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Where to Celebrate Juneteenth in NYC
June 19, 2025, 12:20.58 am ET

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Smothered Chicken (Photo: Melba's)

This Juneteenth, celebrate Black freedom and culinary innovation by supporting Black-owned restaurants across New York City. From timeless soul food to cutting-edge fine dining, these standout destinations showcase resilience, culture, and creativity in every bite.

Melba’s
Founded in 2005 by James Beard nominee Melba Wilson, Melba’s is a soul food staple in Harlem. Known for Chicken and Eggnog Waffles, Low Country Collard Greens, Country Catfish, Smothered Chicken and A$AP Yams, the flagship exudes warmth and community spirit, while the Grand Central outpost brings fast, heartfelt comfort to Midtown commuters.

BLVD Bistro
Chef Carlos Swepson’s cozy Harlem spot combines Creole soul and Southern comfort with refined technique. With standout dishes like jumbo shrimp and grits, catfish po boys, and biscuits, BLVD Bistro remains one of the neighborhood’s most beloved destinations.


Tatiana Oxtails (Photo: Evan Sung)

Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi
Located at Lincoln Center, Tatiana blends Afro-Caribbean and New York City flavors under Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s visionary direction. Signature dishes like egusi dumplings, truffle chopped cheese, and oxtail-stuffed patties highlight a menu rooted in memory, culture, and innovation.

Kokomo
Located in Williamsburg, Kokomo reimagines Caribbean fare with vibrant dishes like jerk chicken, rasta balls, and oxtail flatbread. The lively setting and creative cocktails like the sorrel mule make it a perfect spot for festive gatherings.


Photo: Red Rooster

Red Rooster Harlem
Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s iconic restaurant brings together Southern, Ethiopian, and Swedish influences with Harlem energy. Dishes likesweet potato coconut soup, pan-fried catfish, shrimp and grits, and cornbread with corn butter are served alongside live music and community events.

Ponty Bistro in Harlem
Ponty Bistro has been serving Harlem since 2014 with its refined blend of French and West African cuisine. Chef Elhadji Cisse, originally from Senegal, draws on his fine dining background to create standout dishes like Poisson Yassa, Chicken Tagine, and Lobster Benedict. Open late daily, this neighborhood favorite offers a warm, global dining experience in the heart of Harlem.

PB Brasserie and Steakhouse
PB Brasserie brings the spirit of a grand Parisian brasserie to 125th Street. Chef Elhadji Cisse’s second Harlem venture offers elevated French fare, premium steaks, and seafood dishes like Chilean Sea Bass and Lobster Shrimp Spaghetti. Just steps from the Apollo Theater, it’s a stylish, expansive space ideal for brunch, dinner, or a late-night bite.


Charles Pan Fried Chicken (Photo: Cititour.com)

Charles Pan-Fried Chicken
Chef Charles Gabriel’s Harlem institution is legendary for its skillet-fried chicken, each piece hand-turned to achieve perfectly crisp, pepper-spiced skin. Paired with mac and cheese and collards, it’s a soulful classic done right.

Sylvia’s
A Harlem icon since 1962, Sylvia’s is one of NYC’s most cherished soul food restaurants. Famous for fried chicken, bar-b-que pork ribs, Southern-style chitterlings, cornbread, and peach cobbler, it remains a symbol of Black culinary tradition and hospitality.

Whether you're revisiting an old favorite or discovering something new, these restaurants offer a delicious and meaningful way to honor Juneteenth and support the Black chefs and entrepreneurs who continue to shape New York’s food story.


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