Stay Gold Deli
Barbecue restaurant · Hoover ·
Italian-American deli, BBQ, sandwiches, beer & vintage wines
Italian-American deli, BBQ, sandwiches, beer & vintage wines
"Justin Lanska built a pop-up that’s creating some of the most satisfying breakfast tacos in the Bay Area right now. He’s crafted a special, only-in-the-Bay-Area kind of menu that he describes as the intersection “where the Lone Star meets the Golden State.” Inside of each of these golden, foil-wrapped packets are a treasure trove of house-made flour tortillas filled with a rotating menu of fillings — many with a Bay Area twist. Made with fava beans, feta, and falafel, the “Bean n Cheese”, which he calls “our most Oakland version,” is a proud homage to the legendary Alem’s Coffee and their popular shihan ful. The classic “Migas” pairs crunchy tortilla chips with soft scrambled eggs, while the cumin-forward carne guisada is reminiscent of a meaty, cheesy Texas chili. After you order, be sure to nab some of their smoked jalapeño salsa — a phenomenal addition to any of the tacos. (Sfizio, at 6099 Claremont Avenue in Oakland, is a regular pop-up spot for Gold Star Tacos.)" - Lena Park
"At Stay Gold Deli, I found a laid-back barbecue-and-sandwich spot known for ribs, brisket, and sandwiches with a relaxed outdoor patio perfect for a couple of beers — but it also quietly stocks an eclectic selection of vintage wines that’s more of an IYKYK thing. There’s no formal list; if you notice the small sign at the counter and ask, an employee can lead you to a cellar where the bottles (which fluctuate between roughly 15 and 50) can be perused — one day you might find a 1970 Robert Mondavi Cabernet, another a Domaine Girard Malpère 2010, alongside Burgundies, Bordeaux, Riojas, and sangiovese. Owner Jason Herbers curates the cabinet opportunistically, buying whatever he thinks is cool, and prices run from about $40 to $400 (he sometimes sells at cost — a 2016 Frederic Esmonin that might fetch $160 elsewhere recently went for $80). Don’t expect sommelier-style service, formal tastings, or an updated printed list — staff will pull bottles for you but won’t offer deep technical knowledge — and the overall vibe is “very, very not pretentious.” Herbers recommends sangiovese with the meatballs, cabernet or Bordeaux with brisket, and Chenin blanc or chardonnay with veggie dishes; if you’re open-minded and willing to ask, you can sit out on the patio and enjoy a vintage bottle with your food." - Dianne de Guzman
"Despite spending a reported $1,800 a month cleaning up garbage near his restaurant in Oakland, Stay Gold Deli owner Jason Herbers was fined $10,000 by the city for excess litter; Herbers says he does not dump illegally or litter, alleges neighbors overfill the site, and is considering a lawsuit to fight the charges." - Paolo Bicchieri
"This patio has everything: picnic tables and umbrellas, mannequin body parts painted gold, vinyl records as decoration, a fountain, and a foosball table. Most important, it’s a great place to kick back with a deli sandwich, po’boy, plate of barbecue, or local beer." - Eater Staff
"Now brewing its own beer through an unnamed contract brewer, Stay Gold Deli lets me pair its sandwiches and barbecue with pale ales, porters, and hefes, just as Stay Gold intended." - Janelle Bitker