Always a good time. Drinks are a bit costly, but everything is too expensive. The music was great and will definitely go back.

I live close but never been here before. Lots of locals that knew each other. We went early. Drinks were cheap and well poured.

Had a good time and the country music was great! A nice friendly crowd also. The sound system was good and the parking was easy.

Really fun place with great music!Great place to meet my friends and celebrate different things.My friends all like it too!

My friend celebrated her birthday here. It was my first time at this location, I was a guest. They let us bring in a birthday cake, which was great. The live music was good... The downfall was the bar. They don't serve food here, so the only way to support this business is buying drinks at the bar. However, there was a long line at the bar and ONLY 1 BARTENDER. I stood in line for 15 minutes to buy drinks for my group but the line did not move. The lady bartender was busy socializing for the most part. There was also a black guy behind the counter that wasn't doing anything, so I approached him to ask him to make me a drink but he stated that he's the owner and I have to wait in line for the bartender... I then left and walked next door to the Filipino restaurant and bar called "Isla" The Isla restaurant has a great atmosphere with live music performers. The bar had 3 bartenders and drinks were being made rapidly. I waited less than 5 minutes in line. 5 STARS FOR ISLA FILIPINO RESTAURANT read more

I would not recommend this place I went with my sis in law and her husband it was 1:00 am and the worker told us they were closed. I believe it was due to Our race we are Hispanic. A Caucasian women was there in the saloon as a guest and said nice try to us. We have no idea what she was talking about. Alls we were doing was trying to have a few drinks we do not understand why they discriminated against us and told us that they were closed when I checked online it says they close at 2:00 am. I believe we were definitely discriminated against due to our race so I would not recommend this establishment. read more

The best live music in the East Bay! Check it out! www.facebook.com/CJsSaloon . Love the vibe here! read more

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A great spot to enjoy cocktails and listen to music. Friendly staff and lots of regulars.

This was my first visit, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The best owner and crew of any dive bar. Enjoy the pool tables and live music. Smokers and social gatherings alike can relax on the plush outdoor furniture. It's fine to bring in your own food or have it delivered. A nice spot to relax, socialize, and have a good time with pals. Unless you're not in the mood to relax, then find some place else :) read more

My experience here only feels more and more like home with each visit. Today somehow.... My car battery died and within 3min of my askingi a friend of a friend for a charger so got one offered, played a game a pool, got the gas I was supposed to get, getting off the freeway lol. Highly recommended read more

Marley is wonderful, the owner could take a chill pill though. Secondary edit: However badly formatted my original post was (with voice to text by the way), I did try to edit the post to be nice. I don't know if the following snarky response is what I would consider professional, but it's not like I nor anyone I know will be inattendance anyhow. "It's California law to have your ID on you in ANY bar in California. It doesn't matter if you "know the bartender" MARLI not Marley would have told you the same thing because she was big on that. Marli doesn't work at Cj's anymore either. Just wanted to let you know your 1 star review is 1) unjustifiable 2) you made numerous spelling errors which makes you a little uncredited 3) you just showed that we follow the law. So thank you." read more

Didn't go inside , went there because I placed an order @ the cousin's Lobster food truck that was parked @ that location. 5 stars for them having lobster food truck @ their event . read more

No food that I'm aware of other than chips peanuts etc. bikers plant workers general contractors never been hassled, fun, bar tenders have always been personable in a dive bar way read more

CJs is great. I've always had a good time there. Especially when my favorite bands are playing.

BEWARE!!! Was asked to leave after my boyfriend defended my sister who was being sexually harassed and touched by the so-called owner and all the regular is backed up owner while this man was being rude while grabbing his crotch and disgusting my sisters pubic hair while being unnecessarily condescending and rude to my boyfriend who happens to be white. BEWARE! 1 * because I can't post without it. read more

4/19/12: Looking for a dive bar where you can get a cheap drink and do some awesome people watching? CJ's! It's one of those places that's ultra fun to go when you're gettting a little tired of the usual scene. It's hidden in the back of the lot by Lamps Plus. There used to be an adult bookstore next door but that's gone now. The drinks are relatively inexpensive. AND there's a skill claw in the back which will remind you of childhood - putting in 50 cents and trying to pluck a stuffed animal; but this one is filled with raunchy porn. I've added "Hairy Asians" and "Big Gaping Holes" to my movie collection - and a couple cute, cuddly stuffed animals. Hey, any skill claw you can win something out of more than once is worth going back to! I thought all of those machines were rigged! Not true. CJ's used to have dancing on weekends - not sure if they still do. You probably don't want to go there to dance but it's worth going to watch the people that do go there to dance. There are a couple of pool tables, electronic darts, and the owner (Shorty) makes appearances quite a bit. Super nice guy. More than once he's put money in the juke box and let the crowd pick the songs. You get a lot of classic rock and country this way. I approve! A $15.50 tab on 6/2/12 and I'd had enough to drink... that's not bad! read more

CJ's Saloon - winner winners - skill claw in the corner !! - Bars Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

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C J's Saloon is an acquired taste even for a dive bar. most flatscreens are running infomerials hawking Ed Sullvian DVD'S and Wolfgang Puck ovens. interesting blend of regulars and irregulars. 6 microbrews on draft. the usual sierra, modelo, lagunista, .... brew: modelo draft(5) -smooth, should have went for the lagunista on draught -drinks the usual mainstream beers, cocktails, hard liquor -not much microbrews., so 3 stars -4 stars for the friendliness and diversity of the patrons. read more

As divey as it is, I miss CJs since I moved from Concord. They have $4 jack and cokes-poured with a heavy hand. The crowd is chill and friendly, don't be intimidated by the motorcycle vibe. It's in a strip mall right next to Target and In N out. My favorite part is the friendly vibe and the cheap electronic darts and pool. The darts aren't maintained the best (tips broken and flags tweaked) but it's a cool electronic system and about $1/person/game. They have a change machine, lottery, and great daily specials. The bartender is an awesome, extremely smart, strong woman who my girlfriend and I have had some great conversations with. I experienced one time where an older man was inappropriately hitting on a nice lady, before we had a chance to say anything the bartender handled it elegantly and the single woman was completely watched out for. Don't judge a book by its cover here. I have talked to a PhD student, Doctor, and biker here in one night- it's a chill mixed crowd. The pool is cheap and available. A great conversation piece is the claw machine with whips, porn, and sex toys in it. This place is totally unique with a great regular crowd for any type of person. Jaguar karaoke is the parking lot over if your group feels the need (don't go to 9 game zone) read more

Amazing environment, amazing people and the owner is absolutely amazing! & So nice and the bartender was great very nice personality and good pours ! Please go check them out !! You won't regret it & affordable drinks $ read more

Slow day but heard the music is good here. Love the low cost drinks A remodel is needed soon but what bar does not. read more

Great hidden diverse dive bar . We went in on a Taco Tuesday we had heard about and Chrissy was our bartender she was hands down the best bartender we had in a long time!! As we gave this bar a second Chance we had gone in one time before. She made us feel so welcome and had a great personality and was very attentive while she was getting good ready and the tacos were very great!! We will be back here, they have it every Taco Tuesday at 6:30 every week. No cooking for us!! How did I not hear about this place!! read more

CJ's Saloon - Bars Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

CJ's just went to a whole new level by hiring the one and only Michele Susuni! Full of class and charm she is the bomb!!!!!

Okay, I know some of you seen my check in for this place and must have been wondering....."Why is the Gold Chain Foodie at a bar at (6am) on a Tuesday.....Well have a valid explanation for that, and one of them happens to be that it was Veterans Day, and my night crew manager happens to be a Marine Vet. So what better way to honor him and his service on this day, and to partake in a few drinks. Like they say in popular music today....."Let's Turn Up" CJ's Saloon is open at 6am, I know some of you may be thinking....."Why in the heck is this place opened so early? Well you then have to look at the target market in the Concord, Pleasant Hill and Pacheco area first to understand. I'll give you a brief understanding. Most people that live near or around this area are working class people. Usually working some type of night job or very long hour days. I'm not speaking for everyone though, but based of demographics "thank you Jon Taffer of Bar Rescue" I looked into it myself to make since of this. So it all makes since, and also when a lot of people may have weekdays off instead of the weekend "The Club going Up on a Tuesday!" isn't to bad, some people have learned to make everyday the weekend. Thank God that isn't my issue per say. But this bar has Fernet.....Sooooooo I had to partake in like my headline says.."two shots at a time!" This bar really is a saloon styled bar, everything about it screams as such, and to be honest and based off my check in's, some of you all should see that pattern when it comes down to drinks and fun for myself. The decor of this place is pretty.....saloon like, you have your pool tables, a small section of dance floor and space for live entertainment and lotto machines for those that like to have a few drinks and gamble at the same time. So with that being said, This place has appeal. It was very clean and tidy, maybe being here at 6am contributes to that factor. And like a saloon, the pours were heavy, but well balanced at the same time. So I had no issues, and like I said earlier....this bar has "fernet" Something that is hard to get a shot of outside of San Francisco or more....fancier establishments. If you like Jagermeister, then Fernet is a better version of it in my opinion. Now I don't have to miss it outside my SF, San Jose or Oakland trips. I use to think of CJ's Saloon as a biker bar, and was always apprehensive about paying this place a visit, but i'm glad that I did at the end of the day. The crowd is pretty diverse and they have their regulars here. Yea, even at 6am. I honestly was pretty surprised to see how many people were there when me and my coworkers went in for some drinks. This place is located off the very busy Contra Costa Blvd. Lamps Plus and Chef Choy Chinese Food is in the same little strip. Pep boys is right behind it and Target, Toys R Us, Ross Dress for Less and Home Goods make up some more notible landmarks or popular businesses that are within close vicinity. Oh let's not forget the California Grand Casino, Paddok Bowl and highway 680. In closing, this bar is pretty darn good. Im sure my paydays will never be the same :D the basic well drinks are $3.75 for a basic, and 7.50 for a tall. My Fernet shot just like at most of my fave SF bars was $4 bucks just as expected for that strong, delicious goodness. At the end of the day, this is one of those "Don't judge a book by it's Cover" places. Don't let what you see on the outside scare you off. This place has a personality all on it's own. And being the only real bar in this area, aside from what you may have at the California Grand and Paddok Bowl. It's getting the attention and buzz that it deserves. But don't take my word for it, drop by and visit for yourself. And don't forget to Yelp your own experience. read more

CJ's Saloon - Gin and Pineapple Tall $7.50 and a empty shot of Fernet $4.00 - Bars Near Me - Pleasant Hill, California

There are two places in Pleasant Hill (and the surrounding area) that I have to visit whenever I come back to town. CJ's is one of them. This is a no pretensions kind of place, all are welcome and are treated with respect. Unless you are a jerk, then you will become very aware that your behavior is not welcome, take that in mind when you read any of the, very few, negative reviews. read more

Oh, the good o'l dive bar days...boy, do I have some memories here...sigh C J's was one of the first few bars my friends and I used to frequent way back in the day...just over a decade ago...man, I'm feelen old. And although its been years since I visited this one of a kind place, after driving by it often, and having previously spent enough time there to know the place, I felt impulsed to give my perspective of the place, which of course lead me to write this long over due review. Located in the shopping center just walking distance from Target and the previous Barnes and Noble ( now taken over by Home Goods), this isn't necessarily the kind of bar you would imagine to reside here. Very divey, very harley, blue collar; but not divey enough to veer away the white collard folks. Ambiance emits that classic dive bar facade..very 80's; pool tables, juke box...ect From what I remember, and what I still hear, they still serve STRONG cheap drinks. Unique mix of all sorts of folks...that's what I remembered most about it and also what made it more intriguing. The rougher crowds tend to come in after 9:00, so I would highly advise if you are going to pay a visit, to make it early, and to get out before 8:00...that is unless, your feeling rebellious...or already used to it....just be careful : ) And if your a girl, I would advise not going alone : ) And although the good o'l, dive bar hoppen, drunken pool playing days are well behind me, I am someday going to find a time to come on over and visit just for old time sake....and early it will be : ) read more

I've been going here for months...no problem...guy comes in and buy drinks fie 28.oowhen I only had three drinks and the rest were being paid by a guy but she tried to charge me for all the drinks and when I called her out on it she got pissed off and the owner said I can't come back to no more he's Mexican in races he likes white people only no Mexicans and no blacks read more

CJ's was the first bar I went to for my recent trip west and was the most drunk that I got on my journey. The local regulars were some of the most kind people that I met in a great while. Archie is a man who rides in a motorized cart. He kept saying how glad he was to meet me and how strange it was that I wandered into this bar. I couldn't agree with him more. We are all thrown into existence and if we can meet kindred spirits in passing, it is a true blessing. I was thrilled to share the barroom with the gentlemen in the bar on that bright, Friday afternoon. I rifled about 10 dollars into the juke box and garnered instant respect and friendship with my selections. If you come to CJ's, play "Mama Tried" by Merle Haggard, "Pancho and Lefty" by Townes Van Zandt and anything by David Allen Coe or Johnny Cash. I got into a slight disagreement with a local about David Allan Coe regarding DAC's upbringing. He said Coe was from Texas. That is not the case. The greatest country musician of all-time (David Allen Coe) is from Cleveland and Akron. I am proud to be an Ohio Boy myself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U2hRSvRBsk read more

Best Dive Bar in Plesant Hill! Cheap Drinks and a great place to watch an eclectic mix of people, from business men in suits to biker dudes. Nice pool tables too! On Saturday Nights Pool, Darts and Juke box music is free. Relaxed neighborhood joint. read more

Love CJ's although I did have a disturbing visit last week. A patron who happened to be an African American woman was watching the Golden State Warriors game as the other customers. This women who became upset every missed shot or unforced error the Warriors made. Screaming N#@&% this and N&#@= that. I just don't understand why the bartender won't ask this women to keep her comments to herself. I was insulted and it looked like at least another couple left at the same time as I did. I am writing this review so that the owner will see this and do a course correction with his staff. I really enjoy CJs and am hoping that management will hold patrons accountable for screaming racial pejorative. This is not OK. read more

This is by far the coolest bR in town Ann marie, in Kelly, and Katrina best bartender in contra Costa county. The owner is a great guy they take care of costumer s and many ways. Love it read more

I want to give a big shout out to CJ's Saloon on Contra Costa Blvd in Pleasant Hill,Ca.! Just recently I used CJ's Saloon to throw a surprise birthday party of around 50 guest. "Shorty" the owner,(very pleasant to talk to), was very accommodating to my needs. He moved tables around to make more room for my guest to move about, he placed a large sheet of plywood on top of his pool table to be used as a serving table, which was brilliant and worked perfectly! He also allowed me to decorate as much as I wanted to for the affair. His bartender "Marley" did a fabulous job in keeping up with all the drink requests! And, his night time manager whose name is escaping me right now, (a beautiful black woman) she was very helpful as well, so I want to mention her too! Because of all of the above, my party was a success!! So if anyone out there is looking for a great bar to go have fun at, or throw your own celebration... I highly recommend CJ's in Pleasant Hill! Thank you Shorty and your crew for all your help! Juanita C. read more

I love this place. The bartender Katryna is one of the best in town! The people are always friendly, and the Wednesday night lingerie shows kick ass!! All the girls are so sweet and really make you feel welcome. 6 stars! read more

BEST DIVE BAR AROUND~ Great Staff !!!!! Lots of regulars but when you go in you don't feel like an outsider. Great vibe. Bartenders and staff very attentive and friendly. I'll be going back and bringing my friends. read more

My first impression was . . . gross. Gross people, gross furniture, gross drinks. Bartender was really nice, and that was great, but other than that, I don't really see a reason to go back. read more

A place where anyone can go and have a drink, shoot the shit or just relax. Between the bartenders or Shorty, they are cool AF and hospitable. They take care of their shit and handle yours too. And they'll serve your drunk ass food if you're nice! My favorite is when the old school drinkers come in for shit talking session early bird special. read more

Not a place to go if you're not okay with people eye balling you. They get a lot of regulars and if you're not one they're going to stare at you. Most of them are friendly though. Found this place when I was looking for a place to get a drink at 9 in the morning. I used to get off at 8 in the morning and I'd want a drink. Drinks we're average price, lots of seating, dance floor, pool table, darts, jukebox, its basically a typical biker bar. They treat you like family. Had a great time. read more

The bartender told me that this place has a turn out of a crowd every 30 minutes. Tis, very true! She was right. Different mix of crowd. Neighborhood vibe. In the same plaza of Lamp's Plus. It wasn't so bad, But -- their Jameson tasted watery. Just saying'. read more

Great dive! Bartenders are great and always pour good drinks. Not a lot of young A-holes around to mess up the vibe so that's good. Billards and darts and a claw machine with pornos in it,...what more could you want! read more

The best staff! We have never visited before and they made us feel so welcome. Usually when you go into an established bar you get ignored. Mainly because the regulars keep the staff busy. But regulars and bartenders were so friendly! I recommend a visit! read more

They are doing okay but it's gone down a little bit . The bartender I'm not sure her name but she couldn't make a Long Island ice tea for nothing it was horrible . You guys need some working on , on the inside read more