Spaha Soul Introduce
Located in the vibrant and historic neighborhood of Harlem, Spaha Soul is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination for an authentic and heartfelt dining experience. This establishment distinguishes itself not only with its exceptional food but also with its strong community identity, proudly identifying as a Black-owned, LGBTQ+-owned, and veteran-owned business. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of cozy, trendy, and upscale, creating an intimate setting that is ideal for a variety of occasions, from a romantic dinner to a family celebration. Spaha Soul’s commitment to its roots and its community shines through in every detail, from the carefully selected ingredients to the warm and gracious hospitality.
The menu at Spaha Soul is a masterful exploration of traditional soul food and creative soul fusion dishes. The chef, affectionately known as Chef Artist by many returning customers, is celebrated for his dedication to the cultural significance of the ingredients and his passion for creating unforgettable meals. Diners consistently rave about the standout dishes, such as the fantastic fried chicken and the unique Pork Chop and Grits in a Famous Poblano Sauce. The food is not just delicious; it’s a testament to the rich history and flavors of soul cuisine, reimagined with a modern twist. The menu also includes organic dishes, catering to those who appreciate a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
What truly sets Spaha Soul apart is its unique blend of great food, excellent cocktails, and a captivating atmosphere. The addition of live music creates a dynamic and engaging backdrop for your meal, making it an ideal spot for a night out. The restaurant has garnered a reputation for being an unforgettable experience, with customers repeatedly celebrating milestones here and recommending it to others. The personal touch from Chef Artist, who makes every guest feel like family, transforms a simple dinner into a truly special event. This dedication to hospitality and quality makes Spaha Soul a must-visit for anyone in New York seeking a truly special and intimate dining experience.
The restaurant’s inclusive and welcoming nature is a key part of its appeal. It is a known transgender-safe space and is highly recommended for family-friendly gatherings, groups, and tourists. The atmosphere is both comfortable and stylish, making it approachable for a casual night out while still feeling special enough for a celebration. From the great desserts to the impressive wine selection, Spaha Soul ensures every aspect of your visit is top-notch.
Spaha Soul is situated at 2294 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10035, USA, in the vibrant and cultural hub of Harlem. Its location on 2nd Avenue makes it a convenient and accessible destination for both local residents and visitors to the city. The surrounding neighborhood is rich with history and character, adding to the charm of the dining experience. While the restaurant doesn't have dedicated parking, it is easily reachable by various modes of public transportation, and the walkability of the area makes it a pleasant outing.
The restaurant is committed to providing an accessible experience for all patrons. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring a smooth and easy entry. Inside, guests will find a wheelchair-accessible restroom and wheelchair-accessible seating, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to accommodating diverse needs. This focus on accessibility, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, makes Spaha Soul a truly inclusive place for everyone to enjoy a meal.
- Dine-in: Enjoy a full dining experience with table service in a cozy and intimate setting. Reservations are required or highly recommended, particularly for dinner.
- Outdoor Seating: During pleasant weather, guests can opt to sit outside, extending the dining area into the vibrant streets of Harlem.
- Delivery: Spaha Soul offers delivery services, allowing you to enjoy their delicious soul food from the comfort of your own home.
- Catering: For larger events or special occasions, the restaurant provides catering services, bringing their celebrated cuisine to your private gathering.
- Counter Service: In addition to table service, the restaurant offers a counter service option for quick bites or a more casual experience.
- Private Dining Room: For intimate parties or special events, Spaha Soul features a private dining room, providing a dedicated space for your celebration.
- Great Cocktails: Spaha Soul is known for its excellent selection of cocktails, expertly crafted to complement the rich flavors of the food.
- Great Dessert: The dessert menu is a highlight, offering a perfect, sweet conclusion to your meal.
- Live Music: The restaurant frequently features live music, creating a lively and unforgettable atmosphere for diners.
- Black-, LGBTQ+-, and Veteran-Owned: Spaha Soul is proudly identified as a business owned by members of these communities, contributing to the diversity and strength of the local economy.
- Soul Food and Soul Fusion: The menu offers a unique blend of traditional soul food classics and innovative fusion dishes, providing a truly distinct culinary experience.
- Inclusive and Safe Space: The restaurant is known as a transgender-safe space and is very welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, as well as families and groups.
- Organic Dishes: The menu includes organic dishes, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality and fresh ingredients.
- Reservations Recommended: The restaurant accepts reservations and recommends them for dinner, ensuring a smooth and guaranteed seating for guests.
- Upscale Casual Atmosphere: The vibe is a perfect mix of upscale and casual, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions, from a romantic date night to a celebratory dinner with friends.
Address: 2294 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10035, USA
Phone: (347) 463-7387
Spaha Soul is a truly unique dining destination that stands out in the bustling New York food scene. Its primary appeal lies in its exceptional food, which elevates traditional soul cuisine to a new level. The menu, with its mix of classic comfort food and innovative "soul fusion" dishes, offers something for everyone. Customers consistently rave about the **fried chicken, cornbread, and candied yams**, highlighting the restaurant's mastery of these staples. The addition of unique dishes like the **Pork Chop and Grits with Poblano Sauce** showcases the culinary creativity that makes this place so special.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere is a major reason to choose Spaha Soul. The combination of a cozy, intimate setting with the lively energy of live music creates a truly memorable and engaging experience. The restaurant is perfect for special occasions, as it has become a go-to spot for celebrating milestones. The personal touch from the owner and chef, who makes guests feel like family, is a testament to the establishment’s dedication to hospitality. This level of care and attention transforms a meal into an unforgettable event that you will be glad to have experienced.
Furthermore, choosing Spaha Soul means supporting a business that is a cornerstone of its community. As a Black-, LGBTQ+-, and veteran-owned establishment, it represents a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The restaurant is a known safe space, making it a welcoming environment for all. This sense of social responsibility, combined with the excellent food, great cocktails, and inviting atmosphere, makes Spaha Soul a top choice for anyone in New York looking for a dining experience that is both delicious and meaningful. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist, a meal here is a journey into the heart and soul of Harlem.
Spaha Soul Vibe
Traditional Soul
- Chicken Basket $23.00
Buttermilk-fried, baked or BBQ. Chicken breast marinated in buttermilk and spiced. Served with your choice of 2 sides. Choose 2 sides: Candied Yams, Spicy Yams, Cornbread, Collard Greens, Veggies, Mac and 3 Cheeses, SpaHa Rice, Coconut Rice
- The Betty $25.00
Buttermilk-fried chicken smothered in white gravy, served with our SpaHa rice, collards and candied yams
Soul Fusion
- Pork Chop and Grits in Our Famous Poblano Sauce $26.00
Seasoned pork chop served with our creamy home style grits topped with our rich poblano sauce
- Julia Chop $28.00
Tender chop served with our spicy mango sauce, served with coconut rice and fresh veggies
Bone Broths
- Beef Bone Marrow Broth $12.00
Your choice of extra seasonings. Choose a seasoning: Spicy Seasoning, Soffit Seasoning, Caribbean Seasoning
- Poultry Bone Marrows Broth $12.00
Your choice of extra seasonings. Choose a seasoning: Spicy Seasoning, Soffit Seasoning, Caribbean Seasoning
Extra Sides
- Candied Yams $7.00
- Spicy Yams $7.00
- Cornbread $7.00
- Collard Greens $7.00
Spaha Soul Details
From the business
- Identifies as Black-owned
- Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned
- Identifies as veteran-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Live music
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Spaha Soul Photos










Spaha Soul Location
Spaha Soul Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Really nice intimate setting, came here with my family for juneteenth. This is how you do soul food. Fantastic! The watermelon salad, corn bread and fried chicken really stood out. The owner is an amazing person that really cares about the ingredients and cultural significance
June 30 · Michael BlueWe have celebrated a couple of milestones here, and every single time we go, Chef Artist is the most gracious, consummate host, making us feel at home and one of the family on each and every visit.To say that the food was "delicious as usual", is an immense understatement! We thoroughly enjoyed our time and would definitely recommend it.An unforgettable night you will be glad you experienced... CALL HIM AND BOOK IT NOW!!!
January 02 · OJ Walé BaksI had such an amazing time here. My husband David made reservations via text and we used the chef course options that had various course meals that were out of this world. They do have BYOB option, and you need to call/text ahead for reservations. I highly recommend and had such an amazing experience and really good food!
July 08 · Deysi VatmanChef Artist is a warm and inviting person whose personality you can taste in every bite of his food. It’s rich and loving and just a bit complicated. I’d highly recommend Spaha Soul to anyone looking for a special evening with knock you out delicious food.
July 07 · David VThis is such a special experience! The owner is very particular about each detail that fills the space. From the fresh flower cuttings on the table, the meticulous plating (as best showcased on the crab cakes), the personally curated artwork, and the music that permeates the cozy space. The operation seems to have three people at most: the head chef/owner, a sous chef of sorts, and a live musician. The owner and head chef, Artist, is incredibly kind, welcoming, warm, fun, and just a consummate host. You will feel welcomed here.Be patient as you wait for your perfect bites of soul food. We started off with the scrimps, which were served in a lightly spiced roux and deliciously little sliced peppers and onions— accompanied with a delicious side of buttery cornbread. We moved on to a righteous soul food cypher: rosemary fried chicken, baked mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potatoes. Every bit was good. We finished up with the crab cakes, which the musician from Maryland testified were the best. We agree! Fluffy, perfectly seasoned, and delicious.As for the music, the guitarist, Andrew, asked us some questions about what we like to hear, and upon finding out we liked a certain jazz guitarist, proceeded to play a whole album. Unreal!This is a very special place. Bring your lover, your best friends, your dear family, and whomever else deserves a special night made just right. We passed by this place in January 2020, and decided we’d go in the Spring— what a wash that was! So we were really glad that SpaHa Soul survived the pandemic restaurant industry downturn. We can’t wait til we come back again, this time with some friends!Attached are some pictures of the food and space. Unfortunately we didn’t even think to take pictures of the chicken and co— we just jumped in to see what was good!
March 25 · John R
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