Black Star BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Richmond

Black Star BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Richmond

78 Railroad Ave, Richmond, CA 94801

Highlights

Nestled by the bay, this quirky BBQ haven boasts Southern-style smoked meats, outdoor seating, live music, and scenic views, making it a must-visit.

78 Railroad Ave, Richmond, CA 94801 Get directions

instagram.com

@blackstarpiratebbq

$20–30 · Menu

@eater

"It was just about a year ago that Black Star Pirate BBQ owners Miss Suzie and Tony Caracci held a New Orleans-inspired funeral for their dearly beloved business when it closed. The Richmond destination restaurant for brisket and ribs was survived by the couple’s sister restaurant Baltic Kiss in Point Richmond, where Caracci told Eater SF he hoped to do barbecue pop-ups here and there. “You know, death is just a new beginning,” Caracci said. It seems like that time has come: The Black Star is back." - Paolo Bicchieri

Black Star Pirate BBQ: Richmond Barbecue Phenomenon Lives Once More - Eater SF

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@eater

"Black Star Pirate BBQ, a popular restaurant in Richmond, known for its unique location and barbecue offerings like brisket and ribs, is closing on November 27. Chef Tony Carracci plans to host a New Orleans-style jazz funeral on its last day. The restaurant, which started as a food truck, has been described as 'otherworldly' and attracted many new customers during the pandemic. Due to a rent increase, Carracci decided to end the lease at the current location but plans to do barbecue pop-ups at his other restaurant, Baltic Kiss, and elsewhere." - Dianne de Guzman

Black Star Pirate BBQ Is Throwing a New Orleans Jazz Funeral for the Restaurant’s Closing - Eater SF

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@eater

"Perhaps one of the East Bay’s most remote restaurants, Black Star Pirate BBQ replaces its predecessor, Nobilis, atop a bumpy, winding, seemingly endless uphill road, on the waterfront — about as far west as you can drive in the East Bay without plunging into the actual bay. That means the views from the restaurant’s outdoor patio are pretty sweet, and the food — sauce-slathered brisket and tri tip, plus a brunch menu focused on big, comforting plates of shrimp and grits and biscuits and gravy — is also worth the trip." - Luke Tsai, Eater Staff

The Best Restaurants in Richmond, CA - Eater SF

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Rudoggivic

Google

BLACK STAR makes BBQ. Actual BBQ. Smoked, tender, meats. Ketchup based sauces with drippings. The portions aren't GIGANTIC, But the bowl for a single person is filling enough, sharing is a decent snack. The pulled pork isn't a stringy mess that uses sauces to hide like other places. No, BLACK STAR has chunky, melt-in-your-mouth tender pulled pork that is delightful even without the sauce. The sauce, pulled pork, cowboy beans and potato salad are GLUTEN FREE as well.

JOANN SKYWATCHER

Google

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!!!

Amanda Solo

Google

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! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

David Smart

Google

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.

benfam3

Google

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?

Reina Montante

Google

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!

Rob Hansen

Google

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!).

Chad Shaver

Google

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.