EAT: AFTERNOON LUNCH AT SYLVIA'S COUNTER

Harlem Bespoke:  Sylvia's has been on Lenox Avenue north of 126th Street for well over half a century now and a lot of people might be surprised to hear that it is still a local favorite hangout and not just a weekend tourists destination.  Everything started out as an eatery for unfussy but good soul food back in 1962 and many of the regulars have been in the neighborhood for generations.  The best time to actually get a quick bite is during the weekdays at the lunch counter from 11:00AM to 3:00PM when things are more quiet and the eatery has a neighborhood crowd for the most part.  Several of Sylvia's family all work at the restaurant on any given day so the service is like coming home again.

There's warm corn bread to start with the requisite sweet tea that will remind anyone from the south of their childhood and the fantastic fried chicken which is actually quite under the radar in today's over the top food scene.  Don't let the fine crust fool you since the perfect bird coating with a ton of flavor has an even crunch that is quite extraordinary and everything is super tender within. This is pretty much the old fashion comfort food everyone grew up with and should not be missed out on for those who have not tried it yet. A Monday-Friday lunch special set at $12.95 can make this possible to happen quite often and is one of the better deals in Harlem.

Some other items that are A La Carte on the menu include the delicious pan fried porkchop with gravy that is a guilty pleasure for a lot of the regulars and the mac and cheese has that sharp flavor that hits everything home.  Barbecue ribs are sweet and spicy at the same time with chunks of orange wedges in the sauce for additional flavor.  Reliable sides of yams, sweet potatoes, pickled beats, creamy potato salad and black eyed peas can also be ordered with the main entree and arrive in petite charming ceramic serving bowl. Make sure also check out the daily specials which include stewed turkey wings with homemade cornbread dressing, meatloaf or even traditional oxtail on various days of the week.  There are health conscious alternatives also but our caveat is to enjoy while dining out and just eat sensibly for the rest of the week at home.

Diners also beware of the celebrity sightings which all have photos on the walls to represent but is actually a the real deal.  As we were eating a small party was ushered into the main red room and we were told it was Reverend Jesse Jackson who some of the older kids might know as the first major black presidential candidate who was a predecessor to President Obama.  Yes, President Obama has eaten at Sylvia's and there is also a picture on the wall but we just really enjoy the old Harlem vibe in lieu of the celebrity stuff that is just an additional point of interest.  Sylvia's is the longest continuously running dining establishment in Central Harlem which really has not changed all that much over the years and that is a good thing.

There is so much history here and we will have more post on Sylvia's in the future and there will also be short video clips on our instagram account in the coming days: @cinemabespoke

HarlemBespoke.com 2020