A new dining destination is big on brunch in Oakmont.
Abode Kitchen & Bar is the latest Oakmont dining option from restaurateur and entrepreneur John Keefe’s portfolio of borough eateries and bars. His others are Carnivores, The Pub at 333, Vinnie’s Tavern, Hoffstot’s Cafe Monaco, Michael A’s Italian and The Lot at Edgewater.
Abode, at the site of the former Chelsea Grille, is open only on Saturdays and Sundays for now, but a dinner rollout is expected in April.
Lunch will be added later this year, according to lead operations and concept development manager Jen San Rocco.
Executive chef Rob Coulson leads the Abode culinary team with a nostalgia-inspired concept rooted in comforting “new age American food.”
Original plans to create a Mexican-themed eatery in 2021 when Keefe bought the former Chelsea Grille were changed.
Abode offers a casually upscale dining experience with an internationally infused brunch menu that includes food options for children under the “Littles” menu section.
“The menu is designed to feel instantly familiar but executed with intention: layered flavors, thoughtful technique and often surprising ingredients that elevate each dish beyond the unexpected,” San Rocco said.
It’s a full-circle culinary moment for Coulson, as his first kitchen gig was at Chelsea Grille. Chelsea Grille closed in 2021 after the death of its founder, Danny Monaco.
“(Coulson) now returns to lead it as Abode Kitchen & Bar. And while comfort is the foundation, we’re not confined to one cuisine,” San Rocco said. “You’ll see a range of influences woven through the menu, which keeps it cohesive but not limited.”
Abode opened the weekend of Feb. 20. Reservations are accepted, but walk-ins work, too.
Warm wood tones blend with tables and banquette-style booths creating visual intrigue with an interior dining and bar space inspired by botanicals and nature. The bar serves as the focal point of the main dining room. Sparkling modern lighting hangs from floral decorated ceilings.
“One of the most striking elements is the floral installation that runs along the bar,” San Rocco said. “It creates this immersive, almost dreamlike canopy while still keeping the room feeling intimate and grounded.
“The goal was to create a space that feels both elevated and deeply comfortable where you can settle in, stay awhile and feel completely at home — whether you’re stopping in for brunch, drinks or a full evening out.”
The bar program is fun with a playful twist.
“We’re building brunch cocktails that make you feel real joy,” San Rocco said.
Cocktails include “Coffee & A Donut,” a Krispy Kreme-infused dark rye cocktail; “Fruity Pebbles,” a rum and milk-based punch; “Sister Mary” made with peppercorn vodka, housemade V8, Tabasco, horseradish and cracked pepper; and “Morning Marg” with blanco tequila, strawberry, Cointreau, lemon and coconut matcha foam.
House-made fresh juices are an option for those looking to avoid alcohol.
A yet-to-be-completed downstairs event dining room is in the works.
Southern staple dishes, such as shrimp and grits, raw oysters and Lowcountry Benedict dot the menu.
The British-styled English Fry Up ($15) offers a taste of traditional England with two eggs served any style, house-seasoned sausage, BBQ baked beans, marinated cremini mushrooms and grilled tomatoes on sourdough toast.
The hearty Country Fried Revival meal ($48) serves up cornflake-crusted wagyu ribeye, sunny-side-up eggs, pork belly gravy, pickled guindilla pepper and lemon.
Brunch sides include pastrami bacon, crisp fries, duck fat hash brown, breakfast potatoes and sourdough toast.
The Fried Chicken Sandwich ($15) uses thighs. It’s served with harissa (a North African hot chili pepper paste or sauce) aioli, pickle, shredded lettuce and honey mustard vinaigrette on a brioche bun.
“Guests have connected with both the food and the atmosphere.” San Rocco said. “I think everyone is really surprised and refreshed walking into such a fun rework of the space. It’s super inviting, bright and just makes you feel happy.”