One thing I cannot stand about restaurants or food trucks is having a large menu that you cannot consistently deliver. If you have 10, 15, or 20 items on the menu but most of them are unavailable, what's the point? That pretty much describes my experience with Harlem Seafood Soul. I've driven past this food truck many times while operating the M60 and finally decided to stop and give it a try. Looking at the menu online, I was excited. Catfish, whiting, mac and cheese, collard greens, shrimp and grits, and other soul food favorites all sounded amazing. The problem came when I arrived around 1:30 in the afternoon. I wanted catfish. Sold out. I wanted whiting. Sold out. I wanted mac and cheese. Sold out. I wanted collard greens. Sold out. At that point, most of the options available were shrimp dishes. For a place called Harlem Seafood Soul, I expected more of the soul food menu to still be available in the middle of the day. If items are regularly selling out that early, then either more food needs to be prepared or the menu needs to better reflect what's realistically available. Another thing that surprised me is that I've visited other food trucks and carts that have been featured on TV shows, and many of them have an app, online ordering, or some way to place an order ahead of time. Where do you order Harlem Seafood Soul from? If I'm spending over $30 for lunch, I'd like the option to place my order in advance and have it ready when I arrive. To be fair, the wait wasn't long, and my frustration isn't with the people working there. Everything looked good, and I'm still planning to try the shrimp and grits. My issue is with availability. It's hard to get excited about menu items that aren't there when you arrive. I love supporting Black-owned businesses, and I want Harlem Seafood Soul to succeed. That's exactly why I'm leaving this review. The food sounds delicious, but you've got to do better with keeping your signature menu items available. Customers shouldn't have to arrive before lunchtime is over to have a chance at ordering them. This visit felt like a disappointment. Honestly, I'm not even sure if I want to give it another try. When a menu gets you excited and then most of what you came for isn't available, it leaves a bad first impression. read more

Harlem Seafood Soul - Seafood Near Me

Video visited the spot at City Point Mall food was amazing, customer service was impeccable. Recommend this spot fo anyone to try

I was real deal skeptical at first then I looked around and noticed this was the best smelling spot here, so i tried it and now I'm a shamed that ever doubted. read more

We had a shrimp po' boy and the shrimp and grits. It was meh. The grits were oily/buttery and the shrimp lacked flavor. Overall some salt and spices would have helped. The packaged hot sauce was basically red-colored mild vinegar. It lacked any complexity that would have helped the dish like Crystal or Louisiana hot sauce would have. The po' boy shrimp was tastier, but it was 5 shrimp with too much bread and a mayonnaise-based sauce with literally 1 slice of tomato and 2 leaves of a spring mix blend. It was pretty pathetic. read more

the food was amazing ! great atmosphere as well . I went to the downtown Brooklyn location and Alexis and chef Allen made my experience worth it , the hospitality and great advice they provided me was much needed and much helpful ! when I come back to New York this will fasho be one of my food spots to visit everytime ! -sincerely, a chicagoan read more

I visited this food truck during the Harlem uptown night market. I waited over an hour to get some so I knew it had to be good. She did not disappoint! The seafood combo was delicious I was so glad I waited and now I wish I had more read more

Harlem Seafood Soul - Seafood Combo - Seafood Near Me

Oh my goodness... Traveling from California/Arizona to Harlem/Brooklyn to try this spot was so worth it! Everything, I mean absolutely everything was seasoned & flavorful. The shrimp & and grits were so creamy and tasty that you can really taste the garlic & butter! Whiting filet was so crispy from the first bite to the last. When it says Jumbo Shrimp, you betta believe it. Let me finish with this, those mac & cheese balls are not bites, they are BOMBS Auntie Tami got it goin' on #sistertrip #HarlemSeafoodSoul read more

Harlem Seafood Soul - Seafood Near Me

If you're looking for soul food, this is where it is at. It is a very humble food stand that serves up some fattening yet comforting selection of southern food like shrimp and grits and po boy sandwiches. We got the shrimp and grits and fish po boy and they were pretty solid. The shrimp and grits was $12 but it was pretty small, and the fish po boy was of slightly better value but I could have gotten the food elsewhere for cheaper. Regardless, they were above average in quality, and the grits is overflowing with flavor. It is a bit greasy though, as I can see a spoonful of oil in the shrimp and grits. Definitely share with someone as it could be very filling. Fish po boy was good, a little bit heavy on the mayo. It is something to try, but I feel like the star is the shrimp and grits for sure. For a cherry on top, they were excited that people go to great lengths to check this place out, so they do appreciate the customers. "I appreciate it" as they say. read more

Harlem Seafood Soul - Shrimp and grits - Seafood Near Me

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What a spot!!! The woman who runs this joint is so kind, friendly & happy to share her delicious food with the masses. Spotted this truck outside of my job & had to give the shrimp n' grits a try. She sautéed the shrimp fresh is a (not so) healthy amount of butter and ample garlic. The grits were creamy, hot and a perfect compliment to the shrimp. (And just to respond to that one-star review that said this lady is racist....as a white person, I was treated with warmth and the utmost customer service. Don't be mad just because she's popular and you don't have an in yet at the express line ) read more

Seafood often makes me nervous. Nothing about Seafood at Harlem Seafood Soul makes me nervous. The food really is pretty amazing. I recently had fish and grits and I seriously just threw some hot sauce on it and ate it while sitting on a chair nearby. They even made me an extra piece of fish. So far, everything I have tried is pretty amazing. read more

Harlem Seafood Soul - Grits are amazing! - Seafood Near Me

I ordered all the food and, honey, they are not worth the price and hype. Especially not 3 tiny balls of Mac and Cheese fried for $8 that don't even taste good. Im deeply dissappointed. read more

Harlem Seafood Soul - Mac and cheese fried - Seafood Near Me

Saw Chef Tami on the Netflix series "Street Food USA" and I loved her spirit so much that I was determined to visit Harlem and find her! Safe to say she was just as charismatic in person. Reminded me so much of my favorite auntie. The shrimp & grits were bomb and the fried Mac n cheese balls, OMG! Harlem is blessed to be served by Chef Tami read more

Harlem Seafood Soul - Shrimp & grits! - Seafood Near Me

READ THE REVIEWS. I'm on of those people who are rarely disappointed in places and things I try due to reading the reviews it's important I'm spending money on my FOOD I expect it to be GREAT as a foodie, I saw this place a lot and never went but decided to finally try it out, didn't have cash so I venomed I got 2 spicy fish tacos and Mac and cheese bites. Came out to $17 even. I was the third person to place an order and by the time it got to me the owner kindly let me know she forgot my order so I had to repeat it again and wait even longer she claimed for my kind patience for waiting I would get 3 Mac and cheese bites instead of the normal 2?? They are $7 I expecting 3 and the tacos are $5 a piece. The Mac and cheese bites were hot but not like pull a part yummy you get at the cheesecake factory and it came with no sauce. I got to fish tacos 1 mild and one spicy VERY MEDIOCRE. Literally something you can make it home tortilla wrap and some hot sauce and lettuce and the fish was not like hot and fresh at least I tried it wouldn't come again still going to eat it I spent money on it. read more

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Second time trying this spot because I want to be more intentional about supporting black owned businesses. First time I had shrimp and chips. Shrimp were very good and not as crispy as I like due to travel time but still very good. The fries were yummy! Second time i went with the uptown combo which is fish, shrimp, and fries because I wanted to try the whiting. It was a large portion ($18) and could definitely be shared between 2 ppl, I was just hungry. The shrimp and fries were still very good, nicely seasoned. The fish however was really really tough, definitely over cooked. I could tell it was well seasoned but the texture on the outside and inside made it impossible to actually enjoy. I only ate 1 of the 3 pieces it came with sadly. (Minus 1 star) The second star comes off due to the very strange and off putting interaction I had with the owner at the completion of my order. She asked me if I would like anything on the side and I asked if she had tartar and hot sauce. She then scolded me in a condescending tone about questioning her business and how ppl only question black businesses and believe they don't have their ish together. I was completely taken aback because 1. She did not tell me what condiments she had. If she had named them then I would 100% understand her frustration at me asking. But she simply asked if I would like "anything on the side". 2. It's just not how you speak to a paying customer. Even if you told me you had tartar and I asked again to clarify, you don't become upset and become rude. I felt like I was being talked to like a child. And I think she mistakenly thought she listed what she had to me (she didn't). She also insinuated that I would never ask that question to a white business and then said "my white customers never ask me if I have a particular thing, only ppl my color". Super disappointed because other reviews and IG posts I've seen have shown her as a super friendly and pleasant woman, but I guess I didn't deserve that same treatment? Won't be going back. read more

Came to see the woman herself!!! Very friendly and wholesome interaction. She is a wonderful person to meet, but the line is pretty long since she is so famous now and the food is quite expensive. Not sure if I would go again read more

Honestly the worst customer service I've ever had waited an hour and 13 mins for $16 shrimp and fries for what looked like an $8 portion . Not to make it a race thing but every customer that happened to be non-black was taken care of with the utmost respect and high energy and they came and went with no problems they got their food first multiple orders were placed vs my one order and they still managed to be served while the orders were placed after mine . An hour and 13 min wait and not even an apology or free water was offered WILL NEVER VISIT THIS TRUCK AGAIN. read more

Harlem Seafood Soul - sad $16 shrimp & chips - Seafood Near Me

4th of July, BEST Buttermilk Chicken and Fries. Absolutely delicious!!! The smile on the young man that worked the food truck was an added plus. Amazing home cooking. You have to try it read more

Harlem Seafood Soul - Food Truck - Seafood Near Me

I was very excited to taste the food, but the lady that was cooking was very rude. The previous day My friend and I passed the track and there were no prices on the menu, but we noticed that the prices were listed today. My friend and I walked up to track and my friend mentioned that the prices were there now. The cook lost it and was very rude yelling that "only black people" come to her track and try to bring her down. At first I thought she was joking, so I proceeded to order my food (I had the fish sandwich is was ok, but the macaroni bites were definitely over rated and overpriced...‍‍). I asked how long it will take she said not long. My friend didn't buy anything. I returned to picked up my ordered and she started again. I told her she was very aggressive and she said I don't understand because "I'm not from Harlem." My friend didn't buy anything (and I don't blame her). I won't be giving her anymore business. She continued to talk/yell even after we walked away. Sometimes customer service is key. read more

Decent food truck. I came here after strolling past here a few months ago. Came back to visit after I seen a video on YouTube, featuring Ms Tami! Delighted to return! Had shrimp and grits, fabulous for such a cold day! Heats up your stomach well! Good amount of shrimp! Had the fish taco, was a bit disappointed in this because it was COLD, disappointing, especially since you have to wait so long for your food. She is starting a catering event brunches on Sundays! I would love to go to that! read more

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Not worth it. Unprofessional. No care for customers. Acting like a celebrity. Will not visit again

I went to the location in the Dekalb Market hall in Brooklyn after seeing that they have po' boy sandwiches. The shrimp po' boy was good but I am extremely disappointed with my side order of fries. The sides are $6 (the po' boy does not come with fries) and I promise you I received 20-25 shoestring fries. The equivalent for what you would find in a kids meal. They were also very undercooked. For $6 I could have just went inside the Trader joes and purchased a whole bag of fries. Talk about a waste of money! :( read more

Best shrimp and grits I've ever had! Chef Tami and the rest of the crew are a delight. Also a big fan of the shrimp po boy

I've been wanting to try this food truck for the longest!! It would always be closed by the time I'd get to it. So yesterday when I walked past it I decided to stop by and give it a try. I ordered the vegan (tofu) taco and a fish taco. Both were very good, but I was impressed with the vegan taco! The seasoning was great and it had the texture of a flaky fish. I wish they offered grilled fish in addition to fried. I will be back though to try the fish & grits...they were out of it yesterday. Now for the real STAR of the seafood truck show...TAMMY!! Her personality is AMAZING! I love her. She makes you feel like family and will tell it like it tis...just like ya mama or auntie would. She's a riot. Lol. read more

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Uptown Combo + Grits from @harlemseafoodsoul sad face emoji because I am no longer in NewYork so I can't eat these anymore. THE BEST FRIED SEAFOOD AND GRITS I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE COME BY AND ORDER DONT THINK ABOUT IT TOO LONG. Tami is amazing and full of sass and I expect nothing less from an NY resident! read more

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I've been meaning to try out Chef Tami's stellar cuisine ever since moving to Harlem a few years ago. My partner and I split the shrimp po'boy and an order of mac and cheese bites and we will be back asap. Chef Tami's garlic aioli, fresh baked bread, and excellent spice blend made her po'boy the best I've had (by far). The mac and cheese bites were creamy, huge, and just what we needed on a cold December afternoon. Aside from the excellent food, Chef Tami is an absolute gem, radiating joy and taking the time to explain how much thought goes into her recipes. We thoroughly enjoyed our first experience and are looking forward to trying the whole menu in our next visits! read more

By far the best fried fish I've had in the tri state area. The owner makes everyone feel welcome. The Mac and cheese balls were absolutely My only complaint is that the fried shrimp was a bit salty. Besides that Great customer service! Overall 4 stars! Harlem landmark' read more

first time coming to this delicious food truck and will definitely come back again. chef tami was sweet as ever and clearly put her soul into her grits. we got the grits with shrimp and mac and cheese balls. both were a 10 out of 10 delicious!!! i recommend her to everyone. read more

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Used my ENTIRE 1 hour lunch waiting for overpriced fish and chips. There were approximately 8 people ahead of me. I expected maybe to wait 30mins as my order would be simple. There was confusion as to where the line was because people will milling about and standing and staring. Owner made a nasty comment about people not knowing how to form a line. As a business owner, why can't you make an announcement as you take orders for people to step to the left or right. Somehow people who came after me and ordered more food received their food before I did. If you are NOT black and have an accent, you will get your food right away. I am all for supporting black businesses but the service I received was just ridiculous. Just because you know how to cook doesn't mean you know how to get your food out to the customers smoothly. The food was fresh but having to basically inhale my food because I had 5 mins left ruined it for me. I was so disappointed. I won't be back. The wonderful spirit others mentioned in their reviews - the owner must be selective in sharing that side of her. Shame. read more

Ran across this food truck around the 20s and 6th Avenue late at night while on my way home. I decided to give it a try and ordered the fish and chips and thought it was pretty amazing stuff. Would definitely recommend this food truck if you happen to pass by if for some good soul food! read more

The fish is perfectly seasoned and fried.There are a choice few people in the world who properly fry fish If you love fried fish you know there's an art to it and Harlem Seafood Soul are making master pieces! read more

Harlem Seafood Soul - I'm big E and I approved this seafood! - Seafood Near Me

Decided to try it at the Uptown Night Market. There were 2 women working at the food truck an older woman(cook) and what seemed to be a younger relative/granddaughter. The older woman was very rude and told everyone to add $1 dollar to the original price. She was supposed to be cooking and the younger woman was taking the orders. I waited for almost 45 minutes because the cook spent more time arguing with the girl than actually putting out orders. When I finally got part of my order and asked for the rest of my order she told me to "Chill the f#ck out!" The is the worst customer service I have ever experienced. The food was salty and every order comes out between 45 minutes to an hour. read more

Chef Tami was an absolute delight, and I will be coming back to try everything on her menu. I'm completely new to Harlem and this has been my favorite food so far. I ordered the fish po boy and it was massive! It tasted so, so good. This was my first time trying a po boy, and I'm really happy that it came from such a great local business. Such a great gem in this vibrant city. read more

I never thought I could have found the best fish and grits for less that $15. I swear the chef went to Wakanda, visited the ancestral plane, grabbed some Vinranoum, and mixed it in the grits. 5 out of 5 - deep love read more

Where do I begin? I'll start with the excellent and flawless service each time you come to the cart. There is an organic familial feel when you encounter Ms. Tami and her staff. I always compare it to being in my Auntie's kitchen during Thanksgiving meal prep! All the bites are mouth watering but if I had to highlight my favorites it would be -Shrimp & Grits -Wings & Waffles -Whiting Po-Boy -Mac-n-Cheese bites No matter what day of the week or time of day I patronize, the food is always consistently delicious! I go back again and again because comfort food and dynamic conversation are an additive to the experience. It is clear that Tami and her staff have a passion for what they do. It shows in every meal prepared. -Eboni N. Harlem, NYC read more

Four words you'll need to know are "Mac and Cheese bites." It's everyone's favorite and there's plenty of other delicious bites too. read more

Harlem Seafood Soul - All you need to know is "Mac and Cheese Bites." - Seafood Near Me

Food is excellent. The staff is friendly and approachable. I love the fact that real soulfood is being brought back to Harlem. Highly recommend. read more

Harlem Seafood Soul - Seafood Near Me

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Overpriced! Very small portions. I ordered the shrimp and grits and on taste alone I give it 5 stars. However, I paid $12 expecting the big brown container I saw in the pictures of other reviewers. Instead, I got a small container that looks like an ice cream cup from Baskin Robins (pic attached). I don't eat big portions and am usually the type to have leftovers when I go out to eat. Not this time. I am still hungry after eating this which is probably why I'm giving it 2 stars, I'm hangry!! I know seafood is expensive but I rather spend those $12 down the block at Olive Garden where I would also get a salad and bread sticks with my meal. UPDATE: The chef/owner sent me a message informing me the brown containers were 12 oz and the new white containers are 16 oz. Apparently the brown containers were leaking and had to be replaced. The pictures are misleading because those brown containers look bigger. I appreciate her kind response and want to emphasize that there are no complaints about freshness and taste. It was the best grits I've had in a long time. read more

Harlem Seafood Soul - shrimp & grits - overpriced! $12 for ice cream cup - Seafood Near Me

I always look forward to meetings at the State Office Building because I get to stop by to see Tami. It is not just the food that is so good; I just love talking to her. Tami is an example of why Small Businesses are so important to our community. She has to make a living, but she is always there to look out for others in her community. We always have wonderful conversations while we are there. She also uses an eco-friendly cart that relies on solar panels if that is important to you. As for the food, I love her shrimp and grits, fish and grits, and Po Boy sandwiches. The fries are seasoned well, too, if you are looking for a little snack. She started selling a soup of the day, too. I tried the Crab and Corn Chowder, which was well worth it. The prices do seem high for a food truck, but that is because of the quality. You may have to wait a little longer because of that, too, but that is how you know that it is well prepared. read more

Seafood has no taste , service was the worst lady at the window had a very bad foul language. Wouldn't recommend it to my worse enemy !

I was definitely looking forward to a 5-star experience. Food was good, but I am also from the South. Different experience from the avg NY'er. She was a sweet heart, hooked me up w a piece of fish too because "I was cute" read more