Melba's is still serving up great chicken sandwiches and I usually pick up one when transiting through Grand Central. Customer traffic has been particularly heavy in the basement of Grand Central this summer and all the food establishments have been equally busy. I've been to Melba's several times and I still rec the chicken sandwich without sauce and chipotle mayo, but please caution them not to put too much sauce on the sandwich. They can become a bit heavy handed with the sauces. I tried the catfish sandwich too and it was good, but not as filling. I had it with the same sauces. I could eat the catfish sandwich easily for breakfast. The size of the sandwiches seems to vary at times, but they are holding serve at Melba's. 4 stars! read more

Damn. Almost perfect. Stopped by with my daughter this morning. I wanted smothered chicken but it wasn't available. No problem. My hongry self had a Plan B, fried chicken. So, I ordered the fried chicken, greens, yams, extra side of 'tato salad, AND a sweet potato pie. The girl working there was great! Had a great time talking to her and was happy to tip. Ordering food or at a sit-down restaurant, of course I'ma tip. When it's just ordering at a counter... Sometimes, yes, but most of the time, nah. Then again, it depends on the service. But, this sister was great, helpful and an absolute pleasure to talk to. Two meals came to about $60 and I tipped $10. We got our orders to go cos my child had to catch a train to Connecticut. Weather was gorgeous so I walked around for a bit. Was thisclose to walking to Junior's for a b/w cookie but didn't because I'd gotten dessert with my order, the sweet potato pie. Or so I thought. Didn't even think to check my bag cos the sister even repeated our orders as she gave us our bags. I get home, started emptying my bag... No pie. I reached out to my daughter n' said, I hope you have two pies (she also ordered one), cos there's no pie in my bag! Nope, she only got one pie. Maaaan the disappointment that I am feeling...! So, the food... Fried chicken pieces were big and delicious. Greens... I'd had an acting job that was catered by Melba's, so I'd had and loved their greens before and it's the reason I wanted to pay them a visit. I LOVE Melba's greens!! And, today, they did not disappoint! I don't know how they season them. but *chef's kiss* Yams are good. Not what I'm used to. For years, I've been the designated maker of the candied yams for holiday meals. I use a very simple recipe. Keyshawn's Mom's Candied Yams. Flawless. Always come out delicious. These yams are...different. Delicious. Just...different. Large blocks of yams. 'Tato salad is good, too. Not my mama's which is my standard. But, still delicious. I will definitely go back. I'll just make sure everything I pay for is in the bag. So, yeah, this woulda/coulda/damn sure shoulda easily have been a 5-star visit. But the missing pie... DEDUCTION!! read more

Melba's - Absolutely delicious meal. Wish I could comment on the sweet potato pie. :( - Southern Near Me - New York, New York

I usually don't like Catfish but it was so good here ! I also ordered wings for the table, my meal was the oxtail collard greens and rice and peas! Would definitely order again. The service was good even the bartender was so nice. read more

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This spot is easy to find and in a great location inside Grand Central, especially for travelers or anyone passing through. I've been a few times and actually noticed it when it first opened. I hadn't tried the Harlem location before, but I was happy to see this one here. I really liked the chicken and waffles--it was cute, flavorful, and not too heavy. The butter and syrup gave it a nice culinary touch. I wasn't a fan of the fries, so the second time I ordered without them. I also tried the mac and cheese, which was good, and the potato pie, which was okay. Overall, the food was prepared well, and the location is a big plus. Staff are super nice. It's right near Magnolia Bakery, Shake Shack, and the escalators by the 4/5/6, S, and 7 trains. A solid addition to Grand Central, and I hope it sticks around for a long time. read more

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I'm glad I can get catfish whenever I'm craving it, but I just wish the sides were more consistent. The mac and cheese is decent, and the candied yams are way too sweet. The collard greens are good, especially with hot sauce. I also wish the menu were more detailed because I'm always confused about how to choose or customize my food. And I wish I could order just a side of fish because two pieces aren't enough. Next time, I'll try the chicken. read more

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Was in a pinch for time and noticed Melba's had no line, so I opted to go there. I ordered a side of Mac and cheese with a chicken thigh. This mac and cheese was everything I needed! Cheesy, flavorful, and perfectly crisp at the top. Here's where things go left. The side of Mac and cheese was small as can be for $9!! And one piece of chicken was $5!! I should know to expect this at GCT but it still felt grossly overpriced. read more

Melba's - Southern Near Me - New York, New York

I absolutely love Melba's--the one uptown and up until yesterday, the one in Midtown. First of all, I had some type of stomach problem after eating the food last night. Second, for the first time ever the sweet potatoes were so dry it was unpleasant. I went and decided to buy a slice of red velvet cake, and I am truly so disappointed. It tastes like some type of oil mixed with the smell of other cooked foods. I forced myself to eat it because it wasn't cheap and I bought it but I had to stop --it tastes awful. I do not know if I'll be back to this location, but as I said in the beginning, I'm a long time lover of Melbas. I would suggest some kind of quality control go on at the Grand Central location. read more

Melba's - Red velvet cake - Southern Near Me - New York, New York

Ordered two meals made it clear I wanted two meals. Cashier ignored me and charged me for one meal and two sides. When I asked him why he only sold me only sides when I said that I wanted the GCT combo with yams and Mac and cheese and the American comfort plate strawberry butter maple syrup and fries the 5 piece. His response was "yes you ordered a GCT combo but you didn't say you wanted chicken " I was like it's a combo it comes with chicken so he then voided my order and told me I have to pay again. I just left because he completely ignored me when I was ordering read more

Melba's - Not what I ordered - Southern Near Me - New York, New York

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Wanted to try Melba's since they got to Grand Central Station. Opted for the chicken and waffles. First word that came to my mind was "wow". The waffles were like enjoying a delicious waffle cake. It was soft, cake like, and delicious. I was so sad there were only two pieces, but the meal itself was enough. It came with a strawberry butter and maple syrup that made it taste that much better. The chicken tenders (you can get a 5 or 8 piece) were delicious as well. Real chicken, nice sized pieces, and great tasting. The meal would've been six stars had the tenders had a hunny chipotle sauce for the tenders. The fries (Cajun or sweet potato) were delicious. Crunchy, Cajun flavored, and just the right amount. Looking forward to returning to try the catfish with Mac and cheese. read more

Melba's - Menu - Southern Near Me - New York, New York

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Love the location. 4/5 Clean neat neighborhood restaurant spot with dark stained wood again stark white tiles. Parked across street but the meter was broken. Also we didn't know we needed cash and the ATM was not close. Service was awesome. 5/5 Server established immediate rapport with my wife and the group and checked on us without being an annoying shadow. Food? Ehhh. 3.5 out of 5 I expected the food to be like southern down home cooking. It was not. yams were lemony, but not weren't seasoned with cinnamon, brown sugar, etc. Mac and cheese had a hard cap of cheese on top but when we dug into it wasn't baked it was boiled with cheese mixed in and added to the drop of the dish. Chicken was hot but the breading wasn't particularly seasoned- it wasn't just salt and flour but the seasoning on chicken could have really stood out against the waffle. Green weren't seasoned especially well-several misses. Like the fried tomatoes, fried fish, and the egg roll appetizer. read more

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I visited Melba located at Grand Central Terminal food market at the lower level. I've always passed by it, but never ate here before. It was alright. I asked the staff questions and they were knowledgeable about what they serve. I asked about the fries and chicken tenders. They give you a small portion for $10. At least you get a choice of what type of fries, which I chose the sweet potato fries. Overall, it didn't taste any different from a fast food spot like McDonald's or Wendy's. I won't be ordering from them again. read more

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I was hungry coming off the metro north, Melba's was about to close and I slid right in and ordered a catfish sandwich. It was good. The service was fast and pleasant. The space was clean. Will swing by again if I'm In the area. read more

Melba's - Catfish Sandwich - Southern Near Me - New York, New York

This is really 3.5* Melba recently opened in the grand central food court (located in the basement of Grand Central Terminal) next to Dirty Tacos and Shake Shack. It's a limited menu of catfish or fried chicken with pancakes or sides. I decided on a special of 2 pieces chicken with 2 sides (collard greens and sweet potatoes edges with a drink (lemonade and iced tea mixed). The chicken was crispy on the outside and the meat inside was juicy. It wasn't greasy. The drink was perfectly portioned. Be ready to order otherwise the employee might step aside for another customer, who might be ready to order. Another employee prepared the food in a relatively short time. Go check out the fried chicken that beat Bobby Flay. read more

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Went here on a Saturday morning for brunch. Service was extremely slow but the food was completely worth it! I got the fried chicken with collards and mac and cheese. Chicken was seasoning and fried to perfection, collards were cooked perfectly, and mac and cheese was some of the best I've ever had. My friends got the catfish and oxtails and both loved their meals too. My friends and I are all from the south so we were not sure what to expect but Melba's got our stamps of approval! read more

Melba's - Fried chicken with Collard Greens and Mac & Cheese - Southern Near Me - New York, New York

Finally a taste of soul food at Grand Central!! The food was good, it was the comfort I needed after a long day in the city. I couldn't decide what I wanted and I probably looked confused lol so the guy suggested the GCT combo which was a "peace" of chicken, 2 sides, and a drink. It was $16 (plus tax of course) which was a great price for grand central terminal and the portion size was good. I was totally satisfied. The chicken was good. It wasn't like an over the top blow me away seasoned chicken, but it was good. Idk if I would get/recommended the catfish if you're not eating it right away. Loved the sides. I did the Mac n cheese and greens. Can't wait to go back for the yams. Sweet tea was enjoyable too! I also took home 2 of the sweet potato pies and they were amazing, it is definitely a must grab item. I can't believe I found something good to eat at Grand Central Station that's worth the return. Take it for what it is and don't get it twisted, I'm sure this is just a quick little taste of what their restaurant on 114th st has to offer but until I can get to the full sit down experience, this will definitely do!!! It's like home cooking! read more

Melba's - Menu - Southern Near Me - New York, New York

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I understand that prices in New York are high, but $43 for what I received was unacceptable. The oxtail portion was extremely small--less than half a pound--and most of the pieces were nothing but bones and fat. There was barely about 2 ounces of actual meat in the entire dish. On top of that, my collard greens and my drink were missing from the order. For a meal that came out to about $80, the value just wasn't there. What made it even more frustrating is that it seemed like the restaurant was closing when my order came through. If that was the case, it would have been better to simply cancel the order instead of taking my money and making me wait almost an hour for what felt like bones, fat, and scraps from the bottom of the pot. Overall, the portion, missing items, and quality of the food were very disappointing for the price. I really expected much better. read more

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I had heard so much about melba,how she gives to her community. Nothing but great things. I was in New York visiting my daughter. I told her I wanted to go to the restaurant. When my daughters and arrived we were seated promptly. We waited at least 10- 15 min before we got a server. I understand it was a busy day, there was a bday party going on. We ordered our food it took at least 30 min before we got our food. I understand celebrities go to Melba's for their meals. Maybe the chefs/cooks more effort in food service to the celebrities. When I finally received my food it was dry. I ordered the catfish/waffles it's like it had been sitting for a while. I was sad my daughters and I ate our food because we were hungry and we had been walking alot and enjoying the sites of the city. read more

We were visiting from Houston and definitely wanted to try Melba's in Harlem. When we walked in the first place I saw was THEE MELBA HERSELF!!! She was so nice and kind! My husband adores her so I facetimed him and she talked to him for a few minutes. The food was absolutely amazing if I lived in New York I would visit weekly I'm sure. Highly recommend read more

I truly enjoyed my catfish meal. The catfish was seasoned and fried perfectly. Mac and cheese was hot and bubbling with cheese. Yams....perfect, perfectly....perfect, perfectly done just the right amount of sweetness!! I don't normally check out the eateries in Grand Central Terminal but so glad I decided to give Melba's a try. Great soul food meal and staff was very friendly. read more

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Delicious fast soul food. I came from NC & I would definitely come back again, I heard so much about Melba's on the Sherry show.

I needed something quick. I spotted Melba's and saw they had chicken sandwiches...that will work. Glancing quickly at the menu at this quick service place in Grand Central I wished I had time to eat a bunch of items on the menu that looked really good...but the original fried chicken sandwich would have to do. I LOVE a good chicken sandwich. I've eaten some REALLY good ones. This was one of them. Super crispy and flavorful crust juicy, tender and flavorful chicken on a nice bun with just the right amount of chipotle mayo. This led me to investigate Melba's more...and now I need to go to one of the restaurants. Soon. So there you go...a simple chicken sandwich CAN sway a person to come back and try the rest of the menu. Plus she Beat Bobby Flay. The alone make her food worth eating. read more

Going to Grand Central Terminal, I never would have expected to find quality cuisine as great as Melba's. Melba's is located in a cute spot at the Dining Concourse, showing their many food options both in menu and on the windows, and their staff was very kind to me as I ordered the Tres Mac & Cheese and Saratoga Water. The Saratoga Water was a fine choice for the classic drink, and I think it was honestly some of the best water I've ever had (likely because I was very thirsty, too). As for the Tres Mac & Cheese, HOLY G-D. The pasta mixed with the cheeses very well, and there was maybe more cheese than mac (even better!). It was seasoned and salted to perfection, and served in a cup with a good portion. Next time I return to The Big Apple, I will certainly be returning to Melba's. read more

Melba's - Tres Mac & Cheese and Saratoga Spring Water - Southern Near Me - New York, New York

I asked if I could get the chicken sandwich cold. Answer No. I said OK I'd re-heat it several hours later when I was ready to eat. I asked if I could get the pickles and cold slaw on the side. Answer. No. I could only get them on the sandwich. And she wanted a tip. It used to be that a tip was for better than the norm service. Now every joker wants a tip for nothing - even the incompetence I got. read more

I really wanted to like this place, but unfortunately, the experience left me with a pounding headache--and not just from the overly salty catfish strips. I understand a lively atmosphere can add to the charm of a restaurant, but this was another level entirely--think sports bar energy in a space that wasn't designed to handle that kind of volume. Conversations were nearly impossible, and after asking staff if anything could be done, it was met with polite shrugs and no action. It honestly felt like they didn't care. To make matters worse, the food didn't balance things out. The catfish strips, which I was genuinely excited to try, were aggressively salty to the point of being inedible after a few bites. Maybe others enjoy that level of seasoning, but it just didn't work for me. On a positive note, our server was very kind and attentive despite the chaos. I genuinely appreciated their efforts, which is why I'm not giving this just one star. But overall, I don't think I'll be returning. When a restaurant chooses to prioritize over-serving guests to the point of rowdy, disruptive behavior--and refuses to intervene--it sends a clear message about what kind of dining experience they value. And unfortunately, it's not one I care to repeat. read more

Had to go to grand central. On the way back we stopped here at my insisting. Sad to say we were disappointed. The chicken tenders did not have any flavor. On the upside the potato salad was good. Glad I didn't order the 2 piece chicken. read more

Went in the evening and was disappointed to be served room temperature chicken. It had definitely been cooked, and with the barbecue sauce the flavor was there. But I know they didn't beat Bobby flay without hot food. Price wasn't bad for the area but not sure that I'll go back read more

Nice chicken strips and sweet potatoe waffle fries to go. I want to try the catfish next time I am around. One of the new dogs in the Grand Central food area is a good addition! read more

This spot shows attention to visual details. Their food leaves me wanting another visit. This place offers a truly distinct setting. Staff service was remarkable as always. I found myself liking this place. read more

food was a 10/10 and the people were polite. Fish is well seasoned , Mac was cheese creamy and cooked to perfection. And greens had the perfect amount of flavor. read more

This restaurant stands out even in a noteworthy neighborhood. Employees consistently display authentic warmth. You enjoy excellent food without excessive cost. The meal contained unfamiliar elements of exceptional quality. This place stands out with its unique style. read more

The catfish was rubbery sorry . The location in grand Central, Ppl were nice and gave me an extra pie for messing up my takeout order, but when I got home the catfish was not really edible It wasn't fresh. read more

I ordered a catfish platter which only came with 1 piece of catfish for 26.00,which I feel is too much!! Two pieces of catfish would of been sufficient in addition to giving your customers some good old cornbread to make it be a full "Soulfood meal". Other than that the food was very good!! L.Henderson former ISS144 classmate!! read more

horrible chicken tenders. waffles were advertised as being egg nog waffles. not a hint of egg nog in sight. service was good. the menu said fries on the side but instead gave me sweet potato fries which was not advertised. i asked the cashier to switch them out, but he gave me regular fries on the side instead which was nice. read more

I've been dying to hit up the GCT location and finally I made it before catching my train home. My experience AMAZING. I ordered through the Yelp function. I'll be honest at first I was like are they going to get my order lol (because you know sometimes these features don't function properly). I placed my order for pickup and it was ready even though I got there a half hour late the food was still hot. Even after my half hour trek on the train I could still feel the heat through the bag. Now on to the food. I order 5 of the $15.95 meals (each meal comes with a drink but I opted out because they bags would have been way to heavy to carry). The catfish top tier...fried chicken awesome...sides (we had mac, greens, yams, potato salad, sweet potato fries) let's just say now my family thinks I'll be stopping at Melba's everyday lol. I'm not understanding the complaints on here about the food because it was DELICIOUS. The combo meal is a great price point with a drink because in GCT you can $15.95 for just a sandwich somewhere but at Melba's you get a whole meal for that price point. I'll definitely be back. I guess it's so long to my waistline and summer body because Melba's has me hooked lol. read more