Uncle Willie’s BBQ & Fish

We ordered delivery from here, ($ 8.50 delivery charge).
The portions were so small for the 3-​way platter! When you spend $ 25 on a plate it should look and taste like a $ 25 plate! Everything was drenched in sauce, not cool! Even our coleslaw had BBq sauce on it.
We also ordered French fries and they only gave us like 15 fries! They were super soggy also.
Our soda cans were warm.
The delivery was fast, so it’s not like our food was waiting in the car getting soggy and cold. Will not be eating from here again! Super disappointed. What a waste of $ 50! Wish I could take back that tip.

I have only had delivery from Uncle Willies. Pretty damn tasty. About as good as it gets around here now and that’s not a knock on Willie.

I walked into an empty restaurant at lunch time. The young man behind the counter was friendly. I ordered the ribs with mac and cheese and collard greens. While waiting, and older lady came out and ignored me and began having a personal conversation with the server. The ribs were four small pieces. Very tender and the sauce was good. The mac and cheese was dry, lumpy and lukewarm. Very small portion. Obviously leftovers from the previous day. The collard greens were salty and not well seasoned —all two tablespoons of it. Just as I was about to leave, an older gentleman came out and thanked me for stopping by. I think it was Uncle Willie’s. He was very friendly. I hope he improves his side orders.

Bbq is pretty good. The sides are a bit small so you might have to order two. Next time I will go for their fish. It looks so amazing when I saw another person’s order.

Not sure why they were empty at lunch time on a weekday, but they were. Service was good and the folks behind the counter were friendly. It had a very casual feel about it that I liked.
I ordered the fried six piece catfish, which was cooked fine, but well on the bland side. I was hoping for southern style cooking, and what I tasted wasn’t it. The ketchup packets that came with the meal tasted horrible, and the sauce was pretty bla.
That being said, I’m going back. There are items on the menu I didn’t know about, like cornbread and collards that I have to try. Mac and cheese, who knows what else a «usually a vegan but not always even vegetarian» might want to try. For now, I don’t think I’d say the food was better than okay, but I’ll update this if my opinion changes next time I go.

The barbecue sauce here is good, I loved the amount of food I received with my order. I ordered the three item combo and received much more than I could eat in one sitting. I was a bit bummed that they were out of rib tips, but I still left a happy customer!

So delicious! Ribs are smoky, tender, falling off the bone. Brisket is not fatty, just delicious.
Mac and cheese and the beans are homemade and incredibly rich. Beans with onions, etc. Mac with a crust.
Second visit. Never disappoints!

Best ribs I’ve had anywhere. So meaty. So good. Nice touch with those two pieces of bread… I’m coming back for lunch tomorrow!

OMG!!! I was referred to Uncle Willies by an attorney friend of mine who works across the street. I was a chef for 27 years so my food appraisal is founded on a long-​time experience and characterized by relentless honesty and integrity!!!
I have had fish from many Oakland establishments but Uncle Willies rate amongst the top five for friendly/​affable service and food quality. My enjoyment is proven by driving from Alameda to the restaurant when I desire bbq and fried fish snd chips. The price is fairly reasonable snd portions are substantial!!!
I love this place.

Ordered dinner from them tonight. My cornbread was burned, I had ordered brisket, links and chicken. It was lumped together in a soggy mess and the flavors were off putting and the meat was unidentifiable. The coleslaw was watery and spicy. I literally spent 50 bucks just to eat a couple bites, get nauseated and toss it in the trash. My family tried it too and hated it. Won’t eat there again.

Service was great food was even better! Tried bbq ribs and the fish, pretty amazing.

I had the bbq chicken for $ 11.25, I got a side of greens and mac n cheese. The chicken was just like at a bbq the mac and cheese was really good.

I finally stopped in here after putting it off for several months (I live across the street). The fried catfish hit the spot, and while the ribs were good, they were a little disappointing. I had high hopes. The mac and cheese, and the greens were delicious. I’ll defnitely be back again.

Can’t give a review on the food because the two times I tried to order from them they were out of pulled pork & beef brisket on a Monday & Wednesday. They should be called Willie’s Fish not BBQ & Fish. The gentleman that answered told me the brisket was not ready yet so I ask him how long will it be & he said tomorrow like it was a normal thing. They maybe good but for a first time customer not having what I wanted two times I will have to give them one star & not consider eating at this establishment again.

My first time visiting
I ordered a two way and I enjoyed it
The gentleman behind the counter was a delight good service I will defiantly go again

Barbecue is very ok but the fish is excellent and plentiful. It’s a too go place. Best part of the deal are the sides.

Delish!!! I’m in town for business and colleagues and I stumbled upon Uncle Willie’s. We were drawn in by the smell. The food was excellent and the proprietors were so great. Would highly recommend!

Had the opportunity to try some of their Beef Brisket… OMG!!! Soo good, flavor and tender. I must say this is the BEST Brisket that I’ve had…

Great location for anyone in the downtown or west Oakland area. Love there hot links as well as there ribs. I’ve gone here multiple times and have always left satisfied. Their prices are a bit steep for their portions but if you’re craving some decent home style BBQ, you cannot fail with this place. I recommend calling in ahead of time just to make sure they have what you want because they do run out sometimes. And it beats waiting. Definitely recommend.

Amazing Brisket and love the Mac and cheese not to mention the collard greens.
Excellent service.

4.5 Stars rounded to 5 for this humble, yet above-​average bbq spot in DT Oakland. I ordered the «two-​way» platter (choice of 2 BBQ Meats/​Seafood, two sides, and two slices of bread… presumably to sop excess bbq juices in) which, realistically, is enough food for two separate meals. They also have «smaller plates” — aka, a normally portioned meal that has one Meat/​Seafood, one side, and bread. Buuuut since variety is the spice of life, I decided to get the Two-​Way and just save the leftovers for dinner. [Note: if you have a digestive system of steel, there are also three– and four– way plate options.]
So, my Two-​Way consistent of the fried catfish, BBQ brisket, and mac & cheese, & potato salad.
+Fried Catfish– 5 stars all the way. The catfish was hot and fresh out of the fryer, and the inside meat is light and moist (not overcooked). Not sure what tartar sauce they use, but it’s a perfect compliment for the fish.
+Brisket– 3.5 stars. It wasn’t bad, and the BBQ sauce is tasty, but ever since I went to Franklin’s (Austin, TX) in 2014, considerably decent brisket from any other location has officially been ruined for me forever.
+Mac & Cheese– 4.5 Stars; hot and tasty, with just enough cheese before becoming over gratuitous. + I drenched w/​hot sauce.
+Potato Salad– 4.5 Stars. Also well done with a bit of a kick.
Bonus points for down-​to-​earth and friendly staff. I’d definitely come again.

Never a bad meal when I go get food from Uncle willies. The people are friendly, and the chocolate cake is certainly off the chain.

Fast clean and delicious. A great place to get a quick delicious meal if when you’re in downtown Oakland

This place has some seriously good brisket. I got the small plate with a side of macaroni and it was a good portion size. The hot BBQ sauce is actually very spicy and had a really smoky flavor, wasn’t overly sweet, just the way I like it. The staff is very nice and attentive. They saw me sweating profusely as I was eating and frequently came over to check on me and refill my water. The dining room is a little shabby and only had 2 seater tables. I don’t care about that type of thing as long as the food is good and it did not affect my dining experience. I will be back to try more of their menu.

Uncle Willie’s BBQ & Fish is my go to place when I want barbecue in the Bay Area. The ribs are delicious with good cuts of meat and the sides macaroni and cheese, greens and potato salad are to die for. This past Saturday I went to Uncle Willie’s to get some barbecue but they were closed because they were at the Bill Picket Rodeo in Pittsburg. I went to get barbecue at the Everette and Jones on HIgh Street and it was horrible. I ordered the ribs and bit into a rib and it was nothiing but a piece of greasy fat. I got nauseated after that and threw all of that barbecue away. From here on out if Uncle Willie’s is closed I just won’t eat barbecue.

So let’s get something straight right now: BBQ in the Bay Area just doesn’t have the «zing» of other places on the planet. I don’t get it! World class food is to be had here but for some reason this culinary wonder just can’t compete on a national level.
That said, Uncle Willie’s is better than most. I’ve had the pulled beef and pulled pork sandwiches for lunch. Very hearty, very detectible, very satisfying! It’s funny but if one was not careful you could walk right past this place.
Don’t do that!
Instead, drop in and order a dinner plate (That’s what I’m having the next time I’m here) and have all the fixin’s. Uncle Willie’s will aims to please (And for me, so does that hot sauce they offer on the side)!

I make an annual pilgrimage to Oakland’s convention center and while the guests eat catered seminar food, I sneak out for my Willie’s. Coming from Marin, I might not appear to be the most authentic BBQ aficionado, but I’ve had my fair share from Birmingham, to Memphis to Texas. Willie’s gets it done right and THE highlight of my trek to Oakland.
I’ve ordered the same thing for six years straight, wavering from the Q and opting for their catfish sando. I know — but when it’s hitting, it’s hard to turn from a classic. It’s in the classic soul food style of two slices of elementary school wheat bread — a surprise to you hipster rooks. Always, always, always: side of greens, beans, two packets of hot sauce and mac/​cheese on the side. Wrap it up with a lil sweet tater pie… I’m telling you, I’m giving you path to chubby satisfaction.
Friends at the lunch table have shared their ribs, pork, etc… and it’s legit too. Just not my fried catty.
BONUS POINTS: you will smell like Q smoke for the rest of the day, to the delight of your convention mates.

Delicious! We were visiting Oakland for the weekend and I was craving fried catfish. The catfish was well seasoned and had a light and crispy batter. I had collard greens instead of French fries. The greens were very tasty. There is a $ 2.00 up charge for substitutions. Overall it was a great experience, the staff was very friendly and accommodating. I would recommend this spot to a friend.

Glorious ribs!
Sauce — oh the sauce!!!
Collard greens — savory goodness
Baked beans to make you shed a tear they are so good.
Soak it up with wonder bread and consider yourself blessed!

Amazing service. I got the brisket with medium sauce and it fell apart on the fork, tender and delicious. Potato salad as a side was a great balance to the tang/​heat of the sauce.
Their «sandwiches» are more just a plate of meat with a baggie of two pieces of bread. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. It was fantastic.
If you’re in Oakland looking for some no BS BBQ, give Uncle Willie’s a shot.

I had the fish sandwich special (sole) with french fries. The fish was fried just right and seasoned great. The french fries reminded me of kwik ways fries… I wanted more. I’m glad I came. I will be back!

They were open on a Monday A lot of «soul food» places aren’t. Had a party of 4. Food didn’t come all at the same time, just 1^st two then 2^nd too. Which was fine I didn’t expect superb timing and synchronizing going on.
Our food was fresh and put together well. Sides tasted good too. They might want to switch to smaller side cups since they didn’t want to fill up the ones they have. I would repeat when in the area.

Nice hole in the wall, reminds of some of the smaller BBQ joints in the south.
When you walk in go to the counter to order, before taking seat. You can smell the smoke from the smoker. Makes my mouth water.
10 two seat tables and 4 seat counter. Tables were clean and chairs well kept.
Going for the 2 way (pork ribs and brisket with collard greens and Cole slaw) $ 18.95…also comes with 2 pieces of wheat bread. This was really filling for 1 persona good size dinner. For lunch, I should have shared it.
Ribs — pork ribs were tender and had good smoke to it. You can see the smoke ring.
Brisket — really tender and jihad a slight smokiness to it, but no smoke ring. I have some doubts if the brisket actually came out of the smoker. I got 4 pieces to my order about 1/​8″ at the thickest part.
I did not order the beef sausage, but was given a piece of sausage from my coworkers. I found the sausage a bit on the dry side, the sauce will help it. Also there was faint hint of organ meat.
Collard Greens — love them. Not fatty, good flavor and soft. Been stewed for a bit.
Cole Slaw — taste like a mayo based watery light dressing, Crunchy and refreshing tasting. I love raisins in my slaw and this did not disappoint.
Restroom in back of kitchen, need to walk Thur. Did not check it out.