Black Star BBQ Richmond
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Black Star BBQ

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4.5861 reviews

Black Star BBQ brings Southern flavor to Richmond, CA. This cozy spot showcases BBQ dishes that thrill the taste buds. With a welcoming vibe, it serves up hearty meals with rustic decor. Patrons enjoy a casual atmosphere, live music, and great views. A true oasis for BBQ lovers!

Located right on Railroad Avenue, Black Star BBQ features outdoor seating and space for families and friends to gather. The sound of sizzling meat mixes with the tunes of local musicians, making every visit special. Enjoy mouthwatering plates while soaking in the warm atmosphere.

About

Black Star BBQ is a hidden gem in Richmond, California. It's not just a restaurant, but a local favorite with a distinct Southern charm. The journey there is as delightful as the food, showcasing views of the waterfront. Visitors find the inviting ambiance perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

The establishment is inspired by Southern BBQ traditions. Owners emphasize quality and simplicity in their dishes. Each meal highlights fresh ingredients and a passion for flavor. Unique sculptures and outdoor seating provide a funky touch that captures the heart of the community.

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78 Railroad Ave, Richmond, CA 94801, United States

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    Customer Reviews

    "Food was excellent here! Must try the trip tip, coleslaw, and beans!! They had live music with great melody. It was a very inviting and chill atmosphere. Servers are making you feel comfortable with where everything is and how it works and quick to serve and clean up. Nice access to a small beach with seating and a place to play. We would definitely return! "

    - Amanda S.

    "Not a bad place to spend an afternoon. We made the trek out here on a recommendation, and enjoyed the food. 3 meat and 3 side combo and a few drinks fed 2adults and a teenager, but might have been more suited to just 2 adults. Burnt tips were excellent. It seemed a bit light on the pirate theme, but we still had fun. Dog friendly with outdoor seating."

    - David S.

    "Wow, what a funky, cool place this is. Glad I discovered it before it closes. Good food and drink, live music, burning man art and a lovely spot on the bay at point San Pablo. We spent the whole afternoon here recently, which is really easy to do with all they offer. This is a great spot for a party or gathering. Plenty of room and parking and definitely off the beaten path. Can't imagine what will become of this place after the restaurant closes . Love to go back at some point, will see?"

    - benfam3

    "In an adventurous mood, we set out for the day, intending to find and visit, Black Star Pirate BBQ. Not really knowing what to expect, we were pleasantly surprised by the beautiful and vast views on the drive in. Since it's located a bit off the beaten path, I would recommend visiting for the first time when you aren't in a rush. The parking area is mostly dirt, so it becomes muddy during the wet season. Wearing the right kind of shoes will allow you the best opportunity to explore unencumbered. The area surrounding the parking has numerous large and oversized metal and mixed media sculptures. Kids love to explore these and potentially see some local goats as well. The restaurant itself is easy to find since it frequently features live music. The decor is rustic and sort of mismatched in a pleasantly inviting way. You are greeted at the entrance by a host who answers questions and takes your order. The seating is open, and both kid and dog friendly. At times, the larger tables can also be communal if all parties are open to that. The central covered patio also has outdoor heaters for nights and cooler days. Overall, Black Star provides a friendly and welcoming environment. Imagine a large BBQ party at relative's that you haven't seen in a while. The portions were good and the food was very tasty. We tried three meats: ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. We would order all three again, but my favorite was the brisket-- something worth fighting over the last bite! Even in sub 50-degree weather, we enjoyed the food, music, and outdoor settings until after the sun went down. We are sure to return again and again!"

    - Reina M.

    "What a great discovery! It's like a mini adventure, with an excellent food reward! The journey to the restaurant is almost half the fun, getting to see the bay from a perspective we don't normally get. Then, the best BBQ I've had in California. The pulled pork was exquisite, and the pulled chicken sandwich with spicy sauce was fantastic - I'll be coming back for another one soon. The jalapeno cornbread went perfectly with the meat, and the watermelon slice was a nice touch. I appreciate that the owners / management have put actual thought into the logistics here. It seems the place is catching on from word of mouth and newspaper articles... So even though this is a hidden gem that feels like another part of the world, and even though this is a small business, they have invested in finding very helpful staff, training them well, and equiping them with tablets to take orders remotely / inline, so we can be turned loose with a pager to hang out while we wait for our food. They've kept the menu simple, they know what they are good at and that's what they make. I visited on a Sunday, and they had live music which really put the final polish on this experience. The band played a mix of jazz/bluegrass/70s funk, and the crowd ate it up (along with their brisket!)."

    - Rob H.

    "This is a totally unique place!!! Hard to believe that you are in the Bay Area. The grounds are amazing. Views of yachts and houseboats from dining area. We loved our food, and there was a large band singing music from the 60s and 70s that kept us singing along... You will be surprised at the large Burning Man sized sculptures. I definitely took lots of pics!!!"

    - JOANN S.

    "This is a fantastic BBQ restaurant. Lively greeter with great recommendations set us up with some great food. I had since lamb and pork ribs with sides and a beer. The view is amazing and the live music was the cherry on top of a great meal. We got there just in time too, as we were leaving there was a nice sized line out front that speaks for how good this place is. Drive slowly, the road out there is thin with blind corners."

    - Chad S.
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    Why Visit

    Visiting Black Star BBQ means diving into a vibrant culinary experience. The BBQ here is not just about filling up; it's about savoring every bite. Try the trip tip, coleslaw, and beans—a local favorite! The atmosphere draws people in, making it a perfect afternoon getaway.

    Live music enhances the experience, with performances on weekends. Enjoy the laid-back vibe while indulging in crowd-pleasers like pulled pork and brisket. Black Star BBQ welcomes everyone—families, friends, and pets. The friendly staff ensures a comfortable dining experience, always ready to offer recommendations.

    Parking is easy, although the dirt lot can get muddy during rain. Arriving with the right footwear is wise. Take a minute to explore the unique sculptures around the restaurant. Kids enjoy the open space, and communal dining tables allow for mingling with fellow BBQ fans.

    Most Liked Things

    The live music creates a captivating dining atmosphere.

    Portions are generous, providing excellent value for the price.

    Outdoor seating offers stunning views of the bay.

    Unique sculptures surrounding the restaurant are great for photos.

    The welcoming vibe accommodates families and pets.

    Most Disliked Things

    The parking area can become muddy after rain.

    The rustic decor might feel mismatched for some.

    Vegetarian options are limited, focusing mainly on BBQ.

    The venue might be crowded during live music events.

    Location is slightly off the beaten path for some visitors.

    FAQ

    What type of cuisine does Black Star BBQ serve?

    Black Star BBQ specializes in Southern style BBQ. The menu features smoked meats, classic sides, and traditional flavors to enjoy.

    What are the must-try dishes here?

    Definitely try the pulled pork and tater tots. The menu includes a variety of meat and side combos, making it easy to sample different flavors.

    Are there options for vegetarians and children?

    Yes, Black Star BBQ offers vegetarian options on the menu. The place has a children's menu and high chairs, making it family-friendly.

    Is there live music at Black Star BBQ?

    Yes, the restaurant hosts concerts, adding to its vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy great food while soaking up live performances.

    How is the ambiance at Black Star BBQ?

    The ambiance is casual and welcoming. With outdoor seating and a friendly vibe, it’s a perfect spot for families and friends.