In the Pit

Chef Matt Horn proves things are just better slow cooked.

in a few short years, Oakland locals have watched chef Matt Horn’s star rise into the stratosphere on an updrift of smoke. The hot-as-fire barbecue chef has a vibe as smoldering as his brisket, and has dominated the Bay Area meat scene since he and his smoker, Lucille, landed in Oakland more than a decade ago.

The chef first learned about barbecue from extended family in Fresno as a boy, then honed his craft in Los Angeles at local farmers’ markets before head-

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ing north to open a food stand outside Oakland’s Ale Industries. There, lines for his slow-smoked meats soon became legendary.

In late 2020, Horn’s first brick-and-mortar, Horn Barbecue, tucked in an industrial corner of West Oakland, was arguably one of the most anticipated Bay Area openings of the year. And in early 2022, Horn upped the local fried chicken sandwich competition with his new restaurant, Kowbird.

Chin Chin

Just like its food scene, Oakland offers a variety of bars fit for any cocktail enthusiast. Here’s where to get a drink.

Known for its groovy playlists, Low Bar serves a versatile menu of classic cocktails (Tip: Don’t miss Margarita Mondays!) For more drinks with a beat, head to Bar Shiru, the Bay Area’s first hi-fi vinyl listening bar with an array of Japanese whisky and local beers, wine, and sake. Earning a nod from the James Beard Foundation, Friends and Family has a lush outdoor patio and specialty cocktails, and Viridian pours farm-toglass cocktails. Sip on a refreshing signature beverage at the rooftop bar at Oeste, or settle in with Copper Spoon’s extensive mezcal menu. Engage in a casual environment with comic-themed flair at First Edition, and sample more local haunts like Almond & Oak, Penelope, North Light, The Double Standard, The Kon-Tiki, The Port Bar, and Café Van Kleef. –O.O.

organic beans are best sipped in its Old Oakland cafe, paying homage to their Oakland roots.

FOR GRAB-AND-GO: The take-away window at 1888 Coffee Station at Bacheesos is your best bet for fueling on the go, offering a variety of lattes, espressos, pastries, and other breakfast bites.

FOR EUROPEAN FLAIR:

Caffe 817 is reminiscent of European sidewalk cafes.

(Plus, live music on Saturday afternoons!)

FOR COFFEE WITH PURPOSE: Big House Beans whips up tasty espresso drinks and cafe bites, and provides job training and mentorship to previously incarcerated individuals.

FOR LOCAL NOTORIETY:

Awaken Cafe & Roasting not only serves really good award-winning coffee drinks, but also has a stellar food menu, a wine and beer bar, and features local artists’ works.