CJ's Cafe

CJ's Cafe

611 E Grand Ave, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420, United States

+1 805-481-3230

American restaurant, Breakfast restaurant
(1550)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Arroyo Grande, CA, CJ's Cafe stands out as a beloved American breakfast and all-day dining spot, perfectly capturing the essence of hometown comfort food with a generous, inviting spirit. Located at 611 E Grand Ave, this charming café effortlessly combines hearty, satisfying meals with a mellow, welcoming atmosphere ideal for family gatherings, casual dates, or a relaxing solo breakfast.

At CJ's Cafe, the menu is a delicious tribute to classic American and breakfast favorites, each dish crafted to delight your senses and nourish your appetite. Whether you're craving the robust flavors of their Breakfast Burrito or the soul-warming allure of Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs, each plate arrives generously portioned and seasoned to perfection. Imagine the crispy, golden edges of their Buttermilk Pancakes or the sweet, soft layers of their signature Cinnamon Swirl French Toast – a true morning indulgence.

The café’s dedication to classic comfort shines through in featured items like the hearty Steak and Eggs, and regional delights such as the spicy and savory Huevos Rancheros. Not to miss are their freshly baked Homemade Muffins and the irresistibly fluffy Hot Cinnamon Roll, both perfect companions to their rich, aromatic coffee.

Guests frequently commend CJ's Cafe for its home-style cooking done right. One reviewer enthusiastically shared their enjoyment of the “turkey dinner with everything” including mashed potatoes covered in savory gravy, highlighting both the freshness and fulfilling portion sizes that leave you satisfied without overwhelming. Another diner praised the café’s fish & chips as superior to well-known competitors, noting the perfectly crispy batter and succulent fish, paired with homemade mashed potatoes that evoke a sense of homemade goodness.

The ambiance at CJ’s is finely tuned to encourage conversation and connection rather than overpowering noise – an increasingly rare quality that enhances every meal. The friendly, attentive staff take genuine care, making you feel as though you’re visiting an old family friend’s kitchen rather than a commercial eatery. It’s this welcoming, unpretentious environment that makes CJ’s Café a frequent spot for weekly date nights and meaningful family brunches.

Beyond the casual dining experience, CJ's Cafe also shines with its exceptional catering service. Customers have lauded the catering team's professionalism and generosity, particularly appreciating the vibrant, fresh platters of meats, cheeses, fruits, and charcuterie that effortlessly impress at any event.

Whether indulging in a quick breakfast with your son, enjoying a relaxed family birthday dinner, or hosting a buffet for 25, CJ’s Cafe delivers consistently with quality, quantity, and warmth. It’s more than a restaurant—it’s a culinary haven where each dish tells a story of traditional flavors, carefully prepared to offer a welcoming taste of California's Central Coast hospitality.

For a reliably delicious meal, friendly faces, and a dining experience that feels both familiar and special, CJ’s Cafe is a must-visit destination in Arroyo Grande. With a phone call to +1 805-481-3230, you’re one step closer to enjoying a breakfast, lunch, or dinner that satisfies the soul as much as the stomach.

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Great coffee Great dessert Great tea selection Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Comfort food Quick bite Small plates Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Quiet
Crowd
Groups Locals Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    06:00 AM - 07:30 PM
  • Tuesday
    06:00 AM - 07:30 PM
  • Wednesday
    06:00 AM - 07:30 PM
  • Thursday
    06:00 AM - 07:30 PM
  • Friday
    06:00 AM - 07:30 PM
  • Saturday
    06:00 AM - 07:30 PM
  • Sunday
    06:00 AM - 07:30 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Doug Underwood
    4 week ago

    We had a real nice dinner at CJ's Cafe today. My wife got the turkey dinner and it came with everything, turkey and dressing, vegetables, toast and some mashed potatoes with gravy. I had the spaghetti and meatballs and I could just barely finish the portion size. It was really good we will both the definitely be going back.

  • Lance Fernandes
    1 month ago

    Great service and food went for a family birthday really enjoyed the hometown cooking mellow atmosphere and ability to have a conversation without loud distractions hometown cooking occasionally hard to find I think you guys for making this evening and opportunity with my family a good one.

  • Vern V.
    1 month ago

    This place has good food, quick service and friendly staff. My son and I had breakfast here and we're pleasantly surprised at the food quality, quantity and the prices. We will definitely come back to IT'S when we're in the area.

  • F R
    2 month ago

    We came for breakfast and dinner. The portions are more than we could eat and satisfying. Our waitress for breakfast (slender woman) was courteous and handled multiple diners lwith ease. Our waiter at dinner (young man w/spiky hair) was also courteous & proficient. Fish & chips were excellent, better than Pismo Fish & Chips. Mashed potatoes were homemade and tasty.

  • Jeanie K. Smith
    3 month ago

    CJ's is already our go-to for a weekly date night and frequent brunches w/family & friends-- but now it's also my favorite CATERING service. We just hosted a buffet dinner for 25 people, and Brad Sears and his catering team did a fantastic job for us. Multiple platters-- meats, cheeses, fruit, veggies, rolls, charcuterie, dips & sauces-- they did it all, with generous portions, vibrant and fresh plating, delicious food. It was all fabulous, beautiful, exactly what I ordered and even more. All my guests raved about the array of platters and the quality of the food-- a huge hit! Brad was easy to work with, good communication, and spelled out everything (with options) for our agreement. Cost was super reasonable, especially after I saw what he brought! I will happily call on him again for future occasions-- what a great addition to the popular cafe.

  • Sam Richardson
    3 month ago

    CJ’s is always busy, and for good reason. The wait is usually short. The atmosphere is always friendly and accommodating. The food is home cooking and large portions. You won’t go wrong eating here.

  • Richard Vandenberg
    3 month ago

    Great little dinner friendly staff good food so many options

  • Dreamzville
    4 month ago

    Classic diners are hard to find, so boy were we happy to find CJ’s! The food is tasty and there are plenty of Americana-centric choices. The prices are right, the staff friendly and the servings generous! The atmosphere is spacious and restful. We will be back (again and again)!

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