Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago

Located in the heart of Chicago on Dearborn Street, Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley delivers an extraordinary fusion of elevated comfort fare, upscale lounge energy, and creative cocktail mastery. Founded by entrepreneur Kevin Kelley, this bustling venue redefines classic comfort food into a high-end dining event, pairing bold soul food flavors with vibrant R&B soundtracks and polished, trendy interiors.

High-Energy Atmosphere & Flashy Soul Food Lounge

Stepping inside Kitchen + Kocktails feels like entering a celebratory nightlife lounge as much as a premier restaurant. The interior boasts sleek modern finishes, warm dramatic lighting, and a lively vibe that draws upscale crowds, date night couples, and group celebrations alike. Friendly, attentive service and a curated playlist set the stage for an unforgettable night in downtown Chicago.

Elevated Southern Staples & Signature Highlights

The culinary line-up elevates classic Southern recipes into indulgent, modern showstoppers built around generous portions and authentic spicing:

• Chicken + Waffles (Specialty): Fluffy, golden Belgian waffles paired with perfectly seasoned, extra-crispy fried chicken and warm maple syrup.
• Caribbean Jerk Lamb Chops: Flame-grilled tender chops marinated in a rich, sweet, and fiery island jerk glaze.
• Shrimp + Grits w/ Lobster Tail: Silky, buttered stone-ground grits topped with Cajun blackened shrimp and a sweet, succulent lobster tail.
• Seafood Gumbo: Deeply flavorful Louisiana-style roux broth loaded with tender shrimp, crab meat, and traditional Cajun spices over rice.

Pricing, Portion Sizes & Meal Budgeting

Kitchen + Kocktails operates as a premium dining destination with upscale pricing reflective of its prime River North location and generous portions. A complete meal typically ranges from $60 to over $100 per guest, especially when indulging in craft cocktails or signature champagne pairings like the iconic Fried Chicken & Moët platter. Mains and sides are substantial, making many dishes ideal for family-style sharing.

Practical Dining Tips & Flexibility

Due to intense local popularity, table reservations via Resy are strongly recommended for both dinner and weekend brunch. Guests with dietary preferences will find several seafood options, gluten-friendly grits dishes, and vegetarian appetizers like fried or sautéed cauliflower.