Sandra's Next Generation has been my absolute staple in the community for over three decades…read more Sandra Pittman has been cooking in this same location since 1989, and I've been eating here consistently since 1995. It is, without question, the best soul food in the state. I have no problem running down I-91 from Hartford just to get my food because the quality and taste are on a level that nobody else can touch. Don't let the neighborhood fool you; this is a masterclass in authentic cooking. Sandra and her husband Miguel have been running this place for over 30 years, and that level of dedication shows in every single dish. The food has the kind of soul and precision that defines the elite dining scene in Connecticut. If you want the real deal--the standard that every other soul food spot is measured against--this is the only place to go. It's a class act that has stayed true to its roots for over 30 years.

I have been excited about checking out Sandra's after seeing a TikTok and reading some of the…read morereviews. I caught Metro North from Grand Central and after the 2+ hour ride that's when I found out that they had no seating, which that is my fault for not researching. I ordered online and waited a hour and 13 mins for my food. The service was great. The owner was very friendly as well as the other staff. As I was waiting the gospel music was playing and it was nice. Once I got my food. I immediately gave it a try because I didn't want it cold or reheated for my review. The soul food empanadas with chicken were pretty good I would give them a solid 7 out of 10. The smothered chicken was very salty in my opinion. I would rate it a 5 out of 10, and the Mac & cheese tasted like boxed velveeta which I would rate a 4/10. I'm disappointed at how over hyped it seem. Not pictured was my order of fried fish and it was bland with no seasoning. The lemon on the side did no justice. I could've honestly caught it at a bad time because it was a Sunday and very busy, but I'm definitely not interested in going back.

Was very impressed with this hidden gem of an establishment. Our server Kyle was amazing, very…read moreattentive and on point. Would definitely come back here when I'm in Connecticut. FOOD: Very good and flavorful just how soul food should be and taste. Excellent selection of food items to choose from. AMBIANCE: Like your typical breakfast/brunch ambience. The lighting was just right. ENTERTAINMENT: They have a DJ playing 90's & early 2000's R&B and hip hop. Was pretty awesome made you want to dance while you were eating. Good feel good energy in here. Just a note that it is a tad bit loud with the music but not in an offensive way, kind of a day club in Vegas type of way. SERVICE: Our server Kyle was excellent! DRESS CODE: Casual *YELP ELITE REVIEW DISCLAIMER: These opinions and experiences are my own and may not reflect other's experiences and views of the establishment. I will always provide true, factual & unbiased reviews.*

As always, my oxtails were fantastic. The gravy was flavorful and I so needed a piece of bread…read more My side of cabbage missed the mark tonight. It wax scorched and a bit undercooked. Almost like they tried to stir-fry it as ordered. Couldn't finish it The waitress was as great as always

This place is a hidden gem I stumbled upon. The service was amazing and the treat the guests like…read morefamily, the food is seasoned and cooked with love, and i the price was well worth it. A nice setting that's perfect for any meal and the ambiance is great. I will definitely come back and tell my friend and family

One of my favorite spots in New Haven! Support local and try this delicious family owned spot…read more Delicious fried chicken! I got both the wing and thigh and they were both cooked to perfection. So juicy and tender. The sides (Caribbean rice and mac n cheese) were also very delicious. The corn bread was good, a bit dry though. Overall, if you're looking for a good soul food place, I recommend this place.

Down Home Delicious. Mama Sue's is in an inconspicuous…read morebuilding on Congress Ave. in Waterbury, CT. The building may be small but it's the perfect size for a busy kitchen and small front area to pick up great take-out food. Wow....can they put out some amazing down home southern food. They're all very friendly and welcoming and once again....man can they cook. I had the chopped BBQ, candied yams, collard greens, and cornbread. The chopped BBQ is spicy and vinegary. It didn't even need barbeque sauce, but you can get that as well. The candied yams had a spice that I couldn't figure out but it was addictive. I just wanted more. Collard greens were excellent. Cornbread was moist and tender. My wife wasn't that hungry so she ordered the Mac & Cheese. Warm, comforting, and cheesy. She loved it. My cornbread was so good that she ended up eating most of it. Couldn't ask for much more than that. Next time we order I'm going to try the Smothered Pork Chops.

When you are craving Soul food nothing else will do. So while passing by on I-84 from NY to CT we…read morestopped in. The place is tiny and in a residential neighborhood, so if you blink, you'll miss it! The meal satisfied the craving (the fried whiting and collard greens were Banging!) But the sides were not quite like Mama's. A little pricey for the amount of food. Would possibly stop by again. It's Take-Out only!

Delicious food and comfy atmosphere! We came during a game night and Karaoke...it was a lot of fun…read more The wait staff was very polite and patient with us trying to decide what to order and drink! I will return and wish there was a location closer to Stamford.

Food is bland and either overcooked or undercooked and service is appalling you feel ignored or…read moregenerally disrespected by staff and do t get me started on 20% gratuity on party of 4 that's almost every family ! Place legit sucks don't bother going

If you're in Hartford looking for the real deal soul food, don't let the neighborhood fool you--Hot…read morePots 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.

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

Got chicken and waffles, and I swear, they gave me a whole chicken's worth of chicken. And it was…read moregoooood chicken. With plenty of syrup. Just tons of food and the bill was astonishingly low. Will definitely hit it up again.

The food was really delicious, I got the barbecue tasty box with collard greens, but I definitely…read moredon't recommend going there alone if you're a woman it's very sketchy at night. Make sure you bring a friend like I did. The guy the counter was really nice.

After an epic trek through Central Park I decided it was time to reward myself with some fried…read morechicken. I have to say for me the star of the show is the greens. Best I have had in a long time they made the Greens just like my father used to make them! This place is insanely good they show love to their sides. Really nice art work celebrating black excellence. If you love soul food come here. 10/10

Please kNOw THIS; this restaurant is NOT a Black Owned, Nor Black operated. Nor do they have Black…read morefolk cooking their food in the kitchen. And they use burning & sugar in everything. Hip Hip hooray for diabetes! They are absolutely thee WORSE!

Our Family of 10 had the hostess name Alia on last Sunday. Alia was professional, kind, attentive…read moreand amazing. Our family spoke about the fact when we come back we would love to have Alia be our Hostess again.

Friendly and knowledgeable servers. Great playlist! Good food…read more Being from the south, i am quite particular about soul food. Was not disappointed!

Melba's delivered that Southern hospitality from start to finish. I was warmly greeted right away,…read moreand the staff took the time to actually chat while my table was being prepared, which made the whole experience feel genuine and welcoming. The food is the real spotlight. The smothered chicken with collard greens and mac and cheese is a must. The yams were perfectly done but definitely on the sweeter side, so just something to keep in mind. I already know I need to come back to try the fried chicken next time. If you are looking for a traditional Southern brunch at a true neighborhood staple, this is the place. I only wish I lived closer.

My friend and I visited Melba's for her birthday and it was amazing!…read more Melba's menu serves up Southern comfort food classics like fried chicken and waffles, catfish, short ribs, collard greens, mac and cheese, candied yams and sauteed spinach. The restaurant's website says "dining at Melba's is like coming home for dinner, whenever you're away from home." We ordered 2 "comfortizers:" Melba's Hand Cut Sweet Potato Wedges and Country Catfish Strips. My friend ordered Melba's Signature Chicken & Eggnog Waffle for her main dish and I got the Signature Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich. We also ordered a side of Creamy Tres Mac & Cheese and Homemade Lemonade. The food was delicious. The chicken was tender, succulent, and juicy. I really really loved the chicken sandwich. I wish I had more to eat when I was done. Our waitress, Tatiana was friendly, helpful and answered all our questions. She even brought my friend a free piece of red velvet cake for her birthday, which was extra sweet. Melba's atmosphere is unassuming as one feels welcomed and at home. We can't wait to go back!