Calamity Jane's

One of the pre-set channels on my car radio is US 99.5 which for you who do not listen to country music, is country music. You know that you're getting a little further from the Chicago loop when CMT is on a bunch of the TVs, with sound, at the bar. Which is fine by me. I was west of Sugar Grove, which is where CJ's is located, to see an old friend, was in no hurry on the way back home, and found these guys by pure serendipity. You can't sneak in because there's bells over the front door. Ron said that if you're careful you can get in without setting off the alarm. CJs is a nice comfortable long room dominated by a bar on your left, booths around the edges, and tall tables in between. The chairs at the tables match the ones at the bar, with a rough hewn look but finished. The tall tables have inverted horseshoes underneath, that I believe Ron, one of the owners, worked himself for coat hangers. Nice touch. Dark wood wainscotting gives way to a light shade of forest green walls with framed pictures, old farm implements, and a bighorn sheep head and bison head (with St. Patty's hat) among other things around the room. They have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as in 7:00 A.M. to 2:00 A.M, but I just stopped in for a beer and a shot of Jameson's. $4.75 for a shot of Jameson's Gold Reserve can't be beat and you're getting a coaster made from blue jean pockets with CJs inked or stiched on 'em. Spoke with Ron for awhile and found out a little later that he and his beautiful sister Jane were the owners. Jane, along with Cheryl, a server, and Patti, the bartender are all you'd hope for as staff. The regulars that were in gave me the impression that everyone knew everyone else and this was their go-to place. Hidden gems are a God send, and if you don't live out in this neck of the woods you're probably not going to find it. That being said if you go south a couple miles down Il 47 from I 88 you'd better do yourself a favor, pull in to Cjs, and sit down for a little bit.

I am a 'breakfast" guy. I can eat "anything".....anything for breakfast. Be it tacos, burgers, hot dogs, grilled pork chops or even an egg omelet! Calamity Janes is my "go to" place for omelets in the morning.

I have been coming here for breakfast probable twice a month for a little over a year on Sunday mornings. For $7.95 you can "create your own" 3 egg masterpiece with 4 filling choices. This creation is football shaped (not really!) and steaming hot while it is placed on the table. Your eyes roam the plate with anticipation. The smell of hash browns catches you by surprise because your too busy looking at the omelet.

It's puffy and fluffy ( I said it! ) filled with creamy cheddar, sweet tender ham with sauteed onion & tomato. Bust into this for a steamy eruption of taste & texture.

Like I said, I have been here a few times to make this evaluation. The key to a great breakfast place is obviously the food.....and consistency.

great place
friendly service.