I take pleasure in food that is nothing special, except that it is. Simplicity, consistency, and good value as well as authenticity are important. Now...you can get these things at any New York greasy spoon. But the service will be terrible. Hey! Can I get some iced water over here! Yes, I'm talking to you! Not at CJ's. CJ's is a hidden gem of a place one hopes to stumble upon once in a blue moon. I tend to order the same dish over and over again to see if it's being prepared in some kind of consistent way. I'm like David Lynch at the Big Boy. Ideas Ideas Ideas. Consistency. That's the sign that management is on the ball. There has to be a dominant cook in the back keeping all the other cooks honest. Without that, or a manager that monitors the food very closely, and does something about it when it's getting "creative", you have a restaurant you can be embarrassed taking your friends to. I know this may sound crazy, but it's the scrambled eggs. The French would like these scrambled eggs. No, they wouldn't. Not enough butter. But laying that aspect aside, these scrambled eggs are just the very best. Never dry, or rubbery. Never runny or wet. Perfectly gelatinous in the most marvelous way. A dash of salt and pepper and they are mana. Here's another non-French attribute to this food. The meat's well done. I like the sausage patties because their smashed flat and cooked. I'm a philistine, I know. Screw the French with their pinkies out. And it's cheap, too. Relatively speaking. Try the Pico Burger. It's as good as any in town. The fries are never off. The Mexican Food? I'm from Texas, they can't make Mexican food I can eat. It's ok. There's no Mexican Food in New York City either. NONE! I've looked. It says "Mexican Food" but they LIE! Did you know that you can get Escargot at Steak & Ale? Or at least you USED to be able to. But that is a story for another review. read more

Let me start of by saying that I fell in love with this place simply because they have vegetarian options. Honestly, it's so hard to find places like that in black & Mexican areas. So my fiance & I gave it a try. I ordered the vegetarian wet buritto & it was amazing! So big & tasteful. My fiance ordered wings with waffles and he loved what he ordered as well. I loved that when ordering the drinks the hostess told us which drinks NOT to order. She was honest about the taste of some of them. Also, the size of the meals are great. You definitely get your money's worth. Can't wait to come back ! read more

I had their breakfast l. I got the salmon croquettes and it was just alright. The salmon croquettes were like super thin patties. Maybe the size of a in n out burger patty. Not too much sal or spice either. Everything I got was pretty basic. (Salmon croquettes, grita, eggs, biscuits) I liked the biscuit though. read more

Hard to pick cuz it's all so good! The mexican food AND the soul food is good. I had a great experience with the staff and the food. It gets pretty crowded on sundays tho. read more

CJ's Cafe - Very thin mango smoothie - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The wife and I were craving breakfast and had been wanting to try CJ's so we strolled on over there and wow, what a good decision to go there. We entered and were seated immediately and asked for our drink order. I had the Orange Juice and it was fresh squeezed and so refreshing. Loved it. My wife ordered the french toast and I had a bite (or three) and it was really good. Not the best I've ever had, but a solid 4 out of 5 rating. I had the chilaquiles and they were damn good. This is coming from a guy who has had his fare share of homemade chilaquiles. The only gripe I had is that I wish they would of been just a little bit spicier. Other than that, absolutely delicious. I'd recommend coming here for a solid and really affordable, tasty breakfast. read more

I had their breakfast burrito with sausage and it was meh. The potatoes in the burrito lacked flavor and I could barely taste the sausage. I had to use a lot of ketchup and salsa to get through 3/4 of the burrito. I had to throw in the towel for the last 1/4. Their chicken sausage breakfast sandwich was good. read more

The four stars are extremely over exaggerated. First and foremost this place is a hit or a miss. You may get good food and nice service one day, and you may get burned bacon and cold service the next. However I am writing this review specifically because of the absolute HORRIFIC experience I just had. Not only was I charged incorrectly, I was forced to pay a $2.00 dollar difference for the mistake of the person who took my phone order. Not a big deal, you wanna be petty over $2.00, not the end of the world. However, when I get all the way to work to enjoy my breakfeast it is the COMPLETE opposite of what I ordered. Now I have to drive all the way back to return my debacle of a meal. When I arrive, they had not even prepared my food. Now I have to stand there and wait for them to correct their mistake. As I'm waiting I let the "manager" Sergio Padilla know that I understand mistakes are made, however this is a huge inconveniece to me as I was prepared just enough time to pick up my breakfast and devulge before work, now I will not have the time seeing as I had to drive back and forth. For that reason I need to be compensated because it is a bit ridiculous. Not completely unreasonable if you ask me, considering the level of bafoonery I was dealing with. He then tells me with thee hugest smile, "Hey, hey, it is not your place to tell me to compensate you. Let me do that, let me offer you a free juice or something, you do not tell me to give you something." Sooo basically you just told me to shut up. Yeah, yeah it was totally our mistake, now you have no breakfast and we're gonna make you wait to prepare the order you made 20 mins ago. But just stand there and shut up and I MAY offer you a juice. ???? Had I been irrate or even a tad bit snarky I could understand, but I'm calm and that's what happens?? Had I been irrate would it have happend that way?? Sergio Padilla then informs me that he is the OWNER of the establishment and manager. I find it hard to believe that an owner of a business would patronize an annoyed customer to the point of irrate. That's moves that employee make because they're tired receiving jabs daily. That does not come from the mouth of a business man who understands EVERY penny counts. To say the least I received a full refund, (and the $2.00 he almost did not want to give me for the orange juice I was charged extra for) And his name and title he almost didnt want to give me. UNTIL THEY LEARN PROPER CUSTOMER SERVICE ETIQUETTE AND COMPENTENCY MY ADVICE IS TO PASS PASS PASS!!! read more

I have been to CJs Cafe twice with my boyfriend now and both times i have had the Huevos la Mexicana (I think thats what its called). The eggs are made with onion, tomato and jalapenos (i get the jalapeno taken out) and i get mine with flour tortillas. I really like the mexican breakfast and they serve breakfast all day so it doesn't matter if we come at 11am or 2pm, we can always get breakfast! My boyfriend loves the freshly squeezed orange juice. It is inexpensive. Sometimes it does get busy, but the wait isn't long. There is parking in the side streets. I would come here again. read more

Nasty short ribs. Good mashed potatoes. Good broccoli. Warning: stay away from the short ribs

I really like this place. It's clean, the service is good and most important, I love the food. I hate making the drive out of my S. LA apartment into Mid-Wilshire or West Hollywood for breakfast and now that I know about this place, I probably will never make that drive again. Plus there's a pretty cool little hole in the wall spot a block from where I live. Pork chop and eggs. I love it!. read more

On a Sunday after church, my friend Chris and I stopped into CJ's to have a bite. The place was pretty crowded. We sat ourselves outside but the sun was blazing so they quickly sat us inside. The tables are really close together but it was kinda cool to me b/c I'm an outgoing and friendly person and it felt like you were having a meal with a stranger friend. LOL My friend gave the girl and guy seated 10-12 inches beside us a taste of his mac n cheese, which by the way, was super delicious. I ordered a little of everything b/c it was my first time there and I wanted to get a good sense of the place. The side of home fries was pretty tasty.. didn't knock my socks off but tasty. The turkey sausage and pancakes were really good. The fried chicken wings were so-so and the eggs were ok. My friend got the short ribs lunch special and thoroughly enjoyed his meal. The prices were pretty decent, and for that reason I'll go back again! read more

My wife and I love Cj's they have a very friendly staff and good food for Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Yooooo this place is mad good. Now, ok it's not fancy, it's not trendy, it's not brunchy (con mimosas). However, this is some good home style after church food. Something you'd get from your grandmas house. The reason I almost gave this place a 5star was the price!! Our running group of 10 came after a race on a Sunday around noon. The wait was about 30-40 minutes, but so worth it. Also, the menu has EVERYTHING you could want. I don't eat pork so for them to have turkey bacon, turkey sausage and chicken sausage I was geeked. I ordered the turkey bacon + eggs that comes with grits, rice, home fries or fruit AND toast (white/wheat/sourdough don't quote me on the sourdough she could've also said rye) a biscuit or an English muffin. When I tell you I smashed that meal I mean it. I also ordered an amazing medium fresh squeezed orange juice that was thick & super pulpy like I love it! Now, all of this sounds normal right? Wrong because you'll never guess the price. They gave me 4 or 5 pieces of turkey bacon, a good helping of delicious grits, two slices of wheat toast and I chose my eggs scrambled all for $11.34. That's legit unheard of in LA. I live down the street from Overland Cafe, but I will gladly get in my car and drive to CJs from now on. The OJ was only $4.27, which for the amount they gave me was a great deal. You have a new loyal customer CJ! Thanks for a quick homestyle southern breakfast. read more

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I stopped by today for lunch and the food was just mediocre - not good, but not terrible either. However, at this relatively inexpensive price, I wasn't expecting much more. I wanted a quick, inexpensive, decent lunch, and that's exactly what I got. I had the chef salad. I wish they used real turkey instead of lunch-meat turkey, but what can you do. There's a good chance I'll go back here again, maybe for breakfast, if I just want something quick and okay. read more

Slowest place ever!!!!!!! Took 45 minutes to get an BLT and breakfast burrito!!!! Too many waitresses standing around talking

A bit hidden yet not too far off the main street great restaurant. Menu varies so there's plenty to choose from. I got a breakfast item and it was great! We got sat really quick even for it being relatively busy. Plenty of smoothies and alternative healthy items to choose from too. Parking isn't too crazy. Place is neat for the most part, if your looking for something different. Come try this place. read more

A delicious, local, no frills dining option. Every neighborhood needs one. Now, I really want to try the first location on Pico, but I'm thrilled to know that there's one just down the street from my place. The parking can be difficult and access to the location can, too, if La Brea's busy, but it's not anything to crazy. There's plenty of parking in the back area anyway. We didn't wait very long to be seated and were instantly greeted with waters for the table by our server. This continued throughout our meal so we were very pleased with the service. The food ranges from soul to mexican to classic diner breakfast. I ordered the carnitas as it sounded good and I felt it would give me a gauge on the mexican offerings. Three words on that: Juicy. Flavorful. Crispy. That and the generous portion served with salad was well worth $10. We also got a gauge of the breakfast fare by ordering the corned beef hash, which was crisp the way we like it. A very worthy option to be considered when you want good food, generous servings, and no attention to fancy details. read more

I'm from Philadelphia and I have been in search of a place that made food the way we make it at home. My favorite thing to eat for breakfast is fish and grits. Today I order from CJ Cafe by way of doordash delivery service. I order the fried cat fish, eggs and home fries. I also ordered a side of French toast. Everything was amazing!!! The fish was so meaty, flavorful and fried to perfection. It was seasoned so well. I honestly didn't need to add anything to it or the home fries. My order came on time and my food was still hot. The resturant included everything I would need. Even butter for the French toast. I was very impressed and I will most certainly be ordering again. read more

walked here on a whim. it was homey and cozy. You can sit inside or outside. The waitress was so nice and cute. She called me "mamacita." I think I love her. I couldn't decide between the soul food or the mexican breakfasts so I chose my classic go to breakfast: corned beef hash and eggs. I got it with home potatoes-she asked me if I wanted onions and I said yes! they were grilled and oh so yummy. The hash was super crispy.... My friend got the chilaquiles. They were good. The ONLY thing was that the egg comes made to order and we asked for scrambled. I think next time we will ask for them to be scrambled into the tortillas and sauce. 2 breakfast and 2 coffees came to about 20 bucks. Will most def be coming back. read more

Ok, so the food is good, don't get me wrong. But the overall experience is like a 3. There's no real ambience here and I like the Pico location a bit better. Quality of food : 5 They have great fresh-squeezed juices here too. The food is fresh and delicious, however the interior reminds me of a fast food chinese store. This place does get crowded, although we came here at an uncrowded time. Prices are great for the amount of food you get. I want to give this place 4 stars, but my gut is telling me no, not because of the food. Just because the experience is meh. I wish you can do seperate ratings for food and experience. read more

I was in the area early morning and found this neighborhood cafe open for breakfast. I noticed the menu had two breakfast selections, traditional breakfast and Mexican fusion. Not familiar with the cafe favorites, I asked the waitress if she would recommend me a breakfast item from the menu. Without hesitation, she recommend the breakfast special which came with 3 pancakes, 3 chicken sausages and 2 eggs. I have to say, it was good... But it was the type of "good" just like any other average-Joe restaurants with a breakfast menu. And the breakfast special I ordered was $10 which seem somewhat high for pancakes, sausages and eggs. Its probably the amazing scenery I had of La Brea Ave. and the cars zipping by. That experience itself is worth at least $4 - $5. I'm not convinced but I'll give it another shot if I'm ever around the area for breakfast. read more

I WILL NOT be going there anymore. For years now I have gone there to dine in prior to covid19. The guy at the register always has a BAD ATTITUDE. Today I purchased breakfast and the fresh squeezed orange juice. When I placed my order I ASKED for 3 syrups with my meal I always do. Well as I was leaving I checked and no syrup. I kindly asked him for the syrup and he huffed and puffed loudly (as if I was wrong for asking after paying 24.60 for 1 breakfast ) then went to grab it and toss in my bag.! I starte3s to give it all back and ask for a REFUND but I'll do one better and NEVER go back.!!! Horrible read more

This is for the waffles l ask the waitress in her opinion what's better the waffles or pancakes l wanted the waffles she suggested the waffles! I don't know why they sell waffles that for sure is not a waffles mix maybe it's their version mix of a muffins & pancakes house blend. I don't know what the hell those were the very worst ever more like a thick pancakes it was horrible disgusting bad, they really try you, just except anything,sell you anything but a waffle that's sad, for sure they our not waffles not even close! I'm wondering have they ever had a waffle recipe probably not, are the ingredients to expensive to purchase? I'll pass on CJ's read more

Had breakfast on Friday, 9/11. Service was slower than it's been during previous visits. The restaurant is only half full. I see 5 waitresses including a woman who appears to be the manager. I ended up getting my own napkins when I needed more and I had to ask for more coffee because more wasn't offered. Bad day? read more

CJ's Cafe - Breakfast burrito with potatoes, bacon,eggs,bellpeppers,onions and cheese. Salsa on the side - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great customer service, the staff is wonderful. The food is simply "okay". My reasons for saying this is because the eggs are powdered, the salmon croquettes are lacking and flatter than a pancake. The chicken wings, I can tell are fried from frozen due to the amount of blackness in the meat itself. Meat in Wings should not be dark/blackened. The fruit cups are good and sweet read more

I am heard good things about this restaurant and was excited to come. Unfortunately my order was all wrong and waitress had a very bad attitude. The waitress did not seem to care. When my bill came they automatically attach gratuity to the bill I had to let them know that unfortunately I was not gonna be paying for 280 because I had such bad service. As I mentioned earlier I was really excited to come as I've had friends go to CJ's Café and rave about it. I have to say even after my order was wrong when the food came it was not the best in terms of flavor. It could be because the waitress already knew I was disappointed and upset with her. I'm a firm believer if your having a bad day or you don't like what you're doing you always have the option to change your life and change what you do this may sound really harsh but I was on the receiving end of her bad attitude and poor service today. read more

I had a good experience. I ordered to go, The Catfish and egg breakfast with details about packaging. They were perfect when I got home. Good Job CJ"s Cafe read more

They are always amazing, Fresh squeezed juices to start with my favorite is Orange and Ginger combined -best medicine for the Cold symptoms - Huevos Rancheros with beans, pork chorizo, rice and of course extra tortillas on the side my every time to eat at this place and when i need my son to have breakfast with me, we go to the location on Pico since they have out sitting. Staff amazing so the service they provide. read more

CJ's Cafe - He knows how to react when i say, vamos a CJ's! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Los Angeles, California

At CJ' Restuarant my problem was and is each time l visit CJ's the staff doesnt understand English. It's hard to get an understanding when ordering it's very frustrating. It took 5 trips back in fourth for a styrofoam cup of hot water. Then got charged $2.95 for tea. I only had hot water... Once l got my food it was cold after that l lost my appetite l was done. Going out to breakfast shouldn't be so frustrating. This experience was BAD! read more

Love this spot for breakfast. It's quick, inexpensive and most importantly delicious. Service is always fantastic!! I love the staff here.

Well this place isn't as bad as some of the reviews would lead you to believe, but it definitely could use a bit of an overhaul. This place is huge, with kitchen I'm guessing this place must be on the order of 5000-6500 square feet. Which leads to some service issues, these poor ladies must be walking in excess of 5 miles per shift with the layout. I came here for a late breakfast and tried the apple juice, fresh pressed. They used green apples which were super sour and quite foamy because of the juice machine, but it was tasty. Nice try for fresh juice! The breakfast items were fairly standard, this is obviously a restaurant depot supplied restaurant without any manipulation. The sausages were salty and straight from a James Farm box it's edible but I would expect more for the price here. The eggs were done over medium just right. All in all the portion size was quite good, I looked at the hot coffee at the bus station and I wanted some but I couldn't smell it at all so I knew it wasn't meant to be. On a busy day I would give this place probably 3 stars but this day the staff was nice enough and I can deal with all the issues. I'd come here again if I had to but I won't seek it out. read more

Great service and AMAZING Huevos Rancheros! Do I need to say more? read more

CJ's Cafe - Huevos Rancheros - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We spent 30 minutes waiting for our order: Tacos, a burrito and onion rings. When we got home the burrito is a gigantic mess, filled with lard and almost no taste save for the pepper. The Onion Rings taste like dog food and the tacos? We opened it to find some grey, malodorous soul food wannbe. I will never go near this restaurant again. Shoot me if I even suggest it. read more

I have been to CJ's about a good half a dozen times and while the food is alright, it's the freshly squeezed juices and smoothies that keep me coming back. The juices are so refreshing and delicious! The staff is very friendly and accommodating, as well. As far as the food goes, I've only have breakfast once and thought it was just alright. I usually eat their lunch and keep it simple by just getting a sandwich. read more

I used to LOVE eating at CJ's and I've been a loyal patron for years. Unfortunately, my experience today was absolutely horrible. The service was terrible and after waiting over 30 minutes for my meal, it arrived cold. When I voiced my dismay they suddenly struggled with their English and informed me there is no manager on duty. VERY disappointing! read more

They DELIVER TO MY HOUSE!! This is epic since I am a bog breakfast food fan. If you go to EAT 24 online you can pay, tip and get your food to your door with this restaurant. Chicken and waffles UMMMM, Denver Omelet, UMMMM and the sweet cream and fruit Double UMMMM!!!! read more

I've heard people rave about CJ's for years, but they never said in particular what is so amazing. Curiosity finally made in stop in spontaneously while I was driving up La Brea. I found the cafe to be more minimally decorated than I expected, but it was clean and offers many breakfast options for decent prices. I ordered the salmon croquettes, although I wish I had gone with my second choice of waffles and bacon because my meal was just okay. The prices will probably bring me back to try some of their other items. read more

CJ's Cafe - Salmon croquettes, eggs, and grits - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Yum, Yum, Yum! I am very impressed with the selection of Mexican food and the chicken wings. Great tasting food and delicious freshly made juices. Love this place, but dislike the service... Wait staff seemed overwhelmed and found myself hailing them down like a cab in New York. I ordered another drink and was forgotten about. It made me sad, but thank goodness i had great company and good food to calm me. read more

Pretty standard food here, but you can get some fried wings with breakfast or fish if you want! Vampire- GROSS. Greek omelete w/ chickn sausage- very good! w/ fresh biscuit. +++ Cream of Wheat- Just like home. Good portions. Reasonable prices. Pretty busy place but it has lots of room. read more

Really great service... Love it! All food is freshly cooked.. Waitress very polite ...very attentive and my order is always perfect! No complaints what so ever..love love eating at this location.. Definitely coming back thanks Andrea for such a great service! read more