TJ’s Gingerbread House

I adored this restaurant and have many, many good memories of being there. I hope Ms. Noelle is doing well. She was a gracious lady.

I know this place has shut down, but after reading the other reviews, I just have to put in my two cents about why I miss it so terribly, and how unfair the latter-​era negative reviews are.
I was introduced to The Gingerbread House as a late-​comer, really; February of 2001. This is a historic restaurant that was the talk of the town from the 1960’s, and the «bizarre» décor was reminiscent of the colorful time in which this Victorian house was converted into a restaurant. There was a time in which all the high prices and glory were 100% justifiable, and earned. This restaurant earned many awards, including multiple Zagat awards and Oakland community awards. T.J. Robinson was a brilliant woman, and her daughter, Miss Noelle, was a truly sweet, kind, and caring person who loved her mother and the family business, and she really loved the diners who frequented her establishment. If you were ever lucky enough to be there for one of her dinner presentations, you would know the full history of the restaurant, where T.J. came from, why she opened her restaurant, and where every single piece of the unique décor came from, all the way from the double-​paned encased etching glass windows to the eerie ragdolls strewn about the inner part of the house. The restroom had an antique Singer sewing machine table for a sink pedestal. The cornbread recipe was actually outstanding, and I had HATED cornbread before being introduced to theirs! It was very spicy, and dripping with butter. Perfection!
One of the selling points on this place was the warm fuzzies of returning and having Miss Noelle REMEMBER YOU every damn time. She never forgot a face, and she treated every guest as if we were a member of her own family. Once upon a time, it was an absolute joy to get the Whiskey Stuffed Lobster, or the Bing Cherry Duck! I’M DROOLING JUST THINKING ABOUT IT. Ugh… how sad to lose this legend. :(
So, two major problems are likely what destroyed this amazing place and made it nothing but a memory: the housing bubble popped and created an almost instant economic crash in the San Francisco Bay Area, and T.J. herself was in failing health. Miss Noelle was in her 50’s when I started going (although you’d never know it! She looked about 25 – 30), so you can imagine how old her mother must have been. I believe T.J. Robinson passed away in 2011, not long after this restaurant shut down. I cannot imagine what Miss Noelle must have been going through in the economic disaster while trying to take care of her ailing, elderly mother, and trying to save her family’s business. Perhaps this is why I find all the 1 star comments on the personality of the owner and the décor to be rather offensive; I have rarely met anyone as kind and warm as Miss Noelle, and it breaks my heart that this fabulous place is gone forever. I’d kill for a few of the recipes, to be quite frank.
Someone asked how other «white» diners felt about the dresses of the staff and the manner in which we were spoken to? I can tell you from my perspective, I spent part of my childhood in the south, and this is how we were all taught to speak to elders, guests, and anyone else deserving of a little extra courtesy. It may not be as much a modern thing (even in the south) but it is very much an old-​school southern thing, not a «race» thing. Take a time machine back to South Texas and spend a few months living in my white Episcopalian blue-​blood aunt’s home, and find out what it’s like to not be permitted to leave a table or a room without a ton of «yes ma’am» and «no ma’am» courtesy, and find out what it’s like to get your ears boxed. I went back to California as a teenager, and the first time I said «yes ma’am» to my own mother, she flipped out and accused me of being condescending, when she was the one who dumped me so the southern extended family could raise me! OMG… but I definitely understand based on that personal experience how a native to California might be put off by the sort of vernacular used by southern genteels to express politeness. The costumes? That, I agree, I originally found to be a little poor taste, but after time, I came to understand it as a left-​over of the earlier era in which the restaurant had been built, as well as the earlier era in which T.J. had been raised, herself. She was a true Creole woman, and it is important to know that Creoles were not slaves (as I feel the previous reviewer suggests the staff were behaving) although some Creoles actually owned slaves since they were a wealthy class.
Sadly, the food’s quality did diminish over the final years, as did the staff in general. I had a few disappointing experiences before they shut down. I hope Miss Noelle is alive and well, out there, and I hope she is healthy and happy! THAT is how endearing this place was to anyone who paid it a 2^nd visit and became part of the Robinson family. Always always going to miss this place. :’(

I’ve been here long time ago, it was great! Too bad I never got to take anybody special here before it sadly closed down.

I was introduced to the Gingerbread House as a girl scout in the 70’s. I love the décor and the gingerbread cookies. The Gingerbread house bakery was my traditional pre-​Easter picnic destination for years. However, when I went there for my 29^th birthday in 2000, I was disappointed to find the entrees overpriced and not so great.
I’m sorry to see this Oakland landmark go away, but I think the Gingerbread house brought it’s demise on itself by giving in to the «Black tax», which is a habit of overpricing that is evident in so many Black-​owned businesses.

Euh!
Don’t believe any of the five star reviews. I bought into the hype for this place and was burned! I really really wanted to like it too.
The décor is probably supposed to evoke a warm and whimsical fairytale type feel, but I thought it was more creepy than endearing. When we arrived for dinner around 7pm, the restaurant was completely empty. (And I was worried because I didn’t make a reservation — ha!) Red Flags #1 and #2.
As for the food. The best thing about the Sassy Corn Bread is its name. Other than that, it tasted like normal run of the mill corn bread. Red Flag #3 (Side Note: T-​Rex in Berkeley on the other hand has awesome corn bread drenched with a tasty maple butter. Now that’s sassy!) The signature Jambalaya was even more flavorless. The sausage and the shrimp along with everything else in the Jambalaya was not seasoned — kind of like eating re-​hydrated cardboard! Red Flag #4
Insult being added to injury with this not so great meal arrives when you get the receipt. This place is not cheap. With expensive food comes great responsibility. Red Flag #5 Bad expensive food is just wrong!
Too many Red Flags.

I find this place incredibly overpriced, bizarre, and completely psychologically unsettling. I’ve been there twice and the second time was worse; we had a large group and got more attentive service, which made it weirder. No one in the reviews has mentioned yet that the staff wears «aunt jemima» style outfits and bows and says things like «yes’m» that really made me, as a white woman, feel like I was being served by recently emancipated servants in the reconstructionist south. I have never eaten anywhere where I felt the rice and beans came with such a heavy side of social awkwardness. I am curious as to how other white diners who rate this highly see this; did you not feel totally weird? Maybe it’s just me. I don’t personally want a «plantation owner» experience when I dine. And I don’t want to pay through the nose for it either.

i love to bring people who have never been to the Gingerbread house before! The décor and the server are enough to creep people out in a good way! The server who looks fabulous for her age is very cool and super sweet! she is so accommodating and hospitable.
The ribs and the cornbread are very good! The little fruit salad they serve before the entrée is gross. Never touch it!
This place in a nutshell is a true Oakland fixture, but it is also super pricey for the food they offer and they need to update a lot of things, including the menu and décor!

For many years I had been curious of this unusual gingerbread house that you can see as you take BART into San Francisco. My boyfriend and I went on a whim one evening last spring and have been returning on short trips to at least pick up cookies ever since.
For those craving Southern food you have the right place. The corn bread is delicious and not overly bland or sweet and has the right consistency. The beans and rice could be better, but are still good. The meat dishes are much better. Call at least one day in advance for dinner, as this is a family run style establishment and most dishes on the menu can not be ordered unless you do so.
Dinner is on the pricer side, but you are paying for home cooking, personable staff, a warm & engaging atmosphere where you won’t go away empty on food. Realize in advance that this is slow food and your food will come out as individual courses.
Ultimately as one can imagine, the main treat, gingerbread is the BEST part of the menu. They are the best gingerbread cookies I have ever had! I am a cookie expert and have had many gingerbread and ginger type cookies. These are simply impressive and your tastebuds will be singing. Just make sure to have TJ warm it for you or if you stop by to pick up cookies, heat them for less than a minute at home. If you just want cookies they do have a separate shop where you can buy the cookies in a quick minute too.
The decour of TJ’s is very unique. Make sure to go to the bathrooms to see the entire place and its many collections and beautifully kitch decorations.
If you want a quick meal and have high restaurant standards this place is not for you. If you like magic, unique, having an experience, a fun laid back atmosphere and friendly people make sure to go. I met others at the restaurant that gush and return to this place annually.
Sadly TJ’s is closing at the end of this month or sometime in December 2007. Make sure to check in advance if they are still open for dinner.

I dropped by this place totally on a whim. Driving back to my office in East Oakland from the City I decided to get some lunch in Chinatown. But knowing the already bad parking situation would be worse because my company car is a gigantic Dodge Ram I decided to cruise for a big enough parking space. I found space to spare in front of this establishment and I decided to drop in. So here’s the rundown.
Food: good but not great food in very large portions. The best part is the gingerbread in ice cream included at the end of the meal. The gingerbread was so gooey, it was perfect.
The only thing I found lacking was the sausage in my dirty rice. It was a bit bland. I always thought the sausage used in creole cooking was more flavorful.
Service was pretty good but the lady was bit spooky. It’s like her face was in some kind of an over-​botoxed perpetual smile.

You will be spoiled on their terms! My son and I stopped by last weekend for a quick lunch. There is no such thing here. Sit back and relax. Get ready to talk and enjoy the eclectic ride down the rabbit hole.
Good food, crazy surrounding’s and great warm people.

I must first say that I truly loved my first experience at this restaurant. Having said that allow me to retort the haters of this place. If you read the bad reviews of this place, it is mostly the following:
This restaurant was so weird… like OMG!
or the corn bread was way too buttery… like OMG!
or the owner was like so weird… like OMG!
Listen people, if you walk unknowingly into Disneyland thinking that it was a quaint eatery that happens to serve mint Julep’s, you shouldn’t be surprised that you find yourself in tomorrow land standing in line for star tours eating a churro. I mean as if the appearance alone does not give a big enough indicator of the non-​traditional experience that awaits you. If you cannot handle something marginally unexpected, different, or interesting (subjective statement I know) — do not go here.
The one complaint I have is that the meals are somewhat pricey, but I willingly pay the price because the experience of going here is an added value.
I love this place and the feeling you get dining here. The food is good, tasty and different. I like the corn bread, gumbo, ribs, and well everything I tried. I recommend anyone to go if they are up for an adventure.

This is by far the most unique place I’ve ever had a meal. The only problem is that it felt a little like walking into… lets see. the last few hours of your life. Its a Ginger-​f-​in-​Bread House. My brother called ‘Hansel’ so I guess I was Gretel. Great start. There were too many trinkets (maybe they were knick knacks?) and because we went in the day time you could see a little wear and tear on the building. I guess I just don’t get the whole ‘come for the gingerbread, stay for the gumbo’ thing.
I don’t mean to disrespect the amount of love that this family has put into this establishment. Miss Noelle was very very sweet and kept the delicious warm cornbread coming. She was excited to hear that we had just been down to the Bayou, and wanted us to have a good experience.
I had Red Beans & Rice with Sausage, and Crawfish Etoufee as my main course. MMmmmm buttery goodness. We took a plate of Chicken & Dumplings home to my sister in law who has discerning tastebuds surrounding this delicacy. It passed with flying colors.
Again, the service was great and the food hit the spot, but the overall environment was a little much.

There’s really nothing to be scared of when you come to TJ’s Gingerbread House– not the crazy looking colorful pink house, the wide-​eyed server with long orange fingernails, the creepy little gingerbread knick knacks all the restaurant or the fact that it’s located directly underneath the BART tracks. What’s scary is how much they can charge for their portions of jambalaya or gumbo. Although the entrees did come with a never ending glass of lemonade or iced tea, five pieces of butter dripping sassy cornbread, a small fruit salad and homemade ice cream and cookie, after tax and tip it was about $ 66 for two which seemed pricey.
This no frills type of restaurant serves up some good jambalaya. It had a nice kick to the flavor and was definitely filling. The gumbo was alright and more on the heavier side. I liked the sassy cornbread and the rock hard ice cream over the warmed cookie was actually a nice combination.
It’s definitely an interesting little place and you’re leave with an unforgettable experience.

These guys Rock!
It’s a cajun, playground more then a meal, it’s an event.
I’ve been going for the past 20 years, and it’s still a treat.

This place totally creeps me out.
First of all it’s by the freeway, in Oakland and there is no parking lot.
We were in a large group that evening so we were sat in the greenhouse like room and served by a lady dressed in a dingy and worn colonial dress.
Not a fan of Cajun food. Especially not a fan of pricey Cajun food, in a spooky gingerbread house, with eerie employees and creepy dolls everywhere.
I wouldn’t dine here again if I was PAID.

The place is definitely weird and I dig it. The décor, the building, the wait staff, etc all of it was a different experience. We started out with their delicious cornbread, I had the etoufee and we finished it off with the cobbler a la mode. The waitress beautifully sang happy birthday to me and afterwards we picked up some of their cookies and were off on our merry way.
The only gripes I have are that some of the really good sounding dishes have to be ordered ahead of time and the portions are a little modest.

I had SO much fun at TJ’s Gingerbread House.
Yes, it is weird. The décor is a little weird, the building itself is a little weird, and the staff is a little weird. But you know what? It’s part of the experience. And TJ’s Gingerbread House is just that – an experience. If you’re just looking for a place to have a normal dinner, I don’t recommend this place, especially if you expect your waitress to be a) normal, and b) uninvolved with your dinner. If, however, you’re looking for an experience you can’t get ANYWHERE else (and great food), check it out. I think it’s a must-​visit.
Miss Noelle, the waitress, is hilarious. She is definitely a little strange (we were thrown off by her wide-​eyed staring when we first arrived), but she’s fun, kind and had a lot of stories to share with us. I can understand why some people (ie, Hank J) might be thrown off by her, but if you walk into the Gingerbread House knowing what to expect, you’d probably find her as fun as we did.
Also, you might want to call ahead – we found that some of their dishes are only available by ordering in advance. We were very satisfied with our meal – especially the cornbread, which is DELICIOUS!

TJ’s Gingerbread house is so full of wonders that it’s a bit overwhelming. The dining room is small, and everything seems hand-​made in a kitchy way– lots of pink, the ceiling is painted with angels, and random framed poems, photos, etc adorn the walls.
Once you get past the crappy xeroxed menus or the fact you have to keep track of the elaborate system for determining what is actually available on them (!), you’re still dealing with the maniacal waitstaff or the insane over-​decorated dining area.
The food is actually pretty good– it’s not «Fusion» or any other especially fancy genre, however I could easily eat an entire meal of their cornbread and even the beans and rice jambalaya, although basic, is very satisfying.
For the full experience, I understand you must go for dinner– however I’ve only ever been for lunch, when the prices are a bit less crazy and you stand a chance of actually getting a table. At night I think they have live piano music.
Definitely an Oakland experience– intense and not for the timid or uptight. I would totally take out-​of-​towners here to scare them.

I would not recommend this restaurant whatsoever. The food is not terrible, but it’s way way over-​priced and the people who work at this restaurant are very strange. The waitress we had was acting very weird, when we first sat down and picked up the menus that were on the table, she told us to wait, that this was not like other restaurants, she had to explain the menu to us before we could look at it. Fair enough, but why then were they on the table?
During our meal the waitress told us all to stop eating so she could ‘bring out’ the owner. The owner than came out and acted as if we should be bowing down to her like she is some sort of goddess or something. Give me a break!
I don’t like the holier than thou attitude of the staff and owner of this restaurant and cannot in good faith recommend it to anyone.

The history and culture of this place is really very very unique. The house itself has dozens of rooms, the décor is nuts, and the server we had when we went for a birthday was, to say the least, colorful. The whole experience lasted I think about 3 hours and the server was talking during most of it, telling stories, playing Ray Charles records & dancing with us, and just generally being charming. She claimed to have literally grown up at the place. All extremely interesting.
Here’s the only problem; the food was really, really bad. You order it a few days before and it was pretty clear that the prepare it in the morning and microwave it right before serving. I think the bill with a generous tip was almost $ 300 for seven people, which is just too much for bad food. Our party was evenly split on whether or not it was worth it, each with strong sentiments. So, if nothing else, T.J.‘s Gingerbread House will provide stories and conversation. It’s an experience.