This lives within the food court next door to Guitar center and is my goto in east bay for an excellent brisket. Nothing else is as consistently good in quality and service as these folks. Their sides of collard greens and pickles are also great. read more

Got a hot link sandwich. 3/4 lb of brisket. Med potatoes salad, and med Mac and cheese. Everything was so disgusting. The hot link wasn't even spicy and was way too much smoke flavor. There was this weird meaty gristly thing in the potato salad which literally made me puke. I'm always looking for the next bbq spot. But could have done without this one. The service was good the food was terrible. Honestly $80 dollars horribly spent. Don't believe me.. go experience it for yourselves read more

Tucked away inside the Public Market in a little side nook, this is easily one of the best barbecue spots I've come across in the Bay Area. It's the kind of place you almost miss if you're not looking for it, but once you find it, you'll keep coming back. The brisket, pulled pork, and spare ribs are consistently excellent. The meat is incredibly tender, it basically melts in your mouth, and that deep, smoky flavor really seeps all the way through, not just on the surface. The sauces come on the side, and they're free, so don't be shy about asking for extra. I actually asked if there was a limit once, and the cashier laughed and said something like, "Maybe six containers?" If I'm being picky, I'd probably skip the hot links next time. They're not bad, just nothing special compared to how strong everything else is, slightly smoky, but otherwise pretty standard. The collard greens are a standout side dish. They've got this nice acidity that cuts through the richness of the meat really well. There is a noticeable vinegar tang, though, so if that's not your thing, you might want to pass, but if you like that balance, they're great. Another big bonus, there's a park right outside the building near the exit by Cashew Creamery. It's perfect if you've got kids. There's this whale structure they can climb into (through the mouth or side), with a slide on top and climbing holds all over -- fins, back, tail, the whole thing. There are also surfboard-style balance boards on springs and plenty of open space and greenery to run around. And if you're making a little outing of it, it's only about a 10-minute walk to Bay Street, so you can easily pair your meal with a stroll, some shopping, or more food and drinks nearby. read more

Attached is old receipt when this place was cheaper and better, ribs are not great very average and VERY dry. Links and brisket (marble) are the best items here. Today the Mac and cheese wasn't good and it's always good, noodles broken just sloppy! read more

4% discount for cash. They sell by the pound, and generally upsell you like at a deli counter; if you ask for half a pound, they cut 0.65 pounds, and asks you if that is OK, and of course you are going to say yes. This place is unusual in that they do both ribs and brisket exceptionally well; normally, BBQ places do one or the other well, but not both. - 5/5: brisket: $38/lb. I recommend asking for lean. On the fatty side, I got too much fat. Very good flavor that does not rely too heavily on a rub. - 5/5: ribs: $21/lb. Near perfect, but not quite enough smoke flavor as I like. Maybe a 4.8/5. - 5/5: white cheddar mac n cheese: $6 for 8 oz. Great flavor. Al dente. The ribs and brisket arrive at room temperature; I assume they store them at lower temps to keep them juicy and prevent drying out. Both ribs and brisket are good warmed up as leftovers; I steam them briefly (2 minutes) to keep it juicy. read more

Pig in a Pickle - They sell by the pound, and tend to upsell on the poundage. - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

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After scouting out the eateries at the Emeryville Public Market, I decided to give Pig in a Pickle a try. I love BBQ and wanted to love this place. I was excited about everything being ala carte. The thought of selecting exactly what I wanted was enticing. The macaroni and cheese left something to be desired. It was bland. The BBQ was dry, nothing to write home about. The greens were ok. The guy at the counter was nice and ready to serve. I almost forgot the banana pudding. It was just ok as well. I could have had a better plate of BBQ for $40 elsewhere. All in all it was edible. Will I return probably not. It's a food stall with shared spaces for dining. I took mine to go and ate looking at the Golden Gate out of my window. read more

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The smell when I walked in the market place was amazing bbq smoked smell My first time here walked around with my girlfriend who lives in Oakland Emeryville area to see all of the different places that offered food I thought about the fried chicken, but I kept going back to the smell of smoked barbecue. The staff was amazing and so friendly, I ordered the chicken and the beans baked beans so good. They gave me the spicy sauce barbecue sauce and the regular they were both amazing. My girlfriend got the brisket sandwich and the greens. She loved it and ate the entire plate. I will definitely go back here if I'm in the area it's really good and I've been to a lot of barbecue places. I asked for a lid for my leftovers and they also gave me some more barbecue sauce for my chicken very nice place. I would try it definitely again. read more

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Whyyyyyyyyyyy?!!!! Bay Area bbq is so bad!! Over smoked meat!!! This place is bad. I'm so sad!!! I love bbq but can't find one in the Bay Area that's decent. read more

Food looks amazing. Had the pulled pork sandwich. Completely tasteless and the bun only made it worse. Unacceptable for the price. Mac n cheese was good -- if that was all I had I'd have been happy. read more

I'm surprised they don't have a Michelin Star.. The quality of the ingredients, preparation, flavor are on the level of one. The brisket (I usually get a 1lb so I ask for half fatty half lean) is perfectly seasoned and the pink ring is evidence of how well it's been smoked. The ribs... Literally when you bite into it, the meat falls off the bone but it's not fatty at all. The exterior has an even crust of seasoning but it's not too salty. A little bit of the mustard sauce adds a hint of acidity to complement the meat. After you bite off the meat, what you're left with is a completely clean bone, which is evidence of how well it's been prepared and cooked. The cornbread is another must - huge, crumby and has little bits of peppers. read more

Pig in a Pickle - Storefront - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

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Came in on a late Thursday afternoon after a doctors appointment and the food-court was pretty empty which was great because there's no wait. I love BBQ/Smoked Briskets, so we decided to have Pig in a Pickle. Boy, they didn't disappoint, the brisket was was juicy, packed with flavors and it just melted in you month. I had it with the Alabama White Sauce, which was suggested by the manager/owner maybe, was a complete hit. Cornbread was baked perfectly with roasted poblano pepper and made fresh daily. White Cheddar Mac n Cheese with their home made cheese sauce and blend with New York White Cheddar and 7-year aged Wisconsin White Cheddar is one of the best I have had. Love their house made B&B Pickles. It is a must tried if you're in the area. read more

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Best brisket anywhere! And I've had brisket in Georgia, in Tennessee, in Texas of all places and this is STILL the best. Ask for it fatty! Pig in a Pickle also has some great other food, too. I like the sausage (housemade) and the pulled pork is delicious. The chicken you could get almost as good at Whole Foods so no need to spend your money there. But man...if you're looking for true BBQ this is the place. FOOD: Brisket! I'll say it over and over. It's the best. Ask for it fatty! Jalapeno cornbread muffins are terrific and not very hot which is perfect. Awesome baked beans and some of the best potato salad anywhere. Potato salad is a bit on the mustard side which I like but fair warning. The sauces are great. And they have a wonderful variety to choose from. Just a very solid and tasty place! SERVICE: Always great! Seriously. Portions are as you like them. You tell them how much you want and in the case of the brisket if you want a leaner slice or fattier slice. But everyone I've encountered here is so nice and helpful. And they take good care in packaging. COST: It is expensive, but no more than what you'd pay anywhere for such high quality brisket! Go here often. Or don't. More for me! read more

Pig in a Pickle - Small unassuming stand in Public Market in Emeryville - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

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I tried out Pig in a Pickle while I was visiting Emeryville. White cheddar mac and cheese, small: I thought it was pretty good, definitely very thick, creamy, kind of goopy with the level of cheese sauce it's in, but I liked the flavor, including the black pepper. Kind of pungent. Beef brisket: It was $32 a lb at the time, but you can choose whatever quantity (like a deli). Sharing thoughts from other person in my party who ate it: salty, crispy, smokey, black pepper on the sides, savory, juicy, there's fatty parts but not to the point that the rubberiness would be off-putting. Very good brisket! read more

Pig in a Pickle - Beef brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

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Best of the best BBQ in the Bay. I've reviewed this spot already, so I won't do a full review. I've been here 3-4 times, and it's always incredible. The brisket is my favorite, it's juicy, tender, super flavorful. The bark is just perfect. It just melts in your mouth and is pure decadence. read more

Pig in a Pickle - Beef Brisket - 1 lb. - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

I've been listening to Larry Krueger wax poetic about Piiiiiiig In A Pickle for years, but BBQ in northern CA has a very low bar set. That being said, the brisket was EXECUTED very well. My slices had the fat trimmed perfectly so that when it renders down, it makes subtle transition between the meat, fat, and bark. I didn't get any crunchy/burnt/dry bark, so it appears that the pit master is really watching his fire. I would prefer more pepper, but that's a personal issue (I literally say this about every almost every brisket I review on yelp, lurk my reviews). Parking was easy at 1130 on a Friday. Will be back. read more

Pig in a Pickle - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

Super glad I came here for lunch. Probably one of the best BBQ places I've been to in all of California. My pulled pork sandwich was 1/3 pound of meat with vinegar based seasoning on a sturdy bun that held up perfectly. I'm from South Carolina and really loved the mustard sauce which I drenched the pork with. Definitely will be back when I'm in the area again. read more

Pig in a Pickle - Pulled pork- 1/3 lb sandwich, potato salad, Arnold Palmer drink - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

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Best brisket I've had in the bay for a while.. The bark was okay, needs more seasoning. The smoke was pretty good. The collard greens were good. The macaroni and cheese, I didn't like it at all. I'll give this place a go. I'll try the ribs next time, read more

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The choices of BBQ in the East Bay has gotten smaller, so imagine our surprise and treat to find Pig in a Pickle. We took a chance and we were not disappointed. The portions were good, the BBQ ribs were tender, fell off the bone, gave us a choice of BBQ sauce, the greens were so tasty & tender. We also had the potato salad (made w/mustard) and corn bread. Now I want to try more of the sides. Go Here. Eat Here. read more

I love a good beef rib, and Pig in a Pickle got a good beef rib. (Available on Sundays). Price was $41.92 and the weight of our rib was 1.31lbs. My daughter and I devoured it. Great flavor, so damn tender and a perfect ratio of fat to meat. The Mac and cheese is so creamy and cheesy. I couldn't get enough. The collard greens were also delicious with a bright vinegary flavor. I tried the Easter Carolina sauce, mild and hot. They also had Alabama white sauce and a mustard sauce as well. Sauces come on the side. I appreciate that there's a variety of different types of bbq sauces. I'm looking forward to trying more of their offerings! read more

Pig in a Pickle - Beef rib, White Cheddar Mac N Cheese - Small 8oz and Collard Greens with Ham Hock - Small (8oz.) - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

Very good bbq - inside the public market near the bar makes for a fun and lively dining experience. Very good bbq - I had the brisket - it was a fresh one from the back - second person to get some slices. It was flavorful and the wood smoke was evident - to me it didn't seem like there was any cost cutting. One highlight I really liked was that you weren't forced to buy 1 lb of meat in order to get it for a lower price. I was just at Canyon BBQ in Castro Valley the day before and that is their tactic to get you to buy more. The drink was half lemonade and half ice tea - it was not the largest cup and next time I will get one of those and a water as I found the brisket and the bun to be very dry. I give credit for the bun being unique and homemade but just too big and bulky and dry. To me the biggest thing about this place is that it is the one that lures you in from the parking lot. That bbq smoke smell - you can't miss it. There are so many other places in the market that are so simple to just walk right past. Overall, I would prefer if they sold a sandwich instead of everything separately - if they have this option - I sure didn't notice it.... If in the future I can buy a pulled pork sandwich with a little Cole slaw on it to combat that big dry bun I would be happy to re rate at 5 stars. read more

First time trying Pig in a Pickle BBQ, and it did not disappoint! We ordered the beef brisket, baby back ribs, mac 'n' cheese, and coleslaw, and everything was excellent! The beef brisket was unbelievably tender and juicy, with a perfect smokiness from the California White Oak. The flavor of the meat was so rich and delicious that it didn't even need any sauce. The baby back ribs were equally impressive, falling off the bone with every bite. The mac 'n' cheese was creamy, and the coleslaw was a refreshing complement to the meats. Without a doubt, this is the best BBQ I've had in 2024! read more

Pig in a Pickle - beef brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

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I came here with my uncles who love BBQ but I don't eat meat so some things were lost on me. I had sides. The Mac & cheese was delicious! Creamy & rich & just yummy! Potato salad was classic & super yummy as well. I did not care for the corn bread-it had a weird flavor that I can't describe, or the coleslaw-a strong vinegar flavor. But my uncles absolutely LOVED the baby back ribs, chicken & I think it was brisket too. & the house made mild bbq sauce was a big hit with them. This spot was pretty pricy but I think worth it. It's inside of a market that I didn't have time to check out but I want to come back to shop around. It's a walk up counter that gets pretty busy too. Plenty of high top tables around to sit at. Give it a shot if you're in the area & ready to get down on some tender bbq meats! read more

Really good bbq brisket by the lb. and super friendly staff. Corn bread is pretty delicious read more

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Showed up to hang out after church, decided to eat here out all public market places. It took a slight wait since I showed up during shift change. We ordered pulled pork, that was nice and juicy. We ordered, Mac and cheese it was delightful. The beans were cool. I can't speak much about ambience, it's the public market ambiance so for a Sunday it's busy with the football game at the nearby bar. Staff was friendly, however it's not pleasant to hear guy argue with a customer. It didn't bother me but depends on who to ask may have bothered others. 4.4/5 perhaps needs some reflection on customer service handling but overall I would visit this place again read more

Wow bbq HEAVEN. Now I can't say I am a BBQ specialist, but I know good food. The last time something concreted into my memory was in Austin at micklethwait, where I got the last beef rib. We got the last of 2 beef ribs on a Sunday, chose the 2 pounder end piece for leftovers to take home. I would rather next time, get the inner rib for less burnt ends but that's just preference! I also have two kids who loved it so we had to share the juicy parts with them and eat the burnt ends (again, just preference). Fall off the bone, clean off the bone, so flavorful, with great bbq sauces. And Mac and cheese was SOLID, real white cheddar, just creamy enough, and not overcooked. Speckled with black pepper that wasn't too spicy for my very (hungry) spice averse kids. Well, no need to go anywhere else now for bbq! Coming back for brisket next time. And my pickle lover kid ate her dill pickle with both hands, and licked the juice in the paper tray... much to my dismay. The customer service was excellent too!!! read more

This place was so in between for me. The BBQ was cooked beautifully, perfectly tender, cooked well melt in your mouth. The sides were lacking flavor for me. They cook the food very well just not flavorful enough for me. The true test of barbecue is that it is good with or without sauce, this did not pass that test for me. Otherwise the service was great. It is the public market so it can get a bit loud, but that is expected. Unfortunately I would not likely return here but I do strongly recommend giving it a try, its not bad. read more

Wow, Pig in a Pickle serves up some of the best BBQ we've had in a while! Everything is order by pound and ala carte. They have lots of different sauces, all free and on-the-side, plus some very excellent sides. Definitely recommend: * Baby Back Ribs - get a pound to share for two. The outsides looked charred and burnt, but in really the meat underneath is soft, moist and succulent. You don't even need sauce since the seasoning is spot on! * We liked the mild sauce and the Carolina sauce which has apple cider vinegar. They also have a white , mayonnaise based sauce that's supposedly good with chicken. * We opted for marbled brisket instead of the lean brisket. After all, fat=flavor. It's sliced to order. Here, you may want to enjoy with sauce. * White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is creamy and good, and is a favorite of our 4yo son, which normally only likes penne pasta. 5 stars! Glad they are always a good option in Emeryville Public Market for our meat fix. read more

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Pretty pricey for some brisket- $38/lb. Good but pricey. The spicy sauce was good, I didn't like the vinaigrette that much. read more

Pig in a Pickle - Brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

General: If you're looking for some awesome BBq / smoked meat, follow your nose at The Public Market in Emeryville. It will lead you to Pig in a Pickle General: The menu is ala carte so you can build your own plate. The meats are sold by the pound, 7 different sides + a special brisket chili, sauce (pick your own and they are included), salads and drink. Food: I ordered 1/2 lb. of beef brisket and 1/2 lb. of baby back ribs. - The beef brisket had the perfect smoke ring and amount of smoke flavor. I had a mix of lean and marbled. Couldn't tell the difference between the two as both were very moist. - Half pound of ribs equated to 4 meaty and tasty ribs. The meat was tender, moist and again with the perfect amount of smoke. - The white cheddar mac n cheese...creamy and delicious. The only change I would suggest.... provide handwipes in their plastic ware pack. Not a show breaker as there are public bathrooms available on-site. Recommendation: By all means a 5-star...give them a try. I know I'll be back when I'm in the Emeryville area. Want to try their homemade hot links, collard greens w ham hocks and brisket chili! read more

Pig in a Pickle - Half lb of beef brisket n pork baby back ribs w white cheddar Mac n cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

Omg we've seen this every time we came but didn't happen to be in the mood for bbq until today . And I am so happy , customer service was great . The brisket was a 5/5 one of the best I've had in a while . Potato salad was fire . I wasn't a fan of coleslaw neither was my husband . The corn bread was fireeee . I love the mild hot sauce the best . I'm already craving more brisket read more

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Pricing is by the pound so it was a little difficult to judge how much to get but overall a good experience! Brisket: 4/5. We came at the end of the day and the workers were really nice to give us our preferred cuts of meat which I really appreciated! Pulled pork: 4/5. Good texture but relied on sauce for flavor. Chili: 5/5. A must-get! So meaty, so tasty. Cornbread: 5/5. Enough said. Mac and cheese: 4/5. Good but nothing to write home about. read more

Pig in a Pickle - Beef brisket, pulled pork, jalapeño cornbread, Mac and cheese, and chili - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

My SO had been wanting to eat at this restaurant for months and we finally had our chance~ We arrived very early and we ordered a pound of brisket, a pound ribs, a hot link, mac n cheese, half a pound of chicken and a cornbread. The food is quite pricey but we have been craving barbecue since we went to Austin in February. The brisket was so tender and flavorful. It was the definition of perfection. The ribs were a skip for us, the chicken was decent and the hot link because something we were burping for the rest of the day. The mac n cheese was flavorful and the cornbread was well made. Most of the things we ordered were stellar and I'd mainly come for the brisket the next time we come back! read more

Pig in a Pickle - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

This brisket can turn a vegetarian into a pork eating carnivore! I've never really enjoyed Brisket, or even understood why people liked it, until now. Now I know, I've just had crappy brisket. This place has me believing and seeing why people like brisket. This brisket was marbled, tender, warm, and juicy. I was wondering why it took me so long to be converted from my usual ribs to brisket, until now. I got the ribs too and thought they were okay (a but dry), but the brisket was clearly the 10 star winner. The pulled pork was another winner. Really tender and fresh and spiced right in front of your eyes as he chops it up. Get this and make yourself a sandwich, or better yet, give him an extra dollar and some change, and he'll literally make it for you. He has the bread right there and made one for the woman in front of me. I just ate the pork straight out of the box with my sides. Speaking of sides here we go: Mac and cheese: Great, cheesy, and hot. What you expect and want from this comfort food. 3.5/5 Collard greens: This is , drain out the water, but it's tender and good. It felt like the healthiest side here. 4/5 Special chili: Saw this Brisket chili and decided to buy it. Not really a chili....more like brisket pieces and sauce 3/5 stars Corn bread: My least favorite since it was more hard and dry, like a weird corn puck that you can play hockey with. I added some butter, and it was still meh. 1/5 Potato Salad: A hit with my roommates. Not very mustard like. Great red potatoes and tasted like a great picnic potato salad. 4/5 Seriously Great BBQ brisket that is 10 star worthy and the best food stall in the whole Emeryville Public Market. read more

Pig in a Pickle - Get the brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

My friends and I got to the Public Market around noon on a Saturday to peruse the food hall for some lunch. My bf has been looking for good brisket and baby back ribs, so he stood in line at Pig in a Pickle for about 15 mins. We got 1/3lb of beef brisket and a 1/2 pound of baby back ribs. Both were really good and tender! We asked for somewhat fatty and not too lean brisket. It was perrrfect! And bb back ribs just came off the bone! Maybe we got there at the right time when the meat was not overcooked or has been cooking all day long. Still makes me salivate thinking about it!!! Hope to come back again! 5/5 read more

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Actual legit BBQ on the west coast. Okay well the Brisket is legit. Collard greens were not it. Mac and cheese was ok. Hot link was ok. Brisket was good. Cornbread was a little dry and didn't have much flavor. I have had worse brisket many times in Texas. Place is worth going for the Brisket. Sauce wise I liked the spicy well enough and the Mustard sauce too. Brisket doesn't need either one though. read more

Pig in a Pickle - Beef Brisket - 1/2 lb., House Made Hotlinks, Coleslaw - Small (8oz.), White Cheddar Mac N Cheese - Small 8oz, Cornbread Each - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

Very good bbq. The sides are particularly excellent -- corn bread, slaw, mac & cheese. I love being able to order the meat by weight. It compares favorably with my absolute favorite bbq in the world (Brothers BBQ in Reno). Honestly, Pig's sides are probably better, while Reno might have a slight edge on meat and sauce.. barely. But it's great here and a serious bonus that it's even a conundrum. This place is, IMO, better than Horn Barbecue in Oakland. I had really friendly and helpful service, to boot. read more

"I bought a bottle of BBQ sauce in Memphis. I think the stewardess broke it when she tried to jam it into the overhead compartment..." -Jerry Seinfeld This BBQ (Beef Rib and Brisket) don't "need" no sauce... but if you must, go with the Carolina Vinegar, just a tad helps with the lush fatty bites! da Scene: Actually at the Public Market this past Sunday for another spot... the wife was craving sumptin' and I took her 'cause she's my Queen and she deserves a cheat craving every now & then. So, I'm walking around while waiting for her and stumble onto "da Pig". I was just looking at the menu, not really aiming to get anything... but I saw a specials sign touting their Beef Rib only on Sundays... coincidence? Hmmm... things happen for a reason, so I got in line! da Service: Well organized, you belly up to the counter to order up your meats by the pound, then your sides as you doe-say-doe to the right & pay up for your goodies. Nice folks, I had BBQ & sides bagged up in 5min. Well-oiled machine! da Grub: Went with the Beef Rib and 1/2 lb. of Brisket, Carolina Vinegar sauce on the side, med. collards and potato salad. No pickles... do you have to order those? Pretty damn good BBQ. YES, it's pricey, good BBQ (particularly Beef Ribs and Brisket) is hard to find. Unless you wanna invest 1/2 a day smokin' your own, sometimes ya gotta say "I'm worth it" and pony up! Looking forward to tryin' their chicken and Alabama White sauce, as well as other meats... time to price a prime brisket @ Costco and do some smokin' b4 it really starts to rain. Pics next time!! read more

Pig in a Pickle, I was really disappointed with my visit to Pig in a Pickle. The food arrived cold, dry and completely lacked flavor, which made the whole meal feel rushed and careless. For a place known for bold barbecue, this was a huge letdown. Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend it based on this experience. Stay Gold on San Pablo has very flavorful BBQ that does not need sauce. Thanks, AB read more

My fav pre-pre-pregnancy craving. The staff is nice and throw down. The bbq is delicious and absolutely perfect with the Mac and cheese. read more

Pig in a Pickle - Bbq and Sandwich Bun - Barbeque Near Me - Emeryville, California

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We really enjoyed our visit here. First time coming to this food market. We parked ok the street. Some of the ribs were dry but the ones that weren't were very yum. We liked the brisket best. I wish we got the cornbread but forgot to order and didn't wanna get back in line lol. The pulled pork was also yummy i'd get a bun with it. the mac and cheese was like a better version of panera mac and cheese. loved how big the mac noodle is. read more