Okay, I know some of you seen my check in for this place and must have been wondering....."Why is the Gold Chain Foodie at a bar at (6am) on a Tuesday.....Well have a valid explanation for that, and one of them happens to be that it was Veterans Day, and my night crew manager happens to be a Marine Vet. So what better way to honor him and his service on this day, and to partake in a few drinks. Like they say in popular music today....."Let's Turn Up"
CJ's Saloon is open at 6am, I know some of you may be thinking....."Why in the heck is this place opened so early? Well you then have to look at the target market in the Concord, Pleasant Hill and Pacheco area first to understand. I'll give you a brief understanding. Most people that live near or around this area are working class people. Usually working some type of night job or very long hour days. I'm not speaking for everyone though, but based of demographics "thank you Jon Taffer of Bar Rescue" I looked into it myself to make since of this. So it all makes since, and also when a lot of people may have weekdays off instead of the weekend "The Club going Up on a Tuesday!" isn't to bad, some people have learned to make everyday the weekend. Thank God that isn't my issue per say. But this bar has Fernet.....Sooooooo I had to partake in like my headline says.."two shots at a time!"
This bar really is a saloon styled bar, everything about it screams as such, and to be honest and based off my check in's, some of you all should see that pattern when it comes down to drinks and fun for myself. The decor of this place is pretty.....saloon like, you have your pool tables, a small section of dance floor and space for live entertainment and lotto machines for those that like to have a few drinks and gamble at the same time. So with that being said, This place has appeal. It was very clean and tidy, maybe being here at 6am contributes to that factor. And like a saloon, the pours were heavy, but well balanced at the same time. So I had no issues, and like I said earlier....this bar has "fernet" Something that is hard to get a shot of outside of San Francisco or more....fancier establishments. If you like Jagermeister, then Fernet is a better version of it in my opinion. Now I don't have to miss it outside my SF, San Jose or Oakland trips.
I use to think of CJ's Saloon as a biker bar, and was always apprehensive about paying this place a visit, but i'm glad that I did at the end of the day. The crowd is pretty diverse and they have their regulars here. Yea, even at 6am. I honestly was pretty surprised to see how many people were there when me and my coworkers went in for some drinks. This place is located off the very busy Contra Costa Blvd. Lamps Plus and Chef Choy Chinese Food is in the same little strip. Pep boys is right behind it and Target, Toys R Us, Ross Dress for Less and Home Goods make up some more notible landmarks or popular businesses that are within close vicinity. Oh let's not forget the California Grand Casino, Paddok Bowl and highway 680.
In closing, this bar is pretty darn good. Im sure my paydays will never be the same :D the basic well drinks are $3.75 for a basic, and 7.50 for a tall. My Fernet shot just like at most of my fave SF bars was $4 bucks just as expected for that strong, delicious goodness. At the end of the day, this is one of those "Don't judge a book by it's Cover" places. Don't let what you see on the outside scare you off. This place has a personality all on it's own. And being the only real bar in this area, aside from what you may have at the California Grand and Paddok Bowl. It's getting the attention and buzz that it deserves. But don't take my word for it, drop by and visit for yourself. And don't forget to Yelp your own experience. read more