My Top Pick of the year was a random find in Atlantic City during Jen’s birthday weekend trip in May: Kelsey’s Soul Food. A nod to Yelpers for this jewel!
We we found parking right outside despite it being just a couple of blocks from Caesar’s. We were greeted by warm hugs from Kelsey herself when she found out it was our first time.
For $20/pp, we were about to have a true foodie experience with the weekend buffet brunch. There were stations for made-to-order waffles and pancakes. We also had an endless supply of fresh fried whiting and red velvet waffles from the kitchen.
Most brunch buffet participants would have been more than satisfied with these treats, but we also had an amazing hot buffet with shrimp & grits, breakfast meats, French toast, Chicken fried steak & gravy, jambalaya, Cajun catfish, pork loin, fried chicken, biscuits w/honey, collard greens, mac&cheese, peach cobbler, bread pudding with a maple sauce, fresh fruit, and so much more! Everything was prepared with love and skill that you could taste with every succulent, well seasoned morsel!
The red velvet waffles were light and fluffy, with just the right crunch and steamy softness. The fried whiting was the best I have ever had, with a perfect, not-too-thick cornmeal crust, and amazingly non-greasy.
The place was clean and well serviced, with our beverages refilled and empty plated cleared away promptly.
During our visit, a few large after-church group showed up and we enjoyed soulful gospel singing.
This was definitely an unexpected gem in the tourist trap filled city and we look forward to going back! Even Jen, with her Southerner Palate was grinning ear to ear between bites.
We both highly recommend Kelsey’s Soul Food. It is located at 1545 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401; (609) 344-2200. Weekend Brunch served Saturdays & Sundays from 10am to 3pm
