Sandra's Next Generation

I wanted to order something different for dinner and I ended up having one of the best meals of my life, and certainly the best delivery order I've ever had without question. I could taste the love that was put into each dish. It was superb and I definitely be ordering again, hopefully next time in person!

I was in the New Haven area and decided to get some good eats. I came across a Black-owned restaurant. I ordered food for pickup 😋 and had to wait about 45 minutes. Walking up to the restaurant, Sandra was stepping out. There was a guy outside in a wheelchair. I'm sure she was very familiar with him because he told her he was hungry. She smiled and said, 'I just fed you.' He repeated, 'I'm still hungry.' We all laughed, and she asked him what he wanted. He wanted chicken. She laughed and went to give that homeless man some chicken. She stole my heart ❤️ with that alone. I ordered shrimp and grits (10/10), oxtail empanada (7/10), potato salad (7/10), deviled eggs (8/10) with shrimp, and a church plate consisting of salmon, Caribbean rice, and mac and cheese (8/10). Check this spot out. WAITTTTTT !!! The best part about this place was the atmosphere... It felt like being at an grandma's house for Sunday dinner. I had a whole conversation like I knew these people for years lol ... 🥰🥰🥰🥰 Added some photos 📸

Let me just say Sandra’s blew me away. As someone who’s a pretty tough critic when it comes to food (especially Southern food), I went in with high expectations... and they managed to exceed them. We tried a little bit of everything: smothered pork chops, fried chicken, collard greens, lamb chops, catfish, yams, mac and cheese, rice, green beans, and salmon. Not a single bite was undercooked, overcooked, or lacking seasoning. Everything was perfectly balanced and tasted just like something you’d get straight from a kitchen down South. The flavors were rich, comforting, and clearly made with love. Honestly the peach cobbler is better than any I’ve had in Georgia (and I’ve had my fair share). But the real showstopper? The banana pudding. I don’t even have words for how good it was. Creamy and flavorful, just perfect. Sandra’s has officially earned a spot on my go to list. I’ll definitely be back.

Hands down best Soul Food! The 45 minute drive doesn’t feel like anything when you know you’re getting the most flavorful, fresh and comforting food possible. 10/10 must try, you will not regret it.

This is such a gem. I loved the food, from the ribs, to the rice, to the yams. So delicious. We drove in from a neighboring state. I crave coming here every few months. The catfish was delicious and so were the fresh drinks. This isn’t a dine in spot and the wait was not that bad. I enjoyed it overall. Parking is easy.

Aye t̾e̾r̾p̾y̾fam ya guy finally slid up on SNG after hearin nothin but great things n see viral vids flood my timeline... So how was it? 👇👇 Overall: It was just OK.... I dnt know if we caught them on a bad day or if all the hype folded the excitement because it was a solid letdown. The order: Fried chicken/BBQ smothered FC/ mac&cheese/candied yams/greens/ caribbean rice/corn bread/pineapple coconut cake FC was a little dry, but fried well and cooked through. Just kind of a basic batter and if these birds are brined in advance its not w/ aromatics. Mac&Cheese again was ok, just missing real deep cheese flaOK, and one note The yams were really really sweet like the sweet tea and super heavy on the nutmeg/clove Greens, if slow simmered w/hocks I couldnt tell. I was hunting for that really smokey pork flavor and it just wasn't what I expected. The caribbean rice was fire! And the best thing of everything tbh the only reason why I gave 4 🌟 The cornbread, a lil dry but may have had pineapple in it my company mentioned which would be a nice touch. The cake to end things was mostly frosting so we barley made a dent in it. Sandra's not bad, its better than most any southern place in CT but it doesnt stand up to some of the best spots in SC/GA imho

11-16-24 On A Positive Note: I love the sweet potato cornbread. The cashier and hostess/ order taker are always pleasant. I decided to stop here and grab my dinner since I was in New Haven. I order my usual church plate. Unfortunately, the black eyed peas were hard and dry and the chicken just wasn’t what am I use to from this establishment. I’m very disappointed. I live in Waterbury- the only reason I didn’t go return the plate. I’m am on the fence about giving it another try. Usually, the food is really good. Perhaps there was a new cook?🤷‍♀️ A Daily Diner

Went here for the first time and we really enjoyed the food. The banana pudding cake was awsome. The fried chicken was crispy, juicy and flavourful. Lemonade was sweet and tart and the mint added a nice touch. We ate outside because we had a two hour drive back home. It was worth the trip. Thank you

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

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. As I was waiting the gospel music was playing and it was nice. Once I got my food. I immediately gave it a try because I didn't want it cold or reheated for my review. The soul food empanadas with chicken were pretty good I would give them a solid 7 out of 10. The smothered chicken was very salty in my opinion. I would rate it a 5 out of 10, and the Mac & cheese tasted like boxed velveeta which I would rate a 4/10. I'm disappointed at how over hyped it seem. Not pictured was my order of fried fish and it was bland with no seasoning. The lemon on the side did no justice. I could've honestly caught it at a bad time because it was a Sunday and very busy, but I'm definitely not interested in going back.

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.

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 . There is off the street parking and only outdoor eating area available.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I visited this place for the reviews. Plus, I was missing the soul food from Chicago, and from my own stove. The outside seating area is nice! Inside, it's your standard soul food to go spot. 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.

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 !

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

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!

Food and service is always on point. It always looks clean. I enjoy the vegetable plate. Thank you

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.

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. The restaurant does not have indoor seating, however they do have outdoor seating since it is more hot outside. However I did not eat outside because it was way to hot. Overall I love Sandra's !

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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 .

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!

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!!!

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

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

I don't need a co sign if your experience was disappointing and different post it in your review, I loved the food and the service and I've been there way more than most people especially these professionals haters, now Oh No that and don't play on my reviews

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.

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.

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.

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. Inside is small, but it's just meant for pick up, curbside or if you decide to sit outside. 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

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!

*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 !

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!

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

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?????

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

Has a nice ambiance. 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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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...

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