Silkie’s Chicken and Champagne Bar. Is It Worth The Visit?
Silkie’s Chicken is a black owned upscale casual dining experience located in Jacksonville’s historic Springfield neighborhood. It’s snuggled at the corner of Walnut and Sixth St housed in what used to be the local bakery Three Layers.
I had heard nothing but good things about this spot mainly because of the owner and chef, Kenny Gilbert. He is famous for being Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef, crowned top chef, actually beat Bobby Flay, and opened several restaurants up and down the east coast. We can go on and on about this man. But today, it’s Silkie’s. The hype was so real, I was highly anticipating my experience.
Unfortunately, I’d never had the opportunity to try Chef Kenny’s innovative cuisine. But that is officially over. Keep reading to find out about my experience at Silkie’s, what I had, and if I will be returning.
Silkie’s Chicken and Champagne Bar. What is it?
Silkies Chicken is a cozy self serve style dining experience highlighting Chef Kenny’s signature fried chicken, biscuits and champagne Cocktails. Here you can expect fried chicken, handcrafted biscuits, delicious cocktails, dessert, and hefty sides. Aside from biscuits, they offer platters, daily specials, exquisite chicken and waffle combos, and doggy treats.
Essentially this is a chicken and biscuit joint, on steroids. Chef Kenny proves there’s more than one way to cook a chicken. The combinations of what is offered is simply unreal and almost overwhelming. The line outside of the door daily speaks for itself.
The space is mid size with a main dining area, a back hightop bar, and an outside zen garden. The vibe is country family kitchen, but mature. They had Beyonce’ on the playlist, so there. It’s alright with me.
What I Ordered
I visited on a late Saturday afternoon around 5:00pm back in October. Luckily for me the crowd had semi died down, but there was still a line lol. It was okay because I had time to scope the menu and really make a decision. I had my daughter with, so it was quite refreshing to learn kids eat for free with a paying adult (2 kid max, don’t get any ideas lol).
After waiting in line I still didn’t know what I wanted. The cashier highly suggested I try the Flavor Bomb” which is is comprised of Smokey Fried Chicken Thigh served on Truffle Gouda Drop Biscuits, Fernandina Beach Hot Sauce + Orange Blossom Honey.
My Picks
- Flavor Bomb Sandwich
- Steamed Green beans and turnips
I ordered my daughter the kids mac n cheese. My sister, ordered the same as I with the exception of her side being the Truffle Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese.
Since there were children with, I declined to try any alcohol beverages. This is fine because the other option is Kool-aid or sweet tea. I went with the kool-aid.
Food Order Placed, Now What
After you’ve ordered you seat yourself, make your own drinks, and collect your own silverware. The kitchen is open, and to my absolute surprise Chef Kenny was actually the chef cooking the food!
Baby, I was looking forward in the worse kind of way at this point. I had no idea he runs the establishment hands on. Just, wow.
When the food came up it was fresh, bright, and colorful, in addition to a side you get an assortment of pickled veggies.
My Tasting Experience At Silkie’s Chicken and Champagne Bar
To be honest, words can’t express how pleased my mouth was with what it experienced. The chicken? Seasoned and fried to perfection, this ain’t no drop plain chicken in season flour, you hear me. This chicken was made right. The biscuits, heavenly. Truthfully, I’m not even a biscuit person, but I devoured it that day baddies. I can totally see why Oprah used to be excited about the biscuits. The green beans and turnips?? First of all, I’ve NEVER had such a veggie combo, it was exceptional. I would easily have those damn green beans catered.
I managed to taste my sisters Truffle Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese. Lord. Have. Mercy. I’m getting hungry right now reviewing this spot just so you know. Simply delicious. A bravo to Chef Kenny for this one. He literally did that! lol Long story short, that man can COOK.
Final Thoughts On Silkie’s Chicken
Needless to say Silkie’s Chicken and Champagne Bar is a hit. I will and plan on happily returning without hesitation. The only thing I will say, I’f you’re on a path of health or on a diet. Forget about it when going her. Ain’t sh** healthy up in here. I would totally go here for a date night, for cocktails and food with friends, or just because.
My next visit I will be sure to take advantage of the cocktails and I will be sure to give you an update on that. To sum it all up, SILKIE’S IS A HARD YES!
(I want to apologize for not getting the best photos, this was a scenario where I truly dove into the experience and the phone was put away, I did manage to get a decent reel out of the deal. I originally didn’t intend on writing. However, this place is too unique not to write about. This will NEVER happen again.)
Location and Information
Silkies Chicken and Champagne Bar
Address | 1602 Walnut Street, Jacksonville, Fl 32206
Hours | Closed Monday and Tuesday, Open Wednesday – Thursday 4pm-9pm, Friday – Saturday 10am – 9pm, Sunday 10am – 3pm
Website | meetatsilkies.com
Price Range | 4.99 – 54.99. Each meal averages about $18.00 before taxes
If you aren’t already, be sure to follow me on Tiktok and Instagram @Eatnbougie. I also post on my Youtube Channel weekly. It’s really hard not to notice me lol. On these platforms you can get more frequent updates on what’s going on in the Bad Babe Lifestyle.
-Ash
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