Melbas Restaurant Reviews
Submitted by Ashley Stepps on 09/01/2022
Ashley Stepps 3 stars rating.
The staff was really nice and very helpful. We had lots of questions that they answered patiently. We came here because I'm Southern and my friend lives to get my opinion on Southern food made elsewhere. So we ordered crab cakes with spinach, chicken and waffle, soul rolls, oxtails with Mac and rice and peas, and short ribs with A$AP yams and potato salad. Homemade lemonade and sweet tea. The tea, potato salad, and the Mac were the best things we ordered. Everything else was mid honestly. The waffle came out cold and hard. The short ribs are covered in a lot of BBQ sauce. We asked the server about this before ordering and she said it was just a little sauce. Definitely not the case. Nothing we ordered was great but I also live in the South where there is an abundance of Southern restaurants and I'm probably biased. Either way stop by here even if it's just for the Mac and friendly service.
Ollie “OliversTwist” 5 stars rating.
Excellent excellent excellent!!! The vibe, service and especially the food were EVERYTHING!! if you get a chance u must set reservations and stop by...you will definitely be pleased!! I came from Philly and we have plenty of great food but not a Soul food spot this great!! 5 stars easily!!!
Submitted by Ollie “oliverstwist” on 09/11/2022
Samar Gabourel 5 stars rating.
I haven't been to Melba's in over a decade but the vibe is just like I remember. Cute and casual atmosphere with cool art on the walls. There's indoor and outdoor seating. Our server/bartender Jasmine was great. She frequently came by to check on us to make sure everything was good. Drinks and food were amazing. I had the H.I.T ( Harlem Ice Tea) which is Melba's version of a Long Island Ice Tea and it was perfect for this hot day. Fried chicken was A-1 and the sides are just as delicious. Definitely recommend if your looking for traditional southern fare (i.e collard greens, mac & cheese, yams etc) with a little pop here and there (black-eyed peas & collard spring rolls, chilli onion rings and Jamaican oxtails). Can't wait to go back.
Submitted by Samar Gabourel on 08/09/2022
Liam Tay Kearney 5 stars rating.
Friendly service, homey atmosphere, delicious eats. Wonderfully light yet rich/eggy waffles (my favourite in the city) with strawberry butter. Their fried chicken, catfish and collard greens also great.
Submitted by Liam Tay Kearney on 08/08/2022
Marko 4 stars rating.
An NYC Harlem institution for brunch for southern staples such as fried chicken with waffles or mac&cheese. Lots of fried food, not very healthy but good and very nice for people watching. The spare ribs and the oxtail were my favourites though.
Submitted by Marko on 06/06/2022
Abigail York 5 stars rating.
The experience was great.
We are here in NYC celebrating 25 years of marriage.
We had heard about Melba’s so this was our first outing on our agenda.
The service was good but the food was very good.
The pics are real.
My favorite was the unique spring rolls????
Food was good price.
Will be back
Submitted by Abigail York on 05/30/2022
Avery Black 3 stars rating.
I’m always glad to support small Black (female) owned establishments. Lovely and friendly staff. Thank you Awa! Your service was great despite it being so busy! Cute, small, popular place with potential. Only one bathroom working and it’s a mess! ????
Oh the food! Where should I begin? My daughter and I were exploring Harlem and decided to try Melba’s. Usually when a restaurant is busy you automatically associate that with good food. We were were excited to have made this our choice. Let’s just say it’s okay. Nothing to write home about. Actually, it was disappointing! The jumbo lump crab cakes…was that even crab meat? The chicken wings and eggnog waffles with strawberry butter was okay. The waffles was fluffy and tasty while the chicken and Charleston jumbo shrimp were bland and could use some seasoning. The mac and cheese was good. My daughter's rum punch was more punch…still waiting for the rum! But it was tasty so not a total loss. The lemonade was delicious but a bit on the sweet side for my liking.
I’ve had better comfort/southern food before. We won’t return! Please keep the bathroom clean since it’s the only one that’s functional and so close to the kitchen.
Submitted by Avery Black on 05/14/2022
Merryheart Sg 4 stars rating.
Very lively & friendly restaurant run by American African. Love the ambience & the friendly crowd. Love the southern fried chicken & eggnog waffle. The beef rib was super tender , it is a must try. They have unique cocktails too, the Strawberry Hennessy was very special . We came here during Mother’s Day & I was given a stalk of red rose. :)
Submitted by Merryheart Sg on 05/08/2022
Donna Garey 5 stars rating.
I have been trying to get here for months and I finally made it. All I can say is that they didn't disappoint at all and I was so happy! All of the food was flavorful and staff was pleasant. Melba was there and more beautiful in person. I can't wait until Spring to get back for outdoor dining. So glad I got to experience this. P.S. the picture of the calamari isn't the full plate. We forgot to take the picture before we started devouring the food. Sorry not sorry.
Submitted by Donna Garey on 02/22/2022
Daniella Fodera 5 stars rating.
Fantastic meal. From the food to the drinks to the vibe, everything was amazing! Can't wait to come back here again when I'm in the mood for some feel good food and a lively atmosphere.
The drinks were quite boozy and well worth it, no need for a bottomless Brunch here, one or two drinks and you'll be set! Highly recommend the sexy sangria and alcoholic iced tea.
The fried chicken with eggnog waffles was delish and served with hot sauce, maple syrup and strawberry butter. Watch out the, the chicken does have bones inside but it is extremely tasty regardless. Also highly recommend the braised beef short ribs which absolutely fell off the bone. Soooooo good.
Even the sides were fantastic with the sweet and soft yams as well as the Mac and cheese covered in deliciously crispy cheese. Seriously could not have picked a better Sunday brunch place with no wait for a mood of southern cuisine.
Can't wait to come back here again!
Submitted by Daniella Fodera on 01/02/2022
