Southern Restaurants Worth Visiting In New York City

Craving crispy fried chicken, buttery biscuits, or smoky barbecue in the heart of New York City? You’re in luck because the Big Apple has some amazing spots serving authentic Southern comfort food.

From cozy soul food joints to upscale dining rooms, these restaurants bring flavors from below the Mason-Dixon line straight to your plate.

1. Melba’s Restaurant

Walking into this Harlem gem feels like visiting a family member’s house for Sunday dinner. The fried chicken here has a perfectly seasoned crust that cracks when you bite into it, revealing tender, juicy meat underneath.

Owner Melba Wilson has created a space where comfort meets flavor in every dish. The mac and cheese is creamy without being too heavy, and the collard greens have just the right amount of smokiness. I recommend arriving hungry because the portions are generous and you’ll want to try everything on your plate.

2. Jacob’s Pickles

Biscuits the size of your fist await you at this Upper West Side favorite that celebrates Southern hospitality. Every table gets complimentary pickles in mason jars, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Their chicken and waffles combination is legendary among locals, with crispy buttermilk fried chicken resting on fluffy waffles drizzled with maple syrup. Fun fact: They make over twenty different types of pickles in-house! The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for brunch with friends or a relaxed dinner after exploring the neighborhood.

3. Red Rooster Harlem

Chef Marcus Samuelsson created something magical when he opened this Harlem hotspot that blends Southern soul with international influences. Live music fills the dining room most nights, making dinner feel like a celebration.

The cornbread is sweet and moist, served warm with honey butter that melts instantly. Their shrimp and grits combines plump shrimp with creamy stone-ground grits in a way that honors traditional Southern cooking while adding contemporary flair. Reservations are strongly recommended because this place stays packed with both tourists and neighborhood regulars who know good food.

4. Sweet Chick

Owned partly by musician Nas, this spot has turned chicken and waffles into an art form with multiple locations across the city. The menu offers creative twists on classic dishes that somehow stay true to their Southern roots.

You can customize your chicken and waffles with different flavors like cinnamon roll waffles or savory cheddar waffles. The fried chicken stays incredibly crispy even after being drizzled with syrup. Late-night crowds flock here on weekends, creating a buzzing energy that makes your meal feel like an event rather than just dinner.

5. Amy Ruth’s Restaurant

Since 1998, this Harlem institution has been serving up authentic soul food that draws everyone from politicians to celebrities. The walls display photos of famous visitors, but the real stars are the dishes coming from the kitchen.

Their specialty is naming waffle dishes after famous figures, like the Rev. Al Sharpton chicken and waffles. Each bite of their fried chicken delivers that satisfying crunch followed by incredibly moist meat. The sweet potato pie for dessert tastes exactly like something your grandmother would bake from scratch.

6. Peaches HotHouse

Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighborhood is home to this laid-back spot where Southern comfort food meets a cool, modern vibe. The exposed brick walls and wooden tables create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for lingering over your meal.

Their shrimp po’boy comes loaded with crispy fried shrimp, tangy remoulade, and fresh lettuce on crusty bread. Weekend brunch gets busy fast, so arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table. The bourbon selection is impressive, offering the perfect pairing for their smoky, flavorful barbecue ribs that fall right off the bone.

7. The Commodore

Step back in time at this Williamsburg gem that channels vintage Americana while serving outstanding Southern fare. The retro decor includes old-fashioned booths and dim lighting that creates an intimate dining experience.

Their fried chicken sandwich has achieved cult status among Brooklyn food lovers who rave about its perfectly seasoned coating. The menu changes seasonally, but classics like deviled eggs and pimento cheese remain constant favorites. Did you know the restaurant is named after a historic Williamsburg theater? The nostalgic atmosphere pairs beautifully with classic cocktails and hearty Southern portions.

8. Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too

Bright colors and Southern charm greet you at this Upper West Side treasure that’s been feeding hungry New Yorkers since the 1990s. The casual cafeteria-style setup lets you see all the options before deciding what to order.

Their BBQ ribs are slow-cooked until the meat practically melts in your mouth, covered in a tangy sauce with just enough kick. The candied yams offer the perfect sweet complement to savory main dishes. Prices remain surprisingly reasonable for Manhattan, making this spot perfect for anyone craving authentic soul food without breaking the bank.

9. Bobwhite Counter

Walking into this tiny East Village gem feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen in Alabama. Bobwhite Counter specializes in Southern lunch counter classics that taste like they came straight from a small-town diner. The menu rotates daily, but you can always count on perfectly seasoned fried chicken with a crispy golden crust that crunches with every bite.

Their buttermilk biscuits are legendary, served warm and fluffy with honey butter that melts into every layer. The portions are generous without being overwhelming, and everything gets made fresh throughout the day. Don’t skip their sides like creamy mac and cheese or tangy coleslaw.

The space itself is small and casual, with counter seating that encourages friendly conversation with other diners. Despite the limited seating, the welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel like a regular customer from day one.

10. Pies ‘n’ Thighs

Originally a tiny takeout window in Williamsburg, this Brooklyn favorite has grown into a full restaurant that still keeps its down-home roots. Pies ‘n’ Thighs nails the sweet-and-savory combination that makes Southern food so addictive. Their chicken and waffles have become iconic in New York, featuring juicy, spice-rubbed chicken perched atop crispy waffles drizzled with maple syrup.

Beyond the famous chicken, their pie selection changes with the seasons but always includes classics like chocolate chess and bourbon pecan. The biscuit sandwiches make perfect breakfast fuel, stuffed with eggs, cheese, and your choice of bacon or sausage. Everything tastes homemade because it actually is.

The vibe is relaxed and fun, with colorful decor that celebrates Southern kitsch without going overboard. Service stays friendly even during weekend brunch rushes when lines stretch down the block.

11. Virgil’s Real BBQ

Right in the heart of Times Square sits this barbecue palace that celebrates smoking traditions from across the entire South. Virgil’s doesn’t pick favorites between Carolina, Texas, or Memphis styles – they honor them all under one roof. The pitmaster slow-smokes brisket, ribs, and pulled pork for hours until the meat practically falls apart when you touch it with a fork.

Each regional style comes with its proper sauce, from vinegar-based Carolina tang to thick Kansas City sweetness. The sampler platters let you taste multiple meats at once, perfect for groups who can’t decide. Cornbread arrives warm and slightly sweet, ideal for soaking up extra sauce.

Despite the touristy location, locals know this place delivers genuine barbecue quality. The spacious dining room features exposed brick and wooden beams that create a rustic roadhouse feeling miles away from the neon chaos outside.