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Welcome to 173 Surf & Turf | Seafood Soulfood Restaurant

173 Surf & Turf | Seafood Soulfood Restaurant is a culinary gem located in Hamden, CT, that harmoniously blends Jamaican and Southern flavors. Renowned for its fried okra, perfectly seasoned shrimp, and tender oxtails, this establishment offers a soulful dining experience. Each dish resonates with authenticity, reminiscent of home-cooked meals, crafted with care and cultural pride. Patrons rave about the vibrant pink lemonade, the hearty portions, and the welcoming atmosphere. With a menu that celebrates both Caribbean and Southern cuisines, 173 Surf & Turf is not just a meal; it's a heartfelt journey through flavor and tradition, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

LOCATIONS

Discover the vibrant fusion of flavors at 173 Surf & Turf | Seafood Soulfood Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Hamden, Connecticut. This culinary treasure combines the rich traditions of Jamaican and Southern American cuisine into a delectable dining experience. Located at 173 Arch St, Hamden, CT 06514, this restaurant is a haven for food lovers seeking comfort, culture, and community.

Upon stepping inside, guests are welcomed by an atmosphere that vibrates with the essence of family and tradition. Every dish tells a story, infused with love and the spirit of Southern hospitality. Customers rave about the fried okra, a Southern classic that outshines even the best from Alabama. With a crispy exterior and a tender interior, it’s a must-try, making you feel as if you’ve been transported straight to a sunny porch somewhere in the South.

The highlight of any visit is undoubtedly the fried shrimp. Each piece is golden, juicy, and bursting with flavors that awaken your taste buds. What elevates this dish even further is their homemade cocktail sauce, the true heartbeat of the experience. It’s this attention to detail that showcases the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity.

The menu offers an impressive variety, from succulent oxtails that practically ask you to delve in with a fork to spicy wings that leave patrons craving for more. The mac and cheese and collard greens have garnered praise for their comforting flavors, delivering soul food staples that remind diners of home-cooked meals made with care.

Don’t miss out on the pink lemonade, which is as refreshing as a summer day, perfectly sweetened to complement the rich and savory offerings. Each sip transports you to a place where relaxation meets culinary delight, evoking the vibrant streets of Kingston.

The ambiance at 173 Surf & Turf radiates warmth, enhanced by friendly service that makes you feel like family. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal, you’ll be enveloped by an inviting spirit that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Food reviewer accounts highlight the restaurant as one of Connecticut's best-kept secrets, with an atmosphere reminiscent of gathering around a well-loved family table. The absolutely delicious offerings reflect not just great taste but a deep cultural richness that ends up being a meal for the soul.

For anyone in or passing through Connecticut, 173 Surf & Turf | Seafood Soulfood Restaurant isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience you won’t forget. So, come hungry and leave with your heart full. This spot deserves to be on your culinary bucket list!

START YOUR REVIEW OF 173 Surf & Turf | Seafood Soulfood Restaurant
Khaleel Kidd
Khaleel Kidd

Just found this place this week and this is my 3rd time coming. Definitely a hidden gem. Will be back in a couple days! lol

Sean The Traveler
Sean The Traveler

Surf and Turf – Where Jamaica Meets the Deep South on a Plate Let me be real with you—Surf and Turf in Connecticut might just be one of the most underrated food gems in the entire Northeast. I walked in expecting good food. What I got was a cultural experience, Southern nostalgia, and Jamaican soul all in one visit. Let’s start with the fried okra. Yes, fried okra—in Connecticut. I dare you to name another place in this whole state serving it. You can’t. Heck, I just came back from Alabama—home of fried okra royalty—and let me tell you: Surf and Turf’s fried okra could stand toe-to-toe with the best of the South. Crispy outside, tender inside, not greasy, and seasoned just right. This isn’t some novelty side dish; this is Southern legacy on a plate. Then came the pink lemonade, and my goodness—you would swear Bob Marley was in the back singing live while they squeezed those lemons. It’s refreshing, bright, and perfectly sweet without tasting artificial. You sip it and suddenly feel like you’re on a porch somewhere in Kingston or Mobile—whichever one your soul needs. But the real reason I pulled up? Fried shrimp. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The shrimp were golden, juicy, and bursting with flavor. But what took it to elite status? They make their own cocktail sauce. Let that sink in. If a spot sells fried shrimp but doesn’t make their own cocktail sauce, they’re just selling shrimp fingers—might as well serve you a hot dog. But Surf and Turf knows the game: cocktail sauce is the heartbeat of fried shrimp, and they got it pumping strong. And the menu doesn’t stop there. They serve oxtails so tender they fall apart just from eye contact, fried and grilled fish, burgers, and other soul food staples. This place is Jamaican roots meets American soul in the best way possible. It’s not just a Jamaican restaurant—it’s what I’d call an All-American Black Soul Food Kitchen, representing both the Caribbean and the South with equal pride. Every bite I had was absolutely delicious. From the seasoning to the service, this is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like somebody’s auntie is in the back cooking with love, Marvin Gaye on the radio, and Caribbean spices floating in the air like incense. If you’re in Connecticut—or even passing through—Surf and Turf is a must-visit. It’s not just food. It’s soul, memory, culture, and comfort on a plate.

Hi Im A Flying Person
Hi Im A Flying Person

I was craving boneless wings after school so I walked here and got myself some. I ordered for pickup. The employees were nice. The boneless wings were good! It was a nice little snack. I‘m glad there‘s something like this so close to my school.

cyber 3930
cyber 3930

was craving soul food and googled places near me while visiting New Haven today I was not disappointed everything I wanted was great, the Mac and cheese the fried fish the collard greens and the wings. I'll definitely be back again when I come out to the area the service was also pleasent she was kind and greeted me kindly

Steven Ayala
Steven Ayala

I drove all the way from New Britain, Connecticut to try their food. I had seen a video on instagram and had to give them a try. The food is amazing, the owner was nice and very helpful. She’s wasn’t like alot of business owners trying to rob you for your money. She explained how I can get a bang for my buck. That’s very rare, not many owner do that. The cooks in the back do an outstanding job. The portions are huge. I’ll definitely be back again.

Kiara Velez
Kiara Velez

the food was amazing! we had the shrimp & fries platter, yams, and spicy wings. you feel the love being put into this food! Let me tell you… the banana pudding will have your eyes rolling off the first bite, omg thank you for the hospitality and making the wings catered for my sister & her tastebuds. She said the wings were just right, spicy but the kind that leaves you wanting more!

A E
A E

It did not give what needed to be gave! I ordered a fish plate And got a school lunch plate of fish. the rice was over cooked, gummy, clumped together, it tasted stale, the greens were a solid 6.5 out of 10 DECENT. The rest of the plate (fish, CANdied yams, yellow rice 3/10) I also ordered wings…. The food was so underwhelming, I didn’t even eat the wings. I think when it comes to the food the QUALITY can surely be improved. This was a 35$ dollar plate . Not worth it. I’ve paid more for actual good food elsewhere and was satisfied. Not here tho UPDATE: I ate the wings yall. They was fire! I added another star to my review! The wings were the right texture, and taste. Will order the wings again. Not the surf just the turf

Lydia Bultron
Lydia Bultron

You won't be disappointed the food is great. I give it a 10 out of 10. I had fried shrimp French fries and honey cajun wings and it was delicious. Sure will be back. Wish ya the best