ZipPicks Awards
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Harlem
Master Critic Review
Jacob Soul Food Restaurant & Salad Bar
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
A long-running buffet and salad bar on Lenox, Jacob lets you build plates of fried chicken, oxtails, mac and cheese, and sides by the pound at relatively gentle prices. It’s a practical, come-as-you-are option for soul food cravings and casual group meetups without a formal sit-down structure.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Fried Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Collard Greens and Candied Yams
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Help-yourself soul food buffet where locals mix classics and Caribbean dishes by the pound.
Who should go: Families and groups craving soulful plates without table-service formality.
When to visit: Afternoons or early evenings before church and tour-bus crowds hit.
What to order: Fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens with candied yams.
Insider tip: Build smaller first plates so you can sample broadly without overpaying on weight.