Tucked away in a small strip mall behind a Rocket Fuel gas station in Fort Pierce, Chicken & Waffles at Kinfolk opened its doors on January 9, 2020, ready to serve the Treasure Coast area with a taste of authentic Southern comfort. Owned by a father and son chef team, both named Chef Willie, this truly hidden gem stands out as the epitome of Southern cuisine. Their menu boasts an array of Southern dishes and smoked BBQ, including their renowned fried chicken, which has earned acclaim across the city for its crisp perfection and unforgettable flavor. Not to be missed are their slow-cooked greens with smoked turkey, a dish that proudly showcases their dedication to quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Despite its unassuming exterior, Chicken & Waffles at Kinfolk has quickly become a local favorite, recently celebrated by us in our annual Golden Fork Awards for their outstanding Peach Cobbler waffle. Their commitment to culinary excellence extends beyond their signature dishes; they recently introduced a brand-new brunch menu. During a recent visit, I had the pleasure of sampling their entire brunch lineup, leaving both myself and my wife full, and thoroughly satisfied. Whether you’re seeking a comforting Southern fix or eager to explore new culinary horizons, Chicken & Waffles at Kinfolk promises an unforgettable dining experience that embodies the heart and soul of Southern cooking.
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Now let’s dive right in and see what this place has to offer and what I had to eat!
Up first from the brunch menu, was the Old Fashioned Breakfast Sandwich! The sandwich definitely had that WOW factor when they brought it out to our table. The sandwich is made with a Croissant loaf sliced and crisped in a skillet (fry bread), filled with Georgia sausage, egg, bacon, and cheese. I had to cut it in half to even take a bite, it was so big! I loved the crispy texture of the croissant loaf, the eggs were fluffy & buttery, and the savoriness of the bacon and sausage took this sandwich to another level!
Next on our brunch adventure was the Strawberry Shortcake French Toast, accompanied by scrambled eggs and home fries. Three thick-cut slices of French toast adorned the plate, each layer generously drizzled with a strawberry sauce and dusted delicately with powdered sugar. The dish struck a perfect balance of sweetness without overwhelming the palate. The scrambled eggs were delightfully light and fluffy, complementing the rich flavors of the French toast.
Our brunch adventure continues with the Shrimp & Grits, a quintessential Southern classic. The shrimp, seasoned and sautéed to perfection, were served over a bed of creamy grits, accompanied by a savory blend of bacon, onions, and bell peppers. The grits themselves were cooked to a smooth, buttery consistency that melted in the mouth with each bite. I appreciated the attention to detail, the shrimp were served with their tails removed, enhancing the dining experience. The seasoning was spot-on, elevating this dish into a hearty and deeply satisfying Southern staple.
Oxtails and Grits—a dish that exemplifies Southern comfort and flavor. The oxtails are braised to fork-tender perfection, allowing the meat to melt effortlessly off the bone. They are served atop a bed of creamy grits and generously smothered with a rich brown gravy. Oxtails may be an acquired taste for some, but this rendition at Chicken & Waffles at Kinfolk is nothing short of spectacular. The depth of flavor imparted by braising the meat on the bone is exceptional, infusing every bite with a satisfying richness that lingers on the palate.
Our final savory indulgence was the Fried Catfish and Grits—a dish that not only looked appetizing, but quickly became my favorite among all the dishes we sampled. A generous Mississippi catfish filet, fried to a perfect golden brown crispiness, was placed atop a bed of creamy, cheesy grits. What elevated this dish to extraordinary heights was the addition of a Cajun bacon cream sauce, enriched with diced crawfish bits. The crispy texture of the catfish harmonized beautifully with the creamy grits, while the Cajun cream sauce imparted a burst of robust flavors that delighted the palate. To say I was impressed would be an understatement—the Fried Catfish and Grits at Chicken & Waffles at Kinfolk exceeded all expectations and left a lasting impression.
Next door to Kinfolk, is their dedicated Kinfolk Dessert Shop with a talented pastry chef who crafts everything from cakes, pastries, parfaits, and cinnamon rolls from scratch. Despite being full from our meal, we couldn’t resist taking home two delectable treats. On the left was the Strawberry Crunch Roll, and on the right, a classic cinnamon roll. Both were delightful, but the classic cinnamon roll was a standout. When warmed in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, it tasted as if it had just come out of the oven—big, bold cinnamon flavor with a slight crunch and a perfectly gooey center that elevated it to another level. One of the best I’ve had in this area.
Chicken and Waffle at Kinfolk and More
Address: 7319 Indrio Rd Suite 5, Fort Pierce, FL 34951
Phone: (772) 742-8942
https://cwkinfolk.com/
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