Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley

The Best Soul Food & Southern Food Restaurant in Chicago Is Calling You Home

Reserve Your Table

Why Chicago Needed K+K

Chicago is a world-class culinary capital with deep roots in Black culture and soul food tradition, and it deserved a restaurant that honors the tradition of soul food while elevating it to an entirely new level. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley does exactly that. Founded by Kevin Kelley — a former Dallas litigation attorney who lived in Paris and craved the soul food he grew up on — K+K was born from a simple question: "Why don't we have a restaurant in a prime location where we can feel good about ourselves with great cocktails and soul food?" That question became a movement. With over 100,000 five-star reviews and 7 locations across the country, K+K's "Welcome Home" philosophy has turned first-time visitors into lifelong guests. From the moment you walk through the doors of K+K Chicago, you feel it — the warm hospitality, the curated ambiance, the unmistakable aroma of dishes made with love and precision. This is soul food reimagined for a new generation, rooted in tradition but fearless in its creativity. Visit Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley and discover why Chicago can't stop talking about it.

What to Order at K+K Chicago

Start with the legendary Appetizer Trio — 3 Caribbean Jerk Lamb Chops, 2 Dream Eggs with blackened shrimp, and 1 Cajun Crab Cake. It's the perfect introduction to Kevin Kelley's culinary vision. For your entrée, the Lobster & Waffles (butter-poached lobster atop sweet golden waffles) is a social media sensation and a must-order. The Shrimp & Grits — Cajun blackened shrimp over creamy stone-ground grits — delivers comfort in every spoonful. The Surf + Turf pairs a perfectly seared steak with a lobster tail, rivaling the finest steakhouses in Chicago. Don't leave without trying the Award-Winning Fried Chicken — Kevin Kelley's personal recipe, crispy outside and impossibly juicy inside. Pair your meal with the 24K Gold Fashioned (aged whiskey with real edible gold flakes), the Magical Mimosa Tower (a tableside spectacular), or the Peach D'Ussé Frosé. Explore the full menu at kitchenkocktailsusa.com.

Reserve Your Table in Chicago

Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley Chicago is open Mon–Thu 11 AM – 10 PM, Fri–Sun 10 AM – 11 PM. Whether it's a birthday dinner, a romantic date night, or a corporate celebration, K+K Chicago sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. Reservations fill fast, especially on weekends — reserve your table now at kitchenkocktailsusa.com. Planning a group dinner? K+K accommodates private dining and large party reservations. Just mention your occasion in the reservation notes for special attention from our hospitality team. Every visit is a celebration at Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley — book your experience today.

"The best soul food I've ever had. The lamb chops, the fried chicken, the cocktails — Chicago needed this restaurant."

— Verified 5-Star Guest Review

Signature Dishes & Kocktails

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Caribbean Jerk Lamb Chops
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Lobster & Waffles
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Award-Winning Fried Chicken
🍤
Shrimp & Grits
🥃
24K Gold Fashioned
🥩
Surf + Turf
100K+
5-Star Reviews
7
Locations
1M+
Guests Served
#1
Soul Food USA