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Kismet Rotisserie
Master Critic Review
Kismet Rotisserie
7.8
Fast-casual spinoff from Kismet's acclaimed chefs featuring Petaluma Poultry rotisserie chicken with schmaltzy potatoes and thick pillowy pita. The counter-service model delivers Kismet's quality in a grab-and-go format, with standout garlic sauce and chili oil elevating juicy, well-seasoned birds that satisfy post-hike cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Half Rotisserie Chicken, Schmaltzy Potatoes, Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Kismet quality rotisserie chicken in efficient counter-service format
Who should go: Busy professionals and hikers wanting healthy fast-casual Mediterranean
When to visit: Lunch or dinner for whole/half chicken family meals
What to order: Half chicken dinner, crispy potatoes, poppyseed salad, thick pita
Insider tip: Order schmaltzy potatoes extra — they're always the first to go
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont/Hillhurst usually available, metered until 8pm. Small lot behind building fits 6-8 cars.
Dress code: Ultra casual - athleisure and hiking gear common, this is counter-service
Noise level: Moderate - open space with hard surfaces, conversation fine but not intimate
Weekend wait: 10-15 min order wait, no reservations needed (counter-service)
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min typically, peak lunch rush 12:30-1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent cauliflower, salads, hummus, and veggie sides
Vegan options: Yes - several options including roasted vegetables and tahini-based dishes
Gluten-free options: Yes - chicken and most sides are GF, request GF pita substitute available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates or post-activity meetups. Counter-service means less romantic ambiance, but the communal vibes work for low-pressure getting-to-know-you scenarios. Head to main Kismet for anniversary-level dates.
Can I feed a family of four here? Absolutely - order a whole chicken ($32-36) with extra sides and pita. Feeds 3-4 easily with leftovers. The schmaltzy potatoes and salads are shareable and kids love the simple roasted chicken.
Is it actually fast? Yes - 10-15 minutes from order to pickup during normal times. Pre-order via phone for true grab-and-go. Much faster than the 2-hour Kismet sit-down experience while maintaining similar quality.
Worth it for a solo lunch? Perfect for solo dining - counter seating, bring a book or laptop, half chicken with one side is ideal solo portion. No awkward table-for-one moments.
Best For
Better for: Higher-quality chicken than Zankou or similar chains, better garlic sauce, and schmaltzy potatoes beat standard fast-casual sides. Choose this when you want Kismet's chef-driven approach without the reservation hassle or $$$$ price tag.
Skip if: You need full table service, want the complete Kismet tasting menu experience, or need a romantic setting. Also skip if you're vegan-primary (limited options). For those cases, book the main Kismet restaurant instead.