Given my previous rave review, it might seem strange that this follow-up is going to be so bad, but this place is really floundering. We will NEVER be back. My husband and I had dinner there last night for a special occasion. We were immediately a little freaked out by a male waiter who appeared to be bouncing off the walls, as if he was on crack. At one point, he almost fell into our table, and all I could think was, "please, please, don't let this be our waiter." Guess what. He was. He never introduced himself, but he acted like he thought he was onstage at a comedy club. He was just getting a massive kick out of what he apparently thinks is a personality, but all I could think is that this place clearly doesn't test for drugs. Since we were celebrating an occasion, we asked to start with a bottle of Chardonnay. After an unacceptable wait time, he brought me a single glass of Chardonnay and loudly declared it, "a generous pour." I had to remind him that we had ordered a bottle. Despite the fact that he never once introduced himself, we were able to learn his name from our check when he brought it, and his manager and coworkers will know exactly who he is from my description. Brother, I am not going to divulge your name here, but please call someone. Get some help. Please. He has what sounds to me to be a strong southern accent. I'm from Alabama, and I felt like I was back home, in the worst possible way. He has no concept of how to be a waiter, but he sure is impressed with himself and his schtick. Think Jeff Foxworthy - "you might be a redneck" - but without any of the charm. He's just loud, obnoxious, and incompetent. He practically hangs from the chandeliers. Again, we were celebrating a special occasion, and our waiter (let's call him M) eventually did figure out how to bring us a bottle of wine - which tasted off, with a vague aftertaste of olives, of all things. Then he dashed off, because there were clearly customers there who were far more important than us. He had ZERO interest in providing us service. He was hyperfocused on the large table that they were anticipating - clearly someone was having a party. That doesn't mean that my husband and I didn't deserve basic service. We were celebrating something too. We just weren't quite so ostentatious about it. I ordered the seafood ravioli, and my husband ordered spaghetti with one meatball. Neither meal came with a salad, but M seemed to desperately want my husband to have one, so he finally said, "fine, bring me the salad." Again, the wait time was downright silly, but M eventually brought him the salad, and then acted as if he had screwed up by not also bringing me a salad plate (I hadn't asked for one and didn't want one). According to my husband, the salad that nobody wanted (and that we had to pay extra for) was edible, but nothing special. Finally, our entrees came. The menu described the seafood ravioli as "Large ravioli noodles filled with lobster, shrimp, and scallops, served in a rich, creamy sauce with mushrooms, clams, and garlic." Sure, if you say so. What I actually got was CHEESE ravioli in a cream sauce that somehow managed to be both bland and overwhelming - quite a feat! The cheese smell was so strong it was nauseating. I did manage to find a few clams in the sauce, but it was nothing like what the menu had promised, and there wasn't even the slightest hint of seafood in the ravioli stuffing. If lobster, shrimp, or scallops were involved, I saw no sign of it. The few clams I managed to find in the sauce were the only hint that this was supposed to be a seafood dish. It was quite some time before M bothered to acknowledge us again, so when he finally did check on us, I explained that my dish was inedible. His demeanor changed completely, and from then on, he barely acknowledged us, and when he did, he was rude. He didn't apologize for the bad food. He didn't ask if I'd like anything else. He just walked away with my barely-touched food, clearly pissed, and he couldn't resist making a snide comment about having to ask his manager if he could take it off the bill, because he didn't have the authority to do it on his own (I hadn't asked him to). The manager didn't bother to say anything to us, and M barely spoke to us again. I went home hungry. Some celebration. At this point, I just wanted out of this place, so as soon as my husband finished his food, we were out of there as fast as we could move. What we had hoped would be a pleasant celebratory dinner, ended up being, hands-down, my worst restaurant experience ever, and we will NEVER be back. read more

Everything was ok. Not the best, not the worst. I'd return. We had a screaming kid next to us. Definitely parents issue, not restaurants fault! read more

Morgan was a genuinely attentive server who made us feel welcome and went out of his way to make sure we had a great meal. While it may not be the best Italian food we've ever had, everything was enjoyable, and it's a convenient neighborhood spot that we're happy to have close to home. We'll definitely be back, especially for the friendly service! read more

CJ's Restaurant & Bar - Chicken Parmigiano - Italian Near Me - O'fallon, Missouri

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This is our 3rd time to the restaurant in the last two months. It was acquired by a new owner after the previous owner sold it. It used to be called Madison's Cafe for many years. Our waitress told us that when the new owners took over they were able to buy some of the original recipes so people still come in for things they used to enjoy from the Madison's ownership. At our last visit we ordered the following: large combination salad to share amongst three people, fettuccini Alfredo, rigatoni carbonara and the beef mudega. The beef mudega came with soup which was ratatouille. For dessert we ordered the turtle cheesecake. Everything was great especially the salad (they're known for their salads) and the carbonara except for the beef mudega. It was not prepared the usual way that I am accustomed to so it tasted very off in my opinion. I could not bring myself to finish it, but I was fairly full from the salad anyhow. I just know not to order that again. I ate some of my spouses rigatoni carbonara and it was delicious. One of the few places left that actually tries to prepare carbonara with more costly ingredients than bacon bits. LOL The ratatouille was okay but not great. It takes a special skill to make great ratatouille so I'm not judging the whole place on one soup. The turtle cheesecake was wonderful but I will warn you it has a lot of caramel on it if that's not your thing, I wouldn't order it. Be sure and sign up for their rewards program as it offers $25 off a future visit after you've accumulated $250 in dining experiences. When weather warms up, we will be trying out the outdoor dining they have, but for now it's inside for us. read more

This restaurant has a great happy hour with outstanding service. The beer was ice cold and the hot wings were excellent.

Family friendly! Great service and even better food for a reasonable price! They were willing to modify for our kids without difficulty!

Combination salad is to die for. Pasta is very good and portions are huge!!! Perfect for leftovers

Great food great service reasonable prices . I had combination salad and artichoke veal both were excellent.

This experience probably falls at a 3.5 for me but since half stars are not an option, we will start at 3. Seated quickly, server was nice and attentive. However, ordered wine and was given a glass with legit black marker on the side. If your bartender can't pour correctly teach them, don't give me a line with a level marker on it like a 5 yr old and then charge me premium for it. Also, they make wine glasses with classier notches to denote poor levels, invest in better glassware if it's an ongoing problem. Felt super tacky, and as the picture shows was under the pour line anyway ??? Bread and super soft bitter was good, salad, good. Mom enjoyed her linguine and chicken livers a rare find, sauce had good flavor and she had plenty leftover. Chicken Aree was sadly flavorless, sauce has zero flavor or spice to it. Chicken had nice breading and was cooked well, broccoli felt microwaved and mushrooms not fully cooked. Would not get that again. Tried to order tiramisu and was told none was defrosted and it would take a couple hours. How is a featured dessert not thawed and ready for a Friday night dinner service? They missed the mark a few places, but I will give them another shot and update accordingly. Updating - after reading other reviews realized that there 100% was NO procsittuto ham on this dish at all, like none. Didn't catch it at the time but look at the pic it's not there just one small pink square that's it, wasn't cut up either will have tasted it and the texture. So didn't even get all the ingredients. read more

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One thing I love is they kept the Madison's cafe menu alive after frequenting there a lot I was sad to see them leave. The shoe has been filled though! I frequent take out and it's always been a pleasant experience, the staff gets my food and makes sure I got bread and butter for the win!!! The combination salad with that creamy dressing is a must for all salad lovers. read more

CJ's Restaurant & Bar - Baked Chicken Carbonara - Italian Near Me - O'fallon, Missouri

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Upon entering we were greeted by multiple friendly by people at the front counter. We sat on the non bar side of the restaurant. The decor is a bit outdated but otherwise it has a clean and comfortable atmosphere. We ordered combination salads and 2 Cajun chicken sandwiches. They serve bread with butter too. I had ranch and my husband had their house creamy Italian... the ranch was ok I definitely recommend the creamy Italian, it was amazing. The Cajun chicken sandwiches were also delish. Our server, Mark was really friendly and upbeat. Overall it was a nice dining experience and I would return. read more

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The house side salad was crispy and the house dressing good. The chicken Cajun pasta was cooked perfectly and the seasoning was excellent!

Solid St. Louis style pasta spot. Their claimed to fame is their creamy Italian dressing, which is exactly the same as iconic Arcobasso's creamy Italian dressing. I ordered the side salad and seafood bisque soup combo. I have to say that the seafood bisque was not like bisque at all and was more a tomato based soup with some baby scallops, baby shrimp, and tons of mushrooms. I didn't really care for it, but everyone else absolutely loved their food from the steaks to the pasta's, to the calamari & buffalo chicken wings. It was my fault for not ordering what they are really good at. Our server was Mark and he was spectacular. We had a party of 12 and we never wanted for anything, he was on top of it! read more

The waitress was friendly but but not very good at taking our order for food and cocktails. For example, my drink (a simple martini) had to be sent back to the bar three times and still was not what I ordered. I finally gave up. The food to me was ok, but nothing to write home about. read more

Ordered ahead for some soup and salad. Love that they post the specials of the day on Facebook. I usually get salad and pasta but this time I got the soup of the day, white chicken chili and it was so delicious. The house dressing is always amazing. Comes with bread and butter but you must ask. Will be going back soon and ordering pasta. Super friendly service and they have a nice bar or sit down dining room area. Highly recommend. read more

CJ's Restaurant & Bar - Combination Salad & White chicken chili - Italian Near Me - O'fallon, Missouri

the food was amazing! We are very sat with our service! thank you. The pasta was the best ever!

I wanted to share an experience that I had tonight at CJ's and an interaction that we had with the owner and the manager. After waiting an hour and a half for our dinner we ended up getting our food which tasted like a TV dinner. we told the owner about the situation and the service that we received and he was defensive and argumentative, They didn't accept responsibility for the poor service nor the food quality. We told him that we would never be back. The owner has been here for two years and he is a great example where leadership puts a company out of bankrupt. Making your customers feel valued and appreciated Is the most important mission statement for any Company. I would suggest finding another restaurant. read more

Great Italian spot that's been here for ages feels like. Great for groups or parties. My clients bring me here often for dinner. The older guy that serviced us was so hands on with drinks n Togo containers. read more

CJ's Restaurant & Bar - Entrance - Italian Near Me - O'fallon, Missouri

Sorry to say I don't have any pictures of the food to post due to being here for an anniversary party so I couldn't order off menu. This was the former Madison's restaurant and everything is pretty much the same inside, they have a party room, full bar area , some gluten free options non smoking and kid friendly. The menu looked like it had some good choices on it so hopefully I can try it another day. The food I had was good, the salad was great especially liked the creamy Italian dressing and it was loaded with cheese. The grilled Cajun chicken sandwich was delicious, chicken grilled perfectly and just the right amount of Cajun seasoning and covered with melted cheese and grilled peppers and onions. read more

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They were quick as they could be and very courteous. Their food was just as good as it was before.

Was expecting a bar and grill but it is a restaurant so I gave it four stars instead of five. Good Italian menu so it was hard to decide but went with the sallicia sandwich because we were there for lunch while my mom was at the dentist. It wasn't bad but wasn't the best I had in town by far. Waiter was pretty proud of the recommendation though. Dining room was kept up nice and the bar was set up nice. Service was pretty good and price was decent but nothing really really outstanding with the place but my dad didn't like it... read more

If you're looking for a light pasta dish. I recommend the chicken bruschetta. It is amazing!!

Well this place is hidden gem.. Had the burnt sandwich which is a tenderloin steak sandwich! House salad was awesome as well read more

My wife and I frequent CJ's formerly Maddison's. I usually have spaghetti with meat sauce and meatballs. Their recipe must be the same as when it was Madison's. I mean that in a good way. We will keep returning. Oh, yes. The servers have always been pleasant. The last time our server kind of put on a little bit of a hillbilly act. Since I'm a hillbilly myself , I felt right at home. read more

Always amazing service, really great pasta. Great menu, always have a great experience.

We eat here on a regular basis. Great staff and good food. The Italian food, burgers, and drinks are great. read more

CJ's Restaurant & Bar - Birthday party. - Italian Near Me - O'fallon, Missouri

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Have been here several times and have never been disappointed. I really like the mushroom Swiss burger

We found this place by chance and OMG we will totally be back. Everything we ordered was so delicious and everyone was so nice!! Yum yum!!

Walking in the door, this struck me as a classy place. After being seated and noticing they had Diet Dr. Pepper, I knew immediately that it was an establishment of taste and sophistication. It was a bit late for lunch, but after being told the lunch specials were still available, how could I refuse? Best Eggplant Parmesan Ever. I'm not kidding. The salad that came with it was most excellent, also. They'll bring bread for the table. Don't pass it up, it's pretty good, too. Amazing service. Not kidding, not exaggerating. They have a cash discount, so bring some. read more

Everything is good here. The food, the service and the ambiance is all above average. My issues are the prices. They charge too much for the experience. I had lunch with my wife here. With food and two teas the bill was over $50. There are many positive options in the area for much less a price. read more

This is the former Madison's Cafe. The owners retired and new management took over 1/2/23. They have kept things very similar here! The menu, while perhaps slightly abbreviated, seemed the same. The staff, decor, and dishes are all the same. The food was exactly the same. I ordered a small Combination Salad and the Cavatelli Pasta (Shell shaped noodles prepared in a cream sauce with parmigiano cheese and fresh garlic.) I love their salad! The creamy Italian dressing is the best! Their pasta portion is huge. I left with leftovers. Service was friendly. After I paid my server said she took my name off my credit card and gave me my rewards points. So they even kept the rewards intact. I'll be back! read more

CJ's Restaurant & Bar - Combination Salad (Small) - Italian Near Me - O'fallon, Missouri

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My wife and I ordered pasta for a carry out order which was just ok. The red sauce tasted like it came from a jar. Was expecting or rather hoping for something better. read more

My husband came across CJ's doing an internet search looking for somewhere new to eat. We had burn out from all the "usual" places. Service was great, has continued to be great each visit. Most times we are there, Mark is our waiter. He has a great personality and makes our dinning experience enjoyable. The food...OMGeee the food! Flavorful, hearty and LARGE portions. I think my favorite is the baked chicken fettuccine carbonara. . I always have leftovers and they have been just as good reheated as when it was first served. We've been going here over a year now and plan to keep going back. read more

You need to check this place out! Recently, I had dinner at this local spot and it had something for everyone. My mom wanted chicken wings, my dad wanted a steak, while my wife and I wanted pasta. My mom loved the chicken wings and my dad said his steak was perfectly cooked. My wife and enjoyed our pasta. The service was attentive and took time to talk to our table on a busy Saturday night. This is a family restaurant and can handle larger parties. We will be back, so glad we found this place! read more

The waiter was pleasant but had a sense he would have rather been anywhere but at work when he was serving us. My food had a hair IN it. Server apologized and replaced it but we were still charged for it. I had asked specifically if the fries were seasoned, was told no. Which was what I preferred....they came out as seasoned fries. I won't be going back. read more

Ordered take out when we got home our steak sandwich came with mushrooms when we asked for them to leave out. The sodas we received were flat. They didn't put any bread in the bag for us. When I called to let them know our order wasn't correct, I spoke with 3 people including a supervisor who was aggressive and rude and an owner who was condescending and couldn't care less about the issue. Chris, the new owner said that we should have checked to make sure our order was right before we left. He also blamed the reason we were missing items from our order is because the staff is a bunch of kids. He didn't know how to refund an order so I disputed the amount with my bank. We've been going to this restaurant back when it was called Madison's and under different management. Really disappointed with how the new owner handled the situation and overall quality of the food we received was terrible and not worth what we had spent. We won't be back. read more

First time there and couldn't be happier! Mark was our server, and he provided very helpful recommendations. He was very friendly and attentive - anticipating our needs before we had to ask. And the food - terrific! Delicious and generous portions. We enjoyed it so much - we joined the loyalty club! read more

A family owned Italian restaurant with a familiar menu full of local favorites. The menu is much like a former Jefferson City based restaurant (Madison's) that recently closed here in St. Charles . The IB burger is great or any pasta. read more

CJ's Restaurant & Bar - Italian Near Me - O'fallon, Missouri

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The food is great!! There servers are wonderful!!! Awesome fast service. My husband and I used to go to Madison's café and we're a bit dismayed to find that it had changed - But we went ahead and tried out the new restaurant and come to find out they bought the menu and the recipes and the food is just as delicious!!! Super happy that one of our favorite places to eat has not left us - just changed ownership and names. read more

Best house salad dressing, friendly service, clean restaurant, and the chicken chili beyond unbelievable.