Captain JJ Fish & Chicken

First impressions aren’t everything, but they ARE something.
I was here for one thing, a Chicago staple– the «Italian Beef sandwich». Not to be confused with a Philly Cheesesteak or anything else… a Chicago «beef» is a specific dish.
Will Ferrell’s «Anchorman» was playing loudly on a big TV with a large crack across the LED screen (the crack didn’t detract from how funny that film is!).
Immediately after placing my food order a couple foul smelling gentlemen wandered in, placed an order and had a seat. The place immediately cleared out. I was stuck, waiting for my order, watching «Anchorman» and trying to mouth breathe.
My order took a VERY long time. Strike 1. After enduring an extended noisome session with my new Memphis friends we relocated to a nearby Starbucks for fresher air.
My «Italian Beef» was good but not «great» (Lots of weird «veiny» portions to explain away…) The basics were covered (as Sonic delivers a classic «Chicago Dog») the main ingredients are present but somehow something is missing.
Service was really slow and the“locals” are still a bit too gritty to recommend this place.
I think if I really want a «Beef» I’ll dedicate 8 hours driving time to the Windy City I call home.

Call your order in before you go. They make everything to order so you don’t want to have to sit too long. If you’re dying for fried food, a juicy sandwich, or you just want a big affordable salad then go here.

I really like going to this place for take out. They have some fried fish, chicken, and plenty of sides. They also have gyros.
Well, I have been here a couple of times. I like the family combo meals. They have a 20 whole wings with fries and a drink combo for only 19.99. They also have variety packs mixed with wings and fish. I ended up getting 6 large catfish filets, 15 whole wings, fries, and potato salad. I don’t regularly drink soda so I was able to substitute it for the potato salad. I think the meal was 29.99.
The fish was good; the fries were good; the chicken was good.
This is a good place to pop in and get a lot of food for not too much money.

Was excited to see fried pickles, but WAAAYYY too salty. I liked seasonings, but this was too much!
Fries — ok, nothing special. Still a bit heavy on the seasoning.
Chicken — ok, but forgettable.
Really wasn’t impressed with any of the meal.

I had a Gyro here yesterday, as did my wife. We really enjoyed them!
I got a kick out of my conversation with the cashier:
I asked «Is this a Euro, a Hero, or a Yi-​ro?» as I had heard all of the above in the past. He came up with a 4^th way to pronounce it, which I couldn’t duplicate even if I was able to remember it.
The Gyro was excellent, bar none. They say they put both beef and lamb in it, but it was heavier on the lamb.

One of the things I love most about Memphis is the ability to get to scratch my fried catfish itch a lot.
I got the #1 lunch special. One piece catfish and a couple of wings.
It was fresh, which was completely dope. The catfish filet was crisp enough to be finger food… the way it’s supposed to be.
The wings were OK… fairly unremarkable… as were the fries.
The person behind the counter was very friendly and later walked out into the dining area to see how I liked things. Impressive.
I’m almost thinking I caught this JJ location on a down day, so I’m making a note to return and give ‘em a chance at 5 stars. Within reach I think.

Yes, if you’re wanting water bring it yourself but besides this the food is Excellent.