Kelly's Cajun Grill

- 1 American Dream Wy FC 308, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

When New Jersey residents are looking for a quick, flavorful, and filling meal while exploring the massive American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, Kelly's Cajun Grill often emerges as a popular choice within the bustling food court landscape. Situated in the Coca-Cola Eats section, this establishment offers a distinctive blend of American fast-casual dining with a focus on Cajun and Louisiana-inspired flavors, most famously its signature Bourbon Chicken. Since its inception in 1991, Kelly's Cajun Grill has earned a reputation for its streamlined service and dishes that deliver a comforting blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.

For locals and visitors navigating the excitement of the American Dream's attractions, Kelly's Cajun Grill provides an accessible and family-friendly dining option. The atmosphere is intentionally casual, focusing on speed and convenience—an absolute necessity in a high-energy entertainment complex. It’s the perfect spot for those who need a substantial meal to refuel during an afternoon of shopping, skiing at Big SNOW, or enjoying DreamWorks Water Park. The concept is designed for efficiency, allowing you to select your main entree and sides quickly, ensuring you get back to your day without a long wait.

While the name prominently features "Cajun Grill," the menu is often described by patrons as offering a broader, Americanized interpretation of Southern-style comfort food, drawing comparisons to quick-service chains focused on similar Asian-American or stir-fry concepts. However, the consistent popularity, particularly of the main chicken dishes, speaks to a successful formula. The focus here is on high-volume favorites, delivering a satisfying quick bite with distinct, rich sauces and seasonings.

The menu selection at Kelly's Cajun Grill allows for flexible dining. Customers typically build their meal by choosing a protein—such as the World Famous Bourbon Chicken, Spicy Chicken, or Fried Fish—and pairing it with a generous portion of sides. These sides go beyond standard offerings, including items like Jambalaya Rice With Chicken And Shrimp, Cajun Fries, and Fried Plantains, which add depth and variety to the meal. This customization makes it easy to tailor your plate to your appetite and preference, whether you're seeking a simple dish or a fully loaded comfort food feast.

It is important for local diners to understand the restaurant's key feature: its efficiency. Kelly's Cajun Grill is highly popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining precisely because of its commitment to fast service. This quick turnaround, combined with family-friendly dining and a casual setting, positions it as a practical choice for families visiting the mall. When time is of the essence, or when seeking familiar comfort food amidst the array of international options in the food court, Kelly's is a reliable stop.

Location and Accessibility

Kelly's Cajun Grill is conveniently located within the American Dream retail and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The location within the mall places it centrally for quick access during your visit.

The specific address is: 1 American Dream Wy FC 308, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, USA.

The restaurant is part of the Coca-Cola Eats food court on Level 3, Court C. The American Dream Mall is easily reachable via major New Jersey highways and NJ Transit public transportation. The venue is fully committed to accessibility, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.

Accessibility Features Include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot (paid parking is available in the mall)
• Wheelchair accessible restroom (in the mall food court area)
• Wheelchair accessible seating (in the mall food court area)

Services Offered

Operating as a streamlined, food court-based concept, Kelly's Cajun Grill provides flexible service options designed for convenience and speed.

• Onsite Dine-in service within the common food court seating area
• Takeout service for meals on the go
• Delivery options available through third-party services
• Meals available for both Lunch and Dinner
• Accepts major forms of payment, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments
• Restroom amenities available in the adjacent food court area

Features and Highlights

Kelly's Cajun Grill distinguishes itself in the American Dream food court with several notable features:

• Home of the Original Bourbon Chicken: The restaurant is famous for this particular dish, a grilled chicken glazed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce.
• Speed and Efficiency: Known for its fast service, making it an excellent option for a quick bite during a busy day at the mall.
• Extensive Side Options: Unlike many quick-service places, Kelly's offers a wide array of sides, including Cajun Fries, Fried Plantains, and Jambalaya Rice, allowing for a fully customized plate.
• Comfort Food Focus: The menu centers around hearty, comforting dishes like Shrimp Etouffee and different flavored chicken preparations.
• Value in Combos: Customers appreciate the option to combine their choice of main entree with multiple sides for a generous portion, which is highly valued within the mall environment.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The casual setting and appealing menu items make it a great choice for families with children.

Contact Information

For New Jersey patrons planning their visit or delivery, Kelly's Cajun Grill can be reached at its American Dream Mall location.

Address: 1 American Dream Wy FC 308, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, USA

Phone: Please note that a specific local phone number for this location is typically managed through the American Dream main line or online ordering platforms. (Based on available public data, the American Dream general number for that area is typically used for general inquiries).

What is Worth Choosing

For anyone visiting Kelly's Cajun Grill, the choice that is absolutely worth making is the Bourbon Chicken. The brand built its reputation on this "World Famous" item, which features tender, grilled chicken coated in a distinctive, sweet, and savory glaze. It is consistently the most popular and recommended main entree, serving as the foundation of the menu.

When ordering, local patrons often prefer the combo option, which allows them to pair their main entree with two or more of the unique sides. For a truly authentic-feeling meal, the Jambalaya Rice With Chicken And Shrimp offers a rich, flavorful side that goes beyond simple white rice. Additionally, the Cajun Fries or Spicy Potatoes are excellent choices for adding a hint of New Orleans-style flavor and heat to your meal. The availability of non-traditional sides like Fried Plantains also offers a chance to try something unique within the food court setting.

For those who prefer seafood or a dish with a bolder kick, the Cajun Shrimp or Shrimp Etouffee provide a savory, stew-like alternative to the chicken dishes, offering a heavier, comforting texture. Given the fast-paced food court environment, Kelly's Cajun Grill's main value lies in its ability to offer customizable, substantial, comfort food portions at a fair price point for a premier New Jersey destination like American Dream. It is the perfect recommendation for a quick, satisfying meal that offers a memorable flavor, particularly for those craving the signature Bourbon Chicken.

Kelly's Cajun Grill

1 American Dream Wy FC 308, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, USA