Emil Villa's California Barbecue

First time here after so many years of driving past. I'm happy that it serves exactly what I expected and it's got this old fashioned, down to earth diner feel. The food is solid and service is attentive. I'll come back for more next time.Pork chops and eggs: two pieces of thinly sliced pork chops pretty well seasoned, leaves me feeling content.Ribs sampler: three kinds of ribs (orginal, St. Louise, and baby back I think) to try out all at once. Bbq sauce was bomb.

Haven't been to this one since college. Hasn't changed that much. My taste buds have. It was an hour drive. If it were closer I would go there every now and then. Living in Fremont, the Smoking Pig is the only western barbecue. I wont go there again, but this was/is not my favorite. Armadillo Willy's is still my favorite.On the plus side: Service was GREAT. We (four big guys) ordered one of the large combos... we took a bunch home. The servings were large. The sides (beans and potato salad) were large as well and both were delicious... and for sure home made and unique.We had a mixture of ribs and chicken. The originals were my favorite. Still, the bark was dry and the ribs needed sauce. The Baby Backs were dry. The chicken was flavorless without sauce. They need to humidify their ovens. Yes, it was at the end of the day... we left closing the place down. Would I go back? Yea, if it were closer. Next time I want to go North for BBQ I will go to Dave's in San Leandro. Gee, I wish Willie's were closer. Actually I wish I lived in an area where BBQ was popular and competitive.

I made an unplanned visits to Emil Villa's and almost turned around to leave at the door. I'm glad I didn't. The place is old dated and uninteresting although it's big bright and clean inside. First glance at the menu the prices are super high. I quickly shifted from getting an entree to getting a sandwich. The waitress was a superstar!!! So sweet bright and efficient with a super friendly and helpful demeanor. I couldn't decide so she suggested getting half and half of two meats. I asked them to stack Turkey and Tri Tip together and that was awesome!!!This is a very old school eatery, it's dated and divey but it's kind of cool. The food was good and although the prices are high the portions are huge. Friendly fast service and comfortable seating there's no reason not to try this place.

There are only a handful of breakfast spots I enjoy in the East Bay and this is one of them. The small inconvenience is the smell of the bbq pit sticks around your clothes for a long time after dining inside. For this reason, I prefer to do take out. Some of the staff have been there for many years through ownership transitions and are hardworking and dedicated. The grilled ham, eggs and hash brown plate is one of the best, and you can't go wrong with half or full slab of ribs!

We came here one night a few weeks ago, my son got the kids pancake breakfast, my sibling got the beef dip sandwich, and I got a giant burger. It was delicious, and they made my sons pancakes into Mickey Mouse shapes which is seriously sweet. We've been back three more times after that!

Well they have improved from our last few visits. The rib meats are now tender and juicy like it should and the offerings are way better. Maybe one day this place willGet a proper makeover :). They painted here and there and looks better now but the food is the main reason i gave them 4 stars because it was really night and day tender and hope they stay consistent. :)

Best bbq ever! Norma is wonderful, she makes it inviting and warm. Chris is a fantastic cook and he greets you as family.

2023 Nov Update!I love this place even more..... As I browsed their selections on the menu, there was a section called Juniors where it looks like it could be a kids menu or something called a little bit less for lack of better words. But the slices of ham on their menu is so awesome! I love ham but was not able to find a place that would make it plus a side order. You really have to try the turkey and ham its awesome. I think it would also make a great Thanksgiving Dinner if you buy the day before. Their to go items are always in a foil type container so reheating is easy once you transfer the food to the plate and microwave. This is one of Haywards best places to eat.

I have eaten at Emil Villa's in Hayward for 50+ years. For my money, there is no better breakfast than what I order when I eat there for breakfast.Black Coffee, Tall Orange Juice, a Glass of Water, 3 Eggs Over Easy, Hash Browns, Sourdough Toast, 4 Bacon, a Short Stack of Pancakes, Extra Butter, Tabasco Sauce, and an extra plate.Every single visit my breakfast is prepared the same. It is perfect. I know of no other places where Breakfast is always the same. In a word,-exceptional. The Ribs are exceptional as well. Just as consistent, but I go here for breakfast first thing in the morning. No one else in the Bay Area is better and none are as consistent. Service is attentive, prices are fair. This place is a treasure.

If you are hungry, this place is for you! Great BBQ ribs and the sandwiches can feed a family of three!! Good old timey feel, nostalgic.