, several Peaches spots across town serve the best soul food in NYC. Score!
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Red Rooster
You probably aren’t surprised to see Harlem hotspot Red Rooster on our list of where to get the best soul food in NYC!
Hey, it’s a classic after all.
It serves Southern staples in a comfortable and welcoming dining space.
So, you can expect delicious eats like fried chicken, jambalaya, lobster, and mountains of soft-shell crab if you choose to grab a seat.
Although there’s a huge focus on traditional Southern eats, you’ll also find influences of Scandinavian, French, and East African cooking methods sneaking onto the menu.
Plus, you can truly dial things up with a few cocktails as you take in the smooth jazz that plays here every day!
Seasoned Vegan
Our next suggestion for the best soul food in NYC is Seasoned Vegan – and this one has a slightly different vibe to other picks around the Big Apple.
What we love about this spot is the fact that it serves the best soul food in NYC that’s entirely vegan!
Not only can you grab delicious dishes like BBQ “crawfish” and “cheeseburgers” made with oat protein, but the cupcakes here are to die for!
Most of the flavors are traditionally Southern. But you should keep an eye out for exciting influences from Italy, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean across the menu.
As it’s a counter-service restaurant, you’ll also receive the best soul food in NYC in record time!
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Soco
If you’ve been searching for the best soul food in NYC, then you’ll adore Soco.
It’s a popular Southern fusion restaurant that’s tucked away in Brooklyn, and it’s all about creating interesting twists on classic favorites.
So, while you’ll find catfish and chips on offer, expect it to be smothered with a kimchi aioli instead of traditional sauces!
Although this place serves some of the best soul food in NYC, we also love that they offer live DJ sets several nights a week.
This makes it an awesome spot for the best soul food in NYC if you want a seriously amazing night on the town.
Mitchell’s Soul Food
Our next pick for the best soul food in NYC is the (aptly named!) Mitchell’s Soul Food!
It’s a slightly lesser-known, hole-in-the-wall spot, but it’s home to some of the best soul food in NYC that locals love.
From the amazing fried chicken to the perfectly cooked collard greens, this is a spot that you won’t regret seeking out in Brooklyn.
Oh, and don’t even get us started on the mac and cheese and moreish cornbread that’s usually flying out of the kitchen.
Pies ‘n’ Thighs
Our next pick for the best soul food in NYC is Pies ‘n’ Thighs!
This South Williamsburg spot has grown super popular over the years thanks to its incredible fried chicken.
It’s made with the perfect crunchy batter that’s just fluffy enough, and people flock in from all over the city to grab a portion.
And don’t sleep on the hot sauce either – it’s all part of what makes Pies ‘n’ Thighs one of our favorite places for the best soul food in NYC!
Throw in the incredible biscuits and gravy, and it’s easy to see why we think it serves the best soul food in NYC.
Bobwhite Counter
To round off our list of where to find the best soul food in NYC, we have Bobwhite Counter!
It might not be the fanciest spot in the world, but it serves the moistest and crunchiest fried chicken in town.
You can grab it as a standalone item or have it shoved inside a sandwich for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
If you’re not craving chicken, this place also serves incredible mac and cheese, crispy catfish, and sticky ribs!
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