I worked for Jacksonville/Orange Park CJ's for 5 years. The owners ran it into the ground-then renamed it Cabana Joes, then left all of the emplyees high and dry by running out of town in the middle... More

I worked for Jacksonville/Orange Park CJ's for 5 years. The owners ran it into the ground-then renamed it Cabana Joes, then left all of the emplyees high and dry by running out of town in the middle of the night, but when we were up and running, man, was it the best! The employees and management were like a family, the customers felt like they were part of that family, and like our motto said, Nobody but nobody parties like Calico Jacks! (The other motto, on our jungle Juice cups, said "Only one thing tastes better than an oyster but you don't eat it on a cracker"!) Not a fancy or upscale restaurant, but very casual and very fun. Live bands, DJs,, a deck bar and oyster bars lining the joint. We had quarter beer night 2 nights a week, all-you-can-eat crawfish night, buckets/half buckets of oysters at the oyster bar and the best wings I have ever had! When I moved back to So Cal, I would freeze massive amounts of wings when I went bck to visit, to bring home (when i would visit So Cal, I would freeze Carne Asada Brritos to bring to Florida) We worked our butts off (I still have my tiny, x-small CJs dolphin shorts) but I have great memories of CJs. I do remember one shipment of kale (a garnish) that came in, which had some worms. Plump, bright green worms. I served a Seafood platter to an elderly couple and a little guys was standing up on the end of his tail, checking things out. I couldn't help but laugh. They didn't think it was very funny, and left behind the certificate for the free meals. Don't blame 'em, but it was just a bad case of kale and we hadn't realized it until then. I miss my CJ's crew. Even met my sons father there (a Navy pilot) Sure wish we had a CJs here (for the food)!
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Calico Jack's has the most unique wing sauce I have ever tasted. It is a traditional buffalo sauce but with something extra added. My only complaint is that over the years, the size of the wings has... More

Calico Jack's has the most unique wing sauce I have ever tasted. It is a traditional buffalo sauce but with something extra added. My only complaint is that over the years, the size of the wings has decreased. They used to serve the largest wings, but not any more.
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They served us rotten pork chops even the server got sick from the rancid odor the they offered a gift certificate but no apology. Will never eat pork again!!!!

They served us rotten pork chops even the server got sick from the rancid odor the they offered a gift certificate but no apology. Will never eat pork again!!!!
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Ok, definitely not considered a classy resturant...you can go to CJs in jeans and t-shirts, seat yourself in picnic table like booths and order off the placemat menu....BUT the wings are so so so... More

Ok, definitely not considered a classy resturant...you can go to CJs in jeans and t-shirts, seat yourself in picnic table like booths and order off the placemat menu....BUT the wings are so so so good you just have to go. The waitresses are slow and the food takes forever but wings, cheesy fries and huge sodas and great beer specials will have you coming back over and over!
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Having grown up in the Gainesville area, i can remember going to C.J.s on the weekends to watch the Gator games. The place was always great getting you seated and served quickly, even when packed... More

Having grown up in the Gainesville area, i can remember going to C.J.s on the weekends to watch the Gator games. The place was always great getting you seated and served quickly, even when packed full. To sum it up in a two words: awesome place.
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