Taking the Soul Train Uptown for Some Good Eats

Neighborhood Watch: Taking the Soul Train Uptown for

 Some Good Eats

by Holly Sharpless

Soul-searching in the city can be difficult. Searching for soul can be even more difficult—soul food, that is. As a Southerner in New York, I often find myself craving real baked macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, and pulled pork barbecue.

The city has many Southern, soul, or barbecue restaurants. Too often though, they prove disappointing—pasta covered in cheese sauce hardly qualifies as baked macaroni. Luckily, Harlem and the surrounding areas have a number of restaurants that garner the Southerner’s stamp of approval.

Columbia students need not stray far to try some of the best soul food in the city. Proximity to Harlem grants easy access to the likes of Sylvia’s (328 Lenox Ave. at 127th Street) and Amy Ruth’s (113 W. 116th St. between Rev. John P. Ladson and Adam Clayton Powell streets).

At Amy Ruth’s, the Terry Rivers (honey-dipped fried chicken, $13.95) is sure to satisfy, while Sylvia’s best Harlem-style fried chicken and waffle ($15.96) lives up to its national reputation. While these two establishments have become Harlem landmarks, the décor and service of each is just as casual as the food they serve. Don’t go expecting five-star attention.

For some almost authentic barbecue, try Dinosaur Bar-B-Que on 131st Street. Even with this restaurant’s huge space, you’ll most likely have to wait, so reservations are definitely recommended for peak hours or for large groups. The drinks here are great too, and the beers are listed by alcohol content. Dinosaur’s specialties include the obvious—all things barbecue as well as a few of the appetizers. Try the fried green tomatoes ($5.95 for 3) to start, and if you’re really hungry go for the Texas Beef Brisket Sandwich ($7.95), which includes both brisket and pulled pork all topped with cheese, jalapenos, and coleslaw.

All in all, New York will always be a Yankee state, but if you look in the right places, you’ll find it has some soul.

SOURCE:COLUMBIASPECTATOR