Picnic

We're confident that you’ll be wowed by the wood-fired chicken at Kensington ’s Picnic. Unfortunately, that’s where the excitement ends. The gigantic industrial restaurant comes from the hospitality team behind Kalaya and Beddia , but lacks the exceptional energy of both. The playground-inspired furniture is uncomfortable, there’s a stool-free bar, and you’re generally left with the feeling that you’re dining at an upscale food hall (one with an excellent wine shop on premises). The kitchen churns out juicy rotisserie chicken and just-okay simple comfort food—think watermelon salad and cheesy sausage raclette—but the impersonal QR code-only ordering system offers the opposite of a special night out (especially when you have to track a server down for napkins and silverware). For now, skip the $15 cocktails and order a glass of red while getting up close and personal with a beautifully cooked bird.