Miami’s culinary scene just got a whole lot more soulful. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley has officially planted its flag in the heart of Wynwood, bringing elevated Southern comfort food, show-stopping cocktails, and that signature “Welcome Home” hospitality to the Magic City. If you’ve been craving fried chicken and waffles with a side of high-energy vibes, your prayers have been answered.
This isn’t just another restaurant opening: it’s a full-on Southern invasion that’s about to shake up Miami’s food and beverage landscape. And trust us, the hospitality industry is paying attention.
A Dallas-Born Concept Finds Its Seventh Home
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley isn’t new to the scene. Founded by Kevin Kelley, a Dallas-based attorney turned hospitality entrepreneur, this rapidly expanding restaurant group has already conquered six major U.S. cities: Dallas, Chicago, Washington D.C., Charlotte, Atlanta, and most recently, Philadelphia.
Now, Miami marks lucky number seven.
“We’re excited to bring this concept to Miami: a city that feels like home,” says founder Kevin Kelley. “The diversity, the culture, the energy, there’s nothing like it. With Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley, we want to bring Miami the very best in Southern comfort food and hospitality, creating a space where everyone feels welcome.”
That sense of belonging isn’t just marketing speak. It’s baked into every aspect of the brand, from the warm greetings at the door to the carefully curated atmosphere that makes first-timers feel like regulars. For hospitality managers and food service executives looking at how to build brand loyalty, this is a masterclass in action.
The Space: 8,000 Square Feet of Southern Glamour
Located at 2838 NW 2nd Avenue in Wynwood, the Miami outpost boasts over 8,000 square feet of dining space with a 208-seat capacity. But this isn’t your grandmother’s Southern kitchen (no offense to grandma).
The design blends modern luxury with Southern warmth, creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts sophisticated and inviting. Key design elements include:
- The Blue Onyx Bar: A showstopping centerpiece known for its bold, luminous design that draws guests in like moths to a very stylish flame
- The Signature Rose Wall: A core brand element across all locations and the perfect Instagram moment for guests looking to document their visit
- Rich Textures and Dramatic Lighting: Every corner of the space has been thoughtfully designed to create a sense of culture and community
For restaurant owners considering their next renovation or new build, Kitchen + Kocktails demonstrates how thoughtful design can become a marketing tool in itself. That Rose Wall? It’s not just decor: it’s user-generated content waiting to happen.
The Menu: 50+ Scratch-Made Southern Favorites
Let’s get to the good stuff: the food. The scratch-made menu features more than 50 elevated Southern comfort favorites that’ll have you loosening your belt and coming back for seconds.
Signature Dishes Worth the Trip
The menu reads like a love letter to Southern cuisine, with dishes that honor tradition while adding unexpected twists:
- Shrimp and Grits: The viral sensation that put this brand on the map, topped with a fresh lobster tail
- Fried Chicken and Waffles: Available in four varieties: classic, hot honey, Nashville hot, and Asian cognac: served with specialty waffles
- Caribbean Jerk Lamb Chops: Flame-grilled perfection with bold island flavors
- Surf & Turf: A fried or grilled lobster tail paired with four Caribbean jerk lamb chops
- Southern Fried Catfish: Crispy, golden, and everything you want it to be
- Blackened Salmon: For those looking for something lighter (but still packed with flavor)
The Sides That Steal the Show
Any Southerner worth their salt knows that sides aren’t afterthoughts: they’re main events. Kitchen + Kocktails delivers with:
- Candied Yams
- Baked Mac and Cheese
- Collard Greens
- Black-Eyed Peas
- Fried Green Tomatoes
And don’t sleep on the Trinity Egg Rolls: a creative fusion appetizer that’s become a guest favorite.
For dessert, the peach cobbler and banana pudding provide the perfect sweet ending to a Southern feast. This kind of menu innovation is exactly what the food and beverage industry needs: respect for tradition combined with modern creativity.
The “Kocktails”: Where Mixology Meets Theater
If you think the food is impressive, wait until you see the beverage program. Kitchen + Kocktails takes its cocktail game seriously: so seriously they spell it with a “K.”
Must-Try Signature Drinks
True Flame: The star of the show. This fiery concoction combines premium spirits, warm citrus, and spice, built over a torch-kissed orange peel. Here’s the kicker: it’s crafted tableside with a live fire presentation. Talk about dinner and a show.
Blackberry Margarita: A refreshing twist on the classic that’s perfect for Miami’s tropical climate.
Peach D’usse Frose: The ultimate Instagram-worthy frozen cocktail that tastes as good as it looks.
24K Gold Fashioned: Because sometimes you want your Old Fashioned to literally shine.
The beverage industry is increasingly moving toward experiential drinking, and Kitchen + Kocktails is leading the charge. For hospitality technology innovators, this kind of tableside theater is worth studying: it creates shareable moments that drive organic marketing.
When to Visit: Hours and Reservations
Planning your visit? Here’s what you need to know:
- Lunch: Friday 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Dinner: Monday–Thursday 4 p.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 2 p.m.–midnight, Sunday 2 p.m.–10 p.m.
The dress code is business casual, and the price range sits around $31–$50 per person. Reservations are available through kitchenkocktailsusa.com/miami and OpenTable. All major credit cards are accepted.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Miami’s F&B Scene
Kitchen + Kocktails’ Miami debut signals something bigger for the local food and beverage industry. Wynwood has long been known as an arts district, but it’s rapidly becoming a culinary destination in its own right.
This opening also reflects broader food and beverage trends we’re seeing nationwide: the demand for elevated comfort food, experiential dining, and brands that prioritize hospitality as much as cuisine. For procurement directors and institutional buyers watching the market, concepts like this show where consumer preferences are heading.
Miami’s diversity makes it the perfect testing ground for this kind of Southern-meets-everything approach. As Kelley noted, the city’s energy and culture align perfectly with the brand’s ethos.
For more insights on how restaurateurs are creating memorable dining experiences, check out our coverage of Ocean Prime’s expansion in Denver and learn about navigating supply chain challenges that growing restaurant groups face.
Ready to Experience Southern Hospitality?
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley is now open and accepting reservations. Whether you’re a hospitality professional scouting the competition, a foodie looking for your next obsession, or just someone who appreciates really good fried chicken, this Wynwood newcomer deserves a spot on your list.
Follow @kitchenkocktailsusa on social media for the latest updates, and make your reservation today at kitchenkocktailsusa.com.
Have you visited Kitchen + Kocktails before? Drop a comment below and let us know your favorite dish: we’d love to hear what’s worth ordering first.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
