Can't believe I didn't review this sooner. If you want solid Jamaican food, no frills, this is the spot. There is also another lovation on Flatbush and Church, and another in Queens. A female black owned business that deserves the support we give. It's rare that my lunch/dinner makes it home. Matters not what your tastebuds desire, over time I have tried most of the offerings. My favorite and go-to is stew peas and white rice with cole slaw or macaroni salad. The oxtail is a close second. I have been to other Jamaican spots and for me this is the closest to real Jamaican food. I had the privilidge of being taught the traditional Jamaican culinary arts by my Aunty Ver and her mother Aunt Dory (may they both RIP), so I know what's real and what's short cuts. So trust when I tell you, this is real. Flavorful and cooked to perfection. My issue was always the long wait time after placing an order. But I rather be patient for good food, that get bad food in a hurry. So now I call ahead, and sure enough my food is ready for pick up when I get there. Shout out to the owners who are most present at one store or another. Thank you for being hands on. It shows that you have passion and take pride in what you serve. By the way, please bring back the liver and frid dumplings!!! Please and thank you!

CJ's Cafe definitely took me for a spin today. I entered the establishment and immediately caught a whiff of what they were working on in the kitchen: let me tell you, these guys aren't messing around. The place is decorated very well and I received some helpful customer service. I ordered a large serving of fried chicken with rice and peas and macaroni salad for around $15. The fried chicken wasn't your average KFC. The breading was light and very crispy. It sat well above the tender white meat of the chicken and each piece of chicken was seasoned exquisitely. This chicken had me so reeled in, I almost ate the bones! The rice and peas provided great support to the chicken, especially in terms of texture, and the gravy on the rice pushed even more flavor throughout the entire dish, especially when it comes to the macaroni salad. The macaroni salad was a sweet balance to the rest of the meal and the gravy under the macaroni salad made it a million times better. Altogether, this meal packed flavors that were complementary and unique. The macaroni salad was an absolute asset, especially in the corners of the container where the pasta elbows packed together with the gravy like a pie but still kept that soft and creamy consistency. Overall, CJ's Cafe whips up a mean meal for sure. I highly recommend, especially if you're very particular about soul/Caribbean food.