Helm

"This experimental New American BYOB in Kensington has a menu that’s unpredictable, yet predictably tasty. Most of the ingredients from their dishes are locally sourced and diners will be amazed with their culinary creativity — one won’t find peach and tomato cornbread with sopresatta and Jimmy nardellos, stuffed jersey clams with broccoli chow chow, sausage, and pepperoncini anywhere but here." - Ernest Owens, Eater Staff

"Whenever you’re looking for somewhere that feels expensive but isn’t, Helm in Kensington is one of your best bets. They change up the three-course tasting menu (that has around five options for each course) a lot. But you can expect dishes like tender cuts of pork over butternut squash, lamb ravioli, and a beets and smoked carrots small plate. If it all sounds great, you can always bring a big group here and make sure everyone picks a different dish so you can all sample the entire menu. " - candis mclean

"Whenever you’re looking for somewhere that feels expensive but isn’t, Helm in Kensington is one of your best bets. They change up the $55 three-course tasting menu (that has around five options for each course) a lot. But you can expect dishes like tender pork over butternut squash, lamb ravioli, and a small plate of beets and smoked carrots. If it all sounds great, you can always bring a big group here and make sure everyone picks a different dish so you can sample the entire menu." - candis mclean, alison kessler

"This casual BYOB opened its doors in 2015 as a partnership between chefs Kevin D’Egidio and Michael Griffiths, who were seeking to bring to life contemporary dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The prix-fixe menu includes 3 courses (with the option for additional sides) and is always changing, offering visitors something new to enjoy each time they visit." - George Banks-Weston

"Helm in Kensington is an American BYOB, and a majority of the people here are 100 dates in, still like each other, and talk about things like their mortgage or how to avoid another visit from the in-laws. Between the dim lighting and candles on the table, it does the job of a cozy space where you can split your favorite bottle and stare at the twinkling lights surrounding the chalkboard menu. The food here changes often, but the interesting small plates are easy to share—like rhubarb and soppressata wontons and chicken with a sunchoke confit." - candis mclean