I just recently found out that one of my local faves – Luka’s Taproom in Oakland, is making a name for themselves, on the ‘right’ side of history. The owners started Community Kitchens to give back during the quarantine by organizing Oakland city restaurants to feed houseless families, and also by supporting local restaurants to keep them afloat. As if their food wasn’t already good enough, now they are the Town’s Heros…. or should I say ‘She-ros’. I am flabbergasted, excited and inspired. Food justice is behind all that I do, so to see an organization sprout out of nowhere to take care of my Oakland families, is HUGE. I love the kids in Oakland and I have spent the better part of my wellness career being an advocate for the city’s families.

Now back to Luka’s and their super delicious menu. This place really rocks. It is a restaurant, bar, hangout spot, with a dance floor, regular dj’s and a couple of pool tables and games in the back. I have been here, many a nights with friends, on the dance floor, having drinks at the bar, or tucked in a cozy booth on the side – just stuffing my face to oblivion. Everything tastes good at Luka’s! Their burgers are quality meats and delicious as hell. Their catfish and kale situation is as southern as it gets, for a bar bite – YUMMMM… and their salads always differ according to the season. Y’all know how I LOVES me a goodt salad…

Great vibes all the time. The food is so good, that I am shocked I had not reviewed them before now. I actually can not wait to go back because they’ve got some new tasty items on the menu, and I will be salivating and dreaming of them until I taste them for myself…..The life of a foodie! My last time there, I met a friend for drinks and a bite before we attended the Monsterjam truck show. Best day ever, fueled by some of the best food Oakland has to offer. This was before the whole world shut down, but NOT Luka’s! they have managed to stay not only open and afloat, but they have launched a whole feed the community section in the most dire of times. Sooo commendable. We have seen the best of Oakland rise up and come together since the pandemic, and this place and the people behind them are simply the best.

I highly respect you Luka’s Taproom for the warm and equitable space – and amazing dishes- you have provided your patrons (mostly me) over the years, and I am thankful to learn of your heart for serving our community. I am going to do what I can to promote Community Kitchens because it is incredible what they are able to accomplish with such a small team. Please dine in, order out, or support Luka’s Taproom and Community Kitchens by any means necessary. It takes a village to feed our people, and this place not only gets it – but they are doing something about it. I will spend my money here, any day.

Luka’s

Luka’s Taproom & Community Kitchens, may God continue to bless you.

#DiningWhileBlack

#BlackFoodie

#FoodJustice