Charlie’s Southern Style Kitchen

2841 Eighth Avenue between 151st and 152nd Streets
212/926.4313
about $15 for two, with two drinks, without tip

It’s hard to find the best fried chicken place in Harlem because there are plenty of places you can choose from. I have to admit, I didn’t even give Charlie’s a chance until I saw a New York Times clipping on their window. But if the Times can make it uptown, there was just no reason why I shouldn’t be eating there, too.

And I’m glad I did. I walked in after 4pm and paid for an all-you-can-eat buffet plate plus a drink for $11.99. Visit before 4pm and the price is $9.99 because it’s not dinner time although I’m pretty sure the food I was paying $2 more for was the same choices from earlier in the day. The fried chicken might not have been freshly fried but it was still delicious. The collard greens and the sweet potatoes were among my favorites. Next door is their take-away store where three fried chicken legs and two sides plus a cornbread cost me $9 another night. If you’re in a hurry, it’s the way to go.