Bay Area/ Oakland
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Published on December 19, 2024
Horn Barbecue Brings Oakland's Smoky Flavors to Lafayette with New OutpostHorn Barbeque (Oakland Location)
Founder Chef Matt Horn
Source: Horn Barbeque / Instagram

Horn Barbecue has sizzled into Lafayette in a smoky swirl of ambition and seasoned hardwood, bringing a taste of Oakland's acclaimed flavors to another East Bay locale. Announced via Instagram, the new outpost opened its doors today, stoking the coals of a dream that has been cooking since 2015. According to the social media announcement, "We are committed to delivering the very best in barbecue and creating a lasting, positive impact on this community."

While the smell of barbecue will be absent Monday and Tuesday, Horn Barbecue invites patrons to dig in from Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 9:30 p.m. The excitement has been marinated in local support, evidenced by the warm welcome from the Lafayette community. In an extension that felt like a natural, head chef Matt Horn has expressed gratitude for the reception, saying, “The support we’ve already received from our neighbors has been nothing short of inspiring, and we are honored to be welcomed into such a vibrant community." It seemed the new location was decided, without providing a specific address, to be on Mount Diablo Boulevard.

Horn Barbecue's rise to prominence has been charred with both triumphs and trials from the beginning. Once located along Mandela Parkway in West Oakland, the original establishment was about to reopen its doors at 464 8th St. in Downtown Oakland when it sustained damage from a fire. Despite the setbacks, the brand continued to smoke the competition, even earning a spot on Food & Wine's prestigious best new chefs list in 2021.

Though the expansion marks a milestone, Horn's culinary journey hasn't been free of controversy. Some former staff members have come forward with wage claims against Horn’s businesses, as reported by KRON4 News. This hiccup hasn't appeared to snuff out the community's enthusiasm for the new Lafayette location, with the Horn Barbecue family expressing thanks for the “unwavering support” they've received leading up to the grand opening.

The barbecue joint's narrative is one penned in smoke and sauce, a tale of resilience plate by plate. And now, Lafayette gets to be a part of that story, with every pulled pork sandwich and brisket platter serving as a reminder of Horn Barbecue's dedication to craft and community. As the Lafayette chapter begins, the already loyal local following might just smell victory—or perhaps that's just the sweet scent of smoldering oak wafting from Horn Barbecue's pit.