BJRI - BJ's Restaurant

[Packer16]

Since I do not have a BJ's in my area, I wanted to see if anybody has gone to one & their impressions.  TIA.

 

Packer

[atbed]

Hey Packer

 

I like their proprietary craft beer selection. The first time I visited, I got their flight and liked all four brews. I tried a few more brews on subsequent visits and enjoyed them as well. I did research before, so may have just ordered the good stuff. They often promote their beers for $4 a glass, which seems like a great deal after living in the city for so long, so I'll probably go back and try the lesser known brews at some point.

 

Food wise, this is a Cheesecake factory for men. They have enough so that the lady's are willing to go ( i.e. something for everyone). But was definitely originally created by guys with other dudes in mind.

 

We are big fans of their small plates (think sides of beets, roasted cauliflower, and mac and cheese). At $12 for three, they are a good value and help boost the average check.

 

They make a big deal about their pizza. I liked it, but it wasn't true Chicago style deep dish pizza. Although it was good thick crust pizza, we were turned off by their marketing. That said, I would go back for their regular 50% promotion on Mondays which is a great deal.

 

I am personally a fan of their new slow roasted protein menu. It's amazing how tender those pork chops came out. I can't think of another restaurant where I like the pork chops better. The ribs were good too, but I wish they were meatier. This has raised my expectations for their prime rib. Unfortunately, they only offer it on weekends. That may be a good move on their part, since I have been considering popping in one of those days just to try it. I can't say that for RT, Friday's, Applebee's etc...

 

My girlfriend thought the pizookie's were heavenly. They are quite an easy invention - a warm cookie and ice cream. The first time we tried them, it was $3. The presentation is important and they seem to get this.

 

I have also ordered a variety of salads and appetizers. The former were all good. Appetizers were generally good, but the stuffed mushrooms were over rated.

 

The burgers were two thumbs up. They promote them for $10 on Wednesdays, but that comes with bottomless shoe string french fries.

 

If the location were closer, I can see myself going there when there is a game on. They don't have nearly as many TVs as Buffalo Wild Wing, but they are almost sufficient. I do wish the screens were bigger. Overall the restaurant had a contemporary design, with an open layout.

 

Hope that's helpful,

-Ed

[txvalue]

Ed hit the nail on the head, I was going to post that I view it as a more casual Cheesecake Factory. Pretty diverse menu and in my area they are located in neighborhoods that are growing. It's rare to see them with out a wait for tables.

[Sullivcd]

Its a nicer, larger version of a local brew pub.  The food is good but I think its overpriced, particularly relative to the options in the college town I live in.  The one here is in front of a transitioning mall, next door to a soon to be whole foods.  Not somewhere I would go with my wife, we like grungy/dive type places, but somewhere I would go with my parents. I see college students dressed nicely with their parents coming and going, likely from Indy or Chicago suburbs.

[mbreject]

I love BJ's, but I never go there unless there's an occasion. I just eat too much pizza when I go there. I get a thin one for my appetizer and a thick one for my entree (and then I get a pizookie.) They have healthier options but I can't control myself.  ::)

 

I think they've been struggling though. They never used to send out coupons and now they seem all over the place.

 

The people who started BJ's started another chain of restaurants called Stacked, where you order everything from an ipad. The food is nowhere near as good as BJ's though.

[atbed]

Thanks txvalue

 

If anyone is interested in trying them, you can get coupons on slickdeals.

 

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[GregS]

I largely agree with atbed.  Cheesecake factory is a good comparison.  Pizza is the focus but their menu has something for everyone, and I see a lot of families there.  We tend to go there when we dine out with other families because it pleases everyone.  The beer is solid, but here in Nor Cal I wouldn't call it a primary attraction.  I mean it's perfectly good if you are there, but you aren't making the trip just for the beer.  Service is very spotty as you'd expect for casual dining.

 

I was always attracted to BJ's because in my Sacramento suburb there is always people waiting outside.  Even in the depths of 2008 there was a line.  I've stayed away because I think BJ's may be above average on most things, they aren't really excellent at anything.  I wondered how easily the concept would travel outside of their base on the West coast.  I haven't kept pace, but I imagine the price has come down recently for this reason.  Obviously it did pretty well for awhile.

 

I've been to 4 locations, three in the Sacramento area and one in So Cal, and the experience is pretty consistent.

[JayGatsby]

We used to go to the one in Century City, Los Angeles every so often when I lived there. Consensus seemed to be that it was fine, nothing special. Fairly typical American chain brewpub. It was in the mall near a few office buildings and seemed to be doing reasonably well... think there's a fair amount of construction there now so that location has probably taken a temporary hit.