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About
Shandals Vegetarian Cafe
Welcome to Shandals Vegetarian Cafe, a hidden gem located at 520 Capitol Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06606. For nearly two decades, this café has been delighting patrons with not just a meal, but an experience steeped in warmth and hospitality. The owner, a passionate chef, takes personal pride in crafting every dish with love and attention to detail, which shines through in every bite.
As soon as you step inside, you can feel the positive vibes enveloping you. It's no wonder that customers rave about their visits. One diner, DatswhatiDrew, captures the essence beautifully, noting how the chef's personal touch in preparing food creates a unique charm that sets Shandals apart. It's not just about the food; it's about feeling valued as a guest. Every meal comes with thoughtful touches, like extra samples to explore the diverse menu—a testament to the owner's confidence in his cuisine.
The menu offers a delightful challenge, encouraging you to explore various flavors. Patrons have particularly enjoyed the 4-plate or 6-plate options, which allow for a culinary adventure that highlights everything from savory BBQ to flavorful curries. Jay Mudholkar emphasizes the importance of calling ahead, a small reminder that this treasure thrives on personalized service, enhancing your dining experience.
Mealtime at Shandals is nothing short of extraordinary. According to jbgearhead, the dishes crafted using creative recipes are consistently delicious, featuring vibrant flavors that dance on the taste buds. Customers have expressed appreciation for the clean atmosphere and the friendly chef who takes time to explain the intricacies of each dish. The prices? Remarkably reasonable, making it an ideal spot for frequent visits. Sherry Z even mentions that if she lived closer, she'd be tempted to dine here daily—a strong testament to the quality and affordability!
However, it’s important to note that the café’s hours can sometimes be unpredictable. A little patience is warranted, but for good reason; the chef's dedication to crafting exceptional dishes takes precedence. With reviews like Briana Reilly's highlighting the phenomenal taste and great portion sizes, it’s worth the effort to seek out this café. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the rich flavors and heartwarming service, makes Shandals Vegetarian Cafe a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.
In conclusion, Shandals promises not just a meal but a wholesome experience, jam-packed with love and culinary creativity. So, whether it's your first visit or a much-anticipated return, prepare to indulge in a tapestry of flavors that celebrate the beauty of vegetarian dining.
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“ I am delighted to craft a 5-star review for Shandals Vegetarian Cafe in Bridgeport, CT. The owner radiates warmth, hospitality, and kindness, making our dining experience truly special. The personal touch of the owner preparing all the food adds a unique charm to the establishment. Navigating the diverse menu was a delightful challenge, leading us to choose the 4-plate option each. To our pleasant surprise, the owner included a little extra of a different dish on each of our plates, offering a sample of one of the food selections. This thoughtful gesture showcased confidence in the food quality and added to the character of the establishment. The undeniable positive vibes at Shandals speak volumes, and thriving for 18 years reflects their unwavering commitment to excellence. From the initial bite, the explosion of flavors in our mouths was truly remarkable! The evident love and use of pure, real ingredients set Shandals apart. Post-meal, the absence of any discomfort reassured us of the meticulous preparation and dedication to quality, vegan ingredients. In essence, this is an extraordinary spot! We eagerly anticipate our return on the next visit to CT. A heartfelt thank you to the proprietor for delivering nutritious and exceptional food. Much love and blessings, honor and protection, with utmost respect and admiration for Shandal's. ”
“ I never write reviews. This place, wow, what a find! We had a concert in the area and I was looking up vegetarian options for us nearby and came across this spot. I cannot recommend enough. The food is phenomenal. Parking was a little tricky on a Saturday night but I would go through that struggle again just to have it. Very reasonably priced and great portions. This guy knows how to cook. ”
“ Try to call beforehand every time before you go - he almost always picks up if he’s open, and it goes to voicemail if it’s closed. The restaurant is back generally fully open, I called to confirm! Open Tuesdays - Saturdays. Matthew's the best and his food always hits the spot ”
“ Was working in the area and had a chance to try this place out. Oh Man ! The food was delicious ! Everything is created by the owner/Chef himself using his very own creative recipes. The BBQ just melts in your mouth followed by a wonderful sweet aftertaste. The potato dish is slightly spicy with tons of amazing flavors to delight your tastebuds...Honestly I could go on and on, every dish was just delicious. Very talented Chef. The place was clean and the owner/Chef is super friendly, taking the time to explain each dish. Can’t beat the prices for such delicious quality food either. You can choose a platter of four or six items. Definitely worth stopping off here. So glad I did ! ”
“ What an amazing restaurant. It's shockingly well priced - if I lived closer I would honestly be tempted to come here every day. I loved all the dishes we tried - the flavor was great, and the pasta was surprisingly nice texture (not mushy like I feel many pre-cooked pasta tends to be). They don't have very many spicy dishes, but the one spicy curry was wonderful. The fact that the owner doesn't ask (or even accept!) tip was endearing and made me get an extra meal platter (which I was debating anyways). I'll always probably over order here to get a little of everything and ensure left overs for the next meal. The only downside is its not always guaranteed that the restaurant is open. Over the last couple months, I've been 6 times and struck out on 3 of those visits. I've asked my husband to start working in a stop here on the way home just in case we can catch them when they're open. ”
“ Oh, where do I begin? Wonderful food made by someone who obviously takes pride in their craft. Even the carnivores enjoyed it! My partner and I come from a small town in upstate New York, vegan options are few and far between. So naturally, visiting friends in the area I did some searching for food we could all eat. Upon walking in, we were given the disclaimer EVERYTHING is vegan and nothing comes from a can. Once we were told what everything was, our group made decisions and we ate in the cozy little dining area. The owner/chef came and chatted with us. We spoke a little bit about his lifestyle and how more people should live with more child like wonderment ”
“ I heard our good brother and owner of Shandals, Shayenne Matthew, has recently passed away. I hope it's not true. Thank you for the years of healthy, delicious food you've blessed us with over the years. Give thanks if you've ever eaten here. ”
“ Outstanding vegan Caribbean takeout in Bridgeport. Get the six choice meal and try something different each time. Everything is delicious and high quality. Brought it to Berlinetta down the road a mile or so to eat with a good beer. I wish I lived closer.. ”