Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley is the spot to spice up date night with a little comfort, sass, and southern soul. This isn’t your average fried chicken joint. At Kitchen + Kocktails you can expect beautifully plated southern classics with a twist like shrimp & grits with lobster tail, fried chicken & Moet, and seafood gumbo. This restaurant has a vibrant atmosphere but it's still elegant enough for a date. The ambiance strikes a great balance between fun and intimate.
The hosts, owner, manager, front door security, & staff workers in general should be more aware of surprise VIP visitors who want to support the business.
I watched legendary R&B artists Raphael Saadiq walk in through the front doors and stand at the bar for longer than he should’ve to be served. He probably just wanted a drink and a quick appetizer. You never know.
He may have just wanted to stop by & support this black owned business. He ended up leaving. None of the staff or servers acknowledged him. He’s done a lot for the culture through his music while he was the lead singer in Tone Tone Tone or a solo artist. I’m embarrassed that this establishment didn’t even acknowledge him. It wasn’t my place as another customer to announce who’s waiting to be served. I saw so many of your staff walking around and back and forth, but yet they were clueless and paid him no mind. I don’t blame the servers at the bar because they were very busy. But there were clearly other staff members walking who could have gotten him taken covered. I confirmed that it was him. I spoke to him and knew that he was performing in area. Maybe your staff was too young to recognize who he was, but surely there’s something you can figure out to ensure that your staff is aware of celebrity visitors whether they are from the old school or new school.
Love, Light, Peace, Blessings, Community
Once I stepped inside, though, the atmosphere completely changed my mood. The vibe was laid-back but energetic, the music was on point, and the overall ambiance made it a really cool place to hang out. The staff was super welcoming and friendly, which immediately made me feel at home.
The food and drink menu had a great variety, and everything sounded tempting. I ended up ordering sides of mac & cheese, collard greens, and oysters. Every single dish was flavorful and well-prepared—the mac was creamy and rich, the greens were seasoned just right, and the oysters were fresh and satisfying.
To top it off, I ordered an Old Fashioned, and it was crafted perfectly—smooth, balanced, and just strong enough to complement the food.
Overall, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Despite the lack of signage, once you're inside, it delivers big on flavor, service, and atmosphere. Highly recommend!
1933 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75201
