BJ's

[metro]

Went to the OU Red/White game this weekend and it looks like BJ's is nearing completion. The exterior was almost completely done and the interior looked well along. I'm guessing this one will be open before the one on Memorial Rd.

[HFK]

Passed by yesterday, and saw what appeared at a glance to be a completed exterior. A couple of "now-hiring' signs were visible too.

On another note, after driving in Norman for the last two years or so (only once or twice a week) I've finally concluded that the Robinson/I35 and Main/I35 designs are some of the worst I've ever seen. I don't have the time to go into all of the things that are wrong with the area, but some of the more obvious shortcomings:

1. Southbound I35 to Westbound Main: I've forgotten how many times I've seen idiot morons from hell stopped where the ramp merges with Main, waiting for an opportunity to get across all three lanes so that they can get to Ed Noble southbound, rather than merging and going on down a bit then looping back around. I've never seen an accident there but, based on what I've seen, I'm sure that they're a regular occurrence. The oddity is that, Northbound I35 to Westbound Main traffic is physically blocked from attempting to merge before the Northbound access road (to Walmart and Best Buy). Why on that side but not on the other?

2. The access road on the West side of I35: two-way traffic stops short of Robinson? Who designs crazy stuff like that?

Anyway, it appears that nothing can be done, it's all set in stone, now (or concrete). Those intersections are a perfect example of a failure to properly plan for growth.

[BG918]

I agree, I would love to see those interchanges updated in the future. Not only from a functional aspect but also aesthetically. More trees and nicer interchanges would make that area look better.

[HFK]

Dangit...

"Northbound I35 to Westbound Main" should read "Northbound I35 to Eastbound Main"

Thought we had an "edit" feature once... but couldn't find it.

[CMSturgeon]

What is BJ's?

[Easy180]

BJ's Brewhouse....Looking forward to it as a micro brew kind a guy

BJ's Restaurants

[HFK]

Is it a chain? If so, does anyone know anything about the quality of food and beer?

[Easy180]

Looks like they are in 11 states...Cool thing for Oklahoma as we are on the list with Texas, Cali, Hawaii, Florida and Arizona...Nice to be included with some big boy states

They brew their own beers in 4 or 5 states and ship them to the rest

[jbrown84]

Looks like they are in 11 states...Cool thing for Oklahoma as we are on the list with Texas, Cali, Hawaii, Florida and Arizona...Nice to be included with some big boy states

What, no Omaha?

[metro]

HFK, yes they are chain as others have mentioned. There is also one at Quail Springs.

[soonergirl]

We went to one of the sneak-peak training dinners at BJ's in Norman this week. The food was fantastic! We had a deep-dish pizza that was to die for. The inside of the restaurant looked sharp - very open with very high ceilings, interesting fixtures, big TVs over the bar, etc. I think they said they open to the public on May 8.

[BG918]

Interesting that the windows in the restaurant face away from the always under construction pond next to it. Just an observation I made driving by, I will have to try it sometime this week.

[Millie]

Has anybody else had a chance to go there yet? I'm going to be in Norman this weekend and was thinking of stopping by. The article in the Gazette seemed positive.

[u50254082]

Went in last week for Lunch. Fortunately there wasn't a wait, but I have heard from a friend that 6pm-8pm is when you can expect to wait 20-30 minutes to get in. The atmosphere is nice, and the service is about on-par with any other place on Ed Noble pkwy.

We all went in to get beers, so we tried their custom brews and they were surprisingly good. I had the Tatonka Stout, which was a huge mistake because apparently it clocks in at 8.00% ABV and knocked me on my ass for the rest of the day (their other brews score in at at least 4.50%, so don't think you're getting some Bud Light).

As for the food, you quickly realize that their menu is huge. Pages of items to order from sandwiches to pasta to pizza. I've heard nothing but good things about the deep dish pizza, and their bruschetta appetizer is good as well. I personally had the specialty calzone which is filled with artichoke and it was awesome.

Oh I also saw Jason White sitting at the bar. Go figure.

So overall I'd give the place 4/5 stars only because it is somewhat expensive ($4.50 for a pint of beer and most food items seemed maybe $1-$1.50 too high).

[ouguy23]

I took my parents their and have been their with friends for a going away party and we all love it. Very nice inside and a great atmosphere. I give it a 5/5.

[metro]

so has anyone tried their famous cookies or whatever they're called??

[Millie]

Not sure what they're called, but the cookie things are so good. They're served in a pizza pan and they come out warm with ice cream.

[MikeLucky]

Not sure what they're called, but the cookie things are so good. They're served in a pizza pan and they come out warm with ice cream.

pazookie.... and they are a slice of heaven in a pizza pan......

[soonergirl]

I agree... the pazookies rock! Mmmm....

[CuatrodeMayo]

oh...this thread is about a restaurant...

[jbrown84]

lame

[ouguy23]

The pazookies are really good! and very funny CuatrodeMayo, it took me a min. to realize what you were talking about but I laughed.

[dismayed]

Went there this past weekend. The first thing I noticed was the place was nicely decorated and looked like it was made of pricey materials. The interesting ambient lighting made me think of PF Changs. I had a cocktail and it was great, also had their chicken lettuce wraps and thought they were very good.

I understand why the place has been so busy since it opened. As far as chain restaurants go its definitally on the nicer side of things.

[oudirtypop]

My wife and i went there last week....food was pretty dog on good. i had a bacon cheeseburger and fries. there isnt too many places in norman to just go get a good hamburger. this one, was a dang good hamburger. On the flip side, the service sucked.Everyone i have talked to has said the same thing also. Food is great, service sucked. Doesnt surprise me. Most restaurants in norman the service sucks. BUT chili's used to have pretty bad service and we went there last night and it has done a complete 180. Food was better than before and the service was much better and friendlier.

[ouguy23]

When I went to BJ's, the service was really good. I think the service at most Norman restaurants is good. Maybe its just you, lol.