Melba's

Name: Melba's
Address: 300 W 114th St, New York, NY, United States, 10026
Telephone: (212) 864-7777
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.1

4.1

844 Reviews

$50 and over

American

Top Tags:

Enjoy Southern comfort food with a twist in a relaxing, casual setting at Melba's. Owner Melba Wilson opened its doors for locals and travelers alike to have a pleasant dining experience with great service. Fried catfish strips, barbecue short rib sliders and spring rolls filled with black-eyed peas and collard greens make delicious appetizers before feasting on the main course. Guests can choose from entrées like Melba's popular Southern fried chicken with eggnog waffles, which was a winner on Throwdown! with Bobby Flay, as well as pan-seared sea bass and the barbecue turkey meatloaf. This restaurant also serves hamburgers, lighter fare and sides such as candied yams.

Melba's offers catered business luncheons, receptions and more. Reservations are welcome, and takeout is available for guests.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 29, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 41 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(212) 864-7777

Other options

Order online

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American, Comfort Food, Soul food
Hours of operation
Mon–Wed 11:00 am–10:00 pm Thu–Sun 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Phone number
(212) 864-7777
Website
http://www.melbasrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
For private events and catering, please contact our Special Events & Catering Director at: events@melbasrestaurant.com
Private party facilities
For private events and catering, please contact our Special Events & Catering Director at: events@melbasrestaurant.com

Location
300 W 114th St, New York, NY 10026
Neighborhood
Harlem
Cross street
Frederick Douglas Blvd. (8th Avenue)
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
B & C train at 116th Street (2 blocks away)2 train at 116th street (4 blocks away)
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Where Chefs Eat in New York City

Popular dishes

Melba's Spring Rolls
Rice, Black Eyed Peas, Collard Greens and Cheddar Cheese in a Spring Roll Wrapper
Charleston Jumbo Shrimp
Buffalo Wings
Fried Catfish Strips
With Chipotle Mayo
Auntie D's Mini Burgers
Choice of Pepper Jack, Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese
Pulled BBQ Short Rib Sliders
with Cheddar Cheese
Spinach & Cheese Empanadas
Fried Calamari
with Homemade Marinara Sauce
Lemon and Honey Chicken Tenders
Southern Crab Cakes
with Tarter Sauce

Healthy Comfort

Add to any Salad - Grilled Chicken, Grilled Salmon, Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Vegetable Napoleon
Grilled Portobello Mushroom, Winter & Summer Squash with Buffalo Mozzarella
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
On a Roll Served with Grilled Vegetables, Choice of Pepper Jack, Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese Additional $1.50
Classic Caesar Salad
Baby Spinach Salad
Fresh Baby Spinach, Julienned Red Onion and Cucumbers
Summer Salad
Mesclun Greens, Carrots, Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Organic Mesclun Greens

Entrees

**meal includes 2 side orders

Southen Fried Chicken & Eggnog Waffles
With Strawberry Butter and Maple Syrup. Winner on "Throwdown! with Bobby Flay"
Southern Fried Chicken Wings & Eggnog Waffles
Fried Catfish & Eggnog Waffles
Wine Braised Short Ribs or Beef**
Grilled Wild Atlantic Salmon**
Pecan Crusted Tilapia**
BBQ Turkey Meatloaf**
Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass**
Southern Chicken**
Southern Fried, Smothered or Grilled Cutlet
Country Catfish**
Trés Macaroni & Cheese**
A Delicious Blend of Pepper Jack, Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese
Charleston Jumbo Shrimp**
Fish & Chips
Deluxe Hamburger
French Fries, Lettuce, Tomato. Choice of Pepper Jack, Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese Additional $1.50

Side Orders

Trés Mac & Cheese
Low Country Collard Greens
Seasoned with Smoked Turkey
Down Home Peas & Rice
Candied Yams
Sautéed Spinach
French Fries
Momma's Potato Salad
Roasted Garlic Yukon Mashed Potatoes
Chili Onion Rings
Eggnog Waffle with Strawberry Butter
Cannot be a substitute for a side order

What 844 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.1

4.1 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4Service
4Ambience
4Value

Noise • Energetic

Sort by

Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing Waffles
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The entire experience was outstanding!!! The food was AMAZING!!!!!!
AS
AnthonyS
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Spinach needs more salt and butter. It was too bland.
S
Shay
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place was AMAZING , Best restaurant I ever been too. OUTSTANDING SERVICE & OUTSTANDING FOOD. 10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND
MR
MurielR
Nashville
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
Small restaurant, host was very friendly, manager did not acknowledge guest
MB
MonicaB
Charleston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is exceptional, the atmosphere is great and my husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Melba and her father, who hails from our home state of SC!!! We’ll definitely visit again, when in NY!!!!
SS
ShakiraS
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food4service2ambience4
Melba’s is one of my favorite places. I eat there often and recommend it to friends and family all the time. But the Thanksgiving experience was definitely different and disappointing. There was an issue when we arrived to have our party seated. And we had to wait as others behind us in line were seated ahead of us. It just started on a bad note and continued that way. The service was extremely slow. The server was very nice but inattentive to us. She was also serving the celebrity at the table next to us, so they received the attention. They arrived after our order was placed but received their order way before us. We waited over an hour for dinner. And I get it we were just regular people. I wanted this to be the start of a new tradition for our small family, but we will just stick to non holiday visits. For the super inflated price and small portions it just wasn’t worth it.
K
Kayem
New York Area
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall2food3service1ambience2
We went for thanksgiving and the wait was extremely long. Our reservation was at 4:00pm and we left at 6:45, most of that time was waiting for our drinks and food. We ordered drinks that took over 30 minutes to get and our food took over 45 minutes. I paid almost $400 for bad service and okay food. The waiter was nice enough but rarely came to check on us and when I asked a server what was taking so long regarding our food she was short and just said “it’s coming” and walked away. I don’t think I will be coming here again. It was too expensive and I don’t think it was worth it.
SM
SandraM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food3service4ambience4
Items on the menu were not available. Desserts were in the menu but not available for purchase
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food wad delicious! Wait staff was welcoming!
AJ
AnthonyJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just outstanding! We will be back! The food and service were excellent
RM
ReginaldM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
So disappointed that there was no coconut pineapple cake! Came all the way from NJ - 1.5 hours away! Will call next time!
CP
CP123
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely amazing! Visiting NYC and was looking forward to dining at Melba's. It exceeded our expectations. Will be back the next time we are in the city and recommending it to others.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Champ was the best waiter and bartender. Your chairs were very uncomfortable and old. Invest in better chairs wider and cushioned.
SM
SkinnyMinnie
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2022
overall3food1service2ambience3
Oxtails look pretty on menu...terrible on plate and not worth price.. I received a plate of bones and sauce... Never again
K
Kimmi
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our birthday party celebration had seven guests, We all enjoyed the various entrees and the dessert and atmosphere! All will return soon! The service was exceptional!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday dinner. Food was excellent and Melba came by that evening and we got to meet her and take a pic!
KB
KimB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyed!!!the the food, drinks, guests and the employees were very professional
K
Kimmi
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The appetizers were tasty and inviting. Entrees were fresh and scrumptious. We did not have room for dessert. The wait staff was exceptional!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our family had a superb experience. The ambiance was spectacular. The drinks and food was scrumptious and salivate our palates satisfactorily. The accommodations made for the cake with bubbling candles was magnificent. We look forward to another experience very soon.
KW
KayW
Philadelphia
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
I waited a hour and a half for my food. When I received it it was cold and didn’t taste good
S
Sydney
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 6, 2022
overall3food4service1ambience1
This restaurant needs tons of improvement from hosts, servers, managers, and wait time for food. The only person that was the most helpful was the busser which is really sad.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall1food4service1ambience3
Service was perhaps the worst I’ve had in my 52 years. Seated inside immediately with reservation. 10 min before waiter approached table. Only given 2 waters for 4 people. We immediately ordered appetizers & dinners. After 1 hour, 3 dinners arrived (fried chicken). No appetizers or catfish entree. Catfish entree & 1 appetizer came 20 minutes later. They did comp entree & app (never received one). Food was good, but not good enough to warrant very inattentive service. I know hiring is tough, but you can’t fill a restaurant you can’t serve either.
BT
BeatriceT
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience1
They gave our reserved table away to someone else and then sat us by the bus boy area /kitchen with alot of noise and silverware dropping and noise from the kitchen. They sat the people who they gave our table to by the window I was very upset. Then it too them 3 hours to bring us our food we got there at 5pm and did not eat until almost 8pm. Everyone that came in after us got their food before us. even a table of 10 people who came in after us got their food before us. They keep saying to us our food was coming but we never got it at all. They manager could not even tell us what the delay was.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
I needed to change my reservation time but no one picked up the phone after calling repeatedly. When we got there they had no availability. Would help if they picked up their phone…never again.
CC
CandiC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
The staff was very attentive and kind. The food taste amazing (except for the mac'n cheese, too much cheese and not enough mac) but the chef must have been backed up because it took too long to come out of the kitchen. Overall a good experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Simply amazing!!
M
Markeisha
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best soul food ever please come to Brooklyn we need it lol
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Eating at Melba’s truly gives me the exact comfort I need. I would recommend her restaurant anyone. The food is amazing, the atmosphere is great and the decor is sublime. If you are ever in the NYC Harlem area, don’t miss out on the extraordinary experience that is MELBA’s.
LR
LindaR
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 30, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience2
The customer service skills from our server was deplorable. We waited at our table for 90mins. When finally served the food was cold. Never will I waste money nor time on Melba’s.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 30, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience3
The food tasted like it was reheated and my catfish appetizer was served barely warm. I observed two others sending there food back for this reason and/or it tasting bland.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 30, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Had a great time. Will be returning the next time I’m in the City.
LC
LesleyC
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner was wonderful from the Spring Rolls and Crab Cake appetizers to the Oxtails with Mac and Collards. Can't wait to return.
BP
BP0803
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience3
The hostess was very rude. Our waitress was nice but you could tell they are really unstaffed. It takes a long time for anyone to take your order and even come back when you need them.
DD
DawnD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
I had not been in years and what a nice time we had. Friends and I were there from 5:30pm until 9:30pm and staff were so nice and professional. My fried chicken and waffles were on point! Even though it was a crowded Friday night, we were not rushed, we could hear each other. I loved the way the wait staff got everyone involved to sing happy birthday to nearby customers who were celebrating. Overall it was a great experience and I am glad we chose Melba’s. 15 years ago we had my pre-wedding dinner there and I moved out of state and this was like a mini reunion and Melba’s was not only still good but maybe better!
TB
TraceyB
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My Dad came all the way from Cali and wanted to eat here. His only disappointment was that he could not take a menu as a souvenior.
VA
VANISEL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter, Kenny L. was fabulous!! He was polite, engaging and very funny!! He kept checking in to see if everything was alright and said. 'make sure your share." As the restaurant started getting crowded, he didn't skip a beat. He remained affable with whomever he encountered!! Great customer service!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went to NYork for bucket list adventure to Starbucks Reserve. Saw Melba’s and had to try it. Amazing food. I got the crab cakes and eggnog waffles with wings. Yummy
RR
RobinR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I came with a group of 10 to celebrate our father's birthday. We had a great time! The service was great, our server had an enthusiastic high energy attitude and was very patient. The food was perfect. Everyone enjoyed their meal which was unusual for our group. The atmosphere was friendly. I highly recommend Melba's!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful meal Everything was very tasty. Just wish I would have met Melba.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Contactless payment available

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Melba's using the Order Online button. Melba's also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Melba's also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 864-7777.

Melba's is rated 4.1 stars by 844 OpenTable diners.