Soul Food Restaurants near Manchester, CT

“I went to this place a few weeks back, and I'm only getting to post about it now. I can't recommend this place enough! I ordered the one meat combo with brisket, cornbread, and baked BBQ means. It was all fantastic! The brisket was so tender that sometimes forking it alone would have it come apart. One bite filled my mouth with heavenly smokey meaty flavor. This place does BBQ brisket the right way, and it's a higher quality brisket than other well known BBQ spots nearby. The cornbread was crumbly and delicious. Exactly what you'd want out of cornbread, nothing more to say here! The beans were savory and satisfying and cooked just right. They paired very nicely with my brisket. I made sure to dump all the tiny tender leftover pieces of brisket into the beans. What a delicious combo that was! If you want to impress your friends with a great takeout BBQ place, this is the spot. It's worth the ride. For a takeout place it really has the right vibe. Soulful music playing, open kitchen setup so you know what you're getting, friendly customer service! The only thing I'd love to see from this place is some additional sauces. Although the quality of meat is so great, no sauce is required, but it's always nice to have on the side. Something spicy would pair really well with this savory tender smokey brisket. The BBQ sauce that they do have is delicious though.“

“You have to appreciate this spot for what it is . Craig and his wife are very hospitable. The food took and appropriate amount of time to be prepared as everything my wife and I ordered was freshly prepared. We ordered fried whiting / fried chicken / collard greens / rice and beans / fried pork chop / & shrimp . Literally everything we took a bite out of taste so amazing . I wasn't sure what to consume more of lol . The different flavors combined for such an exciting meal . The red beans with rice is definitely a favorite of mine now & I would say the drive from Windsor was well worth it 10x . You won't be disappointed , give it a try .“

“During my inaugural visit to Lily's in Windsor, Connecticut, an establishment I ventured into for my first authentic soul food experience, I was immediately enveloped by an enticing aroma that promised an unforgettable culinary journey. As a Connecticut native, this was a novel venture for me, and Lily's did not disappoint.Upon arrival, the sight of a cheerful queue of patrons eagerly awaiting their turn to partake in the buffet-style offerings was a testament to the popularity of Lily's. The ambiance was strikingly inviting, with tasteful decorations that exuded a sense of warmth and homeliness. The sound of laughter from diners mingling with soulful church music in the background created a comforting and safe atmosphere, enhancing the dining experience.When it came my turn to order, despite the bustling line behind me, the staff at Lily's showcased their exceptional hospitality. Donned in gloves and hairnets for hygiene, one employee graciously guided me through the menu. Her willingness to assist, despite the pressure of a growing queue, made me feel valued and welcomed. Her enthusiasm was infectious, making the ordering process a delight rather than a daunting task.The culinary offerings were nothing short of remarkable. The fried chicken was succulent and perfectly seasoned, the collard greens were a revelation in their flavor depth, and the complimentary bread served as a wonderful accompaniment to the meal. Each dish served not only as a testament to the skill of the chefs at Lily's but also to the rich tradition of soul food.For anyone in Connecticut seeking an authentic soul food experience, Lily's in Windsor is a must-visit. The combination of delightful cuisine, warm ambiance, and exceptional service ensures that your visit will be as memorable as it was for me. Lily's is not just a meal; it's a celebration of culture and community.“