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✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out ✔️Delivery
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Streamlined counter-service barbecue eatery specializing in brisket, pulled pork & sides.
Hours
| Thursday | 12–8 PM |
| Friday | 12–8 PM |
| Saturday | 12–8 PM |
| Sunday | 12–7 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 464 8th St, Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: (510) 225-6101
Website: http://www.hornbarbecue.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Horn Barbecue
Oakland’s Matt Horn, the pitmaster behind the most anticipated barbecue restaurant in America … California privacy laws. To report a concern, email …
Horn Barbecue (@hornbarbecue) • Instagram photos and videos
A #JamesBeard–recognized and #Michelin-awarded chef, Matt has redefined West Coast barbecue with precision and an uncompromising respect for craft. From Oakland …
Horn Barbecue – Oakland – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant
Sides of Granny’s potatoes and pit beans are a must; while banana pudding is likely the best way to finish the affair. Featured in: Best Barbecue in California.
Reviews
Robert McNatt
The service was warm and friendly and we also chatted with the chef’s Mom, who threw a few extras our way, gratis — some smothered oxtails they’re planning to add to the menu and a killer lemon pound cake.
The meats were excellent — a hot link that was spicy, but not overpowering, the brisket was tender and well-seasoned, and the ribs were likewise the same.
But it was the sides that were a revelation. Smoked, salty greens, baked beans (pit beans) with meat and plenty of sweetness (brown sugar?), creamy mac and cheese, and cole slaw with a wonderful tartness.
Prices are reasonable too. The three of us shared a half pound of ribs, two enormous brisket sandwiches, a big hot link, four sides, and deeply serious sweet teas, all for about a Benjamin, before tips. (We didn’t have beer or drinks.) And we still had food left for the doggy bags.
Yumm! Can’t wait to go back!
… moreThe meats were excellent — a hot link that was spicy, but not overpowering, the brisket was tender and well-seasoned, and the ribs were likewise the same.
But it was the sides that were a revelation. Smoked, salty greens, baked beans (pit beans) with meat and plenty of sweetness (brown sugar?), creamy mac and cheese, and cole slaw with a wonderful tartness.
Prices are reasonable too. The three of us shared a half pound of ribs, two enormous brisket sandwiches, a big hot link, four sides, and deeply serious sweet teas, all for about a Benjamin, before tips. (We didn’t have beer or drinks.) And we still had food left for the doggy bags.
Yumm! Can’t wait to go back!
Gabrielle Jones
If I could give a 0 star rating I would. I reserved catering in November of 2025 for a January date. The catering was for my husband’s 40th surprise birthday and it was for 50 people. In the contract, it states “We always give you every ounce of necessary energy to make your event an absolute success and are happy to assist you in any way possible to make your event planning easy and without the typical stress associated with orchestrating a large event.”
I was scheduled to pick up my food at 12pm on the day of the party and I had fully paid for this food (over $2,000). I received a phone call at 11:41am on that day from Horn’s catering manager telling me that my order “fell through the cracks” because they had a grand opening that day and closed both their bay area locations. 50 people were going to arrive at my party in 4 hours and I had no food, no resolution, and no “ounce of necessary energy to make my event an absolute success”.
They refunded my money but didn’t offer ANYTHING for the extreme lack of planning on their part. I am sure they have been planning for this grand opening for more than 15 minutes before my order needed to be picked up, and it is ridiculous that they had no trouble taking my full payment but still managed to let my order “fall through the cracks”. I also am confused as to how the catering manager wasn’t aware that the 2 bay area locations were closed.
If they would have offered to compensate for me to get food elsewhere, cater a different event in the future free of charge, or fulfilled their contractual obligation to their PAID customer, this review would not exist. Something so egregious warrants more than a “We’re sorry”.
… moreI was scheduled to pick up my food at 12pm on the day of the party and I had fully paid for this food (over $2,000). I received a phone call at 11:41am on that day from Horn’s catering manager telling me that my order “fell through the cracks” because they had a grand opening that day and closed both their bay area locations. 50 people were going to arrive at my party in 4 hours and I had no food, no resolution, and no “ounce of necessary energy to make my event an absolute success”.
They refunded my money but didn’t offer ANYTHING for the extreme lack of planning on their part. I am sure they have been planning for this grand opening for more than 15 minutes before my order needed to be picked up, and it is ridiculous that they had no trouble taking my full payment but still managed to let my order “fall through the cracks”. I also am confused as to how the catering manager wasn’t aware that the 2 bay area locations were closed.
If they would have offered to compensate for me to get food elsewhere, cater a different event in the future free of charge, or fulfilled their contractual obligation to their PAID customer, this review would not exist. Something so egregious warrants more than a “We’re sorry”.
Patrick Salli
As a southern transplant to the Bay Area I figured I was never gonna get good BBQ or southern style food again. Yet a coworker informed me of this place and after visiting my despair vanished. This so far has been the best BBQ I’ve had in the Bay, with the brisket and spare ribs being phenomenal.
We had the mac and cheese, candied yams, pit beans, southern cabbage, and corn bread for sides. All great, but shout out to the southern cabbage, pit beans, and mac and cheese (wife said that was her favorite side). All made excellent pairings with the BBQ.
We did the peach tea and lemonade and again, felt like homemade recipes that reminded us of the south. Service was great, staff was incredibly friendly, and was able to accommodate our party of 7.
I know some negative reviews mention not all food options being available when they came in, and for us the beef ribs weren’t available. But as a southerner and one who has frequented plenty of BBQ joints, this is typical as popular items will sell out later in the day (we ate around 6:00pm). I’ve waited in many lines for BBQ places in the south to make sure I don’t miss out on getting what meats I want and I am happy to say this place brings the same quality of food to the Bay Area.
… moreWe had the mac and cheese, candied yams, pit beans, southern cabbage, and corn bread for sides. All great, but shout out to the southern cabbage, pit beans, and mac and cheese (wife said that was her favorite side). All made excellent pairings with the BBQ.
We did the peach tea and lemonade and again, felt like homemade recipes that reminded us of the south. Service was great, staff was incredibly friendly, and was able to accommodate our party of 7.
I know some negative reviews mention not all food options being available when they came in, and for us the beef ribs weren’t available. But as a southerner and one who has frequented plenty of BBQ joints, this is typical as popular items will sell out later in the day (we ate around 6:00pm). I’ve waited in many lines for BBQ places in the south to make sure I don’t miss out on getting what meats I want and I am happy to say this place brings the same quality of food to the Bay Area.
Dee
I stopped by after smelling the bbq from the outside. Walking in, this place was very welcoming. The staff and the owner were very attentive to everyone in there, making sure everyone had drinks.
The wait time was longer than what I’m use to, but the food was really good. The meat on the ribs were falling apart tender. The brisket was just okay for me (I like fattier pieces). The sides were solid too. My favorite was the beans, had plenty of meat in them. But make sure you try the kool-aid, It’s fire!
Overall, I had a great experience. 9.5/10
… moreThe wait time was longer than what I’m use to, but the food was really good. The meat on the ribs were falling apart tender. The brisket was just okay for me (I like fattier pieces). The sides were solid too. My favorite was the beans, had plenty of meat in them. But make sure you try the kool-aid, It’s fire!
Overall, I had a great experience. 9.5/10
Max Kay
Not sure if it’s supposed to be Texas BBQ or something else. Tried to try everything unfortunately ran out of sausage/links.
Chickens were salty. Brisket was too dry and burnt despite requested for juicy parts in order. Ribs were dry and cold. Banana pudding was too sweet and loose. Beef chili was too sweet.
Service is very efficient with digital ordering with customer pickup. Least interaction with waiters. Yet food is expensive.
It’s a clean place though with flat wide entry for accessibility. Parking might be challenging in downtown Oakland with paid street parking a paid parking lot next to it.
Not excited and sure if I go back.
… moreChickens were salty. Brisket was too dry and burnt despite requested for juicy parts in order. Ribs were dry and cold. Banana pudding was too sweet and loose. Beef chili was too sweet.
Service is very efficient with digital ordering with customer pickup. Least interaction with waiters. Yet food is expensive.
It’s a clean place though with flat wide entry for accessibility. Parking might be challenging in downtown Oakland with paid street parking a paid parking lot next to it.
Not excited and sure if I go back.
Amanda Keaton
We weren’t sure where to eat and stumbled upon Horn BBQ, which came highly recommended by some friendly locals passing by. We ordered the brisket and cabbage—YUM, absolutely delicious! To top it off, we had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners, who showed what true customer service looks like.
One of our meals unexpectedly came out with a small issue, and he immediately handled it with professionalism and care. He personally came to our table, offered to remake the meal, and asked if there was anything else he could bring us. We politely declined since we were more than satisfied with everything else we ordered. He went above and beyond by taking that dish off the bill and even comping our drinks.
The food was fantastic, but the way the staff treated us really set this place apart. Mistakes happen anywhere, but the way they make it right is what counts—and Horn BBQ truly impressed us. We’ll definitely be back!
… moreOne of our meals unexpectedly came out with a small issue, and he immediately handled it with professionalism and care. He personally came to our table, offered to remake the meal, and asked if there was anything else he could bring us. We politely declined since we were more than satisfied with everything else we ordered. He went above and beyond by taking that dish off the bill and even comping our drinks.
The food was fantastic, but the way the staff treated us really set this place apart. Mistakes happen anywhere, but the way they make it right is what counts—and Horn BBQ truly impressed us. We’ll definitely be back!
Fallon Cunningham
Being a bbq snob from Kansas City, I’m always skeptical of trying new bbq restaurants lol. However, I was excited to support a black-owned bbq restaurant. My boyfriend and I actually met the owner in the parking lot and he was very welcoming and friendly.
We got there when they first opened and they seemed to be short on waitstaff that day because one of the cooks informed us that it was his first day working on the floor as a waiter. He was very friendly and kind. However, he informed us that they didn’t have chicken, burnt ends, cornbread and one other side, so that was a bit disappointing. It took a little while to get our food. But, the meat was very tender and flavorful. I would come back again and hopeful that they would have everything on the menu in stock.
… moreWe got there when they first opened and they seemed to be short on waitstaff that day because one of the cooks informed us that it was his first day working on the floor as a waiter. He was very friendly and kind. However, he informed us that they didn’t have chicken, burnt ends, cornbread and one other side, so that was a bit disappointing. It took a little while to get our food. But, the meat was very tender and flavorful. I would come back again and hopeful that they would have everything on the menu in stock.
Hv V
This spot in Oakland was a great surprise. Although the city sometimes has a negative reputation, the area is calm and charming, and the restaurant definitely delivers. The atmosphere inside is cozy, with pleasant decor and a well-stocked bar. I ordered the brisket sandwich with a side of potato salad, paired with a Lagunitas IPA, which was a perfect match. The bread is soft and full of flavor, and the brisket is perfectly cooked, juicy, and well-seasoned. I tried all three BBQ sauces (spicy, classic, and mustard), and each one complemented the brisket’s flavor wonderfully.
The service, while friendly, was a bit limited; however, the staff was attentive as needed. I would have liked to try the hot links, but they weren’t available this time, so I hope to go back for them.
Overall, it’s a highly recommended spot to enjoy good food and a pleasant atmosphere in Oakland. I’m giving it 4 stars mainly because of the service, but without a doubt, the brisket sandwich makes it worth the visit. Highly recommended!
… moreThe service, while friendly, was a bit limited; however, the staff was attentive as needed. I would have liked to try the hot links, but they weren’t available this time, so I hope to go back for them.
Overall, it’s a highly recommended spot to enjoy good food and a pleasant atmosphere in Oakland. I’m giving it 4 stars mainly because of the service, but without a doubt, the brisket sandwich makes it worth the visit. Highly recommended!
Empress Love
So, I got the oxtail plate with cabbage and Mac n cheese, my friend ordered the pork cop with max n cheese with rice . The oxtail tastes Ike neck bone. Mac n cheese is regular the cabbage had meat in it but was ok and pork chop were well seasoned but kinda on the tough side . I give this place a 4.5/10. On second thought, because ik I was served neck bone and not oxtail 2.5/10. WTH would you charge be $30 for two “oxtail” but really neck bone Nice aesthetics tho
… moreEssam Abdelazim
Love the BBQ and smoked meats here. The Beef ribs are amazing and they are as good and in many cases better than some of the best Texas style BBQ Beef ribs I’ve had for the past 8 years while travelling to Texas in hunt for the best smoked Beef ribs I can find. Delicious is the least to be said about the food here. The collared green, Mac and cheese, banana pudding and corn bread are all a testament to how good this place is. I am happy to see this place back in action again after a tough period with the old location. Love the new location and I love to see such a successful return to one of my favorite spots in Oakland. Cheers!!
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