CJ's Cafe — Restaurant in Arroyo Grande

Our decision to never return to this establishment was for various reasons that are extremely disappointing. Let me start by being clear about our historical patronage to CJ’s; my 88-year-old parents-in-law have been going to this restaurant for MANY years. In that time, they have aged and declined, both in physical and mental health. They have both developed dementia and lost the ability to drive. In the last year or so, it has been family members, myself included that have continued to bring them to CJ’s. In this time my in-laws have lost the ability to recognize most people beyond their own children (and on some days, even that is lost). They have lost the ability to make most decisions for themselves. But, at least 3 times a week, I offer them an opportunity to do or go wherever they want. Among two things they can conjure from their memory is to go have a meal at CJ’s. Now, let me also be clear that my father-in-law has never been a good tipper and in the progression of his dementia has lost “please and thank you.” As family members, when we are present, we add to the tip by hiding money under a plate and say P&TY every time, even if it wasn’t ourselves who requested something. In the time that I started bringing them to CJ’s 2-3 times per week, I realized that a particular waitress was not at all nice. I chalked this up to my father-in-law’s previous tipping and behavior and did my best to make up for lost time, so to speak. He also insists on sitting in a specific area of the restaurant (due in part to his dementia and his normally compulsive-like behavior), which happens to be this waitress’ section. I hoped that my adding to the tip and polite behavior would eventually improve her service, as I’m sure a little extra TLC from us was needed on her end. BUT, to my dismay her behavior did not improve, but got worse. One of our final encounters was so exceptionally rude, that I began to doubt whether I wanted to bring my in-laws into this kind of environment any longer. We watched her take orders of tables that were seated after us, then proceed to refill drinks and check in with other tables, before taking our order. She was curt and quite frankly rude when she did come to the table. When she brought us our food, she did not speak, AT ALL. This is unacceptable behavior, especially when we watched her talking/laughing and generally, being pleasant with EVERY OTHER TABLE in her section. Alas, the next week, my in-laws requested that we get out of the house and have a meal at CJ’s, yet again. I did so, against my better judgement. The final straw was a refusal to plate a split meal. The waitress was different on this day, and was exceptionally pleasant, even delivering the news that the kitchen would no longer plate their split salad with her own disappointment. For a few months we have been ordering a half salad and splitting it between them. They simply don’t eat much anymore and insist on sharing (whether this is an old habit that just won’t die or his compulsive-like behavior, I don’t know). At times, they do order different items, but it’s not often. I clarified that the kitchen would not plate our order and when she confirmed, I asked to speak to the owner. I explained, virtually, all of the above to her, the owner. I also made it clear that it was not her “problem” that my in-laws were dealing with dementia, but that they have been extremely loyal customers for years. The owner remained calm and polite during our conversation, but ultimately would not agree to plate the half salad. When I brought up the rude waitress, she simply stated that that was a separate issue. I beg to differ, emphatically. This is a compounded issue, at best. She refused to address the waitress, but kept explaining the “burden on the kitchen” to plate a half salad. In complete transparency and in hopes of setting ourselves and a new restaurant up for success, we will patronize Coco’s from this...

Food great-OWNER DISCRIMINATED AGAINST MY DISABLED 3 year old daughter. We Had a lovely experience until the end of our dine in. At which point, after I had paid and been sitting finishing my breakfast burrito (delicious by the way and large portioned - which is why I took 30 minutes to get half of it down) I was approached by an elderly woman. My 3 year old daughter who is disabled and hard of hearing was watching a episode on youtube. Mind you she had been watching this the entire 40 minutes we were there, no one complained or approached me to turn it off or down. The entire Restaurant was crowded with loud noises of tables being bussed-dishes being washed people chatting yes was a very busy time. I couldnt even hear the phone over all the noise in the restaurant. However this woman approached me and asked me to turn it off, rude tone as well. She never introduced herself so I assumed she was a customer and I responded to her request informing her that my daughter is hard of hearing. She immediately asked if I had headphones, I told her no and did not feel the need to explain why. The reason I do not is because my daughter gets over stimulated with them and can not regulate so we don't use them. Also, I am extremely considerate and aware of my surroundings, the volume was minimal, in fact I had two patrons in the place approach me to tell me how adorable my daughter was. Again, no one said anything during the 40 minutes we were in there, but after she asked about headphones and to turn it off in such a rude manner, I reiterated to her my daughter was hard of hearing and that the whole restaurant was loud and she then got even more hasty and stated; “shes not even watching it!” So I just told her no sorry, mam I am not turning it down. So she said well do you need a box to go? ( I was still eating) and I asked if she was the owner and she confirmed she was. So I told her yes, boxed my food and left. Normally I don't write about business regardless of experience but at this point; discriminating against disabled children is something I feel needs to be shared. I would recommend ordering food to go if you...

Because we were passing through Arroyo Grande on way to Morro Bay and unfamiliar with casual dining in the area, we inquired of locals while visiting another business, who recommended CJ's.

This is a casual no frills diner with nice atmosphere located on main drag across from a gas station and insurance office. They offer an early bird dinner menu, consisting of chicken strips, fish and chips, pork loin, roasted turkey breast and ranch steak. The menu is standard for a diner, including a range of salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, chili, Mexican, seafood and pasta. Additionally, they serve milk shakes, several beers and the mimosas are served in large wine glasses, heavy on the sparkling wine! Wine served here are, of course, from local wineries.

After enjoying a turkey breast dinner and grilled chicken breast sandwich with spinach, we were almost full. If we did not have the hour or so drive to our hotel in Morro Bay, we would have taken the remaining chocolate ice cream with us for a midnight snack. It was delicious!

Our server was friendly, made recommendations and was able to answer questions about dishes being breaded, friend or grilled.

It was obvious to us that there is a loyal customer base. Customers picking up orders or being seated were addressed by name, and they engaged in conversation of familiarity. As long term resident of Los Angeles, this was refreshing and we look forward to our next visit when we return to the area.

Recommend for large groups and quick meals. Good value. Generous portions and...