If you're in Hartford looking for the real deal soul food, don't let the neighborhood fool you--Hot Pots has the best soul food sides in the city, period. This isn't Lilly's or any of the other "soul food" spots people usually talk about; this is the closest you're going to get to the quality and taste of Sandra's in New Haven. While I can't speak to their proteins, their sides are a masterclass in flavor and soul. My pro move is simple: grab a 20-piece suicide wings from Paul's Ranch House just down the block and pair them with the sides of your choice from here. Dinner is served. It's a fast-food environment, not fine dining, but the taste is elite and fits the budget perfectly. If you want authentic sides that actually hit the mark, this is a mandatory stop. read more

my go to when I was a child and still might go to the fish is amazing. The food in general is amazing, and the vibes are always good.

One of my favorite soul food spots. My favorites are the fried shrimp and fried salmon with mango habanero. The protein is made to order so it always comes out hot and crunchy. For sides I like the yellow rice, Mac and cheese, and corn on the cob. Sides can be hit or miss. Service is good but depending on the day and time, there's usually a long wait. Again, the protein is made to order so it can take a while if it's busy. I've waited 2 hours before. And even if you do call ahead, they probably won't answer. They're at a new location which has more space but there's no seating available (not a problem). Cashiers have always been friendly. read more

We got the fried chicken dinners with sides of mac and cheese and cornbread. The chicken was well cooked but didn't have much for flavor, just Salty. And no dipping sauce, just came with hot sauce. Mac and cheese was OK, felt very homemade, like melted cheese on pasta pretty much. And the cornbread was super disappointing, it wasn't sweet at all which is what I usually love about cornbread, and it was extremely dry. read more

Service friendly. Ordered smothered pork chops they were just ok, Mac and cheese and greens very disappointing. Haven't been good for a long time. I went there because the place I normally go to was closed. With that being said I will not be going back. Very disappointing. read more

I ordered the fried pork chop with yellow rice and collard greens and bbq ribs with Mac n cheese. I finally found my soul food restaurant. Service is warm and welcoming, I only wish they had a place to sit and eat. Can't wait to try their sweet potato pie, they only serve on Thanksgiving and Christmas I think. read more

Hot Pots - Menu - Soul Food Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

I'm sad. Sometimes it's great, sometimes it's good, but when it's bad.. it's bad. I ordered three dinners. Mine was fried pork chops, mac and cheese, and cabbage. The chops were fine but the mac and cheese was broken. The cabbage was very bland. read more

Hot Pots - Mac and cheese broken cheese sauce. - Soul Food Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

First Timer Updated Review: Looks to be an old diner that was converted. Please don't just ride by because the outside is very deceiving. I almost left myself. Inside is cute and cozy. Not an eat in type of place. Menu is plenty and has much variety. The clerk was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. A great plus is that they use turkey to season the vegetables instead of pork!! YAY!! I can't tell you about taste, right now, as I have to go home to eat it. Well... Here we go... Unfortunately, I have to say the food was NOT a go for me. If you follow my reviews, you know that I am a snob with certain things, candied yams and macaroni and cheese are on my list; both of which did not make the cut. I won't go into details as each person has their own taste palate. Hot Pots is not on my lists of repeat spots. Happy Dining read more

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Food was okay. Mac and cheese was very salty! Potato salad was wayyy toooo sweet due to too much relish and very watery! Hot pots disappointed me today!!! Waste of a meal and money smh. Definitely wouldn't come back here for quality soul food. Should've stuck with Lilly's or Taste 778. Hot Pots please do a little better. Put more time and love into your food. Please have your chef taste the food before serving!!! read more

Hot Pots - Fried Shrimp Dinner with Mac and cheese and potato salad - Soul Food Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

Hello my husband brought me home lunch today smother porkchops with candy yam Mac and. Cheese the food tast like it was. Cook the.day before the yams.was big clumps of yams with lots of sugar no other flavors thr rice tasted Blane and the gave had no flavor im.so disappointed read more

Great food I love going here that's soul food restaurant that is my favorite people there are nice

The food is always good. I expected the waiting area to be a little snazzier! They didn't spend one damn dime on aesthetics. The waiting area looks like a dump! I don't think they really "value" their loyal customers. read more

I had put a request on the Eat IN Connecticut Facebook group, asking for recommendations of Black-owned restaurants in Hartford/West Hartford, with take-away lunch service. For context, I am writing this on #BlackOutTuesday, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is how I found myself at Hot Pots. Up Main Street in Hartford, just past the Old North Cemetery, sits the humble Hot Pots. I was unsure about parking, but found a spot right in front just as I was pulling up. Once I got out of my car, I realized there is a parking lot along the north side of the building. Once inside, I read their large format menu and made my selection: smothered pork chops, with potato salad and mac & cheese as my included sides, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. I waited for what felt like only five minutes, and was then called over to the counter. The man at the counter lifted the lid to confirm my order and told me my total, $18 and change. Based solely on the amount of food, I would have been perfectly fine if he had said $36. As soon as I returned home, I began to plate my food. The portions were massive and it all smelled amazing! Two generous pork chops, smothered in a brown, oniony gravy, over a bed of rice. The pork chops were perfectly cooked -- juicy and tender, without an excessive amount of breading, and perfectly seasoned. The mac & cheese was just like I had had down South, it's all about the real cheese. The potato salad was very pickle and mustard 'forward', not my personal style, but fine just the same. The strawberry shortcake was just 'alright' -- I was expecting a biscuit with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, which it was not. I'm fine with that, because I honestly didn't have enough room to finish everything. All in all, Hot Pots is a fantastic little gem! Their food is delicious, perfectly seasoned, and is served in very generous portions. I'll definitely be making another trip over there to try more! Perhaps, one day, they could partner up with a food delivery service? read more

Excellent place to stop and grab some soul food. The owner is present just in case you do have any concerns but you're definitely leave there feeling fulfilled or what you ordered and plenty of options. read more

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Soul food done right! If small spaces, bold flavors and big portions don't bother you, you'll be in for a treat here! I drive about 45 minutes for the food and my mouth waters every step of the way. read more

Hot Pots - Menu - Soul Food Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

This is the best place to get real home cooking. Service is slow but worth the wait. I've been going here for years and never was disappointed. Real Soul Food!! read more

I am hooked I first tried their food in 2020. The food is so delicious that I travel one hour to order and pick up the great food they offer. read more

Food was delicious! Location...a bit hood but the food was delicious! I ordered the fried chicken, mac and cheese, and potato salad. Everything was really good. The star was the strawberry shortcake. read more

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Good old hot pots. Well you can't deny the soul food is amazing. There's always a line and a wait but good things take time. If you're adventurous a foody and patient, give this place a try. I had the Mac and cheese, potato salad and fried chicken. The Mac and cheese is delicious ( I never order Mac and cheese at soul food places as mine is the best) and the potato salad was fresh. The chicken breast attached to the wing was well seasoned but a bit too dry for my liking. We also tried the banana pudding and strawberry shortcake. Both desserts were reasonably priced and. Their competitor Lilly's down the road was closed so this place was very crowded, but overall they did a good job. read more

The food was delicious, and the portions were definitely generous. But, the experience was made perfect by the extremely polite staff and positive messages communicated around on the walls and menu. Don't let the small size fool you. What this place lacks in space they more than make up for in character and flavor! read more

Hot Pots - My co-worker and I got these DELICIOUS meals. They tastes even better than they look! - Soul Food Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

My favorite fried fish in the state!! Make sure you call ahead so you're not waiting forever, parking can be dicey too!

This gonna sound bad but it's the truth....There is a bit of a wait for food especially after church on Sunday's; each time I have gone it's been just under 2 hours! Now with that said, the food is really really good! Really is soul food! I have tried the turkey wings, jerk turkey wings, chicken, Mac and cheese, cabbage, yams, banana pudding, each of the drinks! I absolutely love the food! You should try it! Don't go there hungry thinking you about to eat in 5 mins cause your feelings will be hurt! This is the only reason that I didn't give them 5 stars but if I was just rating the food it would be 5 stars hands down!! Thank you for serving me some good food Hot Pots!! read more

If you want a good home cook styled meal ! This is the right place for you ! Order before u arrive cause this place is always busy with a long line ! read more

Tried to give them a shot, my first time attempting to make an order I called multiple times and no answer. When I called from a friend number they answered and said they are no longer taking orders after 615p read more

Hot Pots - All calls made prior to 615p...I won't support unprofessionalism! - Soul Food Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

Excellent food. My husband would go there everyday for lunch and dinner since we live minutes away.

One thing I look for whenever I'm out of town is a good soul food spot. Searched on Yelp and found this place and saw the good reviews so my buddy and I decided to go here. Yes, it is in the hood but that doesn't bother us being from Baltimore. Unfortunately when I went to order the smothered pork chops I was told that they were all out, . I had to go to my back up plan...the fried chicken. I got yams and collard greens as my sides. I also got a triple mix (iced tea, lemonade and fruit punch) to drink. Once my food was ready and presented to me I opted not to season it any further so I could know how the food truly tasted. The wings and greens were good and the yams were delicious. The triple mix was just ok tho. Nothing like the one's back home. I would definitely return and recommend this place to anyone. read more

Hot Pots - Menu - Soul Food Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

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We just moved to Hartford and were looking for some soul food. I had the fried chicken, Mac, and cabbage. The chicken was dry unfortunately. I enjoyed the cabbage and the Mac was alright. My fiancé got the whiting and he enjoyed it a lot and he said that the yams were some of the best he ever had. My daughter had the bbq chicken and it was really delicious. Overall, I would try it again, I would just order different options. read more

Best soul food in town check out their food truck Fishy Tales Baby Back Ribs fall off the bone Food is good but the wait is excess read more

BEEEEEESSSSSSTTTTTTTTTT food/seafood ever! I drive from Waterbury (40 mins) just to eat here and when I found them I was there twice a week. I've had their crab legs-amazing seasoning, mac n cheese- nice & gooey, lobster mac-UHHHMAAAZZZIIINNNG, potato salad- on point, collard greens- like something you had when you were little and get that warm, fuzzy feeling once you take a bite, white fried chicken was pretty good, idk what hot sauce they use but let me tell you.. party in my mouth. It was smackin. Sweet potatoes were alright, fried salmon- amazing, had that with rice. They're very generous with portions too . Their fruit punch, slammin. We buy 6 large cups when we go. There's one table in the restaurant, sometimes a couple tables outside, nice old school music playing, nothing too loud, just right. Few sayings and pics on the wall. Makes you feel at home. When you sit and eat you see tons of happy faces in and out those doors. Worth every penny. OH! And the people working there are verrryyyy nice and helpful read more

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I love the pork chops and collard greens and the potato salad is so good and they give you so much 2 people can eat and for the price this is the perfect soul food read more

Man listen this one of the best restaurants in the world. They needa franchise it in like 10 more states. Food a1!!!

excellent food, the mac n cheese (overcooked macaroni, not baked enough, more egg then cheese) could be better. very long wait times, especially on sundays, so call ahead. read more

If you're looking for soul food, go to Hot Pots--plain and simple. Its not located in the most picturesque of places, but what they lack in scenery, they make up in the flavors they put in their food. I went for the fish dinner, which included whiting and two sides-collard greens, and mac n cheese. My friend got the pork chops and yams.You will not be disappointed with any of the choices. Everything was cooked to perfection. Its a small restaurant with 2 tables so you most likely will not be eating there and They only accept CASH. Bottom Line: good soul food for a reasonable price. ~BB~ read more

Great soul food; one aspect of this place I really love is consistency the food is always delicious. Many soul food restaurants struggle with being consistent with quality and taste. They have the best cabbage in the world. Also the fries chicken, bake chicken and jerk ribs are to die for, and the macaroni is pretty good to. The area can be a little sketchy, but it's totally worth it. The portions sizes are very generous!!! read more

Hot Pots - Soul Food Near Me - Hartford, Connecticut

I was really looking forward to trying Hot Pots after reading reviews. Went in today was a very disappointed. I ordered the Porgy dinner with mac and cheese and cabbage. The porgy was overcooked. The mac and cheese was dry. The saving grace was the cabbage which was very flavorful. I probably will not be returning. read more

The food is very good. However, the wait time is horrible. You will wait almost an hour (minimum) for your food. The prices on the board need to be updated. If pork products have gone up $1 make this clear. It takes two minutes to put tape over an item with the updated price. That's just lazy and trifling. I also encourage you to bring cash. They charge a fee for the credit card (which they also need to have a sign posted to clearly state this to customers). Overall, again the food is great and the portions are large. They just need to do a better job with organization and administration. Tip: They don't do call-in orders, so don't waste your time. read more

Woman at the counter is rude and the owner is there!!!!!Try to place order for ten minutes and no answer. Woman reply was that whose in the building is first priority and whoever calls gets no answer... UNPROFESSIONAL ASH!!!!!!!!!! I hate buying food from these inner city URBAN RESTAURANTS!!!! read more

Hot pot my favorite place to have soulful excellent food somewhere that I will have a wonderful time in Italy love it

I was disappointed that they served my old fish. Looked pretty but the fish was spoiled porgies. Did I take it back no ... I just lost trust. That didn't take time to make sure it was fresh Smh read more

My brother and I always look for soulfood places to eat when we work out of town. After finding Hot Pots on Yelp we decided to drive up from Meriden(town is dead). I had the BBQ ribs, sweet potatoes and Mac n cheese, Fried wings, collard greens and black eyed peas. The wings were fried very well and tasty, black eyed peas delicious, sweet potatoes marvelous and the collards were jamming on the 1's and 2's. Now. The ribs were tender and good, but the sauce was blah. It was too loose and I didn't care for the taste(I ate every rib tho). I'd just like them to tweak the sauce some but I'm just 1 of many customers and others I'm sure like it. The Mac n cheese was dry and needed more seasoning. I'm here in town for a few weeks so I know I'll be back to try the rest of the menu. read more