"At the Chronicle, critic Melanie Haupt generally enjoyed the Southern food and eclectic decor at Colleen's Kitchen. Haupt calls the Mueller restaurant 'cheery and airy,' though she notes she has a high tolerance for dining among the babies and dogs that are ubiquitous at Mueller. Dinner started with bacon-wrapped dates ('an umami-caramel marriage made in heaven'), 'elevated' pimento cheese, fried chicken, and green tomato sliders on a 'buttery' biscuit. She was also a fan of the cocktails, particularly the house punch with apricot and lemon. However, while entrees were enjoyable and generous, Haupt found the starchy sides fell flat: grits were 'bland,' mashed potatoes were 'meh,' and mac and cheese 'appeared to be just buttery noodles topped with seasoned bread crumbs.' On a return visit, Haupt sampled catfish bites ('tender chunks of expertly seasoned fish') and avocado shrimp toast (though she noted, '[f]or $13, I want at least half an avocado to show up on the plate.'). Haupt was particularly taken with her salad." - Erin Russell
