CJ’s
222 W. Washington St., 92103 (Hillcrest)
(619) 296-2721
Happy Hour: 5 to 7 p.m., daily
The diminutive, boxy façade that is CJs could easily be deemed a dive bar, given its dark atmosphere, inexpensive drinks and occasional old drunks who lust hopelessly over the giggly female bartenders. But grittiness is missing from the equation: Floors and tabletops are clean; the black leather booths show no rips, and the serious investment of a baker’s dozen flat screens looms over the bar from end to end.
During NFL season, CJs turns into a jock bar for Chargers’ fans. Game days signal additional drink specials outside of daily happy hour (5 to 7 p.m.). A sign out front confirms this, although the bartender drew a blank when I asked her what such bargains entail.
Visiting on a low-key weekday with a fellow CJ’s virgin, we learned that well drinks and Bud Lite drafts are 25 cents off the regular $3 price. In my lively practice of making “house calls” to myriad bars, I’ve learned that the more unpretentious and no-frills the establishment, the skimpier the discounts. That’s just fine when you consider that CJ’s drink prices are already cheap. But how about tossing out some free peanuts and pretzels? They’d sure taste swell while sipping low calorie beer to the tune of 13 flat screens, each broadcasting different channels.
Chips and the like are sold in mini snack bags stored in a plastic bin behind the bar. If you require heartier sustenance with your booze, it’s permissible to tote in food from nearby Sushi Deli, Bronx Pizza, Mediterranean Café or wherever. Those large booths lining a mirrored wall are there for a reason.
A couple of modern amenities come with the territory, such as free Wi-Fi and a well-stocked, electronic Rock-Ola jukebox sitting across from a familiar-style dartboard. As for that first-generation ATM machine parked toward the back wall, this is a cash-only operation.
Hardly a fan of Bud Lite or liquor, my friend forfeited the happy-hour deals and dove straight into a Sierra Nevada ($3.75). Other premium stuff on tap includes Guinness, Flat Tire and a brand of hard cider that we couldn’t decipher from our table. I decided to relive my scotch-and-soda days with an unknown well label that came pretty close in flavor to Dewar’s. Not bad for $2.75.
Feeling the need for a little sunlight, we stepped onto the smoke-friendly front patio, which resembles more of a concrete holding pen. The narrow space is hemmed in by iron bars, although it’s open enough to the street for people-watching. And yes, you can bring your drinks there, but keep a good hand on them because the narrow shelf slants precariously toward your lap.
Ratings:
Drinks: 3/4
The well drinks contain generous pours, although if you’re a beer drinker on a budget, happy hour extends only to Bud Lite.
Food: 0
Fetch it yourself and bring it in without hassle.
Value: 2/4
Wells and Bud Lites are 25 cents off. Buy three drinks and you’ve saved almost enough cash to wash a single load of laundry in a coin-operated machine.
Service: 3/4
Three minutes might seem like a short time to wait before a bartender tends to you, but when only half the stools are occupied and you’re parched from the summer heat, it feels awfully long.
Duration:3/4
We bestow kudos for offering happy hour daily and for giving nine-to-fivers a chance to get there. Serious drinkers, however, require an extra hour.
