7 Connecticut Soul Food Spots That Locals Say They’ll Never Give Up
When most people think of Connecticut, they picture lobster rolls on the shoreline or pizza in New Haven—not collard greens and cornbread.
But tucked away in small towns and city neighborhoods are soul food spots that could hold their own against kitchens in Georgia or the Carolinas.
Over the years, I’ve crisscrossed the state tasting smoky ribs, golden fried chicken, buttery mac and cheese, and banana pudding that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s table.
What I’ve found is that soul food in Connecticut isn’t just about the recipes—it’s about community, tradition, and comfort that keeps people coming back week after week.
These restaurants have built loyal followings by serving food that warms the stomach and the spirit, proving that you don’t need to travel South to find the heart of soul cooking.
1. Greer Southern Table: A Taste Of Charleston In Connecticut
Y’all won’t believe the Southern magic happening at Greer Southern Table! Last summer, I brought my skeptical South Carolina cousin here, and even she had to admit the shrimp and grits rivaled her hometown favorite.
The restaurant occupies a charming converted house in Windsor, creating an atmosphere that feels like dining at a friend’s place. Chef Marquis Greer infuses every dish with authentic Lowcountry flavors while adding his own Connecticut twist.
My go-to order? Their buttermilk fried chicken with honey drizzle and a side of mac and cheese that’s so creamy it should be illegal. The menu changes seasonally, but the soul in the cooking remains constant year-round.
2. Lilly’s: The Tiny Kitchen With Gigantic Flavor
Blink and you might miss Lilly’s, tucked away on a quiet New Haven street. But locals know—this tiny spot packs more flavor into its kitchen than restaurants three times its size!
My first visit was completely accidental. Caught in a downpour without an umbrella, I ducked inside what looked like someone’s house. Instead, I discovered the best catfish sandwich I’ve ever tasted, perfectly crisp outside and flaky inside.
Owner Miss Lilly (as everyone calls her) learned cooking from her grandmother in Georgia. Her homemade hot sauce—available for purchase by the bottle—has developed such a cult following that some customers drive from Massachusetts just to stock up. The banana pudding alone is worth crossing state lines for!
3. Sandra’s Next Generation: A Soul Food Institution
Some restaurants are just places to eat, but Sandra’s Next Generation is a New Haven institution. I remember my first visit nearly a decade ago—the line stretched down the block, but nobody complained because we all knew what awaited us inside.
Sandra’s smothered pork chops have ruined me for all other versions. Tender, swimming in savory gravy with just the right amount of pepper kick, they’re the stuff of legend. Their sides aren’t afterthoughts either—the candied yams strike that perfect balance between sweet and savory.
What makes this place truly special is how it bridges generations. I’ve sat next to Yale professors, construction workers, and families celebrating special occasions, all united by their appreciation for authentic soul food served with love.
4. Soul Tasty: Stamford’s Hidden Treasure
“You haven’t really had fried chicken until you’ve had Miss Pearl’s recipe.” That’s what the guy behind me in line said during my first visit to Soul Tasty in Stamford. He wasn’t exaggerating.
Located in an unassuming strip mall, this family-owned gem serves the crispiest, juiciest chicken I’ve ever sunk my teeth into. The secret’s in their 24-hour buttermilk brine and seasoned flour that contains—I’m guessing—about fifteen different spices.
Beyond chicken, their oxtails slow-cooked until they fall off the bone have developed a passionate following. Soul Tasty feels like the restaurants I grew up with—no pretension, just soulful cooking that speaks directly to your heart through your stomach.
5. Walrus Alley: Modern Soul With Deep Roots
Walrus Alley shocked me when it first opened in Westport. Soul food in one of Connecticut’s fanciest towns? But one bite of their Nashville hot chicken sandwich had me singing hallelujah!
Chef Sam Epps has created something unique here—traditional soul food techniques applied to locally-sourced ingredients. The result is familiar yet fresh. Their cornbread comes with honey butter that I may or may not have eaten straight with a spoon (no judgment, please).
The space itself blends industrial-chic with Southern charm—exposed brick walls alongside vintage family photos. What I appreciate most is how they honor soul food traditions while making them accessible to new audiences. The diverse crowd proves that good food truly brings people together.
6. AmericanSoul Kitchen Bar: Meriden’s Flavor Factory
Remember that scene in Ratatouille where the food critic takes one bite and is transported back to childhood? That’s exactly what happened when I tasted the black-eyed peas at AmericanSoul Kitchen Bar in Meriden.
Opened just three years ago, this spot has quickly become a local favorite for its generous portions and bold flavors. The mac and cheese—topped with a buttery crumb crust and four different cheeses—is worth every calorie. And don’t get me started on their sweet potato pie!
Owner Darlene Wilson walks around greeting everyone, often sitting down to chat about her grandmother’s recipes that inspired the menu. The restaurant’s walls showcase local artists, creating a space that nourishes both body and community spirit.
7. Meek’s Heavenly Hands: Berlin’s Soulful Sanctuary
“Lord have mercy!” Those were literally the first words out of my mouth when I tasted Meek’s famous turkey wings. Fall-off-the-bone tender and smothered in gravy that I wanted to drink straight from the bowl.
Chef Meek learned cooking from his grandmother in Alabama, and those deep Southern roots are evident in every dish. The restaurant itself is small—just eight tables—which means you might wait for a seat, but conversations with fellow diners make the time fly by.
Their Sunday soul food buffet has become my monthly ritual. For $25, you can sample everything from fried catfish to black-eyed peas, collard greens, and the best peach cobbler in Connecticut. Just be prepared to need a nap afterward!