Eat here at least once a week and have not ordered anything I've disliked. Great burgers. Berry cobbler hot and delicious. Started to call the place moms. read more

Great BBQ. Locally owned, great menu, and great prices. The staff is always friendly. If you're craving BBQ, this is the place to go.

Not really a fan any more. I used to love this place, but last time the food was so-so, and I didn't feel well after the meal.

Really enjoyed the meal at this place. There was a nice flow of folks eating here and it was during the week. I've never been much of a BBQ person, but I think I'm a convert now. I can so picture myself coming here and ordering a BBQ something or another. There were several adults & kids in our party and the service was quick & efficient. The kids had hamburgers, fries, & mini hotdogs which wasn't bad at all. The rest of the group ordered the #2 meal. There were plenty of eats to satisfy even the hungriest among our party; Mac N Cheese, Famous Baked Beans, short & beef ribs, buttered rolls, tri-tip, & BBQ chicken. The meat was tender, tasty and flavorful. The mac n cheese- was OMG! We asked for the sauce on the side and glad we did as everyone has their own tolerance and way of doll'n up their plate. Tried their spicy BBQ sauce and it WAS amazing- it seemed to have a slight tamarind taste & the spiciness was perfect. The desserts we tried were the pecan pie (which was just "ok") and the lemon cake which was moist, tangy and sweet. I'll definitely be back to this place... read more

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My experiences and 15 plus years of living here, I have come to this conclusion. Not too many California BBQ locations know how to prepare real BBQ. CJ's could not compare to the worst BBQ spot in the Midwest. I don't understand how some restaurants even stay open...I have given CJ's a couple of chances like I do most establishments, three strikes you're out. I am putting CJ on the bench and negotiating a trade. I went to his express location on NBVC military base for lunch. I was happy to see the expansion of his restaurant. I will give him this...his prices and portions are spot on and fare. I ordered the spare rib dinner that came with my choice of sides; potato salad and baked beans. The potato salad was well seasoned and balanced perfectly cooked potatoes, I tend to think the salad is store bought though, It just does not have that rustic homemade taste or hand cut potato look. The baked beans were out of a can and jazzed up with their weak barbeque sauce. The thick sauce adhered to the rib well but is on the sweet side and has very little tang to it, which makes it a body-less BBQ syrup. I have to say it's a very one note sauce that needs a supporting cast of ingredients to boost up that flavor profile. My plate came with three ribs which is average for the West Coast. In the Mid West and South you normally get 4(bones) for the $10 meal price. No problem there...but the ribs... They were bland as hell! They were in dire need of seasoning and some smoke. CJ, you need to give those ribs some type of rub, and use a wood to add level of smoke and added flavor. They were also quite tough. I don't like my ribs completely falling off the bone but they need to have a tender bite to them. I was chewing these dry rubber ribs like a horse would hay. If this review sounds harsh...so be it. These lousy restaurants we spend our hard earned money on need to know when and how to step it up. I love to support independent establishments but food in a restaurants needs to be cooked with love and homemade from scratch. Fresh ingredients, no cutting corners with canned or store bought food. Taste that *expletive* before you serve it! CJ do the art of BBQueing some justice and take a trip to KC, Memphis, Texas, the Carolinas, even Omaha Nebraska. Sample, take notes and compare recipes. I have, and make better Q in my back yard. I DECLARE WAR ON SUBPAR RESTAURANTS! read more

Ordered a pastrami burger and fries to go. Believe it or not, there was a piece of glass and a hair in the middle of the fries. I didn't believe it at first. plenty of coworkers around as witnesses. Many of us will not be eating there ever. So if you decide to take a daring chance and eat there, inspect your food thoroughly. read more

CJ's Barbecue - Glass and hair found in my fries!!!!!!! - Burgers Near Me - Oxnard, California

Not impressed by anything here, I was really hoping to find some good BBQ in Ventura. I've been searching for a good tri-tip in the Ventura area for a year now and so far nothing. I found this place on the Ventura axxess card and found this and with a 15$ off coupon, it was a great deal 23$ for 4 sides 2 rolls a half rack of beef ribs and a lb. of tri-tip. I was disappointed in everything, triton was very thick cut and not very tender, the ribs tasted like they were made yesterday and re heated for me and all the sides were just ok. I did like the BBQ sauce it was good, OMG don't eat the rolls they taste like a old napkin. I will not be back, the lady serving the food was pretty nice. read more

I have been passing this place for a while and decided to stop in had a taste for BBQ.ordered rib tips ribs greens,potato salad and I must say it was the absolute worst BBQ I have ever eaten, Isat and watched others with the same look of discuss on there faces don't know where those other people ate but never again for me Ifeel ripped off I spent so much money there,yes I should have said something gross read more

So I was in there today because somebody recommended the restaurant to me. Please note, I just moved to the area from Atlanta, so I kinda know what soul food is supposed to taste like lol(kinda=sarcasm). I had high hopes for this place since I really wanted some good bbq! The girls at the front counter were super nice and friendly. Unfortunately, I was really let down with the food. I ordered for my son and I the trip-tip sandwich, collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, and some kind of bbq'd wings. The trip-tip sandwich was lackluster in flavor. The bbq sauce they had the meat slathered in had no taste at all. The collard greens were meh. They had a lot of sugar in them like they were trying to be awesome...but just didn't quite make it there. CJ's gets 2 stars from me only because the baked beans were pretty good. They looked and tasted just like bush's from the grocery store, which tastes pretty good to me, so it was cool. The mac and cheese (IDK why they call it this) was not mac and cheese....just mac. Yea...no cheese. The noodles were EXTRA dry and crusty with no cheese. Insane, right!!! Blasphemous lol. My son eats every kind of mac and cheese on the planet (the kid even likes Kraft out of the box), but he wouldn't touch this stuff after his first bite. As much as I disliked it, I was still sure he would eat it; so when he didn't, I knew it wasn't just me. The wings were overcooked and so dry that you couldn't even chew them unless you had pterodactyl teeth :-( The sauce on the wings was actually pretty tasty, so that was a let-down. I almost forgot about the side of peach cobbler that I ordered.........I'll just leave it at that lol. In summation, If you've never had real soul food or southern food before, check them out for their friendly staff and I'm sure you won't even realize what you've been missing. read more

Upon entering this filthy establishment, possibly cleaned by a mangy racoon, I was greeted by what I can only imagine to be, an actor in training to be an asshole. (Well done, bravo). As he impatiently waited for us to make up our minds, he slouched laxidazically over the counter, and impatiently jabbed the menu with his burnt sausage-like fingers. But don't worry folks, the fun is just beginning. Jeff ordered the fried chicken wings which was fattier than batter dipped liposuction droppings. Not pleasing. The sides were crispy mac 'n' cheese, which was more solid than the pavement I walked in upon and nondescript salad. Heather was adventurous, and paid the price. She ordered the baby back ribs and pulled pork, most likely pulled out of the trash! The baby back ribs were 99 percent fake smoke, and were reminiscent of a slimjim soaked in fat and superglued to a bone. Based on the repuslive smell from the kitchen, I was not feeling the bbq. I ordered the garden burger with fries, hoping for something light and fresh. To my dismay, my patty was probably purchased sometime in 2004 judging by the lack of flavor and the vegetables were not crisp or pleasing. Also, the fries were dripping with oil, but were alright in comparision to the rest of my meal. A word to the wise: Do not, I repeat, do NOT eat at CJ's BBQ, unless you are desirous of a bad taste in your mouth, and a sudden, urgent trip to the porcelain pony. Good Day. read more

I used to eat here like twice a month when I lived closer to their old location. So they other day I kept thinking I want some CJ's which I had not had in a long time so I took my lunch and cruised on down the road to CJ's. I ordered the 2 meat combo, I got hot links, and tri-tip with french fries and chili beans on the side. Everything was just like I remembered GOOD! The beans were tasty, hot links had a little bit oh heat and the tri tip was nice and tender. I've seen reviews that say sometimes the owner or servers are rude but I've never had that problem. read more

I agree that the people behind the counter could be a little warmer though they were not rude to me... ultimately it is about the food and the food is good. I ordered the family meal for 4 and it was a lot of food. All the meat was very good, not too fatty and very flavorful. We got tri tip, pork and beef ribs and chicken. Everyone loved it. I would prefer a creamier sauce over the mac and cheese but it was still good. Best BBQ I have had in the area so far. read more

One of the warmest & truly friendly customer service I ever got. The lady who served us (probably the owner or someone who loves the place) was amazingly friendly & was able to break the ice of my 4years old son. True Southern hospitality :) Now lets get down to the business. Food is all it matters & my review wouldn't be biased by great customer service (maybe just a lil bit). I got the 3 meat bbq combo, so that I can try different flavor. I picked BBQ tri-tips, BBQ beef ribs & BBQ chicken breast. I chose sauce on the side & they have regular or spicy BBQ sauce. All of them were amazing. I was not sure about the chicken breast, since the pieces were big cubes & it looked dry. But they were smoky & flavorful. I got one rib in the plate & left just the bone like a hungry vulture finished eating. Beef tri-tip were amazing as well, though it lacks strong flavor, but that's why you have spicy BBQ sauce for. My wife wanted hot wings the night before & oh boy was it hot! If you're not used to spicy, try other flavors. We love spicy, so she & I loved it. Coleslaw was great, had to return the clam chowder cuz it had bacon in it :( The only thing that can really use some lift in flavor & prep is Mac n Cheese Great atmosphere, outstanding customer service & smoky-juicy-yummy BBQ...sing me up for life :) read more

This place was bomb, probably the best BBQ in Ventura county now since 'Its in the sauce' is now closed! Here you get a really good amount of meat, the chili is good, the bbq baked beans are ok..the collard greens was pretty good..I was excited about the corn bread but it's just ok so I can't wait to try something else as the sides...the sweet tea is super yummy! The meat we tried was the pulled pork, tri -tip, rib ends and chicken. My personal favorite is the tender tri tip and the chicken was really really good! If your looking for some BBQ around town this is the place to go. The atmosphere was chill, blues tunes playing, the customer service and cooks were really friendly and nice I will definitely be going back! read more

Ordered over the phone: 2 meat combo of tri tip and rib tips with two sides of sweet corn and BBQ beans. Added a side of corn bread. Upon arriving, staff member was less than friendly. Arrived home with order of: rib tips, corn, corn bread, no tri tip and no beans- cobbler instead. Half my order was wrong and I spent 25 bucks. Not to mention the rib tips were super chewy, overly fatty, and tasteless aside from the sauce. Fully inspect your meal before leaving apparently. read more

Great customer service. Good food, large selection and everything we have had had been good. Stopped by the other day and had a great burger. Cooked just as we asked. Juicy and delicious! Fries were hot and Chris. Cooked perfectly. Not too oily, cooked just enough. Also have had fish and chips, big salads and great happy hour. Will be going back soon read more

After attending a few BBQ places out here. I decided to give Cj a shot. I wasn't great of a fan of this place. You order at the counter, the place smells great, but the taste wasn't nothing to rave about. At least when I ordered the Bbq tri-tip sandwich. It didn't taste that great going down. I was burping that sandwich all day long, which didn't have the greatest taste. I've had better BBQ sauces. I'm willing to go back and try something else on the menu. This place is not a total cross out on my list. read more

I do believe the mangy raccoon janitor was fired and all the other bad attitude employees were fired...because today it was clean and friendly! I got the tri-tip sandwich and chili-cheese fries (obviously my diet was not going to be acknowledged today)...the sandwich was pretty good...it was loaded with BBQ sauce, totally didn't stop me from adding the spicy BBQ sauce to the sandwich! Next time I would ask that the sandwich have BBQ sauce on the side. The tri-tip was pretty good...but nothing to write home about. The chili cheese fries needed salt...but after I added that (which was just fine because I could only blame myself if I over salted) the fries were tasty. Don't use the soda fountain...2 of the 5 options work...I would have really liked a soda can instead. Overall...I would go back...there are not that many options close to the base. read more

Great tri tip salads. Big menu, many choices. Service has in proved greatly. Big portions can be shared if not to hungry.

I go out of my way to eat here very time I am in the area. This place is authentic. I no longer have to miss living in the South to be fed.

This was the second time I've had CJs. The first time was catered and we enjoyed everything. This time around was even better. I had their beef ribs mean with Mac n cheese, cornbread, hush puppies, and berry cobbler. Delish across the board! The Mac n cheese isn't creamy so heads up. Ribs had a considerable amount of meat on them I couldn't finish my second one. The hush puppies had so much flavor, they were the first things to disappear. Decor was lacking, but clean. I will definitely be coming here again. read more

I love Cjs. Me & my dad were on a mission to find some good bbq. We heard two places were the best. We tried both and this place was of corse the winner! Tri tip is well done but still really tender and juicy! The sauce is also amazing!!! And to top it off the sides were also on point with amazing flavor in your mouth. I was still super full but the food was so Delicious I couldn't stop. Going again today to order a family platter for grandmas birthday. You all have to try this place and no where else!!! read more

I've tried many BBQ places and have been here many times. I really only go here because it is in a convenient location. The owner here is really friendly and accommodating but the BBQ is just ok. I think the meat could use more smoke to give it that flavor and the meat is a little dry. The beans and hot link are the star players here. If I am around I'll stop in for some BBQ but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. read more

Everything is good. Chicken BBQ and hot wings are the best, but price just jumped up. BBQ sandwiches are other top pick.

I love their dinners, 12.99 for a half rack of baby back ribs & 2 sides. Thats a bargain. I like this location more than the oxnard, I feel that their food is fresher here. I have never ordered anything but the baby racks because their just soo tender and delicious. I always tell myself to try something new but I cant, their MACnCHEESE is OMG! I love this spot. read more

The experience I had here was awe full I use to love coming here and eating their Mac and cheese this time around it was smashed and dry unappetizing I had pointed it out to the owner and all she had to say was that's the way it is nothing more she refused to make me a fresh one after I've been a paying customer for years . Never again will I come here . Service was RUDE too . Letting all my family members know that have been coming here for years know too . read more

Love this place, I phone in all the time for pick up great service and awesome. Bbq Sandwich with Mac and cheese my favorite!

Tried this place fire the first time, ordered the tri tip sandwich. Portion was very small, bread was soaking wet with bbq sauce and fell apart in the car, and half the meat contained gristle. Will not be back! read more

The bomb. Messy, succulent, meaty, and very tasty. No complaints. had the three meat special

We ordered ahead to have Barbecue for the family on the following day. They must have saved it from the day before. It was the worst! Nasty, dried up and horrible. The chicken was slightly less terrible, but they don't know how to cut up chicken. While the woman behind the counter was pleasant and efficient; she offered to taste-test the sauces. I sent my brothers to go pick up the meat, but was horribly disappointed with when I opened the box with Tri-tip, which was so dry it curled up at the edges. We saw the big smokers outside the restaurant, which looked like real southern BBQ, but the ribs were dry and the pulled pork was tasteless! So sad! Not a place that we will return to EVER! read more

I have been going to CJ's for many years and I am so disappointed to see it only has 3.5 stars. I have always had delicious food and great service each and every time. I have tried many items from the ribs, chicken, salads, sandwiches, and almost every side. I will say my go to items are the half pulled pork sandwich with fries or the beans. You cannot beat the price $7.99 which gets you a not only a darn big sandwich packed with meat and yummy sauce but you also get a side...where do you ever see the price with a side?!? The fries are also generous in size and seasoned deliciously. Oh and I'm not done yet...there's still the cornbread and the sweet tea! The cornbread comes warm and sliced with yummy melted butter! It is sooooo good! You can ask for it to not be warm if you won't eat it right away but for some reason I end up starting with it! And the sweet tea is perfectly sweetened and you can put it your own ice so it is not overly iced like other places. If you haven't tried this place do yourself a favor and I have not idea why the reviews are not off the charts. Maybe it's because us locals don't want to share:) And the staff is always friendly and relatable...I also order ahead so when I get there that are always expecting me. Support local businesses....enjoy! read more

The cjs in the montalvo center is so good! So far I've had ribs, pulled pork and Philly cheese steak with various sides (not all at once lol) and haven't been disappointed by anything. The lemon something cake-it looks like cornbread-is amazing. Sad this place is close to my house I'm going to get fat read more

Best BBQ in the county! Get some beef ribs or a tri-tip sandwich! You won't leave unhappy! It is definitely a regular spot for me!

Southeast Texas girl approved! They've got REAL sweet tea, y'all!!! I had collars greens, black eyed peas, and hot links. It wasn't really a hot link but California doesn't know the difference. Very refreshing attempt at good cooking! read more

Staff was nice. That's pretty much the 3 stars. Roll, dry. Collards, lacking in flavor & strangely sweet. Mac & chz also sweet & a gloopy mess. Sweet potato fries had a weird flavor & were over done. I don't eat meat but my daughter liked the chicken breast. Even though I don't eat meat I still enjoy bbq places bc of the sides... if they're good. CJ's fell short. read more

I ordered the pork sandwich with coleslaw. I rate the sandwich about a 4 out of 10 and about the same for the slaw. Both tasted like they were refrigerated too long. Overall pretty gross. read more

I was disappointed. The ribs were just ok! Tri-tip was good, but the coleslaw, potatoe salad and garlic bread tasteless. Will not go back.

Definitely a great place for some BBQ in Oxnard/Ventura. Aside from the great food, it's a really sporty atmosphere; I'm sitting down eating, watching a football game, and writing this review. I can see myself and few buddies coming here for a hangout spot in a couple of years when we're old enough to drink. read more

I had a work site in a facility near by and go all the time due the convenience and options on that plaza aren't so much. I usually order the same thing each time. I say the food is great and consistence about 9 out of 10 times. The Spicy BBQ sauce is always a 10. Can't forget, the Best French Fries in town! read more

Why I'm not giving 5 stars. Ordered full rack pork ribs, rib tips, and $3 for 8oz extra BBQ sauce. Got home.. Ribs are great, tips are just bones and cartilage very little meat, and what I'm really mad about is the extra sauce. 4oz sauce and 2-2oz cups of spicey sauce. Spicey is off the charts, too hot for anybody I know to eat. Sucks. I'm not happy. I called to express my displeasure and was told " that girl is new but the spicey isn't hot at all". Your opinion does not count telephone girl, it's my mouth and stomach. If I order regular BBQ sauce, and pay for it, give me just that, not whatever you like. read more