I come here twice a week with my boyfriend and the food is amazing! A cpl days ago we had incredibly bad service and were really disappointed that one of our fave places was starting to give bad service. HOWEVER the owner reached out and totally fixed the problem ! We went back service was great and we can't wait to keep coming here! The food is incredible and and we highly recommend coming here! read more

Our decision to never return to this establishment was for various reasons that are extremely disappointing. Let me start by being clear about our historical patronage to CJ's; my 88-year-old parents-in-law have been going to this restaurant for MANY years. In that time, they have aged and declined, both in physical and mental health. They have both developed dementia and lost the ability to drive. In the last year or so, it has been family members, myself included that have continued to bring them to CJ's. In this time my in-laws have lost the ability to recognize most people beyond their own children (and on some days, even that is lost). They have lost the ability to make most decisions for themselves. But, at least 3 times a week, I offer them an opportunity to do or go wherever they want. Among two things they can conjure from their memory is to go have a meal at CJ's. Now, let me also be clear that my father-in-law has never been a good tipper and in the progression of his dementia has lost "please and thank you." As family members, when we are present, we add to the tip by hiding money under a plate and say P&TY every time, even if it wasn't ourselves who requested something. In the time that I started bringing them to CJ's 2-3 times per week, I realized that a particular waitress was not at all nice. I chalked this up to my father-in-law's previous tipping and behavior and did my best to make up for lost time, so to speak. He also insists on sitting in a specific area of the restaurant (due in part to his dementia and his normally compulsive-like behavior), which happens to be this waitress' section. I hoped that my adding to the tip and polite behavior would eventually improve her service, as I'm sure a little extra TLC from us was needed on her end. BUT, to my dismay her behavior did not improve, but got worse. One of our final encounters was so exceptionally rude, that I began to doubt whether I wanted to bring my in-laws into this kind of environment any longer. We watched her take orders of tables that were seated after us, then proceed to refill drinks and check in with other tables, before taking our order. She was curt and quite frankly rude when she did come to the table. When she brought us our food, she did not speak, AT ALL. This is unacceptable behavior, especially when we watched her talking/laughing and generally, being pleasant with EVERY OTHER TABLE in her section. Alas, the next week, my in-laws requested that we get out of the house and have a meal at CJ's, yet again. I did so, against my better judgement. The final straw was a refusal to plate a split meal. The waitress was different on this day, and was exceptionally pleasant, even delivering the news that the kitchen would no longer plate their split salad with her own disappointment. For a few months we have been ordering a half salad and splitting it between them. They simply don't eat much anymore and insist on sharing (whether this is an old habit that just won't die or his compulsive-like behavior, I don't know). At times, they do order different items, but it's not often. I clarified that the kitchen would not plate our order and when she confirmed, I asked to speak to the owner. I explained, virtually, all of the above to her, the owner. I also made it clear that it was not her "problem" that my in-laws were dealing with dementia, but that they have been extremely loyal customers for years. The owner remained calm and polite during our conversation, but ultimately would not agree to plate the half salad. When I brought up the rude waitress, she simply stated that that was a separate issue. I beg to differ, emphatically. This is a compounded issue, at best. She refused to address the waitress, but kept explaining the "burden on the kitchen" to plate a half salad. She even offered that other customers also request this and that the time and burden is just too much for the kitchen. She never even considered a split charge for the time and burden. I cannot determine for CJ's what that time and burden is, but am more than willing to pay for that time and burden in order to not waste food. We are unable to get them to eat leftover, dressed salad once it has been brought home (again, a dementia issue), but in real time, they insist on bringing the extra food home. This becomes a waste of food and a plastic container. In fact, when doing my best to reason with the owner about the possibility of agreeing to split a half salad, her response was "is it too much for you to just split it yourself?" Again, the compounded issue is being missed. I am disappointed, at best, with this owner and establishment. By not addressing the behavior of your waitress and putting the burden of plating a half salad at the forefront, you have changed my in-law's world quite dramatically. I will say it again, their failing mental health is not the problem of the restaurant, but it was an opportunity to show some kindness and respect to loyal patrons... read more

This place lace is GREAT for breakfast. It has the old school cafe feeling as soon as you come through the door! But the dinners are eh not great at all.. I will definitely return for breakfasr read more

I ordered to- go Baja fish tacos. First bite there was a long hair in the rice. Gross

I've been going to CJs for many years, and have never disappointed. I'm mostly a breakfast diner, and can always count on fast service, consistently good food, served with a smile. Eggs, pancakes, pork chops, steak and eggs, excellent! Portions are generous, and drink refills frequent. The owners are always onsite to ensure your satisfaction, but the long time crew is more than capable. Want to know where the locals go? You found it. There's often a wait on the weekends, but the line goes fast. Worth the wait for sure. Get in and try it out! read more

I had a ham and chedder omelet. It was the special for Friday morning. Also hash browns not to oily very good and wheat toast a little over toasted but good with grape jelly. Good coffee. read more

We had the absolute best breakfast here! The vegetarian omelette LOL with bacon and ham added to it was the absolute best breakfast I've had in a long long time! read more

This is a solid diner that's perfect when traveling along the Central Coast. CJs is one of those places known by locals but not by visitors until Yelp came along. The food is very good, fresh and well prepared. The menu is extensive with breakfast served all day along with lunch and dinner options. Prices are very good compared to the big chains. Only opened until 8pm so get there in time. read more

We were camping in Pismo and on our way out had breakfast here. Great food, great service, but best of all is my daughter left her favorite sweatshirt (from Spain) in the booth. We did not realize this until we reached San Francisco. I immediately called and spoke with the manager. She was so considerate, I gave her my credit card number and she sent the sweatshirt out immediately the next day! So thankful for all her help! She made a 5 year olds day!!!!! So thankful! Thank you so much!!!!!!! read more

Just came from CJ's and was impressed. It may not look like much, but this has some of the best tasting diner food I have had in a long time. I ordered the beef and barley soup, in a cup, not expecting much but it was great! Wish I had ordered a bowl! My family also enjoyed their meals of french dip, patty melt, BLT, and chili. This is a repeat. read more

Honestly never in my life did I ever imagine I would be asked to step outside with my crying toddler! All because one elderly lady complained. It's a shame because we were regulars here and went frequently but it's sad to think that the very owner of the cafe was who asked me to take my son out because he was being disrupting. Please he's a 2 year old kid! They have their moments and I am deeply sorry that he was having a bad day but many times we as parents can't control that! It happens and it can happen anywhere in public places! and that doesn't give anyone, not even the owner a right to ask me to leave I'm never again returning to this place and I hope no parent has to ever go through this! This place should have a sign only senior citizens because crying babies disrupt!!! read more

They make a delicious chicken fried steak with perfect gravy. Nice wait staff, very friendly.

Bad food and even worse service. Sadly, the owner of this establishment couldn't care less about how his place is ran since the bad service is coming from him. read more

Omelet was luke warm. Chile verde sauce was watery. Biscuits were being rewarmed by heat lamp. this was Sunday AM and people were lined up out the door. read more

This place is super good! Fast and friendly service and a very extensive menu. Portions are just right so this place exceeded my expectations. read more

Very quick friendly service , they ll be " Johnny on the spot" for tea and coffee refills when not extremely busy. I enjoyed the club sandwich and could have had fruit cup instead of fries ; but it's our anniversary so why not splurge on calories read more

I hate to say it, but I don't get it. Let me start by saying, I'm going to give it another try, but as of my first and only visit recently, this is what I think. I love the location itself, cool little diner, good staff that seemed attentive and a fairly decent menu. I think the issue I had with it was that it was just OK. I felt like it was a little pricey for what they are serving, and more importantly most or all of the items I could make at home just as good, if not better. I will say this, I had corned beef hash and eggs. . . again, just OK. It is a cool spot in AG though, there aren't much in the way of breakfast spots in the area, so give this one a try. (Yelp LA Challenge #42 of 100) read more

Went here because it had a four star review but I definitely don't agree. We ordered the linguicia sausage with eggs. I've had linguicia many times & this was the worst that I have ever had. They also use margarine instead of butter on their toast, And the hash browns were bland & undercooked. My husband's home fries were underwhelming. The only good thing was my husband's blueberry muffin! He loved it! read more

I LOVE CJ's Cafe. Best Diner around. Get the chicken strip melt.... to die for! read more

So glad this restaurant is in front of beachway inn, gave it a try and it did not dissapoint. Really good pork loin chop. Well worth the price. read more

I am a huge fan of CJ's. It's a great lunch spot if you work in A.G. You can get soup and sandwich for $6.95, and they also have a $6.95 lunch special that changes every day. I think they have a great menu of comfort food. Very coffee shop like, only much bigger. read more

I have been going to CJs for years and have never been disappointed. The seating is pretty limited so you definitely want to get there early on the weekends as they are super busy. Chicken fried steak has stolen my heart ! The owners are great and always around helping their employees. We will remain frequent flyers ! read more

It was okay. Not too many breakfast places in this area to choose from and of the ones I found on yelp- they all seem to be along the same menu as this place. I got a Denny's feel to this place. I ordered blueberry pancakes and though very good- the food took very long to come out. This place gets packed with people, it is next door to a small hotel for one and it seems to be a locals nest as there isn't anything else to eat nearby. read more

This is the spot to go to for a killer breakfast if your visiting Pismo ... We come once a year and come here every time... I order the veggie omelet and omgeeeee the veggies are fresh cooked perfect comes with hash browns fruit & the best homemade muffin ever , the coconut pineapple muffin is like a little Mini pineapple upside down cake ... Friendly , good prices and odviously a staple to pismo.. Expect a little wait but we'll worth it read more

Good diner food. Great service and friendly staff. Good locals gathering spot.

We have come here several times usually good service and food. Today we went and got moldy bread?!!?? The waitress acted like it was no big deal. Not ok to be served moldy anything. read more

We love CJ's! The French toast is amazing and the service is really good. Super friendly staff!

Traveling back to the bay area we stopped in Arroyo Gramde, we were looking for a place to eat steaks. When a kind man asked us what we were looking for and directed us to Cj''s Cafe. He made a phone call and had 6 ribeye steaks cut for us. What a random act of kindness. The kind man happened to be the owner Glen, not only did he direct us to a delicious place to eat, but he came back to his restaurant to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. And yes it was! The steaks were cut and grilled to perfection equal to any high-end steakhouse, plus all the fixins, baked potatoe, vegetables, crispy salad and crunchy french bread. Plus the service was excellent! Everytime we go to Pismo Beach, CJ's Cafe will always be the restaurant we return too. read more

Service was good and food was good. No complaints whatsoever. I really like the traditional diner feel to the place. I would love to come back because all the food that I didn't get to try looks so good and I want to taste it all. read more

CJs has been a neighborhood favorite to a lot of locals since it opened. They still have that small-town charm and their service is stellar, but the quality of food seems to be declining. I ordered just one biscuit with country gravy and a side of bacon.The biscuit was tiny and flat, and to her credit, the server offered to get me another one in addition to it, since it was so small. I declined because I honestly just didn't trust what the cook would send out. (He had served that biscuit in the first place, so that already had me worried.) The gravy was served on the side (when I had asked for it on top), and it tasted like it was fresh from a jar with a little bit of chopped sausage added in. It definitely was NOT the homemade country gravy that small diners should take pride in. The side of bacon that they gave me was like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Two of the pieces were rubbery and limp, and two of the pieces were charred and stiff. I am a bacon lover in every sense of the word, and I didn't even finish it. The only reason they got the two stars that I gave them was for the excellent, friendly service. Unfortunately,two of the girls' lack of clothing on their bottom halves (think micro-mini) made me wish I had not brought my 12-year-old son. (I'm trying to teach him to respect women, and two of them were wearing skirts that screamed, "This is just my day job.") I'm hoping I just hit the cook on a bad day, and I may go back and give them another chance, but it's going to take a while to get this visit out of my mind... read more

I have eaten at CJ's Cafe many times over the past four years for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each time, the food and service has way exceeded expectations. It might look like a simple coffee shop, but the food is tasty, presented attractively, and more than fairly priced. Heavy patronage by the locals is testimony to the quality of their food. At least once per week it seems to be the place for the local classic car club to meet for breakfast and conversation. CJ's is also a great place to get a sandwich To-Go should you need something for lunch when visiting Lake Lopez park. I especially recommend their Caesar Salad Chicken Wrap. In closing, I want to point out that I have no financial or other ties to the ownership of CJ's; I just want people to keep coming to their place, so they can compete with the chains that are flooding our country. f.y.i. As best I can tell, the only relationship with CJ's Pantry in Redound Beach, CA, is that they both very popular with locals for breakfast. read more

This is a nice place to eat. Friendly staff, good food. In from out of town on work. Ate here everyday. Thank you CJ's for keeping me well fed while I was here. read more

Usually the food is good but I had the albacore tuna melt for lunch Monday and have been running to the toilet since then. Always afraid to eat tuna at restaurants after my friend almost died eating a tuna sandwich at Jocko's. read more

Literally perfect. This is the kinda place where you could eat 3 meals a day here everyday and never get tired of it. Just classic diner food with a few extras to keep you guessing. Great service also. read more

I think CJ's is one of my favorite places to go, either for breakfast, lunch or Dinner. they have "early-bird" dinner specials, always have a regular lunch and dinner special, and some of the most friendly service around. The food is fairly inexpensive even for nowdays, with all the price hikes. They have most of the "mom & pop" style of food you may see in a typical Diner. My wife and I usually exit carrying a to-go container, also. read more

I have NEVER had a bad experience here, and I've been there plenty in the last five years. All the food is amazing, the staff is always awesome, the place is always clean, and you get quality food and beverages at a very reasonable price. Here is the best part: I live a block from the place--walking distance. I could walk to the Village, but why bother? Breakfast, lunch and dinner with zero complaints! Love their biscuits and gravy. Don't believe any part of this? Go there and find out--I'm not making this stuff up. read more

I ordered a Patty Melt sandwich only and an iced tea. When the bill came I was charged for the combo lunch. The waitress never told me that the sandwich was not offered by it'self. She never offered me anything other than fries until I got the bill and then she said I can get you a cup of fruit or fries to go. She never offered to discount the tab or charge me for the sandwich only. If I would have wanted those got them with the sandwich and asked for a box to take them home. Very deceptive and not customer friendly. I paid my tab and promised to never return. I don't know of anyone that wants to pay for food that they never received including the owner of this establishment. I vow to let all my friends in the 5 cities area know that CJ's will rip you off when given the opportunity. read more

This cafe is a must try for the pismo-area traveler. The food is great- burgers are huge, breakfast choices are plentiful, and the overall menu is pretty extensive, but simple. The staff is attentive and polite. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed. The food is rich in flavor and definitely hits the spot 100% of the time. Don't choose a run-of-the mill breakfast chain, eat at CJs, and you'll see why it's a waaaay better choice! read more

Looked for a place that served breakfast and lunch around 3pm. They serve breakfast ALL day! The menu is extensive with dinner options as well. My bf ordered the steak and eggs with toast and fruit. (Think it was a special for $9) I ordered the turkey parmesan melt with fries. Both were pretty tasty! They have very good ice tea too! We'll be back for sure! read more

Very good non complicated breakfast. Very friendly staff and large portions. They also have amazingly cold milk in that old fashioned Norris Milk machine. Great family diner. May God Bless this establishment. read more