If you’re trying to eat well, support family-run kitchens, and not drive across three counties to do it, the East Bay’s Black-owned restaurant scene has you covered. Hayward’s list is small but mighty, and Oakland is right up the 880 with everything from a Michelin-recommended Ethiopian spot to the restaurant Food & Wine just called the best in America. Here’s a working list worth saving.
1. Carmen & Family Bar-B-Q (Hayward). This place has been smoking brisket, ribs, jerk chicken, and homemade hot links on the same in-house pit since 1979, using almond wood.
It’s family-owned, family-operated, and Carmen herself has a lifetime achievement award from the NAACP. 692 W A St — open Mon and Wed-Fri 11am-8pm, closed Tuesday.
2. Reuschelle’s Cheesecakes (Hayward). Yelp called this one Best Dessert in California, and the flavor list runs eleven deep — Ube and Maple Peach Bourbon are the standouts.
Whole cheesecakes are made to order with a 7-day lead time. Bakery pickup at 974 A St on Wednesdays, otherwise catch the baker at Old Oakland, San Ramon, Castro Valley, or West Oakland farmers markets on the weekend…