SERVICE: Very good. The waitress checked up on us twice and made sure we were aware of wait time to order since they were busy at the time. We were welcomed upon entering. FOOD: Very good, no complaints. Prices are extremely reasonable. [[HIGHLIGHT]]AMBIANCE: Very cute, homey diner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]CRITIQUE: There were many flies in the eating area and kitchen area, all throughout the restaurant. I had to swat flies away, as I was eating. Please kill the flies, or let them out. This is the only thing that discourages me from coming back. Only reason for the 1 star reduction.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

SERVICE: Although they were very busy, the waitress took time to keep us abrest of how many people were before us. FOOD: Very good. Excellent Beignets! I had the New Orleans Napoleon breakfast. Very tasty and almost perfect! My husband had the Big Breakfast with Auduoulla sausage. He enjoyed it except he didn't realize the sausage was hot he didn't expect that!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]I loved the AMBIANCE! As an artist myself I really enjoyed all the customer portraits.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Can't wait to go again!!! read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]The food is amazing, the service and the atmosphere is fun.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Everything was amazing. The wife and I got there a realized it was a seat yourself dinner but the place was busy so we had a short wait. The staff were really friendly and kept us informed about the wait time until we were able to order but in the meantime the coffee was delicious. We ordered and the food was amazing you definitely get what you pay for. If ever in the area stop in you won't be disappointed. read more

It's all about the value but they don't skimp on quality or portions. Highly recommend for breakfast - check out if you're looking for a greasy spoon that offers great comfort food breakfast options. I loved the corned beef and eggs. read more

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I visit CJ's often and have enjoyed their food for several years. The wait staff have always been friendly, caring, and welcoming. This is a fast-paced restaurant, and because it's both small and popular, there may be a wait during busy times. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The building is a little older, so seating can feel somewhat tight depending on when you visit, but that has never stopped me from coming back.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]As a plus-size woman, a parent, someone with high anxiety, and a mom to an autistic child, feeling comfortable in a restaurant matters a lot to me. CJ's has always felt safe, welcoming, and comfortable for my family.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff have consistently treated us with kindness, and that keeps us coming back. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, good food, good people, and a place where my family feels welcome.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Great breakfast and the best beignets in town!! And this is coming from someone who lived in the New Orleans area for a few years. read more

This place had good reviews for food and customer service, and we love to visit smaller local restaurants. The food? Was pretty good! The egg portions of our foods were cooked beautifully, and the food itself did not take long to get to our table once ordered. The lost of stars was service. The lady took our drink order and saod she would be right back to take our order. We gor our orders togather quickly for her... but she basically never came back. I watched her seat, serve drinks, take orders and serve food for the table diagonally behind us. She had time to go cut up lemons for prep, sit another party and get them drinks. At this point i just stared long enough where I could read lips from the other waitress asking if she wanted her to come take our order. I cannot say there was any pleasantries (my husband desribed as kind of rude). We have been to several restaurants in this area and have been treated with such pleasantries and chit chats about the area.. servixe prompt andexcellent... but here... not so much. There is nothing that would send me this way again unfortunately, even id the eggs were well done. read more

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Gave CJs one last try. Been coming for years but the last 3 tries have been bad. Not busy, took 30 minutes to take my order being told I was next and watching the staff just chillin behind the counter. Maybe would be better if it was busier. Rude to my grandaughter. Never offered a booster for the three year old. Rude when she stood up in her chair rather than simply addressing her, staff just barked and didn't not even wait for a response. She was well behaved, just stood up to look out the window. Still didn't offer a booster. Food was ok. But I can cook my own breakfast. [[HIGHLIGHT]]You come here for the environment and the service. Both were bad.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Enough said. I won't be back. That makes me sad. read more

Used to live off of J st and would come here every week. For breakfast: The grits and cheese are amazing, the eggs Benedict are similar to those you'll get in New Orleans, the coffee is strong and bold, the sweet tea is as southern as you can get! For lunch: the fried mullet (a local treat) is a must have, the garlic mashed potatoes are to die for. Simply good food, good ingredients, amazing staff. Good for veterans, military and locals alike. read more

This is a very very old school diner. A complete brekkie/lunch only dive joint. They only serve till 2pm. We ordered some lunch to go & they packed our hot fried foods with the wet foods. It basically ruined everything. Which was sad because the Fried fish, hushpuppies & house made tarter was very good. Also Hubby's burger was way way over cooked into a hockey puck. All the ketchup in the universe couldn't save that burger. Anyhoo, The coleslaw, Fried fish & hushpuppies were fantastic. So would like to try the fish platter next & ask for any wet sides to be packaged separately. Great place for Cheap Eats. Will Return to Update. read more

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Really enjoyed this old school joint! It has a charm about it, enhanced by quite a collection of customer (???) portraits adorning the walls. Breakfast was very good. Biscuits and sausage grave were tasty (though a little light on the sausage); the scrambled eggs and hash browns perfectly done. My wife got pancakes which meant I got a taste. Pretty good. Service was prompt and friendly, and the clientele appeared to be mostly regulars. Definitely worth the stop for morning chow, Cheers! RS read more

CJ's Kitchen & Grille - American Near Me - Pensacola, Florida

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I had their breakfast sampler plate and it was really good. The prices are fair compared to other places. The service was friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I would describe the ambiance like a Waffle House but with a home-like feel to it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

CJ's Kitchen & Grille - The breakfast sampler plate. - American Near Me - Pensacola, Florida

Ate here for the first time and was blown away. Food was absolutely delicious and very generous serving size. I had the crab cake Benedict and was stunned that I got 2 huge crab cakes. They were really good. Wife got pancakes with bacon and eggs, also really good. But the star was the desert. They had a pecan pound cakes with praline sauce and bourbon whip cream. Absolutely the best desert I have ever had. read more

Very good food, except the hash browns. They've almost always served burnt. Hadn't always been that way. Sad

The Foods is great. But the Service is slow. Try the beignets. Everything is good. Just don't be in a hurry. read more

Great mom and pop shop. Food is great! Staff is wonderful. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It gets packed, so bring patience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

This is a good local's spot. If you go on the weekend, prepare to wait, it is small, crowded but nice. We waited 30 minutes just to place our order and then almost 30 minutes for the food, but they do not make you feel rushed once you have your food. Food is good for the price. Spouse had the Napoleon with a Puff pastry, not exactly what he was expecting but tasted good. I had the crab cakes Benedict and it was really good even though the Bernese saice was broken. I swapped out the English muffin for a Southern biscuit. Couldn't help myself, being born in the South and all. Sweet tea was a little weak for me, I like mine to steep for like and hour or two so it grows hair on one's chest and keeps one awake for at least 36 hours. read more

CJ's Kitchen & Grille - Crab cakes Benedict - American Near Me - Pensacola, Florida

No complaints at all! My breakfast was sooo good!!!!! The grits were especially amazing! The country fried steak and biscuits were yummy too! read more

I ordered the New Orleans Napoleon. Mom and SIL got simple breakfasts (scrambled eggs, biscuit, hash browns, bacon etc). Everything was good. Service was prompt and friendly. Everyone working there checked on us. Coffee and drinks stayed full. read more

Outstanding service and food. Highly recommend! [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was relaxing and a great place for breakfast.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I'm giving this restaurant two stars for its longevity, decent French fries and Dr. Pepper. I think it's been around longer than I have. With that said, I doubt I'll return. The service was very slow. They were not busy and we waited a long time to order our food. But it came out within about five minutes. Here comes the food. A burger cooked medium should be edible and not bright red in the middle. I told one of the servers who stopped by that the burger was undercooked with the patty lying on the plate visible and the exact response I got from her was, "so you're done then?" More than done... My bill was $19.40 with a soda, left a flat $24 and a polite note on the bill about said burger. She swooped up the receipts and not another word was said to us. The fries were good. I wouldn't be writing this review if this been handled differently. It was obvious the staff working their last hour of the day today couldn't care less. There are too many delicious brunch places downtown to choose from for this service and food. read more

Third time here , not much has changed, ( same outstanding service by Ashly and Haley ) , except the cook . Mike has a well deserved day off and while he is a great cook I just experienced how his teacher cooks, Steve must be blessed as at his hands my eggs were cooked to near perfection. I watched as he juggled multiple orders of breakfast and lunch without breaking a sweat . Even the toast was just the right texture . This place has great food, great service with everyone from the dishwashers , Jeff, Chad working with all of the wait staff Haley ,Scooter , Ashly and Denice [[HIGHLIGHT]]while the air is filled , with to my ear , great music by the Joe Bonamasa channel on pandora[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] . I will be back as long as I am in town . I am , 73 , and I have been all over this small world. This restaurant is one of the best I have ever been to. read more

So this place was actually the highlight of our dining experience in Pensacola this past weekend. It came up as being black-owned although I haven't confirmed this. You seat yourself, it's a local diner so no physical distancing whatsoever. We had a party of six and half with my LO and only had to wait a few minutes for a table to be wiped off. The place was nearly full around 9 am on a Saturday. Our waitresses were attentive and personable. All the guys had the chicken and waffles which they raved about. The waitress said they were good and she didn't lie. I had the French toast which was super moist and tasty as well as a side of delicious honey-cured ham. My mom had the pecan pancakes which she really enjoyed and another guest had the omelette. Also no complaints. All in all we wouldn't hesitate to return. I knocked off a star because none of the staff had on masks. Now in Florida, all our mask protocols were ended by our Governor. But COVID is still real and out there. read more

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Went after Church today, will never go back! Service has gone from bad to worse. Waitress said she had one table ahead of us and please be patient. Waited 20 minutes and she finally came back from disappearing in the back to going back and forth to a table the complete other side of restaurant to tell us she now had just two tables ahead of us. When I corrected her the lady enforcer with the table chart came over to tell me not to raise my voice to this CHILD. Left to go to the much less quite WAFFLE HOUSE. Always has had good food, never had decent service. read more

Good food, friendly service and a very good value for the price. I had the seafood platter and the shrimp and fish were excellent(didn't love the crab cake but I'm pretty picky about those). read more

The absolute most delicious breakfast place. The beignets are amazing !! The service is great . And the ambience gives off a southern-comfort vibe . read more

The Food was delicious and staff were killing themselves making sure you were treated like family and had all you needed. Place was busy but worth the wait thanks guys this my new favorite spot can't wait to try the whole menu. Oh and even if your full get an order of beignets to go. Best of show this dude of New Orleans. Thanks friends see you soon. New customer Willow read more

Stopped in after church for brunch and had the vegetarian omelette with biscuits and gravy, then a beignet to finish it off. The place was packed and we had a short wait for a table, a longer wait to place an order and eat bit I enjoyed the portrait artwork passing the time. Excellent service, and delicious food, this is the kind of place I wouldn't mind being a regular at if I lived here! read more

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Really good food, beingets were excellent . Service was better than usual for breakfast places. Worth the stop.

We LOVE CJs - have been coming for years. I've never, and I mean I've never, had anything that wasn't delicious. The staff are awesome - always friendly and work their tails off all day long. You could be in for a wait on the weekends - but that's the first sign a place is great. Be patient - it's well worth it! read more

CJ's Kitchen & Grille - American Near Me - Pensacola, Florida

Excellent food with beyond amazing service! The ambiance is cool. Funky paintings and mismatched mugs round out the "Cheers" vibe of this local gem. read more

Got the CJ's New Orleans napoleon, puff pastry is undercooked, flavor was average. Slow service, could use a busboyto help clear the empty tables (maybe the dishwasher who was washing dishes by the stack could help?), sanitation is a huge concern, cooks not wearing gloves, not washing hands after touching his nose. read more

Another hidden gem with great pancakes and good coffee. Bacon and Eggs with pancakes is the way to go here.

very cute mom & pop place! it's small & you may have to wait a little bit, but food was worth it! reasonably priced as well. staff was so friendly & never made us feel rushed read more

CJ's Kitchen & Grille - American Near Me - Pensacola, Florida

Polite but not kind; if you're D, I suggest you stop eating there. Sorry. I won't be back. CJ's is superficially charming. It has (mostly senior) regulars, and hundreds of little painted portraits on the walls that feature many of them. You can get Eggs Benedict on an actual English muffin (instead of a biscuit.) They've got a shelf for used books at the door if you want to swap. And they smoke their bacon over corn cobs. No wi-fi, but that's what the books are for. The food is not bad, but also not good. As an example, on my most recent visit I ordered corned beef hash with over-easy eggs. The eggs were mostly under the hash, and were also under the grits. This is a fundamental failure to understand how people eat this food or it's an equally abysmal lack of interest in creating a good dining experience. (What, we're supposed to eat a grits-egg-hash soup?) Still, they're less corporate than a chain, and their food is almost as good. And you've got more interesting options (I haven't tried their Reuben yet, or their blueberry bread pudding.) On my most recent visit I chattered a bit with the regulars. One regular talked amiably for a bit, grumbled a bit at how expensive coffee was getting, and about traffic recently, and then said his goodbyes to everyone (he knew all their names), finished his order, and went on his way. As soon as he was gone the staff and other regulars started talking trash about him behind his back. To me. I'm not a regular. They mock his politics, they gloat about his financial troubles, and they take his grumbling personally. And I didn't ask them to do this; this is regular behavior. Behind his back. To a stranger (albeit one who tips very well). About someone they pretend to be friends with. It makes me sad that they're like this. The art on the walls and the fact they're independent makes me want to like them, and I've been trying to like them and their food for every one of my recent visits. tl;dr: The food is mid, but at least it's not a chain. No obnoxious music, no wifi, and any friendliness from the owners/staff is a lie so just treat it like you would any other soulless business. read more

Excellent reasonably priced food served by lovely people. Don't go there in a hurry. I love the art and the Cajun flair.

Love the beignets and the new orleans napolean. Benedicts are all fantastic too and prices are tight.

This place rocks! Great food and staff. Point of interest: a local artist has painted mini portraits of the staff and many customers. We will definitely be back! read more

CJ's Kitchen & Grille - American Near Me - Pensacola, Florida

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This is another one of Pensacola's hidden gems. You'll be leaving happily full, and your wallet will be looking in good shape. I recommend getting an order of biengets to share. These biengets are robust and come out swimming in powder sugar. The coffee was quite good for this type of restaurant. Plus the hash browns might be the best I've had in this town. I got the New Orleans Napoleon, which was both sizable and tasty! read more

CJ's Kitchen & Grille - BEIGNETS - American Near Me - Pensacola, Florida

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Let me tell you about where NOT to go if you are looking for a pleasant breakfast in Pensacola... The service here is about the worst you can imagine. There was a 30 minute wait between the drink order and the food order. Actually, we probably wouldn't have had a food order at all if we had not demanded a waitress come and do her job. Want a coffee or juice refill? Not gonna happen... The food was average. I had the ham and cheese omelette with hash browns and a short stack of pancakes. The omelette was good, but the hash browns seemed like they were a little burnt. The pancakes were just terrible. They were dry; even gobs of butter and syrup couldn't save them. To top it all off, when I went to pay the check, I saw that the kitchen was filthy. Don't believe the positives. It's dirty and the service stinks. read more

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