Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    CJ's Pizza and Giant Grinders

    4.3 (155 reviews)
    ModerateItalian, Pizza, Salad
    Closed 10:30 am - 8:10 pm

    Order CJ's Pizza and Giant Grinders Takeout or Delivery

    CJ's Pizza and Giant Grinders Photos

    CJ'S PIZZA AND GIANT GRINDERS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like CJ's Pizza and Giant Grinders

    Recommended Reviews - CJ's Pizza and Giant Grinders

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Cold cut combo. I left out pepperoni and replaced it with capicola.
    Tonya S.

    I was driving in Manchester, CT. I came across CJ's Pizza and a giant grinder. I decided to try it out. I ordered the cold-cut combo. Which happens to be their Italian grinder. I don't care for pepperoni. I decided to exchange it for a capicola. The bread was fresh. I was greeted by the owner when I walked into CJ's. I love family-owned establishments. CJ's Pizza and Giant Grinder has been around for 40 years. It's a family-owned business. It was a very cozy spot. You can sit down and enjoy your food. When you're in Manchester, CT. Please stop into CJ's and try the menu. To all my yelpers let's keep eating our way through the world. One bite at a time. Foodie4life!

    Italian grinder
    Wendy C.

    Friendly staff, quick service. Good is always Fresh!! Always will go back!! Great menu and selection. It's one of those small places with great food and great staff.

    the front of the restaurant
    Dan R.

    "When the promise is broken, you go on living But it steals something from down in your soul" (Bruce Springsteen) If the name of your business promises "Giant Grinders", well you better damn deliver on that promise, right? You'll get no broken promises from CJ's Pizza and Giant Grinders, because their grinders sure do deliver on your expectations. They have 25 different grinders that truly are GIANT and sold in half ($9ish) or whole ($17-$19ish) sizes. Grinders are served with Lettuce, Tomatoes and Cheese, with Peppers and Onions by request. I stopped by for two "half sized" grinders yesterday, a Giant Ham and Provolone with lettuce, tomato, and onions, and an equally Giant Italian Combo with lettuce, tomato, onions, peppers, and jalapenos. The portions were huge. The half grinders are quite big and are piled very high with the goods, so a half of the half will be enough for a great meal. Our two sandwiches ran around $23 after the extras and tax, but we are getting 4 meals out of that $23. They also sell pizzas and some very nice salad varieties and pasta dinners with sausage and meatballs. It's a very nice old school pizza/grinder joint and the folks I interacted with were super friendly and welcoming.

    Cold cut combo
    Sam B.

    Anything you order from CJs will be super great and fresh! The owners are always working inside so the food is always consistent. The grinders are piled high with meat, and the bread is super fresh. Pizza is super yummy, but has a little bit too much sauce in my opinion. Parking here is a bit of a pain.

    Jacob B.

    It was a little busy during lunch time yesterday. The cheeseburger grinder was really good. The employees are caring and treat patrons well. I understand it's been rated one of the best grinder establishments in town. I do have to agree!

    On way to bus stop near Cj's
    Barbara M. V.

    I had the last half of my grinder purchased on Weds. Still lipsmacking! CJ's has been a Manchester CT destination for decades. I went there once in 2015

    combo grinder with olives

    probably the best italian combo grinder i've ever had!! there was a small mix-up with the food delivery and they corrected it immediately and were very kind. the cheeseburger grinder (forgot to snap a pic) was also delicious! definitely will be getting food here again.

    Pepperoni Pizza
    Allyson K.

    Excellent tasting pizza. Have been enjoying CJs for over 20 years and it's cooked to perfection every time.

    Meat ball grinder

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 2
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rod C.
    0
    10
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Grinders are awesome. All the food I saw looked great. Gentlemen very polite. I will definitely go back. Probably going tonight.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jan M.
    45
    75
    46

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    If you want a real grinder go to Hartford giant grinder shop Franklin Avenue that's where you can find the meat !!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Angela B.
    16
    262
    81

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of They 9.
    7
    201
    92

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Love their grinders, and the staff here are always pleasant and attentive to any requests.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy H.
    89
    16
    2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joey A.
    0
    33
    79

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jake A.
    13
    268
    31

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 3
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Patrick B.
    3
    362
    107

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Awesome place for pizza,grinders great Family owned business Highly Highly recommend

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    You always have great tasting food and the family are always great. Congratulations to all

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - CJ's Pizza and Giant Grinders

    Does this place have solid wings? I know their grinders and pizza are off the charts, but just want to know what you guys think.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Italian 4,422 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    The Firestone

    The Firestone

    4.8
    (53 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    Tried again, much better coffee…read more This place had a very awesome breakfast sandwich, and wanted to try them again. Opted for the blueberry pancake cold brew, along with a piece of banana bread and an egg sandwich with turkey. Food was delivered outside, and I took my pics. The breakfast sandwich is delightful. Everything is seasoned, punchy, and plentiful. The bread was grilled on a panini griddle, but didn't toast. So there wasn't a lot of contrast in textures. But the egg was fluffy, had a cheese skirt, garlic aoli is strong, and the bread is baked fresh. The cold brew was strong, but the cold foam on top mellowed the coffee out and gave it a nice blueberry and yeasty sip. Very similar to a blueberry pancake which the drink is named for. Good but leaned heavy on the cold foam. Banana bread was a bit gummy. Too much banana and not enough flour nor sugar. Not bad, but the weakest bite of them all. Price was high, at about 24 for the 3 items. The quality is worth the price point, and it's a great but somewhat limited breakfast spot for the area. If you want an avocado toast, breakfast sandwich with actual flavor, and wicked strong coffee, then this place does it well. Baked goods can be a bit random in quality, but the savory fare is great

    I have lived in Manchester for a very long time, yet this is my first time visiting The Firestone…read more I don't know what took me so long to try this place. It's a painting, an arts and craft, a bakery, and a coffee shop. Great place for friends to get together and spend quality time, with great refreshment. They make their own bread, Cheddar scallion scones, chocolate chip cookies, sandwiches, and many other items. My favorites are the different coffees and teas. The staff is very pleasant and helpful, both with the food service and the arts. What a gem to have on Main Street.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Egg sandwich
    Egg sandwich
    The Firestone

    See all

    Artisanal Burger Company

    Artisanal Burger Company

    3.9
    (808 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    We were looking for a place to eat after a morning of softball games. Artisanal Burger Company…read morecaught my eye. I was curious about what constitutes "artisanal". Ambience: they have a spacious contemporary dining room and a separate bar section complete with TV screens all over the place. Food: we ordered: Calamari - the portion size was average, but the squid pieces were small in size. 4/5 Pastrami Reuben - this was a bit too salty and oily. 2/5 Dry Age Burger - this was really good. The funkiness of the dry age flavor came through. The burger was moist and hit the spot. 5/5 Onion Rings - 4 jumbo fried rings of oniony goodness. 5/5 Service: super friendly and nice.

    Stopped in for lunch and we're seated immediately. Combination of booths and tables for seating…read more Chairs are comfortable but they are low for a tall person (table comes about lower chest height). Server showed up quickly and took our drink orders. Menu is extensive and should provide plenty of options for everyone. (Pictures of menu included here) We ordered the 5 ounce burger with cheese and fries and the Texas hold em burger with bacon minus tomato and lettuce and fries and the French onion soup. There was a short wait till the soup came out. Nicely covered with melted cheese on top. The soup was good but didn't have the depth of beef flavor and spice texture that I was looking for. There plenty of onions, croutons, and cheese and overall it was okay. The burgers were well cooked and flavorful. They offered two sizes of their standard burgers, 5 or 8 ounces. The smaller size was just right for the person I was with. The cheese seemed to melt into the burger so it wasn't really visible. The hold em burger was large and had onion straws and three slices of very crispy bacon on top. There was a dollop of the bbq/house dressing and plenty of onions straws. The straws were nicely fried but not crispy by the time they reached the table but added a good dimension to the burger. It was good to leave the tomato and lettuce off as the height of the burger made it tough to bite into. The fries were disappointing. They had the right color for being fried and crispy but they were limp and soft. They are clearly are fresh cut from large potatoes but really need to be fried longer to get that crispy crunch you'd expect. Told the server that and was told to ask for the fries extra crispy. Overall not a bad first trip. We'll go back and try some other things on the menu and see what extra crispy fries are like.

    Photos
    Artisanal Burger Company
    Truffle Fries. On side Truffle oil and olive oil.
    Truffle Fries. On side Truffle oil and olive oil.
    Artisanal Burger Company

    See all

    The Hollow

    The Hollow

    3.8
    (37 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    I'm back! The restaurant is located at 305 South Main St. in Manchester, CT. I like the happy hours…read moreat golf clubs. This one is 3-6 Sunday-Thursday. The music is nice too! They all seem to add a bit of class. For my first drink, I'm am having a Cosmopolitan. A Cosmopolitan (or Cosmo) is a popular pink cocktail made with vodka, triple sec (or Cointreau), cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice, typically shaken and served in a martini glass. It's known for its tart, fruity, and slightly sweet flavor profile, often garnished with an orange twist. While served in a martini glass, it's not a true martini as it lacks vermouth. The drink has nice presentation, chilled, garnished and well-balanced. For my first food item, I'm having a Chef's Salad. A chef salad is a hearty American main-course salad with a base of lettuce topped with various ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, one or more meats (such as ham, turkey, or chicken), cheese, tomatoes, and cucumbers, often with croutons and a vinaigrette or ranch dressing. I am having vinaigrette for my dressing. Oh yeah! Nice restating! This is good! I see romaine lettuce, olives, eggs, turkey, ham, canned green and red peppers, pepperoni, cheese, picked onions, cucumbers, etc. It's a big portion size for $7! For my next food item, I'm having the (1/2 lb) Mussels. Mussels are a popular, sustainable, and nutritious seafood known for their briny flavor, often served steamed in broth with wine, garlic, and herbs, and paired with crusty bread. They are filter feeders, rich in protein, omega-3s, and vitamin B12, and are farmed responsibly, making them an environmentally friendly choice that improves water quality. These are good you. They are hot. I like the grilled, buttered bread. Make sure to squeeze the lemon on top. This is the "red" inversion (white is an option). These are good! I love this broth! For my next food item, I'm having the Bogner's Chili Cheese Dog. Bogner Quality Meats in Manchester, CT, offers a selection of premium, house-made hot dogs and franks, featuring all-beef skinless, natural casing, and kielbasa dogs. Known for high-quality meats since 1942, they also offer bulk 5 lb packages, perfect for grilling, along with a full service butcher counter. I only get to eat this kind twice a year! This is all beef and locally made. What's better than this?! This is great!!! Love that pickle and those thick kettle chips! For my second drink, I'm having a margarita. A Margarita is a classic cocktail made with tequila, orange liqueur (like Cointreau or triple sec), and lime juice, often served in a salt-rimmed glass with a lime wedge garnish. It can be served shaken and "on the rocks" (with ice), blended with ice, or straight up, and variations include different tequilas (like reposado) or sweeteners like agave syrup. No margarita glass or sake/sugar rim but it is nicely garnished and tastes good. The floating orange is odd. Still, it's quite good! For my next food item, I'm having the Geno's Meatballs. Gino D'Acampo's traditional meatball recipe features a mix of minced pork and beef, soaked bread, egg, pecorino cheese, and parsley, typically simmered in a simple tomato sauce. For best results, brown the meatballs in olive oil, then simmer slowly for at least 30 minutes to two hours for a rich flavor. I like the cheese strips on top. Lots of sauce! These taste great! For my last drink, I'm having a Vodka Mule. A Moscow Mule is a refreshing, vodka-based cocktail made with lime juice and spicy ginger beer, traditionally served in a copper mug which keeps it extra cold. To make one, combine vodka, fresh lime juice, and ice in a mug, then top with chilled ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge or wheel. It's a simple, no-shaker-needed drink that's popular for its balance of spicy, sweet, and tart flavors. I like the copper mug! It's chilled, nicely garnished and well balanced. For my last item, I've been dying to try the Special- a bork of Legume Soup. Lentil soup is a hearty, nutritious soup made with lentils as the main ingredient, often featuring a base of sautéed onions, carrots, and garlic, simmered in broth with spices like cumin and turmeric, and finished with fresh herbs and lemon juice. It's a staple in many cultures, known for being filling, economical, and rich in protein and fiber, with variations using different lentils (red, green, brown) and additions like kale, potatoes, or pasta. I like the cute, little crock pot. These are good crackers. It's nice and hot. It came out fast too! For my last item, I'm having the Southwest Chicken Eggrolls. I've never tired these here!Southwest egg rolls are crispy, deep-fried appetizers typically filled with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, red bell peppers, spinach, and Monterey Jack cheese. Let's see what comes out! There are fantastic! They're hot and delicious! What a great meal here!

    We order take out from them and we're highly disappointed. Ordered "the cut " and it was by far the…read moreworst fried chicken sandwich I've had . Has garlic Mayo but the garlic is so overpowering you can't taste anything else but garlic and grease . The fried chicken was SO greasy it made the hoagie bread soggy and was SO thin ! It was fried so hard it made the chicken inedible.Very Wilted lettuce and tomatoes .The chicken was also so thin and fried sI also ordered it with fries and the fries were just thrown in a brown paper lunch bag instead of any packaging . The grease from the fries soaked the bag. For $20 each meal - I will not revisit .

    Photos
    The Hollow
    Brit burger with fries.
    Brit burger with fries.
    $4 happy hour chardonnay

    See all

    $4 happy hour chardonnay
    Great Harvest Bread Company

    Great Harvest Bread Company

    4.4
    (72 reviews)
    5.2 mi
    $

    I was HAPPY Great Harvest had a masks mandatory sign! Even if you are fully vaccinated, it's best…read moreto wear a mask inside public buildings because vaccinated people can still carry and transmit the virus--and they can still get a breakthrough case of Covid. Until we know more and until more folks get vaxxed so we can reach herd immunity, masks are important. So, the 5 stars is for the masks required and also for the wonderful bread. I have had G.H.'s bread in other locations, well, other states, actually, because Vernon is really out of the way for us. Bread is amazing and loaves are a good size. I also bought 3 sandwiches to enjoy with a friend, too, but was a bit disappointed as there wasn't much of the chicken salad filling inside them (unlike the photos which do show very fat sandwiches!) In addition, I'd like to suggest you open a shop in say, Cheshire, CT or Hamden or New Haven. You will have a very brisk business in these areas!!!!

    My friend and I stopped by The Great Harvest Bread Company for a quick lunch. I had no idea this…read morewas a national chain, I have never heard of them before. This particular location is in a small shopping plaza in Vernon. The inside looks like an independent bakery. They have a huge assortment of breads, they can make sandwiches upon request or from the menu. Additionally they also make salads, cookies and coffee. I'll have to note, the two teenage girls working here weren't friendly, welcoming or capable of smiling, maybe they are new, but something needs to change. I got the Turkey Goddess sandwich on Wheat Seeded Bread. I also got an iced coffee. They serve Peet's coffee. This combo was only $13. This bread was very fresh, flavorful and covered in seeds. It was filled with tomato, onion, lettuce, Havarti cheese, avocado spread and turkey. It also came with a pickle, but it was way too salty for me. This sandwich was very filling, fresh and tasty. My friend got a similar one and she also enjoyed it.

    Photos
    The inside
    The inside
    Turkey Goddess
    Turkey Goddess
    The little shop area

    See all

    The little shop area

    CJ's Pizza and Giant Grinders - italian - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...