4 J's Camden

We are not from this area, but drive through Camden several times a month during the sailing season (May through September). We've eaten at the very popular (but dark and dirty) Depot Dairy Bar too many times to mention, but decided it was time for a change. We probably would have eaten here sooner, but the exterior is not eye catching and the fact that this is a casual sit-down restaurant is not obvious from their facade, signage, or logo. Perhaps a marketing consultant is needed. The fact that they're next door to a popular biker bar doesn't help pique interest or attract hungry travelers either. We were pleasantly surprised by the very clean and attractive interior. The furniture, fixtures, and decor all look relatively new. Our waitress was friendly, helpful, and effectively answered all of our questions not only about the food and the menu, but about the restaurant and city itself. Although relatively young looking, she was knowledgeable about the history of the prior businesses that occupied the building; a hotel, a bowling alley, etc., etc. She was also very accommodating of our special requests (salsa with my wife's quesadilla and extra cheese on my taco salad). The menu is extensive and varied with everything from pizza, sandwiches, and wraps to chicken wings (boneless and traditional) and full dinners with two sides and a drink. The restrooms are large and clean. A private party room in the rear seats about 30 guests. In addition to the quesadilla and a large taco salad, we ordered a basket of beer battered french fries (apparently this is a 4 J's specialty). Our entire food and drink order (including 2 large soft drinks) was only $20 plus tax and tip, which seemed very reasonable. The food was delivered in a short amount of time and had good flavor. The restaurant was quiet other than a few tables of guests and a single flat screen TV playing an action movie at a low volume. The carpeted floor and high, unfinished ceiling also helped the acoustics of the room. In addition to the extensive lunch and dinner menu, there was an equally impressive breakfast menu. I think it said that breakfast was available until noon each day. Since our initial visit in July 2019, we have been back nearly every Sunday evening for dinner in August & September. On each visit, we try different menu items. We've had the hamburgers (a large 1/2 pound patty), wings (try them with their awesome garlic parmesan sauce) fish sandwich (so-so), potato soup (definitely get this with the bacon bits and cheese for only 50 cents more), chicken cordon bleu sandwich (tasty but a little heavy on the dressing), wraps (can't go wrong here), calzone (one of the best I've ever had), and thin crust pizza (great homemade crust). This week my wife had some sort of mash potato dish (a huge pile of mash potatoes, topped with breaded chicken ($2 extra) and garnishes. She got it with the garlic parmesan sauce on the side and loved it. Since it was too much to eat in one sitting, she took half of it home and enjoyed the rest for lunch the next day. We love 4 J's! The food is consistently flavorful, the portions are generous, the prices are fairly reasonable, and the wait staff is always friendly, attentive, and accommodating.