On April 11 The Knockturnal sampled the greatest hits off chef Melba Wilson‘s new Melba’s Grand Central menu.
We’re only a few months into 2025 and celebrity chef Melba Wilson’s American comfort eatery in Harlem has already been dubbed the No. 1 Brunch Spot in Manhattan by Time Out and named a James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Hospitality. This 20-years-young neighborhood staple opened its doors in 2005, where Wilson likes to say she and her eponymous restaurant were “born, bred, and buttered.”
With its popularity only continuing to grow, you might be worried you won’t be able to snag a table. But now you can get a taste of Melba’s neo-soul food a few stops away from the original 114th Street location, whether you’re taking Metro North or the 4/5/6 subway line. Its latest outpost opened earlier this year to bring the warm and friendly vibes to Grand Central Station’s dining concourse (you can find it next to Shake Shack).
We were welcomed to try select items, including two of Melba’s Signature dishes that beat Bobby Flay: a satisfyingly crunchy Fried Chicken Sandwich, with chipotle mayo, pickles, and coleslaw, and the hearty and unique fried Chicken & Eggnog Waffles, served with strawberry butter and syrup.
We also tasted sides like Mama’s Potato Salad, turkey-braised Low Country Collard Greens (a standout!), creamy Tres Mac and Cheese, and the sticky-sweet candied A$AP Yams, covering all the bases of a savory meal balanced with confections. We washed it down with a perfectly tart and lightly sweetened Arnold Palmer and took away both the leftovers and saved a thick piece of Red Velvet Cake (with a hint of orange zest). The best news? It all traveled incredibly well and hit the spot at home — so don’t be afraid to take it with you on the train to your next destination.
Visit Melba’s Grand Central in the lower-level dining concourse.
Photos Courtesy: Melba’s Grand Central and Hilary Weissman
