Meet ‘Jelly,’ a top rated MS Coast bartender who makes a unique, smoky Old Fashioned
It’s not just The Rack House Steaks & Spirits’ hanger steak that blows customers away (though its homemade chimichurri is the stuff of legends).
The Gulfport restaurant’s seafood is top-notch, too. But that’s not what has people raving either.
It’s Jelly.
And who is Jelly?
Jonathan Kelly, as he explains, “J plus Kelly equals Jelly.”
Kelly has worked in every position at The Rack House. He says he can do everything but saute. But, Kelly found his calling when he reluctantly stepped behind the bar.
“With a face and a personality like that, you need to bartend,” his manager told him.
Kelly fell in love with the creative freedom and ability to interact with everyone. He even found a favorite regular customer, a 5-year-old who draws at least two pictures for Kelly each visit.
Kelly has been serving up Old Fashioned cocktails longer than The Rack House has been in existence. He started out as a bartender for its predecessor, the Lookout Steakhouse.
Nine years later, “Jelly” is one of the most common subjects of the restaurant’s online reviews. He has nearly two dozen mentions on TripAdvisor alone.
“He made us feel like family,” said one reviewer.
Others praised Jelly’s bartending skills, especially his highly-recommended signature Old Fashioned. Jelly’s version includes smoked hickory, apricot bitters, honeysuckle simple syrup and an unforgettable presentation.
Kelly loves to get people out of their comfort zones, recommending drinks they’ve never had or a great bourbon for people who think they hate bourbon.
He is a compassionate listener and spreads his attention to anyone who sits at his bar, regardless of how busy he gets. But he was surprised to learn that anyone had mentioned him in reviews.
“I was shocked,” he said. “I had no idea that was even a thing.”
You can find Jelly behind the bar at The Rack House Tuesdays through Saturdays. He’ll also be whipping up drinks at Taste, Rattle & Roll May 11 at Centennial Plaza.
The crowd favorite says he has his own favorite local bartender. Kara Alley has tended bar at SIPPS, Just Us and the Courtyard by Marriott, but Kelly says he would follow her anywhere.
“I always thrive to be as good as she is,” he said. “She just radiates joy.”
This story was originally published April 20, 2023 at 8:00 AM.
