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This is an excerpt from an article that originally appeared in Essence Magazine 3 years ago.  Some of the restaurants featured in the original article have closed their doors for one reason or another. It seems as if restaurants in Harlem stand about the same chance of success as contestants at the Apollo.  Amateurs need not bother opening up an establishment in Harlem unless they are going to come correct with the taste factor and the general atmosphere.

Harlem is home to great places to eat. Most are modest, with reasonable prices and hearty portions. No matter which eatery you choose, you’re bound to have a dining experience with local color and character. In addition to traditional and contemporary takes on southern cooking, you’ll find places specializing in African, Caribbean. Latin and East Indian fare. Follow this guide for uptown restaurants to match your every dining mood.

We polled locals for their favorite spots, and these are the enthusiastic recommendations:

Starting around noon, deals are the order of the day at Londel’s Supper Club. Politicians, business leaders and other pacesetters gather to talk and enjoy lunchtime dishes like savory carrot soup, fried whiting sandwiches and grilled chicken salads. And most know to save room for the warm bread pudding with caramel sauce. 2620 Frederick Douglass Blvd.; (212) 234-6114.

GOSPEL BRUNCH

Copeland’s is one of many restaurants that can make your taste buds sing and your toes tap on a Sunday afternoon. There’s a live show and a buffet laden with jambalaya, fried apple rings, warm biscuits and other Southern classics. 549 W. 145th St.; (212) 234-2356. Sylvia’s also features uplifting, after-church meals and music.

COZY CORNERS

Bayou, just off bustling 125th Street, has a mellow vibe. Creole and Cajun specialties, like the spinach salad with fried crawfish tails, practically transport you to the Big Easy. 308 Lenox Ave. (aka Malcolm X Blvd.); (212) 426-3800.

CLASSIC SOUL

Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too feels like a country kitchen with its full menu of sentimental favorites. Can’t make up your mind? Try the generous sampler plate. 366 W. 110th St.; (212) 865-6744. Sister restaurant Miss Maude’s Spoonbread Too is at 547 Lenox Ave.; (212) 690-3100.

Sylvia’s–Sylvia Woods, known as the Queen of Soul Food, opened her restaurant in 1962, and it has become known around the world. 328 Lenox Ave.; (212) 996-0660.

Perk’s Fine Cuisine–This long-running establishment, serving soul and standard American fare, sits in a row of timeless brownstones. 553 Manhattan Ave.; (212) 666-8500.

Amy Ruth’s–Famed for generous portions of well-prepared dishes as well as celebrity patrons, it quickly became a dining landmark. 113 W. 116th St.; (212) 280-8779.

Africa–Its Senegalese fish and vegetable stew, thiebu djen, draws a dedicated following. 247 W. 116th St.; (212) 666-9400.

HOT NEWCOMERS

Home Sweet Harlem Cafe, with easy chairs and a homey setting, offers soups, sandwiches and salads made with natural and organic ingredients. 270 W. 135th St.; (212) 926-9616.

Revival--Soulful cooking in an artsy environment. 2367 Frederick Douglass Blvd.; (212) 222-8338.