CJ's Eatery: User Reviews

Great Food Poor Service
By Cantik from Bridgeport, March 23, 2008

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Me and my friends went to this restaurant because of the awesome reviews on metromix's "The great Easter brunch hunt".
When we walked in the first thing we saw was this "stressed look" from the waitress, we realized after why, she was the only waitress there with the help of a another guy waiter, though we were not very sure tht the guy was a waiter too coz she was the the only one that was running around doing stuff from sitting us, taking our orders, cleaning plates in the kitchen area and other stuff that i could go on and on.
At first, we totally understand that she was busy, and we just tried to wait around for her, we even tried to help by taking the menu and the condiments ourselves, but then we realized that she started bringing orders of other people's that actually came way after us, then we just totally loose it. We didnt even get our drinks till alot later! and one of my friend's starter came as the last order after he reminded another lady (im not sure who she was).
I have to point out that i cant really place the blame on the waitress completely, the manager/owner(s) of the restaurant should be able to anticipate how busy the restaurant might get because of the holiday and provide experienced waitress(es) that can handle it.
On a diff note, we do like the artworks and the feel of the restaurant.

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Hidden Gem
By thebizkit from Near Humbolt Park, February 14, 2008

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I live very close to this restaurant and its quite disappointing that not many people are even aware of this place, its a great spot to eat food in a very relaxing atmosphere. The food is very good with a wide variety of choices that YOU WILL NOT find anywhere else in its neighborhood, one of the servers is great very talkative and makes you feel at home, while the older server is very laid back and tends to let your food sit on the hot plate a bit too long, I once waited over 30 minutes for breakfast but the servers where very nice and one of the Chefs came out to apologize which was very nice.

Overall the prices are acceptable but maybe a bit to pricey for its location but the quality and passion that is put in its dishes are unmatched.

Pros: Choices!, Quality, Atmosphere, Taste, Plating, A piece of heaven in a sketchy neighborhood.

Cons : Dinner prices can be a bit pricey for its location, Service at times can be very slow.

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Excellent Place to Dine
By sjfin@hotmail.com from sjfin@hotmail.com, February 11, 2008

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This is a great place to eat. The value is exceptional! The food is great. There is plenty of parking as well. Try to grits & shrimp.

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Great New Restaurant
By Que Pasa from South Side, January 28, 2008

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CJ’s Eatery was recommended by my sister whit whom I share a love of food. We met there for breakfast on a Saturday morning. While the establishment was not crowded, it had a steady stream of customers. I predict that in the spring, you may have to wait for a table.

CJ’s has a nice neighborhood feel and eclectic look which suits the Humboldt Park area perfectly. All of the staff (including the chief) spoke to us and were very friendly. Meeting the owner of an eatery is always a nice and reassuring touch. They have to be confident that there will be no complaints.

Ambiance is good but it is nothing if the food is not up to par. No worries. All of the food we had (a party of 6) was excellent. No one ordered the same dish but we were all pleased. The orders were taken quickly (not rushed), the food was delivered quickly (prepared wonderfully) and the waitress was attentive but not obtrusive.

We recommend CJ’s Eatery and predict booming business once the winter thaw has arrived and the neighborhood notices this excellent establishment.

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Hidden Gem
By sms1217 from sms1217, January 21, 2008

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I went here for the first time with my boyfriend on a Friday night. There was no wait and the owner personally greeted us. The food was phenomonal, I had the meatloaf tower, which was delicious and had a cool presentation; my boyfriend had a peppered steak which was also really really good. We had the santa fe rolls to start off with and the bannana bread pudding for dessert, both were fantastic. The place is byob which adds to the great value but the quality of food far exceeded our expectations because the prices were so cheap. The waitress was genuine and friendly and the atmosphere was cozy and cute. I would reccommend this place to anyone and I will definately be back myself.

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sausage cassarole
By darli from austin area, January 20, 2008

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The food was very good, especially the sausge cassarole. A down home feel with good wait staff, good ambiance and great food.

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They didn't forget the gravy this time
By Eating Out from Lincoln Park, January 11, 2008

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One of the best and meatiest sausage biscuit and gravy's in Chicago

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Great food / Great Deal
By brovine from East Garfield Park, November 3, 2007

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Shrimp and grits amazing - Butternut squash soup amazing - Corn chowder was a bit like biscuit gravy with corn, but tasty. I can't wait to try more. The staff is super nice and it is just plain cheap at this point.

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great new spot
By karmaR from K town, November 3, 2007

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CJ's Eatery is worth trying out. Since it is fairly new there was plenty of seating for a Saturday at noon. But don't expect it to be that way for long. They have tons of great choices. And the prices are great. We can't wait to try out the expresso bar on our way to work in the morning. I had some amazing banana pancakes and my husband got a burger we also had coffee and rasberry lemonade and all for under $20. We will definately be back to try dinner.

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