Jan 20, 2026 - Food and Drink
GG's Cafe Express dishes up quick comfort in Oakland
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The fast-casual restaurant is at 300 S. Craig St. in Oakland. Photo: Alexis Johnson/Axios
A Black-owned express cafe is bringing quick, hearty food to the fast-paced Oakland environment.
Why it matters: After closing its Bakery Square location in 2022, sisters Meredith and Christine Galloway who own Sugar x Butter catering, reopened GG's Cafe Express last August in the Craig Street business district.
- The fast-casual restaurant now aims to serve college students, university employees and busy professionals.
- Sitting at the intersection of Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, the cafe accepts CMU Dollars and Panther Funds, and has a partnership with the Fantuan Delivery App for international students.
Dig in: GG's Cafe Express has a build-your-own customizable style menu where you can order from a range of options spanning breakfast, lunch and desserts.
- I tried the Black & Gold Mac Bowl ($14) topped with brisket, onions and a barbecue drizzle.
- If you're looking for a healthier option, the Salmon Power Bowl ($16) comes with spring salad, rice, hard-boiled egg, roasted corn, tomatoes, red onions and whipped feta.
- The tastiest bite was the buffalo chicken flatbread with banana peppers, scallions and a ranch drizzle with gooey mozzarella cheese.
If you go: 300 S Craig St., Oakland
- Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm