Horn debuts new burgers in Oakland

Matt Horn, the pit master who has skyrocketed to national fame for his Oakland restaurant Horn Barbecue, is plotting a second restaurant focused on burgers.

The chef teased the new concept, Matty’s OldFashioned, on Instagram, and a representative confirmed that Horn is hoping it becomes a brickandmortar restaurant in the future. Fans can get a first taste on Saturday during an evening popup at Horn Barbecue.

Unlike some of Horn’s earlier popups that saw enormous crowds, the Matty’s popup will be fairly intimate and streamlined. Only 100 burgers will be sold, and burger hopefuls will need to score a reservation on Tock in advance; the link hasn’t been created yet.

Saturday’s popup will serve only burgers and drinks. The patties are made from Horn’s proprietary blend of beef, and each burger will feature two patties, cheese and a secret sauce. The price is still being finalized, but expect around $8$10.

Horn’s national reputation started growing when he operated as a popup, drawing hourslong waits to an old West Oakland service station. He’s best known for his brisket, oaksmoked for about 18 hours, which speaks to his selftaught Texasstyle craft.

Matty’s is not the only future restaurant promised by Horn. He also previewed KowBird, a fried chicken sandwich shop, as a popup in early 2020. The plan has been to open KowBird in Oakland Assembly, a muchdelayed ambitious food hall near Jack London Square.

If you miss out on this particular burger popup, don’t fret: Horn plans to offer more in the future.

Matty’s Old Fashioned popup: 6 p.m. Saturday, March 20. 2534 Mandela Parkway, Oakland. instagram.com/mattyburgers