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

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

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

Black owned fabulousness. We were looking for a black owned restaurant to patronize for lunch and we did not have to look far. Sandra's opened at 11:30am and we called to see if there were options to dine in or outside. The woman who answered let us know there was plenty of seating outside and that they included cutlery and such in the bag automatically. Sandra's was about a 10 min walk from our hotel so we ordered online via their website and then got dressed and went for the walk. There were almost too many options to choose from which is not really that common from the soul food places I'm used to. This was a good problem. After ordering we received a text in like 25 or 30 mins that our food was ready. We were still about 10 mins away so we were concerned the food would be cold. When we got there we stood in the line outside for about 2 mins. The lovely greeter went to get our food after checking my ID and handed a large bag of vitals over to us. We sat outside since it was a sun shiny day (this was about 3 hours before the torrential downpour). We order so much food. My husband got the catfish with kale greens and seafood mac as the sides. I ordered bbq dark chicken with collard greens and regular mac as the sides. We got 'Miguels' plate in order to try out more of their sides-- we got Caribbean rice, cabbage, plantains and black eyed peas and rice. We received cornbread that came with each meal and ordered sweet potato cornbread on the side. The food was still so hot. Kudos to the way they pack the food. We absolutely loved all the sides. They were well seasoned and a good portion. Both mac and cheeses were so good!! The cornbreads were Fab and the sweet potato cornbread was dessert good! I mean you would think all that we ordered was too much for two people...i mean it was lol...but it was WORTH IT. I would love to visit this place again when I return to New Haven. There were so many other dishes I wanted to taste. Don't hesitate to give this place a try! We'll be back :) read more

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First of many visits to this soul food restaurant! Prompt service and outdoor seating. The outside view definitely needs some work BUT when you can't take your eyes off your plate, it's easily overlooked. Lets start with the cornbread...fresh out of the oven, sweet, buttery & moist. Included a small sample of their sweet potato cornbread as well. OMG, I could have eaten a whole tray! I ordered the fried wings, kale greens & black eyed peas. Wings were large and skin was crisp. Seasoning was just ok. Kale greens tasted fresh and had something sweet in them. I haven't had them prepared that way in the past but still thoroughly enjoyed. Came with a huge bowl of black eyed peas! These were cooked & seasoned to PERFECTION! I should have gotten a side order to go and more cornbread. read more

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

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My family loved the food.! I called in for takeout and they txted me when the order was ready. Delicious food & takeout service was 10/10! We got take out of fried chicken, Mac and cheese, yams, blackened salmon, Oreo cake, cornbread My husband and kids said this is the best food they have had ever! My kids were hesitant to try the yams but now have asked when we can have the yams again and are open to trying even the veggie dishes next time from there. read more

I haven't been here in a while but stopped in last night for dinner. The place is not big inside but does a lively takeout business. I decided to dine in. The hostess sat me at a table where I could watch the takeout folks come and go. As she sat me, she took my drink order (soft drinks, sweet tea, etc, no alcohol available). The waiter came over shortly after with a nice piece of warm corn bread with drizzled melted butter on top. It was delicious, satisfying and not too sweet. The regular menu selections are numerous plus they have a wide selection of daily specials. The menu offers a selection of "plates" where you specify the number of sides and entrees (proteins). I choose the 2 entree/2 sides Shandrea's Combo Plate. From the long list of options, I selected fried chicken, chopped pork BBQ, mac and cheese and collard greens. Fried Chicken: The waiter (I wish I could recall his name) warned me it just came out and was very hot. He was right. The breading was thin (that's good), crispy and not greasy it all. The spices were spot on; the chicken was fully cooked and moist. Chopped Pork BBQ: Also moist, finely chopped and flavored just right with a good hint of BBQ flavor - not overpowering. Mac and Cheese: Also very hot, the macaroni was not overcooked and there was ample cheese throughout and especially on top. Collard Greens: I made these recently at home and thought they turned out pretty good. After eating Sandra's collard greens, I know I have to raise my game. Her's were soft and yet not mushy. There was definitely a smoked meat flavor undertone - not too strong, just right. Each of the four portions were large enough to stand on their own - what I mean is I believe if I had ordered the three entree plate, the individual portions would not be reduced. Each portion was big and enough to satisfy. As I made my way through dinner, I started planning on what would be my last bite - what I would walk away savoring. I decided on the Pork BBQ. As I took the last bite of fried chicken, I wondered if I had chosen incorrectly. Ultimately, I don't think I could have made an incorrect choice :-) The staff was very nice from the hostess, to the waiter and the cashier. Even Sandra asked me how I enjoyed everything. read more

I finally made it there to Sandra's I called my order in and when I got there my order was ready.I live in WINDSOR CONN and always heard about your place was visiting a friend In Bridgeport, wanted something good got the Rasta Oxtail pasta was so good til I got to the end which was very salty. Over all I'll return read more

Sandra's Next Generation - 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

Must come place. This soul food was amazing. I got the fried catfish, fried okra, sweet yams, and collard greens. Sandra herself came out to greet us, such a sweet woman. read more

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

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

Being from the South, I was curious to see how Sandra's would compare to the food back home. No kidding -- this is the best Southern food I've ever had. I've had maybe 8-10 items on the menu, and they've ALL been delicious. And Sandra herself is delightful! read more

I'm from New Orleans and wanted some good ole southern fried chicken while in New Haven for some medical procedures at Yale....Sandra's was near my hotel and couldn't wait to try it. Unfortunately, they no longer have dine in seating.....bummer, as I detest take out, especially to a hotel. I pondered other options in the area and whether they were closed on a thursday night at 7:30 pm or didn't look as good, I relented. The fried chicken was very good, even if not pipping hot as it should be eaten right outta the frier. Candied Yams and macaroni and cheese also quite tasty, the fried okra and french fried a bit greasy, soggy and cooled by the time I got back to the hotel. Busy place, you place your order and then wait for 10 minutes or so for the meal to be made and they text you when it's ready, pay and you are one your way. Its kinda sad that so many places are still stuck in the COVID mentality and its all about take out....whatever happened to sitting down in a restaurant and being served nice southern food in pleasant surroundings? Really good food tho, even it it is take out..... read more

Food was incredible, service is fast & friendly.... everything was delicious. Only one complaint....they use these large plastic containers for the sweet tea. ( like a clear cottage cheese container) tea is great, but it's overwhelming with plastic taste from containers...just need to get cup that don't ruin the flavor of tea....besides that ,THE PLACE ,FOOD ,PEOPLE ARE AWESOME ! read more

I have been a patron of Sandra's and now Sandra's Next Generation for a couple of decades now and I have never been disappointed. Their sense is excellence extraordinaire has transcended from one generation into the next in such a seamless manner. I am so grateful that they have managed to not only survive yet continue to thrive this COVID-19 pandemic and continues to serve healthy delicious soul food in the same excellent manner that I have become accustomed to whether it's a quick pick-up , dining-in experience , delivery and/ or a catered event. I can't say that I have a favorite dish because I love All of their. The macaroni and cheese in addition to the sweet potato cornbread is a standard regardless of the dining experience. I'm looking forward to trying their soul empanadas, another genius innovation in addition to the sweet potato cornbread. God Bless you all and keep of the exceptional work! Stay safe and healthy! read more

The five stars on this caught my attention. I rarely see five stars restaurants on Yelp. As we arrive we were greeted and seated with kindness. My boyfriend and I were excited to try some soul food, and see what the five stars is all about. As I look around, there was a banner on the wall that said: As seen on the COOKING CHANNEL!! Whaaaat?? Das wsup! Then I knew we were in for a treat. Anyway we ordered the shante's plate (1 entre with 2sides) bbq pork ribs, corn (I love love love corn) and potato salad. The boyfriend ordered Cajun fried chicken, collard greens and baked mac&cheese. Our food arrives and before we dig in... We of course had to snap the food... Then the owner herself comes out from the back and she sees us taking photos... She was sooo sweet and friendly, had small talk and she gave us some of her homemade ice tea!!! OMG it was soooo good... It had chopped pieces of watermelon and mint leaves. Thank you Sandra... Anyway back to the food... Let me just say definitely worth the five stars!!!! The pork ribs were so tender, it came right off the bone, potato salad was so blended with little chunks of potatos, baked mac&cheese was on point, the batter mix for the Cajun was so crunchy and perfectly seasoned. Aannnnndddd complimentary corn bread!!!! Okaaaayyy!!! Entire staff and Sandra were hella friendly and sweet! We're definitely coming back for more when I visit.. No place in SD compares to this. read more

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Finally got the chance to drop in and try Sandra's Next Generation in New Haven, CT. I went with the lunch size Pork Chopped BBQ w/ mac & cheese and sweet potatoes. Food was ready when I arrived 10 minutes after I had called it in. DANG, this place is the REAL DEAL !!! I lived along the Tennessee-Alabama border during 2014, and the Q served here at Sandra's Next Generation is on par with the best down there. Pork was moist & flavorful, hint of smoke, outstanding. The mac & cheese was as good as gets, just the way I like it -- perfect ! Loved the sweet potatoes too. Yes, Sandra's Next Generation deserves all the praise it has been receiving here on Yelp, it's Top Notch Southern food. A true gem hidden in New Haven, CT ! read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Lunch portion of Pork Chopped BBQ w/ mac & cheese and sweet potatoes. At Sandra's Next Generation in New Haven, CT. - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

The food is great but, it's pricey, staff's not always welcoming, the wait can be long and, the owner might put you on Instagram for free advertisement. read more

I love fried chicken. Ever since I went on a fried chicken binge in San Francisco and Napa, I've been on a quest for tasty fried chicken here in CT. We happened to be passing by New Haven, and decided to stop in for a late lunch. They do a huge take out business, but we opted to sit at one of the tables. There were not a ton of tables, but seemed to be enough for those who wanted to eat in. The servers were all so helpful and friendly. We were greeted with two pieces of cornbread drizzled with sweet honey butter. It was so tasty! They offered to bring us more, but we wanted to save room for our meals. We ordered drinks and our food. If you like iced tea you should definitely get it here. I ordered the green tea, it was sweetened with peaches and mint. It was SO good. And it came in a very large container, the husband and I could have easily shared it. He had just gotten a soda and would definitely get the tea next time. I knew I was ordering the fried chicken, so it was just a matter of picking my sides from the many available choices. My husband decided he wanted wings instead of an actual entree, so I ordered the church plate so that I could have 4 sides, 2 for him and 2 for me. I picked the mac and cheese and collard greens, he picked the special buffalo mac and cheese and sweet potatoes. My husband loved his wings, I don't remember exactly what they were, sweet and spicy or something like that. My fried chicken was fabulous. I liked all of the sides, and definitely want to go back to try all of the other available sides. Check in on Yelp and get a free dessert...we were too full, so we are saving that for next time! This is the last time that I'll go to Sandra's when I'm passing by...it is now a destination for me all on its own!! read more

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Amazing restaurant and incredible part of the New Haven community. Sandra, her family, and their welcoming team have created a scrumptious oasis of outstanding southern specialties. What a menu! I'm from Atlanta, GA, and I spent most of my life in the South and in Texas. I grew up eating these wonderful foods that were prepared with love, and Sandra and her chefs do just that-- they add love to every dish, and show love towards every customers. Sandra's is take-out only, which worked great for us. We prefer it. Study the menu online or outside, on their front window. Enter the restaurant, inhale the intoxicating aroma of great foods, and place your order. It'll be prepared and packaged efficiently for you to pick up only a short time afterwards. Be sure to look through the glass and decide which desserts you want, because they are excellent. The smothered fried chicken was delicious. The collard greens were prepared to perfection, and the southern style baked macaroni and cheese was ethereal! I loved the plump white rice that was served underneath the smothered chicken. It was unexpected, and turned out to be one of my favorites! Something so simple, but when mixed with the gravy, it was soooo good. Definitely elicited childhood memories of my grandmother's cooking. Here in the northeast, fried okra is often prepared with thick batter coating, but Sandra's hits another home run by preparing their fried okra in the lighter, crunchier cornmeal style that I love. Bravo! The coconut pineapple cake was moist and dreamy, and with so many dessert choices, there are plenty of treasures awaiting our future visits. There is a reason that Sandra's Next Generation receives consistently outstanding reviews on Yelp and elsewhere-- this is a restaurant that serves more than just magnificent food; this is a restaurant that is creating a legacy of community, love, and soulful connections. We can not wait to return and try other menu items! Thank you, Sandra and your family, for welcoming us into your "home". read more

First time there and the food was amazing to the point where I thinking about wanting some more of her food. I live all the way in Stamford and willing to drive back to New Haven for her food. read more

If you are looking for some really good soul food , in CT...Sandra's is it! I LOVE their fried pork chops, chopped BBQ,mac & cheese, fried okra, cornbread (very unique), and some other things. I will say that I was not a fan of their banana pudding. It was kind of thick and was missing a key ingredient,cool whip/whipped cream topping. Nonetheless, I am a fan and will definitely be back. read more

I was skeptical that this soul food restaurant was using free pie to get their reviews and I'm glad to report that is not the case here. The food is good. My party had different meals from smothered pork chops to blackened shrimp; everything was well-seasoned. The prices were reasonable and the plates were loaded. The only complaint was one of the waitresses was lacking in customer service. She stayed at one end of the table and handed dishes for everyone to pass down. If someone would have dropped my delicious drink or meal I would have been very angry. The rest of the staff even the owner were quite nice, asking if we enjoyed our meal and joining in on our jokes. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - The blackened shrimp is absolutely delicious. - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Ive return twice since my initial review and I am just as happy. I've have now tried the chopped turkey w bbq sauce and it was amazing. I've also tried the oxtail available as part of the international specials on Sunday and they were so good. Literally amazing. I brought home some sweet tea. I love the serving size and it was very good while not being overly sweet. I love this place. The food is amazing and the staff treat you very well! read more

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

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When I saw that New Haven had soul food, I was skeptical. Soul food is typically found in the South and New Haven is nowhere near the South. However, my fiance insisted that we try it and talked about it everyday of the week before we finally paid a visit tonight. This tiny restaurant had a very comfortable, home-y vibe and we were greeted by a lady behind the counter who kindly instructed us to have a seat. A minute later, she brought us menus to peruse. As she returned to the counter, a nice gentleman donning a Santa hat greeted us and explained the menu to us. With his friendly exchange, he learned that we were from Hawaii and shared the history of Sandra's. Foodwise, I ordered the oxtail and rice and her the fried chicken (original and Cajun). Depending on the plate, one can have up to two entrees and four sides. My fiance opted for the church plate that comes with four sides and one entree. She chose baked Mac & cheese, candied yams, collard greens, and Caribbean rice. I had a smaller plate with two sides of fried okra and sweet potato fries. And while there was a wait for the food, we were given complimentary cornbread. All of these food items were top-notch and made with love. It was evident in the crispy chicken skin with juicy, tender chicken meat. Love was seen in the flavorful, fall-off-the-bone oxtail which was seasoned to perfection. Attention and care was poured into the baked Mac & cheese which wad the best Mac & cheese ever to exist. This place screams soul from its atmosphere to food and history. read more

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Nice fresh food. Very small place not very roomy its just a grab and go place. Parking lot is very small as well. Prices are very expensive for such a small portion. You definitely will be spending over $17 for a meal. I had the fried chicken with two sides and a extra side and I paid $23. The place is very clean inside and outside employees are very respectful and helpful. Collard greens was good not to salty they were seasoned just right for everyone's liking. Candy yams okay just not sweet enough. Overall it's a nice place. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Henny Wings Candied Yams, Collard Greens - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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If you find yourself in Connecticut New Heaven, you should definitely hit this spot. The food will remind you of a home cook meal. I highly recommend it!!! read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Salmon, Mac Cheese, boiled Sweet potatoes, candy cake, and fried banana - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Delicious. A staple in the community. It makes the mark when you have a taste for soul food and do not feel like cooking your own or do not know how to make soul food. read more

Two stars because who doesn't love overly buttered cornbread and service with a smile! My guest had the fried chicken, mac n cheese, candied yams while I ordered the "vegetarian" option of black eyed peas, mac n cheese and collard greens. Complete disappointment. Chicken although fried and cooked well barely had seasoning, candied yams had about 1lb too much sugar and the mac n cheese was just bland, bland, bland! Somehow they failed to add cheese and flavor to this dish. Why were the collard greens SO sweet?! The black eyed peas were actually ok, although sweet as well after many bites. Perhaps the cooks mistook sugar for salt today, I've certainly done that! If for some reason I did return, it would be carry out only! This place is chaotic and everyone is confused. After being seated at a dirty table and waiting 10 min, I had to walk up to the counter and ask for menus. Server finally came for our order and it was smooth sailing after that (for us) although we were there for 1.5 hours, way too long imo, but it was busy. I noticed the table next to us, while some of the folks were served entrees, the other person had to wait about five min for her meal. As that party left and tables were cleared, cleaning was blindly done (with a very dirty rag I assume). There were still crumbs all over the table and another couple was seated. Don't even bother with the bathroom, toilet paper all over the floor, overfilled trash and a bunch of hair in the sink. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - So buttery and delicious! - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Yummy food for your soul. I am often excited to try my peoples food. Some of them hit it out of the park and some have a few misses. Sandra hits hard!! First, don't be alarmed with the beverage pricing. They are severed in a 32 ounce plastic container, lol used to getting that with a straw hole in the lid. Loved it!! Next, arrival of smack yo mama good cornbread. Everyone liked the yam cornbread but I loved the regular. We all ordered different things so we could taste. My favorite was the fried shrimp. By far the best I have tasted. Chicken was good, but not better than mine so I reserve the distinction of "best." Collards and yams were lip smaking and the potato salad was delicious. Mac n cheese was buttery cheesey good. I could not stop eating. Oh yeah, the catfish and ribs were good. I could still taste the food all the way back to Jersey. My daughter plays for UNH lax team and I promised her a trip there everytime she scores a goal. Score on daughter. read more

Sandra's Next Generation - Now this is what I am talking about. Sweet tea SNG style. - Soul Food Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

If one had to think about a "least likely to succeed on an Ivy League Campus" Restaurant concept based on admissions and stereotypes alone it would be hard to argue that Soul Food was not in the top five, yet steps from Yale it is said some of America's best Collard Greens and Fried Chicken are being cooked by a woman named Sandra Pittman and on Saturday those rumors turned out to be right. Located at 636 Congress Avenue and open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner, an unpretentious façade and several people hanging out in front of a nearby storefront not particularly inviting but at the same time non-threatening, it was sometime around 4:00pm that the door of Sandra's Next Generation was opened with a smell of Red Pepper and roasting Meats quickly filling nares, the last table for two quickly taken in a place that offers seating for twenty and a waitress quickly stopping by with a menu. Clearly a neighborhood favorite, the take-out line constantly 4 to 14 deep throughout the course of a sixty-five minute stay during which the majority was spent waiting after an order was placed, it was listening to 70's Soul and Hip-Hop while chatting with neighbors who were regulars that time passed quickly, Sandra's story told on some literature where she speaks of learning at the knee of her mother, a cook she reportedly still aspires to equal some day. Apologizing more than once for the wait when topping off water, though in reality there was nothing to be sorry about as every cook and server was busting a hump to keep up with the non-stop line, it was alongside a two-meat and two-sides combo plate that complimentary Cornbread was presented, a top heavily painted in melted Butter moistening the dense crumb with light sweetness while a complimentary taste of Candied Yam Cornbread that Sandra has been working on proved even better with a Sticky Toffee Pudding texture and flavor not far off from the traditional Soulfood Side. Moving next to the main plate, two full Wings and a juicy Pork Chop both deeply penetrated with spices and cooked crisp without any residual grease, the meal's true highlight was actually impeccable Greens that remained snappy despite being fully cooked in Pork and Peppers while the partially crunchy Mac n' Cheese was also good, though not as memorable as a complimentary scoop of Banana Pudding that featured big chunks of Fruit in a creamy base with Nilla Wafers crumbled and added later to prevent them from getting soggy and wet. read more

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Sooo.. came across this restaurant on Uber. It's a gloomy Sunday some soul food seemed perfect to turn my frown upside down. Originally ordered on the Uber app, but for some reason, Uber decided to cancel the order on me I was determined though some soul food seemed like just the cure for my blues. Sooo I decided to take the drive to the restaurant myself and let me tell you I was not the slightest bit disappointed. For a rainy, gloomy Sunday afternoon the staff at the restaurant was all positive upbeat vibes. Seriously this was an amazing experience and I'm so glad I came down.. The owner came out to check on me. One of the waiters came out to warm my cornbread. I can not recommend this place more. One of the best dining experiences I've ever had.. seriously read more

There's no indoor seating and with the cooler weather upon us; who wants to sit outside? Going into October The corn bread was hard AF !! I ordered the catfish Mac and cheese, collards, and yams. The yams were cut in huge pieces, and cat fish wasn't seasoned well& no hot sauce was given to help with the poorly seasoned catfish . Prices are high! I'm giving the establishment 2 stars because their shrimp deviled eggs were good, over priced but it was good. I won't be back. read more

Haven't been here in a while but I was craving catfish and my kid wanted fried chicken. Catfish needs a lot of work. All I wanted but it was mediocre at its best. No seasoning or no crunch. Was looking for that cornmeal bite. My son loved his fried chicken and yams. He said corn bread was dry and Mac had a strange taste.review is for constructive criticism purposes. Go try yourself!! I always refer people to them when someone asks where to get SF. read more

This soul/southern food restaurant is the only one I will eat at. Both my parents are from the Carolinas and from cooking families. The food is quality and the taste is amazing. I have yet to find a restaurant that can make collard greens (the right way!), potato salad with taste, and banana pudding with flavor. Their menu has a great variety of food from fried fish to shrimp to Caribbean rice to corn bread to bbq/fried chicken. I've never been disappointed in anything I've tried and I am very picky. I found them when they were down the street from my job at their first location on Whitney Avenue and was elated when they made their return back to the restaurant business by opening Sandra's Next Generation. Because this place is so popular, the service can be slow at times but everyone feels the same way...the food is worth the wait...it's that delicious!!! read more

Sandra's is a must visit every time we pass through Connecticut. The food is absolutely delicious and the staff and owner are very friendly (even though they are crazy busy!) We've tried most of the menu items and never been disappointed. You may need to wait a bit to get your food, but it's very well worth it. read more

I am obsessed with Sandra's food! Having moved from Cincinnati, OH, to CT, I missed southern-inspired food; it's what I grew up with, being just across from KY. When I taste Sandra's food, I am transported to home, in my grandparents' kitchen on their farm. I've eaten at Sandra's many times now--probably over 20. Here are my favorites: -Collard greens (craveable, absolutely amazing) -Candied yams (unlike any others; would also make a yummy dessert) -Cornbread (buttery) -Baked macaroni and cheese (lots of cheesey goodness) -White rice (get the gravy with it--OMG) -Smothered pork chop (so good, even reheated in the oven) -Hennessy wings (I'm completely obsessed with these; they're my favorite protein, hands down) -Potato salad (reminds me of home) -Fried chicken (excellent) -Coconut Pineapple Cake (the perfect mix of coconut, white icing, yellow cake, and pineapple--my favorite dessert at Sandra's) Now, what food is good, but could use improvement? -Chocolate Frosted Yellow Cake (really good, but had a lot of excess chocolate frosting on my last visit) -Peach Cobbler (something is off with it; I don't know if it's the sweetness or the crumb; I'd honestly have to taste it again. I know it's not traditional, but maybe using pie crust crumbs would amp it up--something to consider) -Green Beans (needs more flavor. My grandma would use fresh green beans from her garden, white onion, bacon, butter, and salt and pepper and boil everything together. It gave the beans a touch of sweetness and depth. Maybe try this?) -Sweet Tea (can it be sweeter?) Overall, I love Sandra's. It's the meal I want on a good day and a bad day. It's the meal I want when I miss home. It's the meal I want all the time. I highly recommend treating yourself. Thank you, Sandra, and team! read more

Okay I wish I came to Sandra's sooner!! Now when I'm in New Haven this place is a must. Everybody I was with ordered a total of 5-6 plates! The church plate is a great value, they load up your entree and you get to try all the sides they have to offer. This menu is the best bc Sandra has options!! Everything we ate had so much flavor and you can tell everything is cooked with love! The sweet & tangy chicken was so juicy and all my sides just meshed together mmmm. You won't be disappointed here. read more

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I was in New Haven and stopped by Sandra's to see if the food lived up to the hype; I was thoroughly disappointed. The catfish was not seasoned, mac n cheese tasted like it came out of a box, cabbage was watery, yams were bland, etc, etc, etc. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY; just go to McDonald's or cook. read more

Food was delicious!! The catfish fresh, henney wings fab, fried chicken crunchy & juicy, Mac & cheese cheesy goodness! I don't think you'll go wrong with anything on the menu. So order some takeout, have some delivered, pick it up, or stop by and get you some Sandra Next Generation you won't be sorry. read more