Sigh. Replacing Native with Melba's would be no improvement at all. Melba's food has been our biggest eating disappointment of the year.

I've heard mixed reports about Melba's so not so sure this is a good thing. Haven't heard raves about it.

Melba's food is great atmosphere is fantastic!

I've been living in Harlem all my life and always felt disappointed that I had to trek downtown to have a good time at quality establishment. However, I've been so impressed by the new restaurants and lounges that take the chic Soho-like formula and add a sexxxyy Harlem twist to it, making it hip to the core while not looking tacky or forced.

Anyway...Melba's. I was actually trying to get into Society Coffeehouse across the street but it was packed! My date and I waited a couple minutes to see if anyone left the tables but no luck. So we went across the street to Melba's. This is a chic, cozy restaurant. The decor is perfect. You even have your own DJ there after 7PM spinning the good stuff. We got in at 6:30 and by 7PM the place was packed. The bar area was full as well.

They've got Mojitos...awesome Mojitos! Chock full of mint leaves (best I've had in a long time). The signature drinks are a bit on the expensive side, but with the Happy Hour deal and all they came out to $6 a pop. I had a second Mojito free! I had a Po' Boy Catfish sandwich with spicy fries. Amazing...every morsel with the accompanying spread sauce! The fries had seasoning and were spicy. My date had the fried calamari. She loved it. Everything was enjoyable including our waiter. He couldn't have been more courteous, professional, and above all knowledgeable of the menu. I never felt we had to wait long. I didn't get his name but he was tall, lanky with short cut hair and square framed glasses. Really cool guy! Definitely come to Melba's! Perfect for friends, dates (and first dates), or just having a good meal! The pricing is just right too.