Staff very courteous, restaurant atmosphere relaxing, music soulful, Kelseys food was tasty (unfortunately they were out of crab cakes) 1st time I ate Catfish, interesting texture. A simple most meaningful matter the very stylish clean restrooms. Yes, I will spread the word, can't wait to experience the Buffet/Jazz Outlet. Job well done to Kim & Kelsey!!! read more

The food, atmosphere and entertainment were right on point! We went on a Wednesday and they had comedy and sing along karaoke. It was really nice... read more

We visit Kelsey's every time we're in AC and we were not disappointed!! The food, ambiance and service were outstanding at both locations (Oceanview & Pacific Ave). The Prime steak cheesesteak & ribs dinner at the Oceanview was so tasty and cooked to perfection (10/10). Can't wait to go back! read more

Had the catfish - delicious. Also loved the collard greens, they were great! Loved the ambience read more

Kelsey's gave me a little Amy Ruth's in Harlem vibes except I was in Atlantic City. The atmosphere was chill, the R&B was great, and although we missed the live band, the music definitely gave us something to vibe to while we waited. I ordered the Smothered Turkey Chops with onions, mac & cheese, yams, and collard greens. Now, about those "turkey" chops... I'm still not convinced! Between the texture and the bone, they reminded me much more of pork chops. Thankfully, I eat pork, but I definitely questioned what I was eating. The collard greens had a slightly sweet taste, which wasn't really for me. Being raised on my Southern grandmother's cooking, they were very different from the greens I grew up eating. The mac & cheese got a pass, and the yams got a pass too. My grandmother always said, "You can't eat everybody's yams, mac & cheese, and greens." As an older woman, I completely understand what she meant now! And the cornbread? Unfortunately, that was a no for me. As for the service, we were seated quickly, but once seated, things moved pretty slowly. The wait for our food was longer than expected. The atmosphere helped, though it was relaxed, the R&B was on point, and I can imagine the place has an even better energy when the live band is performing. Overall, Kelsey's had its hits and misses for me. I enjoyed the vibe and some of the sides, but the food didn't quite give me the Southern soul-food experience my palate is accustomed to. I'd still be willing to give them another visit, especially when the band is playing and try something different from the menu. read more

Website said there were no more reservation spots available but took a chance and visited on a Wednesday night. Found out Wednesday's are karaoke night. Lively DJ with good energy. I was a walk-in but the wait was only about 10min. Very busy night for staff but we were still attended to in decent time. Ordered red velvet waffles with chicken. It was tasty but syrup was very thick. A little too thick for the waffles. Also ordered fried fish, Mac and cheese, yams and collard greens. The fish was seasoned well and served crispy. The Mac and cheese was decent, yams were good, but the greens were just ok. Nothing to write home about. Had ginger ale to drink and that was good. Really wanted desert but their options were only in a display case and none of them looked very appetizing. Declined the desert. Would visit again but get desert at another spot after. read more

Kelsey's - Red velvet waffles and fried chicken wings - Soul Food Near Me - Atlantic City, New Jersey

See all

I forgot to check in when I was here on the 16th of August for my Auntie 90th birthday. We arrived about 145pm for brunch. They stop seating for brunch at 2. Three of us in our party were there but the other 2 were not. The kind person at the front went to ask if we could still be seated since it was so close to 2 and they did approve. We were very appreciative. Meanwhile before we were seated a gentleman came in and noticed we were celebrating a birthday. I stated yes today is my auntie 90th birthday. He told her Happy Birthday and asked how many were in our party. I said 5 but, 2 had not arrived yet. He asked if we liked mimosas and he chose to sound us a round once we were seated. That was very polite of him and we thanked him. We were seated and began to enjoy all the delicious food. As promised the mimosas were sent. My aunt was super thrilled with the vibe and food. Many employees came to wish her a happy birthday and made sure she was ok. It was so exciting for her. The dj even announced that it was her 90th birthday on the mic. She did a little two step while she was there. I was so glad that i chose this place to celebrate my Aunt. The other two in our party did arrive. Lets just say we all had a wonderful time. The food and mimosas were delicious. We made sure to purchase glasses before we left and we also left a generous tip. My cousin went to thank the gentleman once again for the mimosas only to find out it was Kelsey who sent them. Proves that you never know who you are conversing with. He was a pleasant vibe. He even sang on the mic while we were there. This was definitely a top notch experience. We were from Baltimore and my Aunt made it known that next time she is in Atlantic City that we must continue to support this business. read more

See all

So my Bff is from Atlantic City and she brags about this Southern fried restaurant Kelsey's every time she visits Atlantic City. I had to find out and experience for myself. She's actually from the south and swears by this southern cooking. I HAD to experience it for myself. My BF made a reservation for my birthday. I had no idea it was "Fun Fridays" so when we walked in, the live Jazz band was playing soft R&B singles. We were immediately seated by the hostess, the waiter comes over smiling and immediately shows the QR code menu. He politely introduces us to the menu and gives his suggestions for the evening. I've been looking over this menu the entire week. So I'm ready, I ordered Kelsey's Signature Fish Bowl with Coconut Rum, UV Blue Vodka, Pineapple Juice, Sour Mix & Soda for my drink. I love it shared with my BF and still felt tipsy. I ordered the fried Cajun Catfish and Shrimp Combo with potato salad and yams. My fish arrived crispy and crunchy enough to hear through the fork when it broke thru the fish. You know exactly what I'm talking about, I am not a fan of soggy fried fish. The potato salad was creamy and well seasoned. The Southern, old school yams, were the highlight for me. The yams arrived warm, buttery (is that a word) and caramel rich. Take a deep breath, you know you smell that cinnamon and spices. Totally authentic Southern food experience. Happy birthday to meeeeeeeeeee! We bought a slice of moist, two layer, Red Velvet Cake. We ate it on the way home. They have brunch on the weekends. I can't wait to go back. read more

See all

If you're into amazing menus, and out of this world food...accompanied by live performances to serenade you as you enjoy your meal. Well look no further than Kelsey's on Pacific Ave in Atlantic City New Jersey !!! The ambiance is so alive and bubbly, without being over the top or a distraction from your dining experience. The entire staff at Kelsey's move with awesome energy on every level. At every turn I was met with a smile, and a warm welcome. The band was taking request and kept the environment upbeat. Now let's get to the good part ? The food !!! WOW... I literally almost melted when I bit into the cornbread ( unreal how good it is ) and once I got to my salmon, over vegetable stir fry with rice... I was floored with how fresh everything was and how their season game was completely on point. ( FYI: the cabbage is so bomb ) If you're planning a trip to AC anytime soon... please put Kelsey's on your outing list and I promise you won't be disappointed !!!! read more

Kelsey's - This Vibe is out of this world on Kelsey's !!! - Soul Food Near Me - Atlantic City, New Jersey

A party of 8 on a Saturday afternoon for their brunch with live music and we were seated right away. 46 dollars for all you can eat buffet brunch including soft drinks and water. If you opt to get drinks outside of those options it's 4 dollars extra. Free refills on soft drinks. The waiters were lively energetic and amazing. The food was delicious literally everything was hit including the chocolate cake. The waffle station was amazing. The omelettes Looked great. Fresh catfish. You can go wrong with that price. The space is huge. The energy is amazing. I requested a song to be played and the DJ did not play it but I get it. I would recommend going here especially for the brunch buffet read more

Kelsey's - Soul Food Near Me - Atlantic City, New Jersey

See all

If you're craving true comfort food, this place definitely delivers! The fried fish was crispy on the outside, flaky and tender on the inside, and perfectly seasoned. The fried shrimp were golden, juicy, and packed with flavor. The mac and cheese was rich, creamy, and cheesy with every bite, while the cornbread was warm, moist, and had just the right touch of sweetness. Every item complemented the next, making this a satisfying meal from start to finish. I'll definitely be back for another plate! I also enjoyed the live music! Service was fast and efficient! read more

See all

We had such a wonderful experience at this restaurant! My daughter got engaged there this past Sunday, and the manager and entire staff went above and beyond to make the occasion truly special. They took care of everything and made sure every detail was handled with care. Even the band got involved and helped make the celebration absolutely unforgettable! Their kindness, professionalism, and attention to detail made an already unforgettable moment even more meaningful. We are so grateful and will always remember this beautiful celebration. Highly recommended! read more

We stopped in as a large group yesterday and we loved the atmosphere there. Our table service was very good, but I did catch some attitude from the bartender, which was odd. We ordered a number of appetizers and variety of dishes. We had dry rub wings, bang bang shrimp, cornbread, fried spicy catfish, shrimp and grits, ribs, and whiting. Overall, the food was good, but it didn't hit that next level. We found that much of the dishes needed more seasoning. The spicy catfish was very mild, but cooked tender. The ribs and shrimp and grits also did not have enough seasoning. That said, I would give it another try and request deeper seasoning. read more

This was one of the best places to eat. The food was delicious. The people the atmosphere was amazing. The service was exceptional. Our waiter was so nice. I will definitely suggest this place to eat. read more

Kelsey's - The band setting up. Perfect place to eat have a nice drink & enjoy the music - Soul Food Near Me - Atlantic City, New Jersey

The service was great, no complaints whatsoever. The food was tasty and everything came out in a decent time and hot. I would definitely go back. Expect to spend some money, but it's worth the vibe. read more

See all

Came to Kelsey for the first time and it wasn't too bad. For the appetizers we ordered the cornbread basket and the catfish nuggets. We all agreed that those two appetizers were great choices. As for my meal I got the chicken and waffles. You have the choice of ordering plain or red velvet waffles. I ordered the plain and I did enjoy my waffles. As for the chicken it was just okay. I've had way better fried chicken. My dad and sister got the shrimps and grits but both of them said that their grits were cold so they didn't enjoy their meals as much. As for my mom she barely touch her food because she said her pork chops were way too salty for her. Overall the appetizers were delicious and were a hit but the entrees were a bit of a miss. As for the service it was awesome and the ambiance is a vibe. read more

See all

I love the food, the music and the atmosphere BUT especially love their grits! Their grits are so creamy and delicious. The best I have ever had!! Also love their fried chicken and the omelet station!! Will be back very soon read more

Kelsey's - Kelsey's Sunday Brunch in Atlantic City! - Soul Food Near Me - Atlantic City, New Jersey

I ordered the fish n shrimp combo for my 2 sides I tried the cabbage and potato salad. The cabbage was very good made with turkey bacon. The potato salad was really good and flavorful. The catfish was something to call home and tell momma about. My uncle ordered the short ribs with collard greens and candied yams. We also ordered Mac n cheese and chicken wings. My uncle said his food was good too but I was so full from the fish n shrimp I couldn't even try anything else.Our waiter was Seth and even with this place being as busy as it is he was very on point with providing us with excellent quality service. This is a casual ambiance with love entertainment which is a very entertaining environment. They also catered the arena we performed at but we didn't get the chance to eat there. Vanessa Jordan from the National R&B Music Society called and make it possible for us to come here and eat. Thanks to the owners of Kelsey and Vanessa for making it possible for my uncle Butch Tavares and myself to enjoy this meal before we hit the highway. If you ever in Atlantic City I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Kelsey's - The menu - Soul Food Near Me - Atlantic City, New Jersey

See all

The service was very friendly and professional. They played R&B music in the background and we were told they also have a live band in the evenings. The food was good but heavily seasoned, to include salt and sugar in the greens, cabbage, corn bread, and onions and gravy. I ordered the turkey chops with onions and gravy that I split with my wife (nice size portions) which tasted and had texture more like pork chops. My grandson ordered chicken tenders, collard greens, and Mac and cheese. read more

See all

This waterfront restaurant is located inside the Flagship resort on the 7th floor. It has floor to ceiling windows with a beautiful view of the ocean. Arrived for a 3 PM lunch, we were seated promptly by the window and enjoy the view while we waited for our food. We were served quickly as the restaurant was empty during this time. Our food came out hot and delicious. We ordered two entrées, one fried chicken wings with mac & cheese and collard greens, and the other was fried whiting with mac & cheese and potato salad. Everything was delicious, except for the candied yams. To me, they looked canned, and also tasted canned, which was disappointing. Our server, Farida K., checked on as frequently, and promptly switched out the candied yams for another order of mac & cheese, which we truly appreciated. Please note that the website has not been updated, we asked for white meat or dark meat fried chicken, and they did not have it. They said they were only serving chicken wings or chicken tenders at this location and the larger one, they could not confirm availability at the carryout. I recommend this restaurant if you are visiting the Atlantic City area. There are three locations, this one which is waterfront, a carryout which is two blocks from here, and a larger restaurant near Bally's resort where they also offer a brunch buffet with a DJ on Saturday and Sunday. Black owned! read more

See all

Greeted by staff upon entering that were friendly. Clean establishment, courteous staff and excellent customer service. Reservations are highly recommended we were seated upon arrival. Ambience is very relaxing with great music. Meal was delicious and portions are very generous. Whiting and shrimp were delicious. Potato salad was really good, and very seasoned. Cabbage was full of flavor. The cornbread is soooo good however it does not come with the meal it is a side dish (worth it)!!!!! I will visit this restaurant again. read more

Kelsey's - Whiting, shrimp, cabbage and potato salad. - Soul Food Near Me - Atlantic City, New Jersey

I went to Atlantic city last weekend and ate at a restaurant at this restaurant. The food was delicious just look at the presentation. It tasted as good as it looks. They had a live band which was also good. Service was excellent and our waiter was the absolute best. I can't wait to go back when I'm in town. I'm hungry just looking at these pictures. Check it out for yourself!!!! read more

See all

My wife and I came for brunch on Sunday. The food was great but I could notnhave a conversation with my wife because the music was tooooooo loud. read more

The food was great but service was slow. Some times it's a long wait outside to be seated

It's Mother's Day weekend and I'm here with my daughter. This restaurant is a staple of Atlantic City. The soul food is great, the live or karaoke entertainment is fantastic and the energy here is guaranteed to be lit. No five stars tonight because the waiter with the bald head. He was doing the MOST!! Just running his mouth with every table instead of his job of promptly taking and delivering the order to the kitchen. Made me so hangry! The catfish nuggets were the star tonight. 10 - 12 thick lightly battered pieces of fried fish were outstanding. Entree portions at appetizers price. Second place is the fish and shrimp combo. The shrimp were fresh and tasty. I wished for more shrimps and less whiting fish. Yes, I will be back ! read more

See all

We were finally able to reserve a table for 3 on 6/12/26. We arrived as scheduled and were seated by a waitress that had an attitude. She opposed out loud to her supervisor that she already was assigned a table and now had our table. The place was empty except for the bar area. We reviewed menu online and our waitress did offer us the "specials" for the evening. Since our food was taking a long time to come, I inquired abut appetizers. She said we didn't need to order any cause our food would be arriving. Once our food arrived, it was tasty. The plates were not large. My salmon was so small and yet cost the most. The waitress forgot our corn bread and we never had it. A band was setting up at 7:00 and we wanted to stay and hear them. Our waitress said that our reserved table was for one and a half hours and so we'd have to leave soon. So I ordered another martini and we did get to hear a fab woman sing some familiar R&B. We received our check @ about 8:30pm and we were over charged for a drink we did not have. Our waitress admitted the mistake and corrected the bill. So I would give our food a 9, my drinks an 8 and our waitress's etiquette a 5. We might return in the future. read more

I'm very disappointed. The food was not good, the drinks were "adult" drinks and their prices are extremely high. Never again!!

What a great meal! After trying and failing to visit Kelsey's for a while we finally got the change to visit for dinner. Sitting at the bar, our bartender/server was very attentive and helpful. We were VERY surprised at the quality of the food and how much it felt like home. The best side was a split between the greens and black eyed peas. Also, do not sleep on the clams! They were amazing! I would absolutely recommend Kelsey's and will definitely visit again when the opportunity arises! read more

See all

The food was so delicious we went for brunch and everything was great. THE DRINKS WERE SWEET BUT VERY STRONG.The service was great very attentive. read more

The food was amazing and delicious. I came all the way from Rhode Island with my husband for a. Comedy show. This is my second time back and I will continue to go there for many years to come. The vibe and servers were kind and on point. The RnB music was rocking. read more

Kelsey's - Catfish. Fried chicken, collard greens, candied yams, macaroni n cheese w/crab meat. - Soul Food Near Me - Atlantic City, New Jersey

It is with some reluctance that I leave this review. I have been a patron of the Brooklyn location of Simpson's several times and have always had a great experience. I have also visited the Atlantic City location once before without incident. However, this recent visit did not meet the standards I have come to expect. My reservation was for 7:00 p.m., and I arrived a little early. I fully expected to wait until my reservation time; however, my party of six was seated immediately. Upon arriving at our table, I noticed food stains on the tablecloth. I understand that changing tablecloths after every guest can be cumbersome, but when white tablecloths have visible stains, they should be replaced. When our waitress arrived, it was difficult to overlook the constant gum chewing, along with her less-than-welcoming demeanor. She was not rude or disrespectful, but her approach felt very matter-of-fact and lacked the level of hospitality I would expect from a restaurant of this caliber. My party was celebrating a birthday, and although we did not notify the restaurant in advance, we expected to enjoy our meal without feeling rushed. Unfortunately, shortly after our appetizers were served, four of the six entrees arrived while the remaining two guests were left waiting for theirs. I do not recall being asked whether we wanted dessert, which would have been an ideal opportunity to mention the birthday celebration and request the birthday serenade. Instead, the check appeared while dishes were still on the table. The food was excellent, as always. However, the service and overall ambiance fell short during this visit and did not reflect the quality I have experienced at this restaurant in the past. read more

$45 brunch on a Sunday. My friends and I went for breakfast, it's all you can eat which isn't bad; would be nice of it was including alcoholic drinks but, it does include regular juice and soft drinks. They had little designs for V-day. There's a huge bar, a stage area I guess for live music, and ample space. We were celebrating my friend bday. Our waitress Tanisha was attentive. As was the bus boys. There's a little parking lot that says, it's for staff only and a paid lot across for$5 bucks. I went over to the lunch table and had the shrimp and grits, the fried catfish, the Mac n cheese, the chicken dumpling, and the BBQ chicken. The waitress also brought over fried fish to the table. I also had an omelet made at the breakfast station. I must say the food was really good, everything I had did not disappoint. I really liked the shrimp and grits and fried catfish so I went for seconds. The lemonade was good and the ice tea tasted like real ice tea. The omelet was also good. My friend raced about the bubiscuits. The dj was on point. It was a good vibe. I would definitely reccomend it and go back. read more

See all

Service for our party of 4 was unacceptable. Wait for server to order too long. Mgr made excuses instead of making it right and apologizing read more

Kelsey's - Soul Food Near Me - Atlantic City, New Jersey

The best food and music! Suzy was our waitress! She was so much fun to have serve us! read more

See all

First of all let's start with the service.. from the time I entered the building the host and gentleman that seated me POLITE, KIND, AMAZING! Then our server.. everything you'd expect from a server! Polite, informative, attentive he was 10/10 (and I tipped him 30% on the bill because of it). The food the food the food... tasted like someone's grandma was back there on the stove! Authentic soul food, perfectly cooked, big portions.. PERFECTION! The drinks, TOP TIER! Not cheap with the liquor!! AT ALL! The live band sounded like at this point I was robbing them because why were they Sooooo good!! Felt like I should have got charged to experience them! I will be back a few times, this place is the real deal! I am beyond impressed! Beautiful artwork on the wall, nice tables just beautiful wonderful establishment! Thank you Kelsey's! read more

Kelsey's - Mac and cheese, collard greens and blacked salmon. Mac and cheese, yams and bbq beef ribs with a side of potatoes salad. - Soul Food Near Me - Atlantic City, New Jersey

I was soo ready to try this location since I heard good things and loved the other location in AC. The music was nice and lighting was dim with a decent amount of seating. It was a party of 4 on New Yrs night and it took a min to checkin for our reservation because they seem to be short staffed. Service was slow from beginning to end. We had to remind them of our missing items numerous times. The cornbread app was def a hit and the servings were large. I got the fried catfish bites w/broccoli and Mac & cheese. I was disappointed with my catfish, bland and seemed like frozen just fried and not seasoned. On top of the the fact that is the smallest serving of Mac I've had anywhere, but it was good. 2 of my party got the bbq spare ribs, very large serving, good but a little salty. The greens were bland, thank goodness for the meat added. I feel the meals were over priced for what we received and I won't be back to this location. read more

Kelsey's - Catfish bites w/broccoli and mac&cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Atlantic City, New Jersey

See all

Breakfast or dinner the food is delicious!!!! We come every time we are in Atlanta City! But what an experience I had on my birthday 1/10/26!! The Food was AMAZING!! The staff was AMAZING!! They sung Happy Birthday to me! AND the entertainment!! Never fails to amaze me! The Band and singer! I can go on and on! It's ALWAYS a nice time thanks for making my day Special read more

Hi I must say the food is great and the service is fantastic. Every time I go to Atlantic City, I have to go to Kelsey's for that meal. The food is really good. Make sure you get a chance to check them out. You will be back for More. read more

If I could have given 0 stars, I would. I was very disappointed when I visited Kelsey's. I was excited to try their food but sadly I didn't make it to sit at a table. After waiting 30-40 minutes outside in the sun, my party of 4 was turned away due to a "dress code". The dress code was not posted or online. The lady was not able to pull it up on their website when I gave her my phone to show me. Neither was it communicated to us when we first arrived and was directed to wait in line. I also had went to the bathroom in the establishment and was not told that my clothing was inappropriate. (The bathroom was also not the cleanest, by the way.) When the hostess called us in to be seated, we were told we needed tshirts and/or jackets over our halters and tank tops. (Halters and tank tops are typical casual summer wear. And other patrons were dressed veryyyy casually). After walking 15 minutes to the restaurant, waiting 30-40 minutes, walking another 30 minutes did not sit very well with our hungry and disappointed party. We decided we would not be dining at all. I would hope in the future, there is better communication to customers and a dress code posted if it indeed is one. read more

Kelsey's - Outside of restaurant - Soul Food Near Me - Atlantic City, New Jersey

I'm trying to think of something wrong with this place. Literally nothing. We loved every single thing. The service was good, the food was spectacular. Maybe it was a little loud? 9.9 out of 10. Would recommend. read more

See all