Went to Kelly's this week for a birthday dinner wi...

Went to Kelly's this week for a birthday dinner with my family. We had reservations, when we arrived the place as pretty empty. We were taken to the bar area to a table and when I asked to sit in the dining area, not the bar I was told there was a cover charge. I was surprised by this since there was no entertainment and the place was not busy.... I don't understand the cover charge to for customers purchasing 4 meals, drinks etc... am I missing something??? The food was delicious and the service good, but I was turned off by this and probalby won't go back.