Kensington Fine Foods

While I've patronized Young's Market for a few years now (review: https://bit.ly/3UUSiIF), I never gave more than a glance to the meat counter since Jamie W. and I were moderating our carnivery intake. That is, until recently, when I noticed there was a pile of rotisserie chickens on the counter. I believe it was Larry, the personable butcher, who helped me pick out the most succulent one. He runs the counter completely separate from the rest of the market.That has become more noticeable recently as Young's appears to be going through an ownership change. His meat selection is consistently top quality, and the robust salad and sandwich menu is enticing. But for now, just give me the cluck, a whole one for $10.50 and enough to last for three days (photo: https://bit.ly/3mTCTM2), along with the Red Bliss Potato Salad at $4.50 per pound (photo: https://bit.ly/3mSOI56). I'll expand my horizons now that I know their stuff.FOOD - 5 stars...just judging from the rotisserie chickenAMBIANCE - 4 stars...just a busy meat counter in a crowded market SERVICE - 5 stars...Larry knows his stuffTOTAL - 5 stars...gimme the meatRELATED - Exploring this part of Contra Costa? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2VyCP18

Update: New owner! He is a longtime worker here so he knows how to operate this business. The good news is the meat is back and everything is back to normal. Great place to go for meat, rotisserie chicken and ribs and deli sandwiches.

I got the jersey boy sandwich upon recommendation and it did not fail to impress. The meat is good quality. The reason I give 4 stars is because of the price is $$ for a small sandwhich. Granted it was yummy but not for the size. Do I recommend it for flavor yes. Is it worth the cost, depends if your on a budget no.

Sadly, Larry has stopped making his fried chicken on Thursdays. I used to buy it every month or two and talk Warriors w/ the guys behind the counter, Alberto and Dominic. Last time I called to order some a few weeks ago, I was told they hadn't made it for about a month and a half. I was hoping this was a holiday hiatus, but when I called today, Dominic said that Larry was buying just enough chicken for the day, not enough extra to make fried chicken. He said he missed it too and when I asked him to tell Larry that I missed it and wanted him to make it again, he said he'd add me to the list of people who missed it. I hope Larry changes his mind and starts making it again. It's SO good, and nothing close geographically really compares. I don't want to drive to Emeryville to buy fried chicken, but I may just have to.

What a great spot! So, the deal. Kensington Fine Foods is the sandwich spot/deli/butcher found inside a bigger grocery store/market. The grocery portion could use a deep cleaning, but it's that bodega style market. A ton of selection though, especially drinks and snacks.There is a sandwich spot that is operated separately from the grocery portion and that is where this review comes into play. First off, the guy manning the sandwich/deli counter - can we just give him the best customer service award already? Such a good guy. So friendly, offering his suggestions/help and genuinely a happy, friendly person. The sandwiches: really good, especially for the Bay when all you want is a simple deli sandwich. Fresh ingredients, well made, on a good roll. Are they legendary? No. But they are great, moderately priced, meaty guys with again, such great customer service. We went with the Jersey Guys and the veggie option. Both delicious. The veggie one being a tad bit simple (i believe the main veggie was roasted red pepper) for the price, but it was still quite delicious. You can go off menu, or create your own sandwich.Overall, Kensington is adorbs, and this is a great spot to grab a sammy to go while exploring (or if you live nearby). Again, nothing too epic, but if you appreciate a good deli sandwich, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

The best egg salad on earth lives in the deli here... made fresh daily and so addicting. I could eat tubs of their egg salad in one sitting.Also delicious tuna melt and all kinds of sandwiches. The ribs roasted in house are also delicious. Worth a visit or many many visits for sure!

Javier's meatloaf is back !!On this cold evening , it tasted so good. His wife and two wonderful kids are working so hard for us. Thank you.

I hate to give a bad review for a spot with sooo much potential. I always order the tuna melt or the jersey boy. Every time I get my order, I think how small the portions are. However, the last time I went here, my tuna melt (15$$) was literally about 2 inches by 4 inches. Seriously! Served with a smile! I still can't figure how they could have cut that thing in half! I have never bought the steaks or chicken from here. One look through the butcher display glass, and I would almost rather go to one of those fly-infested so called " HALAL " butchers.

Got the Jersey Boy sandwich and it was a let down. It was not that big (I was still hungry afterwards), and it was $16. Disappointing and not worth the price

Loved the chicken and potato salad. The staff was cheerful, too. We called ahead and the in-store part took under 3 minutes.