Shawnaes House
An intimate Staten Island gem serving award-winning soul food with unparalleled warmth and hospitality.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Shawnaes House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An intimate Staten Island gem serving award-winning soul food with unparalleled warmth and hospitality.
"The food was some of the best we’ve ever had - true soul food in a cosy, homely restaurant!"
🎯 Book Months Ahead!
Reservations are essential due to limited seating. Plan your visit well in advance!
🚢 Enjoy the Ferry Ride
The Staten Island Ferry offers great views and is a fun way to get to the restaurant.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous Collard Greens
Main Courses
Described as bold and unforgettable, these greens are a must-try for any soul food enthusiast.
Award-Winning Fried Chicken
Appetizers & Main Courses
Crispy, perfectly seasoned, and a consistent crowd-pleaser. Available with various delicious sauces.
Homely Ambiance
Dining Area
Feel like you're dining in a cozy living room, complete with personal touches and warm greetings.
Chef Shaw-Nae's Personal Touch
Throughout the Restaurant
The owner and chef often greets guests, sharing stories and making everyone feel like family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservations Are Essential
Getting There: The Ferry Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Months Ahead!
Reservations are essential due to limited seating. Plan your visit well in advance!
🚢 Enjoy the Ferry Ride
The Staten Island Ferry offers great views and is a fun way to get to the restaurant. +1
🏠 Embrace the Homey Vibe
The restaurant feels like a cozy living room. Relax and enjoy the warm, family-like atmosphere. +1
🍗 Don't Miss the Wings!
The chicken wings, especially with unique sauces like 'Sugar Daddy,' are a highly recommended starter.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Months Ahead!
Reservations are essential due to limited seating. Plan your visit well in advance!
🚢 Enjoy the Ferry Ride
The Staten Island Ferry offers great views and is a fun way to get to the restaurant. +1
🏠 Embrace the Homey Vibe
The restaurant feels like a cozy living room. Relax and enjoy the warm, family-like atmosphere. +1
🍗 Don't Miss the Wings!
The chicken wings, especially with unique sauces like 'Sugar Daddy,' are a highly recommended starter.
💰 Great Value for NYC
Many reviewers note the reasonable prices for the quality and portion sizes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shaw-Nae's House is overwhelmingly praised for its exceptional soul food, warm hospitality, and intimate, home-like atmosphere. Guests rave about the delicious, well-prepared dishes and the personal touch of Chef Shaw-Nae, who makes everyone feel like family. The only significant drawback mentioned is the difficulty in securing reservations due to limited seating.
"We visited Shaw-nae’s house as part of our trip to NYC earlier this year (July) and it was one of the highlights of our trip!!
Shaw nae immediately welcomed us at the door and all of the team made our anniversary meal so special. The food was some of the best we’ve ever had - true soul food in a cosy, homely restaurant - everything we had was 10/10 no notes!
The staff took such incredible care of us and were so kind and attentive throughout.
A must visit place if you’re visiting NYC and super easy to get to from Manhattan via the Staten Island Ferry. Thank you so much Shaw-Nae and the team - see you next time! Xx"
Nokuthula Newcombe
"The service was impeccable. the food was fabulous. the chef and owner Shawnee came out to greet all of her guests gave us a kiss spoke to us in detail it felt so good. I would definitely go back. me and my family had a wonderful time. The wait staff worked so well together. Our waitress was Jennifer. The chicken wings were the bomb. Sweet Thai chili, Buffalo and sugar daddy!!"
A charter
"Went here for my Birthday dinner and it was hands-down the BEST restaurant experience I've had in NYC. (And I'm from here, so I've been to plenty of restaurants) Not only was the food DELICIOUS (Southern style, home cooking), but it was also reasonably priced. The biggest strength of Shaw-nae's House, however, is their service and hospitality. The waiting staff was always on-beat, attentive, and friendly. Shaw-nae even came out and spoke to us personally! She treated everyone like family (and even gave us kisses on the cheek 💋) *with consent ofc
Will definitely come back again!"
Natassia C.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is to take the free Staten Island Ferry from the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan. The ferry ride offers scenic views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Once you arrive in Staten Island, Shaw-Nae's House is a short taxi or rideshare away. +1
Parking can be limited in the area, as it's a residential neighborhood. Taking public transport or a rideshare is often recommended to avoid parking hassles.
The Staten Island Ferry is a fantastic and free option that provides a unique travel experience. Many visitors enjoy the journey as part of their overall outing. +1
Yes, after taking the Staten Island Ferry, you can use local buses or rideshare services to reach the restaurant. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes.
The Staten Island Ferry ride typically takes about 25-30 minutes each way, offering a pleasant journey across the harbor.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! Reservations are highly recommended and often required due to the restaurant's small size (only six tables). Many reviewers suggest booking months in advance. +1
Given its popularity and limited seating, booking several months ahead is advisable, especially for weekend or holiday dining.
Operating hours can vary, and it's best to check their official website or social media for the most current information. Reservations are typically needed for dinner service.
Shaw-Nae's House has a relaxed, homey atmosphere. While people dress up for special occasions, there's no strict dress code. Comfortable, smart-casual attire is generally appropriate. +1
It's highly unlikely you'll get a table without a reservation due to the extremely limited seating. It's best to secure a booking well in advance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The collard greens are frequently praised for their bold flavor. The fried chicken is another standout, often described as perfectly cooked and seasoned. Don't miss the variety of chicken wings, especially the 'Sugar Daddy' flavor. +1
Shaw-Nae's House specializes in authentic soul food, with dishes inspired by the owner's grandmother's recipes and her experience cooking for the community. +2
While the menu is soul food-centric, sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and string beans can often be enjoyed by vegetarians. It's best to inquire about specific options when booking.
Portion sizes are generally generous, offering good value for the price. Many reviewers mention being able to take leftovers home.
Some dishes, like the mango habanero sauce for the chicken, can have a kick. However, the overall cuisine is rich and flavorful rather than intensely spicy, with options to suit different palates.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the restaurant's cozy, home-like interior with personal decor and photos makes for unique and warm photo opportunities. The food presentation is also very appealing. +1
The 'living room' waiting area with its couches and books, as well as the beautifully plated dishes, are popular spots for photos. Chef Shaw-Nae herself often poses with guests. +1
Absolutely! The food is a highlight, and many visitors love to capture its delicious presentation. Just be mindful of other diners. +1
Generally, casual photography for personal use is welcomed. It's always good practice to be respectful of other diners' privacy.
The restaurant has warm, inviting lighting, creating a cozy ambiance that translates well in photos, especially for capturing the intimate setting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking well in advance, as seating is limited. The ferry ride to Staten Island can also be an exciting part of the outing for children, offering views of the harbor and city. It's a great option for a special family meal where everyone can feel appreciated and well-fed.
💑 Couples Seeking a Romantic Experience
Enjoying delicious, home-style soul food together in such a welcoming environment provides a more personal and connected dining experience than a typical restaurant. The journey via the Staten Island Ferry can also add a romantic element to the evening, especially at sunset.
✈️ Tourists Visiting NYC
Be sure to book your reservation months in advance, as this small restaurant is highly sought after. It's a fantastic way to explore a different borough and discover a beloved local institution that has even garnered national recognition.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Shaw-Nae's House Experience: More Than Just Food
The restaurant's interior is designed to feel like a cozy living room, adorned with personal photos, books, and memorabilia. This intimate setting, with only six tables, fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere that reviewers consistently praise. It’s a stark contrast to the often impersonal nature of dining in larger cities, making Shaw-Nae's House a true hidden gem.
Beyond the ambiance and service, the food itself is a testament to tradition and quality. Dishes are inspired by family recipes, ensuring an authentic taste of soul food. The dedication to fresh ingredients and careful preparation shines through in every bite, from the perfectly fried chicken to the flavorful collard greens.
Navigating to Shaw-Nae's House: The Ferry Advantage
The ferry departs regularly from the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The trip across the harbor takes approximately 25-30 minutes, providing ample time to soak in the sights. Once you disembark in Staten Island, Shaw-Nae's House is a short taxi or rideshare trip away. While parking is available, it can be challenging in the neighborhood, so opting for rideshare after the ferry is often the most convenient approach.
This unique travel method not only adds an element of adventure to your dining experience but also allows you to experience a different facet of New York City beyond the typical tourist paths. It’s a journey that sets the stage for the warm, home-style meal that awaits.
The Culinary Delights of Shaw-Nae's House
The fried chicken is another star, consistently praised for its perfect crispiness and seasoning. It can be enjoyed plain or with a selection of delicious sauces, including a popular Sweet Thai Chili and Buffalo. The chicken wings also receive high marks, with unique options like the 'Sugar Daddy' wings being a particular favorite among diners.
Beyond the main attractions, the sides are equally impressive. The mac and cheese offers a rich, sharp cheddar flavor, and the string beans are seasoned with garlic and onions. While the menu can vary slightly (e.g., 'Potato Salad (Sometimes)'), the commitment to quality and flavor remains constant, making every dish a delightful experience.
Social
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