Salmon was perfectly cooked. Insanely delicious. Loved the cabbage too. Seriously everything cooked to perfection.

OMG THE FOOD HERE IS SO DELICIOUS!!!! First time having the food here and the owner Sandra was so friendly and attentive. If you are ever in Hartford make your way over here. The wait was perfect because the food was done fresh! The owner made sure we were satisfied. Definitely coming back when I come into town read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Sandra the owner with us - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

The best soul food I've ever had. I mean I haven't had much from different places yet, but Sandra's sets the bar super high from here on out! Her menu is right to the point, on the front window! I love the seating outside because it's very cute pergola so you're not basting in the sun or stuck in the rain. I love the ordering system, it's very organized. I had ordered Shandrea's combo plate with the bbq pork ribs and baked chicken, collard greens and candied yams as the sides! Mmmm finger lickin good! And I love that it comes with a piece of yummy cornbread. Everything tasted so juicy and succulent! Nothing was dry! I love her sweet tea. I was introduced to Sandra through a friend years ago with whom I did a network marketing business with and just never tried her restaurant. Her and her family are a very hard working family and she puts her whole heart into her business and food! It truly shows. If you have been curious about this place, make the stop and try it! You will not be disappointed for sure! read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Bbq Side of Pork Ribs - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Outside seating was pleasant. Pretty alleyway seating with greenery. Staff friendly. Greeted by Shandra today. She's always so friendly. They didn't honor the free dessert that was on Yelp's Check in. Let's get to the most important.... The FOOD. 1st order: Shante's Plate (1 entree and 2 sides) Jerk Chicken, Collard Greens, & Mac N Cheese, (Caribbean Rice was added to my order by accident and charged extra $ but I didn't realize until my food came out). -----The Jerk I'd give it 3 out of 10. It was VERY dry. I had to takE multiple sips of my soda to wash that sucka down. This wasn't my favorite. The flavor of the sauce was ok. I guess it's different from Jamaican jerk (which is what I'm use to). ----- Collard Greens: I'd give this 3 out of 10. Although this was cooked well; not over done not under done, it just didn't hit me with flavor as I've had before. ----- Mac N Cheese: 8 out of 10. CREAMY, warm & gooey! This was my favorite! It made me want to smack somethin'. I did a little chair dance while savoring each bite. Talk about COMFORT FOOD. ----- Corn Bread: 4 out of 10. This is just like any type of cornbread I've had... nothing too memorable. ----- Caribbean Rice: 8 out of 10. Yes! This was bursting with flavor and sets me to a Caribbean vibe if I closed my eyes I can imagine myself there. 2nd Order: Shante's Plate: Pork Ribs, Caribbean Rice, sweet plantains. It looked good. I don't know how this tasted. Given portion size for this plate was small. Looked like they were running out of rice. 3rd Order: Wings. Old Bay Seasoning. 9.5 out of 10. Ok.... Now what?! First bite into this.... Wait let me rewind a bit. The portion is HUGE! You get the whole wing counted as one (flat & drum). It didn't look like much seasoning if at all. The bite into it was extra juicy and you do taste the old bay but it wasn't much seasoning on it (in my preference it was fine). It was so good, I wish I got this with my 2 sides instead of the Jerk. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND their wings!!!! I think I found my new spot for wings! 4th order: sweet potato cornbread. 6 out of 10. Warm, soft, moist, I asked for butter which they put on and warmed up for me. It's rich and sweet. If you have a sweet tooth this is it. 5th order: Mango Lemonade: 7 out of 10. sweet and tangy. Good balance, cold, refreshing. read more

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Absolutely the best place to get soul food in New Haven. The food is so good. Hands down the best. I can't say that enough. Seasoned, fresh and savory. My first time there was because of my friend who works there, Miss Sarina. She's very kind, and served me and my best friend when we went. She told us to go after I saw her online on Sandra's Next Generation Instagram page. She told us she does do the cakes! That are very good by the way. The drink portions are more than enough. The teas/punch/juices are phenomenal. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside is small, but it's just meant for pick up, curbside or if you decide to sit outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Now about the food, everything there is a must. Corn bread and sweet potato corn bread are delicious. I myself don't like sweet potatoes but that changed my mind. The Soul Rolls are out of this world, never had something like that. They give a sauce and 2 plaintains when you order one. Macaroni & Cheese, collard greens, wings, they have it all. The most important thing I would like to say is, the portions of one meal are big enough to share with a friend. If you're in the New Haven area or from there definitely take some time to stop by and eat. Can't wait to go there again this October. Hope to take a picture with Sandra herself read more

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The food is 10/10. The yams, baked Mac, and collard greens are the holy trinity. I usually get the fried whiting but this time I tried the fried pork chop and wow! It was so good. It was well seasoned but not too salty and had the perfect crunch. I love how when you order take-out they always wrap your main dish with foil to avoid it getting soggy from your side dishes. That gesture shows how much they value their customers experience with their food. I appreciate little things like that. The wait time is typically 20-30 mins (sometimes less) so I suggest ordering ahead online. It's very convenient. Overall, great service with great food! read more

Food was really really good. I will definitely come back to Sandra's in the future. very very nice.

The food was awesome and we loved coming back after after a while not being there.... I had the fried pork chops, sweet potato fries a fried okra....mmmm, omg. My wife had fried chicken, sweet potatoes and collard greens...all were excellent too!! We shared a mango lemonade, good stuff... read more

This is my favorite place in New Haven. Every meal I had from here was excellent. The sweet potato pie is something that should not be missed. I didn't get sweet potato pie this time, but got sweet potato cheesecake pie. That was also excellent. Church's place is one thing, I always go for. Candied yams, mac and cheese, fried plantains and carribean rice are my favorite sides. I never liked grits in my life. This time I had shrimp and grits from here, and I loved it. Mint lemonade was good as well. read more

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I truly love soul food. Connecticut has a few amazing restaurants, but sometimes it's hard to find a hardy comfort soul food restaurant. I would highly recommend calling Sandra's before hand. I waited about 45 minutes before my order was ready, but boyyyy it was worth the wait. When I looked at the Turkey bbq I was looking for the extra bbq sauce. After my first bite I realized it didn't need ANYTHING. It was savory, and seasoned well. I can honestly say that it was the best Turkey BBQ that I have ever hard. The Mac, and yams were also delicious. I would definitely go back again. And it's also a black business. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Chopped bbq Side Turkey Chopped BBQ (lg) - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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OK, this southern girl is happy! I found my comfort food place! This place is cooking up some great chicken and sides. I had the Shante plate, dark meat, with tuna Mac and plantains. The chicken was like my mom fried it for me! Juicy, tender and flavorful! Tuna Mac was good, it had relish in it. I am normally not a fan of relish in my tuna Mac, but it wasn't bad. The plantains were cooked perfectly! My husband also had the Shante plate, with a fried chicken breast. That also came out nice and tender and juicy! He had collard greens and Mac and cheese. Both were fabulous! I could eat my weight in collard greens if you let me! For dessert we had the banana pudding! Oh my! Yummy! I will keep this place in my arsenal of great places to eat! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Has a nice ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I have come a few times and am consistently disappointed by the food. Tastes like it was frozen and lacks flavor. The deserts are good tho. read more

Ok! So - the atmosphere is extremely family oriented. The staff are pleasant and super helpful! (Kelly had me cracking up!) The service was pretty swift - even though my order had to be dropped. (catfish.) The Pineapple Hennessy pound cake was probably my favorite experience. Followed by the catfish. I am a big sides eater - but I wasn't over the moon about these sides. The candied yams were good! Sweet - but not too sweet. The baked mac and cheese wasn't your mommas "baked" - however, given the restaurant and the quantity of ppl ordering non-stop, the Quality was decent. It was cheesy and flavorful. Cabbage was pretty good too. I absolutely think you need to try the desserts if you're going! (I also saw everyone and their momma walking out with a tea - so maybe I'll get that next time!) lol. read more

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Delicious and quick take out experience today! Ordered the Miguel's Veggie (the side combo) and tried the Mac n cheese, the Seafood Mac n cheese, the Fried plantains & the Caribbean rice! The service was friendly, the food was delicious. Will definitely return. Happy Juneteenth! read more

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First time here and the food was so good! Highly recommend! The wait wasn't long at all maybe 10 mins. Will definitely be back when I'm over this way again read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Beef ribs Candied Yams (Sm) Macaroni & Cheese (Sm) Collard Greens (Sm) Dirty Rice Cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Three friends and I stopped in for a Friday night dinner at prime dinner time. The crowd kept coming throughout our visit, though most customers were doing takeaway. The people working here were really nice and welcoming to everyone; we even got a personal "hello" from one of the main owners. So many delicious things to choose from! There are about 10 proteins to choose from and just as many sides. Luckily, I was able to try a lot of the different options based on what we all ordered. First, a basket of delicious cornbread and pumpkin cornbread was brought to our table. We all agreed that the standard cornbread was stellar, but the pumpkin cornbread was particularly amazing. Nice touch! Our dishes were really good. The Shandrea's Plate gives you the option of having two proteins, but I would have expected more meat for the price point. The jerk chicken, while tasty, was just a few pieces, and the BBQ pork ribs, which were so juicy, only included two ribs as part of this option. Shante's plate was a good option for me (one protein and two sides). The fried chicken was nice without being too greasy, and I could eat the fried okra for days. (It's healthy, right?) My friend's sweat potato fries had a nice texture and weren't salty. The sweet tea comes in a huge container! You can definitely share with someone. So glad I was able to check out this New Haven staple, and I look forward to coming back. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - No regrets about my dinner choice - even though everything is the same color! - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Top of the list for a great meal ! Sandras still is winning after being open for 20 plus yrs feeding families with good cooking . During covid they have a takeout/pickup ordering online or phone easy process that you give your order number at the door after your confirmation that its ready. A guard or employee will grab your bag and your on your way home . They have a full menu of soul food ,expanding eggroll/empanadas such as oxtail,mac & yams ,jerked flavors and more . The dinners have names to make it easy to order smothered chops, fried/baked chicken,seafood,turkey ,wings and more with many sides to choose from like collard greens, cabbage,mac n cheese , fries., rice and bean to say a few. Deviled eggs here are filled with Lobster, shrimp ,chicken or turkey . The cornbread is thick and scrumptious and many desserts to choose from or order a full pie or cake for holidays coming up. read more

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This is the first time I've posted a review on yelp , but this place is so good I felt obligated . The food here is on another level . I've been several times and have tried most of the food in the menu and everything was amazing . The people are super nice as well . The first time I went , I wanted to try the oxtail empanada , but they weren't being served that day , so I ordered something else . We sat down to eat , and one of the employees brought over an empanada that they made just so I could try it ! That right there made me a customer for life . You can taste the care that goes into everything they make and I honestly think they make some of the best food in the state. read more

BBQ Ribs, I really like Sandra's. Never had a problem. Good service and good food!! ‍

I spent a short period of time in Hamden/New Haven this summer and it was a struggle to find Black-owned restaurants nearby. Fortunately, my friends and I stumbled across Sandra's on a Friday evening and we were pleasantly surprised. I ordered the Cajun wings with Caribbean rice and fried plantains. However, when I got home and unpacked my food, I noticed that the plantains were missing. I'm not sure why but I wish they would've let me pick another side (which is why I give 4/5 stars), but they were considerate enough to give me extra wings. We also had to reheat our food when we got home, even though we were only 15 minutes away from the restaurant. Nevertheless, the food was very flavorful! I also like that they include complimentary cornbread. The mint lemonade was also very refreshing. My friends and I loved it. I highly recommend to anyone in the New Haven area looking for a delicious takeout option! read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Cajun wings, Caribbean rice - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I appreciate how they package the to-go meals! It's not sloppy and still good portions! The turkey chopped bbq is my fave! read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Side Turkey Chopped BBQ (lg) Candied Yams (Sm) Cabbage (sm) Shantes Plate - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Mmmmm baked Mac. Chickennnnn. Sweet tangyyyyyyy. Yummmyyyyyyy. Sweeet potaaatoessss??? YUMMMM

I had this place on my list of restaurants to try while in Connecticut. After meeting the owner I knew I would support this business. So after a dinner mishap earlier I drove over here for take out. I have to start reading reviews and prices . A little more than I wanted to spend and when I was asked about dessert I thought it was complimentary. I had just picked up dessert from doughlious edible cookie dough. Which yelp say free dessert but there a error with check in. So when I look at my bill once I got home I was a little shocked . Seafood mac and cheese was great. Cabbage had no meat in it..thankfully. I am pescatarian and most sides are smothered in turkeyor pork. Salmon was okay. Next time I will stick to my original thought and get the fried catfish and side of Seafood mac read more

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Fantastic soul food. Got the church plate - one entree, four sides, cornbread. I got meatloaf (the Wednesday special), mashed potatoes (another Wednesday special), collards, string beans, and Mac and cheese. Everything was great - meatloaf was really juicy and flavorful, and the vegetables better than you're expecting. My only complaint was the cornbread was so-so and kind of cold, but than (without asking) an employee came out and gave me hot buttered cornbread! She said it was the best way to try it. Great experience all around, can't wait to go back. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Combo Church Plate: Meatloaf, Collard Greens, Macaroni & Cheese, String Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

The banana pudding is AMAZING!!! Some of the best banana pudding I've ever had. If you miss magnolia, This will really hit the spot. The banana pudding cake was less good. The strawberry shortcake was also good but I really just recommend getting 10 banana puddings. read more

Visited CT for a couple of days and found this wonderfully owned and operated business. We ordered the BBQ Ribs, Pork Chop, Macaroni and Cheese, Sweet Potatoes, Collard Greens, Stuffing with and without Gravy. Everything was delicious. We also had the Cherry cheesecake and Butter Pecan Cake...... Sat on the hotel balcony and enjoyed the feast. We will be back in two weeks! I hope one of the specials of the Day include the stuffing with gravy. Thank you for a great meal on our road trip. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - BBQ Ribs, Collard Greens, Mac n Cheese, Sweet Potatoes - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I was starving and I knew just what I needed to fill me up. I found this place and ordered delivery. I've heard from people about this restaurant, but never tried it out. I ordered the fried chicken wings, henny wings, and mac & cheese. I definitely would have ordered more, but I didn't want to break the bank. The food was absolutely delicious. Fried chicken crispy and flavorful. Perfect glaze on the henny wings. The only thing I would say that is missing, which someone else said is some heat. Some spiciness would have elevated the food even more. I definitely will be back to try some more of the foods as I barely scratched the menu. read more

My partner and I came on a dreary Friday night after longing for this visit for months, and were welcomed in by delectable smells and the warmth of the soul food awaiting us. We were seated at the high-bar stool tables quickly and were attended to immediately with water and corn bread. They suggested the sweet potatoe, which was basically a less guilty form of cake. Da. Damn. After looking over the menu, we decided on the jerk chicken (I know I know, this place isn't Jamaican, but I was craving it), BBQ Pork Ribs, BBQ Chicken Wings, and Blackened Shrimp special of the day. For our sides we went with the mac and cheese, the sweet potatoe fries, fried plantains, and collard greens. All entrees came with a side of rice and beans, hallelujah. It's hard for me to explain the level of flavour that was afforded to us this night, but holy damn the food was good. The Chicken Wings were just perfectly cooked to the right amount of fried before drizzled in sauce while being succulent, the Ribs were some of the best I've had that, while not falling off the bone immediately, retained so much flavour, the Jerk Chicken was packed with aroma, while the Blackened Shrimp was probably my least favourite one, but still tasty. As for the sides, everything surpassed my expectations except the mac and cheese, which I thought could use a bit more goo-eyness to it. The plantains were just crisp enough to retain the caramelized sugar without tasting like the bottom of the pan, the collard greens had the perfect texture with the right amount of sweetness to it and the sweet potatoe fries delivered as promised. On top of all that, the place was so warm and friendly, we had such an amazing time. Shout out to our waiter Marquist {without the 'e'} who took care of us. read more

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Amazing food. Great service. We were a large group eating lunch. The owner was so kind and warmed up our cornbread for us while we dined outdoors. Will def be back when I travel here for work. Work this place into your reg lunch rotation if you're in New Haven. read more

I imagine Sandra's as being a meal someone on death row would request as their last meal. My first time ever walking in here, the ladies were singing their voices out to Diana Ross, apologized to me, and I said "No! I love it, please keep going!" They started talking to me like I was part of the family and that's when I knew the food would be good. The portions are large and is hands-down probably the best soul food you'll find in Connecticut. I keep wanting to try other things on their menu but I feel so sad when I don't order their smothered fried chicken. I also can't ever NOT order mac & cheese. It's my favorite side of all time and Sandra's Mac & cheese really hits the spot. To balance all the heaviness, I get the cabbage/collards mix. It doesn't get better! Meals come with corn bread and I love, love, love it! Their desserts look amazing as well! There have been days that I've stopped by and they were closed during regular hours, so I would definitely call your order ahead to make sure they're open! My mouth is watering just looking at these photos. :( read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Smothered chicken wings, Macaroni & Cheese, and Mix Collards And Cabbage - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Amazing food amazing owner She said they have been in business for thirty five years.. I can tell you why, great food with a big smile. Nuff said. Go there ! read more

I was visiting my niece in Conneticut and searched for soul food in the area. We decided to try Sandra's and I'm glad we made the choice. The restaurant is quite small and quaint. There are only a few tables, so the wait can be quite long. We arrived when the restaurant opened, so we didn't have to wait for a seat. I ordered the blackened salmon, mac and cheese and collards. The food was delicious and had a New Orleans flare. The waitress was extremely attentive and made sure my niece and I had what we needed. I will definitely visit this restaurant again if I am ever in the area again. I must say, I was satisfied with the food and drinks. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Blackened Salmon and Catfish! The food is amazing here! - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I've ordered here plenty of times and can't get enough. I've recommended Sandra's to plenty of people and they're never disappointed. I'm a sucker for the henny wings and shrimp - my go to! If you're in the area and want some good food made with love, go now! read more

This place is fire, so it is very busy on weekends. I got my fried chicken fix, I know I am far from the South, but heck, good ratings and pics, I'm IN! This place has a lot to offer with your fried chicken: lots of sides, lots of drinks, lots of desserts, man, lots of everything. Just think take out when you come, this place is packed in and out, and the line is long. You can talk to the people around you, something you should do, or bother the staff like I do, but the point is: good chicken, with extra breading, tasty sides, and at a decent price, just the way things should be. read more

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Do yourself a favor and try the rasta pasta. I am veganish and while I try not to eat dairy sometimes I do. Let me tell you the vegetable rasta pasta was worth it. We were in town for an event and really needed our order to be expedited. They did the best they could and were super kind. If you do takeout plan for plenty of time. One note is that there is a $75 limit on online orders. Since we wanted to try everything we went way past that and had to order over the phone. read more

Found this place on a list of the best fried chicken places in America. Oh boy is the fried chicken good. As well as all their other food. This place is a bit out of town and parts of it look kind of sketchy. But getting to this place is well worth the commute. I got BBQ ribs and fried chicken with collard greens and black-eyed peas. For $17 it was delicious! My friends also really enjoyed their meals as well. My friend has family down South and she attest that it was just as good as the food there. And I must say... the service is AMAZING! Our waitress was so friendly and nice. We gave her a 40% tip because she was that attentive and nice. Highly recommend. Would come back just for more fried chicken!! Tip: Check in for free dessert. CASH ONLY read more

Sandra's Next Generation - fried chicken, bbq ribs, collard greens and black eyed peas. - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Everything on the menu is awesome. Mango lemonade, fried chicken, chitterlings, Mac n cheese, collards, potato salad, cornbread dressing. Did I say everything? And I do mean everything is work the trip from NY to CT to indulge in this fine soul food cuisine. read more

Sandra's Next Generation, OMG Sandra's cater a very large event for me, when I tell you it was amazing, it was AMAZING!!!, I ordered several large dinner meals, the food was soooo good, I had plenty of food left overs, I froze what I could because I could not bring myself to throw it out. it was sooo good, my guest call me all day the next day, asking me who provided the food. And the staff Sandra and Sabrina, where so kind, courteous, overwhelming generous, and shout out to the delivery driver! Run, Run, Run and don't walk to Sandra's, you won't be disappointed. read more

Friday, August 2, 2019 was my first time here in a bunch of years. What a kind of fool am I ? From the minute I walked in, I was silent just taking it all in for experience purposes. The sights, the smells (oh the smells) and the sounds of love. I haven't even finished reading the back story behind Sandra's success and I already know it's about love. Because I felt it. My eyes were full of excitement as I peered down the line at all of the delicious offerings to be had. Waiting patiently in line...oh yeah there's gonna be a line, but not to worry it moves pretty quickly. In fact, I was amazed at the speed and accuracy of the young ladies who were taking care of us customers. I chose the BBQ Chicken Entree with Caribbean Rice and Macaroni and Cheese. You're always given a choice regular corn bread or sweet potato corn bread with your meal. I love me some cornbread and never had sweet potato before, oh my darling clementine it was delicious. The entire meal was beyond my expectations. I texted my friend afterwards, because we took our orders to go. I said "that was so delicious, I'm smacking my own behind" Looking forward to another trip there very soon. I was happy to see that a local Connecticut business was recognized by G. Garvin from Food Network/Cooking Channel. If you're a regular, every day customer, I envy you. For a first timer like me, do yourself a favor and go to Sandra's Next Generation located on Congress Avenue in New Haven. You won't be disappointed. I will definitely be back soon. If you go before me, please bring me some sweet potato corn bread. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - BBQ Chicken/Caribbean Rice/Macaroni and Cheese/Sweet Potato Corn Bread - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Delicious food. A must eat at. Clean and good environment . Affordable food for the family. Especially after church. read more