Since the opening of Stephen Starr’s Borrimini on Walnut Street, the arrival of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley marks an exciting and culturally significant restaurant opening in Philly. Opening mid-October at 225 South Broad Street, in the former Del Frisco’s Grille space, the Dallas-based concept introduces an elevated take on Southern comfort food with a design-forward atmosphere that’s as bold and vibrant as the menu.
As the largest Black-owned restaurant in Philadelphia, this 7,200-square-foot hotspot will anchor The Avenue of the Arts with soulful flavor, high-end hospitality, and a distinctly celebratory vibe.
Founder and CEO Kevin Kelley, a charismatic attorney-turned-restaurateur, has hand-selected Philadelphia as the next home for his now six-location brand. “I chose Philly because I love this city and the fantastic, hard-working people who live in and around the City of Brotherly Love, as they are incredibly passionate about their city and their food scene,” Kelley says.
With seating for 300, dramatic architectural elements, and immersive design details including a two-story dining room, a 30-seat bar, and a signature flower wall of red roses, Kitchen + Kocktails emerges on the Philly restaruant scene as an experience Even more exclusive is The Asset Lounge, a private dining space housed inside a transformed bank vault, now tailored for intimate tastemaker events and celebrations of up to 40 guests.
Kitchen + Kocktails Delivers Decadent Southern Cuisine with Soul
On the plate, Kitchen + Kocktails offers a scratch-made menu that reads like a love letter to elevated Southern fare. With over 50 chef-driven offerings, guests can expect rich, comforting classics turned up to eleven. Signature dishes include Shrimp and Grits, Fried Chicken and Waffles, Southern Fried Catfish, and the incredibly indulgent Caribbean Jerk Lamb Chops. Traditional sides like Candied Yams, Mac and Cheese, and Collard Greens are thoughtfully prepared and generously portioned.
Other standout offerings include Seafood Gumbo, Blackened Salmon, and crispy Fried Green Tomatoes, each plated with care and deeply rooted in Southern culinary tradition. Appetizers start at $13, while entrees begin at $21, making the upscale experience as accessible as it is extraordinary. The beverage program is equally enticing, featuring a top-tier spirit selection curated for the perfect pairing or post-meal sip.
With over 125 local hospitality professionals expected to be employed, the space stands as a statement of empowerment and excellence. Kelley notes, “This isn’t just another restaurant opening. We’re looking very forward to becoming a hotspot where locals gather, dine with friends and loved ones, commemorate milestones, and celebrate the city’s wins.”
Reservations open September 19, 2025, and with anticipation already high, booking early is highly encouraged. Philadelphia has long been known for its passion for food—and Kitchen + Kocktails is poised to match that passion with purpose, presence, and a whole lot of Southern flavor.
About Post Author
Discover more from dosage MAGAZINE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.