Amy Ruth's, named for the grandmother of founder/former owner Carl Redding, has been putting the "art" in "heart attack" since 1998 with its perfect renditions of mouthwatering Southern favorites. Mac and cheese, fall-offthe- bone ribs, and chicken and waffles (called The Rev. Al Sharpton on the menu here) attract long lines of soul food lovers, tourists and late-night diners looking to satisfy their south-of-the-Mason-Dixon flavor voids. The "waffle menu" even pairs waffles with more unorthodox items such as The Dougie Fresh (waffles and fried whiting) and The Larry Dais (waffles and rib eye). Turkey meat loaf, chicken and dumplings, and other specials rotate daily while collard greens, string beans and buttered corn accompany any meal nicely. A slice of pineapple coconut cake will ensure another visit in the near future. Cash only. No alcohol available. BYOB. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Open 24 hours Fri–Sat.
Where the Locals Eat rating
Best Soul Food
Top 100 Restaurant, New York City
"Amy Ruth's succeeds in presenting Southern food that manages to be up-to-date without sacrificing time-honored traditions. ... Chicken is served with waffles ... [which] are wonderful, crisp yet fluffy, served fresh from the waffle iron."
—The New York Times
"Amy Ruth's ... serves some of the city's finest Southern cooking. Fried chicken is nearly perfect . ... Mac and cheese has just the right balance of gooey and crispy."
—Time Out New York
How others rate Amy Ruth's
The New York Times
Top Pick
New York magazine
Critics' Pick
Zagat 2009
21 food rating (very good to excellent)
Time Out New York
Critics' Pick