Oakland's barbecue scene is a crowded field; despite recent losses like BBQ Hut and B-Side BBQ, aficionados of smoked, sweet meats have plenty of options to choose from.
Truly great barbecue can be a spiritual experience, but it also comes with a cost: those melt-in-your-mouth flavors require copious amounts of sugar, salt, fat and carbs. Instead of settling in for a nap, take off that adult bib, wipe down with moist towelettes, and burn off that combo plate.
Phat Matt’s BBQ (3415 Telegraph Ave.)
Phat Matt's BBQ serves classic southern favorites made with Matt's own rubs and sauces that have no added salt. Due to high sales volume, call ahead to make sure they haven't already sold out and closed for the day (510-879-7294).
After your meal, pop into Ancient Ways (4075 Telegraph Ave.) for a quick tarot reading or to peruse the eclectic collection of books, candles, incense and herbs in this metaphysical supply store.
The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (3400 Broadway) is a few minutes away. Open on weekends from 12 – 6, MADE is dedicated to preserving video game history. Along with lectures, tournaments and "playable exhibitions," it hosts free programming classes for kids.
Oghane Korean Restaurant (3915 Broadway)
Oghane has served the Bay Area since 2005 with traditional Korean meals, including soot-bool (mesquite fire) BBQ. Before cooking, wood is soaked in water to give the meat a unique smoky flavor.
Treat yourself to the all-you-can-eat special, then head west to Owl & Company Bookshop (3941 Piedmont Ave.), to browse a collection of thousands of used books, "all at Internet-competitive prices."
Continue feeding your mind at Spectator Bookstore (4163 Piedmont Ave.), which sells new used and rare books, as well as cards and CDs.
Everett & Jones Barbeque (126 Broadway)
Founded in 1973, family-owned Everett & Jones Barbeque has earned a reputation for serving some of the city's finest ribs. The Jack London Square institution even bottles its own barbecue sauce for sale.
After E & J's, waddle over to Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon (48 Webster St.) for cocktails or draft brews. This circa-1883 dive bar where Jack London spent his formative years is the last commercial establishment in the state to retain its original gas lighting.
To get the blood moving, stroll down to the Ferry Terminal, then walk south along the Bay Trail toward Estuary Park.
If you're dining out on First Friday, The Oakland Metro Operahouse (522 2nd St.) is home to Hoodslam, which Yelper Anna W. describes as the "bro-est, most amateur, most 'realest' night of wrestling EVER." (full line-up of events here.)
Gogi Time (2600 Telegraph Ave.)
Gogi Time offers an AYCE BBQ or hotpot lunch special for $19.95. Its extensive menu includes a selection of stews, appetizers, meats, seafood and vegetables.
A slew of art galleries, including Warehouse 416 (416 26th St.), Mercury 20 (475 25th St.) and SLATE Contemporary (473 25th St.) are located nearby, as is The New Parkway Theater (474 24th St.), a community-centered cinema, known for its comfy couches and diner-style comfort food.
To end your day, check out The Sound Room (2147 Broadway), an intimate live-music venue with affordable ticket prices, as well as a selection of drinks and snacks.
Where do you like to walk after eating this Oakland delicacy? Tell us in the comments.
