Kitchen And Kocktails: An Elevated Soul Food Experience with Southern Charm
Kitchen and Kocktails is more than just a restaurant—it’s an upscale dining experience rooted in Southern cuisine, curated cocktails and Black cultural sophistication. Founded by restaurateur Kevin Kelley, the concept merges soul food classics with a vibrant, upscale lounge atmosphere, aiming to celebrate and elevate traditional Black Southern dining.
Whether you’re coming for the flavorful food the photogenic drinks or the social atmosphere, kitchen and kocktails positions itself as the intersection of luxury and culture.
Locations & Ambiance
As of early 2025, kitchen and kocktails has active locations in:
- Dallas, Texas
- Chicago, Illinois
- Washington, D.C.
- Miami, Florida (coming soon)
Each location has its own identity but all maintain the brand’s core values opulence, flavor, hospitality and high-end aesthetics.
What to Expect at Each Location
- Dallas: The original. Dim lighting, plush furniture, velvet accents, and gold trim set the tone. It’s ideal for celebrations, date nights, or GNO (girls’ night out).
- Chicago: Slightly more urban-modern, with large murals, lively music, and a downtown energy.
- D.C.: Designed with political and social elites in mind. It blends power-lunch functionality with happy-hour sophistication.
Each venue is Instagrammable, featuring statement décor like gold-accented bar shelves, custom neon signs, and chic black-and-gold themes.
Signature Dishes That Define the Brand
1. Fried Chicken & Red Velvet Waffles
A house favorite. The perfectly seasoned fried chicken is paired with soft, sweet red velvet waffles and a cream cheese glaze.
2. Lamb Chops
Marinated, grilled, and tender. Often served with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus.
3. Shrimp & Grits
Southern comfort at its best. Creamy grits topped with Cajun-seasoned shrimp, served in a rich, flavorful sauce.
4. Crab Cakes
Loaded with lump crab meat and served with a homemade remoulade sauce.
5. Mac & Cheese
A four-cheese blend baked until bubbly and golden brown. It’s a side dish that easily steals the show.
Every dish comes heavily portioned—this isn’t minimalist fine dining; it’s luxurious Southern indulgence.
Creative Cocktails with a Twist
Kitchen + Kocktails takes mixology seriously. Each drink is as much about presentation as it is about taste.
Highlights from the Cocktail Menu
- The 24K Magic: A signature cocktail with edible gold flakes, vodka, and fresh tropical juice.
- Frozen Peach Henny: A summer staple—sweet, boozy, and smooth.
- Liquid Gold Margarita: Tequila-based, served with a rim of gold sugar and a lime twist.
- Pink Whitney Lemonade: Fruity, vibrant, and undeniably girly.
Drinks are served in everything from oversized goblets to geometric glasses often garnished with fresh fruit, flowers, or smoke bubbles.
Dress Code, Vibe & Customer Expectations
Dress Code
Kitchen + Kocktails enforces a smart casual to upscale dress code. That means:
✅ Heels, boots, clean sneakers, slacks, button-downs, dresses
❌ Slides, sagging pants, offensive prints, swimwear or excessively revealing attire
Guests are expected to come dressed to match the luxury dining environment.
Atmosphere
Think upscale lounge meets dinner party. DJ sets, curated playlists, and dim lighting contribute to a chic, adult vibe. Some locations feature live music on weekends.
How to Make a Reservation at Kitchen and Kocktails
Step by Step Guide
- Visit the Official Reservation Page
kitchenkocktailsusa.com/reserve - Select Your Location
Choose from Dallas, Chicago, D.C., or future locations. - Pick Date & Time
Popular time slots book fast, especially weekends. Plan at least 1-2 weeks ahead. - Provide Guest Count
Parties of more than 6 may require special arrangements. - Submit Contact Info & Payment Details
Some locations require a deposit to reserve a table, especially for larger groups or weekend slots. - Review Confirmation Email
Keep it handy in case you need to adjust or cancel.
Pro tip: Walk-ins are limited. Reservations are strongly encouraged especially for brunch and dinner services on Fridays through Sundays.
Menu Overview: What to Expect
The menu is a blend of:
- Southern Comfort Food
- Seafood Specials
- Premium Proteins (Lamb, Salmon, Chicken, Lobster)
- Elevated Side Dishes
- Decadent Desserts
Appetizers
- Deviled Eggs with Crispy Bacon
- Catfish Nuggets
- Cajun Egg Rolls
- Fried Green Tomatoes
Entrees
- Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Chicken or Shrimp
- Fried Lobster Tail with Cornbread Waffle
- Chicken and Collard Greens
Sides
- Candied Yams
- Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
- Cajun Corn on the Cob
- Lobster Mac & Cheese (upgrade option)
Desserts
- Peach Cobbler Cheesecake
- Banana Pudding
- Chocolate Cake with Hennessy Glaze
Kitchen + Kocktails Brunch Experience
Brunch at kitchen and kocktails isn’t your typical Sunday affair—it’s a vibe complete with:
- Live DJs or curated playlists
- Bottomless mimosas or signature brunch cocktails
- Savory & sweet brunch options
Brunch Menu Favorites
- Chicken & Waffles (choose red velvet, cornbread, or buttermilk)
- Salmon Croquettes & Eggs
- Shrimp & Cheddar Grits
- Brunch Mac Bowl
- French Toast Towers
Timing:
Usually hosted on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM to 4 PM (varies slightly by location)
Pricing and What to Budget
Kitchen and Kocktails is not a budget eatery but you’ll find value in every dollar spent.
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Appetizers | $12–$18 |
| Entrees | $22–$55 |
| Premium Add-ons (Lobster, Lamb) | +$10–$25 |
| Cocktails | $15–$25 |
| Brunch Packages | $35–$50 per person |
| Desserts | $10–$15 |
Gratuity:
An automatic 18–20% gratuity is added to most checks, especially for parties of 5+.
What Makes Kitchen + Kocktails Unique
1. Celebration of Black Culture
From the menu to the music to the mural art—every element honors Southern Black heritage.
2. Female-Friendly Dining
It’s one of the go-to spots for birthday dinners, bridal brunches and girl group outings. Staff are trained for high-touch service and crowd control even during packed nights.
3. Curated Aesthetic
You’re not just dining—you’re entering a carefully crafted space meant for photos, videos, and vibes.
4. Attention to Detail
The plating is luxurious, servers wear tailored uniforms, and the music is tailored by vibe (not just a random Spotify playlist).
Reviews, Feedback & Social Buzz
What People Love:
✅ The aesthetic
✅ Flavorful, well-seasoned food
✅ Brunch music and energy
✅ Creative cocktails
✅ Friendly and responsive service
Constructive Feedback:
- Wait times can be long during peak hours (even with reservations)
- Loud ambiance might not be ideal for quieter diners
- Deposit requirement surprises some guests
- Dress code enforcement is strict
Social Media:
Kitchen and Kocktails has a huge presence on Instagram and TikTok with foodies posting brunch reels, birthday toast videos and fashion-forward mirror selfies.
Final Thoughts
Kitchen + Kocktails is more than dinner—it’s a celebration of flavor, culture and community. From its soulful menu to its curated cocktail list, this isn’t just a place to eat—it’s where you go to be seen be served and be satisfied.
If you’re seeking a high-energy, upscale soul food experience that treats every meal like a celebration, kitchen and kocktails deserves a spot at the top of your dining list.
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