A Stroll Through Harlem... and a Disappointing Bite at Sylvia's
I’ve been hearing about Sylvia’s for years. A Harlem institution, full of history and soul—and soul food, of course. Today, while exploring West Harlem, I figured I’d finally make my way there and see what all the buzz was about.
Funny enough, I hadn’t realized it’s literally next door to Red Rooster, one of my go-to favorites in the area. For a moment, I considered scrapping my Sylvia’s plan and heading straight to the rooster—because it never disappoints—but I stuck with my original mission. It was Sylvia’s day.
The walk there was the highlight of the day. I wandered through the peaceful grounds of St. Nicholas Park, admired the architecture of City College’s campus, and got lost in the charm of old Harlem—Hamilton Terrace, Convent Avenue, all those tucked-away blocks that make the neighborhood feel like a quiet piece of history. Cold, crisp air, warm sun, and classic NYC vibes. Perfect walking weather.
But the moment my plate arrived, I had doubts. The ribs didn’t look fresh. That glossy, sticky BBQ shine just wasn’t there. The smell was off, and the texture confirmed it: these weren’t fresh-cooked. They had that refrigerated-then-reheated feel—something you can’t un-taste once you notice it. Not awful, but definitely not what you’d expect from a place with this kind of legacy.
The sides didn’t help much. The mac and cheese? Bland and forgettable—definitely better at Cecchi’s, in my opinion. The pickled beets were average at best.
I left feeling disappointed. Maybe I just picked the wrong dish. But honestly? At a place like Sylvia’s, the standard should be higher across the board. Not everything has to be perfect, but it shouldn’t feel like a gamble.
So, was it worth it? Not really. I’d rather walk the extra steps to Red Rooster next time. Still, I don’t regret the day—because that walk through Harlem, the streets and parks and sunlight, made the journey worth it.
Would I go back to Sylvia’s? Maybe. I might give the chicken and waffles a try someday. But if you’re headed to Harlem and want a guaranteed win, you already know where I’ll be pointing you.
Tips if You're Exploring Harlem:
- Walk through St. Nicholas Park—great views and quiet paths.
- Check out the Gothic architecture at City College.
- Stroll down Hamilton Terrace and Convent Avenue—they’re gems.
- And if you’re hungry… maybe just go straight to Red Rooster. 😄