Lunch-time adventure success! Since this spot is within walking distance from my office, I decided to check it out--and OMG, if you're looking for food that touches your soul and makes you tap out, this is the place. I ordered the shrimp and grits (they didn't make it to their photo op because I tore them up too fast), plus shrimp and fries to take home to my husband. My coworker got the oxtails over rice. I also couldn't resist grabbing a sweet potato pie and a peach cobbler. Pro tip: Order online ahead of time. Everything is cooked fresh--and you can taste it--so there will be a wait if you don't. I've been struggling to find a spot that can make truly savory, well-seasoned grits, and baby... when I tell you I FOUND my place?! I'm low‑key mad I've been two blocks away from grits this good. My husband loved the fried shrimp with his fries. Even though the fries cooled on my walk back to the office, he said the shrimp were hittin', and you can see from the picture they don't play around with portion size. My coworker with the oxtails said he had to tap out and take a walk afterward--the food was about to put him straight to sleep, in the best way. And don't get me started on the desserts. That peach cobbler? Absolutely gorgeous--someone took their time with that basket‑weave crust. The sweet potato pie was so good I don't even have the words. Needless to say, I will absolutely be back--and you should go too. read more

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I respect and appreciate home cooks and small business owners doing the best they can to give a good experience to consumers and Ate O Clock is definitely one of those places. read more

I found this place on Yelp, I was excited to try it. I was greeted by a friendly gentleman outside who raved about the food. I inquired about the oxtails, turkey wings, and the shrimp & grits. I ordered the turkey wings with rice and gravy along with a side of macaroni & cheese. I delivered the meal to my mom, we both were anxious to dig in. The turkey wings were so fresh and tender, like literally fall off the bone tender. The macaroni and cheese reminded me of my Auntie Ruby's recipe on the holidays. This restaurant deserves a 10/10 yes! I talked to the owner outside, she encouraged me to try some sides while I waited for my food, she was super sweet and kind. I shall return to try those oxtails or maybe even the catfish and fries. read more

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Had the fish which was cooked perfectly. Also had the large chicken and sides. Flavor was very good. read more

Ate O Clock - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

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I came here yesterday because I had a craving for Mac and cheese and yams. This place did not disappoint! The young lady at the register was so sweet. I was being so indecisive because when I saw the oxtails they looked so good but ultimately I got catfish, yams, and Mac and cheese. She was so patient and helped me decide lol. The Mac and cheese was sooo good. Nice and cheesy and not greasy like some places. The yams and catfish was seasoned so well. They give you a good amount for what you pay for too. I'll be back for the oxtails. read more

Ate O Clock - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

Absolutely amazing experience! I ordered the oxtail dish and the catfish dish, and both were incredibly delicious. You can taste the quality, prime ingredients, perfectly cooked, and seasoned to perfection. This is some of the best soul food in the area, truly homemade and made with care. The staff was right on point, riendly, attentive, and welcoming. Don't pass on food this good. Highly recommended! read more

Ate O Clock - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

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The greens were not fresh, I the rice uncooked, the mac cheese dry, the fish was okay three small pieces, it was okay...I COULD NOT EAT THIS FOOD the dessert was stale Store bought... read more

Everything was good, I got the fried chicken and instead of fries I decided to get the Mac n cheese. I wasn't disappointed, chicken was crispy and flavorful to my liking. Also the Mac was super cheesy and good. That cheese pull said it all. My husband got the fried prawns with greens and that was also really good, shrimp was fried crisp to perfection. And he also got a sweet potato pie which I liked, wasn't too sweet, and it was a nice size. Each plate came with cornbread. I'll definitely be back to try the other items on the menu!! Heard nothing but good things about this place and I lived up to the hype thank you for the delicious food ate o'clock. We'll be back read more

Great food I will definitely go bad, please dont sleep on the Ox Tails rice and gravy

It's right off of 24th and Chestnut and back of K&D market. You might pass it because it looks like a church but it's take out only. I had the large oxtails over rice with gravy two sides was mac & cheese and candy yams, which was off the chain because not everyone can make oxtails. As a self taught chef I recommend this place strongly. read more

Food was fire well seasoned the owner was very nice will come back it's a hole in a wall so it's small but does not affect the food what so ever read more

Ate O Clock - Oxtail with Mac and cheese and garlic fries - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

Perfectly seasoned catfish and I have to shout out their greens that I'm still wanting more of. Everything is delicious here, worth every penny. read more

Super friendly!! I didnt even eat yet and it smells so good too from the window. Will update this review if it strays from a 5 :] read more

Ate O Clock - Their only menu - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

Incredibly slow service. Everyone is waiting way too long. Nothing more to say really.

If you need some comfort food, some food made with love or just plain old homesick. stop by Ate O Clock. The food is fresh, flavorful and served with love. My favorite side oxtails, sweet potatoes, catfish and that piece of cornbread. read more

On New Year's Day 2026 , I did not have time to make Hoppin John or Black eye peas and rice, a tradition that brings good fortune for the new year. I found this takeout restaurant on Yelp that had sides w black eye peas and rice and many other yummy dishes and great reviews. I ordered oxtails &rice w black eye peas, Large fried chicken wings w yams and greens. It came w cornbread muffin. OMG! The food was amazing and generous portions. They could barely close the container w wings. Every thing was seasoned perfectly! (Except my adding a little hot sauce.) The yams were to die for. The greens were tender and flavorful. The oxtails and gravy were delicious ! Thanks to those ladies, my New Year 2026 began with great promise. I can't wait to go back to Ate O Clock to try some of their other dishes. read more

Ate O Clock - Large Fried Chicken wings w yams and greens - Soul Food Near Me - Oakland, California

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I first tried their food late night after the club before they got their brick and mortar. It was so good I started following their Instagram and light weight stalking them. Glad they got a brick and mortar, I can go to now! The owner is such a sweetheart and a DAMNED fine cook! read more

10/10 Fall off the bone oxtails were perfect size, Mac and cheese was a hit, yams were a hit and even asked for a side of cornbread that wasn't included. Definitely WILL be coming back. read more

It's been quite awhile since I've had breakfast there, however it was delicious! The location is pretty close by and is definitely worth walking to! read more

Oakland has become the new Brooklyn gastronomically speaking!!! Ate O'clock is the "new kid" on the block but is seriously getting their foot in the door with a new sticks & bricks location and food vending at local fairs and events!!! I specifically had the fried catfish and oxtail dinners w/mac'nchz & yam sides(via Grubhub)! The oxtails over rice was delish... the gravy was thick, brown and well seasoned... perfect with the rice! The oxtails were tender and huge with a piece of cornbread to help sop up that gravy! The candied yams were really good too, they had like, an almost grilled/smoked type of flavor... liquid smoke maybe? It was just a hint, not overpowering at all! The yams themselves were a perfectly cooked, tender texture. The mac'nchz was simple but really good 'n cheezy. I did not need to add any extra seasoning on anything. The fish came with tarter sauce /hot sauce and was perfect with the cornmeal crusted catfish! The lemon wedges were a nice touch too! The fish was good by itself but mmm, that hot sauce!!! In fact, what kind of hot sauce was that??? I usually only use Crystal Louisiana Hot Sauce but this was just as good if no better! I need to know! The icing on the cake of this place is their business ethic and customer service! Thank you for going above and beyond to fix a mistake. The only thing I regret is not taking any food pics to post. Me and my neighbor got to grubin' on this food and there was no stopping us! Bussin'! read more

Food is amazing and service is great. Oxtails and yams are the BEST. Have been multiple times and will keep coming.

Love this place! The food is amazing and the people that own and run it are the best! The catfish was super meaty with a great crust and not greasy at all. I'm picky about my catfish and this is one of the only places that makes it how I like it. The oxtails were really good too with a nice, rich gravy. Also liked the Mac n Cheese and yams. Highly recommended! read more