Heads and Tails Barbecue

Been there many times since it opened last year. It’s the best BBQ place in the east bay. They have a great collection of cocktails that my husband likes. I had fried chicken sandwich for a change today and it was so good! Highly recommended.

Popped in for lunch to check out the newly opened H&T and loved it. The brisket was delicious with a side of Vaquero beans that packed plenty of flavor as well. I could see the bar is well stocked with a great selection of spirits as well as a bunch of quality local beers on tap. Points as well for having a quality N/A offering. I received fast and very friendly service. Looking fwd to visiting again soon and wish this new business the best of luck as it was obvious that plenty of heart & soul is invested at heads & tails.

I was in Oakland and thought that Q sounded good for dinner. There wasn't anything open in the entire area except back over the bridge in SF on the way home but I saw the map entry for this place and decided to give it a try. I knew it was new but it looked promising. The place is roomy, nice, and welcoming. There are large TVs so you can probably catch something that interests you. I didn't get her name but the host/waitress? was so pleasant and nice. There's a nice full bar ready to serve your favorite libation. I was here with my daughter and we split a two meat platter which is more than enough unless you're a big eater. They made a Shirley Temple for my daughter and she was thrilled because they don't use the common bright red Maraschino cherries, no, they use tasty gourmet ones like I have at home :). We had the pulled pork, brisket, and Mac and cheese. The included pickled veggies are a nice twist. The Mac n cheese was container licking worthy, the pork was tender and smoky, delicious. The cut of brisket that I was given was a mistake by the kitchen, given that it's fairly new I wasn't mad, the bark had good flavor the moist ends were good. The problem was I was given the very end of the flat and was obviously a misunderstanding. A gentlemen walked by and asked if everything was good, I went to him at the bar and explained what my concerns were and he knew there was a problem and said he would never serve that part and would talk to the kitchen. I'm telling you this because it's important to know that this owner is genuinely concerned with what he's serving and it's our responsibility to help them by providing honest and respectful feedback to help them if we want to have a nice place to come and enjoy a meal. We want the small business to thrive, not cut them down by giving a bad review without talking to the owner. Shortly after our talk he came back from the kitchen with some replacement brisket and it was simply delicious, worthy of your consideration for sure. There were three sauces to choose from out of the traditional ones I preferred the spicy version which is actually mild. The star though was the Carolina mustard style one. I don't normally eat brisket with much sauce let alone mustard but this was so tasty, my daughter loved it too. This place is open fairly late which is great, there aren't many places to get Q at night, unfortunately I live on the other side of the bay but I'll come back here without hesitation. If you live in the area, please make plans to stop by, give them a try, and have a nice sit down meal. You're lucky to have them, you have an opportunity to contribute to their success, there is nothing in my area.

I ordered 1 meat + 2 sides. I will say the pickles and onion were delicious! I've been excited to try this restaurant. Ordered pastrami burnt ends with potato salad and the vaquero beans. I wish I would have taken a before. But I would say never like 10 pieces give or take. And five of them were all fat. That was disappointing potato salad not my style. Beans were too heavy on the liquid smoke. Because I was good and I did enjoy the corn pudding my first time there. I'm interested in the fried Chicken on Fridays

Excellent food! Brisket, chicken sandwich, fries, Mac n cheese, street corn, pickles veggies and BLT salad have been favorites so far. Cant wait to get back and try the pork bbq offerings 🏆

The food and drinks are delicious and on-point. The beer was cold and smooth. The brisket was tender and juicy; you know they knock it out of the park when you see that smoke ring. The Mac and Cheese was kid's favorite. The Queso (asked for chips instead of Fries) was full of flavor as well. Last but not the least, friendly servers and open atmosphere, will go again!

Awesome cocktails and awesome BBQ! The smoked meats have a great texture and very well calibrated flavors!

We ordered 1 lb of brisket, half rack of pork ribs, and 3/4 lbs of pastrami burnt ends as takeout on 1/13/25. The brisket was so bad that it's borderline inedible. We ordered the "fatty" option, assuming that it would be the point end, but instead, what we got is a mix of literally untrimmed fat from the outside and thin strips of, very very surprisingly, the flat end. The pieces aren't even from the same chunk of meat, just random bits. The pork rib was better but it was clear that they were roasted for a fairly short amount of time, rather than a nice slow roast. I say that because the connective tissues in the ribs haven't broken down at all. They are quite hard to chew so you have to spit them out basically. I will say that the meat itself still had a good amount of moisture and the seasoning is good. I haven't had pastrami burnt ends before so I don't have a strong opinion here. The seasoning is good but the lean portion of the meat chunks are quite dry, which I'm guessing is not how it's intended to be, based on my experience with Kansas-style burnt ends. I rarely leave reviews but this meal was truly one of the worst BBQ meats I've had in a long while and I can't wrap my head around how any chef would be OK putting out this kind of product. I sense that the owner cares about the customer experience from other reviews/replies. I hope my experience with the food is constructive and helps them improve. (Edited to add date of purchase.)

Hella tasty! Finally some good BBQ that doesn't taste like liquid smoke. The brisket had the right amount of fat and the smoked chicken was some of the best I've. Flavorful and juicy!!! That's hard to keep consistent in a restaurant unless you care. And they fo sho care. I love the sweet BBQ sauce, potato salad was a bit dry for me but mayo/vinegar slaw was on point. Garlic rolls a bit overpriced for what they are, I had higher expectations. All in all definitely worth the trip and the money. Lots of large TVs so you can watch Warrior basketball games. Service was great, really friendly and accommodating. Go check it out if you haven't. You won't be disappointed.

I came here 4 months ago and decided to come back the day before Super Bowl LIX; there is only excellence here. The happy hour menu is the most affordable way to taste some of the real treats of this experience. One of the standouts to me is the wings. I love wings but only if they are juicy and not dried out when bbq. These wings are better than fried and they are smoked filled with flavor. The cocktails are delicious and perfect balance of sweet and liquor. The music and the television's with you game choice is yet another plus to come here and kill time and nosh. Honorable mention for the queso with chips or chicharrones, making them a treat that is beyond what you are used to. Their meats and sides are just amazing and I consider them one of the bes BBQ experiences in the East Bay across the board. Ann is an excellent mixologis and server. Definitely knows how to make a sidecar.

Ordered take-out on their website through Toast -- app was very convenient. Everything I ordered was EXCELLENT! 1. Fries (crunch and taste 10/10) 2. Beet&Farro Salad 3. Bourbon maple pork belly 4. Chicharones trio of salsa (guacamole was a dollop of heaven) 5. Shells and cheese (my new fave mac/cheese version) 6. Brisket 7. Fried chicken thigh 8. Smoked chicken thigh & leg 9. Garlicky potatoes and garlic rolls 10. Pork Ribs I picked up around lunch time, still I easily found parking on the street just in front of the restaurant, and restaurant has a good number of tables. Building is spacious with high ceiling. My order was already packed and ready. Got charged for packaging but that was fair. Their prices are reasonable, and for the quality of food they have -- definitely worth it! And after driving for 30mins to my destination, the french fries were still the crunchiest and tastiest I have ever had! No photos taken because food was all gone in a minute, so you know it's quite good. Will definitely come back, recommend to friends, and add to my favorites.

I've been wanting to try Heads and Tails for a while now. On New Year's Eve, I was so happy they were open and baby/kiddo friendly! I think on a date night it would be fun to hit Acme bar first and then head next door for a little barbecue action. This spot is located where the old German restaurant (Gaumenkitzel) once was. Cool concept with barbecue, full bar, brews, and a seemingly fun vibe. For New Year's it wasn't entirely packed, which was nice for a little one in tow. Unfortunately they ran out of the white bean dip which we were really looking forward to and the hot links. We ordered the Chips & Queso (with a dollop of chili atop), the Mac & Cheese, Smoked Baby Carrots, a couple tacos, the Brisket Melt, and the Banana Pudding. My main was the tacos and they were a bit lackluster. I was expecting the meat and cheese to be oozing and dripping out, but that wasn't the case here. The Brisket Melt on the other hand was delicious, and a patron next to us mentioned the brisket and chicken were standouts. I am a big fan of shell mac & cheese, so was a big fan of theirs. We actually ordered two sides because it was so yummy. The smoked carrots were okay, while the banana pudding was also a fun and yum end of meal treat. I think all in all, I will def come back and take the advice to order a smoker plate so I can truly taste the meat/s. Looking forward to trying a cocktail and also a few of the items that they didn't have on the menu. The bones are here and feels are here, worthy of a second-try. Plenty of street parking and value seems reasonable.

Came by on a Saturday afternoon for a late lunch. My sister and I sat at the bar and the bartender was super friendly and cool. I told him what kind of drinks I like and he recommended a cocktail that was off menu. It was delightful! We got queso (nice and thick!!!) and then a 3 meat plate. Our favorite was definitely the pulled pork along with the chicken tinga. Typically I love brisket but it wasn't my favorite at this spot. For sides we got the potato salad and also the beans. Seriously the beans were so incredible and had this awesome meat. Nommmmm nommmmm nom!! Lots of screens around the restaurant so we are also thinking this is a great spot to watch a game. We will definitely return!!

Rick and team are wonderful. My husband had his holiday party here tonight and we came with our kids. Rick was nice enough to switch a kids movie over to one of the many tv screens in the party area so my kids could watch and eat. He and the other staff also kept refilling water and checked up on us. He also brought over a tray of fries when they first came out which was so nice of him. The BBQ here is amazing and reminds me of Mighty Quinn's from NYC. The Mac and cheese was also really good. The salad was really fresh. I like the variety of their alcohol selection and their frozen margarita was really good and they put some tajin on top for me as well. Great new bbq place with fantastic staff, food, and drinks! Will be back!

I think they were having a bad day when we visited. There was a large party in the right hand side of the restaurant. We seated ourselves and I was able to order the food using a QR code and they clearly received our order because our drinks arrived shortly after ordering. The drinks weren't great, the soda gun was likely out of CO2 because our drinks were completely devoid of bubbles. The barman was pleasant and friendly and said he'd check it out, brought us new ones but they were still flate. $10 for two flat sodas didn't seem like great value to me, I assume they were refillable but we didn't fancy that much. The service was spotty. After sitting at our table for 20 minutes someone came and asked us if we had ordered, I said we had done it virtually and waited some more time. After 30 minutes had elapsed after getting our drinks, I enquired as to where our food was and was told it would be 5 minutes. 15 minutes later part of our order arrived, a selection of meats and sides but the hand pie I ordered was "on its way". The food was decent, but inconsistent, the ribs were really good, flavourful and tender but still with a little bite to it. They really didn't need much sauce which is good because the BBQ sauce provided was thin and watery and lacked complexity. The cheddar sausage was only ok, nothing special and the sides of coleslaw and fries were as described, but unremarkable. We also shared a banana pudding which I ate and then realised that over an hour after placing our order, the hand pie I had ordered had not materialised. As I was asking the barman to cancel it, it turned up but we'd already had our dessert by then and I wasn't keen to eat it at this point so we asked for it to be removed from the bill and it was with no fuss. Conceptually this place seems good but it seems that they got hosed by the appearance of a large party. I wasn't sure if this was a pre-booked or impromptu group turning up, if it was planned then that's really not a good excuse for a backed up kitchen.

When I read Gina G's review I realized it had been months since I'd been to Heads and Tails and I decided to come here for lunch today. I also wanted to get takeout so I could have a few more meals at home. I arrived about 1:00 and found parking directly in front I walked in and was greeted by Jill, who was also my server, but first I needed to go to the restroom. After that I picked up a menu from the top of the barrel by the front door and took a seat at my favorite table, on the banquette. As often is the case, I forgot my reading glasses in the car and I didn't want to go back to get them, so I peered and squinted. The menu has changed a bit. The mac n cheese is now offered as an appetizer. There's a good size appetizer list, a list of mains and one of sandwiches. On the other side was a list of their cocktails, wines and beers. I ordered a brisket sandwich, w/ fries and the brisket and smoked chicken to go. I had the choice of two sides. Mac n cheese is no longer an option, but the smoked beet and farro salad is. When I couldn't decide on a second side Jill suggested doubling the beet and farro, which was a great idea! After taking my order Jill returned and said that they were out of smoked chicken and asked if I wanted fried instead, which I did. I asked about hot tea and Jill said the best she could do was hot water w/ lemon, so that's what I had. It was good, served in an Irish Coffee glass, and stayed hot a long time. After a reasonable time my sandwich and fries were brought, along w/ a handle bag w/ my takeout. The sandwich was delicious, as were the fries, which were crispy and a good quantity, generous but not excessive. Rick saw me from upstairs and came down to say hello. We chatted for a while, which was a pleasure, and then he went back upstairs to work, When I was finished Jill took my tray and I paid. She told me she was the events and catering manager. I gathered my stuff and headed for the door. Jill came over and held the door open for me, which I appreciated a lot. When I got home I realized I could have and should have ordered an appetizer of mac n cheese to take home. Next time I'm there and do takeout that's what I'll do, I will have the fried chicken and salad for dinner tomorrow and am looking forward to it.

The problem was we came in on Sunday evening & they were out of most things. However the waiter suggested that I get the beef rib instead. I should have asked the price but the staff should know not to suggest something that is 2 x the price. When it was time to pay he did not present the bill either. It was all very frustrating

Ordered a 1/2lb of brisket and and 1/2 rack of ribs and a small side of coleslaw and a slice of bourbon chocolate pecan pie for a Thursday lunch. Everything was pretty well seasoned, but the meat was on the dry side. The pie was served cold which might have tasted better if warmed. I had a middle of the road experience; nothing stood out but nothing was egregious either.

Let's talk briscuit - yes- and yes again- it's very moist and their Mac n cheese...mmmmmm It's a cute place with plenty of room. The bar is well stocked and the staff is really helpful in their selections- the Mrs had an espresso martini - loved it. You can park in the street and it's an easy in and out to the neighborhood. I like it here and will be back. Oh almost forgot - get the coleslaw - it's a German slaw favorite of mine- it reminds me of home- just a hint of citrus which brings it to another level - Come visit- you will be happy you did

Working from home has its perks, aka trying new restaurants during my lunch break! I asked my Pop if he was down to go out and he agreed and suggested we try Heads and Tails. We came during lunchtime on a weekday. The restaurant was bigger than I expected with tables for different sized parties, a bar, and outdoor seating. Ordering is simple--you either scan the QR code to order or can order at the bar. Since it was a slower day, we were lucky to have a server come to our table to help us. He was super friendly and knowledgable and we both enjoyed talking with him! Food-wise, everything came out fresh, hot, and fast which was appreciated. I was craving a sandwich so the Chicken Salad Sando had my name. It was my first time trying smoked chicken salad and it was delicious! I loved the flavor and smokiness of it, the creaminess shined, and it had all the right textures and additions. I also opted to add fries which were crispy and addicting. My Pop had the Pick Two Smoker opting for Brisket and Pulled Pork. He enjoyed his meal. Both of us found the portions to be nicely sized and took home half for leftovers and to share. I'd love to try more of their sandwich offerings in the future. Barbecue isn't something I often crave or eat and I'm not too familiar with the barbecue scene in the area but enjoyed my time at Heads and Tails. I'd love to come again with friends and support their new business. Their restaurant is located off San Pablo Ave. with metered street parking and neighborhood parking around.

Heads and Tails is a fantastic addition to the Bay Area BBQ scene. I've never understood why there aren't more truly outstanding barbecue joints around the Bay. This one has been open for a month and it's an exciting development. Thanks to Toni's great review, I decided to check it out. The barbecued chicken sandwich was delicious. Someone on the grill knows what they're doing for sure and the sauce was nice. The East Brother oatmeal stout too. I was impressed that they have a good number of taps to choose from. The bartender was super nice. He gave me the scoop and let me know they've been super busy. Since it was around 9 PM, they were out of a lot of things. But I was really really happy to get some legitimate barbecue and a drink that late in the evening. He also let me try the frozen Irish coffee, which I have to say was outstanding. That'll be a fun treat for warm afternoon sometime. I'll be back. I generally don't give five stars on a first visit, but don't be surprised if Heads and Tails gets five stars next time I'm there.

I met Toni and Lori here for lunch. All the windows filled the room with natural light. You might find it difficult to park. I enjoyed walking back to my car a block and 1/2 away. I would be happy to walk further to enjoy the food here. We had a great server, Leo or Liam. The owners stopped by our table. They also have a full bar When I read the chicken sandwich was a thigh I knew that was what I wanted. To me, thighs are so much better than breasts, they are tastier and juicer. I was not tempted by the ribs or any of the meats. I also ordered Mac and Cheese. The buttermilk fried chicken sandwich had a great crust. If that all was that was on this sandwich, I would have been happy. However, it wasn't; the chicken under the crust was perfectly cooked. It was complimented by spicy slaw, sliced pickles, and chipotle mayo. When I first tasted the Mac and cheese I thought it was average until I took it home, when I reheated it was rich and creamy. I would order it again. I ordered the summer corn salad to-go it was delicious. I would order my whole meal again. Good chicken sandwiches are a great treat

Nice little spot to pick up some grub while watching a game. 3 large tvs, tables and a a wide bar. I ordered to go: - 1/4 lbs brisket - meat plate you hot links, brisket, ribs, corn meal waffle, Mac n cheese and hash pork on rice. Huge combo deal and a great way to sample their food. I found the ribs seasoned well but not smoked long enough for fall off the bone tender. The brisket was really tender, juicy and probably the 1 thing worth only getting. I'd see if I could get a fattier piece as mine was leaner. The hot links had a really good kick but dry. The sides were ok, the pork hash and rice was disappointing, cornmeal waffle was decent and the Mac n cheese was creamy. In short, it ain't Texas and you'll have a decent meal.

We had a fabulous lunch today! Gorgeous weather called for lunch with friends and were really excited to try a new BBQ spot! We were 4 adults and two toddler kiddos. As always, so appreciative of kid friendly spots. We sat inside, greeted kindly and quickly with high chairs and drinks. We started with the bean dip and Queso, both served with tortilla chips. Wanting to share a bunch from their Smoker menu, we ordered a few of their "pick" meats plates - ribs, brisket, hot link and pulled pork. Sides of mac and cheese, coleslaw and pickles. Everything was AMAZING. This is a group who knows and loves BBQ (but is never hard to please!) given St Louis roots and my NOLA stint. The meats were seasoned really well. Not too salty, letting the perfect amount of smoke and the meat flavors shine with that classic thick peppercorn crust. After reading other reviews I just want to note that nothing was dry, everything had a ton of flavor, including the sides. I really love when there are ample pickles and onions with BBQ plates. Their house made pickles were delicious and included onions, peppers, fennel and green beans! We ordered two sauces with the meats too and wanted to leave with a bottle! The Carolina Gold was super yummy and brought a nice sweetness. The space is inviting and open. A nice place to dine with a larger group or a smaller group and sit at the bar. The service was great! Seemed like a lean team but we had everything we needed throughout the meal and again really appreciate the patience and kindness to us with kiddos! Someone who seemed like an owner stopped by our table a few times to check on us and was really lovely. We will absolutely be back!

We live in the neighborhood and decided to give Heads and Tails a try today. Everything we had was absolutely delicious. The BBQ had just the right amount of smoke and the meat was juicy and flavorful. We also had a couple of sides that were both killer. The corn salad had a nice amount of acidity and contained some sungold tomatoes which was a nice touch. The Mac and cheese was flavorful and creamy just as a Mac and cheese should be. Now for a couple of complaints. The brisket sandwich was a little light for $18 (with no sides). I'm not sure how many ounces of meat were on here, but if I was a betting man I'd say 2-3 oz at most. I saw the fried chicken sandwich come out while I was eating and it was absolutely MASSIVE and also $2 cheaper. The rib sandwich we had was slightly better, but even my wife who is not that big of an eater asked "am I still hungry?" on the way home. The sandwiches with a side (including tax and tip) came out to around $30 each for lunch. Was it delicious? Yes. But $30 is a little steep for lunch ($15-20 is a sweet spot) and we shouldn't be questioning if we are still hungry after. If anything we should have leftovers at that price point. I understand food costs, labor, etc are all insane right now and they're also a brand new restaurant so probably still figuring out what works, but I personally don't see myself being a regular at this price point.

Very nice service, but for a bbq place, the meat was just okay. I really wanted to like this place, because I live close by. The homemade lemonade was really tasty, and the sides were just okay: shells and cheese a little watery (instead of a thick béchamel sauce) the cornbread pudding was tasty, and the potato salad was like a deviled egg salad. I really liked the side dishes! But, the main meat (special:tri tip) and brisket were both tough, fatty and not warm. I get that it was cooked earlier in the day, I just wish it was hot. Big screens with games going on, which I could care less about, but luckily sound was music, ambience ok. Overall it felt over priced for what it is. I may give it one more try and order different things, we'll see.

If you're craving BBQ H&T's satisfies!! I had the yummy pulled pork with the Cali gold sauce, potato salad, and coleslaw Tasty! They offer soulful music in a spacious simple atmosphere. gives casual mellow vibes.

Everything about this place is on point! The food and cocktails and beer are delicious. The owner and staff are super accommodating, the service is great! I reserved a spot for 20 people on a Wednesday night and closer to 35 people showed up! The kitchen kept up and our server was calm and professional. I highly recommend going with a group for a full BBQ meal or even with a buddy for a beer and smoked tacos. You will not be disappointed.

Liam our server was awesome. Food and beer top notch. I pass this a couple times and was curious how the product was on the inside because it's always good seeing a barbecue house in the neighborhood. It's spacious and parking can be tricky but possible. The staff is attentive and greet you when you come in, we were there for lunch. The food had a nice presentation. It was fresh and had great flavor.I even had enough leftovers to share with my wife when I went home.

I ordered the Dino rib and it was almost all fat. My waiter assured me that it was one of the best dishes, but for 38 dollars it definitely wasn't worth it. It was a shame because my family all had pretty good meals, aside from the sides. Their were no classic bbq sides, like Mac n cheese or greens. All the sides they had weren't very good.

Sweet spot with Otis Redding playing. Delicious food (cheesy pork sliders, brisket Benedict, fried chicken and waffles, cheesy fries) and awesome service from Angel! Thank you! Can't wait to return.

I was pleasantly surprised by the amazing food here! The atmosphere was open and casual and the people there were friendly. The beers we got (howdy lager, amber, and blonde ales) were all good. We got the smoke platter/combo that came with half pounds of ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, some sausage, and a half chicken- so we got to try a variety and share between three of us. The brisket and pulled pork were both juicy and not dry - just the right amount of cook and smoke. The ribs were tender with a hint of sweetness. I liked all the dry rubs of the meats. The chicken was also tender and delicious. The sausage had a kick too. I loved their chipotle sauce and the mustard was good too. The bread rolls were fluffy, the beans were different but good, and the mac and cheese was creamy. Overall I thought this was a pretty great spot!

I didn't see this coming to Berkeley!Running a BBQ place in the Bay Area is always a struggle - I hope these guys are able to weather the storm. It was a great first experience. The staff was kind and welcoming to us and our dog. The chicken and brisket were both tasty and not dry. To top off a great meal, they had the 49ers game on. It was a nice ending to a great weekend. I will repeat. BB

We ordered the food via DoorDash. The BBQ sauce container had melted entirely in the two meat dishes--chicken and ribs! Eww, so a burnt plastic smell came out of that one. The homemade roll was good, but it may have been made a day ago, as it was a bit dry. The fries are seasoned well and tasty. The brisket melt was OK, not worth the $20, that's for damn sure. The chicken was moist but lacked flavor, and the ribs were OK, very dry and chewy on one end and tender on the other. Again, there is little flavor. I can't comment on the BBQ sauce since it melted out of a plastic container, so I was curious if consuming it was a good idea. Maybe the BBQ sauce is the flavor that, unfortunately, may have been toxic to ingest, so I will never know! I loved the beans; the mac and cheese was pretty delicious but rich and heavy.

This is a place where you can tell the people running it really love food. The side beans are complex, the cole slaw has the perfect amount of acidity to be pleasant (I find most slaws to be a bit cloying.) The banana pudding was excellent. They have things like Chicken Tinga that are evident of an adventurous attitude towards food. We got to chat with one of the owners, and it was obvious he has a love of his craft. Like, he was happy to tell us about why the pork ribs hit the way they did because he switched to a supplier whose animals were a bit more muscled. I'm excited to introduce this place to friends.

First time here. Ordered a brisket sandwich. Brisket was tender and tasty. Got a side of baked beans which was more like a chili. They were OK. Not a fan of having to order from a QR code since I am paying to be waited on. The server did come over after a few minutes and took my order.

Nice chill neighborhood spot; family friendly; came on an early Saturday dinner + got the 2 meat combo, (with 2 sides): pork belly + brisket; both were soo tender and moist + smoky; very well seasoned. Staff was very friendly and welcoming. I appreciate that they have their sauces in the back; so you can have as little or much as you need; I like a ton of sauce with mine and couldn't decide on the 3 mild ones, so I combined all 3 (except the hot one), and it was awesome. Will definitely be back to try their dino ribs or prime rib dinner next time.

Welcoming place and good atmosphere if you like sports. HH was a good mix and the menu is pretty big. Bbq was just ok; (brisket 4/5, chicken 3/5, link 4/5) also a reminder for some of the posts on here, we are in California ofc it won't be exactly like Texas!!! If you keep this in mind it's good not excellent and I wanna come back multiple times but good as in if I'm in the area I'll grab a beer some wings and watch a game while I wait for dinner good...

My 89 year old father was craving BBQ for his birthday. I went online to Heads and Tails web page. Ordered, set the pick up time. Flawless. The order was ready when i arrived, smelled wonderful. Everyone enjoyed the food at the party. The "rack of ribs" fell off the bone. Mac and cheese is always a favorite and it did not dissapoint. Baby carrots, yes please. Corn bread pudding? This one was new and also really good. I have found my new BBQ place in the bayarea.

Owner was super friendly as was the staff. We had fried chicken with Mac n cheese, coleslaw, banana pudding, brisket, and beans. The chicken was moist, cooked well, and had a light and crispy outside. It was very tasty. The Mac n cheese was also very good. The beans were a bit too vinegary for me and on the thinner side. I like mine with a thicker consistency and less pungency. My bf said he liked the brisket. He said it was moist and was happy with his selection. The banana pudding was good with fresh whipped cream and broken pieces of cookie. I'll be back for more chicken and maybe the ribs.

Berkeley has been slowly losing its best barbecue spots lately, so it's great to see a new one come in. Heads and Tails has great hours, they're open every day until late. Going for a family friendly sports bar vibe, with bbq. I've been to Heads and Tails for lunch, and that's great, but I really want to tell you about how I ordered a whole brisket for a big family dinner. Historically we've made a brisket at home in the oven, but this year I really wanted smoked brisket, and I don't have a smoker. Reached Rick, the owner, on the phone and he was extremely helpful the whole way through. Talked about how much to order, timing of when it comes out of the smoker vs when we serve it, how to slice it.. Rick and I talked so long on the phone my wife actually commented about it. :p When it arrived it was perfect and it was amazing. Perfectly smoked, tender, just the right amount of juicy. Possessing a whole brisket is more power than one man should have. I wish I took pictures to make you all jealous. My family are converts. More smoked brisket in the future. It's the only way to go.

We love this spot. We've been here 5 times and we absolutely love the Dino ribs that will knock your socks off fri and sat nights. The service is always excellent and we always get one of their pies . Paloma's are great too

Y'all. Stamp of approval from this born and raised Texan. It's rare to get decent (Texas style) bbq outside of Texas and let me tell you- this place is better than decent. It's legit. Got a brisket plate which has a generous portion of thick cut slices that are flavorful and perfectly done. There are 3 different bbq sauce options which I forgot all the specifics of but I got the chipotle sauce which was good too. The pickled vegetables on the side were a nice refreshing touch. The dinner roll was a bit unconventional since traditionally it's sliced bread but hey I can't complain because dinner rolls taste good too. Price was very reasonable, considering the quality of the food and being the Bay Area. Service was really nice as well. Overall a very chill place with a bar and lots of TVs; gave off the vibe of a neighborhood hangout place. So happy I found a place for when I'm craving TX bbq. Will definitely be back!

Chicken salad sandwich was amazing!! Not your usual chicken salad-it had a smoky bbq flavor that really worked Drinks were awesome as well

Randomly stopped here when passing through. They have incredible barbecue and the meat is very tender and the flavors are amazing! Staff were very friendly and we enjoyed the atmosphere as well. I starred this place on my google map as I definitely will be coming back next time I pass through.

First time visiting. Good spot, no frills. Order by your phone and they deliver it to your table. Drinks are pricey and the BBQ was good. The brisket was fatty and the pulled pork was perfect. The sauce is not too sweet and paired well with the meat. The Mac and cheese was creamy and delicious.

My boyfriend and I have now been to this restaurant twice. The first visit we each had a sandwich and shared fries. I ordered the fried chicken (super bird) and he got the brisket melt. They were both fine, with the brisket melt being a bit more of a standout. In my opinion the fried chicken was a little small for $16. We left with the impression that we would come back and try a BBQ plate next time for variety & (hopefully) a bigger portion I'm writing this review after our second visit this past Saturday 08/31 when we did return and shared a $26 two way plate with pulled pork & brisket (+$2.50 for brisket) and added a side of vaquero beans (+$5). We also started with a queso dip ($10) which I liked a lot. I thought the pork was serviceable if not exactly fall apart tender. My boyfriend is happy with just about any brisket, and I thought the bark on it was really enjoyable. The pork needed the bbq sauce, the brisket did not. What I did not like, and will keep us from returning, is that I was charged for something that I was not informed I would be. When I ordered I told the server that I "liked" burnt ends. He nodded and said nothing. After I got home I looked at the receipt that was emailed to me and saw the line item "Add Burnt Ends $6" (I only saw the check total on their handheld device at the table as I tapped my card). This would disappoint me in any situation, but especially because I did not get burnt ends. When he delivered the plate he pointed out the "burnt ends", and while it was a strip of beef that was on an edge, there was nothing but fat. That chunk of un-rendered fat made me so sad, and I didn't even know I was paying extra for it (there was nothing on the menu that mentioned burnt ends at all). I hate leaving even mediocre reviews for small businesses, so I gave feedback through the Toast Tab receipt "How was your visit? thumbs up/thumbs down" feature first hoping that this would be seen and be responded to, but I have no idea if the feedback actually gets sent to the business owner. Hopefully this is helpful feedback for the business and future barbecue loving patrons. *Updated review. The owner responded on the same day I posted this review to state that the burnt ends weren't available yet and they shouldn't have been added to my order, and offered to refund the amt I paid for them. Based on his kind response I will return to try them when they are available :)

I would like to start off this review by stating that BBQ is rapidly becoming one of the more expensive fares that can be had. It's not a shock to me anymore to spend over $40 and get, what feels like, a sparse amount of BBQ in return. Not here. This place has high value. You get a lot of meat in return for your money. The neighborhood around the establishment is nice and cozy. The staff was also very friendly. I went in for inspiration on an upcoming smoke I'm going to do with Brisket and the guy at the counter was very helpful with updating me exactly how they smoke their meats and the results. This was really important to me and appreciated. I found the brisket moist and enjoyable. Mainly, I found a lot of it. The pulled pork was a surprise. Perfectly seasoned and great smoke. Very well done.

Amazing BBQ in east bay. Delicious meats and love the sides that come with (pickled veggies are a great pairing). Pork rib sandwich is really good. Staff is awesome and environment is laid back.

I was pretty skeptical about the idea of a barbecue + cocktail joint in Berkeley, but this place proved me wrong. After multiple visits, I can say that this place is LEGIT. ATMOSPHERE: Clean, minimalist and huge with with copious seating options, lots of big TVs that aren't blasting or in your face so it doesn't feel like a sports bar. They have high ceilings with good acoustics so you can hear the eclectic music and still have a normal conversation. SERVICE: The staff were super friendly and checked in, water glasses were kept filled. I personally need more napkins since this can get a bit messy (as it should). They just opened so I think they are still trying to figure out their flow, but overall incredibly solid given how new they are. FOOD: We've tried most of the well known bbq places in and around the Bay Area and this place is next level: - Brisket - Tender, perfect crust. - Pulled Pork - This killed it , so juicy and flavorful, it just works with the gold sauce. My favorite meat here. - Brisket Melt - BOMB. That sweet onion jam makes this something special. - Ribs - Super tender, just the right amount of smoke. - Smoked Chicken - A whole friggin half chicken, falling off the bone tender. - Pulled Pork Tacos - A different take on a taco that you won't find elsewhere, it has their beans - I generally hate beans but I've never had beans this complex before, it worked. - Super Bird - This is hands down my favorite chicken sandwich in the Bay Area, so crispy with kick ass crunchy slaw on soft smooshy buns. - Smoked burger - very well balanced, perfectly juicy medium cook on it. - Wings - Sweet and Saucy (the bbq sauce version) - Corn salad - Light, crunchy , sweet - a perfect complement to balance all that meat! - Fries - Super crisp, not at all greasy. - Bean Dip - Again, I don't like beans but I loved this. Subtly garlicky and creamy. Really good with their house made chips. - Salad - Solid option to take a break from all that meat, I'd eat this on its own. - Mac and Cheese - Super creamy. My little one shoveled this like nobody's business. - Rolls - Another one my little one can't stop scarfing - kind of like a less sweet and more structured Kings Hawaiian. - Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Sea Salt Cookie - I've been too stuffed to try their sweets but finally made some space for this and it was worth it. - Drinks - I don't drink but my friends LOVED their cocktails and frozen margaritas. There are copious nonalcoholic options too. DAMAGE: $30-60 after T&T depending on how ravenous you are and if you drink. For post-pandemic inflation, this is a complete steal when we're talking about bbq and booze. OVERALL: Quite possibly the best quality and value bbq in the Bay Area, with some unique offerings and an easygoing atmosphere that makes it a great hangout that I'll be frequenting.

Overall: Good flavors but lacks in details Since this is a new joint (located in the old German spot) I'm hoping they can work through some of the pitfalls. Cons: - Mac n cheese was grainy - descriptions of food on app weren't helpful (we thought we ordered a plate of 2 meats and it somehow came on a sandwich?) - chips for the queso were thick, tough and flavorless (wasn't sure if stale or too thick) - had to find our own napkins and utensils Pros: - good flavor on all the items we ordered: Mac n cheese, queso dip, bbq sauce, pulled pork, sausages, Cole slaw - friendly staff - lots of TVs to watch sports - full bar offering - tons of seating (possibly dog friendly indoors?) We plan to come back to see if any improvements were made! Solid bbq spot flavor-wise!

Food- Menu says smoked wings: Wings are tiny and fried NOT smoked Flavor on dry rub was ok- Cheese dip- It is a bad idea to put pureed green chile in the bottom of a cheese dip- If you mix it together it makes a coagulated chunky mess- Skimpy on chips and when more were requested for the half bowl of cheese that remained an up charge was suggested- No thanks- Fried Chicken Sand-which- asked for no Aioli - It was covered- Got it to go and it was a soggy mess plus the fried thigh was chewy and a bit dry- The salad with the pulled chicken- not lovely- Overall I wish I could have gotten the $120 I spent back and never tried a new place- Restaurant business is tough and I realize its only been open a short while but just not a great experience- Hopefully they can make some improvements- I definitely lost the coin flip on this one!

Through word-of-mouth, I came here with trusted friends and family whose cultivated taste buds have sampled some of the world's top Michelin restaurants. What I discovered is a hidden gem. It is about SOUL. It is about simplicity. It is about kicking it old school style. For me, Head &Tails embodies the spirit of that neighborhood go-to restaurant bar. To get the full experience, we had their "Smoke Show" sampler. We found nothing but juiciness, flavor, and tenderness across the sausage, brisket, and ribs. For me, Heads &Tails BBQ embodied the spirit of Anthony Bourdain's: "Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it's a start." This is a neighborhood gem. And we're coming back.

SO GOOD. We ordered through DoorDash, and we'll definitely be going back!! The ribs/brisket/pulled pork/and chicken were all amazing-cooked and seasoned to perfection. And their sides were DELICIOUS- the summer corn salad was life changing. We'll also absolutely be ordering the fries and vaquero beans again

This place is amazing. I tried a few times so far, both pick up and dine in. The ribs and everything on the plater is so juicy and delicious. I also tried sandwich and burger - they are one of the best I ever had. My favorite part is they have a full bar as well! The first time we went there after grand opening, my husband tried almost all the cocktails on the menu. Unfortunately I'm bad at names but I remember those cocktails also have cute names :) I'm so happy we have a good BBQ + bar in my area. Will definitely go back regularly.

Finally! BBQ in Berkeley! This place is great. I tried a sampler platter with all the different types of meats. Its tough to choose a favorite but I actually think the chicken is the winner. The buns are ridiculously good too. I'm usually squarely in the cake camp but the pie was crazy good. It was a passion fruit cream pie. They said that they change up the pie depending on what's in season. I'm excited to go back and try a different slice. I highly recommend this place. I'll be back for sure.

I've been now twice--- the first time I got the Brisket BBQ sandwich, which was very good and filling. The second time I got the Smoke Burger and side of fries. Although I asked for medium well, and told the bartender "no blood"-- but the inside was very pink. I really hope they do that better next time. Would be great if they had a few more cooked veggie side dishes...maybe some collard greens? :) The music both times was rock, which I don't like in a restaurant, no matter what kind of food. It's a large, open space, so the music really carries. Thanks