Here's the latest in Oakland food news. In this edition: a popular San Francisco-based barbecue spot is now open in the Laurel district, a new Rockridge café is promoting the "well-being of the refugee community" and a Downtown burrito spot is moving.
Openings
Laurel
4505 Burgers & BBQ (3506 MacArthur Blvd.)
A company spokesperson tells Hoodline that the first East Bay outpost of San Francisco-based 4505 Burgers & BBQ opened last Friday for lunch and dinner.
Oakland customers can now enjoy smoked meat (like ribs or brisket) by the pound or plate, along with sandwiches, salads, and a variety of sides. 4505's "Best Damn Cheeseburger" is also on the menu.
The space was designed by Wylie Price and features style elements from the 1950s, Eater SF reports. Diners can expect patio picnic tables, a bar, a play area for children, a whole-hog smoker and a mural by Oakland-based artist Dave Young Kim.
Rockridge
1951 Coffee Company (6021 College Ave.)
Hoodline's veteran tipster Al M. alerted us that Berkeley-based 1951 Coffee Company opened its first Oakland outpost last month, in the former Spasso location.
The nonprofit, founded four years ago, aims to provide living-wage jobs to refugees, asylees and immigrant visa holders, helping them to learn English and build social and cultural ties in their new community. Its name comes from the 1951 Refugee Convention, a key legal document that forms the basis of the work of UNHCR, the UN refugee agency.
The company roasts its own coffee and espresso beans, offering drip coffee, pour-overs and a full lineup of classic espresso drinks. Chai, matcha lattes, nitro coffee and rose lemonade are also available.
Al noted that mochi donuts and waffles headline the pastry menu, adding that the "WiFi is strong and fast." A new mural, depicting immigrants from numerous cultures alongside the Statue of Liberty, adorns the interior of the space.
Update
Downtown
Ole Ole Burrito Express (582 14th St.)
Al also told us that the Downtown location of popular taqueria Ole Ole Burrito Express is moving two doors down from its current space, as it notes in a sign on its door and on its website.
The current location is temporarily closed, and it's unclear when the new one (located next to dance school In the Groove Studio) will open.
While they await the new location, fans of Ole Ole's tacos, burritos and nachos can head to the other locations in Lower Dimond (2216 MacArthur Blvd.) and Northgate (2435 Telegraph Ave.)
Thanks to our veteran tipster Al M.! Have you noticed a new addition to (or subtraction from) Oakland's food landscape? Text a tip and a horizontal photo to 510-757-9959, and we'll look into it.
