Streetbird - Harlem, NY

I'll admit that I boycotted Marcus Samuelsson's first venture in Harlem, Red Rooster, because, despite all his acclaim as a chef and all the great reviews the restaurant had received, I felt like Harlem didn't need another soul food place.  Not even a trendy, fusion-y one.  So, when I saw the sign for Streetbird and discovered this was another Samuelsson spot, I was skeptical, but decided to give it a try because it wasn't just the standard fried chicken, mac and cheese, greens, candied yams, etc.  And I'm glad I did!  I really like everything about this place - the entrees are inventive and deceptively complex and the decor is kitchy, throwback 1980s Harlem - it says in the midst of a neighborhood quickly gentrifying that this place respects the past and invites you into it (perhaps unlike the string of restaurants on U Street in DC that merely pay lip service to the black culture that used to pervade that strip - Marvin, the Brixton - but I digress).  There's plenty to try at Streetbird and none of it will break the bank.  Check out a few of the offerings below.  

Crispy Bird - fried chicken with Smokey Q sauce, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and pickles.

Hot & Messy - toasted cornbread, pulled chicken, poached egg, avocado, peanut butter and bacon.  

Yes!  Sweet potato and garlic parmesan fries!  Why choose?

Love the boom box pillar and the Louis Vuitton panels in the booth cushions!

This iconic sign was originally part of the signage for M&G Soul Food Diner on 125th Street that recently shuttered.