I visited Boyd Generation Cafeteria today and had a disappointing experience from start to finish. The young lady who took my order at the drive-thru was polite and professional -- she was honestly the only bright spot of the visit. But when I got home and started going through my food, I realized something was off. I noticed what I thought was an extra dessert in a flimsy plastic container, but when I looked closer, it turned out my baked dark meat chicken was missing -- the main part of my order. I called twice. No answer. Straight to voicemail. Voicemail was full. So I drove all the way back, tried to go inside -- doors locked. Got back in the drive-thru line and explained the issue. Then the woman who I assume was the owner or head cook came to the window, and instead of addressing my concern professionally, she hit me with sarcasm and attitude -- as if I was out of line for coming back for food I paid for. She insisted she personally packed the chicken and tried to make it seem like I was the problem. When I mentioned there was a container in the bag that looked like pie, she snapped that they didn't serve sweet potato pie that day. Eventually, she handed me what looked like a pie container and told me to open it. Sure enough, it was the chicken -- but it was so dry and shriveled, no wonder I mistook it for a slice of pie. At that point, I told her flat-out: I'm never coming back. To that woman -- if you're reading this -- your behavior was unprofessional, your customer service was dismissive and hostile, and your food wasn't even worth the trip. Mistakes happen, but instead of owning it, you doubled down with attitude and dry chicken in a dessert container. Word of advice: stop assaulting your chicken. Inject it with something buttery, juicy, and respectful before putting it out in the world. Because nobody wants to eat food that looks and tastes like regret. I will not be returning, and I'll be warning others to stay far away. read more

Boyd's New Generation - Shriveled up dry chicken, dark meat. - New American Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

Still my all time favorite soul food spot. I love going to Springifled for work and dinning at Boyd's for over 20 years now. You can't go wrong with anything you order. The staff is excellent. read more

I'm so glad Doug at valvoline was talking greens to me. He sent me over to Boyd's. I felt like I was at home with some good southern cooking. TYTY. Y'all are the best. Can't wait to try fried catfish and fried chicken. MMM MMM MMM. read more

I'm from a bigger city and moved here and wanted some soul food. This was nasty. Food under seasoned, the whole catfish was pretty small no meat, the mash potatoes had a lil funky taste to them, and the Mac & cheese was supposed to be baked it was watery and tasteless. Wouldn't go back. read more

Best home cooked food in the area. I've yet to get something no I didn't love here. Prices are reasonable and servings are fat! read more

Boyd's New Generation - a bowl of beans and rice - New American Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

I ordered the fried pork chops with mashed potatoes and green beans. Everything was delicious and hit the spot!

This place has been called out numerous times for faking yelp reviews. if you're from out of town do NOT go here. The food is served cold and the staff is more concerned with making sure you're black than actually making good food. read more

Service is horrible, waited 20 minutes then was told to go to the back of the line and wait again because the people behind me were more important. read more

Great little restaurant had a delightful breakfast with a friend we both agreed we would be back again.

A fantastic, cozy, quiet exceptionally clean restaurant with delicious home made food at reasonable prices. We go often for breakfast and lunch since this restaurant was suggested to us. We never have a complaint about the food as it is all delicious, are never rushed and the service is excellent. My favorites are the Smothered Pork Chops and Sweet Potato Pie. Handicaped parking available right by the entrance. We often take visiting family and they are always wanting to return on their next visit. read more

Amazing...our first time. Will be returning soon! Jambalaya and fried chicken with all the fixings. Try them oit!

Giving Boyd's anything other than 5 stars is a joke. Boyd's is hands down one of the best around. Quality food, prepared the right way (with love), friendly staff. Small and family owned, Boyd's feels like you are dining at someone's house for the holidays. I love to sit in and overhear the older men, arguing and laughing and making fun of each other. The diversity that walks through the doors is amazing and I feel like unusual for Springfield. You'll see a preacher, a gangster, a government official, a grandma, and a young mom all in line. It's the best. Listen... Boyd's is the best bang for your buck in town. I don't understand how it's so cheap. Highlights include: Cajun Chicken, Fried Chicken, Gumbo, Smothered Chops, yams, greens, okra. And maybe the most important part of the meal... MUTHA EFFIN BUTTERMILK PIE. It's my favorite pie for 100 miles. It's everything I want in a pie. Everything. It'll cure all your ailments. One slice of buttermilk pie and death seems like a joke. I'm pretty sure Jesus comes down and helps her make it, cause there ain't no other way to explain it. ...and if you're worried about it being "on that side of town"...quit being racist, it's fine. No ones gonna bother you, except to refill your sweet tea. read more

You cannot go wrong if you choose Boyd's the food is so good and homemade. Too many delicious sides to pick from. If you can save room for dessert. You will not be disappointed. read more

I'm a first time customer of this establishment. When I first got there the signs said Open, but the doors were locked and you had to go thru drive thru and order. Not a big deal. Once I got to the front window to order the young lady was nice and professional. I told her I was a first time customer she offered menus and told me about the specials. She said they make the orders fresh so after ordering I had to go park and wait 15-20 mins. The wait was worth it! The food was delicious!!! Finally, I would have given them five stars but the cake was not on the good list. Sorry. I will be back again!! read more

Boyd's New Generation - This is the Chicken dinner w/three sides, roll and dessert. - New American Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

We were celebrating our parents' 50th wedding anniversary and finding a caterer to work with us was a horrible experience. Boyd's was our 5th phone call and will, from now on, be our first. They were so professional and very nice. They came to deliver the food and set everything up for us. The food was delicious. The fried chicken and ribs were seasoned perfectly. The sweet potatoes were a huge hit for the entire party. They made the planning process easy and we were grateful I wish I could give more than 5 starts because they definitely deserve it. read more

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Great Food. Family Restaurant . I be Ben going to to this restaurant the food quality is always consistent I regularly recommend this restaurant to friends and family. read more

Nice family restaurant. Home cooking with a southern flair, friendly service and great food. Prices are reasonable and menu has a lot of options. My favorite is the fried chicken. read more

I went with 5 other men and everyone enjoyed their meal and had plenty to eat. I actually had a little left over. The food was smoking hot when it hit our table. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. To top things off, I was shocked at how inexpensive it was when I paid my bill. I can see that I will be making the 1.25 hour drive sometimes to get a really good meal from this restaurant because it tastes like home cooking. read more

Pretty good I usually find calling ahead is the better bet! Their greens are sweet just an FYI. I would have to say their breakfast is my favorite I get a double omelette and loaded hash browns with white bread. read more

Boyd's New Generation - Smothered Cajun chicken with double mashed potatoes - New American Near Me - Springfield, Illinois

Ordered the $9.99 meal consisting of 1 entree, 3 sides, a dessert, and bread. Fried chicken, Mac n cheese, greens, candied yams, lemon cake, and corn bread. The chicken was hot and juicy, just the right amount of crisp, and lightly seasoned. I was slightly disappointed with the mac and cheese. I was expecting a homemade side, but it was more like the mac that comes prepared, in foil, and reheated. It was a little runny as well. It didn't taste like much. The greens were sweeter than I would like, reminded me of Glory greens in a can. I smashed my cornbread in it and added hot sauce anyways. Yams were good, I'd get them again. The lemon cake was GREAT! I wanted the peach cobbler, but it wasn't ready yet. Overall, a good experience with Boyd's. I will try some different sides when I order again. read more

Good food friendly owners. Country fried steak and all of the sides were delicious. Family business for 30 years

Excellent food and staff! The best fried chicken and macaroni that I've had since my grandmother's. Excellent service from the owner and her son. Highly recommend this place!!!! read more

I've been going here for lunch for years--love it! Food/owners/staff are great. My standard lunch--which Boyd's is well aware of--is the baked chicken (white meat) plate--can't miss with this. Fried chicken great also, but takes longer. Lots of people craving a home cooked meal eat lunch here. read more

The security guards at the the state capital told me about this place and they were spot on. The food is fantastic, the gumbo is the best I have ever had. Service was very good even during the lunch rush. Not many tables but there was a lot of take out going on. Definitely going back to try the catfish. A must try in Springfield. read more

The best meal I have had in a long time. We got the Cajun chicken that was incredible. Our sides were spaghetti, collard greens, and mac and cheese, all were great. Owners make you feel right at home. read more