CJ's Cafe
Cafe · Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw ·
Southern, Mexican, and soul food classics served daily
Southern, Mexican, and soul food classics served daily
"A classic spot that can be one of the best places to dine solo, where short-order cooks skillfully crank out omelets, pancakes, eggs with hash browns, sandwiches, burritos, tortas, club sandwiches, and patty melts. If those don’t appeal, try the incredible fried red snapper, smothered pork chops, or oxtails. The servers operate with "impossible speed" because this cafe on La Brea near Obama Boulevard can get busy; regulars have been coming for almost 40 years, and some even venture there daily to perform the old-school activity of breakfast with an actual newspaper. The La Brea location faces east, so sunshine fills the room quickly in the early hours, making it "the best place to start the day." — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest" - Eater Staff
"Pico Boulevard’s favorite CJ’s Cafe is a reliable option for Mexican American and soul food diner fare. Find chorizo and eggs in the morning, super-sized wet burritos for dinner, and chilaquiles and fried chicken that are perfect for any time of day." - Eater Staff
"A solid neighborhood diner where locals gather for burgers, sandwiches, and soul‑food classics—think fried red snapper or oxtails served with black‑eyed peas, candied yams, or collard greens—plus Mexican tortas, chile verde burritos, and saucy chilaquiles in the morning; nearly everything is under $15 (the priciest meal is $16), and the longtime mix of regulars is part of the charm." - Eater Staff
"When President Joe Biden was in Los Angeles to raise funds, he stopped at CJ’s Cafe in Baldwin Hills with LA Mayor Karen Bass, ordered a breakfast burrito, and tipped $20, according to reports." - Mona Holmes
"I appreciate the timeless comfort of CJ’s — nearly 35 years old — where efficient staff, uninterrupted coffee refills, and a stable menu deliver unfussy favorites from burritos and tortas to incredible fried red snapper, smothered pork chops, and oxtails in a peaceful, community-minded atmosphere." - Eater Staff
