On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

CJ's Restaurant

4 star rating
based on 78 reviews

Categories: American (Traditional), Breakfast & Brunch  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Belltown
2619 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 728-1648
Hours:

Mon-Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Breakfast
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only

78 reviews for CJ's Restaurant

Review Highlights   

user photo
"nice that they serve breakfast all day." (in 8 reviews)
user photo
"Let me just say, if you love french toast, this is it." (in 16 reviews)
user photo
"Swedish pancakes w/o Lingonberries." (in 5 reviews)
loading  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Andrew R.

 

4

38

Andrew R.

Bellevue, WA

4 star rating
10/15/2009

I work in the area, so always thought of it as a lunch place.  Burgers are exceptional, not greasy at all.  Try the french one with blue cheese and bacon, served on a french roll.  Service is great and the servers are good looking.  They have a lunch special menu too, which is nice.  

I really like the fact that it is reasonably priced American food place where the food isn't bogged down in too much oil and cheese.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Meghan P.

Elite '09

1579

782

Meghan P.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
8/30/2009

Zero stars (blank slate!) to start... then...

The atmosphere in CJ's feels a bit like Denny's with somewhat uninteresting and plastic-y furniture. The service was a little bit "plastic" too...  = -1 star

The food was really good and fairly reasonably priced. I had a delicious omelette that tasted very fresh = +3 stars

As we left CJ's, we ran into Jeff's colleague with fun friends. We proceeded to spend the entire weekend with them and they greatly enhanced our stay in Seattle = +1 star

Total: 3 stars
Summary: Good food & great location for running into friends outside!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Marina H.

Elite '09

25

61

Marina H.

Washington, DC

3 star rating
6/16/2009

This is a favorite for a very dear friend of mine, so I'll be gentle : )
I was here for brunch a few weeks back, and this place specializes in the most important meal of the day. I was craving pancakes, but saw French toast on the menu, and I never got to taste the pancakes. The French toast came smelling good, but the minute I dove into it with my fork and knife, I was disappointed by the soggy oily texture. Add to that some strawberry goo inside and a good tablespoon of butter on top. Eh. Thanks, but no thanks. I ordered two poaches eggs with toast, a mimosa, which came promptly after, and the day was getting bright again.
So, overall, it's an ok place to have a plain breakfast. If you want something fancier, find alternatives.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Vivi S.

 

0

21

Vivi S.

Snohomish, WA

3 star rating
11/11/2009

Went to breakfast at 10am on a Sunday and it was packed.  We waited about 10-15 minutes for a table that was squeezed in the middle of the dining room so the noise level made it a bit difficult to hear each other.  I ordered the french toast (because of other yelper's recommendations) and LOVED it.  I got the two-piece with a side of bacon and have been thinking about it for days.  The other people at the table ordered the croissant french toast (way too small a portion) the scramble (okay), the two-egg breakfast w/veggie sausage (yummy!) and a stack of blueberry panckaes (boring and disappointing).  Clean and just okay service.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of W P.

 

0

7

W P.

Seattle, WA

2 star rating
7/31/2009

CJs is just marginally OK.  I'm starting to think Seattle just doesn't know any better, as I can't imagine raving about them.  CJ's offers basic diner quality, which has improved just slightly in the last five years.
The wait staff is very good however, and the best time to go is for the early bird breakfast.  Get the hash browns, as the other potatoes are often barely cleaned.  Also, no matter how you order your eggs, they don't seem to know how to make them anything other than slightly runny, so go with scrambled if that's not the way you like them.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Kelly M.

 

0

14

Kelly M.

Everett, WA

3 star rating
9/14/2009

Some coworkers and I thought it would be fun to take a breakfast outing...so Friday was our day. We picked CJ's based on the Yelp reviews, but I have to say it didn't live up to the hype. It was acceptable, but nothing special. There were a few low points too...Swedish pancakes w/o Lingonberries...seriously???? Even IHOP has lingonberries!!!! Freeze dried hash browns are just disgusting and have no place in a quality breakfast establishment! But the omelets and scrambles were fabulous and the meats were superior to that found in most places. Our waitress also kindly brought the home fries to try when we noted that the HB's weren't up to snuff. These were great so stick with them over the HB's.

So go here if you need an all day breakfast fix, but you can find better if you are a breakfast aficionado.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Sophia M.

Elite '09

21

41

Sophia M.

Bellevue, WA

3 star rating
6/3/2009

I've been living two blocks away from CJ for a year.  I always walked by, and even in the hungriest and desperately starving for food state of mind I never stopped by.  Why?  Maybe there is something about the faded green sign and standard American-eatery-décor.  Maybe, the noun "eatery" repulsed my subconsciousness.  But finally I went there.  Because Yelpers like it.  And I like checking out Yelpers' taste.  

Someone wrote that CJ has the best benedict in town.  Best benedict, hm.  It makes me think of Glo's.  I check out all the "best benedicts" in town.  That's my hobby.  Well, apparently, they do not serve benedict on weekdays.  Good to know.  

So, I ordered a Greek omelette.  You cannot go wrong with Greek omelettes anyhow.  I found out that Greek omlettes exist with yellow onion instead of the red one.  I scrupulously dug the onion pieces out and collected them on a side of my plate.  The pile grew.  It became half size of my dish.  My Greek omelette, stripped naked from its onion abundance, had cheap canned diced olives, tomatoes and bleakly tasting feta.  Booooorrrrriiiinnngg!  

When I substituted my potatoes with fresh fruit, I expected a cup of sad-looking fruits, staring fearfully at me from the cup.   Well, no!  It was fresh!  And moreover!  They brought a good chunk of ice-cold watermelon.  Mmmm.  (Hello, lovely Marina H.)  I forgave them my giant pile of onions and the place's overall mediocricity.  I sat near the window, on a sunny day, enjoying my watermelon, making every passerby jealous by heaving a juicy junk of watermelon in my posession.  

I do not give extra stars just for big portions unless it's a giant mimosa, which CJ proudly provides.  And, yeah, the portions are big.  Giant mimosa + watermelon cuteness + quick service equals 2.69 stars in my humble opinion.  Rounding the numbers, makes it sound a bit better than what I really think it should be rated at,  but hey, it's my first review,  I should be a little nicer.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Amie S.

Elite '09

53

184

Amie S.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
5/30/2009

While searching for a new brunch, a friend recommended CJ's as having the best pancakes, so we tried it out.

I opted for the biscuits & gravy and thought they were just okay. You've got your choice of hashbrowns or red potatoes - I went with the reds, which were very tasty. The gravy was alright, but the sausage contained therein seemed like a cut up hot dog (or maybe little smokies?). The boy's blueberry pancake however, was reportedly fabulous.

The best thing I had was a variation on the standard mimosa: something that added strawberry to the mix. It was HUGE and fairly cheap ($5) and satiated my "hair of the dog" craving.

As for atmosphere: there really is none. I kind of felt like we were in a Las Vegas hotel buffet. Still, good service and late breakfast may compel me to come here again. I'd try it - but maybe stick to the pancake recc. next time.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Lydia P.

Elite '09

50

119

Lydia P.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
4/16/2009

This is one of my favorite places for breakfast.  Lately, I seem to have become a regular and it's certainly not the cafeteria style decor that keeps me coming back....

It's the pancakes...  those thin crispity edged pancakes (just had for breakfast this morning)... and the very best eggs benedict I've found anywhere in Seattle.  The hollandaise is deliciously rich and tangy and the eggs are always perfectly poached.  And not that I need them, but I just discovered that on weekends, you can get grits instead of potatoes!!!  Grits!  Crikey, that's exciting!

The eggs benedict are only served on weekends and the weekend crowd can be rather intimidating if you get here late (read 10:30).  But don't be deterred.  The staff is friendly and efficient.... they manage to turn the tables pretty quickly without making anyone feel rushed.  Just keep in mind that they won't seat you until your entire party is there and ready to eat.

I would like a pancake now.  Hrrrmmmm.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Farah F.

Elite '09

7

94

Farah F.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
9/9/2009

Nom nom-ing at CJs is a nice experience, your basic diner experience. It's not omigodthat'sthebestomeletteever, it's more yawnIneedpoachedeggesandIdon'twannadoitmyself sorta place. Good, but not great, and I wish there's more variety. It's usually packed in the mornings, but that's probably more because there isn't a breakfast around that has the same sorta price range, rather than a testament to the food itself. Sorry CJs, I like ya, but we should just be friends.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Felicia C.

 

2

8

Felicia C.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
4/8/2009

My favorite place for breakfast!

The french toast is excellent. The champagne drinks are tasty, moderately priced, and a nice size. The staff is friendly, speedy, and attentive.
Don't be discouraged by a crowd at the door, they are usually pretty quick in getting people in and seated. Their busiest time seems to be Sunday around 11a to noon.

Breakfast is served until close (which is 3:00pm daily) and lunch is served started at 11:00am.

CJs seems to be family friendly, so don't be surprised to see a kid sitting on the floor with a coloring book.

CJs is a must for breakfast in the Belltown area!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Sriram K.

 

2

11

Sriram K.

Redmond, WA

4 star rating
5/24/2009

This is another great breakfast place in belltown. When I walked in, there were several people waiting for a table and I was pretty sure I was going to have a long wait. However, I was surprised that the staff keeps things moving along and we were seated within a few minutes.

Despite the suggestions to try a eggs benedict, I went for one of the omelette versions and loved it. The place is slightly pricier than I would have expected though.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Tien H.

 

13

42

Tien H.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
6/18/2009

Get the corned beef hash, it's delicious.  especially hungover.

This was one of my favorite breakfast joints when I lived in Seattle and I miss it a bunch.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Malia M.

 

1

13

Malia M.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
6/8/2009

Normally, I'm the kind of gal that has an opinion and sticks to it! And if I had written this review a year ago, it probably would have been with 5 stars and rave reviews.  However, per my prerogative as a woman, my opinion is waning the longer I feast there on hangover weekends...or even when I'm not hung over.

The good:  They have hands down some of the best specials I have ever had.  I once had this southwestern egg bake thing and it was AMAZING.  Since it was my first experience there, it did enough to bring me back for more.  They also occasionally have this spicy chorizo biscuits and gravy that I have slightly inappropriate dreams about.  There have also been several other specials that float my proverbial boat, but as several have warned, be warned about the over usage of onions.  Also, when the other options in the area consist of dirty 5 Point Café and the back-a** nasty new place that replaced Mimi's (I think they named it like Whym or something mind numbing like that), CJ's offers a clean and contemporary option with plenty of seating even if you might have to wait for it.

The bad: they are sticklers about substitutions.  And I mean STICKLERS.  To the point were they are basically ripping you off.  For example, if you want to substitute say tomatoes for the spinach in your omelet, you either have to build your own which comes out to about $3 more than ordering one of the pre-made ones or have them remove the spinach, add the tomato, and pay an extra $1.50.  Example B) you can not substitute toast or hash browns for the fruit with the extremely yummy challa french toast even if you are allergic to just about every fruit ever grown on earth.  Either way, you're going to end up paying more for any dish if you have dietary or allergic requirements. They are totally unwavering in the need to make an extra buck in an effort to discourage you from creating more work for them.

The bottom line:  If you are looking for an amazing meal, plan on getting one of the specials, because the basic menu can be rather boring...but satisfying when it's 11am and you've become to hungry that your stomach is screaming that if you attempt to make your own food you might eat the entire kitchen.  Also, don't plan on saving a dollar or two...they won't let you!  In the end tho, I will be back...just like I always am.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Ben R.

 

6

25

Ben R.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
4/29/2009

Despite the Yelpalanche of breakfast suggestions, I felt like lunch today so I ordered the matzoh ball soup and the daily sandwich special, which was a Philly-steak sub with roast beef instead of steak.

When I ordered the soup, I kind of felt like I got a raised eyebrow, given that I'm ostensibly a goy, but it may have been more motivated by concern that I didn't know what I was getting myself into.  Well, I have in fact eaten matzoh ball soup before, and your could stand for a little more salt in the matzoh.  The broth was well-seasoned though, so I can accept a little casual bigotry.  The sandwich was nothing amazing - a little tough, but had good flavor.

The decor is clean, bright, and surprisingly spacious for Belltown.  Compared to other midday breakfast haunts, CJ's is definitely the largest and most modern that I've been to.  Its simple style belies the complexity of its flavors.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Carly L.

Elite '09

266

527

Carly L.

Kirkland, WA

4 star rating
12/30/2008

Things that happened at CJs this morning.
1. Our wonderful waitress put a candle on a Mickey Mouse shaped pancake for my nephew for his 5th bday... (complete with a smiley face made of strawberries and bacon)
2. I ate enough garlic to be vampire proof (yummmeh)
3. Dad, Stepmom and sis were all pleased with food (sister is regular at CJs)
4. We left with full tummies, a joyous 5 year old, and me smelling like garlic.

YUM

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Bert H.

Elite '09

45

65

Bert H.

Snohomish, WA

4 star rating
1/5/2009

CJ's is perfect for when you want breakfast in the afternoon.  Their biscuits and gravy, with the bacon and sausage gravy, is simply a tastegasm waiting to happen.  I have yet to have a bad or even mediocre meal when ordering breakfast from CJ's.

Their lunch menu items are decent, but none of the sandwiches i've tried their stand out as anything to rave about.  After eating any of them, I usually just wish i had ordered something from the breakfast menu and resolve to do so next time I come in.

If you're craving breakfast and not worried about counting calories, I highly recommend hitting up CJ's and trying their Biscuits and Gravy.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jodi S.

Elite '09

65

73

Jodi S.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
12/5/2008

So, this place is nice for when you want to go out to eat, but don't want to spend too much, or don't have a lot of time. I can see it from my window at work, so we tend to go there for lunch a lot. They would prefer that if you plan to show up with more than six people that you call ahead so they can set up a spot for you all.

As for the food, I have enjoyed everything I've gotten so far. They have daily or weekly specials, and I've had really good luck from those. I think last time I ate there I had some fancy schmancy salad. The greens were dark and fresh and it was delicious. The service is usually pretty fast as well. I think only once have they been a little backed up, but it was lunch time and they always seem to be super busy during that time.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Damien H.

 

4

31

Damien H.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
6/28/2009

The day after moving to Seattle I came here for breakfast. It was nice the service was good and the food was fine. It seems like it might be better suited for families, just plain menu items, and about the quality level of an amateur cook. I would compare it to a Denny's breakfast but just a little more boring.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Laura O.

 

19

238

Laura O.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
1/21/2009

I LOOOOOVVVVE coming here for breakfast!!

I love meeting people here for breakfast!  

I am not fond of eggs. Ask anyone that knows me!  I will eat their scramblers since they are generous with the ingredients they mix with the eggs.  I usually ask for the cheddar and bacon.  That helps me eat the eggs. I know some eggs are good for you.  The meal would come with potatoes (I ask for crispy hash browns) and bread (get the sourdough bread!!)

Sometimes, I will order the specials if It appeals to me.

I also order the Rose mimosa instead of regular mimosa! Mmmmm!  I have tried the Black Dahlia mimosa, too! Both are good! :-)

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Alexis L.

 

0

54

Alexis L.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
9/12/2009

Very convenient spot for breakfast in Belltown. I always order the Swedish pancakes with a side of bacon (extra crispy), and the pancakes are awesome and bacon is made to order! Warning: the cornbeef hash is very dissapointing, no flavor and the consistency is like eating a side of dry potatoes. Fresh brewed iced tea is great, and the service is pretty good. There's always a daily special breakfast menu that seems to be worth trying out. There's always a wait on the weekends around peak breakfast hours. If you're an early bird, they also have weekday speacials for $5.99.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Brad F.

Elite '09

23

85

Brad F.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
9/28/2008

Absolutely tremendous!  I was born in New York, and grew up close to Jersey, so I've been to many diners in my time, and this is the closest approximation to the East Coast diner I've ever seen in Seattle.

Follow the crowds.  The wait during Saturday or Sunday brunch is typically 15-45 minutes, but worth it!  The service is great, and the selection is incredible.  Breakfast is served all day, but the lunch options (served after 11:00 AM) are quite good as well.

I'm a big fan of the Hot Manhattan frittata, which comes with salsa, sausage, and peppers.  Good stuff!  Also try the French toast if you like a sweet breakfast!

This is the best hangover food in Seattle, period.  Drink up, my friends, for a wonderful meal awaits you in the morning to heal your liver.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Amy L.

Elite '09

36

193

Amy L.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
10/1/2008

I'm super lucky because CJ's is like a block away from where I live and I love it. I get the same thing every time..PANKCAKES! They make the best pancakes. I swear there is so much grease in them that they would cure a hangover any time!!

I also laugh at the menu, because they serve a variety of jewish foods (ie. matzo ball soup), but then they have a potato pancake with bacon - not so kosher!!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Joshua B.

Elite '09

50

143

Joshua B.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
11/21/2008

I came here a lot when I first moved to Seattle (11 years ago) and really liked it. Better than a diner, but not upscale or yuppified. Then I stopped dating a girl that lived downtown and so I didn't go for almost 8 years.

Went back recently to find, pleasantly, that nothing had changed. Still has a lot of really good breakfast food. Service is fairly snappy, and even when there's a line you don't wait forever like some places.

The breakfast specials have enticed me several times (rare in itself) and the bagel, lox + capers are still one of my favorite breakfast dishes in all of Seattle. Nice kids menu (or just order a side of fruit for cheap) and plenty to please the pickiest breakfast eaters.

It's a little cramped (can the wait staff learn to clear off the excess silverware when there's only 2 of us sitting at a 4-top please?) and I'm still not a fan of the glass coffee mugs, but otherwise, no complaints!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of douglas h.

 

10

60

douglas h.

Cambridge, MA

3 star rating
9/8/2008

Breakfast / Brunch

Typical good breakfast/brunch place.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Brian C.

 

1

7

Brian C.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
9/7/2009

Breakfast was so-so.  Not Denny's quality, but not much better.  I prefer the 5 Spot in Q. Anne.  Long wait on a Saturday.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Betsy T.

 

15

53

Betsy T.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
6/1/2009

A good brunch experience is about more than good food, it's about eating good food in a place that's buzzing with happy people eating very leisurely with the promise of having to do absolutely nothing for the rest of the day.  This is why we drink bloody marys at brunch until we descend into a cheerful stupor.  CJ's fits the bill perfectly.  The food, with some exceptions (stay away from the corned beef hash) is delicious and the portions are generous.  I highly recommend trying the vegetarian sausage and having it in a scramble.  On weekends, there's always a wait but not too long a wait.  The place is unpretentious and the waiters are always friendly.  Having brunch at CJs is the perfect beginning to a Saturday or Sunday, and is one of those very simple but precious joys of life.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Jennifer M.

Elite '09

39

68

Jennifer M.

Phoenix, AZ

5 star rating
11/7/2008

This place was totally awesome. We're in Seattle on vacation and wanted an awesome breakfast, so we looked up some places on Yelp. This place lived up to its great reviews!

A block from where we're staying, this little place has a pretty simple atmoshpere, great big windows for people-watching and makes a great place to stop on the way to the Seattle Center. Hubby and I had full breakfasts with coffee, our 2 y.o. got a kids breakfast and it came to $30. I got the Manhattan Frittata and it was hot and tasty (Uli's Italian sausage is the bomb btw), fresh sliced tomatoes, and a nice big toasted onion bagel with cream cheese (and lots and lots of good hot coffee).  The pancakes my son got were thin like crepes but had a toasty sugary consistency- he ate most of it (which means its really really good!).

I would definitely recommend this place, good food, good service and fair price.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Premshree P.

 

11

58

Premshree P.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
11/18/2008

I don't get the fuss about this place. I mean, to be fair, it's not bad at all, but I was expecting an interesting menu.

It has the usual diner fare. I had the blueberry pancakes, which had fresh, whole blueberries: it was decent; one of my friends had a frittata and found it just OK. My cappuccino was disappointing. The food being nothing to talk home about, I wish they at least had good plating, but no (but hey, this is America, one never expects beautiful food except in fancy places).

Maybe this should be three-stars, but I saw all these wonderful reviews on yelp and was totally disappointed.

So, go there if you're in the hood. Oh, and if you're here on a weekend, you might have to wait quite a bit to be seated. I wouldn't go there the next time I'm in Seattle.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Mary c.

 

0

185

Mary c.

Boston, MA

3 star rating
11/15/2008

Went at 10am on a Saturday and while it was still busy we were able to find seats no problem for four.

Pumpkin and cranberry pancakes had 3 big thin pieces with a side of either maple of cinnamon sugar syrup; nothing special.  $6

Blitzer (?) was about $7 two pieces filled with cheesy filling and side of jam also delicious.  

Omelet with side of toast; the omelet was huge!  $7ish

Overall nothing special or outstanding other than the service and reasonable prices.  Service was amazingly fast, attentive, friendly but not overtly friendly in a creepy way.  This is a nice place to stop by and to continue walking onward in downtown Seattle.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Nick H.

Elite '09

51

133

Nick H.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
Updated - 2/18/2009

I feel I must update my prior review.  As I mentioned previously, I've been coming here for years, but I hadn't tried their french toast until yesterday.  Being diabetic I don't usually order it, because... well... bread + powdered sugar + syrup = coma.  However, I was in the mood and figured I'd take a brisk walk home and burn off some of those carbs.  What a brilliant plan!  Their french toast is delicious!  It's made with thick, soft slices of fresh challah and is dipped in an unassuming but good cinnamon batter.  It was served with a scoop of whipped butter and a side of fresh fruit.  It's not fancy the way some brunch places do it up, but it was fantastic and reminded me of french toast I've had in NYC.

Was this review …?

 

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    1/29/2009

    I've been coming here at least once a week for several years, as I work a few blocks away.  So this… Read more »

Photo of Kim B.

Elite '09

25

188

Kim B.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
6/10/2008

CJ's has a tofu scramble? Say what?

Yes, it's true. I didn't think I would easily find something to eat, but there it was on the menu, staring at me.

The scramble was average but the service was great and my friends really enjoyed their non-vegan food.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of S. Alicia S.

 

124

438

S. Alicia S.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
12/30/2007

It's Sunday morning.  I woke-up late.  Breakfast should of happened hours ago.  This never happens, I assure you.  And it's the last weekend of 2007.

Brush my teeth, and rummage through the kitchen.  I don't want any of it.  And I'm not in the mood to make pancakes.  I'm going out for Sunday Morning Brunch.  Yippeee!

McDonald's not hearty enough for a combined breakfast-lunch day.

Ivar's too far.  

International House of Pancakes more far.

Hey... there's a diner over yonder.  CJ's Eatery.

Now I'm there.  And the place is packed.  Everyone looking as they just rolled off the bed.  Oh look, a couple smooching.  I should be smooching on the last Sunday of the year.  Phooey!

Let's see this menu.

Peanut-butter Stuffed French Toast with Hershey's Syrup.  Way too much.  I'd only eat half of that.  

Two-eggs any style with Potatoes and Toast.  I wonder if they'll make me egg whites.  Nahhhh!

Pancakes with Cherries and Chantilly.  Fancy.

Here we go.... a Signature Breakfast I might enjoy, Tofu Scramble with potatoes and toast.  I got the shredded potatoes, hashed up and sourdough toast.

Reading, "How Not To Date A Porn Star" in Seattle Weekly the waitress presented me with the most exquisite looking plate.  And another plate with lots of toast and jelly packets.  Then, they tacky stuff touched the table, Tabasco and Heniz Ketchup.

You have to see it.  An oval white plate.  Half of it is a delightful garden mix.  Let's see, there's tomato, onion, broccoli, spinach, button mushrooms and chucks of tofu.  And the other half on the plate was a fresh made hash brown.  

Remarkable medley of flavors for breakfast.  Tabasco and Heinz never had to touch my plate either.  Some tofu, vegetables with hash brown on a fork and a bite of strawberry jellied toast... Wow!

The service was speedy.  The staff was friendly.  The portions were generous.  Brunch was way above what I expected.  Thank goodness.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Sylvia L.

 

47

58

Sylvia L.

Sammamish, WA

3 star rating
3/1/2007

"I like your nails." I praised the server as she tries to take me order.
::Weird look from my server::
"Thanks." She said. No smile, no nothing, except for the "hurry up and order" look.

FYI, It was turquoise. I had it once and my friends called me crazy. Glad to know I'm not the only person painting my nails with colors other than pink and black.

Where was I? Yes, CJ's. I don't get it, I really don't.

Food was good, but not OMG good.
Service was good, but not OMG good.
Atmosphere reminds me of Zeena, but not OMG good.
Selection was wide, but not OMG good.
My first cup of coffee wasn't warm, but not OMG good.

I know I didn't make sense for a bit, point is, nothing was so OMG good.

But then again, they serve breakfast all day. All day breakfasts are cool.  

Overall, service was decent, the server did what she needed to do, politely. It was quick, which is good for most people that are on lunch breaks.

I asked for the bacon in my sandwich on the side. My sandwich came with bacon, and she brought me an extra serving of bacon on the side. I know it's an honest mistake, she probably just didn't hear me. It's completely irrelevant to her service. I just wanted to share because it is kinda funny, well, I think.

Update: Ok, Cj's is still not OMG good. But I have to say it is a decent and quick breakfast spot. I believe ~68% of my dine-out breakfasts/brunch in the past 3 months took place here.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Kevin S.

Elite '09

76

229

Kevin S.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
5/24/2006

Good portions, fast service, and tasty fried food.  Has all the makings of a post-lunch coma.  All of which, make CJ's the perfect under an hour lunch place in belltown as they get you in - get you fed - and get you back to work quickly.

Note for those - like myself - who don't wake up early EVER they do serve breakfast all day which is a definite plus in case you don't feel like your third mushroom burger this week.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Steve P.

 

6

35

Steve P.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
9/23/2008

Excellent breakfast with the highest quality local ingredients.  CJ's dishes out large serving sizes at reasonable prices.  This is what breakfast should be.

I'd recommend trying something made with one of Uli's awesome sausages.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Bernadette E.

Elite '09

155

294

Bernadette E.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
3/30/2007

CJ's is in a great location!! lots of window seats if you want one, but there's a really nifty mural on the left side of the restaurant close to the kitchen. going here for breakfast is ideal if you go in the morning time during the week when it isn't so crowded, but they serve breakfast all day long and that is a BIG PLUS for me!! service is fantastic... always refilling glasses before you can even ask!!

a weekend visit to CJ's will more than likely involve you waiting for a bit, but the food is worth it!!

just had some breakfast here this morning... it's definitely a place to go to when you're hungry!! :)

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Mary C.

 

0

3

Mary C.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
5/11/2009

CJ's is my favorite brunch spot. Their food isn't greasy like other brunch places I've tried in the area. I like most things on their breakfast menu, but my favorites are the french toast, biscuits 'n' gravy, eggs benedict, and country eggs benedict. Plus, it's awesome that they offer grits as a side on the weekends!

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Sarah B.

Elite '09

337

635

Sarah B.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
2/3/2007

An incredible diner right in downtown.  I didn't even know this place existed until a friend mentioned going to breakfast a few weeks ago and that it was great.

Well they serve breakfast until 3pm at least on the weekends, which totally sold me.  Fresh squeezed OJ, Uli's sausage, hot coffee and some of the most interesting specials I've ever seen.

I got the banana bread french toast.  Let me just say, if you love french toast, this is it.  No need for syrup, just great banana bread.  Their omelets are filled to the brim with toppings and light and fluffy.  I wish I had room to try the Caribbean porkchop breakfast.  

And all decently priced and good no-nonsense service.  I can't wait to try this place for lunch.  But it's a definite hangout for weekend brunches and Belltown hangovers.

Was this review …?

 

Photo of Brooke S.

Elite '09

78

133

Brooke S.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
8/30/2006

Finally! I've been wanting to find a great comfort food place in Belltown for months and here we are...CJ's...they've answered my call by offering the typical, fantastically-long menu that every proper diner should have. Just had breakfast for lunch here with my friends. It got a thumbs up. Reasonably priced (for belltown). I got the Belltown omelette with red potatoes. Hell yes. It was a good omellette with lots o' stuffins, as it should be.

The menu also spurred this conversation:
Friend: "Scramble with Chicken Apple Sausage"
Me: "Is that like, chicken, and apple and sausage, or is it aple-flavored sausage with chicken?"
Friend: "I think it's chicken-sausage, that's apple flavored"
Me: "So chicken in sausage form?"
Friend: "Yes, that's apple flavored"

Anyway, CJ's delivers, and I thank it for that. Also, got all three of us in and outta there within an hour. Yes, we will definitely be going here again.

Was this review …?

 

1 to 40 of 78 |  
Page: 1 2
Write a Review

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...

  • Photo of Macrina Bakery & Cafe

    Macrina Bakery & Cafe

    4 star rating
     138 reviews

    Neighborhood: Belltown

    Category: Bakeries

  • Photo of Le Pichet

    Le Pichet

    4 star rating
     195 reviews

    Neighborhood: Downtown

    Category: French

  • Photo of The Shanty Cafe

    The Shanty Cafe

    4 star rating
     55 reviews

    Neighborhood: Queen Anne

    Category: Breakfast & Brunch

  • Photo of Cafe Campagne

    Cafe Campagne

    4 star rating
     175 reviews

    Neighborhood: Downtown

    Category: French

  • Photo of The Hi-Spot Cafe

    The Hi-Spot Cafe

    4 star rating
     101 reviews

    Neighborhood: Madrona/Leschi

    Category: American (New)

People Viewed This After Searching For...