C J's Eatery

HIDDEN TREASURE!

by andrewtoney76

August 22, 2007

CJ's Eatery is one of those restaurants you just have to stumble onto. They don?t advertise much. They aren?t on Michigan Avenue or in some big commercial complex with lots of through traffic. I?d have never found them, except that I like to take shortcuts acrooss town. On one such trip, I spied the restaurant?s sign and made a mental note to check it out. A few day later I finally did. I've since returned four times and have been more impressed on each visit. The dishes are fantastic! I was pleasantly surprised to find such a wonderful restaurant in this area of town. I guess I'd compare it to finding a pearl in an oyster. Try the Sunday brunch menu, the shrimp and grits was the best I've every eaten.

• Pros: The ambience, soft jazz plays in the background!

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This sunny three-squares-a-day spot brightens a dreary strip in Humboldt Park.

by Fred Schlatter

September 24, 2007

In Short
The corner spot allows for light exposure from two sides. Inside, decor follows a simple pattern: uncomplicated earth tones, exposed brick and colorful art. A galley kitchen is partially exposed to the dining room, and a service counter does brisk to-go business. A dozen tables seat locals for hearty breakfast and lunch items, like sausage casserole and fried catfish sandwiches, and heartier dinner options such as barbecue-glazed meatloaf slab served atop garlic-mashed potatoes.

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