Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley

Peach cobbler, banana pudding, fried chicken, creative waffles, braised short ribs, fried pickles, poboys, shrimp 'n' grits, seafood gumbo - it's all about the most comforting of Southern food and spectacular drinks at Kitchen + Kocktails. The restaurant has two bars to show off its distinctive beverage program of specialty cocktails with dazzling presentations. There are pina "Koladas" in pineapples; a Reese's Kocktail with a peanut butter cup festooned on the coupe glass; and the Hennessy Lemon Drop, a top seller, has a mini Hennessy bottle overturned in a martini glass. Waffle lovers rejoice in cinnamon roll, butter pecan and peach cobbler waffles, among others. Order grits with shrimp, lobster or fish; chicken, lamb chop and seafood entrees; plus vegan bowls and lots of sharable sides like black-eyed peas with smoked turkey, okra, cornbread and mac 'n' cheese. Winning appetizers include Dream Eggs (deviled eggs crowned with blackened shrimp) and perky fried pickles. Brunch, offered weekends, is equally popular and delish.