Kelsey's Atlantic city

Kelsey's Atlantic city

1545 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States

+1 609-344-2200

Soul food restaurant, Bar, Barbecue restaurant, Restaurant
(9576)
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About This Place

Located in the heart of Atlantic City, Kelsey's Atlantic City is a soul food restaurant that brings an authentic taste of Southern comfort with a modern twist. Specializing in soul food, barbecue, and hearty Southern favorites, this vibrant spot is much more than just a restaurant—it's an experience that celebrates rich flavors, soulful cooking, and a lively atmosphere.

From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped by the warmth of Southern hospitality and the tantalizing aromas of slow-cooked meats, spicy seafood, and traditional sides. The menu is a celebration of soulful classics and innovative dishes alike. Among the standouts, you’ll find the perfectly seasoned Chicken and Waffles, where crispy, golden-fried chicken meets soft, sweet red velvet waffles—a harmony of savory and sweet flavors that dance on your palate. Their Shrimp & Grits is a sumptuous blend of tender grilled shrimp swimming in a spicy, smoky sauce with turkey andouille sausage and turkey bacon, served atop creamy grits that are comfort on a plate.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the fresh and flavorful Catfish Nuggets and the Pan Seared Crab Cakes, crafted with lump and super lump crabmeat, bursting with oceanic freshness and just the right hint of seasoning. For those craving Southern barbecue, the smoky BBQ Pork Ribs and melt-in-your-mouth BBQ Beef Short Ribs come highly recommended, boasting rich, tender meat that falls off the bone. Complement these with classic sides such as Collard Greens, Candied Yams with their sweet vanilla notes, and commanding flavors from the Baked Beans to round out your meal perfectly.

The appetizers are equally inviting. Try the Bang Bang Shrimp, crispy and coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that offers a kick, or the indulgent Crab Mac & Cheese, where sharp cheddar cheese elevates a creamy comfort staple into something extraordinary. Don’t miss the humble but unforgettable Cornbread basket, piping hot and slightly sweet—an indispensable Southern companion for every dish.

But Kelsey’s is not just about the food. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, amplified by a live band that fills the room with soulful tunes, encouraging guests to tap their feet, sing along, and even dance. This ambient soundtrack, paired with attentive service, creates a dining experience that feels electric and heartfelt all at once. Reviewers consistently praise the staff's warmth and attentiveness, making every visit feel personalized and welcoming.

Brunch at Kelsey’s is a vibrant affair where soulful cooking meets fun and music. Whether you're savoring the savory Turkey Chop Grits and Eggs Breakfast or indulging in sweet, soft Sweet Potato Waffles, every bite is a comforting embrace. Customers rave about the mix of flavors and the lively brunch atmosphere, highlighted by a DJ spinning tunes that make the experience far from your typical brunch.

Many patrons have shared memorable moments here—from the perfectly crisp turkey chops paired with creamy mac and cheese to the expertly cooked filet mignon topped with fresh crab that one guest claims is the best they've ever tasted. Even the nuances matter: the slight vanilla hint in the candied yams or the sharp cheddar twist on baked mac and cheese showcase Kelsey's dedication to quality and depth of flavor.

Whether you’re craving traditional soul food, crave the smoky flavors of barbecue, or want to indulge in fresh seafood, Kelsey’s Atlantic City stands out as a beacon of authentic Southern cuisine in New Jersey. Its combination of soulful dishes, friendly service, and vibrant live music makes it not just a meal, but a celebration of culture and taste. For those seeking genuine comfort food elevated with creativity and passion, Kelsey’s is an absolute must-visit.

Contact: 1545 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 | Phone: +1 609-344-2200

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Great coffee Great dessert Great tea selection Great wine list Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Happy-hour food Healthy options Late-night food Quick bite Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Counter service Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Romantic Trendy
Crowd
Groups Tourists
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended Lunch reservations recommended Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Paid parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    04:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    04:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    04:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • shatona sanders
    3 week ago

    This restaurant will leave you speechless. The only soul food restaurant in NJ that I've been to that I actually consider soul. The food is amazing. We ordered the seafood trio and the filet mignon topped with crab which my husband said was the best he's ever had. The wait staff was friendly and on point with our needs. They have a live band that plays while you eat so it can be loud. A+ for being kid friendly.

  • Will Burgess
    1 month ago

    We went here for brunch on Saturday first time coming here for brunch it was $46.00 per person. At first I thought that seems a little high for brunch but when we got inside the atmosphere far as the DJ playing some good songs had the customers dancing and singing. It wasn't your typical type of brunch. The food that they had for brunch was a really good mix everything that I got I enjoyed. I really like that you can order your fish and they would bring it out to you nice and hot they had to cook making omelettes and pancakes right on the spot. Definitely will come back for brunch again.

  • C R
    2 month ago

    I ordered the chicken and velvet waffles, which came out hot and fresh. The waffles were soft and cooked perfectly—I didn’t even need syrup. The chicken was well-seasoned and very filling. My friend had the turkey chops with mac and cheese and sweet potatoes. The turkey chops were perfectly crisp and delicious. The mac and cheese was good, though the sweet potatoes were slightly undercooked. Overall, this was a great choice. There was no wait time, and the food came out quickly. Would definitely return.

  • Terisa Miller
    3 month ago

    Amazing! Justin server was a joy. Whiting and shrimp combo, and the Fried Wings needed just a hair more seasoning compared to the fish and shrimp. Greens were a must have, yams are soooooo goooood. Sweeeeet with a hint of vanilla, baked Mac and Cheese prepared with sharp cheddar versus a creamy mild cheese sauce. Defiantly get the cornbread. You won’t be disappointed. We were there when there was live music. What a treat.

  • Monica F Brown
    3 month ago

    My best friend and I were unable to make a reservation prior to our trip to Atlantic City. However, we were offered a chance to sit at the bar, which ended up being no wait at all. We arrived just before the live music but the radio tunes overall were nostalgic. The server was very friendly and personable. There wasn't a long wait for the food at all. My best friend and I both ordered the catfish nuggets. She got potato salad and yams as sides; I chose the macaroni and cheese and collard greens. It was hard for me to pinpoint what was the best part of the meal. The collard greens reminded me of the delicious greens my late grandpa would cook from his garden. The catfish was on par with what I tasted from my Southern roots. The cornbread and the yams I tasted from my best friend brought forth such pleasant memories of my grandparents. My belly and heart were full. I would highly recommend for the food and ambiance. I can't speak on the live music because we left before the band started playing.

  • kelah cash
    3 month ago

    The food was so good. I got the Chicken & Red Velvet Waffles. This is the first time I felt like I had more chicken than waffles, because the wings were a really good size. Both were delicious. I was thinking about those soft waffles with that cream cheese frosting for the rest of the night. I ain't even lying. My dad got the Pork Ribs entree; my mama got the Cat Fish & Shrimp entree. They both thoroughly enjoyed their food. As a matter of fact, my mama tried to get me to ask my dad for his leftovers and he JUST said (as I was typing this) "Yeah, I'm glad you didn't ask, cause I woulda had to tell you no." So that should tell you something! Also, I tried the catfish and know it was good. My only issue was my mama's side of yams and my dad's side of potato salad were sooooo so small. You know Bruce's canned yams? No exaggeration, my mama got 5 pieces of them. (I'm not saying the restaurant used them canned yams, just tryna give yall a size reference. And the potato salad was just as small. They were each given a good portion of greens though. So I found the super small portion of their 2nd side odd. Ah! I almost forgot- they give a complimentary plate of cornbread- 10 slices. Buttery, sweet, hot, fresh, and delicious. And they give you butter as well. Anyways, the service was great. Everyone who works there is so friendly and considerate. We got seated, then moved after 10-15min (a favor for us), but still got our food, ate, and were out in 1hr 15min! It was incredible. There was a live band and DJ too! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. (Warning: For anyone with auditory conditions such as Hyperacusis- the live music is very loud, so it can cause pain. I'd come with ear plugs or ear phones to dampen the sound level a bit.)

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