I was pleasantly surprised. DJ's is a family owned, country dive bar. It's located just off the main drag in Jerseyville. It has a welcoming front patio, a pool table and a popular salad and soup bar.
I wanted something new and different for lunch, so I went to my "Want to Go" list and found DJ's. As my typical routine, I found a space at the end of the bar. I was greeted gruffly by the bartender, which took me off-guard. Don't worry, she finally loosened up and got friendlier.
The menu is short, which proves to me, they focus on what they do best. I was torn between their Pork Tenderloin and the DJ Burger. Bartender said, they were both popular, but once she told me the DJ had fried Banana Peppers and Pepper Jack Cheese, I was sold. I chose fries as my side. Being a fan of Onion Rings/Straws, I enjoyed an order as my appetizer.
OMG! Their straws in my opinion really weren't straws. They were more like super thin onion rings and they were the bomb. The bread was crisp and the peppery seasoning is what won my tastebuds over. The DJ Burger was equally as good. It was a hand pressed patty, simply seasoned with salt and pepper, the fried Banana Peppers had a light breading coating them and the piece of Pepper Jack Cheese covered the entire burger. The accompanying fries were long, skinny and crisp. The food runner from the kitchen who delivered my food was bubbly and friendly.
I didn't experience the salad and soup bar, but lots of the diners around me, were taking advantage of it. Before I left, I went to the other room to take a peek, but it was already closed down for lunch. I'll be sure to check it out next time.
DJ's was almost a 5 Star Dive Bar, but they had Fox News on and that lost them the extra star. read more