Pedestrian passing Amy Ruth's restaurant in Harlem.

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Amy Ruth’s Restaurant

Harlem & Upper Manhattan


Perennially crowded Amy Ruth’s serves up classic Southern soul food, from fried catfish to mac 'n’ cheese and fluffy biscuits. But it’s the waffles that really merit a trip here – dished up 14 different ways, including with catfish. Our all-time favorite is the ‘Rev Al Sharpton,’ a plate of waffles topped with succulent fried chicken.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Harlem & Upper Manhattan attractions

1. Canaan Baptist Church

0.07 MILES

A modern Harlem church, founded in 1932, that welcomes visitors to Sunday services.

2. Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market

0.1 MILES

This semi-enclosed market is a little slice of West Africa in Harlem. You'll find leather goods, wood carvings, textiles, woven baskets, oils, drums,…

3. Blockhouse

0.41 MILES

The oldest building in Central Park, the Blockhouse is a military fortification from the War of 1812. It's located in the North Woods, on the west side of…

4. Studio Museum in Harlem

0.44 MILES

This small cultural gem has been exhibiting the works of African American artists for more than four decades. While its rotating exhibition program is…

5. Apollo Theater

0.52 MILES

The Apollo is an intrinsic part of Harlem history and culture. A leading space for concerts and political rallies since 1914, its venerable stage hosted…

6. Conservatory Garden

0.61 MILES

For a little peace and quiet (as in no runners, cyclists or singing buskers), visit this 6-acre, formal garden – one of the park's official quiet zones…

7. National Jazz Museum

0.64 MILES

This small, Smithsonian-affiliated museum is a passionate love letter to the golden era of jazz in Harlem. From the 1930s to 1960s, the neighborhood was a…

8. El Museo del Barrio

0.65 MILES

Bienvenido to one of New York’s premier Latino cultural institutions, with thoughtful rotating exhibitions that span all media, from painting and…