Cj's Tavern - Spring Lake
Cj's Tavern
Description
Nestled conveniently near the train station, this local pub offers a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse menu that captures the essence of home-cooked fare. With dishes like blackened tuna bites and Manhattan clam chowder, diners indulge in simple yet flavorful offerings at reasonable prices. The friendly bar staff enhances the experience, while $5 lunch specials and a cold beer selection keep patrons returning. While some note a brighter-than-ideal ambiance for a dive bar, the lively, family-friendly vibe, along with engaging trivia nights, makes it a fantastic alternative to tourist traps, attracting a genuine local crowd.
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Great local pub with real, down-to-earth clientele, not to mention great food and great service. We had the blackened tuna bites, coconut shrimp and appetizer sampler... people next to us had scallops and steak, all great! If you're interested in real, local conversation and great food, without paying an arm and a leg, go here!
We've visited CJs numerous times over the years, primarily to buy liquor. Although their selection is small, it is excellent, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Now that they've expanded their service offerings, we’re eager to give that a try. The location has plenty of parking, easy access from the main road, and the interior is clean and well-organized.
This restaurant is known for its $5 lunch special. The beer is always served cold, whether you're at the bar or grabbing it to go from the package store. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, with a mostly older crowd at the bar. While they don't have darts or billiards, they do offer trivia and showcase all the sports games. It's a great spot to avoid the tourist traps in the area, and it's conveniently located near the train station.
I'm 46 and often find myself being the youngest person in the place. The atmosphere feels a bit strange — it's too brightly lit. They really need to dim the lights to achieve that authentic dive bar feel. However, the food is good and the prices are reasonable.
