Silkie's Chicken and Champagne Bar

This is an ideal date destination. I'd like to call myself a Connoisseur of both waffles and fried chicken and I must say, Silkies is probably the best I've ever had. The portions are huge, as it should be at a $22 price point, you could order one and share it and still be satiated. The mimosas flight was just right for brunch. It was so cool to see the live kitchen set up, and the owner chefing it up himself! The menu is absolutely extensive. I can't wait to come back and try something else.

Oh-to-the Mmmm-to-the Goodness. Come for the Chicken and Biscuits, Stay for the Mac and cheese. Actually the “Truffle Gouda” Mac and Cheese is a must have. I’d actually go back just for that... ...and one of the delectable looking chocolate desserts in the display. The FB Hot sandwich was delicious and flavorful with just the right amount of heat. Paired with the refreshing Tomato, Cucumber and Radish side, and the creamy yet savory mac’n cheese; what more could you ask for? I’ll definitely be back to try the Chicken and waffles and some more (you guessed it) Truffle Gouda Mac. I was the DD for the day, so no libations but there’s always next time. The service was great, and the food came out in a reasonable amount of time. The staff was genuinely friendly. Someone in the back kitchen area (visible from the the sidewalk) actually waved goodbye to us as we were walking to our car. I thought that was nice.

I decided to try Silkie’s Chicken and Champagne after I was done with my hair appointment. My beatification actually recommended this place. It was close by, and I was in the mood to try something new. I am so glad I gave this establishment a try. I loved the concept of how food was ordered and delivered to the tables. The best explanation of the concept is a ultra chic and high end dinner set up where you can see Chef Gilbert working his magic. It is a very fun and interesting sight to see. It also gave me a few ideas for food I wanted to try at my next visit because I will be coming back for sure. During my solo visit, there were so many choices. I’m glad I researched the menu ahead of time because the board was hard for me to read without my glasses. I decided on the Gouda Mac and Cheese with jerk chicken thigh, Plantain Ginger Biscuit, and Florida Citrus Cake. My mouth was watering watching the orders go out as I waited on my food. When I finally got my to go order, it was packaged neatly in aluminum foil containers to retain the heat going home. This was a huge plus for me over the typical styrofoam containers. These are the small things that I appreciate. When I got home, my first bite was the Mac and Cheese. It was very good and this is coming from someone who is not a huge pasta or cheese person, but this item was so intriguing to me to try. Next up was the plantain ginger biscuit. This biscuit literally has two of my favorite things to eat which are ginger and plantain. To put them together was fascinating to me. When I tried the biscuit, I was surprised that there was a lack of spiciness that I’m used to with raw ginger. The biscuit had a slight sweetness that I assume was from the plantains. I sat for several minutes trying to decipher the taste. I swear I taste a bit of cumin, but I guess I’ll never know. I’ll be sure to try this again. Finally, the Florida Citrus Cake was amazing. The bottom was a delicate light tasting white cake layered with a delicious key lime flavored cream topped with a delicious sugar crumble. It was the texture of the three layer that took this meal over for me. I hope this review is descriptive enough to realize how much I enjoyed this visit. This will be in my arsenal of good recommendations here in Jax.

This was a great find! Found this place after my original destination wasn't accepting any more people for brunch. Well, it worked out! The chicken is fried perfectly and flavorful. The waffles were sweet and had a crunchy texture. I got the Berry Berry, and the berries and honey butter were a great touch. FYI, the Berry Berry chicken and waffles is on the sweeter side. If you're in Jacksonville, you definitely gotta check this place out! I'll definitely be back to try the other menu items!

Tanya Grace

Hands down, this restaurant deserves 10 stars ⭐️! The food, service and ambiance are top notch. I am a property owner in the area and this location adds value to the community and puts Jacksonville on the map! Our group ordered different items and after sampling everything, you cannot go wrong anywhere. My 🔝 choice is the shrimp and grits bowl. In the south, it is a compliment to say the chef “stuck their foot in it.” I’m thinking about it now and cannot wait to go back. By far one of the best restaurants in Florida!! Did I mention the shrimp and grits bowl is OUTSTANDING (and has collard greens in it?) The professional, courteous, knowledgeable staff make it all a winning combination. Thank you for a wonderful experience! 🤩

Valerie Choniuk

By far THE BEST food - upscale meets comfort. You can tell the Chef and team love what they do! Their passion and precision comes through in how the food is prepared and served. Carefully crafted flavors and mindful of portions and presentation. Looking for a new spot for brunch or date night? Look no further! Family friendly too! We absolute recommend and will be returning soon!

Kate Collins

My husband & I have been wanting to try Silkie's for a while & we FINALLY made it today for a mid-afternoon lunch. To say the least, it did not disappoint! The biscuits were all perfectly baked & came with a delicious array of butters & jams. Our brûléed baby brie starter was flavorful (hello cilantro!) & the mimosas in our mimosa flight were all so refreshing & unique, we had trouble choosing our favorite. Last but not least, we ordered the Florida Cake for dessert & enjoyed every last bite. Thank you to Chef Kenny & his staff for an excellent meal! We will definitely be back!

Lauren / Quyntrell Johnson

My husband and I had a wonderful experience at Silkies Chicken and Champagne. The atmosphere walking in was welcoming and intimate. We were first greeted by T to ask if we had been here before (in which we had not) and we responded no and she made sure that as we were waiting in line to order that we had access to the menu to decide our selection. Once it was our turn to order, the cashier was very nice and answered all of our questions to make sure we made a well informed descision. We ordered our food and was told we could sit anywhere. We sat in the section closest to the bar and awaited our food and drinks! We had one waitress deliver my delicious mimosa flight and then T brought our food. My husband realized that his Champagne order never came so I got up and asked T about it. She immediately got into action to get my husband's missing champagne and even topped him off after it was half gone because he had to wait on it. The food was delicious and the service and care of everyone that works here was even better. Just a background we originally picked this place to visit while we are in Jacksonville (we live in Tampa) because the owner, Chef Kenny, is from Cleveland (where we both are from) and we also love to support a black owned small business! We will definitely be back when we are in town and hope to see T and the rest of the Silkie's staff!

Dale Tompkins

A great take on classic comfort food! The turkey wings were huge and cooked to perfection. The turkey meat fell off the bone no need for a knife! The quinoa mixed with brown rice and crispy onions on top was a delicious mix of textures for your mouth to enjoy. The chocolate citrus cake with the toasted marshmallows melts the chocolate icing made a perfect ending to an amazing meal. Highly recommend you check it out the next time you are in Jax. The portions are huge and so great for sharing so you can save some calories to splurge on two desserts while out on a date.

North Florida Tasting Room

Ohhhhh why oh why is this place so tasty? Maybe because it’s in a building oozing with character and history in one of the oldest parts of Jacksonville? Or maybe it’s sweet turtle that greets you as you enter or the lovely patio seating out back? And maybe.. just maybe it’s the award winning, Top Chef season 7 winner and chef Kenny G (Gilbert)! His food… well it’s art. The atmosphere and sweet staff only add to it! We truly enjoyed our chicken biscuits, garnished with Korean spices and sauce as well as our bowls and crazy good sides. The Mac n cheese.. well that’s probably the show stopper! The truffle smoked Gouda is full of a flavorful mouth watering goodness! Add some champagne, homemade lemonade and scratch made desserts and.. well you well keep wanting to eat more! YUM YUM!

Syi Palmer

I can't say anything other than purely AMAZING! The flavors are surprising and just explode in your mouth. My chicken and waffles were really good but I feel like I should have gotten the biscuits and gravity. I thought it would be the white gravity but it is this flavored filled sauce that will surprise you in a great way! Please do yourself a favor and hurry here! We were especially excited to see Chef Kenny Gilbert making plates himself!! The vibe is chilled as well and the music was nice! Such a wonderful experience!

William Linville

This place was great!! The chicken was moist and flavorful. Service was attentive and was routinely asking if you need anything else. It is quite pricey for the meal that you get but I feel it was worth it to me. I got the St. Augustine sandwich and my wife got some classic chicken and waffles. Both amazing. The truffle Mac and cheese was delicious too but you definitely have to love truffle to enjoy it.

Michael Ratley

Such an awesome place to visit, it is small and quaint with a fantastic selection of drinks and food. We shared a Market street sampler and it was plenty of food for 2 people. The flavor profile was simple yet so diversified with both grilled and fried chicken on the plate. My fiance loved the small chopped chicken in the chicken salad, I enjoyed both the grilled and fried chicken options on the plate, but what took everything to the next level were the sauces. My favorite was the home made hot sauce, a peppery vinegar base with a heat that was not overwhelming. Where the orange blossom honey sauce was the just the right amount of sweet and citrus blended together. The Alabama white sauce was a perfect consistency and really shown through in its balance of flavors. Overall I don't know that you have any bad choices on the menu, every plate sent out was hot and fresh, with quick service and an excellent staff attitude. I highly recommend a stop in, even if it's just for a homemade dessert, or a quick drink. The atmosphere is great whether for a first date or a chance to catch up with friends. I highly recommend a stop in, to experience something great.

Jeremy Risher

We went in with a party of 5, and I only heard great feedback about each dish. The honey butter was Amazing and great even on the fries. The chicken was top-notch. If it's your first time, check out the menu before you get there they have so many different things to try. My only regret is that they didn't have biscuits and gravy when we went in.

NOS Nero

This is an ideal date destination. I'd like to call myself a Connoisseur of both waffles and fried chicken and I must say, Silkies is probably the best I've ever had. The portions are huge, as it should be at a $22 price point, you could order one and share it and still be satiated. The mimosas flight was just right for brunch. It was so cool to see the live kitchen set up, and the owner chefing it up himself! The menu is absolutely extensive. I can't wait to come back and try something else.

Michelle Francois

Oh-to-the Mmmm-to-the Goodness. Come for the Chicken and Biscuits, Stay for the Mac and cheese. Actually the “Truffle Gouda” Mac and Cheese is a must have. I’d actually go back just for that... ...and one of the delectable looking chocolate desserts in the display. The FB Hot sandwich was delicious and flavorful with just the right amount of heat. Paired with the refreshing Tomato, Cucumber and Radish side, and the creamy yet savory mac’n cheese; what more could you ask for? I’ll definitely be back to try the Chicken and waffles and some more (you guessed it) Truffle Gouda Mac. I was the DD for the day, so no libations but there’s always next time. The service was great, and the food came out in a reasonable amount of time. The staff was genuinely friendly. Someone in the back kitchen area (visible from the the sidewalk) actually waved goodbye to us as we were walking to our car. I thought that was nice.

Tekia

I decided to try Silkie’s Chicken and Champagne after I was done with my hair appointment. My beatification actually recommended this place. It was close by, and I was in the mood to try something new. I am so glad I gave this establishment a try. I loved the concept of how food was ordered and delivered to the tables. The best explanation of the concept is a ultra chic and high end dinner set up where you can see Chef Gilbert working his magic. It is a very fun and interesting sight to see. It also gave me a few ideas for food I wanted to try at my next visit because I will be coming back for sure. During my solo visit, there were so many choices. I’m glad I researched the menu ahead of time because the board was hard for me to read without my glasses. I decided on the Gouda Mac and Cheese with jerk chicken thigh, Plantain Ginger Biscuit, and Florida Citrus Cake. My mouth was watering watching the orders go out as I waited on my food. When I finally got my to go order, it was packaged neatly in aluminum foil containers to retain the heat going home. This was a huge plus for me over the typical styrofoam containers. These are the small things that I appreciate. When I got home, my first bite was the Mac and Cheese. It was very good and this is coming from someone who is not a huge pasta or cheese person, but this item was so intriguing to me to try. Next up was the plantain ginger biscuit. This biscuit literally has two of my favorite things to eat which are ginger and plantain. To put them together was fascinating to me. When I tried the biscuit, I was surprised that there was a lack of spiciness that I’m used to with raw ginger. The biscuit had a slight sweetness that I assume was from the plantains. I sat for several minutes trying to decipher the taste. I swear I taste a bit of cumin, but I guess I’ll never know. I’ll be sure to try this again. Finally, the Florida Citrus Cake was amazing. The bottom was a delicate light tasting white cake layered with a delicious key lime flavored cream topped with a delicious sugar crumble. It was the texture of the three layer that took this meal over for me. I hope this review is descriptive enough to realize how much I enjoyed this visit. This will be in my arsenal of good recommendations here in Jax.

The restaurant has a nice concept. My food was delicious. The portion sizes were adequate. The location was in a sketchy area. I didn’t like that I had to fix my own drink and get my own utensils especially because this place it a sit down restaurant. The lemonade container was out of lemonade the entire time I was there and the sweet tea was not sweet at all.

After reading all the reviews I really had high hopes for this business . I took my mom for an early Mother’s Day lunch and I wasn’t that impressed. I got the Saint Augustine chicken and churro waffles , The chicken was very dry and needed seasoning for sure and the churros had a lot of flavor but were so hard I could only eat the center on each. The Mac and cheese and collard greens were pretty good but again needed more seasoning. Everything was very presentable though and had a good sized amount of food but the flavors were NOT worth the price. I love that you can try 4 mimosa flavors at once for $25 but The mimosas were watered down as if there was no champagne in it at all and tasted like slightly flavored water. But can we just take a moment to show respect to whoever made, the Florida citrus cake it was better than an orgasm omg!!! I love supporting black owned establishments but this one just wasn’t it for me. 2 meals , mimosa flight, 2 deserts spent $113 * And as for your response below I think you have me mixed up with someone else I never sent back my waffles, nor did I receive a refund for anything. I was there around 1145am with my Mother we ordered , ate, and left.

From the reviews I had higher expectations. We got the catfish & grits and the mac & cheese w/ jerk chicken, and the strawberry cobbler. I think both were overpriced. The catfish & grits- the catfish was fried & seasoned perfectly, the greens were so spicy I couldn't eat them, the grits were good but too watery & definitely not enough for $25. The mac & cheese was medicore & needed more seasoning or more salt. The jerk chicken was good but not spicy at all. The strawberry cobbler was just nasty. We took 1 bite & threw it out. The customer service was great, staff was nice. But from the reviews, prices, & menu I expected a more upscale atmosphere. It was hot & muggy. The self-service silverware was dirty. The food was served in to-go container & rugged pan. For the price I expected more.

It looks cute on the inside. It's kinda like an upscale fast food. You order and pay at the counter, they provide you with a number to display at your table and a server will bring your food/ drinks to your table. The servers I encountered were all very friendly and helpful and took the time to explain the menu. I ordered a biscuit by itself as a starter and had the great American for dinner. The sole biscuit had food flavor but, unfortunately, was a little dry. The toppings were yummy though. The great American also had good flavor and i loved the waffle fries. However, all in all, I don't think it was worth the money I spend. I think the food was over priced.

Nicoline Dominguez

It looks cute on the inside. It's kinda like an upscale fast food. You order and pay at the counter, they provide you with a number to display at your table and a server will bring your food/ drinks to your table. The servers I encountered were all very friendly and helpful and took the time to explain the menu. I ordered a biscuit by itself as a starter and had the great American for dinner. The sole biscuit had food flavor but, unfortunately, was a little dry. The toppings were yummy though. The great American also had good flavor and i loved the waffle fries. However, all in all, I don't think it was worth the money I spend. I think the food was over priced.

Jamila Jackson

The restaurant has a nice concept. My food was delicious. The portion sizes were adequate. The location was in a sketchy area. I didn’t like that I had to fix my own drink and get my own utensils especially because this place it a sit down restaurant. The lemonade container was out of lemonade the entire time I was there and the sweet tea was not sweet at all.

Diamond

After reading all the reviews I really had high hopes for this business . I took my mom for an early Mother’s Day lunch and I wasn’t that impressed. I got the Saint Augustine chicken and churro waffles , The chicken was very dry and needed seasoning for sure and the churros had a lot of flavor but were so hard I could only eat the center on each. The Mac and cheese and collard greens were pretty good but again needed more seasoning. Everything was very presentable though and had a good sized amount of food but the flavors were NOT worth the price. I love that you can try 4 mimosa flavors at once for $25 but The mimosas were watered down as if there was no champagne in it at all and tasted like slightly flavored water. But can we just take a moment to show respect to whoever made, the Florida citrus cake it was better than an orgasm omg!!! I love supporting black owned establishments but this one just wasn’t it for me. 2 meals , mimosa flight, 2 deserts spent $113 * And as for your response below I think you have me mixed up with someone else I never sent back my waffles, nor did I receive a refund for anything. I was there around 1145am with my Mother we ordered , ate, and left.

Mtucker

Had the silkies chicken and biscuits Waffle fries were a little overcooked The biscuits were too hard The Fernando Beach Hot sauce may have many flames on the menu but it should be a boarder line 2. The fried chicken was ok, nothing mind-blowing. The chicken and dumplings were good. I would suggest that instead of having it in a large bowl put it in a smaller bowl because, for the small serving size you get, it's a little misleading what you're getting. Also for such a small amount for such a high price at least have a side with it.

Bria Harris

From the reviews I had higher expectations. We got the catfish & grits and the mac & cheese w/ jerk chicken, and the strawberry cobbler. I think both were overpriced. The catfish & grits- the catfish was fried & seasoned perfectly, the greens were so spicy I couldn't eat them, the grits were good but too watery & definitely not enough for $25. The mac & cheese was medicore & needed more seasoning or more salt. The jerk chicken was good but not spicy at all. The strawberry cobbler was just nasty. We took 1 bite & threw it out. The customer service was great, staff was nice. But from the reviews, prices, & menu I expected a more upscale atmosphere. It was hot & muggy. The self-service silverware was dirty. The food was served in to-go container & rugged pan. For the price I expected more.

I had high expectations for this place but was a little disappointed. I didn't have the experience I wanted, starting with the service 👎I thought there would be suggestions when choosing, for example the Collard Green, Garlic Shrimp dish is just that, it doesn't come with any accompaniment or side, we asked everything separately. I think the concept is good but the menu should be improved... trio of Biscuits (a little dry and all three taste the same) with different "butters", jams for dinner? Some dishes have sides, others don't, a little confusing, but it would have been nice to have good service that would advise you, suggest you in that sense, but the truth that is not the place. Overpriced for the experience.

Giov Marc Amar

I had high expectations for this place but was a little disappointed. I didn't have the experience I wanted, starting with the service 👎I thought there would be suggestions when choosing, for example the Collard Green, Garlic Shrimp dish is just that, it doesn't come with any accompaniment or side, we asked everything separately. I think the concept is good but the menu should be improved... trio of Biscuits (a little dry and all three taste the same) with different "butters", jams for dinner? Some dishes have sides, others don't, a little confusing, but it would have been nice to have good service that would advise you, suggest you in that sense, but the truth that is not the place. Overpriced for the experience.

My friends and I have been coming to Silkies since early 2021 when Chef Kenny actually use to be there and cooking! Since summer of 2022 my friends and I would meat at silkes on Fridays for the catfish special majority of the time it would be a short, Caucasian chef (whom the ancestors were definitely watching over!) the food always was a 10/10! The service with the old crew (older caucasian lady, Tre, and younger Caucasian male always a 10/10. They made sure from the time you entered until the time you left you had an amazing experience and being that the concept of silkies is fast food with a twist and definitely nothing I’ve seen at any restaurant. After being deployed for a year and returning to Jax it was a must that I catch up with my friends at Silkies on Friday to continue our tradition. From the time we entered until we left it was a 0/10 experience. The atmosphere wasn’t welcoming. The young man (heavier, Afro, tall) taking orders was amazing. Very patient, friendly, and professional. When the lady (dreadlocks) came over to check on our table after we received our food. Had such a nasty attitude when we asked if the fish was catfish because it has changed in taste, quality, and size. She snapped at us saying “it’s the same fish Chef Kenny don’t play that” and walked off. And we were left stunned like ok. She definitely needs a lesson on customer service. I’m not talking about the customer is always right but how to genuinely speak to ppl and stay calm to not escalate or make matters worse. We remained calmed and my friend went to the cashier who exchanged out his fish for something else. I on the other hand was over it. The attitude, the food, the experience. I was offered a refund for my catfish alone. I took it and went to get lunch elsewhere. The recipes and options have changed and I understand that things cost more but quality product should never not be the goal. The grits are different, the macnchese taste different. But the catfish (said) is definitely not the same!!! I will not be returning to silkies and definitely not recommending anyone else to dine there. I wish I had gotten a photo of the fish from yesterday for comparison but I was in shock and so much was going on.

Tasha Mack

My friends and I have been coming to Silkies since early 2021 when Chef Kenny actually use to be there and cooking! Since summer of 2022 my friends and I would meat at silkes on Fridays for the catfish special majority of the time it would be a short, Caucasian chef (whom the ancestors were definitely watching over!) the food always was a 10/10! The service with the old crew (older caucasian lady, Tre, and younger Caucasian male always a 10/10. They made sure from the time you entered until the time you left you had an amazing experience and being that the concept of silkies is fast food with a twist and definitely nothing I’ve seen at any restaurant. After being deployed for a year and returning to Jax it was a must that I catch up with my friends at Silkies on Friday to continue our tradition. From the time we entered until we left it was a 0/10 experience. The atmosphere wasn’t welcoming. The young man (heavier, Afro, tall) taking orders was amazing. Very patient, friendly, and professional. When the lady (dreadlocks) came over to check on our table after we received our food. Had such a nasty attitude when we asked if the fish was catfish because it has changed in taste, quality, and size. She snapped at us saying “it’s the same fish Chef Kenny don’t play that” and walked off. And we were left stunned like ok. She definitely needs a lesson on customer service. I’m not talking about the customer is always right but how to genuinely speak to ppl and stay calm to not escalate or make matters worse. We remained calmed and my friend went to the cashier who exchanged out his fish for something else. I on the other hand was over it. The attitude, the food, the experience. I was offered a refund for my catfish alone. I took it and went to get lunch elsewhere. The recipes and options have changed and I understand that things cost more but quality product should never not be the goal. The grits are different, the macnchese taste different. But the catfish (said) is definitely not the same!!! I will not be returning to silkies and definitely not recommending anyone else to dine there. I wish I had gotten a photo of the fish from yesterday for comparison but I was in shock and so much was going on.