Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg meets with Rev. Al Sharpton at Sylvia's in Harlem

NEW YORK (AP) - Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg has met with the Rev. Al Sharpton as the Indiana mayor steps up his outreach to African Americans.

Buttigieg had lunch with the civil rights activist on Monday at Sylvia's Restaurant in Harlem, a cornerstone of black American culture.

Buttigieg has faced increased scrutiny of his record on race as his nascent campaign has gained popularity.

Sharpton is the founder of the National Action Network. H has long brokered difficult racial conversations with embattled political leaders.

Buttigieg spent more than an hour at the restaurant, where he ate fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and collard greens before shaking hands with customers.

He plans to focus on black voters during a visit to South Carolina next month that includes a stop at a historically black university.