Live Music And Food That Soothes The Soul: Our Review Of Blues Kitchen Camden

It’s safe to say that I’ve spent a lot of time in Camden over the years: from being a teenager genuinely believing I'd be scouted as Britain’s next top alternative model simply by wearing Cyberdog (IYKYK) to witnessing some immense gigs as an adult. But what's bringing me back in 2025? A quirky London restaurant uniting incredible live music, American-style meals and a fine liquor offering. Check out Blues Kitchen Camden.

Blues Kitchen Camden's interiors had an American diner feel but with a vintage-inspired twist.

DesignMyNight Review Of Blues Kitchen Camden

A sister site to Blues Kitchen Shoreditch and Brixton, this North London gem is right in the thick of the action, in between Camden Town and Mornington Crescent tube stations. We visited on a bustling Thursday evening and couldn’t help but soak up the buzzing atmosphere. The exterior looks like a stylish Victorian London pub, but once inside, you’re greeted with huge gold spherical lighting that gave off a glittering glow, burgundy leather seating, lush tropical plants and chrome finishing touches. We loved the blue, green and mustard-coloured tiles, but our favourites? The gigantic gramophone statement piece that hung from the ceiling and stunning, colourful stained-glass artwork throughout.  

A whole section on the drinks menu just for margaritas? That's a win in my book.

After perusing the Blues Kitchen Camden menu, we opted to start with the perfectly salty and charred padron peppers, while the hot spinach and artichoke dip was actually my favourite dish of the night. Served alongside chilli-sprinkled black tortilla chips, this was a gorgeous herby blend absolutely smothered in cheese. Make sure to order this when you drop by. Two spicy margaritas to kick off drinks? Why the hell not, and these cocktails seriously delivered, from the unmistakable mix of tequila, lime and jalapeño agave to the delightful tang that lingered on the tongue. Don’t judge me, the fiery paprika rim was completely lickable too.

Next up came the mains, and because we both craved some comfort food, a vegan burger called our name. Swapping the plant-based cheese for a dairy alternative was swiftly and easily arranged, plus you get the option of a salad or fries. For us? The chips were thinly sliced, crispy and dusted with a lovely herby seasoning. Patty-wise - this was a decent meat dupe, juicy and smoky, topped with crispy shallots and pickles to cut through the creaminess, while the smooth burger sauce oozed out with every bite. Glamorous eating, this is not. 

Blues Kitchen's pretty private hire area is ideal for birthdays, and you'll wanna refuel with a succulent burger.

Another excellent side on the Blues Kitchen menu were corn ribs. Served with a silky and proper dunk-worthy chipotle mayo, these BBQ’d, Southern-inspired curved crispy segments were gnawed off like a wild animal. To wash it down, my dinner date’s classic margarita felt boozier and punchier than the previous incarnation but still tasted divine. So, in a move to whisk me away to summer holidays, my Tequila Colada was a fine choice. Just imagine an El Jimador Blanco, Aluna coconut rum, pineapple and coconut cream lime elixir, presented in a short glass and decorated with a fruity wedge. My pal and I could only manage a few nibbles of the Oreo Donuts for dessert as we were full to bursting, but gladly took up the offer of a doggy bag so we could take them home. These fluffy globes were great, revealing a crumbly biscuity inner layer with each mouthful, and proved to be an indulgent pud when drizzled in sweet, sticky toffee sauce.

As the lights dimmed, giving off a red, sexy hue, and the tunes were turned up, the band started to set up at Blues Kitchen's stage towards the back. Right next to it is a stunning raised private hire area, providing great views of the musicians and dancefloor. This space feels intimate, benefitting from gorgeous, exposed brickwork, embellished tiled flooring and a ceiling showing off more stained-glass illustrations. Top tip: there are also karaoke rooms and a photobooth hidden downstairs.  

Blues Kitchen Camden Review: Overall

There were good vibes aplenty at our visit to the Blues Kitchen NW1, promising tasty grub with a rock ‘n’ roll spirit, plus a whole section dedicated to margs on the menu. Service was friendly and we particularly liked being asked what order we’d like our food in, showing consideration for guests. There were references to soul everywhere, from Shuggie Otis posters to Huddie Ledbetter murals, and next time we wanna try Blues Kitchen's ace hip hop bottomless brunches in East London too.    

After fun things to do in Camden Town? It's your lucky day, as this guide has all bases covered. There's more info on Blues Kitchen Camden this way too.