Ресторан · Dallas · ⭐ 9.5/10 · 21324 reviews · $$ · updated: 2026-06-30 19:46:55
Address: 1933 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
Where downtown Dallas gets dressed up for dinner
Some restaurants feed you; Kitchen + Kocktails throws you a party. On any given evening the room is full of birthday crews, date nights and friends who clearly planned their outfits, all soundtracked by a playlist that never lets the energy dip. It has become one of downtown’s defining nights out — a celebration spot first, with the Southern kitchen to back it up.
The story
Kevin Kelley, a Dallas lawyer with an office right next door, launched the restaurant in 2020 as a love letter to Southern food, hospitality and Black culture. Downtown embraced it instantly, and the brand went on to open in Chicago and Washington, D.C. — but the original Dallas room is still where the formula feels most alive.
What to order
The table-favorite move is fried chicken with a butter pecan waffle, plus a round of fried lobster tails when the occasion calls for extravagance. Waffles come in celebration flavors — peach cobbler, cinnamon roll, banana pudding — while oxtails, shrimp and grits, fried catfish and the Caribbean-marinated pork chop cover the comfort classics. Frozen cocktails are half the fun: the peach margarita with Cognac and the blackberry margarita are the ones on every table.
The space
Think glossy lounge rather than homestyle diner: dim lights, velvet-soft seating, music sliding from R&B to hip-hop classics, and servers weaving through with plates that beg to be photographed. Weekends bring sparklers, celebrations and a dressed-to-impress crowd.
Who it’s for
Birthday dinners, girls’ nights, anniversary dates and anyone who believes a great meal should come with an atmosphere worth dressing up for.
Good to know
How far ahead should I book? For Friday or Saturday night, several days in advance; weekday evenings are easier.
Is it a good birthday venue? One of the best downtown — celebrations are practically the house specialty.
What should I wear? There is no strict code, but most guests dress up; it is that kind of room.
Do they serve brunch-style dishes? Yes — chicken and waffles and other brunch favorites anchor the menu all day.
What drink should I try first? The frozen peach margarita with Cognac — it has become the house calling card.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Tuesday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Thursday | 11:00–22:00 |
| Friday | 11:00–23:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00–23:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00–23:00 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 19:46:55
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: dallaska.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
HOUSTON IS HERE!!! Everything at this place was just wonderful! They greeted us with love, and the food was just THE BOMB!!
The servers were so polite and welcoming. So professional. Jennifer was wonderful, she was very…
Visiting Dallas, we saw the great ratings for this place, so we decided to try it. The restaurant was very lively and elegant. Wonderful atmosphere. The service was top-notch, the food tasty. Order the fried green tomato…
An INCREDIBLE experience!! The food is very tasty! The atmosphere, vibin'! The DJ kept the music going! The drinks were wonderful. We ordered a frozen peach deuce and a marshmallow espresso martini. Our server Iesha was…
The atmosphere was absolutely remarkable!
I had such a lovely anniversary dinner with my husband. It was truly a pleasure to treat him to such a flavorful meal at Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley in downtown Dalla…
I was there on a Sunday, the food was tasty. The server was very patient and gave great advice on the dishes. I'll definitely be back. I ordered the stuffed salmon with dirty rice and yams. My friend ordered the fish and…