I like a little industrial archaeology with my lunch now and again, which involves scoping out chow in East Bay areas whose former glory is tied to defunct or relocated industries.
It’s especially appealing when cities incorporate their industrial pasts into revitalization plans that include eating venues. An amazing recent example of this is Richmond’s BoilerHouse Restaurant, situated in an old Ford assembly plant near the port.
I’m always looking for this kind of scene, so when I heard that Hercules, a former company town, was in the midst of major redevelopment and had opened a Market Hall, it was all the motivation my son and I needed to hop into the old Civic and head upstream.
We figured we’d hit the food trucks at Market Hall and then drive around to chance upon remnants of the powder works – namely dynamite and gunpowder production, noting potential good eats along the way.That was in mid-October. Since then we’ve gone back several times.
Market Hall, right off San Pablo Avenue, serves as the temporary town center. This sort of “movable,” artsy, mixed-use community space is not what you’d expect in the ‘burbs.
There’s a large, covered area for food trucks with communal tables, a stone fireplace with comfy Adirondack chairs, a bocce court, open-air theater and a few shops housed in decorated shipping containers. The adorable quality of the place might not be for everyone, but it’s accessible and inviting with ample seating to hang when it’s nice out.
While the concept is distinctive, the venue is not thriving just yet; it has just two food trucks and a coffee vendor these days – though they’re all good vendors.
Shaw’s Texas-Style BBQ puts out some flavorful tri-tip and moist chicken, and its sauce is balanced, not cloying. Dinners with sides go for about $10. Nice people run the operation, too.
Sabor a Mexico has a long menu, but I stick with the quesadilla con meat ($5) because it’s seriously cheesy and generously meaty. The tortas ($5) are good, too, and Sabor a Mexico gives you lots of pickled carrot and radish. This is a serious taco truck, so you can get authentic items, like tongue.
Moschetti Coffee isn’t playing around. Its beans are Fair Trade, organic, and roasted daily in small batches – in Vallejo! If you’re a coffee person, you’ll appreciate the brew here.
To optimize food truck options, check Market Hall’s website beforehand to coordinate your visit with an event. During warmer months there’s a Saturday farmer’s market, but Hercules also uses the space for city-wide celebrations.
Another option is to pick something up nearby.
Kinder’s Custom Meats & Deli is just up the street. Some people swear by their ball tip sandwich ($7.25), but I prefer the combo deli sammie ($7.50).The 2/3-pound cheeseburger ($6.75) is great for a saturated fat splurge.
You can also haul a heaping plate of kare-kare or adobo back to Market Hall from Cabalen Filipino Cuisine for under $10.
Before you head home take Sycamore over to Railroad Avenue, which runs along San Pablo Bay, and check out the Waterfront District.
Wind your way around the streets and you’ll see charming new Bay Area-style neighborhoods that include a cluster of renovated company houses from the 1890’s.
There are a number of old buildings associated with the powder works on Railroad Avenue, as well as a couple restaurants.
The angus burger ($6.99) and po’boy ($11.99) at The Powder Keg Pub & Seafood Cafe are good, as are the fresh oysters ($20/dozen). If you want to go upscale and pretty, have a Thai lunch at Sala Restaurant in an historic building overlooking the water.
