Since 2003, CJ’s Steak and Seafood in Princeville has been a North Shore staple, offering some good food and drinks for lunch and dinner. Owner Jeff Powers says the success of CJ’s is because of the high-quality of the restaurant,
Since 2003, CJ’s Steak and Seafood in Princeville has been a North Shore staple, offering some good food and drinks for lunch and dinner.
Owner Jeff Powers says the success of CJ’s is because of the high-quality of the restaurant, its staff and Hawaiian-style atmosphere.
“We survived and stayed alive (during the recession’s peak) because of how good we are, how nice the people are in here and how down-home it is — it’s Hawaiian-style,” Powers said.
Powers said CJ’s serves the best beef and locally sourced fish on the island.
“The key with us is we buy good food,” he said. “We buy USDA prime beef — the best. All the fish I buy is local from guys I know.”
Besides serving the “best food” which makes it feel like eating at home, Powers said CJ’s is also known for serving “good portions.”
Talking story with uncle Jeff, with his down-to-Kaua’i attitude, was a real pleasure. He made me feel so at home — it was like having lunch with someone I knew my whole life.
When it came time to cover the food, uncle Jeff recommended CJ’s signature lunch sandwich — the Beefeater, $11.95. It’s a heaping portion of thinly sliced prime rib with melted Swiss cheese, served on a garlic-parmesan French roll.
“The Beefeater is one of our biggest hooks,” Powers said.
Uncle Jeff looked at me and said, “You hungry? Come on, you gotta have something to eat.”
Our waitress recommended CJ’s Ono Salad, $14.50, which is a generous portion of ono, cheddar and Swiss cheese, tomato, cucumber and hard-boiled egg, all served on a bed of romaine, head and green leaf lettuce.
When it comes to pupus, try the Loaded Fries, $6.50. They are covered with bacon, cheese, sour cream and onions.
There are eight salads to choose from, ranging from $8.95 to $14.95. Get your hands on a Caesar Salad, $8.95; or add a 6 oz. chicken breast (teriyaki or blackened), $12.50; a fillet of ono (broiled or blackened), $12.50; bay shrimp, $13.50; or snow crab meat, $13.95.
CJ’s burgers are prepared with fresh Angus top sirloin beef. Burgers and hot sandwiches are served on a sesame seed bun with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. Cold sandwiches also come with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise, but are served on whole wheat bread. All sandwiches include fries. Tossed greens, frings or onion rings are an additional $1.95.
CJ’s burgers — six in all — range from $8.95 to $10.95. If you’re a vegetarian, try out CJ’s Garden Burger, $8.95.
Next time I visit CJ’s, I’ll definitely try a hot sandwich. There are seven sandwiches to choose from, ranging from $6.95 to $11.95.
They include CJ’s Ono Sandwich, Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich, CJ’s Prime Rib Sandwich, Sauteed Mushrooms and Cheese Sandwich, Beefeater Sandwich, Grilled Cheese on whole wheat bread and CJ’s melts — tuna, turkey breast, ham or bay and snow crab shrimp served on a bun with melted Swiss and/or cheddar cheese.
Cold sandwiches come in five varieties —tuna salad, turkey, ham and cheese, BLT and CJ’s club sandwich — and range from $8.25 to $10.95.
Uncle Jeff and I continued to chitchat away. We spoke about Kaua’i, people, weather, college, sports, any and all kine topics.
Uncle Jeff’s hospitality, aura and good nature made me feel like I was right at home.
CJ’s Steak and Seafood, at 5-4280 Kuhio Hwy., is open for lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner nightly from 5:30 to 9:30.
Visit www.cjssteak.com or call 808-826-6211 for information.
