Sandra's Next Generation has been my absolute staple in the community for over three decades. 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. read more

Our food was fresh and delicious. The quality reminds me of the time I lived in Savannah, Georgia and there were homemade spots everywhere run by people who had been cooking for generations. We tried a few new items and look forward to having them again soon . [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is off the street parking and only outdoor eating area available.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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I've been going to Sandra's Next Generation for a few years, and it used to be one of my absolute favorite spots; It definitely was worth the drive! The food was always beyond delicious full of flavor, comfort, always packed and the food came out just in time! It was the kind of place you craved. But lately, it just hasn't been the same. The flavor that used to set them apart just isn't there anymore. The dishes don't taste like they used to. It's honestly disappointing to say, but it's not the go-to spot for soul food anymore, at least not the way it was back in the day. read more

So I moved to Connecticut very recently and honestly have had trouble finding good food compared to where I am from. I say that to say...Sandra's is hands down the best food I have had anywhere since moving here. Not the best soul food, the best food period. And it's honestly some of the best soul food I've ever had. Everything is delicious! I love so much about this place. I love that they give you several options for meals, such as 1 entree with 2 sides; 2 entrees with 2 sides; 1 entree with 4 sides, etc. Most restaurants only give you the choice of 1 entree with 2 sides but Sandra's doing it like this really allows you to try multiple dishes and mix and match depending on how hungry you are. Only thing to keep in mind is if you order a combo plate (2 entrees with 2 sides) the entrees are half portions. I also love how many options there are for entrees, sides, desserts & drinks! The menu is very extensive there's something for everyone including lots of vegan options. There are so many possible combinations that you could eat a different meal here everyday. And that's not even including their daily specials! I learned about Sandra's from a cooking demonstration she did onsite at my job. I'm so glad I went to that work event bc I never would've known about Sandra's, it wasn't on my radar at all. I like it so much I literally went two days in a row. Prices are also super reasonable for the amount of food you get and quality! For comparison, I recently went to a bbq restaurant (I won't say their name here but you can check out my review on them) that charged $20 for only 1 entree and 1 SMALL side and the food wasn't even good. So far I have tried the: vegan mac n cheese, regular mac n cheese, fried catfish, smothered dark meat chicken, beef ribs, turkey chopped bbq, collard greens, yams, sweet potato pie, and the blue lemonade. My favorite entree I've tried so far are the beef ribs. So tender and sticky sweet! Highly recommend these. My fave sides are the yams and collards and shockingly I think I actually like the vegan mac more the regular. All dinners come with cornbread. Wasn't a fan of the cornbread but others in my family liked it and I really appreciate that it's included. I would order everything again except the fried catfish, wasn't a fan of that. There are still so many dishes I want to try. I can see myself eating here several times a month to try everything. Big back, big back here I come thanks to Sandra's! I cannot recommend it here enough! read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Half portion of Bbq beef ribs. Excellent! - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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She's done it again!!!! Sandra's is my favorite place in all of New Haven. I haven't lived here since 2021, but was able to stop through during my roadtrip. It's next to none, best place in New Haven. If you haven't been, you need to go. read more

Smothered pork chops with 4 sides; Mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, and double macaroni and cheese. Oh and let me not forget the cornbread. I wanted potato salad but they had run out, unfortunately and surprisingly since it was 12p. The food was delicious as always. I recommend and will be returning. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I have been excited about checking out Sandra's after seeing a TikTok and reading some of the reviews. 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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]As I was waiting the gospel music was playing and it was nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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. read more

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The food is good but the staff taken orders. Is rude to the point I sent someone else back in to get my food. She made it so I won't return

I visited this place for the reviews. Plus, I was missing the soul food from Chicago, and from my own stove. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The outside seating area is nice![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside, it's your standard soul food to go spot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Great staff! As reviews state, the people that work here are a pleasure. Place your order and get a text when it's ready! The prices are not bad. My order included the fried catfish with 4 sides. While the sweet potatoes had the best flavor, these should have been cooked a bit more. Overall, the food did need more depth to the flavor. The Mac & Cheese had a chalky texture, lacking cheese. The fish was not cooked in hot enough grease. It was not crisp. Nothing was nasty, but nothing stood out. You be the judge yourself. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Shar'wyn's Church Plate - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Would've gone 3 1/2 stars if available. Came here a few years ago and it was really good. This time - not so much. They woman taking our order was great - the rest of the staff wasn't. Food wasn't as good as I remembered. Not sure if I'd come back if/when in the area. read more

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workers were very rude!! They don't wear hairnets, hair all over my food. Roaches were on the behind where food is. Do not recommend. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Place smells fishy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] recommend Marys on whalley Ave. read more

We tried to order online, but because our bill would've been more than $75 so we had to go in to order. We were waited on quickly, but had probably about a 30 minute wait for our food. We sat outside in their cute little seating area. Hennessy fried Salmon 10/10 mac and cheese 9/10 kale greens 8/10 rice wasn't good it was hard. I love kale. I've never had them this style so they were different, but they were still good. Also, I got their peach cobbler 11/10 and mango lemonade. Would definitely return ! read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Tennessee fried salmon, kale greens, macaroni and cheese, cornbread hot sauce - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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I have two words for you: Soul Roll. What a simple yet genius idea to fill egg roll wrapping with the deliciousness of soul food, and I got mine with BBQ chopped turkey. It's pure magic. I got the Hennessy wings lunch combo with mac & cheese and yams. Although I didn't taste Hennessy at all, the wings were INCREDIBLE. They're big, sweet, and sticky. The sides were also fine. The reason this isn't a 5 star review is because of the "fried chicken sandwich" I ordered. They gave me two chicken wings and two slices of bread. That is NOT a sandwich. Since it was my first time trying Sandra's I wanted to get a variety of options so I got fried chicken sandwich, which you would think is different than chicken wings. Nope...I ended up with two different chicken wing orders. Now, since me having ordered this, I've learned many southern restaurants will offer sandwiches in this manner. I wouldn't have minded if it was advertised that way on the menu. Fried chicken sandwiches have been a craze in the last few years so I was expecting an actual sandwich in-line with what everyone else is doing and not just two chicken wings and bread. To be fair, the chick was incredible, I just feel a bit misled. I will definitely be back! read more

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Food is consistently incredible! Portions are large and flavor is perfection. Sandra's stays in rotation for me.

Food and service is always on point. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It always looks clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I enjoy the vegetable plate. Thank you read more

I forgot to take a picture before I started eating. So I took the picture while I was eating. I'm from Florida. When I tell you this food is so good. You will not be disappointed. The Best soulfood I've had since I've been in Connecticut and I've been here for 10 years. I will definitely be back. This is my first visit and will not be my last. Love it. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - smothered chicken, greens lima beans, mac and cheese and cornbread. - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

The salmon is literally my favorite. This was my first time having the vegan Mac it was really good. The collard greens were good but were a little sweet. Only thing is it is very expensive, this meal cost me $32. Definitely not something I'm willing to spend every weekend but worth every dime lol. The service is good, they are pretty fast. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant does not have indoor seating, however they do have outdoor seating since it is more hot outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] However I did not eat outside because it was way to hot. Overall I love Sandra's ! read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Side Of Creamy Jerk Salmon (Sm)VEGAN MAC (Sm)VEGAN COLLARD GREENS - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

My sweet tooth was in overdrive on Sunday so I decided to order some dessert and a side of mac & cheese. I already had ample leftovers at home so I bypassed on dinner, although I have had their dinner in the past and it is amazing. I grew up a couple of blocks away from Sandra's. The food has always been A1. I decided to get a slice of their banana, pudding cake and cheesecake with the strawberry sauce. Initially, I wanted banana pudding, but I guess they were sold out. The layers in between the cake had a very pronounced banana flavor, which was great. So I'm definitely interested in going back to get some actual banana pudding once it's available. The cheesecake was also delicious. The graham cracker crust, cheesecake consistency, and light accent of strawberry sauce came together very well. A must try. If you ever want some mac & cheese, but do not want to make an entire dish, I highly recommend getting a side serving. But, if you're hungry, opt for a full meal. Their combos are amazing. You can sample multiple meat options with various sides. A neighborhood staple but if you do not live close by definitely worth the drive or the delivery service fee. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Banana Pudding Cake - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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After seeing Sandra's make the top 100 Yelp list in the country, I knew I had to check them out over the weekend. After my meal, I ll have to admit they are one of the best soul food joints in CT. The variety of menu options is what really sets them apart from the rest. They offer bbq, jerk chicken, Rasta pasta, salmon, and all of your other soul food classics. They even have a deal where you can get an entree and 4 sides!! Truly a side lovers dream! The true star of the meal was the Mac and cheese. Super cheesy and seasoned. I also really enjoyed the sweet potato cornbread and the option for kale greens. The restaurant is a bit on the smaller side, so I suggest ordering ahead to avoid long waits. Overall, Sandra's has all you want in a soul food joint! I can see why everyone ranks high on everyone's list. read more

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The food is great, the customer service is too! I highly recommend Sandra's Next Generation!

Food is always delicious! I ordered fried chicken wings w/ collard greens & Mac & cheese. It comes w/ cornbread. The cornbread was nice & moist as always! It's hard to find a restaurant that doesn't have dry cornbread. The collard greens had chucks of turkey. The chicken wings were fried to perfection not over or under cooked. The Mac & cheese was moist & cheesy. I recommend ordering in advance b/c they're so busy. Staff is always friendly & courteous! It's a little expensive but what isn't nowadays. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Fried chicken wings,cornbread, Mac & cheese,& collard greens. - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Sandra's is my most recent tour stop for the 2022 CT Yelp Top 25 Places To Eat. Coming in at No. 5, Sandra's specialty is Soul Food and Comfort Food. Sandra's is in a New Haven neighborhood south of downtown. Street parking around 1 pm on a Saturday was easy. There are covered outside tables, but no inside tables. You can order ahead, or order while you're there. I ordered there and they texted me when my order was ready. Service was very friendly and helpful. Because it was my first visit, I ordered a number of things, tried everything in the outside eating area and then ate the ample leftovers over the course of three meals. Although everything I had was very good, the sides (Mac, Yams, Dirty Rice and Cabbage) for the "Church Plate", the cornbread, the Oxtail Soul Roll and Rib Empanada were particular highlights. The sides weren't complicated, but they were amazing in their simplicity. The dirty rice had a delicious slightly sweet glaze. I don't know what one does to yams to make them better than somebody else's yams, but Sandra's did whatever it is. The Mac is exactly what you would want. The cabbage was really good. The cornbread somehow tasted like a butter bomb had exploded inside. For the main part of my Church Plate, I got two large whole fried chicken wings and a cup of shredded BBQ style pork. The chicken was really tender, and when I say the wings were large, I mean mutant large. Huge. I wasn't expecting the BBQ pork to have this moist shredded texture. Almost like carnitas, but way better than your average carnitas. And with a sweet acidity. If you want to try Sandra's on a budget, the Soul Rolls and/or Soul Empanada may be the way to go. Spoiler alert -- you may notice a few of those great sides in the Empanadas and Soul Rolls. The BBQ Rib meat and the Oxtail were both tender and flavorful. The outer texture of the roll (think huge, almost chimichanga sized egg rolls) and the red-ish empanada were great too. You really get the best of everything Sandra's has with these orders. It's easy to see why Sandra's is No. 5 in CT Yelp World. You can't go wrong when the food and service are this good. Five Stars read more

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The banana pudding is outstanding! The customer service is dope too. I have to come back and try the entrees next time.

Great fast service Great and friendly customer service Amazing food the taste was just perfect read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Best place food ‍ going back! - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Props to fellow Yelper, Monique, from West Hartford for her spot-on review of Sandra's. On a beautiful day, met best friend, Pots & Pans for lunch. He drove up from Astoria, I drove down from Windsor Locks. We got there just after opening, and met Miguel, Sandra's son. Very personable, and told us the history of Sandra's. Pots and I both opted for the fried chicken (dark) platter. Comes w two sides plus corn bread. Still sticking w Monique's recommendation, we both had mac and cheese, and yams. They have it down to a science inside, and the wait time was less than 10 minutes. No indoor seating, but Miggy set up a bunch of tables in front. Everything was mouthwatering; chicken was crispy on the outside and moist and tender inside....no greasiness at all. The yams were about the best I've ever had (and it had a spice that I need to figure out and replicate). We both agreed that the m & c was THE BEST we've ever had. But wait..... Half way through our meal, Charity brings out a sampler for us to try....pulled pork, pulled turkey, collard greens, Caribbean rice, and black-eyed peas. Again, spiced superbly. The collard greens, especially, were so good!!! Overall, the only reason I gave 5-stars is because Yelp doesn't allow for anything higher. We both agreed that Sandra's was so much better than Sylvia's in Harlem. Best soul food I've ever had. Pots agreed, although he said there was a place in the Bronx that he enjoyed that's a close second. read more

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The food was quality, although it didn't hurt to add a little salt and pepper to my sides once home. The online order was ready right when they said it would be done. The man at the door for pick up was polite and kind. Now for my ratings; The soul roll had a different taste but blended well. Next, definitely Five stars for the pork chop!! it was crispy and tender without being overly greasy. The Mac and cheese was a solid 3/5: something was missing, maybe seasoning or the burnt cheesy part which I love! The tuna salad 4/5, this needed salt and pepper to me but it was mixed well with the overall ingredients. Overall, I do highly recommend this establishment! read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Combo Plate - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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My wife, nephew and I drove almost an hour to have a beautiful Sunday lunch at Sandra's next generation. Located in New Haven we were greeted warmly outside by the owner who was so nice to point us to the menu and the specials board. Due to the space restraints the ordering is done right inside the door with the menu displayed on the front window. You place your order and give a cell number then when your order is ready you pick up and pay. Very smooth operation with many great employees to answer any questions or offer suggestions. I got a combo platter of braised ox tail over Caribbean rice with fried chicken, collard greens and a seafood Mac and cheese. Let me tell you the food was delicious, plentiful a great value and made with love!! Everything is made fresh...nothing is bought as is. From the corn bread (moist, flavorful, and they heated it up for us) to the desserts ( strawberry banana pudding, peach cobbler, sweet potato pie) to the sweet tea and mango lemonade it was delicious. I even went back and ordered more platters to take home (shrimp and grits, slow cooked beef ribs, turkey, stuffing and gravy). Do yourself a favor and stop by Sandra's next generation and try this amazing food. New Haven isn't just known for its delicious pizzas.....it has some pretty epic soul food that is made with care and love. read more

What's wrong with soul food spots never having Turkey wings i got blackened catfish for my husband and baked chicken for me my chicken toooooooo SALTY my husband ate his said his was too salty now he's a cook and he said as if they're trying to hide something like they're covering up old taste I WON'T be going back the sides were slamming though read more

I invited an old colleague of mine to lunch and I somehow missed that there is no eat-in dining area. Your best bet is to call ahead, place your order, and pick it up to go eat it somewhere. The place is tiny and it appears that they put tables out in the nice warm weather. Anyway I had the Shante plate with dark meat fried chicken, collard greens and macaroni and cheese, which I got to enjoy after a very long wait (they lost my order). But the we're all so apologetic and nice about it that I wasn't mad/frustrated. We sat in a car and enjoyed a very delicious meal. I'll want to come back another time and try the other specialties- but now I know to call ahead! read more

On our second trip to Sandra's, the food just as amazing and tasty as the first time. We opted for just sides for a later lunch as lots of orders were coming in on Juneteenth. We ordered the Mac and cheese which was just the right level of creamy and cheesy, the fried plantains that were caramelized to perfection, the Caribbean rice had the perfect texture and seasoning but the seafood Mac and cheese was truly spectacular. I also ordered the Mango lemonade and peach cobbler cheese cake which satisfied my thirst and sweet tooth without being too sweet. The staff was super friendly, helpful and organized to handle the level of business. Staff were able to give approximate estimates of when food would be ready and ours was ready early as it was just sides. I will definitely be back next time I'm in New Haven. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Cajun Chicken, Collard Greens, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Caribbean Rice and Fried Plantains - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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I saw this on a top 100 list, so I had to go here. I ordered take out which toon about 20 minutes on a non busy night. I got an entree platter with four sides, although they had to call back since they were out of mashed potatoes. The fried chicken was amazing where I haven't had fried chicekn that good in a while! The corn and potatoe salad was ok. The mac and cheese tasted the homeade with extra cheese. The string beans were the best and just so tasty. A little strange they had to check my id to get the order, but all good. Overall, great soul food, and I don't even know if you could get better in New England. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

The chicken was some of the best I have ever had, granted I'm not from the south or anything but just so crispy and salted to Perfection. The collards were subtly sweet and so delicious. Plantains fire. Mac and cheese was exactly what I was looking for, and the corn bread was dense and delicious. We will be back!!! read more

Three words---Royal Purple Pie! If you are reading this in the Fall, then get over to Sandra's Next generation and secure yourself a slice or the whole pie for the upcoming holidays. Your friends and family will be so grateful. Now besides, the Royal Purple Pie, there are so many other things that will make SNG a destination when you are in New Haven. Try: Old Bay Pork Chop Any of the Soul Empanadas The Mac N Cheese The Cornbread---omg! The Sweet Potato Cornbread! WOW! The Hennesey Chicken---so good! There are so many great choices- but those are just some of my favorites! SNG also placed in Yelp's Top 25 Places to Eat in CT and there is no doubt why they are so high on that list! Sandra is an amazing cook/hostess/person and if you get the chance to meet her say hello. She is amazing. read more

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Great food great everything The food is great I love to get Sandra's on new years

I was so excited to be there that the shock of no sit down didn't even matter! Each person was friendly and ready to help! I had a lot of questions and she answered them all and we got my order just right!! The chicken wings were amazing and barely Made it to the crib for the picture! I will be back! read more

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*THEY DO NOT OFFER FREE DESSERTS * My husband and I saw this restaurant on tik tok and decided we wanted to go here after our wedding as we both LOVE soul food. He was craving oxtail and I salmon. We did not know they didn't serve oxtail on Wednesday which was a bummer so he opted for fried chicken and i for the jerk salmon. My husband loved his fried chicken ! My salmon was pretty good just a little bit on the salty side. The Mac and cheese was amazing and so was the collard greens. The candied yams were really good just cold. My fiancé really liked the potato salad but it was personally not my cup of tea. Lemonade was perfect ! Lastly the oxtail empanadas were soooo good except that I almost broke a tooth because there was a bone in mine. I would recommend Sandra's as the workers are very kind (thank you to the one who took our order and her patience as we took a while to decide. ) also the food was exceptional and I would like to try some of their other foods ! read more

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I have been eating here for a few years. The more they expanded the worse the food has become. I asked about the salmon and no one knew if it was wild caught or farm raised which is important to many. Candied yams was hard, not candied, the rice was hard and old and the plantain was undercooked. My friend had the fried chicken was not good. The service was ok but the cooking has suffered and is getting worse. I threw away half of the food we bought. Looking for another place to eat moving forward. Disappointed long time customer read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Candied yams and plantain - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Food trash service trash & it's actually sad because my mom and dad have known Miguel & Sandra For Over 30 years I don't like how rude the staff is here .. I'll never return; WONT SUPPORT AGAIN . read more

Ooooooh weeeee! Sandra's will have you laid up on the street, in your car, in your driveway until the day after!! Since pivoting to takeout, we haven't been to Sandra's since the pandemic. But whew, they have added new items that have made our toes curl! TBH, we Shar'wyn's Church Plate is still our go to-it's the best option that allows you a choice of protein paired with 4 sides-YES!! 4 SIDES!!! We decided to roll with fried chicken with Mac n cheese, collard greens, yams and potato salad! They've changed the game with Soul Rolls (we got BBQ chicken) and Empanadas (The Oxtail ones are WILD)!! We also had the pleasure of trying their mango lemonade-why is the not sold in jugs? The infusion of mint totally changes the flavor profile. And the cheesecake is just...over the top! And in a good way! Sandra's continues to be a staple of New Haven and rightfully so. But why can't they open up in the Hartford area and shut.it.down???? Pretty please????? read more

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Service of great food with a smile. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Brought take out to a new level/ with seating outside![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]