Popular Oakland barbecue chef Matt Horn is expanding his operations, opening a new restaurant in Lafayette on Wednesday.
The new Horn Barbecue location is located at 3422 Mt. Diablo Blvd., which previously operated as Boneheads BBQ and All the Smoke BBQ.
“This isn’t just the launch of a new location – it’s the realization of a dream built on passion, perseverance and a deep commitment to serving our community,” read a post on the restaurant’s Instagram announcing the opening of December 18 is announced.
Horn first made a splash at his original outpost in West Oakland, where his smoked brisket, ribs and tri-tip would draw lines of people who would wait for hours to get their hands on his product. Horn Barbecue earned a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant in 2022.
Horn’s company has also faced some significant challenges. In November 2023, his restaurant in West Oakland was significantly damaged in a fire just two days after being defaced with graffiti.
Horn would close and open the West Oakland restaurant on Mandela Parkway a new location on 8th Street in Oakland where he operated another of his restaurants, Matty’s Old Fashioned. While that restaurant eventually closed, Horn’s Barbecue took over the space.
Horn’s reputation clearly weighs heavily with his fans and followers, with a large group of people gathering at the doors of the new Lafayette restaurant before it opens at noon on Wednesday.
