CJ's — Restaurant in Town of Islip

9/1/2015:

I visited this restaurant this past Saturday w/ friends. (There were about 11 of us). The ambiance is nice, the seating was chic. There is not enough space to maneuver from one side to the other of the bar unless no one is standing/sitting around the hump of the bar. It's much easier to go around by leaving the venue and re-entering the other set of doors.

The food was delicious, everyone enjoyed and I heard no complaints. I got the fish and chips while others got the skirt steak or burger or a salad. I, personally, did not feel good after returning home. I got the chills and puked up dinner for a good 2 hours. The fish tasted fresh except for one small part was more fishy than the rest of it, but nothing was putrid.

The rocket fuel was a hip drink. We asked what the happy hour / half off specials were on drinks. Our server said that it was everything on the triangular plastic thingy on the tables. We were led to believe that Rocket Fuel was included in the deal, but when we got the tab, it was fuller than full price! They charged us $14.00 when it was listed as $12.00 and we were under the impression that it was $6.00 per round.

The manager came out and greeted us which was kind. He was very cheerful.

Bathrooms were decent. They're both unisex = faster people flow. They look small from where you're waiting, but when you go in, they're quite spacious.

Music was the best. They had been playing a lot of 90's music, which we all reminisced in. They had large screen TV's around, and because of the horse races, they blasted the volume when it was peak in the race for the clientele who were interested in it. But they forgot to turn it down and we had to send someone to the bar to have it muted. We could barely speak over the sounds from the loud music and the TV. We had asked our waitress 3x but apparently she forgot 3x.

Later on, in the evening around 10PM CJ's transformed into a night club playing Latina music. It...

Fantastic music, great interior. The bartending is rude which ruins the experience. Stopped in for a quick drink before our ferry back. Greeted with a less than happy face, asked for a 7&7 …which any bartender should know. She didnt. I said it is segram’s 7 and 7-up. She said they dont have that…as i’m staring at the bottle on the shelf above the bar. Wanting to avoid anything i say ok jameson and 7 please. She is again confused. I clarify that sprite or any lemon lime soda is fine. My friends order the same as they dont have tap beers available at the moment. No biggie there. I ask to cash out right away since we are not saying. She grabs the bill and cash, no thank you, no conversation what so ever. I still left a good tip bc put good into the universe get it back, she puts the 8$ tip on my 30$ check back on the bar and walks away. Again, no thank you, no nothing. So, great place, great location, hopefully they have other bartenders...

A group of us have been coming to CJ's for a few years now. At first, we started coming in the off season in the winter, but now it is a staple and a much needed destination for us when visiting Fire Island both with friends and family all year long. The chili and chowder are phenomenal and burgers are spot on. We ask Rob Weber for suggestions on what to eat, but the truth is that you would be hard pressed to find a bad choice on the menu. The staff is always welcoming and friendly. Aside from Rob who is fantastic, Jimmy is both attentive and hysterical. And the food is ready pretty quick so you don't have to wait. Don't miss this place when coming to Ocean Beach. You won't be...