Eat in Harlem (harlem), New York City

Sylvia's Restaurant ★ 4.2

Sylvia Woods's Harlem soul-food restaurant has served fried chicken, collards and yams in New York City since 1962. Sunday gospel brunch is the institutional service.

Signature: Smothered chicken, Cornbread

Order: Smothered chicken, candied yams, cornbread.

Tip: Sunday brunch books up two weeks in advance. Weeknight dinner is the easy seat for the same menu.

Red Rooster Harlem ★ 4.2

Marcus Samuelsson's Lenox Avenue Harlem room runs an Afro-Swedish-Southern hybrid menu in New York City. Live jazz downstairs at Ginny's Supper Club after 22:00.

Signature: Yard bird fried chicken, Helga's meatballs

Order: Yard bird fried chicken with mac and greens.

Tip: Sunday brunch is the room's big draw; bookings essential. Bar walk-ins for a quick supper around 18:00.

Amy Ruth's ★ 4.0

Amy Ruth's on West 116th Street has served chicken and waffles in Harlem, New York City since 1998. Dishes named after Civil Rights figures and Harlem musicians.

Signature: Chicken and waffles, Smoked turkey wing

Order: The Reverend Al Sharpton: chicken and waffles.

Tip: Weekend brunch is the destination; weeknight dinner serves the same plate without the wait.

★ 4.4

Harlem Heritage Tours runs a soul-food tour through 125th Street and Lenox Avenue in New York City. Three classic Harlem dining rooms with a gospel-history layer.

Tip: Sunday tours include a gospel service stop at 11:30; book three weeks ahead for the Sunday slot.