Picnic - Albany, California

Riko W.

Thoroughly mediocre chicken shop/specialty grocer.

Stopped in for 1/2 rotisserie chicken box. Found they had a decent selection of sodas, non-alc bevs, wines, prepared sausages, specialty goods. May stop back in for these other things.

The half chicken, at almost $20, came packed in the box atop chicken schmaltz roasted potatoes. It was paired with hot olives and roasted garlic. An assortment of sauces (aioli some kind of green sauce and some kind of red sauce) were provided.

The chicken was aggressively seasoned and moist. Unfortunately none of the flavor had penetrated the skin which meant that if the piece was without skin, you’re left with the bland flesh. The sauces were all meh. Potatoes, perfect. Olives, nicely varied. My guess is that the bird could have been cooked a little longer and seasoned a little further in advance. (And also checked for feathers.)

I also had a slice of the key lime pie. The beauty of key lime pie is the sharp acidity of these limes (which are in season right now) and the intense floral profile of the oils in the rind. This pie was all oil and not sharp at all. Which is a shame because otherwise, it was great. Not cloyingly sweet, not too much cream on the palate. Oh well.

Laura B.

Had bookmarked this place, but didn’t remember why, so when I was in the area I decided to check it out. Lucky for me the sandwich of the day was a cubano panini and if there’s one thing about me - a cubano on the menu means I WILL order it. Yum! Pickled carrots and juicy pork and drippy mustard aioli… had to eat it while parked and leaning out of my car - just how I like it.

Matthew J.

Swung by Picnic to grab some dinner to-go, including some pickled eggs, roasted potatoes, mac n' cheese, salad, and rotisserie chicken.

All five were fire, and paired well, like the colors of the rainbow. From the sass of the picked eggs, to the smoovness (like velvet) of the chicken, everything was delicious, like hot butta on breakfast toast.

Picnic is that rare breed of professional yet chill, with a location that is as much Berkely as it is the Durty South, with all points on lock.

Five-Outta-Five. Would Recommend!

ESG V.

Hands down the best rotisserie chicken I ever had! The potatoes are cooked with chicken schmaltz and very addicting. They have so many other amazing selections from handmade sausages to their daily sandwiches. I always highly recommend this place to all of my family and friends and now I’m telling you to go and try it out, you won’t be disappointed!

Daniel A. Y.

Great new addition, Picnic is a lovely local market and eatery that highlights local producers. We had the rotisserie chicken with olives and potatoes- you can tell the items were sourced locally and very fresh, the coffee cake was also incredible! We were able to purchase some items for home that they displayed- wine from a local producer as well as some fresh salads.

Colleen C.

First time here. Ordered lunchbox, wagyu sandwich and chicken farro soup. The rotisserie chicken was moist. Sauces were not necessary and wasn't impressive. Wagyu sandwich was okay. Bread was great. Meat was chewy and lacked flavor. No trashcan or public bathroom. This was odd to me considering they provide indoor and outdoor dining. The trash is the city trashcan which seems wrong. Service was off at the beginning. Felt like questions and feedback weren't welcomed.

Food was running out during this hour as the cashier was turning away customers due to sandwiches being out of stock.

Marcia M.

I would eat at Picnic every day for the rest of my life. Fresh and tasty food, absolutely delicious. Unique recipes, with very peculiar ingredients combination, but definitely perfectly balanced. My top ones: porchetta sandwich and lamb merguez. And of course, I flu back to FL with my bag full of sausages and pate. They made it perfectly! Amazing team and atmosphere.

Max S.

We love picnic and try to go at least a couple times a month for a sandwich and supplies for dinner.

The sandwiches are usually geared towards red meat, but sometimes you can find a day with turkey or chicken.

The roasted chicken is superb and well flavored, and the accoutrements are good too.

Lots of premade charcuteries, a nice little wine selection, fresh bread, and more. Well worth a visit whether its for take out or a sandwich.