The Honky Tonk Chelsea makes an impression immediately. Outside the decor is black and classy, inside the first thing you see is a bar which serves the most amazing cocktails I have had in a long time, then you go into the restaurant at the back; balloon shaped light bulbs, banquets, pictures of Johnny Cash and the American flag all add to an amazing atmosphere.  The menu is stuck to the table, which I love. I always want to keep my menu to double-check what I am eating and look at what else I might want.

The staff are amazing and friendly. There is a great family atmosphere despite the fact no one is related. Their passion and talent is easy to spot. As for the food? Here goes….

Chicken Quesadila; tortilla stuffed with home smoked chicken, applewood, peppers, cheese, peppers and onions. Served with fresh guacamole.

I love this starter. The guacamole was the best guacamole I have ever tasted. It was very fresh and tastes like it had just been made. The red onion really shone adding to both the texture and the flavor. The Quesadila itself was great; hot with melting applewood cheese which was smoky and nutty, along with the chicken. A very good starter and a simple dish done incredibly well.

 

New England Crab Cakes: sourced from Cornwall with a sweet chilli mayo dressing

The cakes were very tasty with a crunchy texture and flavorful crab and herb filling. The sweet chilli mayo was delicious. The rocket which made up the rest of the dish was a bit boring.

Honky Tonk Burger

7oz of rare breed Longhorn beef. Topped with cheese, bacon, caramelized onion, guacamole, salsa, baby gem lettuce and tomatoe with their burger sauce. Comes with a seeded burger bun and rosemary fries. It also came with a gherkin on top.

My first reaction of this burger was ‘wow’. When they say ‘fully loaded’, they really mean it. It was so big I had to eat it with a knife and fork. It comes with a side of amazing rosemary chips. The portion is huge so it really fills you up. Very good value and tastes great. The burger has different sauces and guacamole. Burger fans will love this signature dish, and for those who sit on the fence, get off now and try this; it tastes great.

Chicken Burger

The chicken burger was also visually impressive. It came with a lovely large slice of beef tomato as well as aubergines, peppers and more of that excellent gucamole. The burger bun was nice and crunchy. The rosemary french fries were a strong accompaniment. The portion was generous and won’t leave you hungry. All in all an excellent burger.

 

 

Cocktails

Dark & Stormy; lime, ginger beer and rum.

This is an amazing, classic cocktail. The Honky Tonk has a bar and I would happily sit there all day and just try every cocktail on the menu. All of their cocktails have an extra special something and add to the atmosphere of the restaurant. It is a brilliant  American experience.

The Wibble; gin, sloe gin, grapefruit and lemon juice with blackberry liquor

I love sloe gin and this lived up to the expectations. The glasses are long so you get a lot of cocktail for your buck. This was sweet but not sickly. Delicious and moreish.

Honey Bourbon S’Mores

I had heard of S’Mores but this was my first time trying them. Basically they are bourbon biscuits, dipped in chocolate with marshmallow inside. Which might be one of the best food inventions EVER. I loved them and the criss cross sauce it came with on the plate. I want to eat these every day now. Oh, okay, every second day.

New York Cheesecake

Our other pud was a classic generous slice of thick New York cheesecake.

Bourbon shot followed with pickle juice.

We were given these two shots and did not know what they were. Well, now I know; they are AMAZING. Bourbon chased down with pickle juice. It tastes great and this kind of quirky twist is what the Honky Tonk is all about. Great atmosphere and attention to detail, thrown in with great classic food with personality. Do try this at home.

Tequila shot.

Need I say more? Happiness is me.

Honky Tonk is an amazing restaurant. It has great decor and atmosphere. The staff are brilliant and the cocktails and food are both brilliant. Head down for a good time and a great American experience.

Honky Tonk Chelsea
6 Hollywood Road,
London
SW10 9HY
Tel: 0207 351 1588
W: www.honkytonkchelsea.com/

Opening Times: Tues- Sat, 6pm-12.30am

Price: Low to high. Depending on how many of the amazing cocktails you have. The food sizing is very generous.