One of faves in Harlem. Love the food and the ambiance. Service was prompt and very kind. Thanks for letting me come to my reservation a little late.
claudia
Both the food and service were good, however, it's extremely loud. I would not go back again, as you can barely hear those at your table.
Quentin
I made a reservation and was able to be seated quickly. However, it took maybe about 10 minutes to be offered a beverage after sitting down. Besides that the staff was polite, and the food was delicious.
Vickie
Great service especially by our server Ole'. The older gentleman that pulled out chars for us to sit reminded me of gentleman in the South. The food was excellent
Deborah
Melbas lived up to all the hype; my son even said her sweet potatoes were the best he ever had which was disappointing because I thought mine were the best he ever had...
stacey
This was my second time visiting with my cousins, and compared to my first visit, it honestly felt like night and day. During my first visit, the food and drinks were perfect, but this time around I can't say the same for the food. I ordered the catfish, mac and cheese, and collard greens. While the catfish and greens were fine, the mac and cheese was hard and overwhelmingly cheesy, to the point where I couldn't finish my meal. On the bright side, the drinks never disappoint—both times I ordered the Strawberry Henny and a side of lemonade, and they were amazing!
THERESA
Been living in new york my whole life and never been to Melbas first time and it was a goox experience. Open streets was fun.
Frenchella
Arrived for a 12:45 reservation, a note on the door stated the Internet was down, had to go next door and use the ATM At Dunkin Donuts. Sat down and all you could hear was the music blasting from outdoors on Fred. Douglas. Could not hear my own conversation at my table of 2. The food could have been neater when placed on the plate. Server was correct when suggesting to place my collards in a separate bowl. The Mac and cheese and yams I ordered were not hot, also a table of guests near me had to send their chicken wings back because they weren't hot. I drove from out East, for this experience which wasn't my first time here. I am also disappointed in how close the tables were that we had to be within close contact with other diners and they were very loud as well. This experience was very disappointing, and I am still dealing with a headache from the noise level!!!!
Charisse
Fun atmosphere, good vibes, friendly staff, front door hostess excellent! Food came out quick and was delicious! Greens, potato salad, macaroni and cheese all sooooo good! The sweet potatoes are to die for! We even met new people we ended up hanging out with. Thank you Melba's for a fun experience!
Tracy
This was our 1st time visiting Melba's and it was oh so worth the visit. Food served hot and timely. Catfish was hot and flaky, chicken and waffle was delectable!Oh let's not forget about the deviled eggs, light crunch on the outside; filling was smooth and creamy. Our server, Olay, was great and gave a few pointer on sites to visit during our stay. I only wish we had left room for desert but it just wasn't happening. I will definitely be back!!
I LOVE MELBA'S. The food, service, and ambiance is chef's kiss. It was love at first bite.
Brigitte
Spring rolls Braised beef ribs and collard greens were excellent. Mac & cheese was good . Oxtails not so much . 😊
Meckers
I really enjoyed my visit and I encourage everyone to check out this gem of a place! We had the chicken and waffles (amazing) and the vegetarian mushroom, sweet potato pot pie plus two sides (mac n' cheese and collard greens). I loved it all but was a bit surprised by the pot pie presentation. Definitely a fancier version with a nice flaky pastry topping but I missed the thick crust that I used to enjoy as a kid. The ambience was very upbeat and it was nice to people watch. We had the privilege to be present for 3 birthdays so we got to hear the waitstaff sing happy birthday. The waitstaff were super friendly, helpful with recommendations and were super sweet. I'd go back just based on the staff alone. We can't wait until we get the chance to return!
Eyphra
I ordered the signature dish. The food was good. The service was great and the atmosphere was relaxed.
Ricki
My husband and I were very disappointed. The establishment is small. She hasn't changed the furniture in the 20 years she's been open. Chairs are hard and uncomfortable. All the food has been precooked. Nothing you order will be dropped fresh or fresh to order. We had the spring rolls which were extremely greasy. The deviled eggs were not good. There is no relish in the deviled eggs. They fry the egg white part with cornmeal and the yolk center tasted like mustard. My husband's chicken was dry and you could tell it had been double dipped and cooked for a second time. Not only was it greasy but it was extremely dry. As he cut into the chicken, it was brown inside and looked as though it was a couple days old. My sea bass was of poor quality and I could tell that it had been precooked as well. We had the chocolate cake for dessert. It's actually yellow cake with chocolate frosting so it shouldn't be advertised as chocolate cake. The cake was dry, old and not fresh. Melba's was way below our expectations and unfortunately we will not return.
One of faves in Harlem. Love the food and the ambiance. Service was prompt and very kind. Thanks for letting me come to my reservation a little late.
Both the food and service were good, however, it's extremely loud. I would not go back again, as you can barely hear those at your table.
I made a reservation and was able to be seated quickly. However, it took maybe about 10 minutes to be offered a beverage after sitting down. Besides that the staff was polite, and the food was delicious.
Great service especially by our server Ole'. The older gentleman that pulled out chars for us to sit reminded me of gentleman in the South. The food was excellent
Melbas lived up to all the hype; my son even said her sweet potatoes were the best he ever had which was disappointing because I thought mine were the best he ever had...
This was my second time visiting with my cousins, and compared to my first visit, it honestly felt like night and day. During my first visit, the food and drinks were perfect, but this time around I can't say the same for the food. I ordered the catfish, mac and cheese, and collard greens. While the catfish and greens were fine, the mac and cheese was hard and overwhelmingly cheesy, to the point where I couldn't finish my meal. On the bright side, the drinks never disappoint—both times I ordered the Strawberry Henny and a side of lemonade, and they were amazing!
Been living in new york my whole life and never been to Melbas first time and it was a goox experience. Open streets was fun.
Arrived for a 12:45 reservation, a note on the door stated the Internet was down, had to go next door and use the ATM At Dunkin Donuts. Sat down and all you could hear was the music blasting from outdoors on Fred. Douglas. Could not hear my own conversation at my table of 2. The food could have been neater when placed on the plate. Server was correct when suggesting to place my collards in a separate bowl. The Mac and cheese and yams I ordered were not hot, also a table of guests near me had to send their chicken wings back because they weren't hot. I drove from out East, for this experience which wasn't my first time here. I am also disappointed in how close the tables were that we had to be within close contact with other diners and they were very loud as well. This experience was very disappointing, and I am still dealing with a headache from the noise level!!!!
Fun atmosphere, good vibes, friendly staff, front door hostess excellent! Food came out quick and was delicious! Greens, potato salad, macaroni and cheese all sooooo good! The sweet potatoes are to die for! We even met new people we ended up hanging out with. Thank you Melba's for a fun experience!
This was our 1st time visiting Melba's and it was oh so worth the visit. Food served hot and timely. Catfish was hot and flaky, chicken and waffle was delectable!Oh let's not forget about the deviled eggs, light crunch on the outside; filling was smooth and creamy. Our server, Olay, was great and gave a few pointer on sites to visit during our stay. I only wish we had left room for desert but it just wasn't happening. I will definitely be back!!
Restaurantji Recommends
I LOVE MELBA'S. The food, service, and ambiance is chef's kiss. It was love at first bite.
Spring rolls Braised beef ribs and collard greens were excellent. Mac & cheese was good . Oxtails not so much . 😊
I really enjoyed my visit and I encourage everyone to check out this gem of a place! We had the chicken and waffles (amazing) and the vegetarian mushroom, sweet potato pot pie plus two sides (mac n' cheese and collard greens). I loved it all but was a bit surprised by the pot pie presentation. Definitely a fancier version with a nice flaky pastry topping but I missed the thick crust that I used to enjoy as a kid. The ambience was very upbeat and it was nice to people watch. We had the privilege to be present for 3 birthdays so we got to hear the waitstaff sing happy birthday. The waitstaff were super friendly, helpful with recommendations and were super sweet. I'd go back just based on the staff alone. We can't wait until we get the chance to return!
I ordered the signature dish. The food was good. The service was great and the atmosphere was relaxed.
My husband and I were very disappointed. The establishment is small. She hasn't changed the furniture in the 20 years she's been open. Chairs are hard and uncomfortable. All the food has been precooked. Nothing you order will be dropped fresh or fresh to order. We had the spring rolls which were extremely greasy. The deviled eggs were not good. There is no relish in the deviled eggs. They fry the egg white part with cornmeal and the yolk center tasted like mustard. My husband's chicken was dry and you could tell it had been double dipped and cooked for a second time. Not only was it greasy but it was extremely dry. As he cut into the chicken, it was brown inside and looked as though it was a couple days old. My sea bass was of poor quality and I could tell that it had been precooked as well. We had the chocolate cake for dessert. It's actually yellow cake with chocolate frosting so it shouldn't be advertised as chocolate cake. The cake was dry, old and not fresh. Melba's was way below our expectations and unfortunately we will not return.
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