We made a reservation for 7:45 p.m. but weren't seated until around 8:15, and we didn't place our order until about 8:30. Unfortunately, it didn't feel like our reservation was prioritized much differently than a walk-in. Thankfully, the restaurant itself is incredibly charming, so we spent the extra time admiring the beautiful design and decor. The staff were welcoming and polite throughout the evening and suggested we wait at the bar. I ordered the Margaret cocktail, which came in a cute little mug. It was refreshing, well-balanced, and easy to drink. My only wish was that there had been a bit more of it--the mug was on the smaller side and filled with quite a bit of ice. To start, we ordered the chicken liver & waffle, which was rich, flavorful, and a great opening dish. My favorite of the night was the BBQ whole shrimp. You get four generously sized shrimp that were cooked perfectly, but it was the sauce that really stole the show. It was so good that I found myself dipping everything I could into it. For our main, we had the Jidori chicken, which arrived beautifully presented. Every slice of chicken was juicy and paired perfectly with the accompanying sauce. I also loved that the dish included 1 crispy fried chicken (less juicy but still tasty), giving you two different preparations in one entrée. The potato salad added a refreshing contrast that tied everything together nicely. Overall, despite the long wait after our reservation time, the food, cocktails, and warm hospitality made for a very enjoyable evening. read more

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The Food Once in a while, it is good to explore the food scene beyond San Francisco... the other side of...like in Oakland. It is where we found Burdell, a soul food restaurant. They focus on nostalgia, family recipes, and sourcing, as well as the forgotten impact of Black harvesting and culture on American cuisine and hospitality. We were a bit uncultured on soul food, so we tried to pick some unique items from the menu. - Salad of Annabelle's Gems - Chicken Liver & Waffle - BBQ Whole Shrimp - Line-Caught Swordfish - Cornbread - Greens The Salad, Chicken, and Shrimp were appetizers, the Swordfish was the main. The Cornbread and Greens were sides. I was debating between the Salad and their Crispy Summer Squash, and went with the Salad. But I think the Crispy Summer Squash might be a better choice. The Chicken Liver itself is an acquired taste and not for everyone, but the waffle was pretty good. The BBQ Whole Shrimp was the best of the 3 appetizers, and the sauce was delicious. The Swordfish was unique and not bad, but a bit too salty. Likewise with the Greens, though the Greens slight sourness gives it a bit more balance. The Cornbread came out on top, being soft and not too dry. Wife said it tasted almost like banana bread. It would be interesting to try out their other item next time, but shall see~ The Miscellaneous Burdell is in the Temescal neighborhood, off Telegraph. Easy to identify with the large lettering. The interior of the restaurant has quite a unique aesthetic and color. We went around golden hour, and the light hitting the restaurant was quite nice. The staff was very professional and sincere in their service. Burdell has a standard Dinner menu along with a Family Dinner menu. The Family Dinner menu also seemed unique. All in all, the food was not bad, and the service was good. read more

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My party of 4 (two couples) had a fantastic dinner at Burdell and we received possibly the best service of my entire dining life. Long story short: Due to a miscommunication among ourselves, we ended up with a reservation for 2 instead of 4. Entirely our fault. But the hostess Zara was extremely gracious and kind. She clearly wanted to find a way to include us all, and after a very short wait, she managed to get us into a fantastic table. She even gave us each a splash of sparkling wine while we waited! The service at the table was equally warm and helpful. When we were debating whether to get one or two orders of cornbread, our server offered to bring us a 1.5 order. We tried multiple sides and then two of us got the chicken (the most tender chicken breast I've ever had) and two got the pork. At the end there was only a little chicken and a smidge of three sides left, but it was all so good we asked for boxes to take home. Even the take-home containers were adorable. The one labeled chicken had a little hand-drawn chicken on it and a smiley face. All in all a delicious meal in a wonderfully welcoming space with unbelievable save-the-day service. We are so grateful and we will be back! read more

I think we had a good experience for dinner, compared with some other reviewers. We made a reservation for 5:15 pm on a Saturday. It was about 1/2 full when we arrived. As others have noted, the neighboring area can be a little dicey, and where we parked showed signs of recent car break-ins with broken glass around the spot. Our car, however, was OK. Atmosphere seemed friendly, but the wait staff could be a little cheerier. As others have mentioned, the music can be a little loud. As opposed to what other reviewers had seen, there were about four families with school-age children dining tonight, and they all seem to be enjoying themselves. The waiting time for dishes was acceptable. We got our water filled often. The changing out of plates and silverware was good. Food was a mixed bag, some being particularly good and others, not so memorable. - "BBQ" shrimp had a good sauce. At $26, seemed a tad pricey for 4 shrimp. - the crispy summer squash with a dill sauce was a standout. The squash was very lightly battered and was crisp and not greasy. The dill sauce was very tasty. - the pork strip steak was tasty, tender, good flavor. - the Jidori chicken was a mixed bag. The roasted chicken breast was fantastic. The meat was very juicy and delicious. The fried chicken quarter, could have used a little bit more seasoning, as it tasted a little bland. The accompanying potato salad was very good. - the cornbread was good. As others have said, the texture is more like a banana bread. The butter has a vinegar tang to it so it's a little different, but it was good. - for dessert, we had the strawberry cobbler accompanied by buttermilk ice cream. Cobbler was just OK, but the ice cream was fantastic, with a nice tang to it. Note that there seems to only be one restroom, as there was quite a line at times for people waiting for it. I didn't experience what other reviewers had said, that everything was over salty. The salt level seemed acceptable. All in all, I thought the restaurant was good if not a little pricey for what you get. read more

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I went to Burdell because I heard it's a hit and saw it in the SF Chronicle. The food was alright (not amazing), but the service was a letdown. We got the steak & eggs, chicken & waffles, and hash browns. The steak & eggs were okay, but a bit salty for my liking. The chicken was super crispy, but it didn't have much flavor, and the waffle sauce was pretty bland. The service was terrible! The server spoke too fast and softly, making it hard to understand. Plus, they told me I couldn't change the steak's temperature, which I thought was strange (and they said it in a rude way). On top of the bad service, it was super slow; it took about 45 minutes to get our food after we ordered it, and another 30 minutes to get our drinks. Because of the poor service, I really couldn't enjoy my meal. I also found it funny that the gratuity is mandatory, which makes me wonder if they might intentionally provide bad service since they'll still get tipped. So, I wouldn't recommend this place or plan on going back. read more

Burdell - Steak & eggs - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

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4.5 stars Burdell absolutely lives up to the hype. They offer a family-style menu, but we decided to order à la carte so we could try exactly what caught our eye. No regrets. Do not skip the cornbread. It arrives warm with tangy honey butter and somehow manages to be both simple and unforgettable. I'd gladly order a second basket just for myself. My favorite dish of the night was the Chicken Liver & Waffle. If you're even slightly hesitant because of the liver, trust me and order it anyway. The silky chicken liver mousse, crispy chicken skin, maple and shallot vinaigrette, and cornmeal waffle come together in a combination that's rich, savory, sweet, and completely balanced. It's one of those dishes you keep thinking about long after dinner. Every plate felt thoughtful without being fussy. Burdell has a way of elevating familiar Southern flavors while keeping them comforting and soulful. No wonder it continues to earn national recognition. Already looking forward to my next visit. read more

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Went during Father's Day weekend because I have Chase Sapphire Reserve dining credit to burn before June 30. I wanted their signature fried chicken, but it was gatekept behind a $105/person Juneteenth set menu so had no choice but to order the only 2 meat entree: swordfish (ok) & pork strip steak (too much fat). Overall, not impressed with dinner at all. Can't believe they charge $13 corn bread that's usually free at other restaurants. The best dish is actually the BBQ whole shrimp with perfectly toasted bread. The sauce was amazing! Was hoping they'll let me keep the plate so I can dip the corn bread which only came with the entrees. The Sunday Brunch menu actually looks much more enticing, but unfortunately we couldn't get reservation for 4. read more

Burdell - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

4+ restaurant that specializes in soul food. They are ingredients focused and driven. Because of that you're gonna get higher quality food, but also the prices are gonna reflect that as well. This restaurant is good for when you want to have a nice evening out, but not sure if I would be able to dine here casually multiple nights a week. The service was great with a chill laid-back vibe to the place. It also has a cozy home, feeling to it because of the pictures on the wall. The interior is minimalist and clean. Also know that the service fee or tip is included in your bill. I don't mind at all because I usually tip that amount at least when I go out anyway, but it should be known. Came here for dinner while on a work trip in the area and was able to get seated at the bar pretty much right away. I ordered the boiled peanuts to start which was soaking in peanut miso. I also ordered the Jadore chicken which comes partly fried and roasted and comes with deviled egg potato salad on the side. I love the boiled peanuts even though my fingers got a little messy lol. The chicken was good and so was the sides. I would love to come back and try more items on the menu, but like I mentioned before, this place isn't exactly cheap so I would probably make a nice night out of it. I came in on a weekday so there was pretty good amount of metered street parking in the area. read more

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Finally I can leave a well deserved review for Burdell! My husband made a reservation for us for a special occasion and my heart was so warmed by the whole experience. Who would've thought you could have such a gourmet experience with good ol' soul food?! From the get go, everything was lovely. Parking was easy to find and we brought our kiddo and the staff made him smile and laugh. It's not easy to take little ones out for fine dining but we've got a great kid and the Burdell staff was amazing. I love the decor; it's like if you could make homey chic? We definitely had to get the chicken and waffles which was of course amazing and my kid devoured it. It wasn't your classic chicken and waffles but like crispy chicken skin bits (my kid's favorite) and I don't know what is in the waffles but they were divine. Not to mention the chicken liver mousse!! Heavenly. I'm allergic to peanuts so instead of the boiled peanuts (which my husband inhaled) I got something else and my apologies I cannot remember what it was but it was refreshing and crisp) Also the cornbread is to die for. I would eat it every day if I could. It went so well with the pork chop and I would come back just for the cornbread. Last but not least I eyed the owner and chef himself apron'd up and working amongst his staff like an undercover boss and I appreciated his humility and grace. If I could give Burdell 10 stars I would! read more

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Burdell, with its combined internet acclaim and censure, piqued my interest for some time. I made a reservation (with ease) on OpenTable and dined with my friend for a very belated birthday celebration. The food is good but nothing to write home about. The cornbread, stellar and moist as this was, was served alongside a very tangy butter (almost overwhelmingly so) yet still remained the best bite of the night. The chicken liver and waffle, while inventive, was a tad too gamey for my liking, especially surprising as a person who generally loves pate. The hominy grits received many a praise from the Infatuation SF but was also too salty for my palate. Overall, the dishes generally were ok, simply put. What did shine were the eclectic wine selection and cocktail curation though. The service was stellar, expected for a more upscale restaurant. Sorta sad to see such disparagement accrued from the owner's choice of including a 20% service fee. Yes, it's steep but understandable given how diligent and accommodating the staff are. read more

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Oakland continues to surprise me with its incredible food scene, and my recent dinner at Burdell was a reminder of exactly why. Our party of four made reservations about two weeks in advance, and I'd definitely recommend planning ahead, especially for larger groups, since reservations for six were much harder to secure. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere immediately transports you. Verdell creates a space that feels warm, intentional, and deeply rooted in appreciation, connection, and comfort. The ambiance alone set the tone for a memorable evening. Because portions lean smaller, we ordered several dishes and doubled up on a few items so everyone at the table could fully experience the menu. Every plate felt thoughtful and beautifully prepared. Standouts from the night included the dandelion greens, collard greens, lamb neck, fried chicken cornbread, chicken liver and waffles, and the lamb. But the absolute favorite of the evening was the spring onion dish recommended by the staff. The service elevated the experience even more. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful when guiding us through the menu and recommendations. Burrell delivered great food, great vibes, and a dining experience that felt special from beginning to end. I'll absolutely be making reservations again. read more

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Our family had an incredible dinner tonight at Burdell. It was our first visit; I have been following the Burdell story ever since they opened, but since I and most of my family live in the South Bay, we haven't been able to try it out. Our server PreJean took excellent care of us. We enjoyed the chicken liver mousse with cornmeal waffle, the chicken prepared two ways, the whole shrimp with tomato gravy, the grits with morel and corn, and the pork strip steak. We also had the side of greens and crispy squash. All delicious. We loved how it really makes you feel like you're at your grandmother's table at home. While it's meant to feel homey, it's notable how polished the servers are. Watch them pour your wine (or even your bottle of Coke) - it's fluid and elegant. It's clear that this place cares about providing a memorable and special experience. We can't wait to return, next time we're in the East Bay. read more

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Sensory experience! Really enjoyed the vibe & feel of the restaurant. Beautiful story behind the chef & restaurant Salad, crispy zuchinni, swordfish, & cornbread quality ingredients & vibrant flavors. read more

Birthday dinner here turned into one of those nights where time softens and the table becomes the center of the world. Plates hit the table and suddenly we weren't being polite - we were wiping sauces with bread, tearing off corners to catch every last drop, passing dishes back and forth, and laughing mid-bite. The Dungeness crab gumbo was deep and luxurious, the kind you end up taking little sips of straight from the bowl because leaving any behind would be a personal failure. The beets salad brought brightness and relief between bites. The greens and red cabbage were slow-cooked, vinegary, soulful-meant to be eaten generously, not delicately. The chicken jibori was tender and rich, sitting in its sauce like it expected you to drag bread through it (correctly). And that cornbread + honey butter? Edges crisp, center soft, disappearing fast because everyone kept "just one more piece"-ing themselves. Wine glasses stayed full, candles flickered, the room hummed, and then--quietly--a handwritten birthday note and candle arrived. No show. Just warmth. That kind of hospitality that lands in your chest. Burdell invites you to slow down, get a little messy, and eat with intention and joy. This is food meant to be shared, remembered, and felt. Oakland is lucky - and so was I. read more

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Sometimes reviews from restaurant critics and Yelpers don't always align, so there's really only one way to find out what's really going on, and that is to check out a place in person. Burdell is such a place. Winner of many accolades, yet somehow that's not reflected in Yelpers' reviews. So when a couple of friends - including one who is from the South - were visiting from out of town, we decided to have dinner to see for ourselves. Before I get into the individual dishes, our overall impression is that we enjoyed our meal at Burdell. Each dish was good, but some were better than others, and it is perhaps this inconsistency that has prevented Burdell from living up to the hype for some people. I didn't dislike any of the dishes we ordered, and I would definitely return to try more of the menu, so for that reason, I am giving it four stars. Also, chef Geoff Davis served us some of the dishes himself (without announcing who he was - very humble), so that was kind of cool, too. What we ate: Boiled Peanuts: My southern friend made us order this because, well, it's a southern thing I guess. It ended up being a good decision. Who knew boiled peanuts could be so tasty? Whatever seasoning they used was pretty addictive, and I could have probably eaten it with a spoon. 4/5 Blistered Brussels Caesar: Probably my favorite dish of the night. The most creative take on a Caesar salad I have seen. We expected a typical salad with Brussels sprouts, but the sprouts were slightly blanched, making them tender, and the citrusy vinaigrette was a nice complement to the bitter greens and salty cheese and dried slices of sunchoke. I almost wanted to order a second one 5/5 "BBQ" Whole Shrimp: Based on everything I had read, this was the dish that had to be ordered, so we ordered it. To be honest, while it was tasty, it was probably my least favorite. The sauce was a bit more on the saltier/umami side and didn't have much sweetness to it as I was expecting from a BBQ type dish. The toast pieces were a nice addition for sopping up the sauce, but honestly I liked the boiled peanut sauce better. It's one of their signature dishes, so it's probably a must-try at least once, but I probably wouldn't order it again. 3/5 Cheddar Dumplin's: The "dumplins" here were kind of like gnocchi, but also a bit dense and not super cheesy. The only thing that saved this dish for me was everything else that came with the dumplings: chanterelles, squash, kale, apples, which all complemented each other well. 3/5 Pork Roast: This was actually a pork collar, which I am not sure is a cut of pork that I have ever had, but it was incredibly juicy and tender. I loved it. Beans were just OK, but that's not why you get this dish. You have to be OK with pork that is pink, however, and I am totally fine with that. I would definitely get this dish again. 5/5. Cornbread: This cornbread is magical. It is so moist it is almost like a banana bread texture-wise. I think my mouth and brain were actually in shock when I took my first bite because it was nothing like any cornbread I had ever had before. I could probably eat a whole pan of it. 5/5 As you can see, the dishes I liked, I REALLY liked. The dishes I didn't like were just OK but not bad. The service was very friendly and attentive, and our server (I failed to get her name) did a great job suggesting a wine that our entire table enjoyed. I guess my point is, the only way to know if you will like Burdell is to go check it out yourself. Bon appetit! read more

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WHEN: Sat @5pm Been really curious about this place and heard great things and decided to give it a shot since it wasn't all the way in San Francisco. We lucked out on a free street parking spot on the other side of Telegraph. This restaurant has a lovely simple decor, and while the lighting is kind of dim, it does flicker every 20 minutes or so--gives it that slight underground feel, haha. The staff are all friendly and Prejean took great care of us. Here's what we ordered, with the first 3 being "For the Table": BOILED PEANUTS - $9 Cooked for hours, served warm in shell, with peanut miso & house spice. Served hot so be careful! Very skeptical about this, but seems to be a popular item most people rave about so why not. While this bowl of shelled peanuts was sitting in a bowl of sauce like cereal, the flavors were good. However, I just don't like my peanuts mushy. The little work peeling the hot shells just was not worth it. But hey we knew the risk and don't regret giving it a shot. Maybe I'll pour that sauce over a bowl of rice. BLISTERED BRUSSELS CAESAR - $18 lacopi Brussels dressed with sunchoke Caesar, aged cheddar. The tiniest Brussels sprouts I've ever seen! Which makes it easier to eat. Got this cuz we need a vegetable plate. I think the crunchy sliver pieces is the aged cheddar which I enjoyed giving it a nice crunch to this plate. Here I taste citrus and unctuous flavors, which made this "healthy" dish quite enjoyable! I love Cesar salad so I was curious to see a version made with Brussels sprouts! CHICKEN LIVER & WAFFLE - $19 Chicken liver mousse with crispy skin, maple & shallot vinaigrette, with cornmeal waffle. What a unique dish with the best of all worlds for me! I love pate, I love fried chicken skin and I love me some waffles! This dish is more of a savory one so the waffle is very subtly sweet, but it has a wonderful cornmeal texture. I would eat the liver mousse and skin alone, but it's better with the waffle. You have so much going on here with the rich and crispy taste of the skin, and the smooth liver mousse--which they should just call pate cuz it sounds more appetizing, haha. This was my favorite of the night! JIDORI CHICKEN - $45 Buttermilk fried leg & roasted breast with drippings & deviled egg La Ratte potato salad. We felt the obligation of ordering a "For Supper" entree and chose wrong. Now we read mixed reviews about their chicken but I still had to try it for myself and...the people have spoken. I didn't like it. The roasted piece was too salty, while the fried piece was bland...or maybe we were suppose to eat them together??? But the potato salad was good, as good as any potato salad would be. CORNBREAD - $13 Stone-milled red corn from Lee, served warm, with tangy honey butter. This "side" item didn't come out until the main dish ("For Supper") came out, which was about half an hour after the first 3 items from the "For The Table" menu came out. I didn't care for the butter at all because of the tangy flavor from the apple-cider vinegar. But the cornbread was good. But is it $13 good? No, and I've had better, but I'm grateful it wasn't dry. I do appreciate how unique this was though with what they added in their butter--it's just not for me. I don't need to taste all the kinds of sensations (sweet, salty, umami, etc.) in a cornbread. Overall, this place was good, but definitely very pricey for the amount you get. The sharables and sides are better than the main plate--I should have gone with he fish. They also automatically apply as 20% service fee to your bill so no need to think about tip. The bill came out to be a total of $139 with leftovers and we were stuffed! Didn't even bother with dessert! We are happy we gave this spot a try and do not regret it! read more

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- Service was a bit slow and disorganized - Main issue is that the food is average and completely overpriced. Main dishes are all around $45; except one bad beer, the other one (Original Pattern IPA) is priced at... $14, and the cheapest glass of wine costs $16 - The drinks selection is strangely bad: cocktails are unappealing, there are 2 types of beers on the menu... how hard is it to offer at least one hazy IPA and one lager? read more

First time at Burdell and overall the food was good but the overall didn't wow me... perhaps since I had set a high expectation considering the accolades given to Burdell. The salad, and the oxtail fries, were tasty! They were on point and I liked these. No problem with them at all. The mustard green side was on the saltier side but I manage by eating it with more of the mixed rice and beans which was delicious with a nice spice to it. The main entree, the pickle brine fried chicken was ok. The chicken was crispy and juicy but 1) not all pieces were marinated well as two pieces we had lacked flavor so it wasn't just how the chicken was, but inconsistency in marination, and 2) some pieces were overcooked leading a thick dry outer layer before you get into the nice juicy meat inside. Pieces that were marinated well were phenomenal along with the house made hot sauce, but due to inconsistencies, the overall was underwhelming. Service could have been better - primarily because when our water cups were empty, I expected them to fill it or ask to fill it but they came by twice but never asked or did so, until I asked for the water cups to be refilled. The ambiance of the place was on the upscale feeling though definitely did very well in keeping the southern feel to it with the dining wares used, and the decor. Maybe I'll give it another try during their non pre-fixe menu and see if the experience is better. read more

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The rating on help is pretty accurate. Overly priced for average food. Made a reservation through Open Table to use the chase dining benefits. We were seated right away. The interior has some old school vibes and moody/dim lighting. First dish we got was the shrimp which came out COLD. I was not prepared for that. The sauce also was slightly bitter, almost burnt tasting? Then we waited maybe 45 minutes after the shrimp to get the main entrees. We got the chicken and lamb. The fried chicken was probably the warmest thing we got all night and it's probably because it was deer fried. It was still very moist and flavor was good. All the lamb items were also very good. But majority of items came out COLD. The corn bread was also delicious, but was only slightly luke warm. I'm not sure I would come back. It was worth trying to use the dining credit, but was definitely expecting at the bare minimum warm/hot food at the prices they have. read more

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After hearing so many great things about Burdell, my partner and I checked this place out for my birthday. The interior of the restaurant was very cool, as it felt very vintage and felt at home. I always found myself looking around and admiring how they set up the restaurant. For the food, my partner and I shared the Cornbread, Chicken Liver and Waffles, and the Blackened Cod. The cornbread was light and delicious. The Blackened Cod was very tender and I couldn't stop putting down my fork. Overall, our experience at Burdell was great. Sometimes, it was difficult to grab a waiter's attention to get water, but they did check in on us occasionally to change plates for the next course. Although the food was on the more expensive side, I would still recommend giving Burdell a try! read more

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This is a tougher review for me to write, mainly because expectations matter. Part of my rating reflects how highly reviewed this place is. I may have given more stars if the hype were lower. Like other commentary online, I do not think the food quite matched the buzz or the price point. Some dishes were good, but nothing truly left me in awe. The drinks were a strong point. My friend loved the Hula and found it genuinely unique. I ordered the margarita-style cocktail. It was good, but not exceptional. We also had wine, and the server's recommendations were excellent. My friend and I have very different palates, yet he guided us in a way that made both of us happy with our choices. For food, we started with the chicken liver waffle and the shrimp. The chicken liver waffle was delicious and one of the best things we ordered. I understand the hype here. I forgot to ask for hot sauce and regretted it afterward, especially since they have a great one, so I recommend requesting it if you order this dish. The shrimp did not land for me. It was not bad, but the flavor felt incomplete, and I could not quite pinpoint what was missing. The cornbread was a standout. It was firmer with a crispy top and a soft interior. The crunch was unexpected and really enjoyable. I do not think I have had cornbread with that texture before, and it worked beautifully. The pork roast was good, rich, and fatty, and the beans were delicious. Adding hot sauce brought the flavors together even more. Service was slow, as others have mentioned, but it worked for us. We were catching up, and the pacing gave us plenty of time to talk, which felt relaxed and intentional. The space's aesthetic is beautiful. It feels like stepping into someone's home from another era, with warm browns and oranges that feel cozy and groovy. read more

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I wanted to like this place but man, it was disappointing and I don't understand how it is a Michelin Guide restaurant. We were able to find street parking fairly quickly on a Sunday night. We arrived early for our reservation and waited about 5 minutes before we got seated. There isn't much space inside for groups to wait and it was cold outside. The restaurant itself is pretty cramped and you're close to the next table. There's barely any space for the server themselves to get in between to bring out the food. We ordered wine and appetizers, which came out fairly quick. But the actual entree took forever to come out. We noticed it was the same for the table next to us and it took just as long for them to get their desserts. For that reason, we didn't want to wait any longer to try their desserts. For the appetizers, we got the blistered brussels caesar and the bbq whole shrimp. We got the jidori chicken because of the potato salad it came with. We also got the cornbread. We really enjoyed the brusell sprouts, potato salad and cornbread. The cornbread had this amazing crunch and so much flavor. The chicken was a let down. Buttermilk fried leg lacked flavor. We wished there was some type of hot sauce that it came with. The roasted breast was slightly salty. Our server Zara was very nice as well as all the servers who brought the food, cleared the table and refilled our water. Another thing that irked me was the 20% gratuity that was adde just for the 2 of us. Like if you're gonna expect that, bring out the food faster and worth eating. I think it is a bit sad that we enjoyed the appetizers and cornbread the most. It seems like the brunch menu has the better food items to try. But I wouldn't go out of my way to come here again unless I was in the area. read more

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The food and service just don't cut it Beverly - sweet highball drink without much depth Lanail - great balanced cocktail, with pickles Maragaret - unique and acidic, herbal BBQ shrimp - good sauce, tomato, smokey, creamy, with buttery milk bread to soak it up. The problem was that the shrimp meat was OLD, like you know with the tooth meat in the inside and the dissolving mush meat on the outside Cornbread - GREAT crispy crust and unique flavor, super buttery Jidori chicken - well executed but NO FLAVOR , just salt on the roasted breast, but no salt in the fried chicken. The only thing that was good was the texture Service was sparse and nobody works as a team. They don't take ownership or even take your picture and ask your server to do it. We were so thirsty from lack of water initially and lack of refill For the price point, the product and service fall far below expectation. read more

Burdell - Beverly and lenail - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

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My family and I had a great experience here. The service was efficient and friendly, and the food was amazing. We came for brunch and ordered a La carte instead of doing their pre fixed option. We got the croquettes, beignets, bans pancakes, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and the po boy. The interior is cozy and welcoming, however they are down to one bathroom so a small line formed at the door of a few people. Overall great experience, we will be coming back to try dinner. read more

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Wow, what an experience! I kept hearing about Burdell and had been wanting to try it, but heard it was hard to get reservations. Fortunately, myself and a coworker got in on a Tuesday evening for a great meal. I loved the vintage decor. The nostalgia hit so hard! It felt just like visiting grandma's house, the grandma who knocked it out in the kitchen! You could spend half your time just soaking in all the quirks and decorative choices. What tickled me the most was that the bench seats are church pews XD Now on to the food. I really liked how they put a modern spin on Southern classics. The menu looked so good we wanted to try everything, so we tried as many dishes as we could. For appetizers, we got pluots and country ham, boiled peanuts, and BBQ shrimp. The pluots and ham went perfect together and were a fun play on what other spots may do using burata cheese, but here they used ricotta. The boiled peanuts with miso was a pleasant surprise and the BBQ shrimp was covered in a sauce that was rich and buttery. The milk bread was a nice touch. For main we got lamb four ways with a side of cornbread. The lamb four ways was so delicious and a good sized portion! We had a good time discussing the different ways the lamb was prepared. I think I liked the sausage the most. The cornbread was great too. It was definitely more on the savory side rather than sweet which I liked, and it was light and bready which again I liked quite alot. Service was very attentive and it was clear that the people working there care about the experience. They were happy to share details about the menu, make food and drink recommendations, or share fun stories. I appreciated that they took their time so you never felt rushed or pressured. It was a very chill experience with good vibes. I would 100% go here again and recommend it to anyone looking for an elevated Soul Food experience in a cozy environment. read more

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Incredibly delicious food and the service is so pleasant and welcoming. I know there's been some comments about their standard service charge of 20% on the bill but most restaurants over a certain price point do that, and it's fair. I suspect it's some kind of concerted effort to give this black run restaurant a bad name. But if you're just looking for really great food in a really nice setting and if you're looking for a good overall experience this is a great place. read more

We made reservation only because this is the only East Bay restaurant that accepts the Chase rewards card my wife has. The food honestly was abysmal. I'm sorry but we really wanted to like this place but it was just not enjoyable. The only thing decent food were the peanuts and cornbread. Everything else was just not good and overpriced. Luckily we had the $150 credit from Chase, but even $50 out of pocket wasn't worth it. The service was the only good thing in this dining experience. Also they add in table charge of 20% (automatic tip), then they add the taxes after including the 20% tip to the subtotal which is a very deceptive practice. I'm actually surprised they've even 3.5 stars. I would not recommend this place. read more

I struggled to decide if this rating deserved 2 or 3 stars. Since I cannot do 2.5, I'm noting it as a 2. What started out as an enjoyable evening slowly turned into a lack of customer service and a reason to not return. To begin, prices are rather high, although we were prepared to pay for a meal that we'd read was the #1 restaurant in the Bay Area according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The food was NOT worth the price we paid. While it was good, I wouldn't highlight anything as unique or tasty enough to warrant the price per dish. We ordered almost every item from the starters and three of the four side dishes. Of the side dishes, we specifically requested the following: corn bread, greens, and the beans. We specifically omitted the mashed potatoes as they weren't something we wanted to try. Since they paced the food out one dish at a time, when we received mashed potatoes alongside our shrimp dish, we thought they were a part of our shrimp. To our dismay, we discovered that they incorrectly delivered them to us and charged us, which we did not discover until after we got the bill. We decided not to dispute it because we were already frustrated and wanted to leave. Why were we frustrated, do you ask? Let me tell you. Near the end of our dinner, we checked in with the our server to inquire about our greens and beans that had not yet arrived. After our server left to check on it, she came back to inform us that she forgot to put it in. We asked that she disregard the collard greens, but that we still wanted the beans. After some time waiting, what did we get? Collard greens! We kindly corrected her and said that we wanted the beans, not the greens. I can understand that it's a loud and small restaurant so it can be difficult to hear what we are saying. This miscommunication is not what upset me. She checked on the beans, returned to say we could keep the greens with no charge. But then she said that we had to vacate our table and finish dining at the bar because another party had arrived. We declined the beens, felt disrespected and honestly, angry. We asked for the check so we could leave. That was when we got the bill and saw that we were charged for the mashed potatoes that we didn't order. At this point we wanted nothing to do with them. We chalked up our loss, paid, and left. Here's the thing: we arrived a few minutes after our reservation time - 6:45pm, arrived at 6:51pm, then we were seated shortly after 7:00pm because our table wasn't ready. No problem here. We had a 15 minute window and we were okay with the additional wait time because the party dining at our spot hadn't finished eating. Flash forward to our dinner and they had the audacity to ask us to go to the bar because of a mistake the server made??? Absolutely unacceptable. To top it all off, they automatically charge a 20% gratuity/service fee stating that it's to help pay for 50% of the staffs benefits. You want to pay their benefits? Charge more for the food upfront. But that experience did not deserve the tip they decided they deserved. I really wanted to enjoy a restaurant that had such a rich history behind it, not to mention the accolades received through various media outlets. To say that this was underwhelming and a disappointment is a serious understatement. Honestly, the two stars I'm giving is more than generous with how I'm left feeling several days after the experience. The food in general was forgettable, although if you feel brave enough to go, the shrimp shareable and fried veggies were good, so I guess that's the silver lining? Just make sure they don't charge you for something you didn't actually order. read more

Burdell - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

Food was terrible. Service was disrespectful Ambience was too loud. Not kids friendly. read more

Drove the 1.5 hours from San Jose to Oakland try Soul Food. I was excited anticipating fried chicken but it was not available on the a la carte menu - only on the special Juneteenth Family Dinner menu for $105 per person. I really came for fried chicken since it is "soul food" and nothing on the a la carte menu appealed to us. We opted for the Juneteenth menu. Came with 3 snacks/appetizers, a small salad, Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken, 3 sides, and Vanilla Sponge Cale dessert. The snacks were the best part of the meal. The salad was good but very small for 2 people (few bites). The fried chicken which should have been the star was a big disappointment. Chicken was brined so juicy enough but lacked any flavor. Did not care for the Smoked Green Chile Hot Honey sauce topping which made the skin soggy - on the side would have been a better option especially since we did not care for the flavor. We got a thigh, drumstick, and breast to share - would have been better if there were 4 pieces for 2 people rather than 3 pieces which was a bit odd. The sides were OK - nothing stood out. Dessert was the Sponge Cake miso caramel lime flavor. I did not like the flavor but my dinner companion did so he enjoyed the entire cake. No complimentary birthday dessert, but a candle with the well wishes card. I left the candle and card so they could re-use it :-). The restaurant was clearly busy when we were there dining so they are doing something right or like us, diners went due to the positive Yelp reviews/rating. Service was attentive. Would I recommend Burdell to friends - sadly no I would not. Automatic 20% gratuity added clearly stated at bottom of menu. No complaints on service. Not server's fault we didn't enjoy the meal. read more

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Came here on a double-date for Sunday brunch, and the vibe inside is really cool (though it got rather hot and there was no AC). Super retro but trendy We did family-style and got the brisket sandwich on viet roll, chicken/waffles, shrimp & grits, beignets, and the banana pancakes. --Personal verdict was chicken/waffles and brisket sandwich were the best. --Banana pancakes had dried bananas on top (not fresh), which was an odd pairing imo. --Brisket sandwich had really good flavor but too salty if ate too much Service was attentive, and food comes out very slow (so expect to relax/spend a bit of time there). Not sure I'd come back for the price (plates are $23-27, beignets were $13(?) for 4 small pieces), but it was cool to try. I'd rate this 3.5-4 stars for the price and what you get for it. read more

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Came here for my anniversary and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere had a homey setting reminding you of grandmas house. From the lighting to the chairs to the plates it warmly welcomes you. We kicked off with the boiled (miso) peanuts, the touch of Ethiopian seasoning on top elevated to that next level while still keeping it very approachable. However, easily the favorite side dish was the cornbread. It's not like your usual and with the butter has phenomenal flavor. The blackened cod dish was screaming with citrus nots from the sauce which went well with the grits. The cod itself, buttery, flaky and blackened giving it a subtle smoky flavor. Topped it all off with the peach cobbler that was very consistent with its texture and crust. The buttermilk ice cream was a good touch also to bring it all home. Yes, it is a tad pricey but the food and atmosphere tells a story that you can get nowhere else. The service we had was equally great and they made it a special anniversary! Thanks to the staff at Burdell!! read more

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If you have a lot of time to burn and don't mind waiting 30 minutes for every dish, this is the place to be! The portions are incredibly small. Be cautious if you're talked or forced into ordering the family-style meal--it felt like a total scam. High prices for fast-food service and quality. Definitely not worth the money nor time. read more

Me and my family came for fathers day. We had high expectations since it had a Michelin star. It was a cute place when we walked in. The first thing we ordered was boiled peanuts, the were not the worst but were also not the best. Then we got shishito peppers. They had no flavor, and it did not appeal us. Then for our main I got a roast which was literally 99% fat. I had to cut an inch out if the two tiny pieces of steak and got charged 59 dollars for it. I would not recommend and would go somewhere better. read more

Finally got a resy to burdell for our anniversary dinner and it did not disappoint. Immediately when you walk into the restaurant you're transported to a place of nostalgia and it feels like you're sharing a home cooked meal with loved ones. We started the meal with boiled peanuts and they were warm, flavorful, and soft on the inside. Then came the chicken liver waffle, which was the perfect combo of sweet and savory. The fried green onions was one of my faves as it was fresh, crispy, and savory all in one bite. For a main entree we tried the Oregon lamb which I thought was pretty good. And we ended the meal with the best cornbread you'll ever have. Honestly felt like a dessert with how sugary and flakey the top of the bread was and the honey butter was the perfect addition. So glad we got to try one of the best restaurants in the bay! read more

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The 3.5 star avg rating is misleading, I really loved this place! The only reason it didn't get a 5 is because I'd have liked more vegetarian options. The hominy grits was ridiculously umami and delicious, no idea how people write about lack of flavor. Same with the cornbread and boiled peanuts with miso broth. Partner got swordfish which was a bit salty but still pretty good too. Yes the place is small, but it's a cool 70's Motown vibe and feels appropriate. Servers were nice and the dishes here are all unique and interesting. Coming back! read more

I am well aware that the restaurant is Michelin star rated somehow, but because of that, I thought the service would be a little better. Even with a reservation, we had to wait about 20 min to be seated and saw others who came in after is get seated fairly promptly. That I was not fond of. However, once we were seated, the service was great. We loved our waiter. He was patient and knowledgeable in everything that was going into the food. Also super accommodating with the lighting because our old eyes couldn't see the food well so he raised the lights up so we could fully see and enjoy our food. I highly recommend the hush puppies and caviar. Sooooo delicious with the prosciutto and their sauces. Yum-pop. Chicken liver dish was a bit too sour for my taste, but we gave it a go. Lamb dish was perfectly cooked but a bit too salty for me. However, paired with their sauces Margaret cocktail, it was perfect. Give them a try and tell me if my taste buds are off. read more

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The cornbread is *chef's kiss* amazing and not over hyped at all. I also absolutely love the Genevieve cocktail which has the egg white foam and is perfectly balanced between sour and sweet. The bread that comes with the shrimp is also really good with the sauce. The lamb was tender and so tasty but on the small side for the price. Butter beans and greens that came with it were delicious. The grits that come with the cod were really good and the cod was fresh but also on the small side. Peach cobbler dessert was AH-MAZING - buttermilk ice cream was so creamy and delicious paired with the fresh baked peaches and cobbler. The caramelization on the sides were yummy. The top part is reminiscent of the corn bread. They didn't mention there was a $9 charge for the house sparkling water so I would recommend they let customers know there is a charge beforehand. Service was good and our main server, Prejean, was really friendly and helpful with a positive vibe. read more

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The interior was cozy and cute, it reminds me of eating dinner in a home almost but I expected more from the dishes. The skin on the roasted chicken was great however it was a bit salty. The corn bread was great paired with the butter, it was dense and had a good texture. The chicken liver and waffle was ok. It's an interesting spin on chicken and waffle but I'm not a fan of liver and the pate tasted weirdly sour? The greens with bacon were soft and tender. The bbq shrimp was good, the sauce was more tomato than I was expecting. The lamb was the star entree on the meal, a 10/10 dish. I was hoping to order their fried chicken, but it looks like they update their menu seasonally. This restaurant was featured on the SF chronicles top 100 restaurants in the Bay Area. There's certainly no other restaurant doing things like they do, however I'm a little disappointed because I was expecting to be wowed with such rave reviews. Service was great. They do serve brunch on the weekends so I am curious to see how they do brunch. read more

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TL;DR The metro newspaper ratedd best in the Bay area. A national magazine voted best in the country. Cal-Southern. Very much an Oakland restaurant. In the lineage, however indirectly, of Chez Panisse. An exciting place to dine. read more

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