CJ's Soul Food — Restaurant in Orange Township

I had a birthday dinner here for my sister and I. Which we reserved for 13 people and was informed that a deposit of $5 per person was required ($65). I have not heard of a deposit being required at any other restaurant but being we ate at this restaurant before and the food was good, we paid the deposit. The day of our dinner, we arrived at our stated time, and were waiting for the rest of our party. We ordered a few drinks and appetizers. The waitress/ general manager informed us that we would be able to be credited a gift card for the amount, in the case we didn't spend the full $65 from the deposit. After waiting about an hour, I was informed that not everyone would be able to attend the dinner. 8/13 people were able to attend. Then after waiting 45 minutes to finally order our food, it was brought to our attention that $25 out of the $65 would be forfeited due to our full party not showing. Overall our party spent well over $250. My bill being $83 ALONE. I don't understand the logic of stealing customers money. The general manager stated that was the policy, and that their business will lose out on money. NOWHERE in my email that I received, did it say that you will partially forfeit the deposit if your party does not show up in its entirety. Being it was a Monday night and the restaurant was practically empty, the establishment wasn't losing any money, and our business actually benefitted them that night. I could understand if it was a busy night and we didn't show up at all, then I couldn't be mad at them for keeping our deposit. But for 8/13 people to show and my bill alone was well over the deposit we put down, it makes no sense. We weren't able to speak to the owner, or resolve the issue. We end up getting $50 credited to our bill which still made us lose out on $15 that could've easily been applied to our bill. This is something that NEEDS to be included in emails that get sent out to parties wanting reservations because it's ridiculous for a customer to get their money stolen. On top of that, gratuity is already added which they don't tell you and they expect you to still tip on top of the 18% already applied. The other waitress we had was very sweet and did a great job but I say all this just to say that customers should be informed that they forfeit $5 per person that doesn't show to a reservation. And the general manager had the nerve to tell us it's not their fault, but it's the fault of whoever didn't show, and they need to send $5 to me. No, it should be stated boldly in the policy that your money will be forfeited if your full party doesn't show! If that was clearly stated, we would’ve never made a reservation because the establishment was fairly empty when we arrived. And if it was clearly stated, we would’ve never...

My husband and I went to CJ’S for my husband’s birthday during restaurant week on 01/26/24. The menu they had posted online was unbelievably under priced because our mouths were watering just from looking at the pictures so we couldn’t wait to get there and taste the food and we were not disappointed. I made reservations because I just knew the line would be out the door as it should’ve been. This restaurant is under rated and there are several restaurants in Columbus and surrounding areas that are over rated and always on waits that have been very disappointing. Our experience consisted of the convenience of online reservations, an email reminding us of our reservations, a nice young lady greeted us as soon as we walked in confirmed our reservations and immediately seating us . She was very personable, she asked if it was our first time and gave us a few minutes to decide after we told her that it was. Looking around at the food on the tables around us gave us more of an idea of what we were getting so we definitely were decided by the time she returned. I got the succulent ribs that were meaty tasty and fell off the bone, the sweet potato casserole that was sooooo good! The best that I’ve ever had and I got southern roots & the peach cobbler like my grandma made! We both got the soul food egg rolls which were beyond delicious! He got the orange roughy with homemade mashed potatoes and pecan pie for his dessert. The atmosphere was nice and cozy. We loved the walls with murals showing homage to celebrities that has passed over the years! The food had a nice presentation and served on dinnerware better than top notch steak houses. After I paid I did see that the gratuity was already added but I wasn’t offended seeing as how people don’t know how to tip and look for any excuse not too. I also gave my server a little more because she deserved it. The only thing that I do suggest is letting customers know before their seated about the 5$ coverage charge for live bands and suggest carry out for anyone that’s not interested in paying. Live bands don’t play for free my husband has been in bands, Soul deep, The funk city show band and a was in previous bands with members of Black book and they work hard and deserve to get paid. The restaurant is black owned with delicious food that is appealing to every ethnicity as there was a mix of races. I’m 50 years old and I’m telling you right now this is the best soul food that I’ve had in ANY restaurant so go...

My husband of 30 years and I sauntered into this establishment and were hit by two facts: 1. My God it smells amazing in here. 2. We were the only members of the Elmer's Glue Crew in the whole place. This is how we knew we were about to get an education. So help me, I put a bite of collard greens in my mouth and immediately got goose bumps. I would've thought that was going to be the pinnacle of the meal. I was wrong, so wrong. The next bite was a pork chop that literally brought tears to my eyes - folks, I got all choked up by this piece of fried perfection. All I could do was shake my head in disbelief with every forkful. I was once fed collard greens as a kid by someone who, I now realize, clearly did not like me. I swore never to eat them again. CJs greens were salty, smokey, velvety, melt in your mouth divinity. The Elvis Chops were undisputable proof that every pork chop I've ever eaten has been a lie. Smoked chicken legs were on a whole level of their own. Dirty rice was packed with flavor and a kiss of heat. Did I mention the drinks? Perfectly balanced, not overpoured, it was nice to sip something that was actually crafted for enjoyment. If I were to compare menu prices with other restaurants, I'd say they were a bit high - but other eateries will never compare, hence, the prices are absolutely reasonable and portions are generous. I would have taken out a 2nd mortgage to pay for those pork chops if needed. Friday night is apparently karaoke night. The vibe is loud and animated. Old school soul, hip-hop, and rap jams seasoned every bite and sip we took. Colorful lights and and sheer joy bounced off every surface. Perhaps weeknights or lunch hours are quieter, but we were surrounded by kids, families, girls night out, birthday groups, couples, and smiling faces. Service was super friendly, fast-paced, and they were well-staffed. The place was packed but spotlessly clean and comfortable. I went straight home and apologized to my grown kids for every meal I've ever cooked. Do NOT sleep on this one! If you're looking to dip your fork into something new and totally unexpected, this is it! Soul...