173 Surf & Turf | Seafood Soulfood Restaurant — Restaurant in Hamden

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...

I would give 173 Surf & Turf a solid 10/10 for presentation, customer service, taste, and overall value. After seeing it posted on Instagram, I decided to make the 30-minute drive to try it out, and it was absolutely worth it. The restaurant has comfortable indoor seating, and we were excited to eat there. The young man who helped us was so friendly and had a great sense of humor while helping us decide what to order. I went for the shrimp combo with sweet chili sauce, paired with mac n' cheese and candied yams, while my husband opted for the fish and chips. Everything arrived hot and fresh, and we didn’t have to wait long at all. The presentation was on point, and the seasoning was perfect. The portion sizes were generous—the combo was huge, and the fish and chips were just right. I highly recommend 173 Surf & Turf to anyone in the area or even if you're up for a drive to enjoy some...

I ordered food online. We ordered a Surf N Turf Ice Tea and got Hawaiian Punch instead. Half of the order was stuff that we didn't ask for, nor were we informed would be included because the online menu lacks descriptions for the food. When I was called to confirm the order, they mistook me for a woman, and I had to get one of my female friends to get the food as we stood out in the rain, otherwise we would not have received it. This was less than 30 seconds after I told the delivery driver that I would come outside to get my food. Furthermore we ordered half honey barbecue wings and half teriyaki, and only received teriyaki. The food was decent and the sides were better than the main courses, but overall not worth the price. Perhaps there is a reason why this restaurant has changed ownership three times in the...