Margie’s Red Rose Diner

Very good eating place! Go, get some! Treat yourself today! The place is clean and very inviting.

Authentic, delicious, soul food. Order comes out as it is ready (family style). We’ll be back!

This is one of the hardest reviews to write. It’s a place that you want to love, but the owners just aren’t restauranteurs. I’ll start with the great, end with the bad, and pray that the owners hire someone who knows how to run a restaurant.
The proprietors are incredibly sweet. The restaurant was passed down from mother to daughter. The daughter even offered us a newspaper!
The place is clean and bright. The bathroom is immaculate.
The food is very good. In fact, the owner told us it is cooked to order.
And therein lay the problem. It was cooked to order. Literally, dishes were cooked in the order they were placed. We were warned! We just didn’t understand the warning. First, my chicken came out. I ate it. When I finished eating, my friend’s turkey came out. He ate it. When he was finished, a third friend’s lunch came out. When he was finished, a fourth. When he was finished, our final friend got his food.
None of us has ever EVER been to a restaurant that cooks meals one-​at-​a-​time. The couple that came in after us waited 20 mins for their tea and didn’t get their lunch until after we left.
I had to track down the owners for the bill in the kitchen, and she orally told us the sum without giving us a printed bill.
PLEASE hire a consultant. Hire someone who knows how to run a restaurant. Your food is great but I would never ever subject my friends to a meal in which everyone ate separately.

One Christmas recently my grandmother sent me home with a sweet potato pie that was magnificent in the way a grandmother’s pies often are. Once home, my partner ate a slice of her own grandma’s pie in anticipation of calling her to let her know how amazing it had been. Unfortunately, before she could dial, I offered her a slice of MY grandmother’s confection which blew her own out of the water to the point that she could no longer tell her grandma how amazing her pie was in good conscience.
That same sense of deep betrayal and pleasure laden shame is exactly how I felt after brunch at Margie’s Red Rose Diner. The crispy savoriness of her smothered chicken tenders redefined soul food. The sinful candied yams were icing on the cake. The baked mac and cheese, solid, though not life-​altering, rounded out an itis episode that would last well into the evening.
No less spirit-​stirring was the pleasant and informative conversation shared with the proprietor, the late Margie’s daughter, who regaled us with neighborhood history tidbits, details about how she refined her mother’s more vague recipes, and humbly avoided numerous requests to publish a cookbook so that I and my successors would never have to live without her gravy.
If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to partake in this multi-​generational Harlem gem, make it your next brunch date, you won’t regret it.

I must say I had some reservations about this location at first, based on it being across the street from the PJs. My job booked our holiday party here. Don’t judge this book by its cover! If you’re searching for genuine soul food in what’s left of Black Harlem, go to Margie’s!
The food is fantastic: succulent chicken tenders, sweet sweet potatoes, soft collard greens, and the fried whiting is battered nicely. The food isn’t heavy and that mac and cheese?! No other spot in Harlem is touching that mac n cheese. For dessert, I had the German chocolate cake — dusted in coconut flakes. It was delicious, truly. Hot sauce on every table and my coworkers were licking their spoons clean from the lemonade pie.
Support this business, especially if you want REAL down home soul food that won’t put you in a diabetic coma.

I love this place, although you’d walk right by it if you didn’t know it was there but once inside the warm hospitality and delicious made to order food is top notch. This is not a fast paste Resturant each meal is made to your individual liking one at a time so if you’re going with a large group there will be a bit of a wait but trust me the found is well worth the wait. The owners are dolls love these people and the bathroom is clean and that’s always a plus. Go there and try the smothered pork chops with home fries
de-​lic-​ous

Can’t rate! We showed up ready to eat. You cannot dine on the weekends without calling ahead so the chef can prepare your meals. The restaurant was empty but since she only cooks to order we couldn’t eat there. Call first!

Do you know the feeling that you get at a holiday gathering, with loved ones and family warming up your soul? With a dog at your lap, the fireplace roaring, and grandma serving some great food?
That is what Margie’s Red Rose Diner provides you. It provides you not just amazing soul food, but that feeling of love and family.
MAKE SURE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS. I didn’t, and I felt SO bad because it just causes them hassle that they don’t need. It’s uncommon, but it’s part of the system at this establishment so just go ahead and make one.
«Mama» Coco is an absolute gem of a person and makes you feel like you’re at home before you even sit down. She treats you like family, and it just makes you feel fuzzy inside. She is the essence of grace, and was nice enough to replace my drink immediately when I spilled it.
The food is outstanding. Seasoned, cooked, and clearly made with love. The candied yams are to die for, and everything was fabulous.
If you want to have fabulous food with old-​fashioned Southern Hospitality, do yourself a favor and visit Margie’s. They really don’t make places like this anymore in our I-​phone obsessed world. It’s a very special place.

Finally had the pleasure of dining at Margie’s this past weekend. I had heard so much about it but, having been disappointed by so many soul food spots in Manhattan, my expectations were tempered.
Well…it’s now Tuesday and I’m still thinking about the pork chop dinner I had on Saturday. I’m even more upset at my buddy who kept digging into my plate after devouring his own. Coko, who runs the business with her husband, prepares each meal fresh and you can taste the difference. It’s a reservation-​only joint as they prefer to know your order ahead of time if possible so they can begin preparing the food before your arrival. I think I’m going to start carrying a menu around in my pocket just in case.
The food isn’t the only thing wonderful here. Enjoyed my conversation with Coko immensely and the place itself has that cozy ambience to match the soulful food. Looking forward to coming back here, probably for brunch. And this time, no one gets to eat off my plate.

Margie’s Red Rose was an absolute delight. Once you’re inside you’re greeted by Coco and her husband. Both are very hospitable and know exactly how to make their customers feel at home. This is a true down home spot! First and foremost, make a reservation before you go and be sure to give them your order before hand.
This is crucial, as it can get quite busy and you’ll be guaranteeing yourself a seat. You’ll be more than happy once you arrive and receive your hot meal within 10 – 15 minutes of getting there. The food was delicious. When I go to any soul food restaurant, its an absolute must that I try the fried chicken, mac and cheese with collard greens combo. Boy was it tasty, the fried chicken came in boneless strips with just the right amount of seasoning. I absolutely enjoyed my meal. I even tried the pork chops my friend ordered and that too was AMAZING!
I just have to give a special shout out to Cocoa, we spent a considerable amount of time talking with her and she is such an amazing host. You just don’t see that type of hospitality any more and it certainly resonated with the both of us. I will definitely go back again. I also tried the lemon pie for desert, very very tasty! Go check this place out!

Just moved into the neighborhood and saw here on Unilocal that this place was a well-​rated diner. Came at about 10:20a, 20 minutes after opening and there was one family in the establishment, but was told that it is reservation-​only on the weekend. Ok, there must have been some groups coming that weren’t here yet. The owner got out the schedule and it was completely empty, yet we had to make one an hour later. Came back for our specified time and it was still empty. Not sure why they were so insistent on these reservations, as everyone that came in got the same runaround and were perplexed.
That being said, the food was phenomenal. One of us he the pancakes, the other French Toast, both wig eggs and bacon. Each was made to order and brought out immediately after. It looked perfect on the plate and tasted just the same. Will definitely come back for their chicken dinners. Word of advice from the proprietors: call ahead with your order so they can prep it and then immediately start making it when you arrive.
Odd seating policies aside, a local greasy-​spoon gem where the quality and friendly chef make it worthy visit.

I will likely edit my review when i return, but for now:
What I Loved About It:
1. Coko is a gem. She is genuine to the core and I felt nothing less than love from her. In fact, she is the reason why I am rooting for her and her husband’s success.
2. The sage sausage
3. The lemonade pie
4. The home fried were so bomb
What I Hope to Love About It:
1. The smothered pork chops. The gravy had a great flavor but it had undeniable coagulated texture that wasn’t made for covering your rice.
For the life of me, I could NOT tell which parts of the pig were actually on my plate. Maybe a loin cut? Definitely not the center cut. There was little to no meat on those bones (with the great flavor)
2. The salmon cakes. They were out of them the day we were there.
3. The string beans. Canned or frozen, I couldn’t tell.
4. The yellow cake with chocolate icing. I wanted a piece. I saw it there in the case. But when I ordered it, it was (very politely) suggested that I try something else. Stale?
5. The service. I have no problem with the wait time. We knew to eat before we got there, even though we didn’t. So, ok, My daughter was close to passing out before the food arrived — no biggie. HOWEVER, please don’t let our dirty plates remain on the table 20 minutes after we’ve finished eating. That’s no fun. And if you see empty water glasses, would you mind re-​filling them for us?
6. The grits. hashtag watery.
Harlem is my hometown and old school diners mean more to me, than you know. I am going to go back with faith that we showed up on an off day.
Love, Nicole.

Let me just start by saying that I would give Margie’s Red Rose Diner 4 stars simply because Coco, the owner and chef, is the kindest and gentlest soul you’ll ever meet! This was my first time ordering here and we ordered take out on a Friday night at 8:30pm because I knew we wouldn’t make it to the spot by 9pm. My hubs and I ordered the boneless fried chicken, two sides of mac-​n-​cheese, candied yams and some AH-​MAZING green beans. Yes, green beans were amazeballs. She called as i was on my way to make sure i was still coming and when I arrived she said, «Now I can start cooking.» Then she explained that everything at the restaurant is made fresh to order and she likes for folks to get there so that it’s piping hot and we can enjoy it. I loved it and waited only about 5 minutes for our food to be ready. The place is a small diner, no frills but the hospitality and the energy in the restaurant make you feel right at home and loved! She asked if I had been there before and then asked what brought me to her restaurant and I told her Unilocal reviews. She said, «I love my customers! I hope you can back because I serve breakfast all day long and make home made pancakes everyday!» Sold. I love pancakes and the fact that this place reminds me of being at my grandmother’s or a relative’s house is enough for me to return.
The food is RIDICULOUSLY delicious. The macaroni and cheese was cheesy and delicious, the fried chicken was perfectly spiced and crispy and the candied yams were heaven. The green beans were the best green beans I’ve had in a long time and it was still pretty hot by the time I got home. The BBQ and the honey mustard is also really great, but it might be that good because everything else is so yummy!
Stop by and enjoy some home-​made southern goodness with one of the kindest and loveliest people in the neighborhood. The restaurant is owned by Coco and her husband Big Poppa. Loved the experience, loved Coco and I will be back for those pancakes soon. Buen Provecho!

What a pleasant surprise! I must have walked by this place a dozen times. So glad I finally went in.
I had the Boneless chicken, mac and cheese and mixed greens. The portions are generous but I guarantee you will not mind. The food is delicious.
The place is nice and clean and the owner is very nice. Shes attentive and provides good customer service.
Definitely recommended! I will be back!

Classic dive café with awesome food service and family atmosphere. They serve up pretty decent food-​better than what you can usually get around 145^th. I wouldn’t go in there if I had to rush somewhere – they cook to order and it took about 1.5 to get my breakfast. I also needed to order twice as much as usual because the servings were a bit slim. But good decent fresh tasty family food and the price is right.

I came into this place looking for a good brubch spot. Upon arrival I wasnt sure this was the place I had read about. However I had the BEST brunch ever! I had strawberry pecan pancakes with homefries and scambled eggs. My company also had whiting fish which was divine as well. The food was great and so was the staff. I will definitely be back ASAP!
Note: Everything is made to order so whoever orders first will get their food first.
Enjoy!

I don’t even like pork. But I had to steal some from my wife’s order of smothered pork chop because it looked so good. The taste, however, defies words. Such flavor and texture. We extended our limits and cleaned everything up. My order of smothered chicken breast was excellent too. Our friends ordered the whiting and sage sausage with pancakes. Everything was top-​notch tasty. The sides were good, but the candied yam, I dream about. I wish I had ordered a tub home.
As everyone says, Coco is a sweetheart. Clearly a woman full of love, it is no wonder why her food tastes so good. And if things weren’t good enough, she gifted us a slice of the lemonade pie. Oh my. So good.
One of my favorite dining experiences in America. Simple but delicious.

Absolutely incredible. I was born in Alabama, and since moving up north ten years ago, I hadn’t found satisfactory soul food. This place is it.
Owner is the nicest woman in the world, daughter of Margie, the original owner, after whom the restaurant is named. Margie, as I was told, was from South Carolina. In SC, the folks can cook a meal. I had sage sausage, eggs and grits with collard greens. I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
Wonderful hidden gem, can’t wait to go back!

This is probably my favorite restaurant in NYC.
That said, the food is great. The staff is better. Food is made-​to-​order, so it takes a while to get your food, so come here with some extra time… Not if you’re on a right schedule. Bring a magazine lol.
Best eats: the pancakes (Duh!)
You will understand.
Koko/​Coco is an amazing cook and person. She knows my order by heart and doesn’t bother to give me a menu now!
This is also the only place if business I have Facebooked as a Friend. Enough said…
Oh yeah, one last thing… Allow time for a nap after you eat.

Hello,
Diner afro-​américain très sympathique tenu par la fille de Margie et son mari, tous les deux d’une extrême gentillesse.
Il semble que pour gouter les plats classiques il faille y aller le we; mais bien que nous y soyons allé en semaine nous avons pu profiter des plats communs au petits déjeuner et au déjeuner: très bon, copieux et très chaleureux
Une adresse très sympathique et très new yorkaise (pas dans le sens branché mais vrai)

Guess what? They’re back open! Hoot! Holler! Or as Busta Rhymes would say, «WHOA HAH!»
Rusty and I were walking by after shooting some hoops and reading some Stephen King (yes, we’re hipsters) when I finally spotted Margie’s! It’s hard to spot, but we decided to pop in to check out their menu. We were greeted by such a friendly (and small) staff. The inside was surprisingly clean and bold. Random adornments that added so much charm. We were sold on the place and promised to come back before the end of next week…
Low and behold, we ended up there that night, we just couldn’t wait. They were happy to see us and we were happy that the place wasn’t crowded at 8 p.m.
We sat down and I pretty much already knew what I wanted. They serve breakfast all day, so that made it easy. I got the salmon cakes entrée. Usually it comes with grits, home-​fries, eggs and a corn biscuit, however, I had eggs and grits for breakfast so they allowed me to substitute the grits for a side salad.
Rusty got three of the sides (mac and cheese, collard greens and potato salad). Did I mention we’re not eating meat until Thanksgiving? Hence why there was no ordering of smothered turkey wings or fried chicken. Shucks y’all.
The food is cooked to order, which I appreciate, which I love, which I respect. At first, they were sad to tell me that I’d only be getting one salmon cake (chef needed to make more), which I was okay with. We waited for a bit longer and were so delighted when our food came.
Portions are perfect. Not out of control. And they were able to make me two salmon cakes! Score! My salmon cakes were perfectly fried, not greasy or salty, just hot, fresh and flavorful! I wish mine were this good! Coupled with the delicious home fries and the simple refreshing house salad, this was killer.
Russell’s sides were also dabommmm. The mac and cheese was not too cheesy, not too salty, again, perfect balance of ingredients. The greens (no ham hocks here!) were so hot and fragrant and not too soft. I hate when greens are overcooked. Lastly the potato salad tasted just like my mother’s. I am not lying. Mom, I love you… but this place has stolen your recipe.
No condiments needed, no napkins to blot grease, I just reveled in this deliciously satisfying meal. While we were eating, Michael, one of the friendly servers at Margie’s greeted us with a cornmeal muffin. This thing was to die for. Do they grind up the corn for their meal in the kitchen? I don’t know, but it sure tastes like it.
While we were eating, business picked up with some regulars and some other newbies like us. All guests were treated with warmth and affection. This is what I appreciate the most in an establishment… business owners that I appreciate their customers. Even though it was only our first time I here, I felt like we were being welcomed into someone’s home, not just another restaurant.
Despite being full, we were tempted into trying the Lemonaid Pie. Interesting Reminiscent of lemon meringue but much lighter texture. Rus and I shared a slice and it was the perfect way to end our meal.
If you’re in a rush, this might not be your first stop (although you can call ahead, it seems, for faster service). But really, why rush? Our culture needs to learn how to appreciate food and hospitality again… Enjoy yourself, enjoy your food, enjoy your company and enjoy your hostess.
This meal was only $ 28 including tip. Nothing on the menu is more than $ 12 or $ 13. They will be serving brunch starting next weekend as well. Small, but quaint, comfortable. Real, and I mean REAL HOME-​COOKING. Amy Ruth’s…you better watch out. Now I have no reason to partake in your over-​salted food! Margie’s is my pick!