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    GJ's Family Restaurant

    4.0 (229 reviews)
    InexpensiveBreakfast & Brunch
    Closed 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

    GJ's Family Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    GJ'S FAMILY RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Paul K.

    We Yelped good breakfast places in the Eugene area and GJ's came across highly rated for the prices and type of good ol' American breakfast places we wanted that morning. The menu is great with lots of choices. There is also a lunch menu on the reverse side. This place was super busy and very popular. They only serve breakfast and lunch and close at 2PM. We got seated pretty quickly and the busser who seated us was hustling and never stopped moving the entire time we were there. He brought waters, coffee, our menus, silverware, etc. very quickly. He deserves a raise! Now, the waitstaff...that's another story. It took a looooooong time to take our orders. We waited like 15 minutes before we could order and even then when the tall male waiter came by, he completely ignored us and took the order of people directly across from us that got seated like 3 minutes ago. We couldn't get his attention as he ran off immediately after taking their orders. Dude, at least look around the tables nearby. You might have seen the table of 3 with our menus on the table directly behind you with each of us trying to politely get your attention. Next a lady waitress ran by and literally passed our table to take the orders of a couple that were seated like 30 seconds ago. WTF? Now this lady we managed to grab right as she ran past us and before she started taking the orders of the new table. We ordered from her. They lose stars for this subpar service that could have easily been avoided if they just looked around. Other than yelling at them, I'm not sure how to get them to notice us. Everything else was great. We loved our food. I had the Chicken Fried Steak with gravy, my dining companions had the crepes with a side of hash browns and the other had the Biscuits and Gravy. The portions were huge and the food delicious. I love the style of hash browns they serve up here. They rival Beth's Cafe in Seattle. The white gravy was sublime. Very tasty. Now just get your waiter/waitress service up to par and we might return.

    Jailene C.

    Been coming here for literal years, decade even, breakfast is always good here! It can be a family vibe here or a casual date vibe. Service is always friendly and QUICK, but nothing lacks. Pancakes are huge and tasty, biscuits are huge, portions are literally always big and it's a good value here. Very filling, prices are affordable, nothing crazy. It's always full in here but like I said, the service is very quick. From the moment they seat you, they bring you water and whatever else you order, take your order and then your food comes out quickly after. Still my favorite breakfast in Eugene to this day, and it's nostalgic for me.

    Corned beef hash
    Alessandra G.

    We got crepes and two entrees for $40! $40 for 2 is almost unheard of in 2025 and we had a whole extra plate. The corned beef was delicious. The crepes were even yummier with a cream cheese filling that was not too sweet and not too filling. The California omelette was stuffed with bacon and delicious. The home fries are a little bland and the English muffins did come out burnt. Overall pretty good experience for the price, we will be back.

    Eggs, Sausage and Hashbrowns.
    Bill D.

    Great family restaurant I used to eat at when Gary and Jan were alive and now their daughter and her husband are running it and nothing has changed after all these years! Good, quality ingredients and super service. Worth the stop when needing a breakfast or lunch fix!

    Chicken fried steak and eggs.
    Bryan S.

    Chicken Fried Steak did not disappoint! Good and crispy, cooked to perfection. Wife had a half order of B&G that was HUGE. Two giant biscuits covered in gravy. I can't believe I have never been here before. I will be back for sure.

    Biscuits & Gravy, Eggs, and Hash Browns
    Corinne B.

    These biscuits and gravy are good, but not quite what I was looking for. Same with hash browns and eggs. Good service, but not ambiance. Not bad, but not my favorite.

    Winter B.

    I came to GJ's on a Saturday morning around 11:30. My friend and I were able to be seated right away. Immediately upon arrival we were offered coffee and our server came around frequently to ask if we wanted refills. The food came out pretty quickly. Portions are humungous. Everything was very reasonable priced. The chocolate chip pancake was a must. It was delicious. So fluffy and loads of chocolate chips. I also really enjoyed the croissant sandwich. I liked how much variety the menu had. Definitely more of a greasy heavy brunch spot but very delicious. Come hungry! Employees were friendly.

    Sirloin steak eggs hash browns
    Tina Q.

    I had been wanting to re try for awhile my husband kept telling me remember we did not enjoy the food but I had high hopes it would be better, because last time we ate here the food wasn't the greatest this is when mom and dad were running it and now I know kids have taking over which is super cool , I do enjoy supporting small family businesses I like the small diner feel . We went today for breakfast and unfortunately it was the same . My $16 steak was burnt I had to stab down pretty hard to be able to cut and it was dry . Also part of my hash browns were all burnt eggs were ok . My husband chicken fried steak was mushy and his hash browns were not cooked all the way. The gravy was good little bland could use more flavor and sourdough toast was good , the service they were really friendly just was dissatisfied with food for the price . I wanted to say something as you can see how burnt my steak is ,I now wish I would of asked for a refund it was hard to eat. The fact is I could of bought a nice steak for $16. But was hoping to have one cooked for me .Most likely we will Not be back unfortunately.

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    25 days ago

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    11 months ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you Jailene:) That’s so sweet of you to say.

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    8 months ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you Alessandra:)

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    1 year ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you Bill:)

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    25 days ago

    One of my favorite places in America. God bless you Genievive and Alan and staff. Great food at great prices.

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    2 months ago

    It was nice. Definitely a cool spot to eat at. Definitely recommend and would bring the family

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    8 months ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you Bryan:)

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    2 years ago

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    Monique H.

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    4 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    Monique H.

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    9 months ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you so much Mary:)

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    2 years ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you so much Winter:)

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    2 years ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you Veronica;)

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    5 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    Monique H.

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    2 years ago

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    Monique H.

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    Photo of Jacob M.
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    2 years ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you Jacob:)

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    2 years ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you Ben:)

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    3 years ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you:)

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    2 years ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you so much Kasey:)

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    1 year ago

    Great food and service. Will definitely return! Substantial portions with reasonable prices.

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    Monique H.

    Thank you Donna:)

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    5 years ago

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    Monique H.

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    Photo of Pat E.
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    Monique H.

    Thank you so much Pat:)

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    2 years ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you so much Kris:)

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    2 years ago

    Yummy food, reasonable prices, clean, friendly staff, good service! Appreciated the clean parking lot too. Breakfast for only $5!

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    Monique H.

    Thank you Julie:)

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    8 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you Gail:)

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    3 years ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you Denise:)

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    2 years ago

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    Monique H.

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    3 years ago

    Good, quick service, ample portions of good, home-cooked food, and reasonable prices keep me coming back! Also, such a nice parking lot!

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    Monique H.

    Thank you Russ:)

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    3 years ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you so much Sheri:)

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    3 years ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you so much for the kind words Tony:)

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    Monique H.

    You are so sweet. Thank you so much Sarah:)

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    4 years ago

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    Monique H.

    Thank you so much Amira:)

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    The Sparrow & Serpent - Behind the bar

    The Sparrow & Serpent

    3.4(84 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    What a fun family night. I love that they allow all ages to come to drag bingo at 5pm on…read moreSaturdays. There were so many families enjoying time together. Some of the other reviews were negative on their food...but our food was fantastic. The burgers were moist and not greasy. The waffle cut fries were hot and crispy. The bartenders work non stop to get your drinks and food out quickly. My daughter loved the churro style donuts (but they are messy). The decor is a D&D dive bar scene....so many things to look at as you wait for bingo to start. They just changed the rules and you do have to pay $1.00 per person to play bingo...but where else can you get that type of entertainment for a dollar. We can't wait to return.

    Food - My oh my. I should have gone with the fish and chips. My poor fried mushrooms were assaulted…read morein the back of house and deep fried 50 shades of charred. The stew was very stout, like an aged stout...no I mean licking an old beer can out level and it needed an unscrewed lid salt pour out (twice). Ambiance - The bathroom wall writings are worth a stop and read. The decor is like a giant game of I-Spy, from owls to pearls to clowns to Freddie Mercury. The Krampus painting isn't for sale!!! The drag queen bingo experience and show was worth it all. Service - The bartender was great. She kicked a guy out for being a creep...how will they stay in business kicking local creeps out down by the river??! My rum had a little coke in it. Definitely worth a stop and people watch.

    Photos
    The Sparrow & Serpent
    The Sparrow & Serpent - All ages welcome Drag Bingo

    All ages welcome Drag Bingo

    The Sparrow & Serpent

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    Lion and Owl - Excellent espresso

    Lion and Owl

    4.4(420 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    There are restaurants that seduce you with promise, and others that test your patience before…read morerevealing their intent. Lion & Owl, on this particular morning, proved to be both--a place of evident talent, yet uneven discipline, where flashes of brilliance are offset by lapses that no serious kitchen should permit. Let us begin with the triumph. The buckwheat pancakes arrive not merely as breakfast, but as a composition. A stack of admirable loft and structure--evidence of a properly developed batter, handled with restraint and precision. The crumb is airy yet resilient, each bite yielding gently before dissolving into a delicate nuttiness inherent to buckwheat. A caramelized banana sauce pools generously, glossy and fragrant, its sweetness tempered by the cultured tang of crème fraîche. Toasted coconut chips scatter across the top like crisp punctuation, lending both aroma and texture. This is cooking that understands balance--sweetness checked by acidity, softness lifted by crunch, comfort elevated by technique. It is, quite simply, a five out of five dish. The kitchen, here, remembers what it means to nourish and delight. And then--alas--we encounter its counterpoint. The mushroom brioche toast, in conception, should be a study in harmony: buttery bread, earthy fungi, silken eggs, fresh greens. Yet the execution falters at its very foundation. The brioche--so essential, so central--is pushed past the threshold of caramelization into bitterness. In a bread so rich with butter and sugar, precision is everything; overcook it, and the entire structure collapses under a shadow of char. The garnish, too, feels careless--large stems of greenery draped without intention, rather than composed with purpose. It is a dish that looks promising from a distance but betrays its flaws upon inspection. A two out of five--a failure not of imagination, but of discipline. The brie and truffle macaron arrives as an afterthought--set aside, unannounced, uncentered, as though it were a spare utensil rather than a composed pastry. Presentation matters. It signals care. Here, there is none. And the macaron itself? A confection that should whisper with delicacy instead resists with age. The shell is hardened, the interior overly chewy--signs of time having passed unkindly. The flavor is confused: a sweet, almost vanilla shell encasing a mild, savory filling of whipped brie and timid truffle. Neither side asserts itself; neither yields to the other. It is neither dessert nor savory course, but a muddled compromise. A two out of five, and left unfinished--a silent verdict more damning than words. The mimosa, I am told, is bright and pleasing, though presented without flourish--a small omission, but telling in a restaurant aspiring to polish. A four out of five, competent yet unadorned. The pour-over coffee reveals a lighter roast profile: bright acidity at the fore, a nutty mid-palate, a gently lingering finish. It is, as you observed, "hipster coffee"--intentionally expressive, though perhaps too acidic for a more classical palate. On flavor alone, a three out of five. Yet the experience is marred by a most unforgivable intrusion: a hair in the initial cup. Such a thing should never reach a guest. Ever. And beyond the plate--there is service. Dishes arriving out of sequence. Eggs meant for one guest appearing with another's delayed entrée. A table divided, one diner finished while the other waits. Explanations that do not align with reality. Items placed without acknowledgment or intention. These are not minor stumbles; they are fractures in the very architecture of hospitality. The Verdict Lion & Owl is a restaurant caught between what it is capable of and what it consistently delivers. There is real talent in this kitchen--evident in the pancakes, in the conceptual ambition of the menu, in flashes of thoughtful composition. But talent without rigor is unreliable. And hospitality without coordination is hollow. For every moment of genuine pleasure, there is another of carelessness--overcooked bread, stale pastry, inattentive plating, lapses in cleanliness, and disjointed service. In the end, one must judge the whole, not the highlights. Overall score: 2 out of 5. A restaurant with promise--undeniably--but one that must remember that excellence is not achieved in moments. It is achieved in consistency, in care, and in respect for the guest at every stage of the meal. Until then, Lion & Owl remains... a place that almost is.

    Really great fresh food with some interesting combinations. We came here on a whim (no…read morereservations) while visiting my wife's niece at UofO at around noon on a Saturday. Busy but they had a table for us. Very nice decor, rotating menu. We had the buckwheat pancakes with caramelized bananas, dates, and pineapple syrup which was sweet but not overly so since the pancakes underneath were not touched by the syrup ended up being a really nice balance. Bacon was like a cross between pork belly and bacon (very thick) but really tasty. Breakfast Sando was good with in-house ground pork and a nice aioli. We also tried the savory macarons (Brie and truffle) which are delicious. Creamy and a tad sweet. Not too much truffle. Coffee was a bright tangy pour over-not my favorite type but some people really like that style. Oh, and we had a blood orange mimosa which was really good Overall an excellent experience! Definitely going to again when we are in town!

    Photos
    Lion and Owl - Sausage stuffed morels with green garlic sabayon - as good as they look!

    Sausage stuffed morels with green garlic sabayon - as good as they look!

    Lion and Owl - Rabbit terrine with a little treat of the rabbit tenderloin hidden in the center

    Rabbit terrine with a little treat of the rabbit tenderloin hidden in the center

    Lion and Owl - Rabbit terrine plate. Simply amazing!

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    Rabbit terrine plate. Simply amazing!

    Studio One Cafe - Breakfast burrito

    Studio One Cafe

    4.1(661 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    I've never really felt the need to leave a bad review before but given this place suspiciously has…read morea 4.1 average, I feel compelled. I will also say, I worked in restaurants for almost 8 years and I am VERY understanding of costs and the possibilities of off days. But this place is honestly ridiculous. First of all, I did a to-go order, so my review is completely about that experience, the food, and the cost. I do not have a review of the service. $18 dollars for a breakfast burrito sounded crazy, but since it was my bad not checking the prices, I went through with it. The food was not at all worth $18. It was bland and soggy, not moist or juicy from the sausage, just soggy. The flavor of the sausage was good but other than that the burrito was completely bland. The home fries on the side were pretty tasty but I didn't even want them and would've preferred them inside the burrito or not included at all for a lower price. My main reason for leaving 1 star and not maybe 2 or even 3 is that they charge a 10% gratuity on to-go orders which, to me, is unacceptable. I generally tip about that much on my own for to-go (20-35% if I eat in for people who think I'm awful lol), but given the food is ridiculously overpriced I was unsure if I would this time. Them making that decision for me without any heads up ensures I will never come back here again. A small note on ambience; the place is stinky. As I said, I didn't sit down so take this with a grain of salt, but when I walked in I was blasted with a musty and kind of dirty smell that would've had me not wanting to stay for a meal. I honestly feel bad writing this review but this place does not deserve the communities continued business unless they SERIOUSLY up their game. I don't believe I will ever be back but hopefully they improve and actually live up to the 4.1 rating that they have. There are many, many better tasting and more affordable options throughout Eugene, even places with much lower ratings.

    Solid spot for breakfast on the south side of campus! They can get pretty busy on the weekends but…read moretables cycle out pretty quickly. We ordered the chilaquiles and French toast. The Chilaquiles were okay - resembled more of an egg scramble with a few chips. Really enjoyed the French toast though! This place brings back good memories of coming during college!

    Photos
    Studio One Cafe - Inside counter

    Inside counter

    Studio One Cafe - People's choice omelette

    People's choice omelette

    Studio One Cafe - People's choice omelette

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    People's choice omelette

    Hey Y’all - Uncle Benny

    Hey Y’all

    4.7(37 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    Delicious, filling and fresh…read more Biscuits and gravy are very yummy, I hope yoi like your gravy very peppery! I got the fried chicken on top and it was a VERY big helping. Highly recommend!

    There is a particular danger in expectation. It is not the enemy of pleasure, but it is its most…read moredemanding companion. My breakfast from the Hay Y'all food truck in Eugene arrived with promise, and in many ways, it delivered. The flavors were thoughtful, deliberate, and undeniably well executed. The pecan-crusted chicken was juicy, its crust confident and well seasoned. The French toast was rich without excess. The biscuits were fluffy and deeply comforting, and the gravy--pepper-forward yet restrained--was balanced precisely to my taste. This is food made by someone who understands flavor. And yet, cuisine is not merely flavor. It is temperature, proportion, and expectation meeting reality. Despite picking up my order immediately and driving no more than two minutes home, nearly everything arrived lukewarm--hovering uncomfortably between hot and forgotten. This was the single greatest disappointment, as warmth would have elevated every component substantially. Food like this begs to be eaten hot, not merely remembered as such. Portion size, particularly for the pecan-crusted chicken and French toast, also fell short of what had been promised--if not verbally, then visually. Online images suggest generosity: three, sometimes four pieces of chicken. My plate held two, both smaller than expected. The price remains reasonable, but I would gladly pay slightly more to receive portions that align with those expectations. The accompanying fruit, while a pleasant gesture, felt miscast. Tart strawberries and under-ripe pineapple did little to complement the dish. In January, this is forgivable--but perhaps a preserve or jam would serve the plate better, offering harmony rather than contrast. And yet, I find myself conflicted. Because despite these shortcomings, the food is good. More than good. It is thoughtful, balanced, and clearly prepared with care. With accurate portioning and food served properly hot, this meal would easily earn four, perhaps even five stars. I know this. For that reason, while my immediate, emotional reaction rests closer to a three or three-and-a-half out of five, I am rating this experience a four out of five stars. The quality of the cooking warrants generosity, even when execution falters. I was there very early, right at opening, and I recognize that busy mornings can challenge even capable kitchens. I will return. Not out of optimism, but out of confidence--because when food is this well conceived, it deserves another chance to be served as intended.

    Photos
    Hey Y’all
    Hey Y’all
    Hey Y’all

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    GJ's Family Restaurant - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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