Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - Chicago — Restaurant in Chicago

Review for Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley

☆☆☆☆☆

My wife, sister-in-law, and I recently had the immense pleasure of dining at Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley, and I can honestly say it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish! Our culinary journey began back in September when we visited the Dallas location, where the food and drinks left us utterly amazed. Each dish was seasoned to perfection, showcasing a harmonious blend of flavors that delighted our taste buds, while the bartender whipped up cocktails that were simply spectacular—creative and refreshing, they truly set the tone for our meal. As self-proclaimed restaurant enthusiasts, we have savored cuisines from numerous establishments across the country, yet Kitchen + Kocktails consistently stands out as a shining star.

Today, we made our way to the Chicago location, and to our delightful surprise, it far exceeded the high expectations we had set based on our previous visit in Dallas. The ambiance was vibrant and inviting, with a chic decor that created the perfect backdrop for an exceptional meal. The energy of the space was palpable, making it a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy good food with great company.

The service was nothing short of impeccable. Our server, Butter, greeted us with genuine warmth and had an infectious personality that immediately made us feel at home. Her attention to detail and enthusiasm for the menu made our dining experience even more enjoyable.

Now, let’s talk about the food! Each dish was cooked to perfection, bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The wait time between courses was seamless, allowing us to savor each bite without feeling rushed—truly a testament to their impeccable timing and service. The meal was so exceptional that we felt compelled to meet the culinary masterminds behind it. Executive Chef Erick and Chef Dee graciously introduced themselves, and I was thrilled when Chef Erick allowed me the opportunity to take a picture with him! Their passion for food and hospitality shone through in every bite we took, making the experience even more memorable.

As we left, our hearts and stomachs were full, and we couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible time we had. We are already looking forward to our future visits to the DC and North Carolina locations, eager to explore more of what Kitchen + Kocktails has to offer. If you're seeking an extraordinary dining experience that combines exquisite cuisine, top-notch service, and a lively atmosphere, look no further than Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley You won’t be disappointed—this place is a culinary gem you won’t want to...

OVERPRICED AND OVERRATED. When I called to verify that they were open on a day that had below zero weather, they should have informed us that the Heat wasn’t working. We, along with all other customers, spent the entire meal wearing coat, scarves, gloves—all of our outside gear. We had already, paid for parking and all that only to have a not so great experience. No one thought to slide to Loews or Home Depot to get some portable heaters and corral guests to a single area? No coffee to warm us up. No tea either. They weren’t short on liquor though, but we aren’t drinkers.

The food was awesome. Truly awesome. However, it is SUBSTANTIALLY overpriced. A single crabcake is $29 (though the scan said $27, still high but a discrepancy.). And it was the size of less than the center palm of my hand. The “upsell” on menu items by the waitress obvious. Overall a meal for two people is over $200. We had Chicken and waffles Crabcake Shrimp and grits with one Fried Lobster tail Mac & cheese Candies yams

Automatic gratuity for everyone who takes a meal in, no Matter the size of the party. But here’s the other issue. Somehow initially wanting to pay the tip in cash prompted the discussion from the waitress that they couldn’t deduct that from the check so I could pay the rest on a card. She made certain to tell us SEVERAL TIMES that the tip is SHARED with all of the other waitresses staff, in a prompt to secure more $$$ for herself. It worked. My guest gave her additional funds that was more than half of the actual tip on the receipt. I felt hustled. . Then comes the next issue of the pushy photographer. First at the beginning of the meal. Then at the end. And here’s a kick in the rubber parts—pictures are $25. Nice frame though. Also we only had two twenties and for some reason NO ONE in the joint had change?????? So we left without the images which they will toss. . I have enjoyed places like Grand Lux cafe, RPM, Cheesecake Factory, and never paid that much for a meal for two people. Notice we didn’t have drinks or dessert. . If you’re hankering for good Southern food, I would search elsewhere unless you’re willing to shell out twice the amount you’d normally pay at a decent restaurant for comparable items. Funny thing is, I work only three blocks away and would have enjoyed popping back in from time to time, but not with so many other reasonably priced offerings available in...

Kitchen + Kocktails is a nice spot to grab dinner if you're looking for a lively atmosphere and an Instagram worthy aesthetic. The interior gives off an upscale vibe, but the overall experience doesn’t quite match the visual first impression. The customer base varies widely, which affects the tone of the restaurant and while that’s not necessarily the restaurant’s fault, it does create a mismatch between expectation and reality.

One thing that might help is enforcing a more consistent dress code. The look of the place sets a high bar, but the overall crowd can make it feel much more casual. Another improvement would be a designated waiting area with more seating. Right now, the entrance feels chaotic with groups of people standing around waiting for their tables, which takes away from the dining experience.

I had a reservation for one and was seated at the bar. I ordered the shrimp and grits with lobster tail and the apple pie waffle. The food took about 30–40 minutes to come out, which is understandable given how busy it was. The shrimp and grits were just okay, not the best I’ve had and not something I’d go back for, though the portion size was perfect. The apple pie waffle never showed up, and I ended up canceling it since I didn’t want to wait any longer.

On a positive note, the bartender provided excellent service. He checked in multiple times and made an effort to acknowledge the delay, which I appreciated.

Pricing wise, the bill came to $82 for shrimp and grits with lobster and a sparkling water. That felt high for what I got. Gratuity is automatically included, which usually signals issues with tipping from previous customers. It’s worth noting, but also something to factor in when budgeting your meal.

A nice perk: Kitchen + Kocktails is a Resy restaurant. If you have an American Express card with a Resy credit, monthly or quarterly, it’s a good way to use it. That alone makes it a convenient option, especially given the restaurant’s central location. There’s plenty to do in the area before or after dinner. Overall, Kitchen + Kocktails has the potential to deliver a more elevated experience, but it’s not quite there yet. With some adjustments to crowd management, dress code, and food execution, it could grow into the upscale destination it aims to be. For now, it’s a decent spot if you manage your expectations and if you're looking to use your...