The sleek interior of CJ’s invites good times and relaxation. File Photo
It’s just about two years since Ozone Park first became the home of CJ’s Bar and Lounge. The enterprise first launched in July of 2011 and there have been some changes over at one of the neighborhood’s most popular watering holes.
The bar was a collaborative effort in response to a rising trend at the time, for small, neighborhood bars to dress-up their image and attract a broader range of customers–they started adding a food menu, hosting theme nights like darts and karaoke and arranging for outings with their regular customers like their annual fishing trip aboard the Captain Mike in Howard Beach. Another feature incorporated is live entertainment—CJ’s continually supplies their patrons with several guest bands or artists every month, catering to a wide variety of tastes and genres.
But perhaps the most profound change at the bar comes with the absence of a presence who was there in the beginning. CJ’s was a collaborative effort between two best friends who had grown up together in the neighborhood and who decided to go in business together in the neighborhood they loved so much.
Jimmy Prine and Charles Casillo pooled their resources and talents to open the bar as a partnership but tragically, Jimmy Prine passed away suddenly, leaving Casillo and wife Kathy with CJ’s to run on their own. They brought in some extra help and despite the loss of their friend and a key component of the business, managed to carry on through difficult circumstances and keep CJ’s going strong.
Regular CJ patrons Danielle and Mike Czech with their catch from CJ’s Second Annual Fishing Trip.
One of the key components, and a vision always shared by both owners, was to have a great menu. Those who knew Jimmy Prine can still hear him talk about the homemade au jus on the signature sandwhich at CJ’s—the Roast Beef—it is likely the favorite item on the menu.
And joining the roast beef on the menu are some other treats that supplant the staples on the menu. Platinum sliders, chicken fingers, cheese steaks, wraps and burgers all share the spotlight and all have become some of the favorite “bar food” in the area.
One thing that hasn’t changed at CJ’s is the atmosphere, which serves to quickly take it to the next level. The décor, which has Prines tasteful imprints all over it, is comprised of a subtle combination of dark, rich earth tones adding a touch of sophistication to a space that invites relaxation and good times.
Tall tables accommodating parties of four or five line the wall, enough to accommodate a sizeable number of guests. Ample space exists between the seated area and the bar with a wide open area for house entertainers.
But CJ’s appeal is not restricted to the indoor space. The garden café—a hidden gem of outdoor space created in their rear yard has tables that fill a courtyard and are surrounded by outside walls have been treated and crafted to mimic a European café setting. Large round tables fill the space where diners can enjoy cocktails and a great menu.
CJ’s is open 7 days a week, serving drinks, hosting live entertainment, darts, live band karaoke and sports viewing.
CJ’s Bar and Lounge
137-09 Crossbay Boulevard
Ozone Park
718.848.2498
Open 7 days
www.cjsbarandlounge.com
By Samantha Geary
