The soul food institution’s new location is focused on takeout and delivery
Harlem soul food institution Amy Ruth’s has opened a new fast-casual version of the restaurant near Manhattan’s Union Square.
The new venue is decorated along similar lines as the flagship, with orange and yellow walls and murals of prominent Black figures, including Whitney Houston, Muhammad Ali, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X. However, the menu has been streamlined to cater to a busy crowd that, unlike at the Harlem location, must order at the counter.
The original Amy Ruth’s opened in Harlem on W. 116th St. on Mother’s Day of 1998. Owner Carl Redding named it for his grandmother, Amy Ruth Moore Bass. The kitchen has always been overseen by Sister Jannette Robinson, who is also overseeing operations in Union Square. The restaurant has long been praised for its chicken & waffles and other home-style cooking. It counts among its fans celebrities including Kendrick Lamar and Whoopi Goldberg.
Although the service style is different, Robinson said the food remains the same, and the website of the new location promotes ordering for delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
"I grew up eating these recipes every Sunday with my mother and sisters," she said in a statement. "My style of cooking is meant to feel like a home-cooked meal from your grandmother, made with love and care."
Many menu items are named for Black luminaries, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, which is the restaurant’s waffles topped with chicken that’s either fried or smothered in a rich gravy for $21.95, The Nate Robinson, which is barbecue pork spare ribs priced between $21.50 and $27.50, and honey-dipped fried chicken called The Reggie Harris for $20.95-$26.95.
Baked and barbecue chicken are available as well, as are a variety of side dishes including candied yams, mac & cheese, and collard greens simmered with brown sugar and apple cider vinegar.
The lemonade is freshly squeezed, and dessert highlights include sweet potato pie and bread pudding.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
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