Been there several times and just now deciding to put something up? Why?
I don't know. Noticed I didn't have a posting for it yet and since I just went over the weekend with a friend of mine what better time to put something up then right now?
I guess. So what is Melba's?
A restaurant in Harlem that serves American comfort/soul food. Very small/intimate setting. Great for drinks or taking someone on a hot date. I'm not sure if they still have this but on certain days they have live music. Definitely a nice spot.
Sounds good. During this most recent visit what did you guys end up getting?
Since we were there for brunch, my friend got the fried catfish with a fried egg and french fries and I got the fried chicken and waffles. First off let me tell you that their catfish is excellent! Usually when I go there during breakfast/brunch hours that is always my first choice! Lightly fried, plump piece of fish...definitely a must order if and when you go here. The chicken and waffles were surprisingly really good as well. The waffle was nice and light, the fried chicken was seasoned very well and not over fried...just a good meal overall.
I know you said you've been here before...what were some of the things you had in the past?
THE BRAISED SHORT RIBS! I'm going to go on record and say that these had to have been the best short ribs I've ever had from a restaurant and that is no exaggeration! They are cooked PERFECTLY! Every single time I've gone there and got that, it's been amazing! Outside of the short ribs, I've had their turkey meatloaf, and a whole gang of their sides. Each visit has been just as good if not better then the last visit...when it comes to the food anyway.
Wait! What's that "when it comes to the food..." supposed to mean?
Every time I go here the food is consistently great! No complaints what so ever about the food. Service...that's something different.
What happened with the service?
Normally, the service is satisfactory. But during this most recent visit, it was borderline dreadful! We walked in and had to wait about 5-8 minutes for someone to even acknowledge us. Our food took way too long to come out. And our server was H.O.R.R.I.B.L.E.!!!! How was he horrible? Let me count the ways...
1 - he had an accent. Not that there's anything wrong with that but when you become hard to understand...there's a problem
2 - he completely disappeared! We were sitting there with no food, running low on beverages, getting frustrated about the food taking so long and he was NOWHERE to be found! Then after about 10 minutes he comes walking through the front door. WTF dude! You are aware that you have customers to tend to right?
3 - he was not attentive AT ALL! When he finally managed to stop back at our table (after we waved him down like crazy) and we placed an order for more coffee, he just goes off to do his own thing. He randomly pops up (with no coffee might I add) and decides to have a chat with the manager. Seeing this we decided to approach him (mid his conversation with the manager) and ask about the coffee that he was supposed to get 10 minutes ago!
4 - after we ate, we ended up sitting there for so long that we had to go through a different server to get our check
5 - he finally brings us the check and it wasn't even ours!
We just paid the amount that was on the bill and walked out. I don't even think the bill we were given was even close to what our tab should have been. Needless to say he got a $0 tip!
DAMN! That bad huh? Is it always like that?
That's what's so surprising about the whole thing. Their service is usually pretty decent. I'm guessing this was an off day for them but it was a really BAD off day. And I'm sure the manager (who was sitting right there at the bar where you can see any and everyone) noticed some of what was going on. Not once was there an intervention or a "Is everything OK over here?" "My apologies for the delay..." Nothing. I don't come here all the time but I hope and pray that this isn't how their customers will be treated going forward.
Sheesh...is there anything else that I need to know about Melba's?
Outside of this previous visit, the only issue I have with this place is the size. It's very small and on a crowded day it can be pretty loud and very stuffy. Also, people get into the habit of sitting and staying there for longer then they need to. Not saying you need to eat and run but if it's crowded and there are people waiting to sit, consider moving your festivities to the bar or another location. Aside from that I absolutely love this place.
Recommendation?
I know my review of the service was pretty bad, but I don't want to that to discourage anyone from going and trying out the food. I can obviously look pass the size and the wait time. But horrible service is a huge turn off. Yes the food is amazing and the ambiance is cool, but if the service is shitty then it brings the whole experience down. I will be back there again, but hopefully the next experience will be nothing like my last.
300 W. 114th Street
(212) 864-7777
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