Elve's BBQ
Barbecue · Oakland
Elve's BBQ Opening Hours
About Elve's BBQ
Elve's BBQ, located in Oakland, is a local favorite serving up delicious barbecue for dinner. With a solid 4.3-star rating based on 75 reviews, we're committed to providing a satisfying experience. We focus on quality ingredients and time-honored techniques to deliver authentic BBQ flavors. Whether...
Elve's BBQ, located in Oakland, is a local favorite serving up delicious barbecue for dinner. With a solid 4.3-star rating based on 75 reviews, we're committed to providing a satisfying experience. We focus on quality ingredients and time-honored techniques to deliver authentic BBQ flavors. Whether you're craving ribs, brisket, or pulled pork, Elve's BBQ offers convenient takeout, perfect for enjoying a flavorful meal at home. Stop by and taste the difference!
What Customers Say About Elve's BBQ
Elve's BBQ is a neighborhood gem known for its delicious BBQ and soul food at affordable prices. Customers rave about the friendly owner and the quality of the food, especially the ribs, yams, and greens. It's a popular spot for locals seeking tasty and inexpensive meals.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Don't let the low prices fool you; the food is awesome for the price! Dine in or carry out.
Features
What to see nearby
Data from Wikidata
Explore the area around Elve's BBQ
Elve's BBQ is located in Oakland, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Historical Heritage
- Trinity Church (A 484m) — historic church in Oakland, California Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos
Museums
- Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (A 892m) — Museum in Oakland, California
Religious Buildings
- Templo Sinaí (A 766m) — Synagogue building in California, United States of America
- North Oakland Missionary Baptist Church (A 796m) — African American Baptist church in Emeryville, California (1904–present)
- First Presbyterian Church of Oakland (A 846m) — church in California, United States of America
Parks & Gardens
- Mosswood Park (A 925m) — park in Oakland, California
Other Points of Interest
- The Saw Mill (A 896m) — building in Oakland, California, USA
Data from Wikidata
Frequently asked questions about Elve's BBQ
Elve's BBQ Oakland Reviews
Inexpensive, delicious Soul food made by a dedicated and wonderful owner! Truly a hidden neighborhood gem.
The food here is great. And at a good price. I will definitely be back
When I lived out there, I used to hit up elve's very often , food is amazing and Mr elve is a saint.
Quality food at the right price. The owner is very friendly. Dine in or carry out.
Been going to ELVES for decades when headquarters where in North Oakland. Now on the Westside of Oakland yet the same great tasting soul food .
This little place has some of the best food I've tasted in the Bay Area
Every time I have been to Elves it has been nothing but respect when I walk through his door. I recommend this place out of respect and Because the food is good.
The barbecue was really good there and the sides were good also the owner was really friendly and professional
When it comes to good bbq at an even better price, you just cant beat this place.
All the meals are great! It's all in the fresh grease daily.
Thank you for 2 hungry sistas from NC cant wait to go back those wings were delicious!!!!
The BBQ was some the best that I've ever eaten. The ribs were tender and included a lot of sauce. The yams were also really good and taste homemade. The customer service was second to none. I was overall very pleased.
Omg I'm already in love with this place and today was my first time going there!! Food is so fresh tasty and made with love and soul. I encountered one of his long time customers who happened to be in there and he's been going there for 30+ years. I will definitely be back soon!! So glad I found this soul food restaurant!! Best one I ever been too!!
Epitome of secret hole in the wall eatery, serving delicious BBQ and soul food at beyond reasonable prices. Seriously, you can get an order of ribs with greens, beans, and cornbread for $10, which is unheard of in the bay area these days.
Great neighborhood bbq. Terrific greens and yams and tasty ribs. There are a few seats. The owners and other diners are friendly. Near Kaiser hospital, about a 12 minute walk.
The best soul food i have eaten in awhile. With good prices. Great loacation within walking from my house. I eat here about every w weeks
The owners are wonderful and inviting . The food is made to perfection . I ordered the red snapper cornbread fries and yams..yummm
Don't let the low prices fool you, this is awesome food for that low price! I'll definitely be coming back again!
When I lived out there, I used to hit up elve's very often , food is amazing and Mr elve is a saint.
Thank you for 2 hungry sistas from NC cant wait to go back those wings were delicious!!!!
When it comes to good bbq at an even better price, you just cant beat this place.
The food here is great. And at a good price. I will definitely be back
The barbecue was really good there and the sides were good also the owner was really friendly and professional
Quality food at the right price. The owner is very friendly. Dine in or carry out.
The owners are wonderful and inviting . The food is made to perfection . I ordered the red snapper cornbread fries and yams..yummm
The BBQ was some the best that I've ever eaten. The ribs were tender and included a lot of sauce. The yams were also really good and taste homemade. The customer service was second to none. I was overall very pleased.
Inexpensive, delicious Soul food made by a dedicated and wonderful owner! Truly a hidden neighborhood gem.
Don't let the low prices fool you, this is awesome food for that low price! I'll definitely be coming back again!
Omg I'm already in love with this place and today was my first time going there!! Food is so fresh tasty and made with love and soul. I encountered one of his long time customers who happened to be in there and he's been going there for 30+ years. I will definitely be back soon!! So glad I found this soul food restaurant!! Best one I ever been too!!
The best soul food i have eaten in awhile. With good prices. Great loacation within walking from my house. I eat here about every w weeks
Epitome of secret hole in the wall eatery, serving delicious BBQ and soul food at beyond reasonable prices. Seriously, you can get an order of ribs with greens, beans, and cornbread for $10, which is unheard of in the bay area these days.
Been going to ELVES for decades when headquarters where in North Oakland. Now on the Westside of Oakland yet the same great tasting soul food .
All the meals are great! It's all in the fresh grease daily.
This little place has some of the best food I've tasted in the Bay Area
Great neighborhood bbq. Terrific greens and yams and tasty ribs. There are a few seats. The owners and other diners are friendly. Near Kaiser hospital, about a 12 minute walk.
Every time I have been to Elves it has been nothing but respect when I walk through his door. I recommend this place out of respect and Because the food is good.
I was pleasantly surprised. The place doesn’t look like much and the neighborhood is a bit run down, but the food was great, uniquely delicious and the staff was friendly and responsive. I’m going back.
I was pleasantly surprised. The place doesn’t look like much and the neighborhood is a bit run down, but the food was great, uniquely delicious and the staff was friendly and responsive. I’m going back.
When it comes down to a problem with the food His customer service is unprofessional and uncaring and so is the lady that works there. I purchased $47 and change on food from their restaurant and the porksteak was over cooked but i ate it because i was hungry and didnt want to waste more food. The spaghetti wasnt worth shir. Usually its a plate of heaven . but tjis time it was salted tomato water with flat noodles. There was no real sauce no meat no cheese no other seasonings besides salt. And before i ordered the yams i asked was the yams sweet because i like candied yams and if the yams are not sweet ,i dont want them. Her exact words were "my yams are southern,they are sweet ,i can make them extra sweet by putting my finger in them",we laughed and i said put extra sugar on it" The yams were npt sweet this time. They never get like my dads candied yams but sometimes they get close. This time they didnt the syrup wasnt sweet enough so it wasnt thick enough,thus not transferring much sweetness into the yams. I called and said to her "i think you gave me the wrong spaghetti" and she said"we only have one spaghetti" and i said"elve spaghetti has meat and cheese and actual sauce for yrs now" she said with an attitude "we only have one spaghetti,if you don't like it you can bring it back" im not sure if she hung up before or after my response but i said with an attitude "oh i sure will" i didnt bother calling back because it wasnt gonna go well. She hung up before i could tell her about the yams. So i assumed I'll just get the yams situation fixed with the spaghetti situation. I came back monday and began to tell elve what i was there for and he had a attitude walked away as he was talking to me and told me angrily "uh uh i didnt do it,she not here,she wrote down spaghetti and i dont know nothing about no yams" and i had to ask him when she'd be back and he said tomorrow. I also asked what time and he angrily told me while partially mumbling "i dont know i dont know when she get here"as if he didnt wanna help to keep from calling him a b##t P####e i left. I'll be back tomorrow with these dying sides and if she dont fix both mistakes im going to take her to small claims court and it will cost them both more than the cost of two sides. Yall cant treat or talk to y'all customers like that we purchase your food thus paying your bills. Just because yall in the hood does not mean yall should treat customers like thieves and scam artists. To all the readers have a blessed day.
When it comes down to a problem with the food His customer service is unprofessional and uncaring and so is the lady that works there. I purchased $47 and change on food from their restaurant and the porksteak was over cooked but i ate it because i was hungry and didnt want to waste more food. The spaghetti wasnt worth shir. Usually its a plate of heaven . but tjis time it was salted tomato water with flat noodles. There was no real sauce no meat no cheese no other seasonings besides salt. And before i ordered the yams i asked was the yams sweet because i like candied yams and if the yams are not sweet ,i dont want them. Her exact words were "my yams are southern,they are sweet ,i can make them extra sweet by putting my finger in them",we laughed and i said put extra sugar on it" The yams were npt sweet this time. They never get like my dads candied yams but sometimes they get close. This time they didnt the syrup wasnt sweet enough so it wasnt thick enough,thus not transferring much sweetness into the yams. I called and said to her "i think you gave me the wrong spaghetti" and she said"we only have one spaghetti" and i said"elve spaghetti has meat and cheese and actual sauce for yrs now" she said with an attitude "we only have one spaghetti,if you don't like it you can bring it back" im not sure if she hung up before or after my response but i said with an attitude "oh i sure will" i didnt bother calling back because it wasnt gonna go well. She hung up before i could tell her about the yams. So i assumed I'll just get the yams situation fixed with the spaghetti situation. I came back monday and began to tell elve what i was there for and he had a attitude walked away as he was talking to me and told me angrily "uh uh i didnt do it,she not here,she wrote down spaghetti and i dont know nothing about no yams" and i had to ask him when she'd be back and he said tomorrow. I also asked what time and he angrily told me while partially mumbling "i dont know i dont know when she get here"as if he didnt wanna help to keep from calling him a b##t P####e i left. I'll be back tomorrow with these dying sides and if she dont fix both mistakes im going to take her to small claims court and it will cost them both more than the cost of two sides. Yall cant treat or talk to y'all customers like that we purchase your food thus paying your bills. Just because yall in the hood does not mean yall should treat customers like thieves and scam artists. To all the readers have a blessed day.
Sign in to leave a review
Sign inRemove ads and manage your menu
Explore Your Area
Gallery
No photos available
Photos will appear here when synced from Google Places
About Elve's BBQ
How to get there
3214 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA 94609
Highlights
Services
Dining Options
Restaurant Info
Amenities
The Neighborhood
Location
3214 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA 94609
📍 Explore the Neighborhood
Upcoming Events
Oaklash Festival 2026 Afterparty
16 May 2026, 19:30
Crybaby
October London, Leela James & Eric Benet
16 May 2026, 20:00
Paramount Theatre Oakland
Ultimate Teedra Moses M&G Experience
17 May 2026, 19:00
Paramount Theatre Oakland
Ultimate Floetry M&G Experience
17 May 2026, 19:00
Paramount Theatre Oakland
historic church in Oakland, California
Synagogue building in California, United States of America
African American Baptist church in Emeryville, California (1904–present)
church in California, United States of America
Museum in Oakland, California
building in Oakland, California, USA
park in Oakland, California
Gaming
🎮 Earn Points While You Explore!
Play Find Me and redeem points for discounts at Elve's BBQ and other restaurants
Earn Points at Elve's BBQ!
Play Find Me and redeem rewards here
Earn extra points and redeem them for rewards at Elve's BBQ
🏆 Rewards at Elve's BBQ
10% Discount
At Elve's BBQ
Free Appetizer
On your next visit
VIP Table
Premium experience
to redeem rewards and earn points
📋 How Do Rewards Work?
Play Find Me
Every 100 score points = 1 reward point
Collect Points
Workers earn 2x points per game
Redeem Rewards
Discounts, free food and VIP experiences
Is it yours? Claim it FREE!
Remove ads and manage your menu