CIP Secaucus- A Review

[LesPaul30]

Sorry for the length


Saturday evening I found myself with nothing to do as plans fell through, so I decided to hop on a train and head to the ever happening town of Secaucus, NJ and see how CIP was doing. Let’s just say it’s definitely Jersey….. not that there’s anything wrong with that!

The place is located in the middle of a “modern” mall, where one might find a Chili’s, Fridays, and a large movie theatre attached to it playing 15 screens of Star Wars. Since Outback owns CIP, I had a general idea of what to expect. Large glossy menus with huge Margaritas on them with an occasional Buffett quote here and there. Strange thing was that I don’t recall seeing Jimmy’s name ANYWHERE in the bar. Though, on the bar they had copies of CIP (the song) written on a script that was ‘glued-over’ by the bar top. It could have been there, but I don’t recall.

There was a decent steel-drum band that was in that night, and I couldn’t help but thinking the guitarist/singer had to be a relative of Tommy Chong.

So I was pretty excited.

I asked the bartender for a Corona and asked if Jimmy has been in yet to check the place out. Of course, I already knew the answer, but just wanted to check the Buffett-IQ of the staff.

“He has not been in yet, but he was in the Chicago location and played an hour and a half set, so hopefully he’ll drop by someday soon.”

Great Answer- not only did he know the right answer, he knew some other tidbits that only some of us would know. I was impressed. There’s his extra tip....

Btw- the frozen drinks they have in this place are freaking HUGE. The over/under on cold headaches has to be at 35.

A few drinks later, I am looking around and seeing some people come and go in the bar, and the restaurant is starting to thin out a little. Still no JB signature, but after a few beers, I’m sure I’ve just missed it. I even start thinking that the “3000 Miles to St. Bart’s” sign is probably legit in mileage along with the rest of the locations pointed out.

By this point I am starting to think that Secaucus is pretty cool to have a Buffett themed place in town. But I still can’t help but wonder why not NYC-- why Secaucus? So I turned and asked the guy next to me, who was with his GF (I assume) if he’s a Buffett fan as well. His answer was something along the lines of “Quienes?”

Not the answer I was looking for, so I tried the other guy next to me. Same thing, but this time he said that he has heard of his music, but doesn’t consider himself a big fan. He had no idea that the place was a Buffett themed bar. So I then ask the bartender if he gets a lot of Parrotheads in here, and his response was “Parrothead? What’s that?” There goes your tip, buddy. (Kidding)

I soon figured that I was indeed the ONLY parrothead in the entire establishment given the plethora of frequent “Lids” shoppers. But then again it could have been a slow Saturday night.

So why Secaucus? I still don’t know the answer to that question, and may never will. By the looks of it, it has potential. We definitely need to get a group over there and break it in. I doubt they would know what would hit them.

[CaptainP]

As a member of the CIP family, I always feel obligated to answer these threads...

Strange thing was that I don’t recall seeing Jimmy’s name ANYWHERE in the bar. Though, on the bar they had copies of CIP (the song) written on a script that was ‘glued-over’ by the bar top. It could have been there, but I don’t recall.

His name is mostly avoided. Most people know, but we were designed to be a place he'd like to hang out....so it's not an all-Buffett thing. The only place on the menu that you will find an item called "Buffett" is a drink on the bar log called "Pain In The Buffett". The copies on the bar are copies of the ORIGINAL lyrics to CIP. Jimmy gave them to Chris Sullivan (Outback CEO) when they concieved the idea.

I asked the bartender for a Corona and asked if Jimmy has been in yet to check the place out. Of course, I already knew the answer, but just wanted to check the Buffett-IQ of the staff.

“He has not been in yet, but he was in the Chicago location and played an hour and a half set, so hopefully he’ll drop by someday soon.”

Great Answer- not only did he know the right answer, he knew some other tidbits that only some of us would know. I was impressed. There’s his extra tip....

Btw- the frozen drinks they have in this place are freaking HUGE. The over/under on cold headaches has to be at 35.

Jimmy plays a lot of the openings, and has showed up for a surprise show on occasion, it's rare, but did happen at my location (Downer's Grove, IL) last November. No notice when this happens, but for the openings, you'll usually know in advance. And, yes, the drinks are HUGE (But good!)

A few drinks later, I am looking around and seeing some people come and go in the bar, and the restaurant is starting to thin out a little. Still no JB signature, but after a few beers, I’m sure I’ve just missed it. I even start thinking that the “3000 Miles to St. Bart’s” sign is probably legit in mileage along with the rest of the locations pointed out.

They are all accurate, measured from each location.

So why Secaucus? I still don’t know the answer to that question, and may never will. By the looks of it, it has potential. We definitely need to get a group over there and break it in. I doubt they would know what would hit them.

The strategy has been to go mostly (so far) into suburban areas with growth, like Secaucus.




Glad you had fun!!!!

[ToplessRideFL]

I cannot review this particular location...but we did hit the CIP in Indy last year over Memorial Day weekend. It was a Sunday afternoon and the place was closed. Only opened for dinner. I couldnt believe it...(that would never do in Florida!!!) however the sign on the door said it would be open on Memorial Day @ noon.

So of course we returned the next day on the way to the airport and and found a huge crowd in a festive mood! The place was jammed and from the description of Secaucus, I would say all CIPs are created equal!

They had Appleton Rum which is ALWAYS a plus in my book! We had awesome appitizers and huge drinks. It was pricy but nothing I didnt expect based on the likes of similar places. Buffett style music filled the place and the overall athmosphere was very upbeat. We sat at the bar and were entertained by the speed and personalities of the bar staff.

Living so close to Margaritiville in Orlando, we are there at least 5-6 times a year.... also was in Jamaica for Ocho Rios opening night, Montego Bay at Air margaritaville and Maurgarites in MoBay which is a distant relative. All the places have served excellent food, generous drinks and have that island feel which we all pursue!

And I am happy to report that a CIP is coming to Tampa FINALLY.... We will be frequest guests! All in all...its worth a visit!

[CaptainP]

I cannot review this particular location...but we did hit the CIP in Indy last year over Memorial Day weekend. It was a Sunday afternoon and the place was closed. Only opened for dinner. I couldnt believe it...(that would never do in Florida!!!) however the sign on the door said it would be open on Memorial Day @ noon.

When new locations open, we don't usually do lunch right away. Need to get the staff aclimated first, then we expand the hours. I assume that they weren't doing lunch yet. Now they do, Saturday and SUnday. Memorial Day Monday lunch would have been a special. So even when Tampa opens, don't expect lunch at first. Mine is the only location that does Friday lunches, too.

[ToplessRideFL]

So even when Tampa opens, don't expect lunch at first. Mine is the only location that does Friday lunches, too.

Lets bet! I bet they will offer lunch on the weekends at least right away.... 'Specially depending on where they finally put it. If its on Tampa Bay..... the water (which I HOPE) it would be suicide not to open for weekend lunches.

But of course I know zippo about it from the inside perspective... but I will bet a virtual dollar!!! LOL

[CaptainP]

So even when Tampa opens, don't expect lunch at first. Mine is the only location that does Friday lunches, too.

Lets bet! I bet they will offer lunch on the weekends at least right away.... 'Specially depending on where they finally put it. If its on Tampa Bay..... the water (which I HOPE) it would be suicide not to open for weekend lunches.

But of course I know zippo about it from the inside perspective... but I will bet a virtual dollar!!! LOL

The reasoning behind it is the massive amount of food we need to prep (nearly EVERYTHING is made fresh daily), and the prep cooks just aren't into their routine enough to get it done, not at first. To have enough food ready, we'd have to prep the day before, and that would sacrifice the freshness. We don't want to do that to get a few extra dollars in, because in the long run, THAT would be suicide.

Virtual bet accepted....

[conched]

I cannot review this particular location...but we did hit the CIP in Indy last year over Memorial Day weekend. It was a Sunday afternoon and the place was closed. Only opened for dinner. I couldnt believe it...(that would never do in Florida!!!) however the sign on the door said it would be open on Memorial Day @ noon.

When new locations open, we don't usually do lunch right away. Need to get the staff aclimated first, then we expand the hours. I assume that they weren't doing lunch yet. Now they do, Saturday and SUnday. Memorial Day Monday lunch would have been a special. So even when Tampa opens, don't expect lunch at first. Mine is the only location that does Friday lunches, too.

During the Buffett concert at Indy last year, CIP was open on that Thursday for noon. There were many people saying they were there for the first time because it was crowded at night and they wanted to try it during the day for lunch...like it was something special to even be open for lunch at all.

Do you know which CIPs are open for lunch and which days? It's time to make a journey to one soon.

[ToplessRideFL]

The reasoning behind it is the massive amount of food we need to prep (nearly EVERYTHING is made fresh daily), and the prep cooks just aren't into their routine enough to get it done, not at first. To have enough food ready, we'd have to prep the day before, and that would sacrifice the freshness. We don't want to do that to get a few extra dollars in, because in the long run, THAT would be suicide.

Virtual bet accepted....

Cool...... and btw... I love your sense of humor! Dealing with the little peep on the outside looking in!

[CaptainP]

The reasoning behind it is the massive amount of food we need to prep (nearly EVERYTHING is made fresh daily), and the prep cooks just aren't into their routine enough to get it done, not at first. To have enough food ready, we'd have to prep the day before, and that would sacrifice the freshness. We don't want to do that to get a few extra dollars in, because in the long run, THAT would be suicide.

Virtual bet accepted....

Cool...... and btw... I love your sense of humor! Dealing with the little peep on the outside looking in!

Thanks. I try to have some fun with it. I just wanted to give everyone a look inside.

I'm considering starting a photo album for my location. Take a pic of Chi-Chis as it is now, and once construction starts, take a new one every couple of days...

[PhutureMD]

I seem to recall seeing that the Myrtle Beach CIP is open for lunch on weekends. I have an interview there tomorrow, I'll check for sure. I do know that it opens @ 4:00 on weekdays.

[LIPH]

I've only been to the one in Indy, when I was out there for the Buffett shows the last 2 years. The drinks are huge and very good but last year when they had their pre-show party the cheeseburgers were awful. They were about the greasiest burgers I ever had.

[Big Phan]

I've only been to the one in Indy, when I was out there for the Buffett shows the last 2 years. The drinks are huge and very good but last year when they had their pre-show party the cheeseburgers were awful. They were about the greasiest burgers I ever had.

And the band definitely was not buffetty.

[springparrot]

I've only been to the one in Indy, when I was out there for the Buffett shows the last 2 years. The drinks are huge and very good but last year when they had their pre-show party the cheeseburgers were awful. They were about the greasiest burgers I ever had.

And the band definitely was not buffetty.

and the few times I have been there, they play very little JB

[Demerara]

The strategy has been to go mostly (so far) into suburban areas with growth, like Secaucus.

Any idea if we'll see a CIP in Canada? We have plenty of Outbacks...

[prthdpat]

My wife and I recently went to the CIP in Secaucus a few weeks ago. We had a good time, but I also noticed that Jimmy's name was nowhere to be found. Also a very un-Buffettesque guitar player/singer. It definitely seemed like a weird location for a CIP. Worth checking out, though.

[CaptainP]

I seem to recall seeing that the Myrtle Beach CIP is open for lunch on weekends. I have an interview there tomorrow, I'll check for sure. I do know that it opens @ 4:00 on weekdays.

Most locations (after being open a little while) are open Saturdays and Sundays for lunch. Mine is the only one that opens Fridays at lunch.

[CaptainP]

The strategy has been to go mostly (so far) into suburban areas with growth, like Secaucus.

Any idea if we'll see a CIP in Canada? We have plenty of Outbacks...

No plans yet, but we're still attacking the US...

[moog]

Yea you would think the Jersey Shore would have been a more ideal place then near Giants Stadium. No paradise for me up in the Urban Bergan-Hudson county area.

[spayne12]

Funny we were in Secaucus for business a few times and thought WTF is a CIP doing in the middle of a friggin no mans town (no offense its like having one in New haven CT close to where I am ) Anyway we ate there (I made the people I work for go in!!!) we had fun!!! There was acool cover band and the regular ole ritas with good tequilla were awesome and they gave us a free round! WE had a great time, but the food is restaraunt food nothing spectacular just there for the atmosphere. I have to agree the location and city are odd!

[CaptainP]

Funny we were in Secaucus for business a few times and thought WTF is a CIP doing in the middle of a friggin no mans town (

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