NYC’s Top 10 Southern Restaurants Every Food Lover Should Try

New York City might be famous for pizza and bagels, but hidden throughout the five boroughs are incredible Southern restaurants serving up authentic comfort food.

From crispy fried chicken to buttery biscuits and soul-warming mac and cheese, these spots bring genuine Southern hospitality to the Big Apple.

Whether you’re craving your grandmother’s cooking or want to experience true Southern flavors for the first time, these restaurants deliver the real deal.

1. Sylvia’s Restaurant

Known worldwide as the “Queen of Soul Food,” this Harlem institution has been serving authentic Southern cuisine since 1962.

Founder Sylvia Woods created a legacy that continues today, with recipes passed down through generations of her family.

Their famous Sunday gospel brunch combines incredible food with live music, creating an unforgettable dining experience that captures the true spirit of Southern hospitality and community.

2. Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too

This cozy Morningside Heights gem feels like stepping into a Southern grandmother’s kitchen, complete with checkered tablecloths and home-style cooking.

Their spoonbread recipe alone is worth the trip, fluffy and buttery like edible clouds of comfort.

Generous portions of catfish, collard greens, and cornbread make every meal feel like a family reunion where everyone leaves completely satisfied and planning their next visit.

3. Melba’s

Celebrity chef Melba Wilson brings upscale Southern dining to Harlem without losing the down-home flavors that make comfort food so special.

Her chicken and waffles have achieved legendary status among food lovers and celebrities alike.

The restaurant perfectly balances refined presentation with authentic taste, proving that Southern cuisine can be both elegant and soulful at the same time.

4. Amy Ruth’s

Named after the owner’s grandmother, this Harlem favorite serves massive portions that could feed a small army.

Their chicken and waffles come in combinations named after famous personalities, adding a fun twist to ordering your meal.

Every dish arrives piping hot and bursting with flavor, from their perfectly seasoned fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese that tastes like pure childhood happiness.

5. Red Rooster

Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson created this stylish spot that celebrates both Southern cuisine and Harlem’s rich cultural history.

The menu cleverly blends traditional Southern recipes with international influences, creating unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

Live music fills the space regularly, making dinner feel like a celebration of food, culture, and community all rolled into one amazing experience.

6. Bird Dog

This West Village hotspot proves that Southern food can thrive outside of Harlem, bringing Nashville-style hot chicken to downtown Manhattan.

Their spice levels range from mild to “call the fire department,” so choose your heat adventure wisely.

The casual atmosphere and craft cocktails make it perfect for both quick lunches and long dinners with friends who appreciate seriously good fried chicken.

7. Pies ‘n’ Thighs

Brooklyn’s answer to Southern comfort food started as a tiny spot but quickly became a borough-wide sensation.

Their buttermilk biscuits are fluffy perfection, while the fried chicken boasts a crispy coating that shatters with each bite.

Don’t skip dessert because their pies rotate seasonally, offering sweet endings that perfectly capture the essence of Southern baking traditions and hospitality.

8. Sweet Chick

With locations in both Manhattan and Brooklyn, this trendy spot attracts hip crowds craving Instagram-worthy chicken and waffles.

Their creative waffle flavors include options like red velvet and blueberry, taking classic combinations to exciting new levels.

The buzzing atmosphere and creative cocktails make it feel more like a party than just dinner, especially during their popular weekend brunch service.

9. Charles’ Country Pan Fried Chicken

This no-frills Harlem counter serves some of the crispiest, most flavorful fried chicken in the entire city.

Owner Charles Gabriel has perfected his pan-frying technique over decades, creating chicken with unmatched flavor and texture.

The casual setup focuses entirely on the food quality, proving that sometimes the best meals come from the most unpretentious places with passionate cooks.