Soul-Food BBQ · Since 2006

The Best Barbecue in California

Slow-smoked ribs, fried catfish and Southern sides since 2006. Two California locations: Richmond and Vallejo.

A CJ's takeout tray of ribs and chopped beef with mac salad and slaw on the checkerboard floor

Smoked slow. Sauced by hand. Richmond born and raised.

An overhead tray of CJ's glossy barbecue ribs and hot links

Kansas City would be proud.

We smoke low and slow, then sauce every order by hand. The sides are made the Southern way: collard greens, candied beans, cornbread and peach cobbler.

No reservations, no fuss. Order at the counter, and don’t be surprised if a sample of ribs lands in your hand before you ask.

Best BBQ I've found in California in my 16 years here. I'm a Kansas City native, so I know what's up.Aaron H., Google review

What folks say after the first bite

4.1 ★ · 336 Google reviews

Catfish filet, prawns and baked beans, all delicious. They handed me a sample of the ribs and chicken without me even asking.

Melanie G.

Google review

Thoroughly impressed by the friendly service and the portions. A slab of pork ribs fed three of us with room to spare.

Phuong D.

Google review

Catering

Feeding a crowd? We bring the pit.

Birthdays, block parties, game day. We cater trays of ribs, fish, chicken and all the sides. Call ahead and we will plan the spread with you.

CJ's Barbecue & Fish storefront on the corner of Macdonald Ave, with its painted sign and rooftop smokestack

Pull up to the Iron Triangle

Checkerboard floors, a hand-painted board, and a sample of ribs in your hand before you even order.

CJ's BBQ storefront in Vallejo with the red sign and four stars

Visit

Two locations, one pit

Family-run and smoking since 2006. Pull up in Richmond or Vallejo for the same ribs, fish and Southern sides.

TakeoutCateringCards acceptedStreet parkingGood for groupsFamily friendly
Inside the Richmond CJ's, checkerboard walls and the lit menu board

RichmondEst. 2006

2401 Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA 94804

(510) 235-7471
Monday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Inside the Vallejo CJ's, wood paneling and the tiled counter

Vallejo

4380 Sonoma Blvd, Vallejo, CA 94589

(707) 643-4016
MondayClosed
Tuesday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Call to OrderDirections