I really wanted to like this spot. I've been here once, but years ago at their first location. It's definitely the place to be because it seemed like everyone and their momma was here this past Saturday. Sooo, let me start by saying be prepared to WAIT. This is not the place for rushing in and out.

We started with a 40 minute wait. I don't visit Harlem often, so decided on a stroll of the neighborhood and grabbed a drink at Harlem Tavern across the street to cool down. Walked back and told they didn't have a reservation, after a few conversations we now had to wait again for about 15 mins or so because there were no seats. Honestly, who would want to leave with a DJ and festivities around them. Anyway, once we sat, a waiter arrived soon after with water and asked our order which we put in 10 mins in. Ordered a peach bellini with lobster and crab cake eggs benedict, plus a cornbread basket. We also ordered the shrimp and grits. The food took another close to what seemed like an hour arrive. Now, "when in Rome"...you know the rest..lol. The bellini was perfect and strong. It was peachy, refreshing and light, but strong. But lawd..the eggs benedict was a disaster. I made the huge mistake of ordering something I tend to love elsewhere at a soul food spot. I really should have stuck with the usuals like fried chicken, pancakes and grits. When being fancy goes wrong..lol The poached eggs were sooo soupy, drenched the entire plate, the crab cake wasn't cake at all, just seemed like crab meat mixed with tiny bits of lobster claw spooned onto the plate with a small biscuit thrown to the side. I think I was going to accept my fate, what drew the line was the wilted salad. Not much care taken into creating this dish, especially seeing it's $42. I tried to fork through, though the crab and lobster had great flavor, I couldn't stomach the plate. My waitress was extremely kind and gracious enough to return the plate and asked if I wanted something else. I settled for their usual fried chicken and pancakes. A manager came over and also apologized about the plate and mentioned the new order would take about 20 minutes. We waited. But then the waitress returned mentioning that my order is going to take a while since there were two parties of 15 at the rear of the restaurant. She had no timeframe. My friends had already finished eating and tired of the many long waits, I cancelled my order.

I'd have to say this was a first. Leaving a restaurant without eating..lol Though I did nibble on cornbread and it was rich, dense and flavorful.

My advice to management is to do better about time management and swifter service. With the added music which we love, people will honestly not want to leave. But what will help with the 90 min meal time is pushing the orders out. The food must be out faster for better turnaround time. By the time we left, there was at least 15 people waiting to be seated. Also, the host and hostess were uncoordinated which made the waiting period frustrating.

Overall, my wait staff was friendly and accommodating given the hectic situation. I would rate this spot 4 stars. The wait is excruciating and food turnaround is slow. I will return however, but more around the less busy hours. Still a great atmosphere for girls night, merriment and socializing.