Uncle Willie's Original BBQ and Fish

History: This is a family business that was opened by a man named Willie (hence Uncle Willie’s). The restaurant was opened 13 years ago and the BBQ has won multiple awards which was evidenced by the awards in the store. Uncle Willie built himself a pit in the back of the restaurant where all the BBQ is made and also owns a food truck that has a second pit. You can have a taste of his delicious food at different festivals around the Bay Area. From the mouth of Uncle Willie himself, the food is made with love.

Food: I got the two way plate option (brisket and pork ribs with a medium sauce and a side of mac and cheese and potato salad). First and foremost, the BBQ sauce was so flavorful! You can choose from mild, medium, or hot. The medium sauce had a bite to it but it was just the right amount (you can still taste the sweetness of the BBQ sauce). The potato salad tasted as if all the spices were perfectly measured. There wasn’t one spicy that overshadowed another. The Mac and cheese was delicious, it tasted as if it was made by your grandmother (not too wet, not too dry, just right). Both meats I got were tender. The brisket came apart so easily. The pork ribs fell off the bones! Honestly, this is the best BBQ I’ve had in the Bay Area and I’m so glad that it’s in Oakland.

Service: Service was great! Uncle Willie himself was there working and was serving the customers. This to me shows that this is a hard working man who loves what he does and wants to make sure his customers are well taken care of.

Family friendly: yes, this is a family owned business.

Parking: Predominantly metered spots.

Restaurant look: This is a no frills type of place, a few paintings on the walls and enough seats for customers . I’m not sure if there was a bathroom but then again, I did not need one. Though the decor is not “modern”, the restaurant provides everyone with a warm feeling. And the food is what brings you there, not the decor.

The proof is in the puddin!!! I decided to try Uncle Willies based on the delicious looking pictures online and its convenient location. We were warmly greeted upon entering, and received excellent serviece from this family run, family friendly, long time local establishment. Which won countless awards for their delicious BBQ and fish.
I got the brisket platter which included- thinly sliced deliciously smoked beef brisket covered in 3 options of sauce and partnered with 2 sides. I chose the Mack and cheese and greens. The mack is a well balanced, perfectly cheesey thanksgiving style mack; good any time year round. The greens are pefectly seasoned greens that taste like grandmas. I dont personally eat pork but the pork ribs were a juicy healthy cut. Plus they offer 5 different traditional deserts.
I highly recommend you visit Uncle Willies!!!!

I can't comment on the pricing because I went for an event so the organizers ordered the food in advance. They allowed us to have the space for a couple of hours. I was impressed with the BBQ. A lot of places focus on sauce but I can tell they actually marinated their meat. Great sides too. But my absolute favorite part was the homemade peach cobbler, makes you want to slap your mama!

Best BBQ in Oakland. Had their links and catfish with potato salad and baked beans... amazing. Thank you for a great meal, I will be back.