Lois the Pie Queen

First visit 10/05/24 at 10:30aNice sunny day in Oakland (84*F extended Summer)IYKYK- No, we did not find this gem by chance; We were introduced by an Oakland native knowing that I crave "pork chops & grits" every now and then. The day was meant to be with a great parking spot nearby and only 15 mins wait for a table. Our coffee cups were filled as well cold ice water served as soon as we were seated! The hosts were all super friendly and attentive which was very impressive. Just from eyeballing it- the diner seats about 60-65 ppl plus the bar area. As for food, the Reggie Special comes with 2 thick pork chops, 2 eggs and a choice of hashbrowns, grits or rice and 2 biscuits .

10/20/24 - I came here with my family after Sunday service. Two of us had heard about this place from friends and since we weren't that far from our visiting church we decided to give it a try. I was expecting that it would be crowded and we might have to wait awhile. While I was parking I saw some ladies standing outside, but they had finished and were waiting for others to come. Meanwhile the other three members of my family had already made it there and had saved a table. We were given our water beverages and my little cousin ordered a large cranberry juice. While we were talking we noticed that on the tv the 49ers were playing the Chiefs and at the time it was at a low score. The server came to take our orders and everyone ordered something different. I had a taste for a hamburger when I left the church so I ordered a cheeseburger and I had two options either potato chips or the French fries, I opted for the fries even though it was an additional $6.75. I wanted a drink but the sodas started at $5.75 and of course why come for your first visit and don't order a slice of pie which started at $8.75. The burger & fries were great!!! But usually hamburgers come out first but my little cousin who ordered a bacon-cheeseburger and fries ours came out last. One had ordered chicken & waffles, one a catfish dinner and one a chicken dinner. Those dinners took up a whole platter and a saucer for the cornbread. My cheeseburger & fries hit the spot. The French fries were steak fries, and were hot and delicious!!! Everyone had to ask for a to-go box except me, I ate all my food. My cousin said everything tasted good, but the food was served cold and she couldn't enjoy her food. My cousin who had the chicken and waffles suggested we order one & share. I had my mouth watered for the lemon ice-box pie but they didn't have that or just plain cheesecake. So, we were left with trying the sweet potato cheesecake and to my surprise it was very, very good, we all liked it!!! They made good money from our table plus the tip that they had to split. Even though my food & dessert was good I can't say if I would go back. The decor of the place needed to be painted and some big changes made. They can close for one week and do some painting and remodeling. Take all those pictures off the walls and clean and paint . VThe restaurant was nearly packed when we left so they are making money and the pies must be really good because unfortunately for us there were really not much left. I felt like those pies should have been replenished because of the weekend and most people like us go out for Sunday lunch or dinner and would line to eat or take home a pie. One slice of pie was $8.75 and their specialty pies were $10.75. I didn't bother to look at the prices for a whole pie. Make sure you have cash or a cash app, they don't accept credit or debit cards. Make sure you have at least $40.00 on you to cover your expenses. For 5.75 you can order iced teas, sodas and juices that is pretty steep so I stuck with the water.

Being an Oakland native, I finally made it here. Like many have said, it's not a fancy joint, but was there for the food and the nostalgia feel of the place. It was a dreary bit of day when I went, which makes place this more awesome for me as it give extra cozy vibes. CASH only or Venmo.I got a seat at the counter as it was just me. Staff is friendly, i think the owners daughter works there as the young gal looked like her dad. There are pictures famous, local and national ,black folks who have come to this institution because of the reputation of the food and of course the original owner Lois and now here son. I had not idea that Reggie Jackson was adopted by her. If you are from Oakland no need to explain who he is, if you aren't look him up. While I was awaiting my order, it seems like were hopping with people stopping in for their icebox pies. 80'-90s jams play over the radio and in the lull of that you might hear the mexican music coming from the back that the staff are listening too as well.In perusing the menu you will just about find something for everyone. I settled on the chicken and waffles, but substituted the regular waffle for the pecan one along with a cup of coffee, and a side of grits to go.The service was quick and my pecan waffle came out with 3 huge pieces of chicken. The waffle had hints of cinnamon and nice size pieces of chopped up pecans. The chicken was not overly crusted, golden brown and perfectly cooked. Reminded me of my younger years when moms would cook the chicken. The food was good, but it was a bit pricey, but then everything seems to be. I not saying come every week, but if you are an Oaklander and haven't been, you must come to this institution, because the next generation might not want to carry on Lois the Pie Queens legacy.

We went there before the pandemic and it was a good place for breakfast. We went back today and it was subpar. The young woman behind the counter was totally lacking in customer service skills. The place was empty yet it took her a long time to bring us a menu. The place called Lois the pie Queen, yet they only had two pies. The place is a hole in the wall adorn with photos of owner and celebrities. It seems like it was once a jewel of a place. But not anymore. The food was old. I was so disappointed. I give it a one star and recommend they train the server to be welcoming to the customers, as well as serve fresh food and finally either have pies like the name states or change the name. And give the customer a copy of the receipts if asked not tell them to take a photo of it

Omelet with grits and homemade biscuits (delish and surprisingly a tiny bit sweet) was eaten and packed up with leftovers. My friends eggs and fruit bowl was devoured. Coffee cups were full then empty, then full and empty. And then we got crazy! After all the food, we decided to share a slice of "pie". We ordered the peach cobbler cheesecake. I doubted how it would taste. Fruit desserts aren't always a favorite. Cheesecake is, but I get picky because it has to be seriously good cheesecake for me to appreciate it.One bite. It took one bite to shut me up! I couldn't talk. This is seriously one of THE BEST cheesecakes I've had.Bought an extra slice to take home. Yes Ma'am! It's worth the hips!

I first went to Lois the Pie Queen 30 years ago with my brother and nephew. It was incredible then and the food is still outstanding.I ordered the French Toast and it was perfectly cooked, great cinnamon flavor.The Salmon Croquette was a nice, smooth texture on the inside and great crunch on the outside. The flavor was outstanding.My son ordered the Steak and Eggs. Though he said the steak was "just okay," he loved the eggs and hash browns.The service was excellent and as usual the vibe was just right. Their playlist was fire, brought me back. I'm happy I got to take my son here and I'll keep coming back.

My wife and I went for a late breakfast today. Great! The food was great, the people were friendly, and it does have a good feeling of having been around for a while. I will go back, for sure. Among many things, love that they serve grits.

I love this old school restaurant! They are famous for their desserts and fried chicken. Street parking and cash only. The service today was lacking in friendliness for some reason but this didn't impact my slice of banana cheesecake for the hubby. It's a generous slice for $9.75 these days. There is a layer of fresh bananas whose color has turned and topped with real whipped cream. The banana flavor permeates each bite. You can definitely taste the tang of the cream cheese which doesn't bother me at all.Gotta try the banana pudding next time.I've been here twice before and had the chicken and waffles which good and even better with hot sauce and honey. Yes, if you haven't had this combo, try it. Life changing! Be prepared to wait because it's all cooked to order.Please support this long running local business. It's very quaint with counter and table seating. Street parking.

They do close early, which I line so I get the hottest plate they have. Their short ribs are excellent ' ice on a cloudy day.' I haven't tasted anything like it. June and July, when the weather is hot, it is even better. Soon, when they say your order is ready, it's ready. Good to know the business is family owned. Thank you, I think his name is Chris who helps me a lot.

The pies and biscuits. Holy cow!We ordered the sweet potato pie, and it was excellent. Just the pie crust and spices like grandma used to make. Biscuits are simple and they come out sliced and buttered -- also like grandma served them to you.My partner and I like the biscuits so much we ordered a tray of them for our wedding once upon a time.The other dishes we ordered recently were all pretty plain. You could do fine making the waffles and pancakes from a mix at home. But the portions are hearty, and if you arrive hungry, you won't be disappointed.