As an avid uptowner based in Washington Heights, I’m so excited to share where to go for the best breakfast in Harlem!
There’s just so many options, it’s hard to choose – from legendary soul food destinations, light-filled brunch spots to some serious lox bagels.
Without further ado, here are my absolute fave spots for the best breakfast in Harlem!
Best Soul Food in Harlem
1. Amy Ruth’s
Amy Ruth has been serving comfort food in Harlem for over 25 years, and I learned why upon first bite.
Almost as memorable as their epic soul food are their uplifting murals of legendary black figures that grace the walls of this establishment.
Plus, the full menu is named after famous and notable black figures, like the Rev. Al Sharpton, which you’ve got to try. The fried chicken is crispy af on the outside and alive on the inside, retaining tons of moisture. The waffles are extra eggy and fluffy.
The secret?
“Always cook with a good attitude,” head chef Sister Jannette Mohammed said. “You put that good energy into the food, so when the person is eating the food, they can taste that love. That is the key.”
While the chef-founder Carl S. Redding has since passed away, his concept of “treating people with love and care … like family” still lives on today, said Sister Jannette.
It’s no wonder regulars frequent this place. “I can say that the regulars are pretty loyal to whatever it is they get, and they absolutely expect you to know it,” server of 13 years Tashii Jacobs said.
Amy Ruth’s has just opened a downtown location on 14 St.
2. Sylvia’s Restaurant
The South Carolina Lowcountry food here is the real deal. It’s no exaggeration to say that Sylvia’s is a Harlem fixture; they’ve been in business for over 60 years since Sylvia Woods opened shop in 1962.
Everything stands out from the first bite, from the side dishes to the fried chicken, which is seasoned to the bone.
And I get why. “Our main ingredient is love,” Sylvia’s granddaughter and manager Kendra said. “If you’re not cooking with love, your food is not gonna taste good. And that’s something my grandparents used to say.”
“I like our elders in the community,” Kendra said, who “come in honestly, maybe 2-3 times a week.” A lot of “elders that live in Harlem are originally from the South or from the Islands,” and “they don’t maybe have as much family here anymore as they wanted, so this is a sense of home for them,” she said.
The college scholarship that Sylvia created in memory of her husband Herbert continues, and the foundation has awarded over $500,000 since its founding.
3. Red Rooster
The food is tasty at Red Rooster, but what I love most about the comfort food restaurant is the sophisticated, elevated ambiance. While there’s plenty of casually dressed diners, come in your best classy outfit and down comfort food classics by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. The rustic steel chicken sculptures are tastefully placed around the venue.
4. Chocolat Harlem
Chocolàt is the neighborhood spot for soul food classics in elevated space and smooth R&B classics. Here, the Southern food with Caribbean flare is rich and delicious and the cocktails are punchy and strong. Come for brunch; the red velvet pancakes with fried chicken won’t dissapoint ($32). Add $25 for bottomless mimosas and $30 for bottomless bellinis. Founder Leon Ellis is a Tuskegee grad who was born and raised in Clarendon, Jamaica.
Best Brunch in Harlem
5. Le Monde
This is one of the sunniest, most charming places to brunch in the city. The arched curves of the wooden floor-to-ceiling windows and the french doors make the indoor seating especially romantic. And what’s not to love about the lovely bistro chairs that evoke Paris outside?
The lemon ricotta pancakes are so zesty and light, and the fresh banana and strawberries make this decadent dish refreshing ($18). Just trust me on this one and get a side of homemade bread, and go ham with the flavorful butter ($4)!
Add $23 for one hour of bottomless brunch. This charming, uplifting place is great to brunch with friends or family.
6. Maison Harlem
Maison Harlem is a quintessential neighborhood corner French bistro with consistently delicious food and cozy vibes that keep you coming back. Where else can you get a Bloody Mary for $8 during happy hour?
Maison is full of regulars and has been a neighborhood fixture for 12 years, having survived through a fire and only closed for one day during covid (because of 3 feet of snow).
Expect delicious food and plenty of light during the day.
7. Community Food & Juice
If you’re looking for a lively brunch spot uptown, check out Community Food & Juice.
“I get the blueberry pancakes, with a side of bacon,” a Columbia student told me.
It’s a huge restaurant for NYC standards, but it’s bustling (there was a line before the 9am open on a Sunday).
The vibes are good in the rows of seating outside.
The huevos rancheros is comforting and satiating.
The brioche french toast has just the right amount of egginess and a generous toss of toasted pecans.
Best Breakfast in Harlem
8. Wu & Nussbaum
In Korea, where I grew up, there’s all kinds of options for take-out joints that serve quickly prepared but filling snack food. Wu & Nussbaum seems like NYC’s rendition of that – where else can you get a bagel sandwich that slaps and tame your hangover with some delicious dan dan noodles? “Bagels and Chinese food? That’s the best of both worlds!” a stranger remarked as I devoured the stuff in their street seating. The bread and the nova are the difference makers here. Try the Nussbaum Classic, an everything cream cheese bagel with tons of nova and capers ($15). I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Best Breakfast in Harlem (Conclusion)
In this article, we went over where to go for the best breakfast in Harlem.
The popular brunch options in Harlem are some of the best places enjoy soul food and have a great time in New York (or dare I say, in all of the United States?!).
Or if you’re busy and need to grab-n-go, there’s amazing sandwiches at Wu & Nussbaum.
Find your next perfect spot with great food and friendly service with this list by your side!
- Amy Ruth’s
- Sylvia’s Restaurant
- Red Rooster
- Chocolat Harlem
- Le Monde
- Maison Harlem
- Community Food & Juice
- Wu & Nussbaum
Thank you for checking out my article about the best breakfast in Harlem!
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