PJ's Restaurant & Cocktail — Restaurant in San Pablo

Next to my Mom's kitchen, PJ's is my wife's and my favorite place to relax and dine! The key is to take off your coat of stress at the door, r-e-l-a-x, and take a seat at a table. Request a bottle of fairly-priced good-quality wine or an inexpensive stiff drink from the bar. Scan the "quaint" hand-written sheet of daily specials; on that decree lies what your chef Umberto is excited to prepare for you today, beyond the run of the mill pabum on the main menu. I've heard what makes McDonald's famous is the ability to serve exactly the same quality garbage every day, everywhere on the planet. But if you have faith in a real chef, to prepare what is really fresh and delicious that day only, you don't need a menu. Our best meals at PJs have been at "the chef's choice".

Soup or salad, your choice. The salad is a "digestif", lettuce and such, reminding me of a line from "Analyze This!", since the meal will be real and not dietetic. PJ's serves the kind of dinner I will fast all day for, one's "last meal", a meal without a tomorrow, and if I awake to one, then I shall eat light, tomorrow. The soup is a meal in itself were it in a bowl; but in a cup it is just a teaser: my wife usually orders a quart to go, to relish over the next few days. She doesn't even ask what the soup is anymore, just "and a quart to go, please, if there is enough", it's all good. Chioppino (in season), Pork Osso Bucco (Osso Anything), Homemade Ravioli (drool all over and fry my keyboard), Rosettias (which must mean cheesy-good in Italian), Scallops (Umberto, Mom could give you a tip on these, and you then may die happy), Various Fresh Fish (Snapper, Petrale sole, Swordfish, a Trout that must be at the end of the Rainbow), and Spaghetti with Meatballs (the Spaghetti is but the sacred nativity to nestle the Holy Meatballs to your table).

Ultimately, were I to have an alien facehugger pried from my comatose form, cooked well and served back to me on board the Nostromo, in a "What Should Have Happened" justice moment, I would will that it be prepared by Umberto at PJ's (attached photo. Actually, that is their rack of lamb; and no, you can't have a riblet, I already ate it).

Buon...

My pregnant wife had a hankering for pasta sat 9:30pm so we decided to get take out from this place. It's a small place. You'd pass it up if you weren't paying attention. My wife called and they were about to shut off the grill but would take her order before they did. She didn't have a menu but they went ahead and made something that she wanted. When I went to pick up it was a little shady. The entrance lead into the bar area. You have to keep walking to see the dining area. Weird thing about local places like this is that the people at the bar always look at you funny because you're not a regular.

The dining area is small and made to look like it's in Italy. The wood paneling had a weird pock marked cork look to it and was painted white. Kind of what you'd find at a beach type bar minus the fish nets and paddles. They don't take credit card but they do have an ATM machine that's charge you $1.75 for the transaction.

I don't know if I'd ever dine here but it's perfect for take out. My wife said the food was wonderful and hit the spot. I gave this place four stars because just because it doesn't really float my boat I can see how it could work for someone else and the waitress/server won me over. She was nice even though she was...

A Fresh Start at PJ’s Restaurant — A Must-Visit in El Sobrante

PJ’s Restaurant has officially reopened under new ownership, and the transformation is nothing short of impressive. From the moment you arrive, the beautifully refreshed exterior and warm, inviting atmosphere set the tone for a great dining experience. Ample parking makes it easy to stop in, and once inside, you’ll immediately notice the attention to detail that went into creating a comfortable, welcoming space.

The food is outstanding — fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. Service is incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer. Prices are fair and reasonable, especially considering the quality of both the food and the overall experience.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, PJ’s is well worth the visit. The new team has done an exceptional job bringing this neighborhood favorite back to life. Give it a try — you won’t be...