Exploring the Menu for BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: A Flavorful Dining Experience for Everyone
Introduction
If you’ve ever found yourself craving a hearty meal, handcrafted beer, and a diverse selection of American comfort food — all under one roof — then you’ve likely heard of BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. Known for its wide-ranging menu, vibrant atmosphere, and signature deep-dish pizookies, BJ’s has grown into a national favorite for both casual dining and celebratory nights out.
But what exactly can you expect when browsing the menu for BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse? Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking to rediscover old favorites, BJ’s menu offers something for everyone — from bar bites and classic pizzas to protein-packed entrées and vegetarian-friendly choices.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the BJ’s menu, covering everything from appetizers to desserts, with recommendations, tips for navigating the options, and what makes BJ’s such a popular choice among families, foodies, and beer lovers alike.
About BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Founded in 1978 in Santa Ana, California, BJ’s has expanded across the U.S. with over 200 locations. The brand is celebrated for its:
- Signature deep-dish pizzas
- Crafted-in-house beers and rotating seasonal brews
- Generous portion sizes
- Casual yet upscale ambiance
The restaurant’s culinary approach is straightforward: big flavors, big variety, and consistent quality. It’s a go-to spot for everything from lunch with coworkers to dinner with family, thanks to its versatile and extensive menu.
Overview of the BJ’s Menu
Here’s a breakdown of the main sections of the BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse menu:
- Starters & Appetizers
- Signature Deep Dish Pizzas
- Handcrafted Burgers & Sandwiches
- Salads & Bowls
- Slow-Roasted Entrees
- Pasta Favorites
- Seafood & Steaks
- Dessert: The Legendary Pizookie®
- Kids Menu
- Gluten-Free & Vegetarian Options
- Drinks & Craft Beers
Let’s explore each in detail.
1. Starters & Appetizers: Bold Flavors to Begin
BJ’s knows how to start a meal right. Their appetizers are built for sharing and flavor-packed.
Popular Starters:
- Avocado Egg Rolls – Crispy rolls filled with avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, and sweet tamarind sauce.
- Spinach & Artichoke Dip – Served with tortilla chips; creamy, cheesy, and great for the table.
- BJ’s Original Wings – Choose from bone-in or boneless, tossed in sauces like Garlic Parmesan or Root Beer Glaze.
- Mozzarella Sticks, Loaded Nachos, and Ahi Poke also make strong appearances.
Best for Sharing: Try the Best Beginnings Appetizer Combo, which includes spinach dip, egg rolls, mozzarella sticks, and wings.
2. Signature Deep Dish Pizzas: A BJ’s Classic
BJ’s built its reputation on deep-dish pizza — Chicago-style, with its own Californian twist.
Top Picks:
- BJ’s Favorite® – Loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and black olives.
- Gourmet Five Meat – For meat lovers: pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, and meatballs.
- Vegetarian – Red onions, mushrooms, green peppers, olives, and tomatoes.
- Sweet Pig® – A Hawaiian-style pizza with ham, pineapple, and seasoned tomatoes.
Build Your Own Option is also available, letting you pick from dozens of toppings and sauces.
Sizes: Mini (6-inch), Small (9-inch), Medium (12-inch), and Large (14-inch) for groups.
3. Handcrafted Burgers & Sandwiches
BJ’s burger menu delivers big taste with high-quality ingredients and flavor combinations that go beyond the basics.
Top Burger Options:
- BJ’s Brewhouse Burger – The classic: lettuce, tomato, pickles, and secret sauce.
- Bacon Cheeseburger – Thick applewood bacon, cheddar, and thousand island.
- Hickory Brisket & Bacon Burger – With smoky brisket, onion strings, and tangy BBQ sauce.
Sandwich Favorites:
- Slow-Roasted Turkey Club
- Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich
- Classic Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Served with crispy fries or substitute for sweet potato fries, garlic mashed potatoes, or a side salad.
4. Fresh Salads & Bowls: Lighter Yet Satisfying
BJ’s balances indulgence with healthier options like protein-packed salads and nutrient-rich bowls.
Fan Favorites:
- Santa Fe Salad – Grilled chicken, corn, black beans, tortilla strips, and creamy dressing.
- Enlightened Kale and Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad – Vegetarian-friendly and under 600 calories.
- Asian Chicken Wonton Salad – Crunchy cabbage mix, chicken, mandarin oranges, and wonton strips.
Bowls to Try:
- Enlightened Spicy Peanut Chicken with Soba Noodles
- Lemon Herb Chicken Bowl
- Power Bowl with Quinoa and Vegetables
These are great options if you’re looking for lighter, nutrient-rich meals without sacrificing taste.
5. Slow-Roasted Entrees: Low & Slow for Big Flavor
BJ’s Slow-Roasted menu features meats that are roasted for hours, resulting in tender, juicy perfection.
Highlights:
- Baby Back Pork Ribs – Available full-rack or half-rack, with housemade BBQ sauce.
- Slow-Roasted Tri-Tip – Served with mashed potatoes, au jus, and veggies.
- Prime Rib (Available after 4 PM) – Seasoned and slow-roasted, served with creamy horseradish and au jus.
Pro Tip: Make it a combo by adding shrimp, chicken, or ribs to your entree.
6. Pasta Favorites: Hearty and Comforting
BJ’s pasta dishes are indulgent and filling, perfect for dinner or cold-weather cravings.
Top Picks:
- Deep Dish Ziti – Baked with mozzarella, meat sauce, and fresh basil.
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta – Garlic butter shrimp tossed with linguine and lemon.
- Chicken Alfredo – A classic, with creamy Alfredo sauce and broccoli.
All pasta dishes are served with a side of garlic bread.
7. Seafood & Steaks: Premium Cuts and Fresh Catches
BJ’s offers certified Angus steaks and quality seafood dishes that rival upscale steakhouses.
Seafood Options:
- New Orleans Jambalaya – Spicy Cajun dish with shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage.
- Pacific Poke Soba Noodles – A cold, refreshing dish with ahi tuna and sesame-soy sauce.
Steak Favorites:
- Top Sirloin – Chargrilled and served with red wine sauce.
- Rib-Eye – A thick, juicy cut with a side of veggies and potatoes.
You can customize your meal with sauces like chimichurri or roasted garlic butter.
8. BJ’s Famous Pizookie® Desserts
BJ’s Pizookie® is a warm, skillet-baked cookie topped with ice cream — a dessert legend in its own right.
Top Pizookie Flavors:
- Chocolate Chunk
- Salted Caramel
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut
- Monkey Bread Pizookie®
- Triple Chocolate Made with Ghirardelli®
They also offer Pizookie® Trios, letting you sample three mini versions for variety.
9. Kids Menu: Little Diners, Big Choices
For families, BJ’s offers a full kids menu with crowd-pleasers like:
- Mini cheeseburgers
- Chicken tenders
- Grilled cheese
- Kid’s spaghetti
- Mini Pizookie® for dessert
Served with a drink and side, the kids’ menu is affordable and satisfying for even picky eaters.
10. Gluten-Free & Vegetarian Options
BJ’s takes dietary needs seriously.
Gluten-Free Choices:
- Gluten-free thin crust pizza
- Enlightened Seared Ahi Salad
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Pizookie®
Vegetarian-Friendly Dishes:
- Veggie burger
- Enlightened bowls
- Caprese flatbread
- Salads with tofu or no meat options
Menus are clearly labeled, making it easy to order safely and confidently.
11. Craft Beers & Drinks
BJ’s is also a brewpub, offering award-winning craft beers brewed in-house.
Beer Varieties:
- BJ’s Jeremiah Red® – Irish-style ale
- BJ’s Brewhouse Blonde® – Golden and smooth
- PM Porter® – Dark, roasted, and rich
- Seasonal IPAs, stouts, and lagers
Not a beer drinker? BJ’s offers:
- Signature cocktails
- Sangrias
- Fresh lemonades
- Non-alcoholic brews
Final Thoughts: Why the BJ’s Menu Works
The menu for BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse stands out because of its sheer variety, quality ingredients, and thoughtful options for all dietary preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a full steak dinner, a shared appetizer, a vegan bowl, or just dessert and beer, BJ’s has you covered.
It’s not just about quantity — it’s about balance and experience. From families to date nights, BJ’s delivers value, comfort, and indulgence on one big menu.
