I come from a family of such great cooks that I have learned not to expect much when eating out, because I almost always let down. Let me add that BBQ/Soul food is our specialty and unfortuneately CJ's was not a game changer. I got the fried wing plate with a side of greens and mac and cheese. A) The wings were fried too hard and the seasoning was off. B) The greens were a little sweeter than I like. C) the mac and cheese was good just not great but because there isn't many places like this inOxnard.... the so-so food gets a pass. C+ for the meal. I still recommend that people try this place out because remember, this review is written by the woman that comes from a family of cooks who own a similar establishment with a 4.5 star rating in Watts, Ca. So needless to say, I am going hard on CJ's. This establishment itself its very casual. There are 3 large televisions so its perfect to grab a bite in a low environment and watch a game. There was college bball on when I went. There only appeared to be 2 people working on this particular saturday evening and as a result..... service was very slow and the cashier wasn't very warm or welcoming. C- for customer service. read more

We'd love to support this business, but due to the long wait time for food, we've tried ordering online and all we get is a busy signal. I've been here countless times, I know they get a lot of business, they can afford to have one person on the phone taking orders. They have one person doing phone and taking counter orders. read more

This is my second time coming here, it's awesome the first time I got the hot wings & bbq wings with the chilly cheese fries they were great. This time I got the chilly cheese fries again because, that's how great they were and the hot wings and Philly cheesesteak sandwich! I loved it I will definitely becoming back to this place on the regular! read more

I was passing by and saw the big "BBQ sign; immediately my stomach told me to make a U-turn. You might know I have a slight barbecue problem, haven eaten it in many countries on three continents. I noticed there are a few CJ's locations so I figured it was a smallish chain but whatever. When I pulled up I noticed two big smokers in the parking lot smoking away. Like I mean big meat smokers loaded with meat. Right there I knew this was legit. I walked in and was greeted by the nice lady working the counter. The menu seemed a bit overwhelming but all I know is you should really get a two or three meat combo at any barbecue place! So I got the two meat combo with tri-tip and pulled pork, with sides of baked beans and coleslaw. Also came with a soft bread roll on the side. The sauce used in the kitchen is definitely on the sweet side, but very tasty. Prices were on par with anywhere else. She gave me an order number and told me it would be a few minutes. I found a seat in the dining area which had two TVs and enough seating for hungry people. As promised she delivered my food in a few minutes and I devoured it. I had just enough time to get to my car before the meat sweats kicked in. I will absolutely consider coming back again when I have that itch for barbecue. read more

Well I love the food. My boyfriend gets the tri-tip sandwich and I get the hot link sandwich and they are so yummy. The sides are great especially the mac and cheese. The ribs and chicken are yummy as well. We purchased the family pack during new years eve party and it was a hit. They have a sign that their attitude might be rude and you have to deal with that. LOOK near the register. All in all the place is good, we always go to CJ's when we come up to Oxnard. read more

Don't just drive past this little side spot... Stop in, it's delicious I love the tri tip sandwhich (ask to make it spicy) and the chicken melt is also delicious if your not in a BBQ mood (crunchy perfectly grilled bread, a thick piece of chicken melted with Swiss cheese and avocado.... Yum!!! They put mushrooms on it to but I'm not a mushroom fan so I leave them off) you can't go wrong with this place.. And it's prices!! read more

CJ's Barbecue - Chicken melt and seasoned fries... Mmm - Burgers Near Me - Oxnard, California

I went here today for the 2nd time because it is on the Axxess card - buy one meal get one free. The first time I thought it was just awright, but today it was really really good. We ordered two meals, tri-tip and rib tips both with baked potato and peach cobbler. Both had very generous portions of meat with a tasty bbq sauce, a whole potato with sides of sour cream and butter, a toasted roll, and the cup of peach cobbler (which just seemed more like seasoned peaches). The total with the card was just about $14 but it would have been worth it at full price. The menu is very extensive so its hard to choose what to order. I would like to come back and try more things. The service is kind of non existent. I mean you just order at the counter. Both times I have been it was CJ himself that took the order. He was very friendly and talkative the first time but yesterday he was more interested in the game on tv. It didn't really bother me since its not a sit down restaurant and it wasn't like he was rude or anything. read more

Great local bbq, so glad to have this place near us. We enjoyed the fish tacos and the tri-tip. Service is great and atmosphere is family friendly casual. We were eating here once a week, fresh food and tasty sides. read more

CJ's Barbecue - Tri tip and out of this world sweet-potato fries. - Burgers Near Me - Oxnard, California

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It's my first time eating at CJ's because my mom's friend recommended it. I just ordered the sampler with tri-tip, baby back ribs, and beef ribs. I also added the chicken breast, chopped pork, and chicken wings. Unfortunately, I didn't really like any of them. Most of them were dry and under seasoned, especially the chicken breast. The chicken wings were so so and has an odd taste to it. The tri-tip was kind of tough. The only thing that was ok was the beef ribs. Looking at the other comments here, I guess it's just my unlucky day to order. And the place kind of smells like piss. Or I might be smelling the beer piss. I'm not sure. On the up side, it was good friendly service. I don't know if I want to come back to this place for another try, though. read more

I stopped by CJ'S for lunch, what a pleasant surprise! The food was delicious. I had the salmon salad with raspberry vinegarette dressing. The restaurant is superbly clean and the staff courteous. I live in LA... but the next time I headed North on the 101 freeway, I will make an intentional stop here for a meal. Loved it!!!! read more

CJ's Barbecue - "That was the salmon salad." Take my word...it was scrumptious! - Burgers Near Me - Oxnard, California

We got catered bbq & sides for a party of 50 today. The huge amount of food was ready right on time, the young man took it out to the car for us and it was enjoyed by all! Highly recommend for any party or gathering! read more

The food was great . The service was horrible girl in the front was rude asked for a plate and said she had none like ok . And it's a little over priced . read more

k.. so i love the food! No issues there! But literally EVERY SINGLE TIME i order a chicken bbq salad either the wrong type of bbq sauce is used, if i ask for spicy i get regular. Or the bbq sauce is forgotten all together. Several other occasions the ranch is missing, and if not that than the dinner roll served with it is missing. Not once, not twice. More than six times now one of the above issues has occurred.. i just don't get it! Is it because its a salad and not a heaping pile of meat?? Geezz.. some serious quality assurance is much needed. read more

Favorite BBQ here in Oxnard! Cool yet very laid back ambiance at the restaurant. Friendly and accommodating staff. (Food is great! Full chicken with french fries with a side of their special habanero sauce) burgers are also very fulfilling. read more

CJ's Barbecue - PROTEIN! (Cjs special special burger). - Burgers Near Me - Oxnard, California

Absolutely amazing food and service. The only suggestion I would encourage the owner to make is to create popular dishes without meat to accommodate vegetarian customers. The mac & cheese is delicious and the yams are always yummy. The prices are reasonable and the portion sizes are just right. Great customer services and outdoor seating if you want to stick around. #FoodThatsGood4TheSoul:) read more

The tri tip was very dry, even adding sauce didn't help. The gumbo is 20$ for a small cup. That's way too much for soup, which is disappointing. Their mac and cheese is flavorless. read more

Went for the first time today with my wife and must say the food way wasn't good at all. I got the tri-tip sandwich and my wife got the chopped pork which was REHEATED so was my MAC and CHEESE. the menu was way to big I couldn't find anything I was looking for. the owner was on the phone and wasn't much help all he did was point when I ask for the sides. my soda tasted as if tips of soda dispenser haven't ever been clean. read more

We always enjoy this BBQ place when coming back from a day out on the ocean. Really good beef ribs cooked on a mesquite BBQ out back! and the baked beans are wonderful. Nice selection of sauces including mild, regular, spicy and habanero spicy, We stopped by on Labor Day but the place had just closed early for the holiday. The owner C.J. walked out and told us come on in that he would happily take care of us. We hesitated as it after all was Labor day but ended up going inside where C.J. personally served us as everyone else had gone home. A really family friendly place with a couple of sports t.v.s, wonderful food read more

I've been going here for years, and even had them cater large work events. The food's always been consistently good, as well as the service. NOT LAST NIGHT! We were driving home from Buellton & called in our order about 15 minutes away. Got there around 5 p.m., there was a couple sitting waiting for their food, and the woman at the counter was on the phone taking an order. She said she would be right with us. I think she got another call & took that order - that was fine - we just stood there & waited. The order came up for the couple waiting - it was to go so she got it together for them. Fine. Then some guy comes in & tells her he called in an order, and she gets it for him, and rings it up....! What?! We've been patiently waiting & then she serves him first??!! We went up to the counter & another guy comes in & says he called in an order & she starts to help him....! I had to butt in & tell her we were there before him, and she tells me "well this is a phone order" and I told her OURS was a phone order...! Jeez, it's not like it was crowded & this was confusing! So she gets our order, which had been sitting there ready... She never even says she's sorry. TERRIBLE SERVICE! The food: sides were great - we got collard greens, yams, and chili beans - all excellent My husband got rib tips - very good. I got spare ribs - dry and overcooked, even the BBQ sauce couldn't save them. Maybe it's too much to sustain 2 locations? But I won't go back to this location just because of that crappy service. read more

I was very pleased with my meal, I ordered to go, the Tri-tip was very tender the greens were really tender I could have had just a little more turkey meat in them, and the Beef ribs yes! I will definitely eat there again. read more

CJ's Barbecue - Smh! I am tickled pink right now - Burgers Near Me - Oxnard, California

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Great customer service and great employees. I left my phone outside on a bench I though it was long gone only to return and the girl behind the counter returned it to me! Thank you so much !! read more

This place was horrible. Tasted like frozen ribs with sauce thrown on them. No flavor what so ever. And they were so rude it was unbelievable! Took at least 30 minutes for our food it wasn't even busy but it was terrible read more

Another AMAZING experience with Ms. Ava. She is such a gem to this resturant and the community. My kids and are always so excited to see her when we come in. She truly takes the time to know her clientele and make them smile!! Food was fresh, hot, quick and DELICIOUS!!! read more

The best BBQ in ventura county! I come for the food, but stay for the atmosphere and friendly staff. I've never had a bad food experience with CJs, and the people there are always the SWEETEST! My go to is the pastrami burger, don't forget to have some pie too! read more

Decent bbq. A few gripes .. the sides are more like sample size they are ridiculously small. The bread they give you is small too. And finally the wait is the worst .. it's about a half hour wait after you order .. best to call it in .. read more

I tried the 6 rack BBQ, good taste with reasonable price. There was a decent flow of people, but they could improve in service. Saw my food waiting at the counter when they could have served me. read more

I consider myself a BBQ snob and am very particular. With that being said I ordered the pulled pork with collard greens and Mac and cheese. The pulled pork was drowning in BBQ sauce, so much that it was way too much! The greens didn't seem to taste fresh and neither did the sweet tea. Needless to say I will not be back. read more

Nope! The one in Ventura is way better! First off if customer service is not your main priority then your already losing! And the guy with the Afro just know your attitude will cost this BBQ joint everything it could have been! Ps you never know who your waiting on guy... its people like me that keep you working. The next time you wanna be smart remember what I told you at the counter and how you looked like you where scared... remember that and maybe when your 45 working at Mc Donald's your attitude will be better! read more

Ok I'm not going to be insulting or name calling on this review . This is my second time visiting this BBQ location but my first review. First time I ordered BBQ burger with string onions and cheese and hit links . This was last yr , anyways the patties were frozen not fresh and it was rubbery bites to the burger not good at all . Hot links were nice . So just now a yr later I walk in and order Tri tip sandwich BBQ sauce on the side with hot links . I'm the only person there no one else . The order was confusion to the chefs after about 10 minutes I get my order , the tri tip sandwich was not good it was cold BBQ all inside the sandwich (not on side as requested ) fries were cold the quality of the tri tip was almost the same as if it was poor quality meat fir the tri tip very bland tasting . Not s very good staff on hand in kitchen very unprofessional. read more

Not very good. I was craving bbq tri-tip so we stopped in here. The meat was not very flavorful and was tough. The side salad was good, but I didn't like the Mac and cheese, meat or roll. I'm not a picky eater, but this place is definitely not for me. read more

Small but cozy place with awesome sized portions and great service. Loved their humor with the house rules and standards!We will definitely eat here again. read more

CJ's Barbecue - Bbq spare ribs! - Burgers Near Me - Oxnard, California

Felt like I wanted some good home cooking and ran across CJ's. What a find! It's not my grandma's special cooking, but it's pretty darn close. The food was tasty and the customer service had southern charm. The mac and cheese is delicious and the sweet potato pie super is amazingly yummy!!! Loved it- CJ's- #Food that's good for the soul:) read more

This is sooo good, I had to stop asap and review. Greens, black-eyed peas, baby backs and hot links. All were phenomenal!!! Greens were well-seasoned. Hot links had just the right amount of "hot." Black eyed peas were perfect. The ribs were Smokey and tender! This is my new go to for BBQ! read more

Incredible selection of delicious food and awesome service. Without a doubt Ill stop in here for food when I'm in the area.

Tried the baby backs, a little disappointed, they left the silverskin on them, could have used a few more hours cooking not as tender as I would like and expect. I may give them another shot. read more

Some friends recommend CJ'S Barbecue. The food was outstanding. Very down-to-earth atmosphere. They had a long line but moves quickly. Will recommend to friends and family. read more

Had my AXXESS card - 2 for 1 deal - and with it being late in 2016, decided to try it. Amazing pastrami burger. Sure a tad pricy - but the burger was fresh and juicy. Plus, a choice of sides. The second was a pulled pork burger. Also excellent. In both, plenty of meat piled on top of burger. read more

Ok, not to complain about having a discount, BUT, it's my birthday and I decided to go to CJ's BBQ for the salmon. I order 3 items one being a chesseburger for my daughter. When I ordered I said I have Axxess card, and I like to use the buy one get one on Tri tip and the Salmon, instead Jasmine took off the 6 dollar cheeseburger and tryed to justify that I'm not paying more taking off a 6 dollar cheeseburger instead of the the 13.99 salmon that should have been taking off. Being in the business, this is not what should be happening, now Im irritated and dont even want to eat thr food I paided for. Won't be back read more

Today was my first time enjoying CJ's. I got lost looking for it and the guy that answered the phone was polite and helped me, them I got there and he was sooo patient as I took forever to look over the menu(so many yummy choices) I got the tri tip with greens and yams and I'm happy with it! I will be a repeat customer!! read more

I love this place!!!!! Only BBQ place around the harbor area and it's probably because no one could compete with CJ's. I have ordered about everything on their menu over the past 4 years and I have never had a bad meal here. EVERYTHING on the menu is awesome. If you want really good BBQ, then this is definitely your place!!! read more