Some people drive all the way from Santa Rosa for a plate of fried catfish. Others order the fried chicken at least once a week and never get tired of it.
In East Oakland, one small counter has built a loyal following by keeping its prices low and its fryers busy with food made to order. It is not fancy, and the neighborhood can feel rough around the edges, but the crowds keep coming back anyway.
Families feed four people for around 25 dollars, and solo diners leave full after spending five to ten. Breakfast plates, combo deals, and old-school desserts round out the lineup.
Keep reading to find out where this place is, what to order, when to show up, and why so many California diners call it worth the trip.
An International Boulevard Address Worth Remembering
Dixon’s sits at 8999 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94621, in the heart of East Oakland, California.
The spot is a soul food restaurant, and its full name often appears as Dixon’s Fried Fish and Chicken. That second name tells you most of what you need to know about the menu.
International Boulevard is a long, busy road running through the eastern side of the city. The restaurant is a modest storefront, not a sit-down palace with white tablecloths.
Still, it has earned a strong local following, with hundreds of diners giving it a solid 4.3-star average. That is a lot of fans for a counter-style kitchen.
The focus here is simple and steady. Fried chicken and catfish lead the conversation, while ribs, fish sandwiches, and sweets fill in the rest.
People from across the Bay Area and beyond have made the drive. Travelers passing through California from as far as Florida have stopped in, too.
So the address is easy to plug into a map. The harder part is deciding what to order once you arrive, and that is where the story really begins.
A Neighborhood Kitchen With Deep Roots
Long before food apps made it easy to find, this kitchen was already feeding East Oakland.
Dixon’s has been known for years as an African American owned spot that keeps prices low for the community. Many regulars see it as a true neighborhood fixture rather than a trendy stop.
The area around it is a mix of Latino and African American households. That blend shows up at the counter, where bilingual service makes ordering easier for many families.
Older menus from years back show how long the value has been part of the identity. Eight pieces of fried chicken once sold for under seven dollars, which tells you the budget-friendly spirit is nothing new.
Some longtime fans say the cooking reminds them of a grandmother’s kitchen. Desserts like peach cobbler and 7Up pound cake help that reputation along.
Not every opinion is glowing, of course. A few diners have wondered aloud whether the ownership has changed over time, though nothing in the available information confirms that.
What stays consistent is the role the place plays. It is a spot where locals eat, return, and bring friends, which may be the best history lesson of all.
The Fried Chicken Fan Club
Ask around East Oakland about the best fried chicken in town, and this name comes up a lot.
Fried chicken is one of the most talked-about items on the menu. Fans describe it as crispy outside with a tender center, seasoned well and fried fresh.
Some diners go as far as saying it beats the big chains. The message is clear: skip the drive-through and head here instead.
Combos give you plenty of ways to order. You can grab legs and thighs with fries, wing combos, or bigger family-sized orders.
One longtime customer found the place on Grubhub and now orders once a week. That kind of loyalty says more than any ad could.
Wing lovers get extra options as well. Party wings come in flavors such as lemon pepper, barbecue, and habanero buffalo.
A few people say they have given up chain wing shops entirely after trying these. Bold choice, but the fryer seems to back it up.
Just plan on a short wait. The chicken is cooked to order, so patience is part of the deal.
Catfish That Earns The Drive
Catfish is the single most mentioned dish connected to this kitchen, edging out even the chicken.
That alone should tell you where to start. Diners call it some of the best catfish they have had in a long time, at a price that feels right.
Others simply sum it up as cheap, quick, and excellent. Some say it is the best deep fried catfish in the whole Bay.
It also shows up at breakfast. A catfish plate with grits and eggs gives early risers a hearty start.
One tip pops up more than once. A few folks like to bring their own hot sauce or seasoning to adjust the flavor to their taste.
Fair warning, the fish has had its critics too. A handful of diners have found pieces small or heavy on the cornmeal coating.
Still, the overall chorus is loud and positive. For many, the catfish is the reason the trip from Santa Rosa or across the Bay makes sense.
Order it once, and you will understand why it gets top billing next to the chicken.
Beyond Catfish: The Rest Of The Seafood Lineup
Catfish may wear the crown, but the seafood menu runs deeper than one fish.
Basa is a regular favorite, often ordered alongside chicken in a two-way combo. Many diners say it comes out well seasoned and fried just right.
Red snapper and whiting also appear on the menu. Oysters are another option that people mention often.
The fish sandwich has its own fan base, with plenty of chatter around it. It is an easy grab-and-go choice for a quick lunch.
Butterfly prawns and fried prawns add some variety for shrimp lovers. Shrimp also shows up in three-way combos with two types of fish.
Opinions on the seafood are not unanimous. One diner found the snapper and whiting too salty, while another felt a three-way combo was smaller than expected.
Tartar sauce may not always be available, with ketchup and hot sauce as the standard options. Asking ahead never hurts.
With so many choices, mixing and matching is half the fun. Seafood fans can build a plate that hits several favorites at once.
Combo Math Made Simple
Here is a quick lesson that will save you confusion at the counter.
A two-way order means two kinds of meat on one plate. A large means five pieces of meat per serving, while a regular comes with three.
That system makes it easy to share or customize. Chicken wings with catfish is a popular two-way pairing.
Three-way combos also exist, such as two fish with shrimp. One diner paid 28 dollars for that combo and felt it fed two people rather than three, so plan portions with care.
Drinks are not always included with combos anymore. It is smart to check before assuming one comes with your meal.
The menu also has many specials to choose from. Regulars point to deals that land under ten dollars per person.
Fried ribs are another option worth adding to a combo. They come up often as a favorite among frequent customers.
Once you learn the lingo, ordering becomes fast and easy. Think of it as soul food arithmetic, and the answer usually adds up to a full stomach.
Sides That Spark Debate
Nothing starts a friendly argument faster than mac and cheese.
Some fans call it out of this world and order two larges for the family. Others find it too thick and say it misses the mark.
Yams also split the crowd. Many people love them, while a few call them just okay.
Greens get a nod from diners who appreciate that they are made without meat. That is a nice plus for anyone avoiding pork in their sides.
Potato salad earns steady praise, and red beans and rice is a go-to for at least one weekly regular. Coleslaw, fries, and fried okra round things out.
Baked beans have been a miss for some, and fries have occasionally come out overcooked. So it pays to try a couple of sides and find your own favorites.
The honest takeaway is that the chicken and fish are the stars. Sides play supporting roles, and some shine brighter than others.
Build your plate with a mix, and you might discover a new favorite. Or you might just join the mac and cheese debate.
Breakfast Plates Worth Waking Up For
Plenty of people do not realize this kitchen opens early enough for breakfast.
Doors open at 10 am most days, and the morning menu has its own following. Regulars say not to overlook it.
Catfish with grits and eggs is a standout combination. It brings the restaurant’s signature fish into a morning plate.
Shrimp and grits is another option that fans enjoy. Pork chop and eggs also gets a shout-out from weekly customers.
Not every breakfast plate wins everyone over. One pair of diners felt their shrimp and grits was too greasy.
Bringing your own hot sauce can help you season things exactly how you like. That tip comes up more than once with the breakfast plates.
Breakfast here is a quiet bonus for people who think of the place only as a lunch stop. It gives early birds a reason to swing by before the afternoon rush.
Set an alarm, grab a friend, and see how the morning menu fits your routine.
A Sweet Finish From The Dessert Case
Save a little room, because the dessert list reads like a family reunion menu.
Peach cobbler is the most mentioned sweet treat. Some diners say it reminds them of their grandmother’s cooking.
Sweet potato pie appears on the menu too. Red velvet cake gets decent marks from those who have tried it.
Banana pudding earns a strong recommendation from at least one happy regular. Chocolate cake and 7Up pound cake have also been part of family orders.
One diner reported finding mold on a sweet potato pie, which is worth knowing. A quick look at your dessert before digging in is a reasonable habit anywhere.
Still, most comments about the sweets lean warm and nostalgic. They feel like the kind of desserts that show up at Sunday dinner.
Desserts make a nice take-home treat for the family. Grab one or two slices for later, and the meal stretches into the evening.
Fried food first, cobbler second, nap third. That seems to be the unofficial order of operations.
Prices That Stretch A Dollar
Value is the word that follows this restaurant everywhere.
Many diners call it some of the best value in the Bay Area. For five to ten dollars, most people leave full.
Families do especially well here. One weekly customer says you can feed a family of four for about 25 dollars.
Specials and combos keep costs down. There are deals under ten dollars per person, which is rare in today’s Bay Area.
Travelers have noticed it too. A family passing through from Florida ordered a big spread of wings, fish, sides, and cake and still felt the bill was fair.
Some diners compare it favorably to chain wing shops. Better flavor and better prices is a tough combination to beat.
That said, a few people have felt certain combos were smaller than expected. Checking portion sizes before ordering for a group is a smart move.
In a region known for high costs, finding a filling meal for under ten dollars feels like a small victory. Your wallet will likely thank you.
Counter Culture And Friendly Faces
Expect a no-frills setup with a focus on getting good food into your hands.
The space has been described as sparse and family style. It is clean and simple rather than decorated.
Staff often get compliments for being friendly. Bilingual service is a big plus in a neighborhood with many Spanish-speaking families.
Orders take a little time because food is not sitting under heat lamps. Everything is made fresh when you order.
That wait is a fair trade for many fans. Fresh fried chicken is worth a few extra minutes.
The crowd is a mix of locals, regulars, and road trippers. Some people order through delivery apps, while others stop in on their way through town.
This spot suits budget-minded families, fried food fans, and anyone who values substance over style. It is less ideal for those seeking a long, relaxed sit-down meal.
Bring an appetite and a little patience. The rest tends to sort itself out at the counter.
Hours, Parking, And Street Smarts
Timing matters, so here are the basics before you head out.
The restaurant opens at 10 am on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. On Tuesday, doors open at 11 am.
Closing time is 6:30 pm every open day. Sunday is closed, so plan your cravings accordingly.
There is a small parking lot, which is a nice perk. It fills up quickly, though, so be ready to circle or wait.
The neighborhood has a rough reputation, and many diners mention it. People may approach outside asking for food, so staying aware is a good idea.
Most say you will be fine if you use common sense. Keep your eyes open, park smart, and you can focus on the meal.
Delivery apps such as Grubhub are another option. Ordering for pickup can also cut down on waiting time at the counter.
Early afternoon on a weekday may be easier for parking. With a little planning, the visit can go smoothly from start to finish.
The Case For Making The Trek
So, is it worth the drive across the Bay or beyond?
For fried chicken and catfish, the answer from many California diners is a confident yes. Those two dishes are the calling card, and they carry the place.
The prices make it even easier to say yes. Few spots in the region can fill you up for under ten dollars.
Not everything is perfect. Some sides divide opinions, and a handful of diners have had off days with the fish.
The neighborhood also asks for a bit of awareness. Parking can be tight during busy hours.
Still, the core experience keeps people coming back week after week. Fresh-fried food, friendly service, and fair prices are a strong combination.
Go hungry, order a two-way with catfish and chicken, and add a slice of peach cobbler. Bring your favorite hot sauce, just in case.
Then decide for yourself why this East Oakland counter has such a loyal crowd. Odds are good you will be planning your next trip before the box is empty.
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