Welcome to Melba’s Restaurant
At Melba’s Restaurant, Southern charm and culinary expertise converge to create an unforgettable dining experience. Nestled in Harlem, this Black-owned, LGBTQ-friendly, and women-led establishment serves authentic soul food that evokes the warmth of home cooking. From fried catfish to signature chicken & eggnog waffles, each dish bursts with rich flavors and comforting nostalgia. Melba’s accommodates all, featuring accessible amenities, outdoor seating, and options for groups and families. With a strong commitment to quality and community, dining here is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of culture and togetherness. Embark on a journey through tradition with every bite!
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300 W 114th St New York, NY 10026 United States Hotline: (212) 864-7777
Welcome to Melba’s Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the bustling heart of Harlem at 300 W 114th St, New York, NY 10026. Renowned for its authentic Southern soul food, Melba’s captures the essence of comfort dining with an innovative twist. With a proud legacy of being black-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and women-owned, this restaurant stands as a beacon of inclusivity and community spirit.
As you step inside, you're welcomed by an inviting ambiance, equipped with wheelchair accessibility and gender-neutral restrooms to ensure everyone feels at home. Whether you're craving a hearty brunch or a sumptuous dinner, Melba's provides a broad array of options, all crafted to warm your heart and satisfy your soul. The outdoor seating area, complete with heated options for those cooler days, allows guests to bask in the vibrant neighborhood atmosphere while savoring their meal.
- Signature Dishes:
- Signature Southern Fried Chicken & Eggnog Waffles: Crisp and savory, paired with strawberry butter.
- BBQ Braised Beef Short Rib: A rich, flavorful dish, braised to tender perfection.
- Vegan Mushroom, Sweet Potato & Spinach Pot Pie: A comforting vegan delight with a homemade mushroom gravy.
- Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes: Served with a refreshing green salad and zesty tartar sauce.
- Appetizers and Sides:
- Melba's Signature Dry Rub Wings: Perfectly crispy with a side of blue cheese.
- Country Catfish Strips: Seasoned and fried to crisp perfection, accompanied by a homemade chipotle dipping sauce.
- Cornmeal Dusted Deviled Eggs: A unique take stuffed with pimento cheese.
Melba’s doesn't just excel in the kitchen; they pride themselves on excellent service. From welcoming hosts to attentive servers like Brian, patrons consistently rave about the warmth and professionalism surrounding their dining experience. Whether it's a casual family brunch or a festive celebration, Melba's can accommodate groups of all sizes with ease.
Feedback from guests like Claudia B. highlights the must-try catfish nuggets and mac and cheese, while others, such as David T., sing praises for the rum punch and collard greens. One recurring theme is the ability to evoke nostalgia through dishes that remind patrons of cherished family gatherings.
In a world bustling with dining options, Melba’s Restaurant truly stands out. Combining incredible food, a welcoming atmosphere, and heartfelt service, it’s the perfect spot for any occasion. Whether you're a New York local or just passing through, make sure to indulge in the delicious offerings at Melba’s—you won't regret it!
For reservations and inquiries, call (212) 864-7777 and experience the joys of Southern soul food at Melba's.
Yall, I don't have a picture or NOTHING. A friend recommended this spot and OMG. The catfish nuggets!! I could barely keep my eyes open because they were so delicious. The Mac & Cheese, oxtails, southern chicken sandwich, and baby the egg rolls? My God toDAY. So lovey and smooth and comforting. Or waiter Brian was phenomenal, kind and a fantastic mixologist. Vibes were lovely, each song was the one.
I had the vegan pot pie with sides of mac and cheese, eggnog waffle, plus an extra order of peas and rice. Each dish was pretty good, with the waffle being the standout. It ended up being a bit expensive at about $50 for the lot - I wish they had told us that choosing the waffle as a side results in an upcharge. Otherwise, it's nice to see a spot that's open late and has an array of vegetarian options.
We went here off a few recommendations from a few peoe after we left the taping of the Sherri Sheppard show. The service was great from the time we walked in. We got there probably after the lunch crowd and before the dinner crowd so it wasn't overly crowded at all. When I say everything was delicious. The smothered chicken with the greens and mac and cheese was so good. It was like I was back at my grandma house. Someone got the salmon and said it was delicious as well. The oxtails were falling off the bones. The drinks were good as well. If in NYC and want some good southern home cooked food then this is your spot.
This place is perfect for any occasion. The food is made to perfection. The service was professional. The space is fitting to the theme of the neighborhood and those who come to visit. Pass by whenever you are in town. Worth every penny and delicious bite.
Service is excellent! Our server is quick, efficient, and attentive. The host is adorable. The bbq short rib was delicious. The yams were perfect and the collard greens are my favorite!!! The rum punch is one of the main reasons I come to Melba's. MUST HAVE! My cousins loved their chicken sandwich and fried catfish so no complaints at all.
Food - chicken and waffles was really good. The eggnog in the waffles thru me off for a sec but it was really good. Chicken was okay. Next time, I would get the wings with the waffles. Oxtails were really good. Got rice and Mac n cheese as 2 sides. Mac n cheese was SUPER cheesy. Service - good, no complaints. Food came out really fast. Ambiance - was good, no complaints. Played good music in the background. Def will go back if I visit NYC again.
Decided to order in from Melba's, a local restaurant I've passed many times but never ventured in. Glad I did! The food came quickly. My BBQ Turkey Meatloaf along with the 2 sides I selected, Low Country Collard Greens and A$AP Yams, were all absolutely delicious - and flavorful items I'd definitely recommend! My only other comment would be that it could have come with a cornbread or biscuit with it considering the price. Would definitely consider another meal from Melba's in the future!
I want to Shout Melba's Restaurant in Harlem Out for accommodating my daughters party of 8 with 6 showing up first without a reservation & being seated Right Away. So Saturday for my baby girls 17th Bday I wanted her & her friends to have the Harlem Brunch experience at BLVD Bistro so I made reservations weeks in advance. We travel all the way from Westchester only to get there & they have a sign on the door stating they dn't have any power. I call them, a polite lady answers & apologizes for the inconvenience but I didn't get a text or email ahead of time saying their restaurant was inoperable. So her apology isn't enough! She offers us to go in & be seated in a completely empty place to eat with limited power. We decline her offer & she directs us to a few other places nearby. Mind you it's freezing cold, I have 5 teenagers well 4 & my oldest daughter & I'm not driving & 2 more in route on their way in an Uber. We show up to Melba's & their customer service, & accommodations were Top Tier! The 6 of us were seated immediately, they were ok with 2 more showing up later. Our server (Brian) was The ABSOLUTE BEST! The girls had a great time we sang Happy Birthday the Stevie Wonder Black Way in honor of Black History Month & an Aquarius Holiday! We are so Appreciative & Thankful to Melba's Restaurant in Harlem! That was my first time there & I can't wait to go back. Service was great & the food was too! We rate them 5 stars across the board! Blvd Bistro I'm disappointed with their lack of communication. We Had A Time! Harlem owes us Nothing! Thanks to Melba's!
I love Melba's. It's one of the best Southern Comfort, classic restaurants in Harlem, or the city. The service is great. The food is exceptional. OMG, the mac and cheese and the short ribs!! Great appetizers (the cat fish and spring rolls are my two favorites) and it's perfect for all occasions. I took my son here to celebrate his birthday. I brought friends here to have a good meal. And we even decided to celebrate Christmas at Melba's with some of my chosen family. (Yep, I traveled from Hell's Kitchen to eat here, it's that good.) The manager with the beard is the best.