What a great experience. Just as COVID 19 rules were starting to allow us an opportunity to get out we ventured into Sanford to find Shantells Soul Food after seeing the owner on our local news donating and cooking for the front line workers during the crisis. We remembered her instantly when we saw her and she greeted us with a huge smile. The restaurant was open to take out and outside seating. The outside area reminded us of the quaint outdoor courtyards in New Orleans and it was beautifully arranged and welcoming. We had the Jerk Chicken and Rice and the Jerk Shrimp and Rice... we shared both. The spicy taste of the shrimp was amazing and the Jerk Chicken was a blast of great flavor. The highlight of our meal were the collard greens !! Having spent years in Atlanta and Georgia and doing a lot of traveling , I can honerstly say Ive never had greens like those !! Bursting with flavor and you just cant get enough in your mouth !! Sadly , we both ran out too quickly. If you are looking for amazing food , great service and a home cooked meal , stop in and see them. We will be going back !!! read more

The southern roots run deep in this wonderful place. The fried chicken was crisp and tender with the perfect seasonings. Did someone say collard greens? Oh my! What's not to love? read more

The owners husband walked past us and greeted all the white folks! Furthermore, where are the employees mask? RONDA IS THE BEST! Literally! The food was great. read more

My family and I stopped in for lunch on a Sunday afternoon. I had been meaning to try Shantell's Just Until for quite some time, but hadn't gotten around to it. Y'all... I could kick myself for all of the time that I have spent missing out on this Sanford gem!! If you have stumbled across this review while searching for a new restaurant to try, let your search end here! Shantell's checks all of the boxes! I will start with the food... incredible!! I do not give this praise lightly. I have lived in the Orlando area for 4 years now. In that time, I have tried countless restaurants all over the metropolitan area. After finishing our meal, my husband and I both agreed that it was the best that we have had since living here. THE BEST! My daughter ordered wings with mild sauce on the side. I was expecting it to be a mild, traditional, buffalo-style, sauce. This was very much it's own thing, and very excitingly so! We were pleasantly surprised by how flavorful it was. I found myself dunking some of my chicken (that was plenty flavorful on it's own!) in it because it was so good. I ordered the chicken and waffles, and my husband had the jerk shrimp. They were both everything that you could want them to be. I have been disappointed, by other establishments in the past, by sad, flavorless, soggy waffles or dry chicken. To say that it exceeded my expectations is an understatement. The chicken was juicy with a well-seasoned, light, perfectly crispy, crust. If I have ever in my life had any fried chicken that was better, I can't remember it (please do not tell my grandma!). The waffle was fluffy and firm (not soggy or too crisp). The jerk shrimp is what you are missing in your life. It is a perfect blend of seasonings and spice. It will make you want to do a little happy dance in your seat when you take a bite. Luckily for you, there is a chance there will be delightful music playing to camouflage your weird joyous dance. We were lucky enough to catch both live blues music wrapping up when we arrived and reggae music beginning as we were finishing up. Speaking of finishing up the meal, dessert is not to be missed! We were already so full, and I am not usually much of a sweet tooth, but the desserts sounded too good to pass up. I was right! We tried the red velvet and the hummingbird cakes and, despite not knowing how we found the room in our bellies, not a crumb was left on the plates. I wish that I would have taken photos to add to my post, for you to salivate over as you anticipate your visit to Shantell's. I will try to remember next time. And rest assured, there will be a next time. Not only was the food delicious, but the portions and prices were both great! The service was wonderful! I cannot say enough positive things about, what henceforth will be referred to as, my favorite restaurant. read more

Great great food. went on a karaoke night with my friends, and it was the greatest. the staff was kind, talked with us. We were welcomed with opened arms. the whole environment was warm and fun. 10/1 read more

My wife and I enjoyed the best chicken and waffles for lunch at shantell's. What a wonderful family restaurant.

Terrible "brunch" buffet. Food was that of a free hotel breakfast but there was no where near enough. Multiple parties had to stand and awkwardly wait for more food just for the cook to walk back and forth 7 times to bring nothing. You had to walk through a band to get to the bathroom, which did not have toilet paper or paper towels. read more

We went today for the Biker's Buffet after a friend recommended this place to us. Our friend gave us Shantell's business card where it had the hours for Sunday starting at 10:00. We arrived about 10 minutes before 10:00 but were told that it did not start until 11:00 am. We came back at 11:00 but the food was still not ready. Once it came out, there was not enough for the those of in line, about 9 people. I got some eggs, one slice of bacon from the second round that came out. I went back several times to get some potatoes, chicken and more eggs but after about an hour, we all gave up and paid our bill and went down the street. I probably got 4 or 5 dollars of food, no drink, no coffee and it cost me $14. The waitress did not know how to run the electronic cash register and that took another 15-20 mins. I would not return to this place again. read more

I wanted to like this place. It was not only because it was recommended by other Sanford business owners but because the Orlando Sentinel also RAVED about it (p.s. Orlando Sentinel I won't even read your online publications now). I went to place a take out order and there were 7 other patrons in the restaurant. It seemed like the 2 servers working weren't on sync with each other and folks were hesitant at first to speak to me. After breaking the ice with my excitement to be there because they were recommended I review the menu and had to wait a while before placing my order while they were figuring out the expedition of the food for the other guests. (It's a super small place it should go really quickly). I finally did, Fried Chicken meal, fries, mac n cheese, wings, Jamaican patty. Feeding 4 of us across the street. I asked how long it would take as I was going to come back and pick it up. She was nice and said don't worry about it I'll bring it over. 45 minutes later no food so I figured they had gotten busy so I walked back over. They were not busy and again there was a weird communication execution environment. Not really anyone taking charge of making sure all guests were spoken too and everything was clear and understood about what was going on. My takeout order was done but they had to redrop my fries. So I was waiting I watched the server take two orders of fries out to the seated tables and I just kept waiting. When I asked how long she thought it would be she said - good thing you didn't pay for them. I didn't charge you for them. Huh?! I paid for two meals with sides and actually helped her on my phone as she went through what to charge me ( old school calculator style - it's a mom n pop kind of restaurant). I didn't know what to say so she said she bring them over and I left. I was so excited to try the food I didn't care about the weird service- like I said I wanted to like this place. But the food was awful. The fried chicken was disgusting. Not crispy. No flavor. I had heard so much about how darn good the chicken was and all I can think it that all those folks have never eaten decent fried chicken or have lived off mushy piles of wet paper their whole lives. We actually did have fries already included that were okay. The mac n cheese was fine not the best but okay. The wings were the best part of the meal which was sad because we had to split 10 between 4 people since everything else was so awful. The Jamaican patty was flavorful but mushy in consistency - not fried well. Overall about an hour wait for not so good food. I wanted to like this place so badly but I will NEVER BE going back. The people working though awkward with service level were nice and friendly. But the fried chicken was so bad and the wait so long. Ladies I'd have a beer with you but my family will die of starvation if we depend on your cooking. read more

Food and service were well below par! We ordered fried green tomatoes, a macaroni stuffed portobello, fish and chips and chicken and waffles. I wish I could report on the appetizers, but they were never delivered and our food took over an hour to get to our table. Fish and chips were just average as if they came from long john silvers and the chicken and waffles were cold and the chicken had no flavor. I will not be returning here! I could've gone to publix and bought their fried chicken and some bisquick and been better off and saved money! What a shame I had such high hopes for this place.... read more

Waited an hour and a half for not worth the price food. Sliders were dry, another person in our party didn't get their fries till we got our checks. Waste of time and money. Very disappointed. Have given this place a couple chances and will be taking my business elsewhere. :( read more

They have two people working here. So I get a rush of people might take a little longer, but the quality of food is just poor. Chicken and waffles are okay. I bet their burgers are okay as well. But I'm definitely not coming here again. read more

Service was okay. We were really excited about coming here, but was very disappointed in the food. I had the oysters, they were so small it looked liked an appetizer. My boyfriend had the chicken and collards..dont waste your time or money. Wont be back! read more

Chantell is a very nice woman and a great self promoter. However the food is just average. Two pieces of dredged chicken where the predominant flavor is salt and a good "salty" waffle, not much food for $12 Jerk meat pie is factory made. Fried green tomatoes are made with the same flour dredge as the chicken $1 a slice, the wings are also a dollar each. We went there the Sunday the Sentinels review came out, at 2 in the afternoon they had no oysters, no deserts and one meat pie, since the Sentinel warns a restaurant when they are dropping the review this restaurant was not prepared at all. When we were leaving a party of 12, 20-30 year olds came in talking about the review, hope they were not as disappointed as we were. Waitress was not well groomed nor very bright, place could use some TLC and a good cleaning. I suppose if you were a bit tipsy and not to particular, you would be happy. If you are particular, don't buy the hype and go somewhere else, the Chicken is cheaper and much better at Cheddars near the Sanford mall. read more

We had wings and fried green tomatoes they were delicious. However service needs to be addressed

Really good food and people here. Best fried chicken and burgers in town. I've had the food once a week at least for a few months. I've always said that if someone served great food and kept late hours in this town they'd clean up. That's the best part; they are a small business that keeps its hours! Open when they say, closed when they are done most times after the posted hours of people are still eating. Great addition to Sanford. Shantelle and Larry are awesome, the chef is fantastic and Sarrah the server is wonderful. read more

Accidentally found this place and it was FANTASTIC! We are from Jacksonville, FL and was looking for a place to feed our football team. Food was fresh, hot and well seasoned. The service was the BEST ever and the owner was a riot. We will definitely visit this place again. read more

Central Florida Soul Food Gem!!!! Fresh Yummy Food from the Heart. There's nothing like it in anywhere around the Orlando area.

So, stopped by for a second time thinking place is open to eat for lunch. Get to the door to find a note that says closed until further notice for repairs with an apology. Owner should put it out there that they are not open so blank trips are not made. read more

Saw on Facebook that they had a $.60 wing special and decided to get some takeout. The food was ready quickly and the service was extremely friendly! We got some hot wings and jerk flavored wings. The hot wings were great, just the right balance between heat and vinegar. The jerk flavor though, that was the big winner. I don't know what shantell puts in that jerk sauce, but I could eat that every day. I'll definitely be back to try the rest of their menu! read more

Food was not cooked correctly and manager/ owner older man was very rude! Will never go back and not recommend them to anyone

Just left very unhappy. Sat at the table and was greeted right away. Ordered foods including salads to come out first. The waitress didn't write down our order and came back twice to reassure the order. One hour later we still had no salads. Ended up wanting to leave and paid $8 for 3 sweet teas. The owner was in the establishment too talking to everyone but us. read more

We had just saved 50% on our new dining room table over at World Market and feeling flush with my huge savings, I decided to take my lovely wife out to lunch. Since we were in Sanford anyway, we ambled over to Shantell's Soul Food in what appears to be an up and coming section a few blocks off of Downtown Sanford. It was just past opening time and we had the place almost to ourselves. We were greeted cheerfully and were seated immediately. Strangely, they did not have sugar or artificial sweetener for our iced-tea, but the server did offer to mix a half and half. Overall, our service was fast and efficient, although we did have a miscommunication later on as I discuss below. If you bill yourself as a southern style restaurant, you better be able to do fried chicken well or you should take your Yankee behind back up to Vermont or wherever you actually came from. So, I ordered the two piece with greens and my wife ordered fried fish with mac and cheese. Although I ordered a breast and wing, I received a thigh and wing. Since it takes a good 20 minutes for the cooked to order chicken, I happily ate the plate I was served. Except for that minor hiccup, I was in fried chicken heaven. The crust was crispy and well spiced but not too thick like some places that tend to over dredge. The greens were the best I've had since the last time I was in Memphis. Cooked perfectly with just a bit of bite left in them and the sort of salty pork flavor you can only get by cooking them the right way. My wife's fish was also tasty, maybe not as much of a standout as my chicken. Her mac and cheese was a huge hit with creamy real cheese. About the time we paid our bill, a fellow sitting near us received his chicken and waffles plate. I have kicked myself five times each day since for not ordering that myself. It looked wonderful and smelled even better. The value at Shantell's Soul Food is also excellent. We paid less than 20 bucks for two dinner sized meals that resulted in plans for a future trip to indulge in the chicken and waffles. Can't wait to go back. read more

I've said it before ... And won't be long Bc my food is in front of me and I can't hold for long ..... Maaaan ... I struggle to find real - food places ... actual cooks not people with degrees ... Amazing and delicious. Seasoned perfect. I love it ! Thanks so much for the perfect experience and also live music ! Whaaat ...Shantell ( owner and chef ) came out and made our day ! Perfect ! Thanks so much and pls try the fried green tomatoes.... I can't even stop with this place. A GEM ! read more

Shantell's Just Until Restaurant & Lounge - Leaving a mark :) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Sanford, Florida

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We visited Shantell's for her Sunday bikers brunch buffet. Being a southern gal myself from New Orleans area, I truly enjoyed her southern spread as well as meeting Shantell and her stories of her journeys not only on her Harley Davidson bike but her life journey. I'm also a many generational past restaurant owner and know the work and commitments of running a restaurant regardless of size. We should all support our local restaurants and this is a women owned business which is so wonderful! She hires folks like we used to do who Shantell needs to train on how to work in this business. She is helping people have jobs. So do forgive those who are learning as they work. Better yet, those of you who complain, I encourage you to go work for a month in the restaurant business. Good fried and baked chicken, fish, fried green tomatoes and more. We look forward to supporting Shantell's and recommend you do so as well! read more

Food was good! Chicken and waffles were great, waffle was a little under cooked but was still good. Burger was huge and had great flavor. Entrees are big enough that you do not need an appetizer. Don't buy the okra because you only get about 15 pieces for $4. Prices are a little high put you won't walk away hungry. I will be back!!! read more

Although Shantell's vision is admirable and I wish her success but my experience was that the food was mediocre, service was horrible and the entertainment was supposedly a classically trained woman who sounds terrible singing popular songs. read more

What a great find Shantell's Just Until was AMAZING!. The chicken and waffles are to die for. They have gluten free on the menu if that is one of your concerns, and the atmosphere is relaxing. I cant wait to go back so I can try something different on the menu, but the chicken and waffles is definitely something I will be having again. read more

Fabulous, awesome, very friendly owners , cooks and servers. First time here during a visit and if I am ever back in the area, this will be my first stop. Photos and hugs with owners Shantell and Larry. Lisa was a server and was terrific. I had the jerk shrimp, hit wings, meat patties, fried okra (never have that but this was fabulous) and even some collard greens. A must for anyone. Simply AWESOME!!!! read more

Had the Macabello (Mac&Cheese on Portabello Mushroom on Lettuce) and loved the vegetarian dish. Service was prompt and pleasant. I plan to return for more. read more

We came here at around 11pm on a Friday night somewhat by accident. We were looking for some food after a few drinks at the nearby bars. I couldn't have been more pleased. I got the chicken and waffles and it was phenomenal. The chicken was really crispy and flavorful and the waffles were delicious. I got a side of Mac n cheese that was absolutely perfect. The service was great and everybody was very friendly and talkative. It would be nice if they served beer but not a big deal. read more

Finally decided to give this place a try after so many friends recommended it. The staff greeted and seated us right away. We ordered the chicken and waffles and the chicken platter with a side of okra. All I can say is WOW! THE BEST FRIED CHICKEN EVER! The prices can get a little pricy but well worth it. The only complaint I had was the wait to get our food. We waited about 45 mins for our food. Though it was worth it I hope the next time we go it isn't as long. read more

Pleasant, efficient service and great food. Jerk shrimp had a kick (can you handle it???) and was delicious. The shrimp po boy was perfectly fried. The hospitality was welcome, and our kids enjoyed the outdoor seating. read more

Shantell's Just Until Restaurant & Lounge - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Sanford, Florida

All the flavors were incredible!! Beyond what I ever expected! Damn. Definitely recommend this place! Wings are awesome- especially with Shantell sauce and garlic parm. The philly was also amazing! read more

This review is only for the chicken and waffles!!! And they are awesome!!! Very friendly service.

Food was very good. Service was very slow, and the original food brought out was cold. However, they re-did our order, and it was so much better. Chicken was some of the best I have had. Sides were good too. We had the greens and the mac and cheese. I would return if I were in the area again. read more

Loveeeed the food! Very southern! Chicken and waffles were awesome! Highly recommend wings, mac and cheese, and fries! Great service!

The chicken and waffles were amazing. Very nice setting love this place and karaoke night was fun too. Great service, very friendly. I felt at home and welcome. I will return. read more

Looks like things have improved in the cleaning department. I'm back for a reason. There is no other place like it. Chicken and waffles, yes sir. read more

In a Chicken & Waffles contest, Shantells wins, hands down. While Tibbys is good, the breading is a great deal heavier, & overwhelms the chicken. Some people might think 'more stuff, that's a good thing', but if you want perfectly seasoned fried chicken, with just the right amount of extraneous exterior, you have got to find Shantells. And the waffle; Orlando Sentinel food critic Heather McPherson said that they possibly contain malt, but whatever they use, the waffles are superb, light & crispy, but substantial enough to support the chicken. The syrup is a mystery, but a good mystery. While you're at Shantells, you must try the catfish. The best ever. My son says burgers are also must haves, but I can't get past the whisper light clean tasting catfish. You can order 5 pieces of each take out for under $15 & feed 4 people. Why am I telling you all this? I don't want the place to get overrun with new customers! Guess I just want a great chef to get proper credit. read more