BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is a popular destination for diners who enjoy a wide variety of choices. Known for its extensive menu, the restaurant offers everything from Chicago-style deep-dish pizza to slow-roasted entrees and a world-famous dessert. Whether you are planning a family dinner, a casual lunch, or a night out with friends, understanding the menu options can help you make the best choice for your palate and budget.
Signature Deep-Dish Pizzas
The foundation of the BJ’s menu is its signature deep-dish pizza. These pizzas feature a double-proofed crust that is light and airy on the inside while remaining crispy on the outside. They are available in several sizes, including individual, medium, and large.
Some of the most popular pizza options include:
- BJ’s Favorite: A classic combination of meatballs, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, black olives, onions, and seasoned tomatoes.
- Gourmet Five Meat: Loaded with pepperoni, meatballs, ham, bacon, and Italian sausage.
- Vegetarian: A fresh mix of mushrooms, green peppers, onions, olives, and Roma tomatoes.
- Buffalo Chicken: Featuring grilled chicken, buffalo sauce, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
For those who prefer a thinner crust, BJ’s also offers tavern-cut pizzas. These are square-cut, thin-crust pizzas that are ideal for sharing as an appetizer or a lighter meal.
The Famous Pizookie Dessert
No discussion of the BJ’s menu is complete without mentioning the Pizookie. This signature dessert consists of a large, warm cookie baked in a deep-dish pizza pan and topped with scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. It is designed to be shared, though many diners order individual portions.
The Pizookie comes in various flavors to suit different tastes:
- Chocolate Chunk: The original and most popular version.
- Salted Caramel: A sweet and salty combination with caramel sauce.
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut: A rich, buttery option for nut lovers.
- Cookies ‘n’ Cream: Made with a dark chocolate cookie and Oreo pieces.
- Monkey Bread: A pull-apart cinnamon treat topped with ice cream.
BJ’s often introduces seasonal Pizookie flavors, such as pumpkin or peppermint, so it is worth checking the seasonal menu during your visit.
Enlightened Entrees for Healthier Choices
For diners who are conscious of their calorie intake or looking for lighter fare, BJ’s offers a dedicated “Enlightened Entrees” section. These dishes are designed to be flavorful while maintaining lower calorie counts, often featuring lean proteins and fresh vegetables.
Popular Enlightened options include:
- Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon: A blackened salmon fillet served with a sweet and spicy glaze, asparagus, and couscous.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Two grilled chicken breasts served with sautéed vegetables and rice pilaf.
- Pacific Poke Soba Noodles: Fresh Ahi tuna served over buckwheat soba noodles with a soy-ginger sauce.
- Enlightened Barbacoa Chicken Tacos: Flavorful tacos served with black beans and a cabbage slaw.
Most items in this section are under 800 calories, making it easier to enjoy a full meal without overindulging.
Hand-Crafted Burgers and Sandwiches
BJ’s offers a robust selection of burgers made with fresh, never-frozen beef. Each burger is served on a toasted brioche bun with a side of fries. Diners can also substitute fries for a side salad or steamed vegetables for a small additional fee.
Key burger highlights include the Bacon-Cheeseburger and the Hickory Brisket and Bacon Burger. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the Jalapeño Burger features fried jalapeños and chipotle mayonnaise.
The sandwich menu is equally diverse, featuring options like the California Chicken Club and the Classic Prime Rib Dip. These are excellent choices for lunch or a lighter dinner option.
Slow-Roasted Entrees and Steaks
One of the more premium sections of the menu includes slow-roasted favorites. These dishes are prepared in state-of-the-art ovens to ensure tenderness and flavor. The Slow-Roasted Tri-Tip and Baby Back Pork Ribs are staples of this category.
If you are looking for a traditional steakhouse experience, BJ’s serves several cuts of steak, including:
- Ribeye Steak: A well-marbled 14 oz. cut.
- Classic Sirloin: A lean and flavorful 7 oz. or 10 oz. option.
- Filet Mignon: The most tender cut available on the menu.
Steaks are typically served with two sides, such as white cheddar mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a baked potato.
Appetizers and Small Bites
To start your meal, BJ’s provides a wide array of appetizers. These range from traditional finger foods to unique “Brewhouse Starters.” The Avocado Egg Rolls are a fan favorite, featuring crispy wrappers filled with fresh avocado, cream cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Other popular starters include:
- Crispy Calamari: Served with marinara and lemon garlic aioli.
- Chicken Wings: Available bone-in or boneless with various sauces like Buffalo, BBQ, or Garlic Parmesan.
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip: A creamy blend served with warm tortilla chips.
- Mozzarella Sticks: A classic choice for kids and adults alike.
Beverages and Craft Beers
As a brewhouse, BJ’s takes its beverage program seriously. They produce several of their own proprietary craft beers, ranging from light lagers to dark porters. Popular house brews include the Lager Prime, Hopstorm IPA, and the Tatonka Stout.
If you prefer non-alcoholic options, BJ’s offers handcrafted sodas in flavors like Root Beer, Orange Cream, and Black Cherry. These sodas are caffeine-free and made with cane sugar, providing a unique alternative to standard fountain drinks.
Tips for Ordering and Saving Money
Navigating the BJ’s menu can be more rewarding if you know how to find the best deals. Here are some actionable tips for your next visit:
- Join the Rewards Program: Sign up for the BJ’s Premier Rewards Plus program. You earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for free food and discounts.
- Check Daily Specials: BJ’s often has daily food specials, such as half-off pizzas on Mondays or discounted Pizookies on Tuesdays.
- Use the Mobile App: The BJ’s app allows you to order ahead, join the waitlist, and pay your bill directly from your phone.
- Lunch Specials: If you visit between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekdays, look for the lunch specials menu, which offers smaller portions of popular items at a lower price point.
The BJ’s Restaurant menu is designed to offer something for everyone. From the indulgence of a Pizookie to the balanced nutrition of an Enlightened Entree, the variety ensures that all guests can find a meal that fits their needs. By using the rewards program and checking for daily specials, you can enjoy a high-quality dining experience while managing your spending effectively. For more tips on dining out and making the most of restaurant menus, explore our other helpful guides on SearchAndHelp.com.