Soul Food Restaurants near Emeryville, CA

“Let me tell y’all something this restaurant would not be what it is if it wasn’t for the waitress Sirena She is so welcoming soon as you walk in she greets you she fixes anything that’s wrong. She’s polite and she made me wanna come back again. She actually is the reason why I ordered extra food. I originally came in to try the chicken and waffles and grits I ordered that with regular grits and then I tasted my friends shrimp and grits and I ordered that too and steak fries to go. I don’t tip. I tipped her because her customer service was just extraordinary. I haven’t been to you guys since 2023 because I didn’t like the food but whatever cooks you have in there now they are on point so I will be back once a week. Thank you for your service. Sirena“

“Fried fish like fat grandma used to make. Mmm mm mm“

“To celebrate our 27th anniversary, we went to @oldskoolcafe. The greeters, cooks and servers are all young people. Mama T opened this place to help at risk youth learn work and life skills (like how to get a license, do taxes, set a bank account). Partnering with experienced chefs, this restaurant has excellent food… and live jazz!!! We ordered the Taumoepeau Ota (think ceviche) and it was a great appetizer… light and the fish was super fresh. We had the short ribs which were super tender and had a rich gravy. We didn’t think we had room for dessert, but the lavender cheesecake and the Guittard chocolate brownie were fabulous! If you are in the city: GO! SUPPORT! ENJOY DELICIOUS FOOD!“

“Great food and if you like hot, they’ve got it!“

“I regularly go to their pop up booth at the Saturday farmers market behind SF Ferry Building. They are in the back plaza area near Gate C Golden Gate Ferry Terminal. Delicious, hearty breakfast sandwich with runny egg yolk if you desire that. Great customer service too.“

“First off it's not in the best neighborhood. You might encounter people outside asking for food, so beware lol
The prices are extremely affordable. And there were many specials to choose from.
Now on to the food. I had basa & chicken both were seasoned good, & fried to perfection.
I also had the Yams & Mac & Cheese. The yams are 🔥
The Mac & cheese was NOT Mac'n 😂. A totally miss. It was thick & the noodles were overcooked. So if you're looking for a creamy & cheesy Mac & cheese go somewhere else.
Overall not bad at all.“

“Was looking for a good breakfast spot and this popped up. This little joint packs a lot of flavor in every bite. I do believe this place has the best chicken and waffles in the city. The off the porch cocktail was dangerously delicious, and I'm saying that as someone who generally never drinks alcohol, but it was incredible. We ordered the sweet creme pancake, chicken and waffles, beingets, cocktail and hash brown on the side. Everything with tip set me back a pretty penny (75$) but it was honestly worth every cent, and today's meal was definitely a splurge (without the beignets and cocktail, I would have saved myself $20).
Considering they offer $22 by steak and eggs, I think that's the cheapest I've seen it anywhere, so please, get what you can afford here, as you won't be sorry.
Fried chicken was drippingly moist, tender and well seasoned. Waffles were fluffy and went perfect with the maple butter. Pancake tasted like a slice of fresh cake, fried eggs and bacon were on point, and hash browns didn't even need ketchup as they were perfectly fluffy and crispy, just needed a touch of salt and pepper. My chicken and waffles came out last and a little longer than everything else, but it was worth the wait, as the chicken was clearly fresh from the fryer.
Service is more help yourself: for the coffee they gave us a mug to go grab our own from an airpot (slightly sour, which suggested a lighter roast; not bad, but not great 'diner' coffee, but palatable with our meal enough for a free refill). You order at the front and help yourself to cutlery and water at the back. There's a bathroom (single room, air dryer, gender neutral), the walls are beautifully painted with a proudly black woman theme, and the tables are primarily benches or metal garden furniture seating. All tables accommodate 4-6 adults, but table sharing seems okay here too. If driving here, parking can be a little difficult, but coming on a Sunday meant no payment which was nice, and we found a spot relatively fast and nearby on the main street. Otherwise, plenty of public transit options are very close.
If you're looking for a giant fluffy PANcake, an amazing chicken and waffles, or just looking for a great cocktail, stop by this place and you won't regret it. Splurge if you can, too, cus the sides are all incredibly worth it.“

“Great food and music. Xxx.“

“Outstanding customer service. Black Owned and Operated...“

“People working here are friendly, really old-fashioned friendly. The food is absolutely the best! This is definitely a hidden gem of the East Bay; once you come and enjoy the delicious catfish and chicken, you’ll keep coming back. I guarantee it!! Oh, did I mention the lemon cake? Outstanding!!“

“I had the salmon croquettes and they were absolutely amazing!!“

“We ordered the family dinner and added the jumbo prawns. Very happy with our selections. Everything was right on point. Server was very knowledgeable about the menu and the drinks/wine, very professional. We had high expectations and were very pleased after our dinner.“

“Honestly the best soul food I have had in years. Ox tail was the true meaning of tendernisim, and for 35 bucks, you can not beat it. mac and cheese was perfect, greens were on point, fire red beans and the shrimp, OMFG. These guys know what they are doing. An absolute must stop for authentic soul food. And they do catering or single plates.“

“Shout out to Kenny and his crew! Community focused, amazing food, and creates such a fun atmosphere! Thank you for supporting the Claremont Middle School Awards celebration!“

“YS_Choice is amazing. The food was great and servers were very polite.“

“great food.. great service...i cannot express how tasty the food was...definitely must try“

“Fried fish like fat grandma used to make. Mmm mm mm“

“The most tender brisket I may have had anywhere. 🥰🥰“

“Loved the food!“