Order Amy Ruth's Takeout or Delivery
Amy Ruth's Photos
Business Info
Amy Ruth's Popular Dishes
AMY RUTH'S ATMOSPHERE
More like Amy Ruth's
Recommended Reviews - Amy Ruth's
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Haven't been to Amy's for over a decade. Carl Redding was the original owner and it was a solid soul food restaurant. Walking in yesterday, everything was off. The staff and cliente...off. Ordered the whiting fish, since they no longer serve catfish but swai. Which is strange because "Make my Fish" right across the street, has some of the best catfish in Harlem. Nevertheless, the fish needes seasoning and the Mac and cheese was not made that day. Very disappointing to see the decline. They are not even keeping up with maintenance on outside as the awning is deteriorating covered in bird poo.
Came in with a large group of 9 and was on a time crunch. The staff was extremely helpful in helping us order with that in mind and got the food out to us promptly. I wished the chicken was a bit more tender but it was overall delicious and I would definitely return.
After an epic trek through Central Park I decided it was time to reward myself with some fried chicken. I have to say for me the star of the show is the greens. Best I have had in a long time they made the Greens just like my father used to make them! This place is insanely good they show love to their sides. Really nice art work celebrating black excellence. If you love soul food come here. 10/10
My best friend and I visited on a cold Saturday night and were promptly seated. We called in advance to ensure that there was no wait. The food came out pretty quickly and the restaurant was pretty quiet because there weren't many other patrons. The music was good and the back was nice and warm because there was a heater. We both ordered the Barack Obama and we both enjoyed our food to perfection. My sides included mac & cheese, yams, and collard greens, all of which I enjoyed very much. My friend ordered mac & cheese and okra and loved her dish as well. Our waitress was pleasant and helpful. I hadn't been to this restaurant since I was a child, so it was a nostalgic experience. The next time I visit Harlem, I would definitely return again.
A consistent neighborhood staple with amazing food, service, portions and prices. You can never go wrong with stopping in here for a homey comfort meal whether with a group or solo. They run a pretty tight ship and ask if you're dining or taking out upon entering. They bring out hot cornbread to the table once you sit and once you order, the food comes out fairly quickly. I love that the entrees come with two sides because it's a full meal and I always leave satisfied. And the prices are fair as well. Highly recommend! P.S. thanks for helping me bring in the New Year with some black eyed peas for luck ;)
Amy Ruth's is a top soul food restaurant in NYC; though, the competition in this segment has become fierce around the five boroughs. I recently stopped by on a Saturday evening after Thanksgiving and the restaurant was well below capacity with everyone eating Thanksgiving leftovers. Charmaine took my order and a friend's order quickly, quickly followed by ice water and their customary cornbread. Their cornbread is always good. Both of us ordered the Al Roker beef short ribs, which come with two sides. I had the fries and collard greens. The Al Roker is the top price point on the menu at just over forty bucks, but it is the best in town, true to advertised on the menu. It bests that offered by Melba's for sure and keeps me from taking in more of the offerings on the Amy Ruth's menu. The greens are good, flavorful and not oversalted, nor oversalted. They are chopped up more finely than one is accustomed to fit into the small bowl in which they are served. The fries are good and fluffy inside, but not very crispy outside. They taste good and take well to some pepper and the gravy from the beef short ribs. The gravy gives poutine to the fries and a little extra gravy really dials it up. The star of the show is these beef short ribs that are as tender as they can be. They clearly evidence the marbling, but they are trimmed of excess fat. What you get is three large chunks of meat on your plate and I had already devoured one chunk, before taking the accompanying photo. You will be totally satisfied with this ultra savory and tender beef. The gravy adds so much unctuous flavor to your palate and fries leaving you very much satiated. You will not be hungry. I have seen some of the many waffle dishes come out to patrons and they all have looked great, especially the customary chicken and waffles. They have so many waffle dishes on their menu. I'll get around to them if I can take my mind off the Al Roker. My friend had the Herb and Eliza Boyd creamy banana pudding, served up so large, he couldn't finish it. I asked if that's the way they serve up their Neal Shoemaker peach cobbler and was told yes. Note to self next time and two people can share their desserts. By the way, all their dishes are named after someone, many of whom are painted on the walls of the restaurant. It's a cool vibe and interesting take on the menu. The restroom was clean and Charmaine was efficient, serving everything with a smile. 4.3 stars!
Many thanks to all of the amazing staff at Amy Ruth's for the lovely food, and hospitality for the afterpass of Mrs. Alice B. The food was cooked to perfection, the portions were generous, everything was seasoned nicely. I don't eat peaches, but I was given peach cobbler. The peach cobbler was heavenly. Everything tasted as if I was at one of my family members dinner table in the South. Truly love everything about this location. It was the perfect space to host a large family gathering. All of the family, and friends enjoyed an amazing time, and truly cherished the great meal.
When you walk in there's an open space with just a stand for the host. They walk you back to the left where the tables are located. On the walls there's different hand paintings of music artists. We were sat right away. We got there about the time they open and they were already busy. Seem to be only 2 waitress and 2 gentleman who took care of water and dirty dishes. Although they were very nice service was kind of slow. They offer mimosas and wine. The food did not disappoint. They give the table cornbread to start. It was moist. We both got fried chicken with 2 sides. The only difference is mine was dipped in honey. The chicken was fried to perfection! The macaroni and cheese was cheesy no real complaints about it. We were talking to a few people around us and they said the Mac and cheese has been better. The greens were delicious. I couldn't tell if they were collard or mustard because they were cut up fine. They definitely weren't that. I enjoyed the yams as well. They weren't too sweet.
Found ourselves in the area and decided to swing by the famous Amy Ruth's. Service was friendly and efficient, and you could definitely tell it's an institution. Food was good, but the serving of chicken was smaller than expected given the price. Baked Mac and cheese was incredible and the sweet tea hit the spot! Was definitely a solid meal. Would recommend!
Again, Amy Ruth's did not disappoint. There was no wait, we walked right in, were seated, and ordered immediately. We ordered the fried shrimp, pork chops, fish, and smothered turkey wings, and everything was outstanding. The service and the vibe matched the quality of the food. I will always recommend Amy Ruth's for great-tasting Southern comfort food. #HappyEating
This soul food spot looked very promising, but I was left feeling like there was a bit to be desired. Somehow the highlight ended up being the corn bread, which was absolutely delicious, but not necessarily what you would want or hope the highlight of the meal to be. The fried chicken was good, nicely crisp, but pretty dry. Mac and cheese came across as slightly more congealed, not quite a rich, creamy cheese sauce that I'd like. Buttered corn was delish, but it's just.. corn, so nothing crazy there. Peach cobbler was crying out for a nice scoop of ice cream on top, but alas. Service was nice, but took a long time. I guess that's in line with soul food vibes though
Lovely meal! I ordered the honey dipped chicken with mashed potatoes and fried okra. The okra was the only thing I wouldn't write home about. I also ordered banana pudding. When I tell you the serving would feed 5 people. I mean it! Definitely recommend.
Food was great! The cornbread was free and good with butter. Be prepared to have leftovers, I almost couldn't finish my sides platter. It was still a bit overpriced I will admit. The music was a little loud. The service was very helpful and attentive. The bathrooms are one-person, they were in need of a little touch up and there were no hooks inside to hold a bag but it was roomy.
1 month ago
Came up from NC wanting some good Southern food, and we found a true gem! We ordered the smothered turkey wings, fried fish, yams, mac and cheese, and delicious cabbage--and everything was SO good! The portions are generous enough for two people, so you definitely get your money's worth. The workers were sweet, welcoming, and friendly, which made the experience even better. And listen... the cornbread and freshly squeezed lemonade are a MUST! If you're looking for authentic, delicious Southern comfort food, definitely give this place a try! 5 stars all around! read more
2 months ago
2 months ago
Hubs had heard that President Obama (or the Obamas) had eaten here and that the fried chicken was a must-get. If there's one thing hubs is going to chase, it's a good piece of fried chicken. Since we were staying in Westchester, I figured the food would survive the short drive without turning into soggy mess. To save time, I called Amy R. while hubs finished running an errand. The woman who answered was friendly and walked me through the menu and everything that came with each meal. I ordered the fried thigh+leg for hubs with peas and rice and a side of coleslaw. I went with the fried catfish, buttered corn and stewed black-eyed peas. BTW- meals come with a piece of cornbread. Before ordering, I had to ask the million-dollar question: do your black eyed peas have pork or any meat in them? When she said no, I was sold. The food arrived nice and hot. Hubs enjoyed his chicken and loved the peas and rice. The only thing that threw him off were the raisins in the coleslaw. The catfish had great seasoning, but it had soaked up a lot of oil and every bite felt like the fish had been swimming in the fryer. I'm all for tasty fried foods- but greasy and flavorful aren't the same thing. Listen- it's cool knowing the Obamas have eaten here, but this one just wasn't it for me. read more
6 days ago
Haven't been to Amy's for over a decade. Carl Redding was the original owner and it was a solid soul food restaurant. Walking in yesterday, everything was off. The staff and cliente...off. Ordered the whiting fish, since they no longer serve catfish but swai. Which is strange because "Make my Fish" right across the street, has some of the best catfish in Harlem. Nevertheless, the fish needes seasoning and the Mac and cheese was not made that day. Very disappointing to see the decline. They are not even keeping up with maintenance on outside as the awning is deteriorating covered in bird poo. read more
Came in with a large group of 9 and was on a time crunch. The staff was extremely helpful in helping us order with that in mind and got the food out to us promptly. I wished the chicken was a bit more tender but it was overall delicious and I would definitely return. read more
After an epic trek through Central Park I decided it was time to reward myself with some fried chicken. I have to say for me the star of the show is the greens. Best I have had in a long time they made the Greens just like my father used to make them! This place is insanely good they show love to their sides. Really nice art work celebrating black excellence. If you love soul food come here. 10/10 read more
8 months ago
My best friend and I visited on a cold Saturday night and were promptly seated. We called in advance to ensure that there was no wait. The food came out pretty quickly and the restaurant was pretty quiet because there weren't many other patrons. The music was good and the back was nice and warm because there was a heater. We both ordered the Barack Obama and we both enjoyed our food to perfection. My sides included mac & cheese, yams, and collard greens, all of which I enjoyed very much. My friend ordered mac & cheese and okra and loved her dish as well. Our waitress was pleasant and helpful. I hadn't been to this restaurant since I was a child, so it was a nostalgic experience. The next time I visit Harlem, I would definitely return again. read more
A consistent neighborhood staple with amazing food, service, portions and prices. You can never go wrong with stopping in here for a homey comfort meal whether with a group or solo. They run a pretty tight ship and ask if you're dining or taking out upon entering. They bring out hot cornbread to the table once you sit and once you order, the food comes out fairly quickly. I love that the entrees come with two sides because it's a full meal and I always leave satisfied. And the prices are fair as well. Highly recommend! P.S. thanks for helping me bring in the New Year with some black eyed peas for luck ;) read more
Amy Ruth's is a top soul food restaurant in NYC; though, the competition in this segment has become fierce around the five boroughs. I recently stopped by on a Saturday evening after Thanksgiving and the restaurant was well below capacity with everyone eating Thanksgiving leftovers. Charmaine took my order and a friend's order quickly, quickly followed by ice water and their customary cornbread. Their cornbread is always good. Both of us ordered the Al Roker beef short ribs, which come with two sides. I had the fries and collard greens. The Al Roker is the top price point on the menu at just over forty bucks, but it is the best in town, true to advertised on the menu. It bests that offered by Melba's for sure and keeps me from taking in more of the offerings on the Amy Ruth's menu. The greens are good, flavorful and not oversalted, nor oversalted. They are chopped up more finely than one is accustomed to fit into the small bowl in which they are served. The fries are good and fluffy inside, but not very crispy outside. They taste good and take well to some pepper and the gravy from the beef short ribs. The gravy gives poutine to the fries and a little extra gravy really dials it up. The star of the show is these beef short ribs that are as tender as they can be. They clearly evidence the marbling, but they are trimmed of excess fat. What you get is three large chunks of meat on your plate and I had already devoured one chunk, before taking the accompanying photo. You will be totally satisfied with this ultra savory and tender beef. The gravy adds so much unctuous flavor to your palate and fries leaving you very much satiated. You will not be hungry. I have seen some of the many waffle dishes come out to patrons and they all have looked great, especially the customary chicken and waffles. They have so many waffle dishes on their menu. I'll get around to them if I can take my mind off the Al Roker. My friend had the Herb and Eliza Boyd creamy banana pudding, served up so large, he couldn't finish it. I asked if that's the way they serve up their Neal Shoemaker peach cobbler and was told yes. Note to self next time and two people can share their desserts. By the way, all their dishes are named after someone, many of whom are painted on the walls of the restaurant. It's a cool vibe and interesting take on the menu. The restroom was clean and Charmaine was efficient, serving everything with a smile. 4.3 stars! read more
Many thanks to all of the amazing staff at Amy Ruth's for the lovely food, and hospitality for the afterpass of Mrs. Alice B. The food was cooked to perfection, the portions were generous, everything was seasoned nicely. I don't eat peaches, but I was given peach cobbler. The peach cobbler was heavenly. Everything tasted as if I was at one of my family members dinner table in the South. Truly love everything about this location. It was the perfect space to host a large family gathering. All of the family, and friends enjoyed an amazing time, and truly cherished the great meal. read more
When you walk in there's an open space with just a stand for the host. They walk you back to the left where the tables are located. On the walls there's different hand paintings of music artists. We were sat right away. We got there about the time they open and they were already busy. Seem to be only 2 waitress and 2 gentleman who took care of water and dirty dishes. Although they were very nice service was kind of slow. They offer mimosas and wine. The food did not disappoint. They give the table cornbread to start. It was moist. We both got fried chicken with 2 sides. The only difference is mine was dipped in honey. The chicken was fried to perfection! The macaroni and cheese was cheesy no real complaints about it. We were talking to a few people around us and they said the Mac and cheese has been better. The greens were delicious. I couldn't tell if they were collard or mustard because they were cut up fine. They definitely weren't that. I enjoyed the yams as well. They weren't too sweet. read more
1 year ago
Found ourselves in the area and decided to swing by the famous Amy Ruth's. Service was friendly and efficient, and you could definitely tell it's an institution. Food was good, but the serving of chicken was smaller than expected given the price. Baked Mac and cheese was incredible and the sweet tea hit the spot! Was definitely a solid meal. Would recommend! read more
26 days ago
Again, Amy Ruth's did not disappoint. There was no wait, we walked right in, were seated, and ordered immediately. We ordered the fried shrimp, pork chops, fish, and smothered turkey wings, and everything was outstanding. The service and the vibe matched the quality of the food. I will always recommend Amy Ruth's for great-tasting Southern comfort food. #HappyEating read more
This soul food spot looked very promising, but I was left feeling like there was a bit to be desired. Somehow the highlight ended up being the corn bread, which was absolutely delicious, but not necessarily what you would want or hope the highlight of the meal to be. The fried chicken was good, nicely crisp, but pretty dry. Mac and cheese came across as slightly more congealed, not quite a rich, creamy cheese sauce that I'd like. Buttered corn was delish, but it's just.. corn, so nothing crazy there. Peach cobbler was crying out for a nice scoop of ice cream on top, but alas. Service was nice, but took a long time. I guess that's in line with soul food vibes though read more
Lovely meal! I ordered the honey dipped chicken with mashed potatoes and fried okra. The okra was the only thing I wouldn't write home about. I also ordered banana pudding. When I tell you the serving would feed 5 people. I mean it! Definitely recommend. read more
23 days ago
3 months ago
Food was great! The cornbread was free and good with butter. Be prepared to have leftovers, I almost couldn't finish my sides platter. It was still a bit overpriced I will admit. The music was a little loud. The service was very helpful and attentive. The bathrooms are one-person, they were in need of a little touch up and there were no hooks inside to hold a bag but it was roomy. read more
9 months ago
This place has the best fried chicken, and I've eaten a LOT of fried chicken, even in the southern states. It's very well seasoned, crunchy on the outside with a juicy, fall off the bone interior. The sides that come with it were also good. Generously portioned, we ordered 2 meals for the 3 of us and still had plenty of leftovers. The complimentary cornbread was also delicious. We were so full, so even though we wanted to, didn't order dessert. Which I regretted later as they were traditional southern desserts. A great family oriented place, with painted portraits of notable Black historical figures on the wall. Service is courteous and efficient. read more
2 months ago
1 year ago
Insane. We split two chicken & waffle combos, and it came with some very wonderful and fluffy cornbread for the table! After a long day of walking, this was the perfect meal. There are also to-go options, but i think dining in is so worth for the freshness. read more
8 months ago
Salmon was Dry (NO SAUCE) as it states , Mac & Cheese (NASTY) as was other sides... Catfish wasn't cooked right , Shrimp was overcooked & crab cake was black & hard...ALL OF $80 very disappointed NEVER EVER GOING BACK.... read more
5 months ago
The service was amazing, the food was not the best, it lacked flavor, the corn bread was dry and the candied yams were way too sweet, more like syrup. The restaurant is dated and could use a little updating. Also the guys smoking weed, directly in front of the restaurant is a turn off. read more
1 year ago
I had the pleasure of visiting Amy Ruth's on a day trip to New York. As a person not from the area, I was overwhelmed trying to find parking but one block away. There is a parking lot that was not that expensive. We were able to park our car and walk to the restaurant in about two minutes. The service here was friendly and pretty efficient. I love the fact that they knew we were hungry and brought hot cornbread to the table right after we order our meals. We all ordered very different items so that we could have the opportunity to taste a good portion of the menu. One person in my party ordered smothered pork chops, green beans and sweet potatoes, another order fried chicken breast and waffle, and I ordered for myself, honey dipped chicken and mac & cheese with greens. All of the food came piping hot to the table. I was really happy about that because a lot of times when you get fried chicken or mac & cheese it is never really hot because they keep items warm. Sort of any holding pattern. The mac & cheese was really good. I really like the greens because they didn't taste like they had a lot of vinegar in them, and with an addition of hot sauce were perfect. The honey dipped chicken was not soggy. It was crispy and really had good flavor. I had the opportunity to taste this smothered pork chops, which seemed like they had a lot of gravy on them, but were really good. The chicken and waffle I did not taste but the person in my party that ordered them said that the waffle was really crispy on the outside and had a great flavor and her chicken breast was piping hot. I could see the scene coming out. The sweet potatoes were really nice as well. Perfectly sweetened, but not overly seasoned with strange things that people like to put in sweet potatoes. I would definitely return to Harlem to try this restaurant again. this server and the other staff working in the dining room room were very friendly and very attentive. read more
While I've been a loyal fan of Sylvia's for many years before moving to the neighborhood, decided to finally try Amy Ruth's given it's only a few blocks from my place. Ordered delivery of The Ibn El Rasul, a.k.a. BBQ Beef Spare Ribs with their Homemade Collard Greens and Black Eye Peas on the side. Three chunky meat-laden ribs, etc., arrived with a slice of corn bread. Amy Ruth's rib meat tenderly came off the bone. That being said, everyone has different preferences for BBQ sauces. Myself, found surprisingly Amy Ruth's sauce perhaps a bit salty and a little gloppy for my taste. The collard greens were solid, but admittedly have had ones more for my liking elsewhere. The black eyed peas and cornbread were fine. Given all the waffle dishes on the menu, maybe that's something more to stick with at Amy Ruth's. In the future, however, I'll return to Sylvia's for something with my preference - that sassy sauce. read more
7 months ago
Once again a great experience ! Probably the best soul food I've eaten top tier ! Will go back anytime I'm in New York . Worth the train ride to Harlem read more
10 months ago
Had dinner here recently and the meal was fabulous. A long wait-but well worth it. Great service and clientele made it a fun experience. read more
5 months ago
6 months ago
Me & my family enjoy Amy Ruth's I feel like the soul food places in Harlem have all lost their touch but Amy's is a consistent choice. The chicken and waffle is simple but executed so well. Waffle is sweet and fluffy the chicken is seasoned and fried well. My family likes the smothered pork chop and ribs. I say go .. now the service might take a little while but it's worth the wait. The decor is simple and has murals of famous black pple and black pple in the community. read more
6 months ago
1 year ago
Food is always good. I got the Ludacris chicken wing dinner. Chicken was crispy and juicy. Mac n cheese and cheese all thru the ...... Greens were just alright. Cornbread was great. Washed it down with a koolaid. Will be back! Great service and quick and easy pickup. Clean inside. read more
2 years ago
Amy Ruth's will FOREVER have a place in my heart. I have been dining here since high school and the quality always remains the same.. AMAZING. The staff make you feel right at home, everyone has patience AND they're service animal friendly! I usually get the same order (Rev Al Sharpton Waffle) but I'm sure everything else is cooked to perfection as well. The place is ALWAYS clean, always well kept in every way. This time around I noticed the seats were set up differently but the heart of the place still remains. It's a beautiful Harlem staple with GREAT art on the wall! read more
11 months ago
Was visiting and had the pleasure to eat some of this yummy soul food. Can i just say the mash potato's were the fluffiest and butteriest i've ever had. The seasoning on the chicken was delicious too. The ambience is cozy and welcoming. read more
Getting here was an adventure! We took the train, as tourists, but we made it! Our party of 8 was seated immediately and greeted by a very friendly server. We all ordered various menu items. Portion sizes are very hearty, so if you're a light eater, you may want to share or order an appetizer. All of the food, especially the fried chicken whole wings were excellent! The sides were very tasty as well. The murals on the walls were very eclectic, displaying historical and African American people. It was an excellent way to display our culture and heritage! read more
Been a few years, but returned for lunch on a weekday in June 2024 and had an amazing meal here! First off, the free cornbread is amazing. My boyfriend and I then shared: + Rev. Al sharpton (Chicken and waffles) + Fried catfish sandwich + Homemade candied yams + Cheesy grits + Carrot cake (to go) They get points for having real maple syrup. Probably the best chicken and waffles in NYC. The yams were a little too sweet for me, but hey, as advertised. Grits were excellent, too. We did not need the catfish sandwich because it was more than enough food otherwise, but it was solid and we enjoyed it later as leftovers. Cake was also solid. read more
Page 1 of 81
More info about Amy Ruth's
113 W 116th St
New York, NY 10026
Harlem
Directions
(212) 280-8779
Call Now
Visit Website
http://amyruths.com/
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
More Info
Health Score
Amy Ruth's Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Amy Ruth's
Do you need to make a reservation to dine in?
Hi. We don’t take reservations. It’s first come first served. Typically the only day with an extended wait is Sunday.
Is the fried okra fresh or frozen?
It appeared to be fresh and the batter they were fried in was not flavourful, at least not the day I ordered it.
Is it possible to buy a gift card online? I live in California but would like to gift a card to friends who live in the area. Thanks!
That's a good question. They have gift cards available. I would call, you may have to purchase it over the phone.
Can I order and pay with cash once delivered?
If you are having food delivered, you need to pay when the order is placed via credit card
Is the restaurant large enough to handle a bus of 50 people (in fairly good time)?
Hi. Yes we can but you must call and run it through our catering department. Ask for Sharon Crawford. 212/280-8779
I'd like to go for dinner tomorrow, but I don't know if they're open on Presidents' Day. Does anyone know?
Wide open
I am coming from Philly but lived in NYC and, yes, worth the trip since I'm going home for a long weekend. Been there and loved it but that was 10-12 years ago, is it still good?
Yes it is!! Was there in June for father's day!!
I will be coming from Philly is this worth the trip?
If you are making a day in NYC, it is worth it to add this to the end. It is 3.5-4 hours RT plus all the tolls from Philly. Try pairing this with a walking tour of Harlem. If you are in Philly, try Miss Nancy's in Merchantville, New Jersey.
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
177 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
13 years ago
10 years ago
10 years ago
12 years ago
4 years ago
10 years ago
10 years ago
19 years ago
4 years ago
7 years ago
8 years ago
7 years ago
9 years ago
4 years ago
13 years ago
14 years ago
9 years ago
13 years ago
