Mind-Blowing Soul Food North of Columbia

After exploring Morningside Heights for weeks, I finally hit up Harlem’s legendary Sylvia’s Restaurant—and holy smokes, the soul food here is next-level. As Columbia’s self-proclaimed "Soul Food Explorer" (yes, I’m carving out this hyper-niche lane 😂), I’m on a mission to uncover Harlem’s hidden gems. Today’s lineup? Three dishes that left me speechless: Sautéed Fried Chicken Livers 🤯 "How did Harlem make OFFAL taste this divine?!" Crispy Fried Chicken Wings 🍗✨ That CRUNCH—like elementary-school nostalgia in every bite. No fancy sauces, just pure, unadulterated CRISPINESS. Braised Oxtail & Rice 🍖🍚 Think "red-braised meets stewed"—but honestly, words fail. Fall-off-the-bone tender, glistening with fat over steamed rice… "Is this secretly Chinese food?!" 🔥 The wait? A minute (probably because those wings were freshly battered and fried to order). Worth it. 🔥 Pre-meal bonus? Free cornbread muffins (RIP, forgot to snap a pic—too busy inhaling them). 🔥 Damage? $64 for two (pre-tip), stuffed to the brim. #NYCStudentLife #ColumbiaEats #SoulFoodHeaven #HarlemEats #FoodieAdventures #UWSHiddenGems #SoulFoodIsLife #HarlemFoodie #TakeMyMoney