The Blues Kitchen - Camden is a vibrant venue that combines live blues music with Southern-style barbecue cuisine. Located in Camden Town, it offers a menu featuring hickory-smoked meats, burgers, and classic American dishes. The venue hosts live blues performances most nights, creating an energetic atmosphere. With a selection of over 50 bourbons, it provides a diverse drink menu. The interior is styled after Southeastern US eateries, enhancing the authentic experience. The Play Room offers a private space for special occasions, equipped with a bar, sound system, pool table, and karaoke. The venue is accessible via Camden Town Underground Station.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.4 7,262
- Open Table 4.5 3,284
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Delicious Food The food is generally well-received, with particular praise for items like the wings, burgers, and ribs. The menu is described as American-style with some unique and original dishes.
- Excellent Service The staff is consistently described as friendly, attentive, and going the extra mile. Many reviewers specifically call out individual servers by name, praising their attentiveness and helpfulness.
- Great for Celebrations The restaurant is noted as being a good spot for birthdays and other special occasions. Staff are willing to make an effort to make celebrations special, like bringing out desserts with candles.
- Lively Atmosphere The restaurant has a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with many mentioning the live music and cool decor. It's frequently described as a great place for a fun night out with friends or a date.
- Memorable Vibe The venue boasts a unique and appealing decor. The combination of the interior design, live music, and friendly staff creates a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Criticised
- Drinks Can Be Pricey Several reviewers have mentioned that the drinks, especially cocktails, can be expensive. This can add up quickly and impact the overall cost of the meal.
- Inconsistent Portion Sizes Some reviewers have mentioned that the portion sizes can be small for the price, particularly for certain items like the toasted sandwich or sides. This can lead to concerns about value for money.
- Inconsistent Service While many rave about the service, some reviewers noted slow or inattentive service, especially when the restaurant is busy. This seems to vary depending on the server and the time of the visit.
- Noise Levels The restaurant can be very noisy, especially when there is live music. This may not be the best choice for those seeking a quiet and intimate dining experience.
- Potential Entry Fee On some nights, particularly weekends, there may be an entry fee charged by the door staff. This wasn't clearly communicated and can be frustrating if you only intend to have dinner.
The longer read
The Blues Kitchen - Camden is lauded for its lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and great food, particularly its American-style dishes. Many reviewers specifically mention the excellent service, with staff being described as attentive, helpful, and energetic. Numerous reviewers highlight specific staff members by name, indicating a consistently positive service experience. The restaurant's decor is frequently praised as unique and gorgeous, contributing to the overall ambiance. Live music is a major draw, with bands playing most nights and creating a vibrant environment, although some reviewers noted disappointment when live music was not available.
Several reviewers recommend specific dishes, including the buffalo wings, short rib, and vegan burger. The mac and cheese and blackened salmon also receive positive mentions. While most find the food delicious, a few mention that portion sizes can be small relative to the price, and one reviewer found the chicken wings dry. The quality of cocktails receives mixed reviews; some find them amazing, while others consider them overpriced for the size and quality. However the Bloody Mary gets high praise. The desserts, particularly the Oreo doughnuts, are a hit.
The restaurant is often busy, especially on weekends, so reservations are recommended. The noise level can be high due to the live music and crowds, making it unsuitable for a quiet meal. Some reviewers have noted being allocated a limited time at their table. While the majority of experiences are positive, there are occasional complaints about slow service, especially when the restaurant is crowded, and inconsistencies in drink pricing have been reported.
Despite some minor drawbacks, The Blues Kitchen is generally considered a great place for a fun night out with friends, date night, or birthday celebration. The combination of good food, live music, and a lively atmosphere makes it a popular destination in Camden. Repeat visits are common, suggesting a high level of customer satisfaction. The bottomless wings on Sundays also get a shout out.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 020 7387 5277
- Website
- theblueskitchen.com
| Mon | 12:00 - 0:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 1:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 1:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 3:00 |
| Sat | 11:00 - 3:00 |
| Sun | 11:00 - 2:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 against a median of 4.5 across the 19 places to eat we hold for Camden Town, and the most-reviewed of them.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What type of cuisine and signature dishes can I expect at The Blues Kitchen - Camden?
- Does The Blues Kitchen - Camden feature live music, and what is the atmosphere like during performances?
- Is The Blues Kitchen - Camden suitable for families and do they offer any child-friendly options?
- Do I need to book in advance at The Blues Kitchen - Camden, and when is the best time to visit?
- What are some interesting attractions or things to do near The Blues Kitchen - Camden?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.