BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

BJ’s was one of the regulars my family and I would frequent for dinner in the past, however, it had been a few years since I’d been there. And Brian and I had never been there together, so that counts as a new experience, right? The first thing we were pretty happy about, was to find out at BJ’s you can be happy for longer, as their Happy Hour goes until 7pm. AND for the really adventurous, it starts back up again after 9pm until close Monday thru Thursday. I mean, technically, you could start at the bar (the only place Happy Hour is served), then head into the restaurant for dinner, and then make your way back to the bar again for a night cap. I have been there before when the (slow) service turned dinner into a 2 hour experience, so it’s really not that farfetched of an idea.

When we got to the bar we were immediately greeted by the bartender who even introduced himself as Mark (with a “k”…we asked this time). Mark had the “BJ’s Gold Standard of Operational Excellence”. Very friendly and attentive. But then Mark’s shift came to an end and a new bartender took over. This one did not introduce himself and our glasses remained empty for a bit before he asked if we’d like another drink. And then our credit card sat in the glass with our check for quite another long bit before he noticed it and cashed us out. Apparently the bar service is not any quicker than the restaurants is. (I really wasn’t joking about the before and after dinner Happy Hour).

The only fancy drink on their Happy Hour menu was a standard margarita, so that’s what we both chose. I realize that’s not very adventurous but technically it wasn’t our fault. I have to admit I was disappointed the Honey Sriracha Brussel Sprouts weren’t one of the appetizer selections on the Happy Hour menu as I’m a huge fan of those. I’m sure my less than a lover of Brussel Sprouts husband however, was not. What they do offer that we chose was the Avocado Rolls and Spinach and Artichoke Dip. I was going to try and say something witty like we were celebrating the “A’s” of veges, but then realized avocados have a seed, so… and that sounded way better in my head, which is where it should have stayed. Regardless, this time the veges didn’t get cut out. The appetizers were a good amount for sharing, and I’m pretty sure they dumped an entire bag of tortilla chips on our plate with the dip. They also have mini deep dish pizzas on the menu which Mark told us are good and that you can get them as a gluten free option if that’s your thing (or you truly have Celiac Disease). Mark also mentioned that people tend to get upset with BJ’s because they will change their Happy Hour menu. I could see that as something to get upset about if you’re a regular who always orders the same thing and all of a sudden BAM it’s not available anymore. As for me, I’m going to take it as maybe the brussels will make an appearance!