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Top picks in Central Harlem

Lunch spots with mac and cheese

Made for those who believe a proper lunch break is incomplete without a serving of mac and cheese.

Based on 825 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Greedy Pot image 1
Greedy Pot image 2
Greedy Pot image 3
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Southern restaurant (US)

Small Southern restaurant offers authentic soul food with dishes like oxtails made from scratch and candied yams. The atmosphere feels homey and cozy, with pumping music creating lively energy. Seating is limited as the spot focuses on takeout, run by a family with a welcoming vibe.

Lunch includes jerk chicken with rice and peas, fried fish, and sides like macaroni and cheese and candied yams. The spot suits a post-workout meal or a warm lunch on a cold day.

Baked mac and cheese comes nicely browned with a flavorful taste. It pairs well with sides like yams and collard greens and is popular with kids.

People are saying

"The oxtail here is fall-off-the-bone tender and perfectly seasoned."

"This Lunch Spot has huge, delicious portions of homemade food."

"The baked Mac and Cheese was perfection."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 7 PM.

2

You must call before coming to the restaurant.

3

Expect to wait at least 15-20 minutes for made-to-order chicken wings and fish.

02
Jerk House Caribbean Restaurant image 1

Takeout-only Jamaican restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with great R&B music and a welcoming vibe that evokes island spirit. The space feels friendly and vibrant, making it a standout spot for authentic Caribbean energy.

Offers a Jamaican lunch buffet with authentic flavors at a fair price. Serves as a solid choice for a caribbean cuisine lunch.

Baked Mac and Cheese offers layered flavors with a rich, creamy texture. It pairs well with jerk pork and fried chicken, making it a solid choice alongside spicy BBQ dishes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food tastes great and smells even better than expected."

"I loved the jerk wings and their mac and cheese."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Caribbean dishes.

2

Prices for lunch are reasonable and affordable.

3

The establishment is extremely clean and well-maintained.

03
Kingston Bakery Harlem image 1
Jamaican restaurant

Caribbean bakery with authentic vibe and warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with gospel and reggae music. Space offers takeout only, creating a down-to-earth, home-like feel. Artwork and a fireplace add to the cozy environment.

Offers a lunch special that is both delicious and a great deal. Serves plenty of other tasty options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Stand-up Mac and cheese pairs well with the beef patty, sometimes even stuffed inside it. This Mac and cheese stands out among West Indian options for its flavor and texture.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and hot."

"This lunch spot has delicious patties and a variety of meals."

"You have to try the mac and cheese; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

This place is only for takeout; there is no space for dine-in.

2

The establishment is closed at 6:29 PM.

3

The menu states 'WEEKDAY Lunch Special', but Friday at 12PM is considered a weekend.

04
Red Rooster Harlem image 1

Restaurant offers live jazz performances with a colorful African American decor that creates a soulful atmosphere. The space includes a covered terrace and a bar area, though the bar can feel cramped. The vibe is engaging and lively, especially during music events.

Lunch features Helgaโ€™s meatball as a standout dish. Live concerts often accompany meals, adding a unique vibe to the lunch experience.

Creamy, cheesy pasta blends with well-seasoned greens like collards, adding an earthy touch. The dish offers a comforting, rich flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the fried chicken, is crispy and delicious."

"The Mac and cheese with collard greens and lobster was a game changer."

"This lunch spot has excellent food, like amazing pasta."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation well in advance, especially for Sunday brunch.

2

Gospel brunch is held every Sunday and features live music.

3

Happy hour runs from noon to 10 p.m. with discounted appetizers and cocktails.

05
Charles Pan-Fried Chicken image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with open kitchen and limited seating offers a family-like atmosphere energized by live music and interactive moments. Outdoor patio adds comfort for sunny days. Energy feels lively and welcoming despite compact setup.

Offers a two piece lunch special for $10.95 that includes a side and cornbread. Serves comfort food that fits hectic lunch days well. Many come back for the special lunch because the food is good.

Mac and cheese comes as a hearty, well-prepared side that pairs beautifully with fried chicken and collard greens. It offers a comforting, delicious addition that complements the meal perfectly.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and fresh."

"The mac and cheese here is amazing and spicy."

"This lunch spot's fried chicken is moist, crunchy, and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Chicken and waffles are only available on Sundays.

2

They serve catfish on Tuesday.

3

You canโ€™t dine in; the eatery is for take out only.

06
Jacob Soul Food Restaurant image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space hosts live soul and jazz music that sometimes gets loud, creating a vibrant but intense atmosphere. Casual setup includes outdoor seating and a pay-by-weight take-out bar. The vibe reflects a Harlem-inspired soul food experience with sociable energy.

Quick service and reasonable pricing make it easy to grab lunch here. A buffet lunch offers solid options between $10 and $15, with a small band adding energy on Sundays around midday.

Mac and cheese pairs well with jerk chicken and stands out as a favorite alongside collard greens and fried fish. It appears consistently as a solid, flavorful side in hearty, well-rounded meals.

People are saying

"The soul food here is amazing, with great variety."

"The mac and cheese here is great."

"This lunch spot has a great variety of soul food options."

Good to know

1

You serve yourself like a buffet and pay by weight at the checkout.

2

The buffet offers the best quality/price in Manhattan, around $15 per person by weight.

3

Five people can eat very generously for less than $80.

07
Sylvia's Restaurant image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant with a classic Harlem vibe and live gospel and jazz music creates a genuine, buzzing atmosphere. Photographs on the walls give it a museum-like feel alongside cozy seating. The place offers a homemade rum punch that complements the rich cultural experience.

Lunch features chicken, potato salad, and black eyed peas that satisfy well. The spot offers a great lunch experience with solid, hearty dishes.

Baked mac and cheese stands out with its rich flavor and creamy texture. It pairs well with chicken and greens for a classic meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The Mac And Cheese is creamy and comforting."

"The fried chicken at this Lunch Spot is delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are essential to avoid a long wait, especially on weekends.

2

The gospel brunch starts at 1 p.m. on Sundays with live music.

3

Expect a wait time of up to 2.5 hours during peak hours.

08
Melba's Restaurant image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Lively space blends live music with a street party vibe and authentic Harlem energy. Crowded seating and narrow entrance contrast with family-like warmth and vibrant atmosphere. Walls showcase notable art, enhancing the unique dining experience.

Lunch offers delicious dishes that stand out during midday. The spot serves satisfying meals that make it a solid choice for a midday break.

Offers a rich and creamy mac and cheese with a generous portion. Pairs well with collard greens and yams for a classic Southern combo.

People are saying

"You've got to try the American Food, especially the mac and cheese."

"I loved the mac and cheese, it had a pleasant texture."

"This lunch spot's food is well-seasoned and generous."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary on weekends to ensure seating.

2

Every Sunday, Melba's has live music outside.

3

On Sundays during the summer, there is a block party from 4pm to 8pm.

09
Renaissance Harlem image 1
New American restaurant

New American restaurant offers indoor and covered outdoor seating with a lively DJ-driven atmosphere. The vibe balances classy and welcoming, suitable for both special nights and casual gatherings. A clean, spacious bar area complements the overall experience.

Offers a good lunch meeting space with a pleasant daytime vibe. Serves solid lunch and brunch options that work well for casual meals.

Lobster mac and cheese stands out with its rich, creamy texture and generous lobster chunks. Kids and adults both find the lobster mac and cheese incredible and satisfying.

People are saying

"The DJ played lively music that made people dance."

"This Lunch Spot had a lively vibe with a DJ playing."

"The Mac And Cheese had a lively atmosphere with a DJ."

Good to know

1

Ladies Night on Wednesdays offers unlimited drinks for 90 minutes with two appetizers for $50.

2

Brunch gets busy on Sundays around 1pm, so arrive early.

3

Happy hour runs all night on Wednesdays, but prices should be clear on the menu.

10
Amy Ruth's image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant offers a family atmosphere with phenomenal murals and live R&B music at a low volume. Seating feels comfortable despite a small, somewhat cramped layout. The vibe suits celebrations and large groups, creating a welcoming, lively energy.

Really American lunch options come with reasonable prices. Three people can enjoy a complete and abundant meal for about 90 dollars.

Rich and flavorful, the mac and cheese stands out with its warm, soft texture and distinct taste. It pairs well with dishes like chicken wings and pork chops, making it a comforting side.

People are saying

"The home-cooked food, like the meatloaf, was really good."

"The Mac And Cheese used to be amazing soulful comfort food."

"This Lunch Spot's food was delicious and well worth the trip."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times on Sundays due to gospel mass attendance.

2

Wednesday is Grape Kool Aid day, a special event at the restaurant.

3

Get there early if you want to dine in, especially on weekends.

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Central Harlem, New York

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