Red Rooster Harlem

Across the street from old guard stalwart Sylvia's, renowned Swedish-American chef Marcus Samuelsson has solidified his place as an urban visionary restaurateur with a menu that is a post-modern mash-up: Southern comfort foods versus Samuelsson's Northern European roots. The buttermilk marinated ribs, fried chicken and waffles, grits and catfish keep company with Helga's meatballs and gravlax. It perfectly captures the culinary spirit of this fast gentrifying neighborhood. The eatery's red-hot bar scene and Sunday brunch, which features live music, are New York essentials du jour. The patio is perfect for people-watching.