You walk into a lot of places in Atlantic City and it feels like a stage set. The glitz of the casinos on the Boardwalk is fine for a night, but if you actually want to eat like a local, you have to head toward the Inlet. That’s where you find the real soul of the city. Specifically, you find Kelsey & Kim’s Atlantic City.
Honestly, the first thing people get wrong is thinking there is only one "Kelsey’s." It's a bit of a local dynasty. You have the Southern Cafe on Melrose Avenue, the more upscale Kelsey’s on Pacific Avenue, and the newer Oceanview spot. Each has a different vibe, but they all share the DNA of Kelsey and Kimberly Jackson.
The Guy Fieri Effect and the Famous Turkey Chop
Most people found out about the Melrose Avenue location through Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Guy Fieri didn't just show up for the cameras; he highlighted what locals already knew. The fried turkey chop is the legend here. Basically, it’s a turkey breast sliced thin, breaded, and fried until it’s crispy enough to shatter, then smothered in a rich, peppery gravy.
If you haven’t had a turkey chop, you’re missing out. It’s leaner than a pork chop but holds onto that savory "Sunday dinner" flavor better than almost anything else on the menu.
Kelsey Jackson started as a dishwasher. He worked his way through the casino kitchens, which is basically the culinary boot camp of the Jersey Shore. He and Kim, who has a background in business and baking, didn’t just open a restaurant; they built a community hub.
Why the Melrose Avenue Location is Different
The Southern Cafe at 201 Melrose Ave is the roots. It’s cozy. It’s the kind of place where you hear the grease popping in the back and smell the cornbread before you even sit down.
🔗 Read more: Finding Alta West Virginia: Why This Greenbrier County Spot Keeps People Coming Back
While the Pacific Avenue location (Kelsey’s) feels more like a jazz club or a "night out" spot with live music and a dress code, Melrose is where you go for the food, period. The menu doesn't try to be fancy. It’s about execution.
- The Sides: Don't sleep on the cabbage. It isn't mushy. It has a bite and a smoky depth that makes you wonder why you ever hated vegetables as a kid.
- The Mac and Cheese: It’s the heavy, baked-in-a-pan style. No runny sauce here.
- The Cornbread: It’s sweet, but not "cake" sweet. Just enough to cut through the salt of the collard greens.
Prices are fair, especially for AC. You can get a massive platter for around $20 to $25 that will likely leave you with leftovers for the hotel fridge.
Navigating the Three Pillars of the Jackson Empire
If you are planning a trip, you need to know which "Kelsey's" fits your mood.
Kelsey & Kim’s Southern Cafe (Melrose Ave): This is the soul food heart. Best for a casual lunch or a heavy dinner after a day on the beach. It's located near the Absecon Inlet, away from the casino floor noise.
Kelsey’s (Pacific Ave): This is the "Supper Club" vibe. Think live jazz, a bar that knows how to make a real drink, and a slightly more elevated menu. It’s where you go for date night.
💡 You might also like: The Gwen Luxury Hotel Chicago: What Most People Get Wrong About This Art Deco Icon
Kelsey & Kim’s Oceanview: Located at the Boardwalk Resorts, this spot gives you the views. If you want that soul food flavor but want to look at the water while you eat your shrimp and grits, this is the one.
The Real Talk on Service and Wait Times
Let’s be real for a second. This isn’t fast food. If you go on a Saturday night or during a holiday weekend, you are going to wait. Everything is made to order. I’ve seen people get frustrated because their fried chicken took 20 minutes.
That’s because they are actually frying it for you, not pulling it out of a heat lamp.
The service is generally warm, but it’s "neighborhood warm." It’s busy. It’s loud. If you’re looking for a hushed, white-tablecloth experience, the Melrose location isn't it. But if you want to feel like you’re at a family reunion where the uncle who went to culinary school is doing the cooking? You’re in the right place.
What to Order if You’re Overwhelmed
- The Fried Catfish: It’s seasoned with a cornmeal crust that isn't too thick. It’s clean-tasting, not muddy.
- Pork Trotters: For the adventurous eater. Braised until they are literally falling apart.
- Red Velvet Waffles: Usually a brunch staple, but if they have them, get them. The cocoa hit in the waffle paired with the salty fried chicken is a religious experience.
Getting There and Tips for 2026
Parking around Melrose can be a bit of a scavenger hunt, but it’s worth the walk. If you’re staying at the Borgata or Harrah’s, it’s a quick rideshare away.
📖 Related: What Time in South Korea: Why the Peninsula Stays Nine Hours Ahead
Check their hours before you go. Sometimes the Southern Cafe closes on Mondays or Tuesdays, and their hours can shift based on the season. In the winter, they might close earlier than during the summer rush.
Pro Tip: If you’re doing the Melrose location, try to go for a late lunch around 2:00 PM. You miss the church crowd on Sundays and the early dinner rush on weekdays.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Don't just eat and leave. Take a walk toward the Inlet afterward. The vibe of Kelsey & Kim’s Atlantic City is tied to the neighborhood. It’s a testament to Black entrepreneurship in a city that hasn't always made it easy for locals to thrive.
When you support these spots, you’re supporting a family that stayed in AC, invested in AC, and continues to feed AC.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Kelsey's website for the live music schedule if you're heading to the Pacific Avenue location.
- If you're going to the Southern Cafe on Melrose, call ahead at (609) 350-6800 to see if they're running any daily specials like the smothered liver and onions or the gumbo.
- Pack your appetite—seriously, the portions are massive.